It would not be fair to put Denmark on the cycling map for hosting the grand departure of the 2022 Tour de France. The event linking Copenhagen to Paris is undoubtedly the cherry on top of the passion and loyalty of a country on wheels.
Any talk about the development of cycling in cities puts the spotlight on Copenhagen, perfectly 'cyclable' because of a first-rate infrastructure, but also because of the attachment and loyalty of a population that loves the the quiet and healthy route..
But not only that, the Danish cycling Danish cycling has a fine tradition. In the legend there are excellent cyclists who left their mark on the sport, a legacy that today is picked up by two great stars like Mads Pedersenworld champion three years ago, and Kasper Asgreenwinner of the much-loved Tour of Flanders.
To all this, it is worth adding a job in the velodromes that has made Denmark a world power, with major triumphs in events the size of the Olympic Games.
Not far from Copenhagen...
"Our club is in Køge, near Copenhagen, just 40 kilometers from the starting point of the Tour de France," begins Michael Poulsen, head of Braunstein Cycling Club (BCC).
Being close to the Danish capital is in demand these days, as the eyes of the whole world are on the city, between canals and the scenes of the legendary Borgen series. The backdrop for cycling stars preparing for the start of the Tour de France. "To celebrate these days, we've put together an ambitious program of cycling outings with our partners, always around the Tour, so that the riders can feel our encouragement," Michael completes.
And as he continues... "Denmark is a country of bicycles and cycling, no doubt. That's how we are seen, but it's true. A lot of people, including important people, ride bicycles in the cities and between the villages.
Moving around on a bicycle, a healthy habit that is intertwined with the history of this sport. "We remember Eddy Merckx, Bjarne Riis, Alberto Contador, Fabian Cancellara, Peter Sagan and our homegrown cyclist Jesper Skybby," says Michael.
Jesper SkybbyJesper Skybby, mythical cyclist for the generation that started watching cycling in the eighties. Stage winner in the Tour and protagonist of one of the most iconic crashes of the era, the crash on the Koppenberg wall.in the Tour of Flanders, Jesper went on to total stardom when he competed in a reality show.
A club open to all
Pulling out the numbers, Michael goes back to the roots of the BCC: "Our club started four years ago, with about fifteen members, all coming from triathlon. Today we are more than 600”.
The key to success?
"We opened the door to anyone who wanted to enjoy cycling, regardless of level or goals, it's as simple as that. We have cyclists of all levels. The club doesn't just compete, it goes out and enjoys life, always around the bike. Our passion for it is what unites".
These people have a couple of fixed outings a week: Tuesdays and Sundays. "We organize ourselves from 25 leaders who make each other. cargoEach one of them has a group of a maximum of fifteen cyclists," he explains.
There are, therefore, a number of outings that are out of the ordinary: "On good summer days, we can gather more than 300 cyclists on Sunday rides, why? Because we have free beer beer for everyone.
Everyone wears Gobikwhose contact arose at one of the brand's major events: "We met her at one of the most important Mallorca 312 a few years ago. We were interested in their product and the design is total, we love it".
There are already a few in the networks and climbing, because the goal is to create a big family around the bike: "The rides are organized through Strava, a way to make community in the network, but our intention is to improve the club and get to have our own brewery, with an established headquarters. I'm sure everyone will have their second home here."
