o:8373 FROMRECREATIONTOELITESPORT:CYCLINGASALIFESTYLEANDITS IMPACT ON HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS en The purpose of this article is to examine cycling as a lifestyle, from leisure to competitive levels, with a focus on the effects it has on people's physical and mental health as well as their social connections within communities. The objectiveis to investigate the health advantages of regular cycling, such as the prevention of chronicillnesses,theincreaseofcardiorespiratoryendurance,andthestrengthening of the musculoskeletal system, by means of a review of pertinent research and the literature currently in publication. Both psychological effects—like stress reduction, improved subjective well-being, and boosted self-confidence—and social aspects— like how cycling contributes to the development of sports culture, community, and social capital—are given special consideration. Examples of cycling competitions, suchastheTourdeFrance,arealsoanalyzedasglobalsportingeventsthatinfluence the popularization of cycling and its integration into different spheres of social life. The paper seeks to demonstrate how cycling, in all its forms, represents a powerful instrument for promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. cycling,lifestyle,health,well-being,socialconnectedness 1552101 2956-0780 2025-10-21T08:02:08.637Z 44 no 46 Dejan Dašić PhD, Full professor, Information Technology School + Faculty of Sport, University Union “NikolaTesla”,Belgrade,Serbia 0000-0002- 8245-1117 46 Milan Stanković 3PhD,Fullprofessor,MBUnivesity,Belgrade,Serbia 0000-0002-1397-8150 46 Borivoje Baltazarević PhD,AssociateProfessor,ResearchFellow,InstituteforSerbianCulture,Priština– Leposavić,Serbia 0000-0002-6798-6981 application/pdf 586721 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8373 no yes 1 70 1552253 71A06 Fakultet za sport, "Univerzitet Union-Nikola Tesla" (Faculty of Sports, University "Union-Nikola Tesla") 11 2 91 109 2025