The evolution of the bicycle is fascinating from a social as well as technological point of view. In fact, most of the technical innovations were made before the start of the last century, when the basic form of the bicycle that we know today was created. In the modern era, advances in materials science have been the driving force behind developments.   

In 1817 the 'Hobby Horse' was invented by Karl von Drais. Made of wood, this was basically like a bicycle with the pedals, gears and chain removed - you pushed it along with your feet, but was faster than walking. The Scot Kirkpatrick Macmillan first put pedals on a bicycle in about 1840.

In 1861, Pierre Michaux invented the 'Velocipede' with pedals directly fitted to the front wheel of a Hobby Horse, like a childrens' tricycle of today. The bigger the front wheel, the further you could travel with each turn of the pedals, and the 'ordinary' or 'high' bicycle - called a penny farthing - developed in the search for greater speeds. Later it became obsolete.  

The 'Safety Bicycle' with chain drive and gearing, driving the rear wheel, was popularised from 1885 by the 'Rover', a design by John Kemp Starley. The introduction of the pneumatic tyre, patented by John Boyd Dunlop in 1888, improved rider comfort and helped to encourage public acceptance of the new design.   

The design of the bicycle, with diamond frame and equal-sized wheels, straight or drop handlebars, has remained basically the same from 1890 (well over 100 years) until recent times.

Bicycles became a popular form of transportation from the early 1930's when a combination of rising wages and falling production costs finally made bicycles affordable for working people.   

The big innovations during the first half of the 20th century were in the running gear, with the introduction of quick-release wheels, derailleur gears and cable operated brakes. The use of aluminium alloy in parts such as wheel rims, handlebars and seat posts helped cut down on bicycle weights.  Since the 1980's there has been a flurry of technological innovation. New materials such as titanium and carbon fibre have become widespread. Combined brake and gear systems have been developed. And bicycle aerodynamics has become a science.  

 

The tour of Turkey, held on 11th -18th of April 2010 was on 8 stages. It has been upgraded in the UCI calendar as 2.HC class which can be called as championship league of the cycling world.

 

This year, the participation was quite strong. The teams were as follows;

 

After the tour, the standings came true as follows;

 

     

For more information please visit www.tourofturkey.org/

 

     

             

 

FTR was the Main Sponsor of Sakarya Women Cycling Team in 2008 and 2009 cycling seasons.

   

For 2010 season, FTR has again contracted Sakarya Women Cycling Team as the Main Sponsor.

   

In 2008 and 2009, our cyclists have won significant results and awards along the year, and our team has given some of riders to The Turkish National Team to take part in the international cycling events.

 

We all hope, FTR cycling team will have important rankings in 2010 and wishing them the best along the year.