The collective gaze of professional cycling has shifted from the scenic switchbacks on l’Alpe d’Huez to the hazy skies above China’s capital city of Beijing. Over the course of the next three weeks — August 8-24 — the world will watch as the top road, track, mountain and BMX cyclists compete for 18 gold medals.

While the Beijing “fog” may not evoke the same magical imagery and beauty as the Tour’s most famous climb, the soupy mix of humidity and smog might be just as …

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