Who are the key figures in Grand Tours cycling events publications? A systematic review of main themes
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to draw a scientific map of the Grand Tours cycling as part of the growing research field in this field at the global level. This study also identifies the components of scientific production in this field along with their collaboration patterns.
Design/methodology/approach
With the aim of achieving a comprehensive and deep understanding of the studies related to the Grand Tour, this research aims to address the existing gaps and provide a comprehensive summary of these scholarly works. To achieve this goal, the authors used a systematic and scientometric combination method, analyzing studies from the past half century (1970–2022).
Findings
The research findings reveal that scientific studies related to cycling events exhibit a geographical concentration within the continent of Europe, surpassing other continents. Notably, Spain, the USA, the UK and Italy emerge as pioneers in this field of inquiry. The main themes identified in these studies encompass cycling, the Tour de France, performance, professional roa cycling, heart rate, endurance, doping and power output.
Practical implications
This research, along with other systematic studies, contributes to the existing literature in this field by providing both quantitative and qualitative data. Additionally, the study serves as a foundation for identifying active and influential countries, institutions and authors in this domain. Such insights are highly effective in establishing scientific focal points in this field.
Originality/value
This study, in conjunction with the introduction of key figures in mega cycling event research, sheds light on the thematic areas explored within these studies. Notably, it is the sole study that has illuminated hidden facets of this field using scientometric and systematic methods.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors sincere thanks go out to the Editor and anonymous reviewers who generously shared their insights and comments, strengthening and improving the work they presented.
Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Disclosure statement: No potential conflict of interest is reported by the authors.
Citation
Gholampour, B., Noruzi, A., Elahi, A., Barranco Gil, D. and Gholampour, S. (2024), "Who are the key figures in Grand Tours cycling events publications? A systematic review of main themes", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-12-2023-0472
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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