cyclingArticle Free Pass cycling, use of a bicycle for sport,
recreation, or transportation. The sport of cycling consists of
professional and amateur races, which are held mostly in
continental Europe, the United States, and Asia. The
recreational use of the bicycle is widespread in Europe and the
United States. Use of the bicycle as a mode of transportation is
particularly important in non-Western nations and in flatter
countries, some of which, like the Netherlands, have a
widespread system of bicycle paths. Early history of the sport
Cycling as a sport officially began on May 31, 1868, with a
1,200-metre (1,312-yard) race between the fountains and the
entrance of Saint-Cloud Park (near Paris). The winner was James
Moore, an 18-year-old expatriate Englishman from Paris. On Nov.
7, 1869, the first city-to-city race was held between Paris and
Rouen; again Moore was the winner, having covered the 135 km (84
miles) in 10 hours 25 minutes, including time spent walking his
bicycle up the steeper hills. While roa