First we rise the yeast: add sugar to warm water, it must be pleasantly warm (yeast dies at 50⁰C!!), stir to dissolve and then spread the yeast on the surface. After 5-7 minutes, when the yeast comes to life, starts feeding on sugar, and we see that the water has foamed, add the flour. Don't be lazy to sift :)
Knead the dough well, if you are kneading with a mixer, attach the dough hook and leave it for a good 5 minutes to stretch the dough well on low speed.
If kneading by hand, be patient and knead for at least 7 minutes until the dough is elastic and soft.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and leave to rise in a warm place for another hour.
When the dough rises, tap it to deflate again and form 10-12 balls of equal size. Place on baking paper. Raise for at least another 10 minutes.
Poke the holes with your finger and darken them to make the holes bigger and raise them even higher.
I read a good tip somewhere not to overbake bagels that sink :) The pretzels need to rise enough so they don't sink in cold water.