Foundation and development of Czech Professional Cycling after 1989

AND KEY WORDS Title of Thesis: Foundation and development of Czech Professional cycling after 1989 Aim of the thesis: Aim of this thesis was to find out and describe main characteristics of development of Czechoslovakian, later Czech, professional cycling (mainly road cycling) in period of revolutionary political social economic and legislative changes that happened in our country after year 1989. In context of main aim is necessary to consider overall development in sport of cycling, its organisation and marginally the work of Czech cycling federation. Research methods: I have used qualitative research methods, analysis of documents, cycling magazines from that period and internet resources. After that instructed interviews with prominent Czech sport directors, race organisers and others were done. Obtained data were completed from informal interviews with cycling officials and contemporaries. Results: Top state supported amateur sport evolved in professional sport in tracking period. Contemporary situation of Czech cycling matches overall economic situation in Czech Republic and lower popularity of cycling than that in 1980's what is the price paid for this evolution. Key words: Professional sport International Cycling Union - UCI Czech Cycling Federation - ČS