Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Off Topic => Sports Arena => Topic started by: 17081974 on February 23, 2014, 06:40:21 AM

Title: The cycling thread
Post by: 17081974 on February 23, 2014, 06:40:21 AM
Anyone on here MTB?? Thought I start a thread, and ask a few Questions.

What are you currently riding?
To Cleat or Not to Cleat?
Best Trails?
Do you have a Gopro, do you have any good footage?

To answer my own Q's..

Giant Trance 1
(http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/9950/0tgr.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/541/0tgr.jpg/)
Use Cleats, love 'em
This is my favourite Trail https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lur2tfOL6KQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lur2tfOL6KQ)
Gopro... yep, wouldn't ride without it...
Title: Re: The MTB thread
Post by: LeeB on February 23, 2014, 08:33:28 AM
I'm glad you put that picture in because I hadn't got a clue what you were on about until I saw it.
Title: Re: The MTB thread
Post by: Mister E on February 23, 2014, 09:06:40 AM
Anyone on here MTB?? Thought I start a thread, and ask a few Questions.

What are you currently riding?
To Cleat or Not to Cleat?
Best Trails?
Do you have a Gopro, do you have any good footage?

To answer my own Q's..

Giant Trance 1
(http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/9950/0tgr.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/541/0tgr.jpg/)
Use Cleats, love 'em
This is my favourite Trail https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lur2tfOL6KQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lur2tfOL6KQ)
Gopro... yep, wouldn't ride without it...

yep, ride Kona on the hills around where I live in N Yorks.
After skiing, it's my main modus for adrenalin.
Trouble is, I'm getting a little old and knackered for it!
Title: Re: The MTB thread
Post by: UK Redsox on February 23, 2014, 10:50:24 AM
This should probably be moved to the Sports section.

I used to be a regular rider and helped run a group here in the Forest.

http://www.youtube.com/user/brownpantsmtb

We had some great trips away to Coed Y Brenin and other purpose built sites in north/west Wales.

However, our main riding was done in the FoD or at Cwmcarn.

My main bike is/was a Specialized Epic Comp adapted with downhill rims (a necessity for a fat bugger).

Injuries and illness over the past couple of years mean that I'm basically retired now. Also, some of the members switched to road riding and /or triathlons as they got older, so the group drifted apart.
Title: Re: The MTB thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 23, 2014, 04:49:55 PM
Maybe we can move this to Sports Arena and change the thread title to 'The Cycling Thread' and include roadies as well as downhillers, MTBers and commuters?

Shall I ask a mod?

Cheers pauliewalnuts.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on February 23, 2014, 05:39:29 PM
I've got a bike, you can ride it if you like. Its got a basket, a bell that rings and things to make it look good.
Title: Re: The MTB thread
Post by: 17081974 on February 23, 2014, 06:15:30 PM
Maybe we can move this to Sports Arena and change the thread title to 'The Cycling Thread' and include roadies as well as downhillers, MTBers and commuters?

Shall I ask a mod?

Cheers pauliewalnuts.

Sounds good, let's move it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 24, 2014, 04:31:55 PM
I took up road cycling after a long absence about 3 years ago, I ride all year, in all weathers and currently training for an Ironman race in September. 

2 road bikes, 1 for the winter, Felt Z6, 1 for summer and racing on Specialized S-Works Venge, thinking about getting a TT/Tri bike, hence why I went with 808s.  Doing my first ever 10 mile TT on Saturday.

Felt
(http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/103/ga0h.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/36/ga0h.jpg/)

S-Works
(http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2885/ok4t.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/22/ok4t.jpg/)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: danlanza on February 25, 2014, 04:32:40 PM
I took up road cycling after a long absence about 3 years ago, I ride all year, in all weathers and currently training for an Ironman race in September. 

2 road bikes, 1 for the winter, Felt Z6, 1 for summer and racing on Specialized S-Works Venge, thinking about getting a TT/Tri bike, hence why I went with 808s.  Doing my first ever 10 mile TT on Saturday.

Felt
(http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/103/ga0h.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/36/ga0h.jpg/)

S-Works
(http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2885/ok4t.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/22/ok4t.jpg/)
How much does the S-Works cost John ? I take it that it is much more rigid than the Feltz Z6, the S-Works being more of an Ironman specialist bike.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 25, 2014, 04:41:42 PM
The Venge is way more rigid than the Felt Dan, its not really a triathlon bike, its a fast aero road bike, I chose to ride it on Ironman Wales because its so hilly you don't get that much of an advantage with a TT or Triathlon bike.  It's not the lightest of bikes, but it's certainly one of if not the stiffest road bike out there today, all hand built as well.  You notice how stiff it is on climbs, I climb in higher gears on the Venge than the Felt & my heart rate is lower, same on the flat, turn a bigger gear on the Venge and it holds its speed much easier as well.
All up it was a very lot of money that could have paid for a nice family hatchback, it's all part of my mid life crisis and if my wife knew how much it did cost, she'd cut my testicles off and feed them to the cat.

Edit to add the Venge has also got Di2 electronic gears as well, they're epic and I want to marry them.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: danlanza on February 25, 2014, 05:32:19 PM
The Venge is way more rigid than the Felt Dan, its not really a triathlon bike, its a fast aero road bike, I chose to ride it on Ironman Wales because its so hilly you don't get that much of an advantage with a TT or Triathlon bike.  It's not the lightest of bikes, but it's certainly one of if not the stiffest road bike out there today, all hand built as well.  You notice how stiff it is on climbs, I climb in higher gears on the Venge than the Felt & my heart rate is lower, same on the flat, turn a bigger gear on the Venge and it holds its speed much easier as well.
All up it was a very lot of money that could have paid for a nice family hatchback, it's all part of my mid life crisis and if my wife knew how much it did cost, she'd cut my testicles off and feed them to the cat.

Edit to add the Venge has also got Di2 electronic gears as well, they're epic and I want to marry them.
Fair play. I will keep it a secret if you can. Good luck in Wales. Hope you beat your time from last year. When are you doing Lanza Ironman by the way ?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on March 08, 2014, 01:50:58 PM
Slightly off topic-ish.

I'm taking the missus to Paris for her 40th (her choice) and her birthday happens to be the day before the final stage of the TdF.  She is up for watching it live if possible and didn't take a huge amount of persuasion.  Anyone done it?  Can you just rock up and watch the zip up and down the Champs Elysee or is it ticketed?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on March 08, 2014, 07:06:16 PM
You can just turn up for most areas other than the finish but it will be busy, however two blocks away life goes on as normal. I'd try and get near a screen so you can see what's going on.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on March 09, 2014, 02:09:49 PM
Cheers mate.

Aye I saw we could pay £260 each to get seats at the finish line. Not fussed about that and certainly not at that price!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on March 09, 2014, 07:27:18 PM
Just get yourselves anywhere on the finishing circuit, the atmosphere is fantastic, you'll see the riders go past about nine times and you'll be very ulucky not to be within sight of a big screen.

I was there four years ago and the couple of bars behind us were doing orders and bringing your drinks out, not cheap but a cracking service!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on March 19, 2014, 04:03:37 PM
I have a Dialled Bikes Prince Albert, which I mostly ride along the trails along the river here (south of Munich.)

I am getting old and fat and I am rapidly losing courage,  so I'm nowhere near as hardcore as the bike.

Flat pedals for me.

Anyone got a touring bike?  I'm toying with the idea of getting one.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 20, 2014, 01:03:51 PM
By touring bike I assume you mean something for long distances that can take mudguards, panniers & weighs a ton.

You might be better off looking at a road bike with geometry for Sportive riding, ie 100+ mile days in relative comfort, Specialized Roubaix or Felt Z Series bikes all have Sportive geometry, not too aggressive, a trade off between speed & comfort. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on March 20, 2014, 03:04:53 PM
You might be better off looking at a road bike with geometry for Sportive riding, ie 100+ mile days in relative comfort, Specialized Roubaix or Felt Z Series bikes all have Sportive geometry, not too aggressive, a trade off between speed & comfort. 

Throw the Trek Domane in there too.  I got one last year and found it really comfortable on long rides.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on March 21, 2014, 09:48:58 AM
By touring bike I assume you mean something for long distances that can take mudguards, panniers & weighs a ton.

You might be better off looking at a road bike with geometry for Sportive riding, ie 100+ mile days in relative comfort, Specialized Roubaix or Felt Z Series bikes all have Sportive geometry, not too aggressive, a trade off between speed & comfort. 

Yep, that's the sort of thing I was thinking about.  I have an unhealthy steel frame fixation and was looking at the Specialized AWOL and Kona Sutra.

I've not been on a bike with drop bars since I was 16 so I'm struggling to get my head around how much shorter the top tube should be compared to my mountain bike.

I will take a look at the models you suggest.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on March 21, 2014, 10:38:49 PM
Get a Cyclo Cross bike. Will also allow you to do some off roading on footpaths and will be very durable. Lots of options out there. Go for disc brakes, they are amazing. Lots of them will have room for mudguards. Surly, Genesis both offer steel framed models. The Croix de Ferre (spelling) is especially good.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on March 22, 2014, 04:42:53 PM
Get a Cyclo Cross bike. Will also allow you to do some off roading on footpaths and will be very durable. Lots of options out there. Go for disc brakes, they are amazing. Lots of them will have room for mudguards. Surly, Genesis both offer steel framed models. The Croix de Ferre (spelling) is especially good.

Not a bad shout that. The Croix looks pretty good. Could do with a bit lower gearing for the climbs though.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on March 23, 2014, 09:54:02 PM
You should be able to get it with a compact chain set and Cyclo X bikes generally come with lower gearing anyway. I have a Ridley carbon X Fire which I use for racing and blasting around parks and trails.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: 17081974 on March 23, 2014, 11:26:54 PM
Just came back from the Mangapurua/Bridge to Nowhere track and it was outstanding, some of the bluff riding was scary to say the left, shear cliff wall to the right and shear cliff face to the left and about 1/2 metre of track to ride on...

(http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=FT4gBMz3UFGonM&tbnid=CQrbdefkcHRE7M:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F12%2Fnowhere-special.html&ei=aG0vU6_DJ87OkwW-jYCQCw&bvm=bv.62922401,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNErFxg37XdwqGkoENwCL4_Y2yYKPg&ust=1395703515720464)

The getting picked up by jetboat to stay in accommodation... outstanding..
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: eric woolban woolban on March 24, 2014, 06:55:00 PM
Got myself a boardman hybrid last September.  I just cannot ride a road bike and like the fact you can ride upright.

Try to have rides out at the weekend but only when the weather is fine.

Contemplating riding to work a couple of times a month.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on March 24, 2014, 07:31:42 PM
Try it at least once a week or you won't feel much benefit. How far is it?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: eric woolban woolban on March 24, 2014, 08:53:11 PM
Only 6.5 miles. Trouble is I can only really do it on a Tuesday and Friday as I commit to the gym Monday and Wednesday and play football Thursday.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on March 25, 2014, 10:13:45 AM
Try it once a week then with a few extra miles thrown in on one of the journeys. If you can make both legs last more than 30 mins and extend one to an hour you'll get something out of it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 25, 2014, 07:52:15 PM
I just bought a new wheelset for the roadie so the 808 Zipps can go onto the TT.  There's a job for the weekend, swapping cassettes and brake pads, anything to get out of cutting the grass.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: 17081974 on March 25, 2014, 09:09:16 PM
Where do you get your parts from Jon, I use http://www.chainreactioncycles.com and http://www.torpedo7.com
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on March 25, 2014, 10:43:32 PM
Watch your credit card statement with Chain Reaction. Have been numerous claims via their website.

I used to use Parkers which has now shut down so it's wiggle, rutland, and the local bike shop for me (not in that order).
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 26, 2014, 12:09:45 PM
Usually from my local bike shop, I get at least a 15% discount as a regular which makes it as cheap as online but with the benefit of real people, years of knowledge and an ex pro team mechanic.  The only online retailer I have used recently is Merlin Cycles for a pair of Fizik road shoes which were incredibly cheap and the LBS couldnt match them.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on March 27, 2014, 06:37:24 AM
Usually from my local bike shop, I get at least a 15% discount as a regular which makes it as cheap as online but with the benefit of real people, years of knowledge and an ex pro team mechanic.  The only online retailer I have used recently is Merlin Cycles for a pair of Fizik road shoes which were incredibly cheap and the LBS couldnt match them.

Totally agree Jon, the smaller specialist bike shops offer great advice and mechanics. I take my bikes (and buy them) from a shop called The Hub here in Christchurch. They are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about cycling.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 01, 2014, 09:37:45 AM
That wheelset I bought.  It's been back at the LBS for the last 5 days as there are a few loose objects rattilng around in the rim, for arguably one of the worlds largest wheel suppliers (Mavic) they have the shittest customer service I think I've come across in the world of cycling.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: manic-road on April 11, 2014, 08:58:31 AM
I see that Sir Dave Brailsford has quit as head of British cycling, I thought he did a superb job.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on April 11, 2014, 08:53:50 PM
Indeed. There are storm clouds over Sky however. Some of them look bad. Two new tests are being rolled out by the UCI. One for an oral drug called Aicar, the other for a gas administered drug which is nicknamed xenon. Add that to henao and tiernan locke getting popped for blood values and all the withdrawals of cyclists connected to British Cycling (including non Sky riders) this season and people are starting to smell a few rats. I hope not but his move looks like part of this...

They may have been playing hard with the rules and some stuff might have got out of hand.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on April 14, 2014, 05:04:27 PM
Indeed. There are storm clouds over Sky however. Some of them look bad. Two new tests are being rolled out by the UCI. One for an oral drug called Aicar, the other for a gas administered drug which is nicknamed xenon. Add that to henao and tiernan locke getting popped for blood values and all the withdrawals of cyclists connected to British Cycling (including non Sky riders) this season and people are starting to smell a few rats. I hope not but his move looks like part of this...

They may have been playing hard with the rules and some stuff might have got out of hand.

Hope that's not the case but is the xenon you mention not actually just xenon the gas?  There were reports after the Winter Olympics that the Russians were alleged to be using it and because it wasn't explicitly listed as banned may have allegedly said it wasn't doping.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on April 14, 2014, 09:27:17 PM
Yes, it's xenon gas. Its not banned but it's not ethical per se if you look at the Sky teams ethics then it's questionable.

Garmin have tried it too.

It's not really very good if they say no needles then find a gas to circumvent that...

The massive overuse of tramadol in bottles is the big thing now. Lots of riders are getting vast amounts mixed into bottles for 'finish flasks'. It numbs the pain but means half of them are off their tits on opiates. Hence the number of crashes this year so far.

It's on the UCI watch list and will be banned soon I would think. I have had 4 nurofen before a race once which is technically doping but I am fat and crap and finished outside the top 50 in a regional cyclocross race. And I had a headache which was why I did it!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 15, 2014, 01:11:15 PM
Pain?

(http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/7269/wr6f.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/wr6f.jpg/)




Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on April 17, 2014, 09:39:51 PM
So any thoughts on who owned the mysterious vial found (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/racing/paris-roubaix/paris-roubaix-pills-found-120446) at Paris-Roubaix? 

Approximately midway through the race between a couple of cobbled sections.  Were there that many crashes it can't be figured out?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 17, 2014, 10:06:58 PM
I doubt they are anything sinister, it's not exactly hard to identify pills, you can do it on the internet, if they were illegal it would have come out by now. Probably painkillers or similar.

You seem very cynical Eckybloke?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on April 17, 2014, 10:43:04 PM
I doubt they are anything sinister, it's not exactly hard to identify pills, you can do it on the internet, if they were illegal it would have come out by now. Probably painkillers or similar.

You seem very cynical Eckybloke?

Nah, I'm in the mood of a gossip rather than cynical but given N'Rexy's comments earlier I hope it isn't a British cyclist under the slightest suspicion. 

I've only recently-ish starting following cycling mostly in part due to the various British successes so hope it's nothing serious.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on April 18, 2014, 08:52:05 PM
The vial has gone to UK anti-doping. People carried pills in races years ago (well, 10 or so) I would guess that it's a liquid opiate like tramadol to drink once you get too knackered.

Question for John. How much doping is there in amateur tri? I know lots of lads who are good on the road and in cyclo cross and they reckon there is a decent amount of low level doping going on in the UK from weekend warriors.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 23, 2014, 10:43:58 AM
The vial has gone to UK anti-doping. People carried pills in races years ago (well, 10 or so) I would guess that it's a liquid opiate like tramadol to drink once you get too knackered.

Question for John. How much doping is there in amateur tri? I know lots of lads who are good on the road and in cyclo cross and they reckon there is a decent amount of low level doping going on in the UK from weekend warriors.

Interesting one.  I saw a report on a triathlon forum earlier this year of an Ironman branded race in Austria where they have evidence that over 50% of age grouper athletes were doping in some way or other.  Now of course you'll probably find that 99.9% of them did it completely unintentionally by eating or drinking the wrong thing or by taking the wrong medication or supplement.

I've done it, if I'd been tested after Ironman Wales I'd have failed the dope test because as soon as I got off the bike I started taking Diocalm as a precaution (try eating gels, energy bars, energy drinks & bananas for 7 hours) and I also took Iboprufen as a precaution for my knees which were already sore before I started the marathon.  I wasn't going to make a Kona slot in my age group so I'm comfortable with taking what I need to get me through a long hard day.  This year will probably be closer but still a stretch, I could make a roll down slot for Kona if I'm very lucky, 2015 is my Kona target, so I'd need to be clean as I also move up an age group to the proper old bastards.

So I'd say, long distance athletes, yes we do it, mostly inadvertently, do we gain a performance advantage by being off our tits?  No.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: garyshawsknee on May 13, 2014, 09:45:38 PM
Hello Peeps, i'm looking to replace my mountain bike as i'm only using it on the road, and would prefer something smoother and quicker. I'm thinking about a Cyclocross, does anyone have any ideas for preferably a disc brake one in the £ 750 mark ? And has anyone done the 'Cycle to work scheme ' ? Is it easy to sort out ?

 Thanks folks, UTV,
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 20, 2014, 01:05:01 PM
There's actually quite a range available for that sort of money.  Claud Butler Alto, Norco Threshold & Specialized Tricross to name a few.  For that sort of money there will always be compromises, groupset, wheelset and finishing kits will all be the cheapest on the market to hit that pricepoint, worth bearing in mind if you use it as a commuter all year or indeed off road or even on the road through the winter, bearings in wheelsets will eat themselves quickly if not regularly maintained as I bet they wont be sealed units, BBs will also be feeble affairs most likely and again likely to wear quickly if using every day in all weathers.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on May 23, 2014, 01:07:01 PM
Hello Peeps, i'm looking to replace my mountain bike as i'm only using it on the road, and would prefer something smoother and quicker. I'm thinking about a Cyclocross, does anyone have any ideas for preferably a disc brake one in the £ 750 mark ? And has anyone done the 'Cycle to work scheme ' ? Is it easy to sort out ?

 Thanks folks, UTV,


You could take a look at one of these if steel frames are your thing:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-substance-cx11-sora-2014/

It's their in-house brand. Decent components for the price with enough change from 750 GBP for some mudguards and a good lock.

I would probably not eat or drink for a month and scratch the extra 100 quid together for a Genesis cdf.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Simon Ward on June 06, 2014, 01:40:26 PM
Can anyone tell me why Bradley Wiggins could be left out of the Le Tour this year?

Seems madness to us non-cycling fans!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on June 06, 2014, 01:43:53 PM
He's not good enough to win it and can't be relied on to play domestique (helper) to Froome. Brad is heavier now than he was when he won the Tour and is focussed more on lumpy on day races rather than high mountains, although admittedly he did win the Tour of California last month.
A cycling team such as Sky is basically a pyramid with the sole aim of winning the tour for the leader. Froome has his team of helpers who will use the Dauphine as a practise and Brad can't be relied on to help, which is a shame as he could be a super domestique if his ego would let him.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on June 06, 2014, 01:53:31 PM
The Tour is passing within a few hundred yards of our house, if somebody had told me a couple of years ago that we would be living so near to the route I would have worried which set of unfortunate circumstances would result in us having to live in France.

Harrogate is on shut down for the two days of the race, that's obviously gone down well with the serial letter writers to the local paper.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Comrade Blitz on June 06, 2014, 03:14:31 PM
I'm wondering if a switch from running to cycling will be less stressful on the knees.

Any comments/advice as to how much "impact" has to do with things like patella tendinitis and patella femoral syndrome vs joint mechanics? Thanks.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: johnboy on June 06, 2014, 09:37:05 PM
I'm wondering if a switch from running to cycling will be less stressful on the knees.

Any comments/advice as to how much "impact" has to do with things like patella tendinitis and patella femoral syndrome vs joint mechanics? Thanks.
I gave up running seriously, 25 years ago because of impact damage, now you can't keep me off a bike and long may it continue
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Kevilla on June 06, 2014, 09:46:59 PM
Hello Peeps, i'm looking to replace my mountain bike as i'm only using it on the road, and would prefer something smoother and quicker. I'm thinking about a Cyclocross, does anyone have any ideas for preferably a disc brake one in the £ 750 mark ? And has anyone done the 'Cycle to work scheme ' ? Is it easy to sort out ?

 Thanks folks, UTV,
Hi - Yes, I've done the cycle to work scheme twice. It is quite simple to do. Your employer should have a link to the scheme's website available, and have a list of bike shops that are on the scheme available. You will need your employer's code, but the bike shops should know that anyway. You go to the shop, tell them what you want, and they sort it out for you and then go through the process with your work. It took about two weeks for me from order to delivery, and I get to pay my bike off over ten months pre-tax. After three years, I have to pay an ownership fee (it was a tenner on my last one), and the thing is mine. It's great - I got a £1,000 bike for £600, paid at £60 a month. Bloody marvellous.

You'll need to use some of the money for accessories, though - in particular you need to get a good lock, and make sure that it is accepted by your insurance company. The scheme requires this, so you are going to have to spend at least £50 of your money on the lock - depending on where you live.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: bertlambshank on June 09, 2014, 02:11:20 PM
That is why he is Sky's number 1.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 29, 2014, 09:51:45 PM
I'm wondering if a switch from running to cycling will be less stressful on the knees.

Any comments/advice as to how much "impact" has to do with things like patella tendinitis and patella femoral syndrome vs joint mechanics? Thanks.

So long as you get a proper bike fit then yes.  By proper bike fit I mean at the very least something like the Specialized BG Fit and at best a Retul Pro Fit.  The difference it will make is astonishing, even something as simple as a cleat in the wrong position will seriously affect your knees, imagine thousands and thousands of pedal strokes all made with your knee in the wrong position, the damage that will do can't be underestimated.  You'll also put the power down far more efficiently following a Retul fit, be more comfortable and more efficient.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 10, 2014, 12:24:47 PM
Just about to head out to see the ToB pass thro' 'Nam
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 10, 2014, 06:55:51 PM
Friday for me Sox, they come through Hungerford and out north toward Wantage for a few rolling hills.  Will be out on the route with a few mates.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 12, 2014, 08:18:52 AM
Saturday lunchtime for me down Haywards Heath High Street.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 12, 2014, 01:38:14 PM
Really nice to see smiling faces in the peloton today, we were at the top of a short but steep climb up from the A4 to the B4000 a place called Hoe Benham.  Our road club set up it's version of Dutch Corner at the top.
As the race directors car came through it stopped and the radio commentator even gave us a mention, when the peloton came through lots of the riders acknowledged us all and lots of smiles in the pack, good to see.  Allez.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 24, 2014, 04:47:12 PM
Superb win for Sir Bradley in the World's Time Trial today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 24, 2014, 10:01:13 PM
Superb win for Sir Bradley in the World's Time Trial today.

Indeed, thought Tony Martin was nailed on. He is a great cyclist but the less said about him juddering people on his Norfolk farm the better.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 25, 2014, 07:10:22 AM
A great win for Jolly Naughty Wiggins, now onto the hour record some time next year apparently. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 25, 2014, 09:29:52 AM
A great win for Jolly Naughty Wiggins, now onto the hour record some time next year apparently. 

I think he may retire from road racing at some point soon, although he may want one more crack at Roubaix. he seems to change his mind in his public statements very often!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on September 26, 2014, 03:56:17 PM
Roubaix might well be his last road race. His programme is all about the spring then it's off to the track. He has to find a way to wear the rainbow jersey at some point though. Got my invite to the TdF route presentation today! Next season is almost here!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 26, 2014, 05:21:22 PM
I bet there's some decent hills to give Pinot a fair crack.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 26, 2014, 08:09:34 PM
Saw an interview on road.cc post the Worlds TT.  He had a few well aimed clever digs at the Kenyan.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: fredm on September 26, 2014, 08:27:01 PM
Been announced that there is to be a yearly Tour of Yorkshire. Next year will be from 1st to 3rd May. Will be a different route each year.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 26, 2014, 11:52:06 PM
Saw an interview on road.cc post the Worlds TT.  He had a few well aimed clever digs at the Kenyan.

The Belgian had a dig at the Kenyan? For being a better stage race rider than him?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 27, 2014, 12:14:07 PM
In the main for being Olympic champion, World champion, National champion & all his track Golds at the Olympics over the years.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 27, 2014, 10:18:05 PM
But why pick on Froome?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on September 28, 2014, 12:07:30 AM
Mr Crofts has a real downer on Froome, check back through this thread for evidence.
I have a feeling (just a hunch) that he doesn't believe Froome is racing entirely legally.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 28, 2014, 04:24:30 PM
Mr Crofts has a real downer on Froome, check back through this thread for evidence.
I have a feeling (just a hunch) that he doesn't believe Froome is racing entirely legally.

Uh oh.  Rumbled.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 28, 2014, 09:24:59 PM
Mr Crofts has a real downer on Froome, check back through this thread for evidence.
I have a feeling (just a hunch) that he doesn't believe Froome is racing entirely legally.

Uh oh.  Rumbled.

One word, Contador?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 29, 2014, 07:30:42 AM
Mr Crofts has a real downer on Froome, check back through this thread for evidence.
I have a feeling (just a hunch) that he doesn't believe Froome is racing entirely legally.

Uh oh.  Rumbled.

One word, Contador?

Well obviously Contador.  I don't think Froome is still on the juice, but like many others think he probably was for a time.

Anyway, this thread was meant for our own cycling exploits rather than discussing the merits of EPO which apparently you can still buy over the counter in Switzerland.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on December 10, 2014, 06:46:04 PM
Reviving this as a massive doping scandal has just broken. The Padua investigations have exposed at least 38 world tour riders still working with Dr Ferrari. He was Lance Armstrong dr and is banned for life from working in cycling. Astana (Nibalis team) are up to their necks in it. This is very big news in cycling at the moment. Back to the old days I fear.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 10, 2014, 07:24:37 PM
Full list of riders:

Leonardo Bertagnolli, Simone Boifava, Diego Caccia, Enrico Franzoi, Marco Frapporti, Omar Lombardi, Fabrizio Macchi, Marco Marcato, Andrea Masciarelli, Francesco Masciarelli, Simone Masciarelli, Daniele Pietropolli, Morris Possoni, Filippo Pozzato, Alessandro Proni, Michele Scarponi, Francesco Tizza, Giovanni Visconti, Ricardo Pichetta, Andrea Vaccher, Mauricio Ardila, Volodymyr Bileka, Borut Bozic, Maxim Gourov, Vladimir Gusev, Valentin Iglinskiy, Sergei Ivanov, Vladimir Karpets, Aleksander Kolobnev, Dimitri Kozontchuk, Roman Kreuziger, Denis Menchov (Rus), Evgeni Petrov, Yaroslav Popovych, José Joaquin Rojas (Spa), Ivan Rovny, Egor Silin, Alexandre Vinokourov.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on December 11, 2014, 09:33:21 PM
A lot of Italian and Eastern European riders in there.

Funnily enough Nibali has not mud on him at all, however I fear his reputation is being tarnished by association with a dirty team and his dirty helpers.

Any idea how the UCI gave Astana a licence?!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on December 11, 2014, 10:37:06 PM
Nibalis trainer, Slongo, has been pictured with him.

The UCI had to give them a license, they would have sued otherwise. You can't kick teams out for doping violations. There would also be no World Tour either as most teams will have an 'issue' here or there.

Not as bad as the IAAF though! :-)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 13, 2014, 06:44:51 PM
Fell off my bike today, luckily I'd reached the bottom of quite a long descent and was just starting a climb of Combe Jibbet (One of the top 100 UK climbs) so relatively low speed, front wheel just slid away on black ice and dumped me on the road.  Bike is fine.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Comrade Blitz on December 13, 2014, 10:53:49 PM
Fell off my bike today, luckily I'd reached the bottom of quite a long descent and was just starting a climb of Combe Jibbet (One of the top 100 UK climbs) so relatively low speed, front wheel just slid away on black ice and dumped me on the road.  Bike is fine.

Hugs, hun xx
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on December 14, 2014, 07:46:03 AM
Fell off my bike today, luckily I'd reached the bottom of quite a long descent and was just starting a climb of Combe Jibbet (One of the top 100 UK climbs) so relatively low speed, front wheel just slid away on black ice and dumped me on the road.  Bike is fine.

Hope you are ok Jon and not too busted and/or bruised.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 14, 2014, 09:44:14 PM
And today I decided to hit the trails on the MTB.........and had a big crash at around 16mph according to the Garmin straight into a tree.  Might steer clear of bikes for the next few days, quite how I managed to not break anything I do not know.  Shoulder took the full force, tomorrow may be sore.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: eric woolban woolban on December 14, 2014, 09:49:25 PM
Ouch. Not having much look by the sounds of it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 14, 2014, 10:51:06 PM
An all round shit day to be fair, started with a trip to the vet to have a family pet put to sleep, not a good start, mind not really on quite a difficult technical trail in wet slippery conditions = big hit.  I'll stick to swimming and the gym for the next few days, I mean, what else could possibly go wrong?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 28, 2015, 06:19:57 PM
Broke a bike today, snapped the chain stay, carbon so that's that bike written off.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Villan For Life on February 28, 2015, 07:09:59 PM
Broke a bike today, snapped the chain stay, carbon so that's that bike written off.

That's a sh!t Jon. How did that happen?

I've done a 25 miler today. Feeling a bit saddle sore at the moment.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: N'Rexy on February 28, 2015, 07:54:46 PM
How old was the frame? Sounds like a bad layer to snap it down there. Head tube and forks are where you normally go. Did you get hurt?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 28, 2015, 09:21:54 PM
Halfway up a climb, not too steep maybe 10% rear end started to wobble and I stopped, got off span the cranks by hand nothing obvious, jumped back on and kicked on, wheel started to rub on brake and stopped again, undid the skewer to realign the wheel and noticed the stay was snapped.
Bike was about 4 years old justo my winter training ride so nothing too precious already stripped it of all salvage parts!

Will replace with a disc braked road bike for the winter as I've done a set of Mavics in 6 months now having destroyed the braking surfaces with all the shit on the road and rubber on Ali is sketchy at best.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on March 01, 2015, 02:48:39 AM
Halfway up a climb, not too steep maybe 10% rear end started to wobble and I stopped, got off span the cranks by hand nothing obvious, jumped back on and kicked on, wheel started to rub on brake and stopped again, undid the skewer to realign the wheel and noticed the stay was snapped.
Bike was about 4 years old justo my winter training ride so nothing too precious already stripped it of all salvage parts!

Will replace with a disc braked road bike for the winter as I've done a set of Mavics in 6 months now having destroyed the braking surfaces with all the shit on the road and rubber on Ali is sketchy at best.

Jon is there not a guarantee on the frame from the shop? I did the same thing on my bike going up a hill a few years ago and the bike shop replaced the frame. It was a GT bike and was about the same age as yours.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 01, 2015, 12:34:54 PM
There's a warranty on the frame, 2 years so out of warranty unfortunately.  Stripped now of anything useable or sellable, anyone want some Ultegra levers, front mech, rear mech & brake callipers?
I ordered one of these this morning, Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 with a very good deal from the local bike shop as a loyal customer.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_pdf/bikes/uk/giantbicycles-77288-defy.advanced.pro.1.pdf

The new winter ride arrives Tuesday to be built up, hopefully will be out hammering it by the weekend.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 08, 2015, 09:41:33 PM
Did my first ever Time Trial tonight, a lumpy 10 miler finished 22nd out of 68 riders in 24:54.  Now shagged out!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on May 11, 2015, 01:33:43 PM
Did my first proper sportive yesterday (the Etape Caledonia).  Apart from the odd mechanical, everything went ok except I got constant pain in the back of my right knee for the last 60 miles.  Would putting my saddle up maybe half a cm be the cause of that and can you get an existing bike fitted properly or are you best starting from scratch with a new bike?

Also, at the top of the major climb I got cramp in my calves, quads and then hamstrings when I got of the bike to deal with the cramp.  Any way round that?  I was fairly sure I was well stocked with electrolytes to the point where I was having to stop regularly on the last half for comfort breaks!  I'm thinking a lack of training may have contributed to this.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 13, 2015, 07:43:12 PM
Knee pain could be many things, cleat position, saddle height, saddle position, knee over foot, arch support................best start with a bike fit.  A Specialised BG fit is the very minimum, I'd go for a full Retul fit personally if you can afford one.  c£200 money well spent.

The second issue could be one or both of the following, you must either harden the fuck up and/or train harder.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on May 14, 2015, 11:23:11 AM

The second issue could be one or both of the following, you must either harden the fuck up and/or train harder.

Haha...yeah yeah yeah.  Thanks for the kind words! I kept going in the wind and rain missiles despite the knee pain and cramp so hard enough thanks!

;)

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 14, 2015, 11:47:37 AM
Keeping on in the wind and rain just means you are badass, pressing harder on the gun platforms will ensure hardness.

Re cramp you can try a few things, after a sustained effort say a long steady climb in our out of the saddle, try a short spell of spinning your legs off, just choose a really easy gear to help flush the lactic acid out of quads.  You could also try Salt Caps, on long rides of 5, 6 or 7 hours I take 1 an hour, you can buy them online or any decent bike/running/triathlon shop will sell them. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on June 07, 2015, 07:59:17 PM
Wiggo adds the hour world record to his palmares.   
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on June 07, 2015, 10:28:44 PM
Wiggo adds the hour world record to his palmares.   

Never in doubt, the man is a legend.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on June 07, 2015, 10:34:34 PM
It's bollocks, he finished in exactly an hour, same as Dowsett, how is that a record?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on June 08, 2015, 07:35:30 PM
 I thought the hour record would be dull but me and my 6 year old really enjoyed it. It was very hot in there 28 degrees and had a dead lock door system going. The staff were also paranoid about people leaning over the barriers in case they dropped anything, understandably. Saw Miguel Indurain so that's another thing ticked off the list of things to do. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 08, 2015, 09:19:04 PM
Amazing what difference air pressure can make, last night was over 1000 M Bar, even club TT riders like me can PB in lower pressures.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 09, 2015, 02:01:26 PM
And so the sour grapes from Dowsett's coach start.

Bike was illegal and Wiggins had too much support from British Cycling http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wiggins-hour-record-attempt-was-illegal-says-dowsetts-coach
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on June 10, 2015, 08:31:38 AM
Also whilst Boardman was using the superman position which is banned, Tony Rominger didn't and he went 55.2km so Wiggins record is a technical one in my view.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 10, 2015, 09:32:15 AM
Rominger's attempt was on a steel framed bike, none of this fancy carbon, titanium 3D printed nonsense.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on June 10, 2015, 04:17:10 PM
So why is he not the record holder?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 10, 2015, 06:05:29 PM
They changed the rules, he's probably the holder of 'Best Human Effort' which is what the Boardman & Obree attempts are now classified as.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on June 28, 2015, 09:18:24 PM
Isle of Man 1 2 today in the National Road Race, Kennaugh and Cavendish.  Not a particularly Cav friendly circuit and he was taking on the Sky team on his own, impressive performance by both.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 23, 2015, 09:33:56 PM
Nibali DQd from the Vuelta for cheating.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/racing/vuelta-a-espana/video-shows-vincenzo-nibali-holding-onto-team-car-at-vuelta-a-espana-188080

Apparently he said he had a 'sticking water bottle'

Ha ha 60 mph uphill!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on August 23, 2015, 10:06:14 PM
Video of Nibali's tow

http://deadspin.com/cyclist-kicked-out-of-race-for-holding-onto-car-1726001708
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on August 24, 2015, 10:32:32 AM
The cynic in me thinks that Nibali was well aware what he was doing and was happy to take the chance.  The crash left him having a hissy fit becasue of the delay in getting a bike to him and although Astana have said Aru is their leader and NIbali the super domestique he must have still thought that he could become the  number one as the race developed.

The time delay as a result of the crash took that prospect away and I think he had no intention of doing three weeks worth of pulling Aru up those slopes.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on September 10, 2015, 10:49:17 AM
Great Tour of Britain going on at the moment!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 11, 2015, 07:21:41 PM
I haven't managed to catch any of it this year. Have any of the stages been as exciting as the one that included the Honister pass in the pissing down rain last year?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 12, 2015, 07:57:12 PM
Aru wins the Vuelta but feel sorry for Dumoulin.  He had to defend on his own whilst Aru had superb support from Sanchez, Veits and especially Lande.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 14, 2015, 08:19:01 PM
That Vuelta was cracking from start to finish. I too feel for Dumoulin, especially after the rampant cheating of Astana earlier in the race. Hope he wins the worlds now.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 14, 2015, 08:57:13 PM
It didn't look as if Aru was subject to the same level of scrutiny as Froome, which is odd when you look at Astana's previous record.

I fancy Degenkolb for the Worlds.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 15, 2015, 05:50:58 PM
Bike folk, I'm looking for a cross trail bike or a tourer.  I've cycle toured before using hybrids but feel the cross trails might be a better fit with their bigger wheels, yet I'm told can handle panniers okay.  My plan is to do the 500 mile ride around the north of scotland next year (no proclaimers jokes thanks) and will also use for commuting my 5 miles to work.

Any recommendations or unbiased websites for reviews?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 16, 2015, 10:29:55 AM
So many good bikes out there right now and a great time to be buying as 2016 models are creeping in and deals to be done on 2015 ranges.

Can't help with reviews or recommendations as I'm more a roadie and TT rider but I'd always advise get fitted properly before parting with your money and I don't just mean a stand over measurement, at least get a BG fit (Specialized) or equivalent and if you can afford a Retul fit before you buy.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 26, 2015, 09:54:56 PM
Great win for Lizzie Armistead
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: spangley1812 on September 28, 2015, 09:43:03 PM
From BBC Website

London has turned down the chance to host the start of the 2017 Tour de France, angering the race owners.

London beat bids from Edinburgh, Manchester and several German regions to stage the Grand Depart.

But last week, a day before contracts were meant to be signed, Transport for London (TfL) said it was pulling out.
"To ensure value for money we must make difficult choices," Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, told BBC Sport.
"We have always said that the return of the Tour was subject to funding."

The timing of the decision has angered the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the French company which owns the race.

As the body responsible for all transport policy in London, TfL would have provided the funds for staging the Tour's opening stages.

London hosted a hugely successful Grand Depart in 2007 and the finish of the Tour's third stage in 2014.

The first two stages of last year's Tour were held in Yorkshire, attracting an estimated four million spectators and boosting the economy by £100m, according to local organisers.

TfL contributed £6m to the Grand Depart budget of £27m, which was almost as much as the total for two days of racing in 2007.

Given the upfront costs and the prospect of major cuts to transport spending across the UK later this year, it is understood bosses at TfL and the Greater London Authority, its parent body, decided the city could not afford a third visit from the world's biggest bike race.

It is believed the 2017 Grand Depart will now be held in Germany, which has not hosted a Tour stage since 2005.

The Manche region of Normandy will host next year's Grand Depart, when Britain's Chris Froome will start as defending champion.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 28, 2015, 09:44:12 PM
Just watching the road race at the Worlds in Virginia US and A on Eurosport, great race on a tough course. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 01, 2015, 09:58:35 PM
Entered Paris Roubaix again for April 2016, why do I do this to myself?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on December 08, 2015, 12:11:37 PM
Have gone and got myself a smart turbo trainer (the BKool Pro).  Anyone had any experience with the online offerings from BKool themselves or Zwift?  My mate tells me that the software control of the trainer when you're doing stuff like Ventoux etc virtually is the dogs bollocks.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 08, 2015, 12:34:07 PM
Heard good things about Zwift but never used it myself, have used the Tacx version and it's pretty good, you have to steer the bike round bends and you can race other connected users.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on December 09, 2015, 10:10:03 AM
For a quick test, downloaded a route I'd previously done on Strava and was very impressed at the automatic gradient changes that mimicked the actual roads I'd ridden.

Might just do that from now on including the summer, avoid the traffic/potholes/weather etc

;)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 09, 2015, 01:03:23 PM
These are a great idea, but in reality a little flimsy & the data outputs are useless for Strava, Garmin, Training Peaks etc

https://www.proform.com/tour-de-france

I ditched the turbo a few months ago and pugged out on an ex Team Sky Watt Bike (It was Ian Stannard's) an incredible machine that I'm still expolring in terms of what it's telling me (Basically it tells me to MTFU & push harder on the pedals)  I do Sufferfest on it 3 times a week in the winter as well as FTP testing every few weeks to check progress.

http://wattbike.com/uk/home
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on March 05, 2016, 05:28:24 PM
Not much activity here for a while so here goes.

Looking for an entry level road bike as am doing 2-3 Sprint Tri's this year. Budget is about £750. After looking around it appears as though I can get something with a half decent group set Shimano Sora/Tiagra minimum at this budget with half decent wheels/brakes. My only query really is on the frame. Most bike shops seem to be suggesting that a Trek/Specialized/Giant frame is better quality (research/lifetime guarantee etc yada yada) but is the difference in terms of ride that much better than other brands/own brands? I've spotted an own brand Evans Pinnacle Dolomite 6 last years model for only £720 with a Shimano 105 group set throughout which seems incredible value, i m just unsure on whether the frame quality is going to be up to it and ultimately does it matter because if I get into it I'll probably splash a bit more next year anyway and use whatever I buy now for training.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on March 07, 2016, 12:24:20 PM
The Pinnacle looks decent for the money, and you might even be able to test ride one at one of their shops.

In terms of frame quality, it's difficult to tell if the brands are better, they might shave a few grams here and there, or be a little more compliant, but most of them are made in the same factories in Taiwan as the Pinnacle probably is. I have an alloy BMC and am pretty impressed with the frame, but it cost a fair bit more than the Pinnacle without having a hugely better spec.

It's probably worth checking whether Evans have any ex-demo, clearance models at stupid prices.

You could take a look at one of these:  http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPRIV22C/planet-x-pro-carbon-classic-sram-rival-11-road-bike  50 quid above your budget for a limited period only...
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on March 07, 2016, 06:13:55 PM
Thanks Ian, am test riding the Pinnacle hopefully on Thursday. Will have another look around after looking at your link to see if there's something better massively reduced but you're often restricted on frame size with the half price deals from what I can see. Saw a Trek bike reduced to my budget figure from £1500 but they didn't have it in my Frame size, frustrating....
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 08, 2016, 02:01:34 AM
If you can stretch a little further to £1000 it will open up a much better frame and groupset for you, you may even get into a carbon frame, Felt Z6, Fuji's, Jamis and Planet X to name a few.
Also worth checking out Tri Uk who often do a bundle deal for triathletes, bike, wetsuit and bike accessories, it's down in Somerset but available mail order online.

Secondhand is always worth exploring, Pinkbike and some of the Tri forums always have bikes for sale.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on March 08, 2016, 09:18:30 AM
Have a look at Ribble as well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on March 08, 2016, 12:49:04 PM
Thanks for the suggestions Jon and Maidstone.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 10, 2016, 09:33:43 AM
Have a look at Ribble as well.

I deliberately left Ribble off as they are getting panned on several forums just now and a mate had a bad experience with them last year, same goes for Canyon who make some amzing machines but seem let down by poor customer service issues just now.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on March 11, 2016, 08:44:40 AM
If you can stretch a little further to £1000 it will open up a much better frame and groupset for you....


Bitter experience tells me that the bike you actually buy costs your original "absolute maximum limit" plus 60-100%.

But it's always worth it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 11, 2016, 10:48:50 AM
If you can stretch a little further to £1000 it will open up a much better frame and groupset for you....


Bitter experience tells me that the bike you actually buy costs your original "absolute maximum limit" plus 60-100%.

But it's always worth it.

Always!

I'm also a firm believer in the rule that the number of bikes you should own is n+1, where n=the number of bikes you already own.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on March 11, 2016, 12:25:05 PM
If you can stretch a little further to £1000 it will open up a much better frame and groupset for you....


Bitter experience tells me that the bike you actually buy costs your original "absolute maximum limit" plus 60-100%.

But it's always worth it.

Always!

I'm also a firm believer in the rule that the number of bikes you should own is n+1, where n=the number of bikes you already own.

My wife is trying to impose a 1 in 1 out rule...
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 11, 2016, 01:01:08 PM
Yeah they all do that but they all shut up when you apply the same rule to cosmetics, shoes or handbags.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on March 11, 2016, 01:37:52 PM
Yeah they all do that but they all shut up when you apply the same rule to cosmetics, shoes or handbags.

Good advice.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on May 15, 2016, 06:08:00 PM
So first Sprint Tri done in 1 hour 42 mins. Quite pleased bike worked ok though could probably shave a few mins with some aero bars. Also need to lose about a stone and not get so hyped before the swim, off too fast and paid in the last 4 lengths! Great experience though and really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 15, 2016, 06:24:05 PM
So first Sprint Tri done in 1 hour 42 mins. Quite pleased bike worked ok though could probably shave a few mins with some aero bars. Also need to lose about a stone and not get so hyped before the swim, off too fast and paid in the last 4 lengths! Great experience though and really enjoyed it.

You can also shave minutes off the bike time by pushing harder on the pedals.

Single biggest aero advantage you can get £ for £ is a decent aero helmet, doesn't even have to be one of those idiotic 'sperm' helmets, something like a Kask Bambino or Giro Air Attack for about £115.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on May 16, 2016, 01:17:08 PM
So first Sprint Tri done in 1 hour 42 mins. Quite pleased bike worked ok though could probably shave a few mins with some aero bars. Also need to lose about a stone and not get so hyped before the swim, off too fast and paid in the last 4 lengths! Great experience though and really enjoyed it.

You can also shave minutes off the bike time by pushing harder on the pedals.

Single biggest aero advantage you can get £ for £ is a decent aero helmet, doesn't even have to be one of those idiotic 'sperm' helmets, something like a Kask Bambino or Giro Air Attack for about £115.

Think you may be right about pushing harder on the pedals Jon!! I'm probably if I'm honest at only about 90% fitness at the moment so some better bike/run training will help lose weight and help in harder pedal pushing. Funny you should mention aero helmets a chap in the office here swears by them and thinks they give nearly as good a benefit as bars and general bike aero position. One to consider for future events.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 16, 2016, 06:40:53 PM
So first Sprint Tri done in 1 hour 42 mins. Quite pleased bike worked ok though could probably shave a few mins with some aero bars. Also need to lose about a stone and not get so hyped before the swim, off too fast and paid in the last 4 lengths! Great experience though and really enjoyed it.

You can also shave minutes off the bike time by pushing harder on the pedals.

Single biggest aero advantage you can get £ for £ is a decent aero helmet, doesn't even have to be one of those idiotic 'sperm' helmets, something like a Kask Bambino or Giro Air Attack for about £115.

Think you may be right about pushing harder on the pedals Jon!! I'm probably if I'm honest at only about 90% fitness at the moment so some better bike/run training will help lose weight and help in harder pedal pushing. Funny you should mention aero helmets a chap in the office here swears by them and thinks they give nearly as good a benefit as bars and general bike aero position. One to consider for future events.

You can add T1 and T2 practice to the list as well, wetsuit removal and bike setup practice will take time out as will having a well laid out transition area for T2. Guess what that's all free speed as well, no money needed to go faster, just practice and thought.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on May 17, 2016, 07:43:16 PM
So first Sprint Tri done in 1 hour 42 mins. Quite pleased bike worked ok though could probably shave a few mins with some aero bars. Also need to lose about a stone and not get so hyped before the swim, off too fast and paid in the last 4 lengths! Great experience though and really enjoyed it.

You can also shave minutes off the bike time by pushing harder on the pedals.

Single biggest aero advantage you can get £ for £ is a decent aero helmet, doesn't even have to be one of those idiotic 'sperm' helmets, something like a Kask Bambino or Giro Air Attack for about £115.

Think you may be right about pushing harder on the pedals Jon!! I'm probably if I'm honest at only about 90% fitness at the moment so some better bike/run training will help lose weight and help in harder pedal pushing. Funny you should mention aero helmets a chap in the office here swears by them and thinks they give nearly as good a benefit as bars and general bike aero position. One to consider for future events.

You can add T1 and T2 practice to the list as well, wetsuit removal and bike setup practice will take time out as will having a well laid out transition area for T2. Guess what that's all free speed as well, no money needed to go faster, just practice and thought.

My T1 time was actually quite good as I'd practiced and done the old visualisation thing as well so was happy with that. Unfortunately as I came to my position on T2 there was a BTF official standing in the bleeding way and by the time I'd asked him to move (twice) it completely threw me and I probably lost 30 seconds getting my shit back together. There are some cracking vids on youtube about laying out transitions and practising which I've watched. The guy at work does Duathlons and he's just started practising the cleats already attached to pedals to save himself some time which is one for the future as well.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 26, 2016, 11:58:39 AM
I rode the Ironman Weymouth bike route yesterday, lumpier than I thought it was going to be, theres one long draggy climb of about 10km that takes you to the highest point on the course, it's never ending, false summit after false summit and it was windy as well which added to the drag factor.  On the plus side theres also a 15km uber fast section which if I ride the TT bike means a good opportunity to get average speeds back up after a long climb.  Oh and on one of the descents yesterday I hit 76 kmh, not a PB but close.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on July 02, 2016, 04:06:48 PM
Cav in yellow!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 02, 2016, 04:29:26 PM
The lad did well.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 02, 2016, 04:32:33 PM
Contador looks a bit battered.



Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 02, 2016, 07:18:47 PM
Contador looks a bit battered.





But he's not a Premier League footballer so he'll man up and crack on.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: class-of-82 on July 02, 2016, 07:20:32 PM
That corner he come off on looked horrendous
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 02, 2016, 07:21:27 PM
G was caught up in it as well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 02, 2016, 07:42:02 PM
Really pleased for Cav, written off by some who thought this stage would be a straight fight between the two big Germans.

Given the cross between road and track he has been doing this year that is an impressive win.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 02, 2016, 08:30:44 PM
He'll struggle to hold onto the jersey tomorrow i suspect.
That's crash near the end was pretty spectacular as well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on July 03, 2016, 01:34:36 PM
Not until I settled down to watch yesterday did I realise that Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen were no longer providing the commentary for ITV.  Really disappointed - especially as I found Ned Boulting all very frantic: he was almost hyperventilating if one of the GC contenders needed a simple wheel change. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 04, 2016, 08:46:07 AM
I saw a bloke in the full Mapei on the way to work this morning.

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/65/ce/02/65ce02b8a9a0e6c91f74d1bc9506f6db.jpg)

Horrific!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 04, 2016, 09:49:55 AM
Honking.

Rule #17 Team kit is for members of the team.
Wearing Pro team kit is also questionable if you’re not paid to wear it.  If you must fly the colors of Pro teams, all garments should match perfectly, i.e no Mapei jersey with Kelme shorts and Telekom socks.

https://www.facebook.com/FullProKitW/

https://www.instagram.com/full.pro.kit.wanker/
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 04, 2016, 09:57:59 AM
He certainly matched...

I was cycling with an ex-pro a few weeks ago, and he was very critical of a bloke we saw wearing a national champion's jersey. Rightly so.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 04, 2016, 05:05:39 PM
Monster! Monster!  Cavendish strikes again.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 04, 2016, 05:18:38 PM
Monster! Monster!  Cavendish strikes again.

Brilliant, Cav is back.  He out thought Greipel and was simply faster at the end.  One of his great strengths is his quick thinking in the chaos and carnage of the bunch sprint finishes.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on July 04, 2016, 06:06:23 PM
Now joint second in the all-time list of number of stage wins.  A phenomenal achievement.   
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 04, 2016, 07:27:04 PM
223 kms and separated by the width of an inner tube.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 05, 2016, 08:05:04 PM
223 kms and separated by the width of an inner tube.

Amazingly, today was even closer

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/62db5a240eac2236a523e58a08cb3377b110d019/0_0_389_421/master/389.jpg?w=300&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&s=49740d75ee72cdc18345c5ca4445b2d2S)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: dcdavecollett on July 06, 2016, 05:36:41 PM
For some reason, Boulting's voice reminds me of Gabriel Clarke on the football, which is very off-putting.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 06, 2016, 10:34:56 PM
At last, mountains, not very big ones but mountains nonetheless, that means it's really properly started now.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on July 07, 2016, 10:17:09 AM
Looks like Contador and Nibali have blown it already, it's Froome's for the taking if he stays upright.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 07, 2016, 11:11:40 AM
A few days of bad weather and Froome's legendary bike handling skills might be put to the test, Quintana looks to be about his only rival realistically.

Poor old Sam Bennett, still he's not last anymore.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 07, 2016, 05:10:45 PM
Cav wins again, thats three stages from four he could have won. Very impressive.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on July 07, 2016, 05:35:23 PM
Only five behind Eddie Merckx in all time stage wins now.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 07, 2016, 05:47:19 PM
2 Brits on the podium too, McClay's first TdF and a podium finish.

I can't see Sam Bennett in the GC today, I assume he's withdrawn, shame.

edit, nope he's still hanging in there second to last, the GC hadn't updated.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ron Manager on July 07, 2016, 05:52:42 PM
Only five behind Eddie Merckx in all time stage wins now.

Very very impressive from Cav.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on July 09, 2016, 02:14:19 PM
The TdF course today looks horrendous. It's only since I've started cycling a bit that I've realised what monsters these riders really are!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 09, 2016, 03:20:36 PM
There's a danger Cav might be outside the time limit today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: four fornicholl on July 09, 2016, 04:44:30 PM
Just watched Froome on that descent,in that position, at 90kmh plus and was genuinely worried.
Coming off at that speed could well be fatal.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 09, 2016, 08:36:27 PM
Just watched Froome on that descent,in that position, at 90kmh plus and was genuinely worried.
Coming off at that speed could well be fatal.

I've hit 80 a couple of times, pant shittingly fast on a bicycle.

Froome doesn't have much of a left hook on him does he?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Meanwood Villa on July 10, 2016, 12:31:11 PM
Sensationally brave from Froome yesterday. It is scary to watch, agreed.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 12, 2016, 10:15:50 PM
Although he missed out on first place today, not for the first time, Peter Sagan is an absolute monster on a bike.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 13, 2016, 05:15:09 PM
Another 20 seconds on Quintana who if I was him would be giving my team shit this evening for letting Froome, Sagan & G jump them.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 13, 2016, 06:04:18 PM
Quote from: SteveN link=topic=51570.msg3115456#msg3115456 date=14683
Peter Sagan is an absolute monster on a bike.
[/quote

Apo!ogjes for quoting myself, but.....when I grow up I want to be Peter Sagan.

Absolute shambles from Movistar, Lotto Soudal and Ettix in letting the four escape.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on July 14, 2016, 09:37:44 AM
It was a brilliant stage to watch and well done to the four guys who broke away. I hope Froome didn't exert too much energy. Sagan is a machine.
An exciting days racing tonight (for us on the other side of the world), with a monster climb and it being Bastille Day.   
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 14, 2016, 04:07:30 PM
What the fuck happened there then?  Farcical on Ventoux today, those fans need to be water cannoned off the road, fucking idiots all of them.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on July 14, 2016, 04:32:39 PM
What the fuck happened there then?  Farcical on Ventoux today, those fans need to be water cannoned off the road, fucking idiots all of them.

This is part of it (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/richie-porte-crashes-back-tv-motorbike-mont-ventoux-video-260211)

Really interesting to see what happens with the commissaires now.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ron Manager on July 14, 2016, 04:39:05 PM
This will be on TV in every country tonight. The leader of the Tour De France running up a mountain without a bike!

I should imagine Froome and Richie Porte will be given the same time as Moleema.

Cant see what else they can do. Been coming for years.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ron Manager on July 14, 2016, 05:44:06 PM
Chris Froome reinstated as race leader. Quite right as well. Flags may be banned it is suggested.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Meanwood Villa on July 14, 2016, 07:59:58 PM
Crazy stuff today. Right decision in the end.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 14, 2016, 08:10:24 PM
I wonder if Froome will get a refund for handing off that fan.  Whilst he should not do that, you can probably appreciate where he is coming from when you see today's events.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 14, 2016, 10:19:44 PM
Time has come to ban spectators from being on the road
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Eckybloke on July 15, 2016, 08:32:09 AM
Thing is, I reckon Froome would still win even if the result had stood.  I think he'd put enough time into everyone in the time trial plus he did look strong yesterday.  Well at least stronger then Quintana.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on July 15, 2016, 12:47:02 PM
The more astounding piece of this is the complete ambivalence to it from the race organisers.

The issue of stupid spectators getting more and more in the way is getting worse and Chris Boardman hit the nail on the head last night when he asked what needs to happen for the organisers to do something about it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Comrade Blitz on July 15, 2016, 12:54:08 PM
Time has come to ban spectators from being on the road

I hate them - the restraint of the competitors is remarkable at times given the sea of cuntiness through which they often have to ride.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 15, 2016, 04:08:11 PM
Some interesting spectator footage emerging from yesterday, just how much more humiliation is there for Quintana??

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 16, 2016, 05:36:54 PM
Cavendish!  4th stage win, mighty impressive.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ron Manager on July 16, 2016, 07:14:23 PM
Cavendish!  4th stage win, mighty impressive.

He will be totally cream crackered come the Olympics.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 17, 2016, 09:28:18 PM
Cavendish!  4th stage win, mighty impressive.

He will be totally cream crackered come the Olympics.

That was his last day, was always his plan to withdraw and concentrate on Rio.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 17, 2016, 10:39:08 PM
Cavendish!  4th stage win, mighty impressive.

He will be totally cream crackered come the Olympics.

That was his last day, was always his plan to withdraw and concentrate on Rio.

Is that official?  He's in with a shout for tomorrow's stage  and must fancy Paris given current form.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 18, 2016, 10:40:31 AM
Cavendish!  4th stage win, mighty impressive.

He will be totally cream crackered come the Olympics.

That was his last day, was always his plan to withdraw and concentrate on Rio.

Is that official?  He's in with a shout for tomorrow's stage  and must fancy Paris given current form.

Well according to The Torygraph yesterday he's now saying he still intends to ride to Paris whereas in last weeks Cycling Weekly he claimed he'd withdraw before The Alps.  Who knows!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on July 18, 2016, 12:15:58 PM
Cavendish!  4th stage win, mighty impressive.

He will be totally cream crackered come the Olympics.

That was his last day, was always his plan to withdraw and concentrate on Rio.

Is that official?  He's in with a shout for tomorrow's stage  and must fancy Paris given current form.

Well according to The Torygraph yesterday he's now saying he still intends to ride to Paris whereas in last weeks Cycling Weekly he claimed he'd withdraw before The Alps.  Who knows!

A few days ago he was talking about Paris in a 'see how it goes' type of vein.  He's keen to win on the Champs Elysee but doesn't want to kill himself for Rio in the process.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ron Manager on July 18, 2016, 12:28:11 PM
He wants to win in Paris after losing the last two years.Very determined  character is Mark Cavendish....he won't pull out now.Could get to 31 today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 18, 2016, 01:34:50 PM
Often when the media talk about Cavendish the is the disclaimer "despite his critics".  Has anyone else noticed that, and if so, what is he criticised for?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 18, 2016, 02:01:41 PM
Often when the media talk about Cavendish the is the disclaimer "despite his critics".  Has anyone else noticed that, and if so, what is he criticised for?

Goes back a long way to his Columbia HTC days, a public spat with Andre Griepel, the V sign at the Tour De Romandie and comments he made about certain journalists who know jack shit about cycling.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ron Manager on July 18, 2016, 05:05:00 PM
Sagan magnificent as usual.Cav put up a very good performance to be close near the end.
Looking forward to Paris.Dont disregard Griepal for the final Sprint.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 20, 2016, 05:11:03 PM
Quintana is fucking hopeless, I've seen club riders put in more effort on a Sunday club run 60 miler to a coffee shop the lazy bastard.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 20, 2016, 06:12:29 PM
Quintana is fucking hopeless, I've seen club riders put in more effort on a Sunday club run 60 miler to a coffee shop the lazy bastard.

He's completely devoid of any tactical nous and from the outset would be happy with second place.  Hopefully he won't be on the podium.  Can't see Valverde helping him too much in the remaining stages. 

Froome looks very strong and completely in control.


Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 20, 2016, 06:33:51 PM
Quintana is fucking hopeless, I've seen club riders put in more effort on a Sunday club run 60 miler to a coffee shop the lazy bastard.

He's completely devoid of any tactical nous and from the outset would be happy with second place.  Hopefully he won't be on the podium.  Can't see Valverde helping him too much in the remaining stages. 

Froome looks very strong and completely in control.




Nobody should be helping Quintana, he's done nothing so far and I really hope he doesn't make the podium come Paris.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ron Manager on July 20, 2016, 08:41:53 PM
As an aside I have been impressed by David Millar's input as co commentator. Pity some of our ex footballers are not up to his standard regarding their own sport.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 20, 2016, 09:41:44 PM
Cavendish!  4th stage win, mighty impressive.

He will be totally cream crackered come the Olympics.

That was his last day, was always his plan to withdraw and concentrate on Rio.

Is that official?  He's in with a shout for tomorrow's stage  and must fancy Paris given current form.

Well according to The Torygraph yesterday he's now saying he still intends to ride to Paris whereas in last weeks Cycling Weekly he claimed he'd withdraw before The Alps.  Who knows!

A few days ago he was talking about Paris in a 'see how it goes' type of vein.  He's keen to win on the Champs Elysee but doesn't want to kill himself for Rio in the process.

He didn't start yesterday. Withdrew to concentrate on Rio.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 20, 2016, 09:45:53 PM
As an aside I have been impressed by David Millar's input as co commentator. Pity some of our ex footballers are not up to his standard regarding their own sport.

Agreed, and both his books are well worth reading.  He reminds me of a 1980's David Byrne.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 21, 2016, 08:48:19 AM
As an aside I have been impressed by David Millar's input as co commentator. Pity some of our ex footballers are not up to his standard regarding their own sport.

Agreed, and both his books are well worth reading.  He reminds me of a 1980's David Byrne.

He's a very nice bloke, I've ridden with him twice now, only bad thing to say about him is his sense of fashion, he has some honking outfits.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 22, 2016, 09:10:25 AM
As an aside I have been impressed by David Millar's input as co commentator. Pity some of our ex footballers are not up to his standard regarding their own sport.

Agreed, and both his books are well worth reading.  He reminds me of a 1980's David Byrne.

He's a very nice bloke, I've ridden with him twice now, only bad thing to say about him is his sense of fashion, he has some honking outfits.

I believe you are confusing honking with sartorial elegance.  It's a fine line.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 22, 2016, 03:23:18 PM
As an aside I have been impressed by David Millar's input as co commentator. Pity some of our ex footballers are not up to his standard regarding their own sport.

Agreed, and both his books are well worth reading.  He reminds me of a 1980's David Byrne.

He's a very nice bloke, I've ridden with him twice now, only bad thing to say about him is his sense of fashion, he has some honking outfits.

I believe you are confusing honking with sartorial elegance.  It's a fine line.

What he wears on a bike is his own gear, he worked with Castelli to produce a line of clothing called Chapter 3 http://www.chpt3.com/home

Buttons on a cycling jersey FFS?  £260 for a Gabba jersey that Wiggle pug out for £70.  Plus it's all so fucking dull, grey, light grey or dark grey.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 22, 2016, 03:56:21 PM
Froome's legendary bike (mis) handling skills there, stay off the white line numb nuts.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 22, 2016, 04:03:21 PM
Froome's legendary bike (mis) handling skills there, stay off the white line numb nuts.

Tense stage so far.  Hard blokes these.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 22, 2016, 04:07:17 PM
As an aside I have been impressed by David Millar's input as co commentator. Pity some of our ex footballers are not up to his standard regarding their own sport.

Agreed, and both his books are well worth reading.  He reminds me of a 1980's David Byrne.

He's a very nice bloke, I've ridden with him twice now, only bad thing to say about him is his sense of fashion, he has some honking outfits.

I believe you are confusing honking with sartorial elegance.  It's a fine line.

What he wears on a bike is his own gear, he worked with Castelli to produce a line of clothing called Chapter 3 http://www.chpt3.com/home

Buttons on a cycling jersey FFS?  £260 for a Gabba jersey that Wiggle pug out for £70.  Plus it's all so fucking dull, grey, light grey or dark grey.

Eye watering prices....   I think I'll stick Cafe du Cycliste if I need something expensive, but not that expensive.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 22, 2016, 04:55:08 PM
As an aside I have been impressed by David Millar's input as co commentator. Pity some of our ex footballers are not up to his standard regarding their own sport.

Agreed, and both his books are well worth reading.  He reminds me of a 1980's David Byrne.

He's a very nice bloke, I've ridden with him twice now, only bad thing to say about him is his sense of fashion, he has some honking outfits.

I believe you are confusing honking with sartorial elegance.  It's a fine line.

What he wears on a bike is his own gear, he worked with Castelli to produce a line of clothing called Chapter 3 http://www.chpt3.com/home

Buttons on a cycling jersey FFS?  £260 for a Gabba jersey that Wiggle pug out for £70.  Plus it's all so fucking dull, grey, light grey or dark grey.

Eye watering prices....   I think I'll stick Cafe du Cycliste if I need something expensive, but not that expensive.

People moan about Rapha prices but quite honestly you get what you pay for, I have 2 pairs of their bib shorts that must be 3 and 4 years old respectively and they still feel brand new and soak up century rides with ease, same with jerseys, I think I have 3 or 4 and again they look and feel brand new, one of them is long sleeved, I think it's called Deep Winter, best bit of cycling clothing I own alongside a Gabba from Castelli.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 24, 2016, 01:44:05 PM
Just the 113km procession from Chantilly to go.  Froome & Team Sky far too well organised and far too strong for the rest of the field, unless there is a seismic shift in cycling I can't see anyone challenging Froome for a while at the TdF. 

As dominant as he's been at the tour again, I don't understand why he doesn't take that clear dominance to other stage races, Eddy Merckx he is not.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on July 24, 2016, 08:21:11 PM

As dominant as he's been at the tour again, I don't understand why he doesn't take that clear dominance to other stage races, Eddy Merckx he is not.

Peaking at exactly the right time as many Olympic athletes do?

Or maybe Eddy Merckx had better drugs?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: luke:lamf on July 24, 2016, 09:21:26 PM
I suspect it is probably a money thing. From my understanding of reading the biography of Merckx by William Fotheringham, a cyclist made a great chunk of his change back in the day from appearance money and winnings from the Classics, derny racing, and other stage races because the TdF didn't have the comparatively overwhelming financial power it does today. Also, taking Merckx as an example, he was Belgian and thus obliged by local bragging rights / history to take the various Belgian races super-seriously, and was on an Italian-owned team, with its attendant expectations re: the Giro.

From following the TdF from the early 90s onwards, my understanding has been that is was Indurain - who I loved when he was dominant, because I knew nothing about potential doping and was enthralled by the idea of a guy who was just so overwhelmingly superior to even the world's 2nd best time-trialer that he could just blow them away on 2 stages and then sit back - who introduced the TdF as the be-all-and-end-all and structured his entire season around it. Perhaps more experienced cycling enthusiasts would care to confirm this assertion, or show it up for a complete crock of the proverbial...
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: CT on July 25, 2016, 09:39:55 AM
Question on Road Etiquette (Buses)

I had something happen on the ride home from work last week and thought I would check before emailing the bus company involved, in case I'm in the wrong.

I'm in a cycle lane (broken  lines) and the traffic ahead is building up as it often does. A bus passes me but maybe 10 feet ahead it has to slow right down. He then makes a very deliberate move to put his bus in the bike lane. There are no left turns and he wasn't pulling in to a stop or anything like that - just a long straight bit of road.

He then moves out and as I try to go past he moves back in again, this time making a gesture in his mirror. Eventually I have to go around him and the wrong side of the road to get past. He's not a happy chap.
 
I realise all the buses now have the stickers about not passing on the inside but wondered what the rule was if you're in a bike lane and have to go past a bus which has slowed down almost to a stop. Do you have to keep going around and back in every time?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on July 25, 2016, 11:03:26 AM
The highway code says:

Rule 140

Cycle lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You MUST NOT park in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply.


So he may cross a broken white line for a cycle lane,  but only if there is no alternative.

If he wasn't stopping at a bus stop or indicating left then I don't see why you should not pass him on the left in the cycle lane.

Maybe he's read the sticker on the back of his bus and thought it was law rather than just advice and wanted to demonstrate that to you, or maybe he's just a twat.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 25, 2016, 11:36:15 AM

As dominant as he's been at the tour again, I don't understand why he doesn't take that clear dominance to other stage races, Eddy Merckx he is not.

Peaking at exactly the right time as many Olympic athletes do?

Or maybe Eddy Merckx had better drugs?

Merckx had strong coffee and a Gaulioses. There's no doubt he has peaked for the TdF but Merckx was able to win the TdF the Giro & 4 1 day classics in a year (1972) these modern day cyclists just aren't as nails as they used to be!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 28, 2016, 07:36:42 PM
Is anyone in Brum tonight watching the road circuit racing?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 02, 2016, 08:49:25 AM
The whiney Columbian leads the Veulta by 54 seconds from Froome going into the last few days, should be an interesting finish with some big mountain stages to come.  If Quintana pushes harder on the pedals he might do OK.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: DaveD on September 02, 2016, 04:00:52 PM
30km time trial in there too, which suits Froome, so going to be very close I think...
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 05, 2016, 12:28:36 PM
Coming to Brum next year.......

http://road.cc/content/news/203573-birmingham-host-100-mile-closed-road-sportive-15000-riders
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on September 07, 2016, 01:11:22 PM
I see Rachel Atherton is doing well again. 5th overall World Cup win. She won every race this season.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 07, 2016, 01:35:28 PM
Every time I watch downhill MTB it just looks like they're on the edge of or just beyond the edge of control, blasting (falling) down a hill at top speed, fair play to anyone who does this because I couldn't do it.  I took up MTB to better my bike handling skills, which have improved greatly as a result but I still frequently end up on my arse or my face when attempting off road mad skillz like these nut jobs.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: RonBurgundy on September 07, 2016, 08:02:25 PM
Thinking of giving Zwift a go - anyone tried it? wondering whether to invest in a smart trainer or just use a classic trainer i got thats been gathering dust in the loft with a power meter.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 08, 2016, 02:55:11 PM
Team Sky bus nearly kills amateur cyclist!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/37309613
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 08, 2016, 06:52:52 PM
Team Sky bus nearly kills amateur cyclist!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/37309613

Situation vacant - bus driver for pro cycle team.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 09, 2016, 07:02:26 PM
If anyone watched the ToB highlights on ITV4 last night, please note that the editor completely fecked up the shots as the race passed through the Forest of Dean.

The leaders were shown going up St Whites Road in Cinderford and then tackling the climb to the King of the Mountains point at Speech House. In reality the riders did those things the other way round.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on September 15, 2016, 08:26:52 PM
Rachel Atherton won the World Championship as well with Danny Hart winning the men's event.

Atherton is the Downhill equivalent of Villa in the 1890s.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 07, 2016, 06:03:05 PM
Oh dear, it all seems to be unravelling for Team Sky, Brailsford, Wiggins et al.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/the-sound-of-silence-brailsford-sky-and-the-questions-still-to-be-answered/?utm_content=buffereedcd&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wiggins-and-team-sky-under-fresh-scrutiny-over-medical-package-delivery/?utm_content=buffer771bf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

And Tiernen Locke comes along and says Tramadol was freely available to team riders in another article.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on October 08, 2016, 07:53:35 AM
Tiernan-Locke may have a bit of an axe to grind after Sky chucked him out for blood doping mind.

I don't think Sky have done anything different to all the other teams, it's just their hypocritical whiter-than-white stance they took from the start that will grind the gears. Don't have a "no needles" policy for instance, then inject your leading riders with steroids, TUE or not.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on October 08, 2016, 11:55:53 AM
Sky haven't done anything different to all the other teams, they're all at it. Wiggins, Froome, Cavendish. The lot of them, they're all as dirty as the rest of them.

My sympathies are with the possible 5% of clean riders, who could have been stars but are nobodies left at the back of the pack because they don't partake in the arms race.

The British media by and large, as per usual, have been a joke reporting British Cycling over the last 7-8 years, have acted like a fan club and done no digging whatsoever or asking the tough questions that needed to be asked and then followed up on. British Cycling fans in general have had their fingers in their ears too ''blah blah I don't want to hear it, our boys are the best and one offs''

Froome the boy who couldn't do shit until 26, suddenly out of the blue becomes one of the greatest riders the world has ever seen. It doesn't sound believable and all the little sideshow stories to explain it away are about as believable as a giant of a rider like Indurain climbing as well as a mega doped up waif like Pantani.

The sport is ruined as a sport, it's a medical arms race based around who's prepared to take the most risks, has the better doctors and who responds the best to products. Farce of a sport.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on October 08, 2016, 12:56:03 PM
Sky haven't done anything different to all the other teams, they're all at it. Wiggins, Froome, Cavendish.

On what basis do you include Cavendish in that statement?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on October 08, 2016, 01:05:52 PM
Sky haven't done anything different to all the other teams, they're all at it. Wiggins, Froome, Cavendish.

On what basis do you include Cavendish in that statement?

What makes you think a rider could win 30+ stages in the worlds most prestigious race , in a dirty field, without either being the greatest rider ever to live or being fueled himself? He's also ridden for Sky, dodgy team, he will have been on the program too.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on October 08, 2016, 01:23:44 PM
Just to be clear though, I'm not saying Cavendish will have been on the kind of grotesque program the grand tour elites will have been on or the same as the doms but he will have been on something, to what degree compared to others? No one will ever know. That's why cycling is ruined. No one knows who does what, how much, how much it benefits them, what progression they gain from it more than others do. It's just a complete mess.

Is cycling cleaner than the 90's- mid 00's? I would say so, I don't know how much but there's at least a few things in place to limit blatant cases like ''Mr 58%'' Riis but it's only obvious that as the detection systems become more thorough the cheating becomes more clever and sophisticated.

I've spent 26 years watching pro cycling and I would say that for me it's become a case of seeing the believable become the unbelievable, like a form of WWF Wrestling, that I believed as a kid but see it as nothing more than an entertaining sideshow now.

It's not just Cycling with a big problem though, they're just the easier target.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on October 10, 2016, 12:03:46 PM
Just digging this up again.

When Sky were delivering their mysterious package to Sir Brad they initially used the excuse that they were actually sending a Dr to meet Emma Pooley. Unfortunately she was 600 miles away in a different race and it was quickly exposed as bullshit.

For the team of marginal gains, who leave no stone unturned, on numerous occasions they leave every stone unturned and seem ill prepared.

Hiring of doping Dr's.
Hiring of riders heavily linked to doping past.
Having one of the greatest cyclists of all time on the roster completely failing for years and no one knows why....
Excuses that are easily checkable that just don't wash.

Marginal gains? Sure, sure. Don't EVER forget to bring the pillows with you but checking Dr's histories when you are preaching to be the cleanest team ever, yeah don't bother with that.

The most finely tuned, detailed team in cycling history, when it suits.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 18, 2016, 02:04:41 PM
2017 TdF starts in Dusseldorf

Hopefully they'll start the race outside Kling Klang Studio



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/37688216

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 04, 2016, 01:38:13 PM
I won a place in the lottery for the Amstel Gold race in April next year 250km of hurt.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on November 06, 2016, 03:14:21 PM
Took up road cycling this year as my latest fitness fad. I've really enjoyed competing against myself on Strava. Managed to progress slowly to the point where I did a 100km ride last week in less than 4hours. I'm pretty lucky to live near the Chiltern Hills, so there is plenty of great countryside to cycle in around here.

Next step is to join a ride with my local club.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on November 20, 2016, 06:40:12 PM
Wiggins and Cav win Ghent Six Day.  Fantastic end to the final Madison to claim the overall win.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 21, 2016, 03:35:00 PM
Took up road cycling this year as my latest fitness fad. I've really enjoyed competing against myself on Strava. Managed to progress slowly to the point where I did a 100km ride last week in less than 4hours. I'm pretty lucky to live near the Chiltern Hills, so there is plenty of great countryside to cycle in around here.

Next step is to join a ride with my local club.

100km in under 4 hours is good going in the Chilterns, how much climbing in that 100k?  A good benchmark for a club middle of the pack rider is 20 metres climb per mile over any distance and averaging over 16mph so you're not doing too badly at all.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on November 21, 2016, 06:38:12 PM
Took up road cycling this year as my latest fitness fad. I've really enjoyed competing against myself on Strava. Managed to progress slowly to the point where I did a 100km ride last week in less than 4hours. I'm pretty lucky to live near the Chiltern Hills, so there is plenty of great countryside to cycle in around here.

Next step is to join a ride with my local club.

100km in under 4 hours is good going in the Chilterns, how much climbing in that 100k?  A good benchmark for a club middle of the pack rider is 20 metres climb per mile over any distance and averaging over 16mph so you're not doing too badly at all.

Thanks Jon. I'm a bit short on climbing in that respect. Just 520m of climbing in that 100km, there were plenty of hills that I dodged! I'm an old bloke and I don't have any illusions of keeping up with the local racing snakes.

My longer term goal is to ride from Leighton Buzzard to my inlaws house in Rowley Regis...problem is that they live at the top of Turners Hill (the highest point in the West Midlands), so it will be a summit finish to an 80 mile ride. I'll probably give it a go in Summer next year.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on December 08, 2016, 12:26:00 PM
I thought this already was the rule...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38248488

And I can't actually believe the RHA are attempting to completely absolve their members from their responsibility to not kill cyclists.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 08, 2016, 01:23:12 PM
I started working in London proper in October 2009. In my first week I witnessed a cyclist get killed on The Embankment right in front of me as I walked toward Temple, pretty much every single day I see accidents, near misses and equally appalling standards of driving & riding happening in the City from lorries, cars, taxis and commuters on bikes.

Yes there are twattish drivers out there, some who go looking for a fight so to speak, some who I'd go as far as saying use their vehicles as weapons and yes there are twattish cyclists as well who seem to deliberately put themselves in positions knowing full well they will draw a reaction and then of course there are the unfortunate innocents who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Once, about 4 years ago I rented a Boris bike and rode from Old Bailey to Covent Garden and I've never done it since because quite honestly I don't want to die on a shit bike under a lorry turning left.  In my mind the cost savings and health benefits are far outweighed by the stress, aggravation and threat of cycling to and from work I'm afraid, good luck if you do it but I'd rather save my riding for the wilds of Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire & Oxfordshire thanks. We still get twats out there, in fact on Sunday I almost got wiped out by a Parcelforce van who pulled straight out in front of me without looking.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Simon Page on December 08, 2016, 01:43:28 PM
I thought this already was the rule...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38248488

When cycling, if I'm going straight on at a junction I don't put myself on the inside of a car . It does piss me off, at any time, when a driver doesn't indicate their intention, but I assume they could be going left and don't put myself in harms way. I'd rather do that than be lying broken in the road knowing I was in the right.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on December 08, 2016, 01:45:56 PM
Twats exist.  Nothing we do will change that.  But a twat in a truck can quite easily kill a cyclist.  A twat on a bike is less dangerous so they need more protection to even the playing field.

Like it says in the BBC article, it's about time people thought of cyclists as people rather than as obstacles.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Simon Page on December 08, 2016, 01:58:07 PM
Don't get me wrong, I don't advocate mowing down cyclists - well, not all of them - even when I'm not on the bike. I just don't think we need a different set of rules to other road users. I'm well aware of my vulnerabilities on a bike and take what measures I can to minimise them.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on December 09, 2016, 08:27:31 AM
I started working in London proper in October 2009. In my first week I witnessed a cyclist get killed on The Embankment right in front of me as I walked toward Temple, pretty much every single day I see accidents, near misses and equally appalling standards of driving & riding happening in the City from lorries, cars, taxis and commuters on bikes.

Yes there are twattish drivers out there, some who go looking for a fight so to speak, some who I'd go as far as saying use their vehicles as weapons and yes there are twattish cyclists as well who seem to deliberately put themselves in positions knowing full well they will draw a reaction and then of course there are the unfortunate innocents who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Once, about 4 years ago I rented a Boris bike and rode from Old Bailey to Covent Garden and I've never done it since because quite honestly I don't want to die on a shit bike under a lorry turning left.  In my mind the cost savings and health benefits are far outweighed by the stress, aggravation and threat of cycling to and from work I'm afraid, good luck if you do it but I'd rather save my riding for the wilds of Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire & Oxfordshire thanks. We still get twats out there, in fact on Sunday I almost got wiped out by a Parcelforce van who pulled straight out in front of me without looking.

Add in copious amounts of roadworks (adding more frustration to drivers) and it sounds like over here and why i gave up riding to work.   
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: peter w on December 10, 2016, 10:15:45 AM
Sorry to intrude on a different point but the Boris bike thing always never fails to wind me up. They were actually a Ken Livingstone idea.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 10, 2017, 01:02:52 PM
Yesterday was a fucking nightmare in London due to the tube strike, made doubly so by the twats on Boris bikes who thought it was OK to cycle on the pavement down The Strand at 5:30 in the afternoon with packet pavements and queues for buses clogging the pavements.  It very nearly came to blows with a few of them, angry pedestrians confronting them about riding on the pavement, the excuse being well the road is gridlock and you cant get anywhere on a bike with it like that so I thought I'd cycle on the pavement.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on January 10, 2017, 01:05:34 PM
It was murder in Watopia this morning too!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ACVilla on January 24, 2017, 08:35:44 PM
When someone with the stature of Nicole Cooke speaks out then people should sit up and take interest. Team Sky's zero tolerance policy is becoming somewhat of a joke and yet again harms the sport:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/38728410
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 24, 2017, 03:46:49 PM
Lying Lance goes to trial in Washington on 6 November accused of fraud and doping whilst riding for the US publicly funded US Postal Service race team. Good luck staying out of prison on that one Lance.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ger Regan on March 01, 2017, 07:24:12 PM
From what I gathered from reports of a select committee hearing today, sky's story is absolutely full of holes. It stinks to high heaven.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 02, 2017, 08:55:54 AM
From what I gathered from reports of a select committee hearing today, sky's story is absolutely full of holes. It stinks to high heaven.

Not just Sky & Brailsford but British Cycling too.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Scratchins on March 02, 2017, 09:24:50 AM
Birmingham Council has proposed cycle revolution plans available for consultation.
I have looked at the City Centre to Selly Oak plan as this would affect me daily. There is also one for City Centre to Perry Barr.
I am in favour of safer segregation of cycles and vehicles but it contains such gems as at the Bristol Road/Priory Road junction closing access for vehicles from Selly Oak into Priory Road in either direction and no right turn into Priory Road from the direction of town. This affects access to the cricket, Mosely etc. in one direction and Edgbaston Old Church,Priory Hospital, tennis and golf etc. in the other. It also suggests that the surrounding residential areas would become busy routes.
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50016/sustainable_travel/564/birmingham_cycle_revolution
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on March 02, 2017, 12:16:45 PM
From what I gathered from reports of a select committee hearing today, sky's story is absolutely full of holes. It stinks to high heaven.

Not just Sky & Brailsford but British Cycling too.

The doctor is on his way towards being struck off as well
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ger Regan on March 02, 2017, 01:27:26 PM
He was too sick to even Skype in, wasn't he? Poor lamb, hope he's ok. With that and losing the only laptop with wiggins' medical records on it, he's having a fierce run of bad luck.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ACVilla on March 07, 2017, 09:10:35 PM
I see "Team Sky" have released another statement hanging out Dr Freeman to dry, a few hours after a load of riders tweeted their support of Brailsford.

Convenient.

It stinks to high heaven.

I hope they implode and absolve.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 01, 2017, 05:01:55 PM
Did Tour of Flanders this morning, tough old course, The Paterberg is a beast, short steep and nasty, Koppenberg is evil personified as is Valkenberg. Great fun can't wait to see the pros smash it tomorrow.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 02, 2017, 08:24:19 PM
Amazing day in Flanders, climbs, cobbles and beer.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on April 12, 2017, 11:27:45 AM
 Cav's not well (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/39578254?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_sport&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=sport)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on April 12, 2017, 01:45:18 PM
Cav's not well (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/39578254?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_sport&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=sport)

Shame, the TdeF must be a doubt now.  Wonder if it is a consequence of his very long and hard 2016 season?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: eric woolban woolban on April 15, 2017, 09:41:42 PM
Well with the weather improving it's time I got out on the bike a bit more. Had a nice leisurely ride on the canal from Great Barr to just past Minworth.  Hardly any road involved. Looking to go onto Bodymoor Heath next which gives me a 25 mile round trip.

Should this thread be separated into leisurely riding and the Tour de France etc.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on April 26, 2017, 02:59:32 PM
Tour de Yorkshire this weekend. Looking forward to it as it appears to be a very tough course!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 26, 2017, 08:52:04 PM
Tour de Yorkshire this weekend. Looking forward to it as it appears to be a very tough course!

Couple of mates have gone up for the weekend, they rode Buttertubs today, a cheeky little ramp.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 28, 2017, 08:43:43 PM
I went along this evening to the fan park in Harrogate, fair to say that Tour De Yorkshire fever hasn't hit the town.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 29, 2017, 06:08:07 PM
Watched a bit of the cycling today and heard Gary Verity claim there were more people watching in Harrogate than for when Le Tour was here, which is the biggest load of bollocks i've heard since I heard the latest Kasabian single.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 30, 2017, 05:04:49 PM
Watched a bit of the cycling today and heard Gary Verity claim there were more people watching in Harrogate than for when Le Tour was here, which is the biggest load of bollocks i've heard since I heard the latest Kasabian single.

The TV coverage clearly shows that wan't the case as well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on May 01, 2017, 12:36:49 PM
When Le Tour was here it was the first time the town has been exciting, it was absolutely rammed with thousands of people from all over, no hotel rooms to be had, all restaurants and bars full and loads of campsites to deal with the visitors. It was pretty much just locals and and cycling enthusiasts this time and very little evidence it was going on unless you went into the town centre.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on May 01, 2017, 01:58:39 PM
It's not called "a load of old bollocks" these days, they're called "alternative facts".
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 03, 2017, 10:33:08 AM
I think Diane Abbott was involved in estimating the spectator numbers.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 05, 2017, 08:51:30 AM
First Grand Tour starts today in Sardinia as the Giro sets off.

Would be great for Thomas to win, but I wonder if he has the experience to lead the team.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on May 05, 2017, 09:20:19 AM
I see that two Giro riders have been banned just before the start

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/39813546
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aev on May 08, 2017, 08:17:15 AM
I watched "Slaying the Badger" last night.

The Badger certainly seems a pretty tricky character, and I didn't realise that Bernard Tapie was involved in it all.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 10, 2017, 08:45:55 AM
G second after Stage 4, Nibali looks ominous.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 14, 2017, 06:47:47 PM
Fucks sake, when will the UCI do something about the standard of driving and riding by umpires and police at events?  What the fuck was that police rider doing? G's chances pretty much evaporate thanks to PC Twat.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on May 15, 2017, 01:22:28 PM
Fucks sake, when will the UCI do something about the standard of driving and riding by umpires and police at events?  What the fuck was that police rider doing? G's chances pretty much evaporate thanks to PC Twat.

I was thinking exactly the same.  How many times does it have to happen before the UCI do something about it?

That said, I can imagine the local gendarme's response to a cycling club telling them to train their motorcycle cops better.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on May 15, 2017, 02:36:49 PM
You'd hope Sky will get into breaks now & chase stages.

Was pretty brutal the reaction to the crash yesterday by Movistar & co....can imagine the whooping when they realised Yates, most of Sky & Kelderman as one of Dumoulin's chief allies were down.

Wonder if Thomas, Landa & Yates might get pulled out now to be options for TdF also?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on May 19, 2017, 09:06:43 AM
Thomas pulls out

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/39972898
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on May 27, 2017, 10:51:41 PM
Hopefully Dumoulin will have enough left in the tank to pull back the defecit on Quintana tomorrow in the Giro TT.  Deserves the win.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 12, 2017, 04:46:11 PM
Jakob Fuglsand wins the Dauphine.

Froome says he wants to leave Sky to distance himself from the uncertainty and the cloud hanging over the team and allegedly approaches BMC, then a week later says he'll sign a 2 year extension with Sky.

It's 19 days until the start of Le Tour.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on June 13, 2017, 09:28:02 PM
Quite excited about Le Tour. This is the first year I'll have the slightest clue what the hell is going on!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on June 14, 2017, 01:17:35 PM
Stage 7 of the Tour of Britain will finish here in 'Nam. However, it's on a Saturday so it's unlikely that I'll be in town

http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-seven/
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 07, 2017, 11:37:56 AM
Short BBC article on Philippa York / Robert Millar

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/40529614

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: paul_e on September 19, 2017, 04:54:40 PM
If anyone has missed it the UCI world championships are on in Bergen this week, the mens time trial tomorrow includes a final stretch (about 3.4km) up mount floyen which is pretty much a 9-10% incline all the way.  I've walked that route up and down a few times and it's not an easy way to finish.  Add the wind and rain (which is inevitable) and they're really challenging courses they've put together.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: paul_e on September 20, 2017, 02:32:58 PM
If anyone has missed it the UCI world championships are on in Bergen this week, the mens time trial tomorrow includes a final stretch (about 3.4km) up mount floyen which is pretty much a 9-10% incline all the way.  I've walked that route up and down a few times and it's not an easy way to finish.  Add the wind and rain (which is inevitable) and they're really challenging courses they've put together.

Quoting myself but the climb is proving to be just as big a deal as I expected, there's been a few that look ready to collapse at the line.  If anyone is watching I promise that it's steeper than it looks once you get into the trees.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on September 21, 2017, 12:09:28 PM
Weren't a couple of the specialist time-triallers a bit unhappy about it?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: paul_e on September 21, 2017, 12:29:46 PM
Weren't a couple of the specialist time-triallers a bit unhappy about it?

Yep but it made for a brilliant race, Dumoulin was a level above everyone else but other than that there was some brilliant shifting about of places between the final time check at the bottom and the finishing positions because it added some great tactical decisions about changing bikes and how much to save for the climb.

The commentators on the BBC were all for it and thought it was a great change, most of the complaints were that the women didn't get a chance to do the same course.

When the rain came as the last group were coming out I thought it might have an impact but it wasn't all that heavy, Bergen can have some horrific storms at this time of year and some of the roads they were using would've turned into 3-4 inch deep rivers very quickly in that case.  because it's so rocky very little water gets soaked up, the road that goes under the hospital and into the centre (about 3/4s round the circuit) can be particularly bad.  This was more of a risk for the team event though because Bones is one of the worst places for heavy flooding, I've seen the road they used round there with water well over a foot deep (but that's normally March April because of the snowmelt).
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 21, 2017, 12:37:49 PM
Tremendous ride by Dumoulin but hats off to Froome. Dumoulin had targeted this from the start of the season and it will be interesting to see if he takes Froome on in 2018's Tour de France.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 21, 2017, 05:39:49 PM
Tremendous ride by Dumoulin but hats off to Froome. Dumoulin had targeted this from the start of the season and it will be interesting to see if he takes Froome on in 2018's Tour de France.

He nearly caught Froome up that climb - shows how incredible his ride was.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Scratchins on September 25, 2017, 11:11:22 AM
I am still angry about the organisation of Velo Birmingham . Some of my family live within the closed circle of roads. They had no notice of the extent of the closures and how difficult it would be to get out of the ‘ring of steel’ I had a family bbq near to Cannon Hill Park, it took the first 3 relatives an hour and a half to get from Quinton, the 3 children and their mom didn’t manage to get here as it proved impossible to get into Quinton to pick them up. They had to order a take away which took 2 hours as the suppliers had the same problem. There were no stewards along the route to advise drivers, it involved trying a road then turning back at the closed sign.
I learned this morning that Lodge Hill Cemetery was completely inaccessible as it was surrounded by closed roads.
I now see that “People have got to expect that roads are not just going to be about cars. It’s about sharing that space.”(Councillor Ward)  This wasn’t sharing space, it was denying car drivers the use of roads that they have paid to use. Are cyclists now going to pay to share the space?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 25, 2017, 12:57:18 PM
I am still angry about the organisation of Velo Birmingham . Some of my family live within the closed circle of roads. They had no notice of the extent of the closures and how difficult it would be to get out of the ‘ring of steel’ I had a family bbq near to Cannon Hill Park, it took the first 3 relatives an hour and a half to get from Quinton, the 3 children and their mom didn’t manage to get here as it proved impossible to get into Quinton to pick them up. They had to order a take away which took 2 hours as the suppliers had the same problem. There were no stewards along the route to advise drivers, it involved trying a road then turning back at the closed sign.
I learned this morning that Lodge Hill Cemetery was completely inaccessible as it was surrounded by closed roads.
I now see that “People have got to expect that roads are not just going to be about cars. It’s about sharing that space.”(Councillor Ward)  This wasn’t sharing space, it was denying car drivers the use of roads that they have paid to use. Are cyclists now going to pay to share the space?

Here we go again.  What do you think funds the roads?

Anyway, it was one day, a Sunday, in September.  Whilst I'm sure there'll be lessons learnt about pre-event communication to say people had no notice of something with the profile of the Velo is an absolute nonsense, unless you don't own a TV, listen to the radio, or use the internet.

London manage to cope with the Ride London (equivalent event) and London Marathon.  Newcastle cope with the Great North Run.  Manchester copes with their marathon and there doesn't seem to be anywhere near as much fuss made of the Birmingham half-marathon.  Also, judging by the size of the crowds along the route it seems that the vast majority of people were extremely positive about it, giving up their own time to cheer random strangers on and get to know their neighbours.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: RonBurgundy on September 25, 2017, 06:42:59 PM
I am still angry about the organisation of Velo Birmingham . Some of my family live within the closed circle of roads. They had no notice of the extent of the closures and how difficult it would be to get out of the ‘ring of steel’ I had a family bbq near to Cannon Hill Park, it took the first 3 relatives an hour and a half to get from Quinton, the 3 children and their mom didn’t manage to get here as it proved impossible to get into Quinton to pick them up. They had to order a take away which took 2 hours as the suppliers had the same problem. There were no stewards along the route to advise drivers, it involved trying a road then turning back at the closed sign.
I learned this morning that Lodge Hill Cemetery was completely inaccessible as it was surrounded by closed roads.
I now see that “People have got to expect that roads are not just going to be about cars. It’s about sharing that space.”(Councillor Ward)  This wasn’t sharing space, it was denying car drivers the use of roads that they have paid to use. Are cyclists now going to pay to share the space?

Here we go again.  What do you think funds the roads?

Anyway, it was one day, a Sunday, in September.  Whilst I'm sure there'll be lessons learnt about pre-event communication to say people had no notice of something with the profile of the Velo is an absolute nonsense, unless you don't own a TV, listen to the radio, or use the internet.

London manage to cope with the Ride London (equivalent event) and London Marathon.  Newcastle cope with the Great North Run.  Manchester copes with their marathon and there doesn't seem to be anywhere near as much fuss made of the Birmingham half-marathon.  Also, judging by the size of the crowds along the route it seems that the vast majority of people were extremely positive about it, giving up their own time to cheer random strangers on and get to know their neighbours.

So i did the Velo yesterday - in the lead up i'd read a lot about angry residents and local businesses and was wondering what kind of reception we'd get. Apart from one anti poster the reception on the roads was fantastic - felt like the whole of Bewdley had come out to support in particular. There were lots of people with chairs outside their houses enjoying themselves - even saw a few with bottles of champagne out drinking enjoying the atmosphere.
I did hear when i finished that someone had thrown nails and sharp things across the road, but on the whole i thought it was well received by those on route.

I do appreciate that this inconvenienced a lot of people and whilst maybe Birmingham can point to the economic benefits its a tougher sell for outlying areas where residents and small business were impacted.
That said, if my road was closed for some event on a Sunday i'd like to think i'd be ok with it - the point above about how other cities manage and embrace these kind of things is a good one.

Hopefully for next year lessons will have been learned for how to engage with local communities impacted that can avoid some of the ill feeling.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: luke95 on September 25, 2017, 06:50:07 PM
I am still angry about the organisation of Velo Birmingham . Some of my family live within the closed circle of roads. They had no notice of the extent of the closures and how difficult it would be to get out of the ‘ring of steel’ I had a family bbq near to Cannon Hill Park, it took the first 3 relatives an hour and a half to get from Quinton, the 3 children and their mom didn’t manage to get here as it proved impossible to get into Quinton to pick them up. They had to order a take away which took 2 hours as the suppliers had the same problem. There were no stewards along the route to advise drivers, it involved trying a road then turning back at the closed sign.
I learned this morning that Lodge Hill Cemetery was completely inaccessible as it was surrounded by closed roads.
I now see that “People have got to expect that roads are not just going to be about cars. It’s about sharing that space.”(Councillor Ward)  This wasn’t sharing space, it was denying car drivers the use of roads that they have paid to use. Are cyclists now going to pay to share the space?

Lodge Hill cemetery was open & all 3 gates were accessible with no road closeures within 3/4-a mile away .
In fact the buses that usually do Bartley Green to town were diverted around Weoley Castle/Lodge Hill
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Scratchins on September 26, 2017, 09:22:12 AM
It is a shame that the organisation has caused controversy over what was an enjoyable experience for a lot of people. I don’t know why the man at Lodge Hill yesterday said that he had to return as he couldn’t gain access on Sunday.
Of course people knew that the event was taking place but were not aware of the extent of disruption and that they would be trapped inside the road closures. When Cannon Hill Park or the cricket ground have major events we have information posted through the door detailing times, closures etc. To my certain knowledge this did not happen in Quinton.
What was just a Sunday in September for some was a birthday celebration, anniversary of a death or other significant event for others.
My councillor has replied “I am as livid as you and have already started asking questions about how and when they publicised the road closures – I think they have a statutory duty to advertise them and if they did, they certainly didn't consult with the Cllrs. I am complaining!” 
Something went wrong and hopefully will be corrected in future.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 26, 2017, 12:12:16 PM
This news article from the middle of August quotes a South Staffs councillor saying that all affected businesses and residents had already been told at that point.  There's also a quote from a local business saying that residents had received letters.

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/staffordshire/south-staffordshire/2017/08/19/bike-ride-will-cost-us-thousands-say-traders-/

I think the phrase is "You can't please all of the people all of the time" but on balance I think the Velo was an overwhelming success and I hope it becomes a regular thing.  It's the sort of thing Greater Birmingham should be doing if we want to be seen as a truly global city.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 26, 2017, 01:33:40 PM
Still at least nobody has mentioned the fact cyclists don't pay road tax eh?





Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 26, 2017, 03:15:45 PM
Still at least nobody has mentioned the fact cyclists don't pay road tax eh?

Are cyclists now going to pay to share the space?

Not sure if this was deliberately tongue in cheek - if so, sorry!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 26, 2017, 06:11:28 PM
Still at least nobody has mentioned the fact cyclists don't pay road tax eh?

Are cyclists now going to pay to share the space?

Not sure if this was deliberately tongue in cheek - if so, sorry!


Apology accepted ;)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on October 30, 2017, 05:56:45 PM
Watched day 6 of the London 6 Day, great entertainment even if it can get a tad confusing at times.  Good performance by Cavendish and Kennaugh to finish second particularly as it was Kennaugh's first 6 Day.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aev on December 13, 2017, 07:22:10 AM
Froome. Hmmmm.....
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 13, 2017, 08:30:26 AM
No surprise really, it was always just a matter of time.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on December 13, 2017, 10:56:28 PM
The mans back story is and always was a joke.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 14, 2017, 02:11:18 PM
Indeed, I've always had my doubts and always wanted it not to be true but this is just daft.

Salbutamol is literally kids stuff, its in every fat schoolkids inhaler but the levels he's been tested with simply cannot be inhaled, it is not a performance enhancer more a performance enabler and even in liquid form it's been proven to not be beneficial and to cause palpitations. Something not right here.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aev on December 14, 2017, 03:04:44 PM
Indeed, I've always had my doubts and always wanted it not to be true but this is just daft.

Salbutamol is literally kids stuff, its in every fat schoolkids inhaler but the levels he's been tested with simply cannot be inhaled, it is not a performance enhancer more a performance enabler and even in liquid form it's been proven to not be beneficial and to cause palpitations. Something not right here.

I read to today though that the levels equate to 8 puffs in 12 hours? If that is true that is hardly excessive?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 14, 2017, 03:16:59 PM
Indeed, I've always had my doubts and always wanted it not to be true but this is just daft.

Salbutamol is literally kids stuff, its in every fat schoolkids inhaler but the levels he's been tested with simply cannot be inhaled, it is not a performance enhancer more a performance enabler and even in liquid form it's been proven to not be beneficial and to cause palpitations. Something not right here.

I read to today though that the levels equate to 8 puffs in 12 hours? If that is true that is hardly excessive?

Well according to the rules that is excessive, 1600 micro grams per 24 hours or half that in a 12 hour period, thems the rules. Froome didn't break the limit by 1 or 2% he broke it by 100%.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 15, 2017, 11:35:37 AM
Cath Wiggins had a bit of an outburst on Twitter calling Froome 'a slithering reptile'

Fair play I say.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on December 15, 2017, 12:16:39 PM
I read to today though that the levels equate to 8 puffs in 12 hours?

I'm bursting like Finbarr Saunders here
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aev on December 16, 2017, 08:26:17 AM
Indeed, I've always had my doubts and always wanted it not to be true but this is just daft.

Salbutamol is literally kids stuff, its in every fat schoolkids inhaler but the levels he's been tested with simply cannot be inhaled, it is not a performance enhancer more a performance enabler and even in liquid form it's been proven to not be beneficial and to cause palpitations. Something not right here.

I read to today though that the levels equate to 8 puffs in 12 hours? If that is true that is hardly excessive?

Well according to the rules that is excessive, 1600 micro grams per 24 hours or half that in a 12 hour period, thems the rules. Froome didn't break the limit by 1 or 2% he broke it by 100%.

Excessive for sure in terms of what is permitted, but I would say perfectly possible in terms of puffs per 12 hours.

The stupidity is the stupidity of it all.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 17, 2017, 12:48:52 PM
Indeed, I've always had my doubts and always wanted it not to be true but this is just daft.

Salbutamol is literally kids stuff, its in every fat schoolkids inhaler but the levels he's been tested with simply cannot be inhaled, it is not a performance enhancer more a performance enabler and even in liquid form it's been proven to not be beneficial and to cause palpitations. Something not right here.

I read to today though that the levels equate to 8 puffs in 12 hours? If that is true that is hardly excessive?

Well according to the rules that is excessive, 1600 micro grams per 24 hours or half that in a 12 hour period, thems the rules. Froome didn't break the limit by 1 or 2% he broke it by 100%.

Excessive for sure in terms of what is permitted, but I would say perfectly possible in terms of puffs per 12 hours.

The stupidity is the stupidity of it all.

Salbutamol is classed as a masking agent by WADA, so ask yourself why you'd need that much and was it even in vaporised form or was it taken in liquid form?

This stinks.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on December 17, 2017, 01:09:46 PM
In more positive news, I pass Steve Abrahams most days on my way to and from work.

http://oneyeartimetrial.org.uk

He’s trying the break the record for the longest distance cycled in a year. Despite snow, ice, health problems and being knocked off his bike and ending up in hospital, he’s still going to hit 1000 Miles this week.

Apparently when the paramedics scraped him off the road and put him in the ambulance, they were worried about his heart rate being 37bpm...he just told them that was normal for him.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 05, 2018, 04:59:35 PM
Unfortunately It will have to be a superhuman effort between now and the end of March to get the mens record. Which is shame as he is the only one to do it on a normal bike constantly and continuously on public roads rather then the same park for 16 hours a day or ultra flat country. I'm not denigrating the achievements of the last two holders as they still performed an incredible feat, it is just that this is the closest it has come to a pure attempt like Godwin without massive assistance.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on January 10, 2018, 08:30:01 AM
Unfortunately It will have to be a superhuman effort between now and the end of March to get the mens record. Which is shame as he is the only one to do it on a normal bike constantly and continuously on public roads rather then the same park for 16 hours a day or ultra flat country. I'm not denigrating the achievements of the last two holders as they still performed an incredible feat, it is just that this is the closest it has come to a pure attempt like Godwin without massive assistance.

Yes, he is pretty much solo the whole time. Doing it in the UK has obvious problems for much of the year. Snow, ice, wind, rain, he cycles through it all. Much less to contend with in other climates. The road I usually see him on is a main single carriageway A road (A505). Lorries and cars thundering past at 60 mph all day. It’s nuts really, he could have chosen a much easier route!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 11, 2018, 08:22:09 AM
As much as I love riding a bike (and I've seriously looked into doing the RAAM (Ride Across America)) the thought of cycling day after day on UK roads, in UK weather & with UK road users leaves me absolutely cold. What's doubly impressive about this seemingly now failed attempt is the elevation gain which puts pro riders to shame!

Hopefully when he's done he'll add some stats like number of punctures, chains, cassettes & other consumables he went through during the course of the year.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on March 05, 2018, 10:44:00 AM
Cath Wiggins had a bit of an outburst on Twitter calling Froome 'a slithering reptile'

Fair play I say.

She had much to say on Twitter today?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: usav on March 05, 2018, 01:23:29 PM
This is all very disheartening. 

I wanted to believe two of the greatest athletes the UK has produced were genuine winners, now it's almost impossible to tell what is genuine medicine (asthma) from performance helping, but legal (Wiggins). 

What are we talking here, stripping knighthoods?  What about his gold medal form the Olympics, is that under scrutiny as well?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: paul_e on March 05, 2018, 03:56:32 PM
This is all very disheartening. 

I wanted to believe two of the greatest athletes the UK has produced were genuine winners, now it's almost impossible to tell what is genuine medicine (asthma) from performance helping, but legal (Wiggins). 

What are we talking here, stripping knighthoods?  What about his gold medal form the Olympics, is that under scrutiny as well?

For me the whole thing is a bit of a non-story, he took a steroid, with approval from UKAD and WADA, some people believe it was for performance benefits, he denies it.  Another rumour suggests he may have taken a banned substance after he'd finished a race. Even the wording from UKAD on that one is backwards "Ukad brought no charges after concluding its investigation in November 2017 but said it had been "unable" to prove the package contained fluimucil" surely what they were supposed to be doing was proving it contained something illegal, which they couldn't find any evidence for.

Whether you like him not, whether you think there's something more to this or not, there's not really much going on, certainly not enough for it to be the massive story it's presented as.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on March 05, 2018, 04:10:05 PM
I think the whole thing stinks to high heaven and I speak as someone who used to really like Wiggins.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on March 05, 2018, 05:15:51 PM
I’m a little conflicted on this in the same way that I am with Farah, it seems certain media outlets are determined to paint the likes of Wiggins & Farah as cheats yet wont actually either come out and say it or prove it....just create the smoke.

It’s quite clear in Brailsford’s case that he eulogised at the start of Team Sky that everything would be done transparently and ethically so he is on shaky ground regarding the governance and the mystery ‘jiffy’ contents and you wonder if he had stood aside at the start that some of this would have gone away. 

Would Shane Sutton have an axe to grind if he felt the authorities threw him under the bus regarding the bullying allegations? Not sure if that doesn’t compromise his claims a little?

When is a rule a rule? In the case of Wiggins he didn’t break any rules and the TUE was approved by the relevant authority - whether this was in the spirit of the rule is open to conjecture, make the rule tighter and take out the interpretation.  If he actually ‘doped’ then surely parliamentary privilege was the time to say it categorically.

Can’t help but think Wiggins is a cheat is a much juicier headline than the governance in British Cycling is a bit iffy....

If Wiggins, Farah or even Froome have broken the rules and gone from grey area to illegal then by all means throw the book at them like with Armstrong....but until then I prefer not to denigrate their achievements.

If you are Anthony Joshua it might be an idea to lose the next fight....doesn’t pay to be too successful #buildemup......
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on March 05, 2018, 05:16:17 PM
Without wishing to sound like Jim White, I understand the allegations about treatments being used to improve performance rather than help cure a condition were made by Shane Sutton.  He has already been shown to be a tad economical with the truth in the bullying enquiry and could possibly now have an axe to grind with Sky and British Cycling. 
None of that excuses Brailsford's arrogance with any of this.

Edit: Just seen Gareth's post.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 05, 2018, 05:40:56 PM
As the old but wise saying goes, 'never trust a Mod'.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 05, 2018, 06:18:30 PM
Cath Wiggins had a bit of an outburst on Twitter calling Froome 'a slithering reptile'

Fair play I say.

She had much to say on Twitter today?

It appears she’s on mute. Jolly naughty Wiggins has tweeted along the lines of I will put my case forward very soon.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on March 05, 2018, 06:24:07 PM
Yep, there's more than a hint of guilty until proven innocent here.

It could be interesting though - if Wiggo and Sky are adamant they've done nothing wrong presumably they could sue the Government for defamation?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Richard E on March 05, 2018, 06:33:13 PM
Yep, there's more than a hint of guilty until proven innocent here.

It could be interesting though - if Wiggo and Sky are adamant they've done nothing wrong presumably they could sue the Government for defamation?

No. The report is covered by Parliamentary privilege.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on March 05, 2018, 06:34:37 PM
Yep, there's more than a hint of guilty until proven innocent here.

It could be interesting though - if Wiggo and Sky are adamant they've done nothing wrong presumably they could sue the Government for defamation?

No. The report is covered by Parliamentary privilege.

Well it sounds even more like a hatchet job then.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Simon Page on March 06, 2018, 01:21:43 AM
I agree they are all innocent until proven guilty. Makes no difference they are sports people yet detractors seem to think it's okay to fling accusations in a way they wouldn't with serious crimes. What winds me up about cycling in particular, but many other sports as well, is the secrecy. Training methods, equipment and the like is fine to keep under wraps, but medication? If I was a cyclist I'd want to make sure there was no doubt the authorities and the public knew everything I took, if for no other reason than I wouldn't want to be arsed with constantly defending myself.

If you're winning the Tour de France, you know people will be queuing up to call you a drugs cheat, yet still - even after Armstrong - cycling closes ranks rather than just be open in real time. It's no wonder they are constantly retrospectively defending themselves. It also doesn't help that it's a sport with way more than it's fair share of self-important types who've perfected a sneering dismissal of everyone else. What will it take for them to do the sensible thing and be open?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on March 06, 2018, 06:04:10 AM
But like you've says in your second sentence people are always looking to accuse so whether someone had a TUE or not if they start announcing every little treatment they take people will be queuing up to accuse them of cheating. I can understand why the sport doesn't want that.  There's a lack of trust on both sides.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on March 06, 2018, 09:13:47 AM
Miraculous transformation isn't legit, who would have guessed?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Simon Page on March 06, 2018, 07:20:16 PM
But like you've says in your second sentence people are always looking to accuse so whether someone had a TUE or not if they start announcing every little treatment they take people will be queuing up to accuse them of cheating. I can understand why the sport doesn't want that.  There's a lack of trust on both sides.

There's a difference between an accusation born out of opaqueness and people flinging dirt without cause. I'm sure if the TUEs and jiffy contents were independently recorded in advance people would still moan, but you can ignore baseless accusations which would come from 'Grassy Knoll' individuals rather than the shouty voice of the media. It's the retrospective defence that's the hardest and most suspicious. Like I say, you'd think cycling would be really keen to be completely transparent given the accusations and proven crimes that dog the sport. The secrecy isn't proof of guilt of course, it could just be the sport is top heavy with arrogance.

Is Froome's case still being investigated or was it resolved?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: paul_e on March 06, 2018, 08:42:20 PM
TUE's are independently recorded in advance by their nature because they have to be requested and approved before treatment starts.  There's nothing to suggest they didn't follow the process to the letter and all of the complaints are about the motivation behind using them.  As far as I'm concerned questioning someones ethics/morals where they've followed the rules perfectly and have medical evidence of the condition that's being treated is shit-flinging.

The jiffy bag thing is slightly more of a story but again, what's the motivation behind taking a performance enhancing substance after finishing the final stage of an event?  If they'd waited unti lmidnight and submitted a TUE they'd have been able to give it to him within the rules so why would you bother to 'cheat' in those circumstances?  I may be wrong but given the situation I'm more inclined to believe the defence that it was a different substance that wasn't subject to any ban and therefore didn't need to be declared.

My real issue with this is the parliamentary privilege was used to call him a cheat based on almost nothing but hearsay and that will stick regardless of anything he says or does now.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 06, 2018, 09:30:17 PM
But like you've says in your second sentence people are always looking to accuse so whether someone had a TUE or not if they start announcing every little treatment they take people will be queuing up to accuse them of cheating. I can understand why the sport doesn't want that.  There's a lack of trust on both sides.

There's a difference between an accusation born out of opaqueness and people flinging dirt without cause. I'm sure if the TUEs and jiffy contents were independently recorded in advance people would still moan, but you can ignore baseless accusations which would come from 'Grassy Knoll' individuals rather than the shouty voice of the media. It's the retrospective defence that's the hardest and most suspicious. Like I say, you'd think cycling would be really keen to be completely transparent given the accusations and proven crimes that dog the sport. The secrecy isn't proof of guilt of course, it could just be the sport is top heavy with arrogance.

Is Froome's case still being investigated or was it resolved?

Froome’s case is ongoing, there’s also strong rumours Team Sky as we know it won’t make it to the start of the TdF.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 13, 2018, 09:20:35 PM
In more positive news, I pass Steve Abrahams most days on my way to and from work.

http://oneyeartimetrial.org.uk

He’s trying the break the record for the longest distance cycled in a year. Despite snow, ice, health problems and being knocked off his bike and ending up in hospital, he’s still going to hit 1000 Miles this week.

Apparently when the paramedics scraped him off the road and put him in the ambulance, they were worried about his heart rate being 37bpm...he just told them that was normal for him.

He did just over 72000 miles in the year, he wanted to aim for 73k but with the "Beast" and his body just wearing out he decided to spend the last day in the pub drinking tea with friends. Still makes him 4th most miles overall.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on March 14, 2018, 06:59:44 AM
In more positive news, I pass Steve Abrahams most days on my way to and from work.

http://oneyeartimetrial.org.uk

He’s trying the break the record for the longest distance cycled in a year. Despite snow, ice, health problems and being knocked off his bike and ending up in hospital, he’s still going to hit 1000 Miles this week.

Apparently when the paramedics scraped him off the road and put him in the ambulance, they were worried about his heart rate being 37bpm...he just told them that was normal for him.

He did just over 72000 miles in the year, he wanted to aim for 73k but with the "Beast" and his body just wearing out he decided to spend the last day in the pub drinking tea with friends. Still makes him 4th most miles overall.

It was humbling to see a tiny glimpse of the dedication and drive it took to complete that feat. He did it the hard way, no support crew, no nutritionists, in awful weather on busy and pot holed UK roads.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on May 10, 2018, 09:22:21 PM
Yates was rather good in the Giro today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on May 11, 2018, 07:04:43 AM
Yates was rather good in the Giro today.

Have been keeping an eye on him over the past couple of years. He's very good and I think he has a better chance than Froome of winning.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on May 11, 2018, 09:08:09 AM
Yates was rather good in the Giro today.

Have been keeping an eye on him over the past couple of years. He's very good and I think he has a better chance than Froome of winning.

I haven't worked out if Froome is aiming to hit peak form towards the later mountain stages, or whether he is simply struggling.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on May 13, 2018, 04:10:51 PM
Yates nailed today's stage. Magnificent.

Froome lost a lot of time today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on May 13, 2018, 08:56:02 PM
Yates was superb today, great to see him win a stage after letting his team mate win the other day, deserved it for that alone.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on May 13, 2018, 09:06:50 PM
It seems like I've been reading about the Yates twins' cycling exploits in the Bury Times for twenty years. Probably not, but it's great to see young talent fulfilled. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 19, 2018, 09:58:04 PM
Froome of old today. However as Yates kept with him and added some time on Dumolin it is his to lose still. That second TT will be crucial.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on May 20, 2018, 07:16:57 PM
Brilliant ride by Yates today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on May 21, 2018, 06:44:35 AM
Brilliant ride by Yates today.

As long as he doesn't lose too much time in the time trial it's Yates to lose. He's been riding brilliantly.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: thick_mike on May 25, 2018, 04:14:40 PM
I believe today has been interesting in the Giro d’italia.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: RonBurgundy on May 25, 2018, 04:30:23 PM
I watched the last hour - pretty stunning performance by Froome, wonder if he'll pay for the effort tomorrow.
Gutted for Yates.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on May 25, 2018, 05:48:53 PM
Feel sorry for Yates but Sky just ripped the life out of the peleton before Froome struck for home.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on May 25, 2018, 06:22:12 PM
Yates lost 38 minutes!!

That's incredible given how strong he's looked.

His time will come though. He's only young and has looked a worthy leader for two weeks of a grand tour.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on May 26, 2018, 08:36:54 AM
Today was unreal. Froome is either a legend or very dodgy. He just tore everyone apart. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 26, 2018, 10:59:08 AM
Whatever Froome is shown to have taken/not taken, yesterdays performance was stunning. For what its worth, with the cloud currently hanging over him, i cannot see him or Sky being so ludicrously stupid for him to be on anything at the moment.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on May 26, 2018, 11:02:07 AM
Floyd Landis says hello.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on May 26, 2018, 12:10:15 PM
Unfortunately far too often in pro cycling, if it seems too good to be true, there's something amiss.  I hope not.

I just hope that Yates' capitulation by almost 40 minutes doesn't blight his subsequent career.  Grand Tours are hard won and easily lost.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on May 26, 2018, 12:15:39 PM
Unfortunately far too often in pro cycling, if it seems too good to be true, there's something amiss.  I hope not.

I just hope that Yates' capitulation by almost 40 minutes doesn't blight his subsequent career.  Grand Tours are hard won and easily lost.

I agree with TaylorsWR on this, given the ongoing case it would be lunacy to be anything other than clean.  Pro cycling still suffers from the "Armstrong Effect" but I hope Froome is ultimately  cleared.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on May 26, 2018, 01:36:37 PM
https://twitter.com/LottoJumbo_road/status/1000105610489286662 (https://twitter.com/LottoJumbo_road/status/1000105610489286662)

Bennett believes.....
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on May 26, 2018, 01:46:47 PM
The old ''you'd have to be stupid...'' defense has proven time and time again to be of no value. The omerta and cover ups from higher up make them feel almost untouchable. It's of more damage to the sport to out them then to cover it all up. Unless there is pressure from outside sources nothing gets done. There's a huge gravy train. Armstrong would still be hiding behind the same old excuses if it was left to Cycling to deal with it's own laundry. The ''sport'' is a total charade.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 26, 2018, 02:34:05 PM
I think that in Froomes case it would go far beyond stupid if he were taking anything during this giro. It would be mindnumbingly idiotic, when there is such a cloud hanging over him, and massive pressure and scrutiny already on him from cycling fans and cycling media worldwide.

Froome and sky clearly have big questions to answer, and that will happen in due course.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: RonBurgundy on May 27, 2018, 12:06:00 AM
Interesting that Froome took a whole minute out of Domoulin on the descent - whatever you think of him he had big balls to go that hard on the downhill.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on May 28, 2018, 11:38:46 AM
Congratulations to Chris Froome, the man who at the age of 26 had a best result of winning the prestigious tour of Mauritius has become only the 3rd man, following Merckx and Hinault to hold all three GT titles at once.

It's almost as laughable as Chris Horner winning the Vuelta in his 40's and then no one touching him with a barge pole because he was obviously glowing.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on June 07, 2018, 09:34:12 AM
Excellent article on BBC Sport today about Froome's win in Stage 19 of the Giro d'Italia. Gives a great insight into the planning. Thread below, a bit long to post the whole article, but a very interesting read.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/44372328
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aev on July 02, 2018, 10:32:27 AM
So Froome cleared. Bet Hinault is going to love that.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 02, 2018, 08:00:38 PM
I’d imagine Froome is in for a tough time in France.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on July 02, 2018, 08:33:32 PM
I’d imagine Froome is in for a tough time in France.

They hate him anyway. They don't like having their arse handed to them on a plate on their own patch by a Brit. This isn't going to make it any worse for him.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on July 03, 2018, 08:09:53 AM
Whatever the rights or wrongs of whether Froome was guilty I don’t know but what is clear for me is that it should have remained confidential until tests were complete and sanctions if required were handed out.  Process should never have been played out in open for 9 months.

Winding up Hinault is 100% fair game :-) he comes across as a horrible, bitter, corrupt little man
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on July 03, 2018, 09:10:42 AM
Loosely connected with cycling but more connected with Ironman, Terenzo Bozzone has been hit by a truck while out training on his bike today and has been seriously injured. Truck that hit him drove off as well. Hope they find the scum bag. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 03, 2018, 03:53:59 PM
Loosely connected with cycling but more connected with Ironman, Terenzo Bozzone has been hit by a truck while out training on his bike today and has been seriously injured. Truck that hit him drove off as well. Hope they find the scum bag. 

He was in great form as well, similar happened to Tim Don and he's back smashing it a year after breaking his neck the day before the IM World Champs in Kona when he was knocked off his bike on the Big Island.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 05, 2018, 08:08:06 PM
I popped down to Kenilworth and then onto Leamington for the Tour of Britain today. They go through so fast that I was glad they did a South/North so could see them more then once.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 06, 2018, 12:09:43 AM
I was on Burton Dassett - great to watch.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on September 11, 2018, 05:49:39 PM
I missed this story when it came out, but I have just read that Kristina Vogel has been left paralysed as a result of her accident on the track in June.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on September 13, 2018, 06:43:50 PM
Did I hear right?  Just caught the end of the sports news and I'm sure the reporter said that if Simon Yates succeeds in winning the Vuelta then it will be the first time that three different riders of the same nationality have won the three Grand Tours in the same year.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 13, 2018, 07:50:58 PM
Wouldn't surprise me, although strictly Thomas is Welsh and Froome's Kenyan! ;)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on September 14, 2018, 02:26:50 PM
Did I hear right?  Just caught the end of the sports news and I'm sure the reporter said that if Simon Yates succeeds in winning the Vuelta then it will be the first time that three different riders of the same nationality have won the three Grand Tours in the same year.

All eligible Brits!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 18, 2018, 11:18:00 AM
Great ride by Yates in the Vuelta.  Both he and his brother might be a reasonable bet for the Worlds.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 28, 2018, 06:12:12 PM
Mens Worlds Road Race this Sunday on what looks like a really tough course.  Yates boys for us but I would be putting my money on Alaphilippe.  Anyone but Valvarde.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 30, 2018, 03:39:36 PM
Oh balls the unrepentant doper will be wearing the rainbow jersey next season.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 02, 2018, 08:07:08 PM
Me, emptying it at Ironman Portugal at the weekend.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/mcji3e/632_AD081_B23_C_4456_BAC9_BCE29_A0044_D0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mcji3e)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on October 03, 2018, 08:28:04 AM
Me, emptying it at Ironman Portugal at the weekend.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/mcji3e/632_AD081_B23_C_4456_BAC9_BCE29_A0044_D0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mcji3e)


Great photo Jon
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 03, 2018, 12:19:20 PM
Me, emptying it at Ironman Portugal at the weekend.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/mcji3e/632_AD081_B23_C_4456_BAC9_BCE29_A0044_D0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mcji3e)


Great photo Jon

FinisherPix mate, I very rarely buy them but that picture sums up Sunday pretty well for me, in the hurt locker on a beautiful day in a beautiful place.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on December 12, 2018, 09:22:48 AM
Sky pulling out of funding cycling

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/46535894
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 12, 2018, 08:53:30 PM
Sky pulling out of funding cycling

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/46535894

No big surprise to be honest, new owners at Sky won’t want to be associated with the doubt surrounding the team.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 21, 2019, 11:23:35 AM
Great article on the BBC website about suffering, great read, these lads and lasses are nails.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/47278392
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on March 19, 2019, 09:28:59 PM
Team Right-wing Media Magnate has morphed into Team Full On Brexiteer In Monaco Tax Exile But Still Wants To Frack His Homeland.

For all of their achievements, they don't half chose sponsors that make them difficult to like.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 22, 2019, 08:07:56 PM
Snapped my frame on my S-Works Venge on Sunday, new frame time.
Think I picked up some debris in the chain that went into the rear mech, jammed it causing the mech hanger to snap and smashed it into the seat stay. 6 years old but thankfully Specialized have an assisted purchase scheme for crash damage.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on April 22, 2019, 09:16:47 PM
Will it be classed as crash damage?

Not tempted with one of the fancy new aeros like the SystemSix or the Mad One? Or are you getting a Sagan branded frame?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 23, 2019, 07:02:35 PM
Yes it’s acceptable as crash damage.

I want to stick with rim brakes and I ride a 61cm frame, Spesh only do disc brakes on Venge now so this is an issue. Mad one geometry doesn’t suit me, top tube length is too short and needs a fuck off sized stem to get me comfy, never had a Canondale so don’t know much about the System Six.

My local Specialized concept store have come up with an amazing solution.

I’ll be riding a brand new unused team issue HTC High Road 61cm S-Works Venge from 2013 by Saturday, in fact it has Bernard Eisel’s name on the frame which I may take off or maybe not. It sat unused by HTC High Road for the 2014 season and was given to the store to hang on the wall a couple of years ago but they never did.  Support you local bike shop and this is what happens, Evans, Wiggle and Chain Reaction would have had me buying a new frame.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on April 23, 2019, 10:10:04 PM
I didn't realise the Concept Stores were classed as LBS's. Sounds like a good deal but surprised you went for Rim breaks on an aero bike now all the manufacturers state the newer disc designs are more aero with minimal weight penalties. However if it means an ex pro frame..... BTW, do you have your dates right as HTC High Road folded in 2011 according to Wiki. Also a shame it wasn't the McClaren Venge.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 24, 2019, 08:58:26 AM
My local Concept store is owned and operated by a local bike shop, in my case it’s next door to my LBS, owned and run by the same bloke. 
I went for rim brakes because I’m not about to drop £2k on a disc wheelset when I have a £2k rim braked set that’s in perfect order. Assisted purchase would get me 40% off a new Venge frameset, that’s still around £3500 to find plus a new wheelset.

You’re right about the dates though, very odd. It’s definitely a 2013 frameset as it has the updated seat tube.
McLaren Venge, now I’m dribbling, like hens teeth, only ever seen one before. 101 grams lighter than the S-Works for £1500 more than the S.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on April 24, 2019, 12:19:29 PM
I forgot it was just the frame and all other parts were ok, (plus new hoods and brakes required as well). I hope it all goes well on the changeover. If you get to keep the old frame it might be worth looking at CF repair places as some of the vids Bridgewood did for CW and GCN did looks like they could get it to a near perfect state again.

I wouldn't mind an Aero as my n+1 and a SystemSix at the London bike show with the new SRAM 12 Speeds looked the bomb. However I suspect a more aggressive bike will ultimately be slightly too uncomfortable and as I can do a reasonable lick on my Endurace (17-19mph average with Compact gearing) I probably will go for a similar frame but lighter and with e- gears of some type.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: itbrvilla on April 24, 2019, 12:22:52 PM
Bought myself a carbon cross country MTB just before Christmas.  Best thing I've ever bought for myself and the only expensive thing I've bought where I haven't suffered buyers remorse.

https://www.cube.eu/en/2018/bikes/mountainbike/hardtail/reaction/cube-reaction-c62-race-carbonngrey-2018/
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 24, 2019, 01:12:58 PM
I forgot it was just the frame and all other parts were ok, (plus new hoods and brakes required as well). I hope it all goes well on the changeover. If you get to keep the old frame it might be worth looking at CF repair places as some of the vids Bridgewood did for CW and GCN did looks like they could get it to a near perfect state again.

I wouldn't mind an Aero as my n+1 and a SystemSix at the London bike show with the new SRAM 12 Speeds looked the bomb. However I suspect a more aggressive bike will ultimately be slightly too uncomfortable and as I can do a reasonable lick on my Endurace (17-19mph average with Compact gearing) I probably will go for a similar frame but lighter and with e- gears of some type.

According to Mark the owner of the bike shop I should easily get £500-700 for the frame On eBay even damaged.
My n+1 is going to be a Tarmac self build with the absolute lightest components available with the aim of it being UCI illegal!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 26, 2019, 05:25:46 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/9pC5KCp/6-B906-C76-A59-E-4-BA3-AFED-E7-F71-ECB41-E4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9pC5KCp)

A few finishing touches and should be ready for tomorrow’s chain gang.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on April 27, 2019, 01:54:11 PM
Got that built up fast.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 27, 2019, 04:10:53 PM
Got that built up fast.

Was a doddle mate, straight swap same bike to same bike, didn't need to cut cables or outers, Di2 cabling slipped straight in, seat post marked up and swapped over, stem & bars swapped over.  Need to slam the stem, far too many spacers for my liking.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ajmant on May 09, 2019, 09:40:55 AM
For those doing the Velo on Sunday, can anyone tell me where they intend to park? I have a roof carrier so struggling for any NCP car parks and beyond that it's not looking good!

ANy suggestions please!? I don't really fancy adding another 5 miles either side of the 100 mile ride if I can help it!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 09, 2019, 08:08:28 PM
Just off Five Ways island on Calthorpe Road is a small car park that is free parking on Sunday Right on the corner where Lloyds Bank is. The road will be closed at 8ish just past there as it is on the return route so be careful of being locked in if you go too far up the road. Or there is some offices car parks just past the Costa. Apex House has a security guard so that will be a no go but most of the others might be free. There are some private signs about parking but I doubt they patrol on the Weekends.

Will probably have to cycle a mile or so down to the start finish from there.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ajmant on May 09, 2019, 10:09:17 PM
Fab. Ty!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2019, 08:59:29 PM
Did you use it in the end? How did you do? I was about 6h17.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 12, 2019, 08:04:57 PM
Froome has broke his leg days before the Tour. So Geraint for the double?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on June 13, 2019, 08:00:56 AM
Froome has broke his leg days before the Tour. So Geraint for the double?

Froome's in intensive care

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/48617835
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on June 13, 2019, 07:56:48 PM
van Aert looking like the next Sagan at the Dauphine.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 14, 2019, 09:28:05 AM
van Aert looking like the next Sagan at the Dauphine.

Be interesting to see Van Der Poel in stage races as well. The worlds is going to be unpredictable later on this year.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 19, 2019, 07:24:31 PM
So with no Froome, Dumolin and Thomas not 100% (and the latter not having Froome to be Domestique this year either), it could be quite an open Tour this year similar to the Giro.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 20, 2019, 11:10:50 PM
Dumolin now out. Dropping like flies at the moment.

Also in other news Van Der Poel is racing in the ToB. Might pop down to the stage starting in Warwick.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 29, 2019, 01:53:07 PM
Bit wet at the Worldies.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on September 29, 2019, 02:05:00 PM
I had thought about going today.  Other things have cropped though - and I'm glad they have.  Standing at the kerbside of some desolate Dales road in weather like today's is too hardcore for me.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 29, 2019, 02:09:48 PM
Sagan, Van Poel or GVA for the win?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 29, 2019, 04:11:57 PM
When VDP blew up, Pedersen was my choice out of the ones left so reasonably happy with that result.

I've liked him ever since I saw this video the other year.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 14, 2019, 08:17:37 PM
Who’s still riding through the winter?

Did 60km today in the wind and rain, hovering just above 0, had an ice cream headache most of the way but it was bloody great.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on December 14, 2019, 08:49:31 PM
I commute 8 miles in and 8 miles out pretty much every day so winter doesn't make any difference. Saying that I haven't done more then a 20 mile ride in one go since Sept.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: waringpongo on December 14, 2019, 09:15:57 PM
Try to do a club ride every Sunday morning. Usually around 35 in the winter but high winds forecast with rain tomorrow and ive had a few tonight so a weather check at 8.30. If not tomorrow will do Monday. i have a loop for the winter which is 1500ft over 10 miles and try to do that once a week.  Go skiing for 6 weeks from Jan to middle of Feb and then its back in the saddle for the Daffodil around March 1st which normally kills me.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 16, 2019, 04:58:51 PM
Did 75km yesterday with over 3500 feet of ascent, was. Bit like cyclocross at times and came home covered in mud.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on December 20, 2019, 04:45:39 PM
If it was country side tracks next to the fields, might be more then mud. Do you have your Rapha 500 routes planned?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 05, 2020, 06:50:01 PM
Didn’t do it this year, it’s very hard to complete in Northern Europe. I’ve done 400km but never managed 500.

Today I did my first ever velodrome track session at Velodrome Wales in Newport. A coaches session with our local road club, managed 34mph average in 45 minutes of track time, learned a few new skills and had a great time. Quads now complaining!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 05, 2020, 10:42:18 PM
I did a starter Velo course at Derby as a special deal in 2018. Unfortunately I don't know what my speeds were like as no GPS data but I know I was the fastest out of the three of us on the course. It was my first time on a fixie and I was aware you used your legs to brake but thought it was easy to stop. Almost had my kneecaps shoot out of my legs when I tried.

I was impressed at the Derby facilities though with the Velo track on a higher level as you enter but the lower level centre containing all the other sports arena from a local Sports centre. (Although as there was a netball team doing practice I was also slightly distracted when going around the track. )  The multi level makes the track banking look very intimidating when first encountered  and the instructor only showed us how steep it was when standing next to it at the very end. If Brum do build one, I would definitely go on it regularly.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 06, 2020, 04:02:31 PM
Agree it was a bit intimidating, especially when you realise its a 42 degree slope wether you're at the top or bottom of the corner and having seen a veteran track world champion crash just before we went on track because he wasn't going fast enough to be on the boards above the red sprinters line.

Quite disconcerting to be cycling around above the blue line, look left and be overtaking a bunch of cyclists beneath you.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 20, 2020, 07:14:24 PM
Next session 23rd Feb when I'll be doing my first novice race. Eek!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 22, 2020, 10:05:05 PM
On the velo track? How many sessions you had as I thought you needed four ‘exams’ before allowed to race. Good luck anyway.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 23, 2020, 07:04:11 PM
You do to race an official race, this is just a club 2 hour session and the last 30 minutes will be unofficial club races in our groups, no timing or owt, just for the hell of it.

You're also not allowed to wear an aero TT helmet until you've got a licence.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 24, 2020, 12:01:28 PM
Well don't do a Gaimon. (although you won't be £250k in the red on medical bills if you do).
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 27, 2020, 08:19:46 AM
Froome pre season testing at the GSK human performance laboratory.

Ramp test of @chrisfroome with 25W increase every 3 min.
VO2 max: 84,6 ml/kg/min
Maximal power: 525,3 W
Maximal power in W/kg: 7,5 W/kg
Comment: He was 70 kg during that test and his Tdf weight is apparently 67 kg. So his maximal oxygen uptake could be as much as 88 ml/kg/min.

Not of this world!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on February 26, 2020, 07:42:44 PM
Next session 23rd Feb when I'll be doing my first novice race. Eek!

So how much did you win by?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 28, 2020, 06:18:39 AM
Next session 23rd Feb when I'll be doing my first novice race. Eek!

So how much did you win by?

Sacked it off and went to Twickenham for England v Ireland!

Next session 21 March.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on February 28, 2020, 12:32:46 PM
Coronavirus detected in two Italian support staff at the UAE Tour so the race has been cancelled and all teams and media have been quarantined awaiting tests.

A good thing really as it apparently affects people with respiratory diseases more adversely and the amount of Pro Cyclists receiving Asthma medication means they would be at quite a high risk. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on February 28, 2020, 12:54:23 PM
Coronavirus detected in two Italian support staff at the UAE Tour so the race has been cancelled and all teams and media have been quarantined awaiting tests.

A good thing really as it apparently affects people with respiratory diseases more adversely and the amount of Pro Cyclists receiving Asthma medication means they would be at quite a high risk. 

Bad news for Cavendish after his last few years struggling with glandular fever.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 20, 2020, 01:10:16 AM
Well no pro cycling for the forseeable and several European countries banning cycling anyway for whatever reasons, I just spalshed out on a turbo trainer. Just used my free 25km on Zwift. Seemed ok but not sure on splashing the cash at the moment for the rest. I still have a free month as well with the trainer but wondering if anyone has used other software. It is an Elite Suito trainer.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 19, 2020, 08:37:07 AM
Le Tour 2020, no Froome or Thomas in the Ineos team.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on August 19, 2020, 09:16:17 PM
I know!

Dave Brailsford is a ruthless bastard!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 20, 2020, 12:39:05 PM
Froome I can understand. However is G leaving or do they have different plans to win it this time which requires different personnel to implement?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 20, 2020, 01:16:29 PM
G is a strange one, I don’t think anyone really saw him as a grand tour winner, maybe he had a monument in him but I’d put G firmly in the lieutenant space, a modern day George Hincapie if you will.
I suspect he’ll be off.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2020, 03:30:37 PM
Good ride from Lizzie today. Not many outsprint Vos.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 01, 2020, 09:15:19 AM
Brilliant sprint by Ewan to win Stage 3.  Almost Cavendish at his peak like. Hopefully Sam Bennett will get his chance later, I'd like him to win the final stage in Paris.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 01, 2020, 10:59:02 AM
Brilliant sprint by Ewan to win Stage 3.  Almost Cavendish at his peak like. Hopefully Sam Bennett will get his chance later, I'd like him to win the final stage in Paris.

I supposed it helped it being a head wind as that would always favour the trailer hidden from it.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 02, 2020, 05:30:40 PM
Yates wearing Yellow as Alaphillipe penalised 20 seconds.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 03, 2020, 08:17:01 AM
Yates wearing Yellow as Alaphillipe penalised 20 seconds.

Probably deliberate by Alaphillipe.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2020, 09:04:28 AM
Yates wearing Yellow as Alaphillipe penalised 20 seconds.

Probably deliberate by Alaphillipe.

Yep, after seeing the video clip, official feed person stationed within 20KM does seem like tactically they wanted off the front.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 03, 2020, 11:27:29 AM
Van Aert looks the real deal, climbs, sprints and time trials, the new Eddy Merckx.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2020, 12:42:40 PM
Van Aert looks the real deal, climbs, sprints and time trials, the new Eddy Merckx.

Think he will be the Super Domestique for Roglic and / or Dumolin this year. But I will be surprised if it isn't a Jumbo-Visma jersey on the podium at the end and pretty much a 1-2-3 in one of the TT's.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: charlatan on September 03, 2020, 11:45:13 PM
Why would you deliberately take a 20 second penalty to lose the yellow jersey when your team does not have to put any effort into defending it?

Also there's only one TT this year and it has a first category climb at the end.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 04, 2020, 04:42:56 PM
Why would you deliberately take a 20 second penalty to lose the yellow jersey when your team does not have to put any effort into defending it?

Also there's only one TT this year and it has a first category climb at the end.

It is kind of unwritten that if your teammate has the yellow jersey, then your team has the duty to defend it. You are right they don't have to but if they didn't then you might find some of the other unwritten stuff like dropping pace at certain occasions or attacking in a feed zone or others will then be ignored against that specific team. Now Mitchelton Scott have to use their energy up and DQS can concentrate more on trying to keep Bennett in Green, although they failed badly today.

Yes, that TT will be interesting. I wonder how many swaps for drops will occur in the last section.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 04:52:36 PM
Super tactics from Sunweb today attacking on the penultimate climb and catching everyone on the hop. Alaphillipe throwing a wobbly was quite amusing as well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 19, 2020, 05:09:13 PM
What a win for Pogacer. Ends up with three of the four jerseys available.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 19, 2020, 05:10:38 PM
That was an incredible ride by Pog.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 19, 2020, 05:18:37 PM
Obviously it needed the riders at the right places for the drama but whoever decided that TT course needs a medal as well. A generic one and it wouldn't have been as exciting but the need for  bike swap AND the climb being so brutal really added to that at the end.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 19, 2020, 05:18:56 PM
That was just immense.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 19, 2020, 05:25:17 PM
More crowds on the climb than I expected.

After they stopped most people getting up the mountains, I thought the organisers would have blocked off more of the road today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on September 19, 2020, 08:35:45 PM
Brilliant ride by Pogacer, he has had a great tour. Limited team support in the mountains, caught out in the cross winds on one stage yet hung on to the Jumbo coat tails to pull of the victory.
He, van Aert, Evenpoel (sp?) van der Poel are just a few of a very good generation coming through.
Pleased for Porte and Bennett as well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 19, 2020, 10:23:45 PM
Just watched the highlights.

Absolutely phenomenal - so incredible my thoughts sadly turn to hoping he's clean.  Taking over a minute from Tom Doumoulin on a stage like that, at the age of 21, is beyond comprehension.

This year has been one of my favourite tours - it's had some superb stages, fantastic individual rides, great team dynamics.

I just hope there's no scandal off the back of it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on September 19, 2020, 10:25:35 PM
Oh, and absolutely delighted for Richie Porte too.  An absolute superhero in this race for the best part of two decades.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 20, 2020, 09:22:49 AM
Hell of a ride from Pogacar. All the pundits picked him to overtake Roglic week or so back but Roglic (and team) defended well in the mountains so thought that was that. No one predicted that time trial.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 20, 2020, 10:30:56 PM
Pleased for Porte and Bennett as well.

First Irishman to win the Green jersey since the great Sean Kelly and hails from the same small town in Tipp.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 21, 2020, 11:37:06 AM
Pleased for Porte and Bennett as well.

First Irishman to win the Green jersey since the great Sean Kelly and hails from the same small town in Tipp.

It would have been nice to have a "battle" for that shirt as well but for Sagan and WVA to have that coming together a few weeks ago. However still happy he got it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 25, 2020, 12:09:01 PM
Bad accident for Chloe Dygerts in her defence of the Worlds TT title. She has posted a pic of the aftermath and she is very lucky it wasn't a major artery that was caught.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 27, 2020, 04:02:09 PM
Great move from Alaphillipe and deserved the win.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on October 03, 2020, 09:51:38 PM
As expected Ganna in Rosa from the first TT. 22 Seconds ahead of anyone else although probably his only other competition slid out early on.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on October 05, 2020, 02:44:56 PM
Geraint might be out after falling in the Neutral zone and now being abandoned by his team as he falls out the back of the Peloton.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on October 06, 2020, 01:58:55 PM
Its devastating for G, but again some younger riders have the chance to step up!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on October 13, 2020, 01:46:49 PM
Mitchelton-Scott pull their whole team out of the Giro!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on October 13, 2020, 09:37:28 PM
Mitchelton-Scott pull their whole team out of the Giro!

Jumbo Visma as well. I reckon there's a real risk this race doesn't make the finish.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on October 14, 2020, 09:02:36 AM
I was surprised when MS continued when Yates came down with it early on in the race. He would have been mixing with the team in the "bubble", sitting on the coach, cucling and chatting right next to them.

From other stories, the Giro organisers and the Italians in general don't seem to be as well organised in protecting the teams etc with some riders stating that they are in hotels with breakfast buffets with public guests and other teams.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on October 22, 2020, 08:31:10 PM
The Giro - WOW!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 23, 2020, 10:31:01 AM
Will Froome pull out of the Vuelta or domestique for Carapaz ?

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on October 24, 2020, 11:44:22 AM
Froome was only ever going as a domestique, part of his programme to try to retain full fitness, before leaving to Israel Start Up Nation.

Presumably Ineos do not think he will be a major threat there next year.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 24, 2020, 04:27:36 PM
Excuse the stupid question but why are the Giro and Vuelta overlapping? Is it simply a case of having to get both done after the Tour before it gets too cold in the mountains?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 24, 2020, 04:50:10 PM
Excuse the stupid question but why are the Giro and Vuelta overlapping? Is it simply a case of having to get both done after the Tour before it gets too cold in the mountains?

It's the viability of the routes due to weather, did you see the Stelvio stage, snow all over the place and probably only a few days away from the road being closed until spring & the fact the UCI wanted all 3 of the grand tours to go ahead in the remaining 3 months of the year so they had to overlap.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 24, 2020, 04:58:54 PM
No, just saw them both on the news yesterday and was surprised given the prestige of the Giro and Vuelta.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on October 24, 2020, 06:10:34 PM
Yep, it's far from ideal but given the Summer was written off for obvious reasons it was a case of either cutting the races very short (the Vuelta already has been cut short due to travel restrictions) or overlapping them.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on October 24, 2020, 06:32:46 PM
Brilliant racing in both today!
Well done Tao.....and Rohan Dennis was immense....again!!!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on October 24, 2020, 07:17:22 PM
Rohan Dennis is a machine!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on October 25, 2020, 10:21:23 AM
Yesterday was just awesome at the Giro.  And now on the verge of a grand tour win for a Brit who shouldn’t be in the running.   Yet hardly a mention of it in the media.  Disappointing.   
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 25, 2020, 11:38:37 AM
1 second, 1 watt, 1 pedal revolution, 1 dead spot in a pedal stroke between 2 riders, amazing final day coming up, 16 kms of pain and suffering.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on October 25, 2020, 11:50:19 AM
Yesterday was just awesome at the Giro.  And now on the verge of a grand tour win for a Brit who shouldn’t be in the running.   Yet hardly a mention of it in the media.  Disappointing.   

It's ridiculous.

I grew up with Le Tour as that was the only cycling the British media gave any attention to because Britain had such little representation.

But since things have moved on, British cycling has improved beyond recognition, and the plethora of TV channels means you can watch almost any professional race I much prefer the Giro to Le Tour. 

The individual stages seem more brutal, more beautiful and there seems to be less opportunity for certain teams to dominate. The way Rohan Dennis absolutely blew the peloton apart single-handedly up Sestriere way phenomenol and makes for fabulous entertainment.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 25, 2020, 03:41:52 PM
Wasn’t even close in the end, what a ride, absolutely smashed it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on October 25, 2020, 04:07:55 PM
Great performance by TGH.  A good tour for Ineos all round despite losing Thomas at the start.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on October 25, 2020, 04:11:51 PM
Great performance by TGH.  A good tour for Ineos all round despite losing Thomas at the start.


A phenomenal tour!

They lost their leader three days in, won 7 stages and won the GC. It literally doesn't get any better than that.

What a squad as well next season - TGH, Thomas, Egan Bernal, Rohan Dennis and Adam Yates inbound. They could win everything next year. And that ignores the likes of Ganna who just won a 17 minute TT by more than 30 seconds!!!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on October 25, 2020, 04:16:34 PM
Up there with Wiggins in 2012.   

What a great grounded guy.   
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aj2k77 on October 28, 2020, 06:51:27 PM
I remember debating a few years ago on here the absurdity of team Sky and their riders and the chance of them being clean. Does anyone still believe that Froome and/or Wiggins and the others were clean? The Freeman trial is a tiny glimpse of the tip of an iceberg with that lot.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Ad@m on October 28, 2020, 07:55:14 PM
The biological passport makes it pretty much impossible to get away with cheating.

I think the crop of the past decade are clean.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on October 28, 2020, 08:23:04 PM
I live close to the estate where he grew up, or was living in his teens, it is not an area that is conjunctive to cycling so his determination to succeed must to off the scale. 

Fair play to the him, I’d guess he is not coming from a family where he was afforded the luxury of decent bikes and no pressure to ‘get a real job’.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 29, 2020, 08:46:48 AM
I remember debating a few years ago on here the absurdity of team Sky and their riders and the chance of them being clean. Does anyone still believe that Froome and/or Wiggins and the others were clean? The Freeman trial is a tiny glimpse of the tip of an iceberg with that lot.

I still have my doubts about Froome, not his time at Sky but prior to this.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 30, 2020, 09:30:43 AM
Guinness is good for you.

(https://i.ibb.co/Zh2WZZs/6-D0-A8-AD3-C50-F-4-F1-F-8-F84-C18642968682.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Zh2WZZs)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on November 08, 2020, 01:29:58 PM
Hugh Carthy with a third place finish at the Vuelta.  Another Brit making a big impression in the peloton.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on November 11, 2020, 03:37:59 PM
Unfortunately, the 2021 Tour de Yorkshire will be postponed until 2022.

It was a difficult decision to make but given the developing COVID-19 situation,
@welcome2yorks
 and
@amaurysport
 will instead focus on bringing the #TDY race back bigger and better than ever in 2022.

Next year isn't looking good is it?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on December 14, 2020, 09:09:34 AM
Pidcock just beat Van Der Poel in a Belgium CX event. He could become the next Brit cycling great.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 02, 2021, 10:40:34 AM
Bump as the Spring Classics have started, the routes for the Grand Tours have been announced.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 06, 2021, 04:11:47 PM
MvtP just sprinted away from current world champ Alaphillipe on the final climb into Siena to claim Strade Bianche win. Unbelievable power.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 08, 2021, 08:25:39 PM
MvtP has posted his ride stats on Strava. He went from 500 watts to 1350 watts up the 15-20% section of the climb hitting 17mph.

https://www.eurosport.com/cycling/strade-bianche/2021/strade-bianche-2021-cycling-video-legendary-mathieu-van-der-poel-seals-remarkable-win_vid1443507/video.shtml
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: manic-road on March 12, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
Unless Richard Freeman names who the testosterone was for, fingers will be pointed with suspicion at every single British cyclist. It's a sport I love but no matter what I see now whether on the track or the road I will have to be suspicious of any cyclist that does well.

I always believed that British cycling would be above the need for doping but looks like I was wrong. I was inspired by Lance Armstrong who's story was incredible, I was in awe of Pantani on his ability to climb the mountains and every fucking one of them was a fucking doper. 


From the BBC.
Ex-British Cycling and Team Sky chief doctor Richard Freeman has been found guilty of ordering banned testosterone in 2011 "knowing or believing" it was to help dope an unnamed rider.

A medical tribunal ruled Freeman ordered Testogel with the knowledge "it was to be administered to an athlete to improve their athletic performance".

It added that Freeman's actions were "incapable of innocent explanation".

British Cycling said the finding was "extremely disturbing".

Freeman had previously admitted 18 of 22 charges against him but denied the central charge about the purpose of the Testogel order.

The hearing will resume on 17 March, when the tribunal will consider if Freeman's "fitness to practise is impaired".

During the tribunal, which has lasted for more than two years, Freeman said he was bullied into ordering the drug by former British Cycling and Team Sky performance director Shane Sutton to treat his erectile dysfunction.

Sutton denied those claims, and claimed Freeman was lying. The tribunal ruled Freeman's claims were an "elaborate falsehood".

It ruled the motive for Freeman's actions was to "conceal his conduct". Only one charge was found not proved - that he knew the Testogel was not "clinically indicated" for Sutton.

In the tribunal's written reasons, it said: "In May 2011, Dr Freeman, the team doctor for a team of elite cyclists and a member of the anti-doping working group, ordered a doping 'drug of choice' for that sport.

"Upon its arrival he was dishonest about why it had been sent, removed it from the velodrome, and it was never seen again. The tribunal found that Dr Freeman has been dishonest in its regard ever since."

In a statement following the General Medical Council (GMC) verdict, Sutton said he was "saddened by the whole affair".

"I feel for the doctor; that he ever got into this situation, and I remain disappointed that I was used as a scapegoat," he said. "It has caused great pain to both me and my family.

"But it also saddens me that this episode has cast a huge shadow over the success we enjoyed, both at Team Sky and British Cycling.

"I'd like to stress that neither I nor Sir Dave Brailsford [general manager of Team Sky (now Team Ineos) and former performance director of British Cycling] knew about the testosterone order. But I think it's important to find out who the doctor ordered it for."

Team Ineos said Freeman "fell short of the ethical standards required of him as a doctor and acted dishonestly".

In a statement, it added: "However, the team does not believe that any athlete ever used or sought to use Testogel or any other performance-enhancing substance.

"No evidence has been provided that this ever happened or that there has been any wrongdoing by any athlete at any point.

"We will continue to give our full support and co-operation to UK Anti-Doping, as we have done throughout this process, as they continue to investigate his conduct."

British Cycling chief executive Brian Facer said: "The wider actions of Dr Freeman described in the tribunal fall a mile short of the standards we expect."

He added substantial changes had been made to medical services and governance at the body since Freeman's suspension four years ago.

World Anti-Doping said it noted the verdict "with concern" and would support authorities "to ensure that all possible lines of enquiry are exhausted".

UK Sport said the case "must send a clear message to staff, athletes and sports fans that doping will not be tolerated" while the British Olympic Association pledged to support the "pursuit of the truth."
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 16, 2021, 12:49:19 PM
Womens OVO Tour of Britain starts and end in Walsall on Oct 5th if given the go ahead by the UCI. Full route to be confirmed. I'm assuming it will go up via North Birmingham and Cannock / Lichfield way. Arboretum finish?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 16, 2021, 05:56:20 PM
Men’s ToB comes past our way down in Devon on Day 2, I’ll probably head out onto Dartmoor and catch them at a one of the 2 major climbs of the day.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 17, 2021, 03:50:27 PM
I went to the one when they rode through Warwickshire in 2018. Caught them in Kenilworth but on a downhill section with the castle in the background so they didn't hang around for long. Then cycled down to Leamington for the sprint finish to watch Griepel power along at 50mph on the straight for the win.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 17, 2021, 04:01:09 PM
I went out on the route in 2014 when it came through Berkshire, even on a Cat 3 climb they're past you like a shot, nothing quite like being up close to a peloton like that though, the noise & the proximity of men and machines is rather special.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on April 16, 2021, 10:46:16 AM
Tremendous win for young Tom Pidcock at Brabantse Pijl midweek, beating Van Aert
in the process.

At the other end of the scale good to see Cav winning three successive stages of the Tour of Turkey.  Might be a second division race but three straight wins is pretty impressive at any level.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 10, 2021, 08:53:28 PM
Giro stage 3 today, wow, that’s a way to win a stage. Brilliant
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2021, 01:35:04 PM
Giro stage 3 today, wow, that’s a way to win a stage. Brilliant

And that is the way to give an interview afterwards. Up there with Mads Pedersen and Cecille Ludwig.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on August 07, 2021, 02:58:37 AM
I was talking about the cycling at the Olympics to someone at work yesterday and the office Administrator turns round to me and said "You do a bit of cycling don't you. My best friends partner does as well. He's English as well". Thought it was a vert strange comment, then she added "His name is Alex Dowsett".

My first comment was "yeah, there's cycling, then there's real cycling like he does". 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 07, 2021, 10:30:21 PM
And usually very good on Twitter as well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 09, 2021, 04:25:28 PM
Is Alex the chap who does quite a bit of TT stuff and does YouTube Vids?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 09, 2021, 04:41:44 PM
His speciality is TT and he did hold the one hour world record for it a few years ago. Didn't notice the YT channel but here is JD's office managers best friend.


Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 10, 2021, 02:49:33 PM
I was talking about the cycling at the Olympics to someone at work yesterday and the office Administrator turns round to me and said "You do a bit of cycling don't you. My best friends partner does as well. He's English as well". Thought it was a vert strange comment, then she added "His name is Alex Dowsett".

My first comment was "yeah, there's cycling, then there's real cycling like he does". 

I bought Alex Dowsett's WattBike off Team Sky when they sell off kit at the seasons end, some of the numbers in the computer were insane, Avg power, all his ramp test data, he's a machine.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 10, 2021, 03:17:43 PM
I can't remember who mentioned it but they stated Kenny's track performance the other night might have been north of 2000 watts for 20 seconds or so.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 11, 2021, 09:04:29 AM
A mate did a 12 hour TT a few weeks ago, he covered something live 290 miles and averaged just over 200 watts. For 12 fucking hours!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 11, 2021, 07:50:38 PM
Jesus I did a work out this morning with 4 intervals totalling 38mins witthinbthe hour averaging 200w and I was pretty
Knackered, 12 bloody hours at that output, sheeesh.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 18, 2021, 12:23:26 AM
Cav and Wout Van Aert confirmed for the Tour of Britain. I was thinking about Stage 4 on the 8th, either the finish on the Orme or the Ffynnon Eidda climb (or both if I can work out the best route around the race). 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 18, 2021, 09:11:59 AM
I'll head out for Day 2 probably to Slapton Sands and make a day of it riding back through Torbay and along to Exeter to see the finish, I should beat them back.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 18, 2021, 03:38:11 PM
I'll head out for Day 2 probably to Slapton Sands and make a day of it riding back through Torbay and along to Exeter to see the finish, I should beat them back.

So the sprint rather then the Climb just before it.

The finish would be a nice "race" for you. 40 odd miles at 16-17mph via 75miles at 26-27mph.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 07, 2021, 01:15:54 PM
Did you go an see the race Jon?

Sounded and looked interesting from these tweets

Baa-ram-ewe (https://twitter.com/TourofBritain/status/1434866008846635014)

Alex Cow-sett (https://twitter.com/alexdowsett/status/1434997446426480640)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 09, 2021, 01:56:54 PM
How to cycle up the Great Orme

https://twitter.com/TourofBritain/status/1435633890195087370
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 30, 2021, 09:43:18 AM
Flew under my radar but the Women's Tour of Britain kicks off next week and stage 2 is a small 10 lap loop outside of Walsall between Great Barr and Aldridge.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on September 30, 2021, 08:31:08 PM
Flew under my radar but the Women's Tour of Britain kicks off next week and stage 2 is a small 10 lap loop outside of Walsall between Great Barr and Aldridge.
Thanks for the heads up on this!
The 10 laps should make for good watching.
My cousin and I will now be there cheering the riders on and telling each other how good we used to be!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 30, 2021, 09:40:10 PM
The QOM is a tiny climb though if they only use the roads. As it is alternative laps, they might use the climb into Beacon proper but it is nothing really still for a QOM points section. But I will be based there for half the race and then try to scoot into the Town centre for the finish.

I only knew about it as I saw the road closure signs yesterday evening on my normal loop.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on October 01, 2021, 03:36:17 PM
Paris-Roubaix this weekend!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on October 02, 2021, 10:32:17 PM
Paris-Roubaix this weekend!

Lizie Deignan wins the P-R Femme with a breakaway from a long way out in wet and muddy conditions.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on October 04, 2021, 12:49:34 PM
Paris-Roubaix this weekend!

Lizie Deignan wins the P-R Femme with a breakaway from a long way out in wet and muddy conditions.

She is racing the tour of Britain, after seeing the state of her Hands yesterday I wasn't sure she would.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on October 04, 2021, 12:59:42 PM
See what happens when the mental powers of a collective cycling audience are applied when they see Mosconi lead in the final 20 kms and looking unassailable .

What a race and what a finish.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 21, 2021, 02:55:33 PM
Just had email confirmation I've been offered a place on a race team for the 2022 season as an Ironman 70.3 age grouper, 5 sponsors including Specialized, Wahoo & Precision Hydration. Discounts are us so let me know if you want a new bike or bike computer.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Risso on December 21, 2021, 03:09:14 PM
Well done Jon. Impressive you're still competing at the age of 70.3 mate. ;)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 21, 2021, 06:48:38 PM
Ha ha funny man.

Did you ever sell those bikes?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on December 21, 2021, 08:39:56 PM
Great news Jon and even better news with the sponsorship. Good luck for the season, I hope it is pain and injury free for you.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on December 21, 2021, 09:18:34 PM
Well done Jon excellent news. Good luck for the season and the tech and gear you’ll get access to. Dead jel as the kids say….
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on December 22, 2021, 11:26:05 AM
Just had email confirmation I've been offered a place on a race team for the 2022 season as an Ironman 70.3 age grouper, 5 sponsors including Specialized, Wahoo & Precision Hydration. Discounts are us so let me know if you want a new bike or bike computer.

Is that why your Strava output has blown up recently?

What kind of discounts on Specsh?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 22, 2021, 07:47:03 PM
Partly, I’ve just had a couple of months off on advice from my coach and started a 16 week plan to Oceanside in April.

40% off a new S-Works Shiv, not sure about other frames or bikes at the moment.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on December 22, 2021, 10:54:05 PM
Hefty discount.

Well if similar on the lower priced other bikes I might be interesting in Aethos or Tarmac Pro versions. 56/58 I suspect (right on the cusp but long torso and short legs).
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on December 23, 2021, 10:40:29 AM
Partly, I’ve just had a couple of months off on advice from my coach and started a 16 week plan to Oceanside in April.

40% off a new S-Works Shiv, not sure about other frames or bikes at the moment.

Just as a matter of interest Jon do you do any training at all during your 2 months off like light runs or bikes?

I may be interested in a bike Jon as I still haven't had my Orro delivered, ordered over 15 months ago!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on December 23, 2021, 06:06:39 PM
I know there is a components shortage but 15 months ago does seem a pisstake. I looked at the Orro in the summer along with a Giant and decided against them because no guarantees on any turning up.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on December 24, 2021, 12:54:25 AM
I know there is a components shortage but 15 months ago does seem a pisstake. I looked at the Orro in the summer along with a Giant and decided against them because no guarantees on any turning up.

Yep bike is ready the only bit we’re waiting for is the group set. It’s bloody annoying and frustrating.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Risso on December 24, 2021, 08:58:07 AM
Ha ha funny man.

Did you ever sell those bikes?

Nope.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 26, 2021, 09:23:19 AM
Partly, I’ve just had a couple of months off on advice from my coach and started a 16 week plan to Oceanside in April.

40% off a new S-Works Shiv, not sure about other frames or bikes at the moment.

Just as a matter of interest Jon do you do any training at all during your 2 months off like light runs or bikes?

I may be interested in a bike Jon as I still haven't had my Orro delivered, ordered over 15 months ago!

All I did was strength and conditioning with a lot of core work, no running or riding at all. Need to give tendons and joints a proper rest. I actually feel much better for it which was the whole idea.

Need to speak to the coaches and find out what the deal is with Specialized as they are the main sponsor I think they’ll want me on a Shiv soon, can’t see any other discounted bikes or frames via my login just now but I’m sure there will be deals to be done.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on December 26, 2021, 12:41:52 PM
TBH the bike would be nice, especially with that type of discount. However I'm in no rush for one at the moment, especially as my mileage has dropped the last couple of years.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 31, 2022, 09:35:41 AM
Pidcock World Champion in Cyclo Cross

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/60176876

Would have been interesting if Wout and / or MvdP was there but he still had a strong field to beat.

Edit: Forgot to add that Zoe won the Junior Worlds the day before

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/cycling/60185044
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on January 31, 2022, 05:38:28 PM
Pidcock World Champion in Cyclo Cross

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/60176876

Would have been interesting if Wout and / or MvdP was there but he still had a strong field to beat.

Edit: Forgot to add that Zoe won the Junior Worlds the day before

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/cycling/60185044

Athlete of the year for me. Destroyed that field.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 31, 2022, 08:17:27 PM
So did Zoe. Both have shown greatness in Multi disciplines and whilst Pidcock probably will never be a GC in Tours, he will definitely be a contender in the one day classics and WC races. He can definitely hold the Rainbows on MTB, Road and CX at the same time in the coming years.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on February 02, 2022, 12:24:38 PM
So did Zoe. Both have shown greatness in Multi disciplines and whilst Pidcock probably will never be a GC in Tours, he will definitely be a contender in the one day classics and WC races. He can definitely hold the Rainbows on MTB, Road and CX at the same time in the coming years.

I can't understand why the BBC didn't show the Men's U23 race giving had British interest in it. I had to find it on YouTube.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: KNVillan on April 25, 2022, 01:05:31 PM
One for the cyclists

Pidcock was one of the first fallers

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/61211810
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on April 25, 2022, 02:05:19 PM
Shows the aftermath of the crash. Alaphillippe can be seen at the base of the tree in the ditch with Bardet running to check on him. Pidcock reckons they were travelling at 70KM/h when the crash happened.

https://twitter.com/James_Dart/status/1518298299182333953?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on April 25, 2022, 05:08:18 PM
Shows the aftermath of the crash. Alaphillippe can be seen at the base of the tree in the ditch with Bardet running to check on him. Pidcock reckons they were travelling at 70KM/h when the crash happened.

https://twitter.com/James_Dart/status/1518298299182333953?

One of my favourite riders.  I hope he can get back to form.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on May 02, 2022, 04:57:34 PM
Cavendish is in the squad for the Giro.  That probably means there's no place for him in the Tour de France.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 04, 2022, 12:11:16 PM
Cavendish is in the squad for the Giro.  That probably means there's no place for him in the Tour de France.

I think he said he was unlikely to be in the TdF squad a month or so ago.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 04, 2022, 01:36:11 PM
Cavendish is in the squad for the Giro.  That probably means there's no place for him in the Tour de France.

I think he said he was unlikely to be in the TdF squad a month or so ago.

He was unlikely to be in the last years one and he was because of injuries to others. However competing in Giro does kind of rule it out now unless he leaves it early.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 04, 2022, 03:28:58 PM
If he did get a slot and took Eddy’s record do we think that he’d be recognised as one of the true greats of the TdF in the way that Merckx is?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on May 04, 2022, 03:33:40 PM
If he did get a slot and took Eddy’s record do we think that he’d be recognised as one of the true greats of the TdF in the way that Merckx is?

I think he already is across Europe, perhaps not in the UK.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 04, 2022, 04:50:00 PM
Obviously not winning the whole thing would count against him in some peoples eyes, however the TDF is probably tougher for Sprinters then most riders as they have get up the same climbs as the GC's and have a time limit to do it in usually. So to complete the amount of wins he has and never finishing below 4th in points on the ones he completed is quite an achievement.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: luke:lamf on May 04, 2022, 06:16:28 PM
If he did get a slot and took Eddy’s record do we think that he’d be recognised as one of the true greats of the TdF in the way that Merckx is?
I would assume he already is. Of riders to have never won a yellow jersey he must be right up there, and even then there are likely plenty of one-time winners who don’t have the same overall impact.

I’ll repeat myself, yet again, the sprint on the CE where he shot out from behind Renshaw to burn off the rest to the extent that Renshaw could still sit up for second is the most astonishing sprint I have ever seen at Le Tour. Which is pretty good considering most of the other astonishing things (Landis, Armstrong, even Indurain blowing out Olano during an ITT) had either confirmations of suspicions of being fuelled by other means.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on May 08, 2022, 05:00:58 PM
Cav wins stage 3 of the Giro.  The man is a legend.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 09, 2022, 10:33:02 PM
I don't do cycling as I'm not married but if I did I'd probably wear one of these.
https://www.siroko.com/p/m2-siena-long-sleeve-cycling-jersey-men?

Have no idea if they're any good.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 10, 2022, 10:26:51 AM
That's a nice looking jersey, pair that with these shoes (of which I have a pair)

(https://i.ibb.co/hY0702Y/42544-fizik-infinito-r1-knitted-road-shoes-2018.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hY0702Y)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on May 10, 2022, 11:20:28 AM
I already have a Siroko jersey...the one featured at the top of their website...and I've just ordered the one you picked out BV! Thanks for that! Birthday gift request sorted!
And I may need a new pair of shoes Jon.....my Fizik R5s are nearing their end!
Wiggle?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 10, 2022, 01:26:28 PM
I already have a Siroko jersey...the one featured at the top of their website...and I've just ordered the one you picked out BV! Thanks for that! Birthday gift request sorted!
And I may need a new pair of shoes Jon.....my Fizik R5s are nearing their end!
Wiggle?

You'll need to shop around for those shoes mate, they're out of stock pretty much everywhere!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 10, 2022, 07:01:26 PM
I don't do cycling as I'm not married but if I did I'd probably wear one of these.
https://www.siroko.com/p/m2-siena-long-sleeve-cycling-jersey-men?

Have no idea if they're any good.

With the crossed Spanners, too close to Spammers.

However this was is also on there.

https://www.siroko.com/p/m2-road-trip-long-sleeve-cycling-jersey-men
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 05, 2022, 04:17:43 PM
Putting it here but more for the Triathlon.

A couple of top triathletes were trying for a sub 7 hour Ironman with pacers etc. Dowsett was one of the cycling pacers for Joe Skipper (Would have been Brownlee but he was injured). Here is Dowsetts stats for the cycling leg. Flat course but 112miles at an average of 34mph......

https://www.strava.com/activities/7258206527
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on June 06, 2022, 05:05:32 PM
Putting it here but more for the Triathlon.

A couple of top triathletes were trying for a sub 7 hour Ironman with pacers etc. Dowsett was one of the cycling pacers for Joe Skipper (Would have been Brownlee but he was injured). Here is Dowsetts stats for the cycling leg. Flat course but 112miles at an average of 34mph......

https://www.strava.com/activities/7258206527

That’s insane numbers. I’d be happy to pump out half that over 3 hours. Sheesh. Good result for Skipper even though Blummenthal beat him. Saw him interviewed and he seems to think he lost it on the swim.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 06, 2022, 05:30:28 PM
I don't follow tri much but pretty sure Blummenfelt is known as a strong runner and normally wins on that section if not gapped significantly elsewhere. Would have been interesting if Brownlee hadn't injured beforehand.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on June 27, 2022, 02:30:34 PM
No Cav in the 2022 TdF

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/61953009
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on June 27, 2022, 03:17:28 PM
No Cav in the 2022 TdF

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/61953009

Quickstep might regret this.  Cav in good form has just won the British Nationals.  Jacobson is quick but does not have Cav's savvy in being in the right place at the right time.  Essential on the madcap Tour first week bunch sprints.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 27, 2022, 04:09:57 PM
Some have mentioned that the Belgium Director of a Belgium Team might not want the record for the most ever Tour wins to be taken from a Belgium by someone on his team.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on June 30, 2022, 01:56:58 PM
Some have mentioned that the Belgium Director of a Belgium Team might not want the record for the most ever Tour wins to be taken from a Belgium by someone on his team.

Lots of conspiracy theories in cycling!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on June 30, 2022, 01:58:12 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/61992197

Bahrain Victorious team hotels raided twice in a week!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 04, 2022, 09:23:29 AM
Gary Imlach has been one of my favourite sports presenters since the days of the NFL on Channel 4.

He continues to be great on ITV's TdF coverage. Love his sarcastic introductions/links
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 04, 2022, 09:32:57 AM
Channel 4 used to get some really good people hosting their sports stuff. James Richardson was great on the Italian Football show.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 04, 2022, 12:19:12 PM
I don't follow tri much but pretty sure Blummenfelt is known as a strong runner and normally wins on that section if not gapped significantly elsewhere. Would have been interesting if Brownlee hadn't injured beforehand.

He's some engine and not exactly built like a long distance triathlete like say a Frodeno, Lange or Macca.
Brownlee has a long standing issue following a viral infection rather than an injury as such, he had it before Oceanside in April and it affected him on the run, he then bailed out of the world champs and then the Sub 7 project.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 04, 2022, 12:22:52 PM
Channel 4 used to get some really good people hosting their sports stuff. James Richardson was great on the Italian Football show.

They also had Jonathan King presenting overnight sports-entertainment, but we'd best gloss over that :)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 04, 2022, 12:23:16 PM
 I see Geraint doesn't just fall off his bike at a moments notice, but also tries to test aero garments in the opening TT by wearing his Gilet over his skin suit.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 05, 2022, 08:25:18 AM
Great finish to yesterday's stage, 3 riders all within a tyre's width of each other on the line, goodbye Denmark and hello France.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 05, 2022, 09:06:19 AM
I do like Cosmo's take on racing sometimes. Here is his stages 1-3 breakdown.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 05, 2022, 04:43:37 PM
Wout van Aert, bloody hell.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 05, 2022, 07:37:40 PM
It does help when you can go invisible to the rest of the riders though.

Check out the sprint reaction afterwards to see proof of this power. (https://twitter.com/Eurosport_ES/status/1544344300619968518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1544344300619968518%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Froad.cc%2Fcontent%2Fnews%2Fcycling-live-blog-5-july-2022-294159)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 05, 2022, 10:18:57 PM
It wasn’t as if WvA was that far ahead, so I don’t understand why Phillpsen thought he’d won
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 05, 2022, 10:39:03 PM
I see Geraint doesn't just fall off his bike at a moments notice, but also tries to test aero garments in the opening TT by wearing his Gilet over his skin suit.

He’s auctioned the gilet off for charity.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 05, 2022, 11:55:07 PM
I see Geraint doesn't just fall off his bike at a moments notice, but also tries to test aero garments in the opening TT by wearing his Gilet over his skin suit.

He’s auctioned the gilet off for charity.

If he gets it back at the end of the Tour that is.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on July 06, 2022, 01:57:57 PM
Cobbles at TDF today! Has to be a stage for MVDP to step up?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 06, 2022, 10:01:15 PM
Cobbles at TDF today! Has to be a stage for MVDP to step up?
Not his day, dropped, punctured and in no form at all. Good day for Pogacar.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 06, 2022, 10:50:57 PM
Another bonkers stage today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on July 06, 2022, 11:39:34 PM
Have to admire Cort’s social distancing technique of never riding in the peleton to catch anything.  Jumbo had a mad day, Kruswijk running across the front of the speeding group was a oooh moment! Think that’s the most tension seen on Pog’s face as well. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on July 07, 2022, 01:15:29 PM
Cobbles at TDF today! Has to be a stage for MVDP to step up?

Disappointed that I actually made a prediction!

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: CT Villan on July 07, 2022, 02:01:10 PM
Really enjoying this year's TdF, there have been some very exciting stages already and I'm hoping all hell breaks loose in the mountains !

Head says Pogacar to win, heart wants Thomas, but Wout may trump them both. It's a shame Sagan doesn't appear to be in top form.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: dcdavecollett on July 08, 2022, 01:46:19 AM
Millar reckons that Wout has no chance of winning the TdF -not enough power for the mountains.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 08, 2022, 04:20:45 PM
The last couple of hundred metres of today’s stage was brutally steep.

Tough on Kamna, but brilliant by Pog
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 14, 2022, 09:55:27 AM
Big changes in the last stage. Pog cracked on first mountain stage.

After the race Wout gave his stage green jersey to a brit guy who helped him blow up his tubeless tire so he could cycle down to the team coaches. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on July 14, 2022, 10:02:27 AM
That was a brilliant stage, best year this year. What a grueling climb.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 14, 2022, 11:32:49 AM
AdH today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 14, 2022, 06:01:18 PM
That win came from nowhere. I don't think anyone predicted him to win.

For the highlight followers I will hide the winner.

Pidcock winner with Froome third.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 14, 2022, 10:41:22 PM
Pidcock is the next superstar of the Tour.   
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 14, 2022, 11:17:43 PM
Only two proper mountain stages left.
This could go to the time trial on the penultimate day.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on July 16, 2022, 04:32:31 PM
What's with the cans of Fanta after each stage? Other than sponsoring, is there a nutritional reason? Is it special Fanta?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on July 17, 2022, 07:44:00 PM
Things I love about living in semi rural Cheshire- nice quiet country roads with fuck all traffic on.

Things I don’t love about living in semi rural Cheshire - said quiet country roads being covered in cow shit whilst Farmer Giles moves his cows from pasture to pasture.

My lovely bike covered in shite and needing a bloody massive clean.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: CT Villan on July 21, 2022, 02:15:24 AM
Pogachar was sadly lacking today, so it looks like it is Vingegaard's to lose.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 21, 2022, 10:37:24 PM
Pogachar was sadly lacking today, so it looks like it is Vingegaard's to lose.

I wouldn’t say that Pog is lacking, is more that Ving is the better rider this year and has better support riders
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 21, 2022, 10:54:37 PM
Pogachar was sadly lacking today, so it looks like it is Vingegaard's to lose.

I wouldn’t say that Pog is lacking, is more that Ving is the better rider this year and has better support riders

The support riders bit definitely. Having Roglic but mainly Wout around. TBH Wout deserves third place and it is his to give up as I expect Thomas to slide out in the TT. He hasn't come off this tour (I believe) so is due one. Although his self sabotage with the Gilet on the prologue might be the new thing instead. I've only just realised there is no TTT this year. Fad that has been discontinued or another reason?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 21, 2022, 11:18:52 PM
Pogachar was sadly lacking today, so it looks like it is Vingegaard's to lose.

I wouldn’t say that Pog is lacking, is more that Ving is the better rider this year and has better support riders
Correct. Pog crashed and had no team support.  There really is nothing between the two - they are both exceptional.   They are both brilliant.  Loved seeing Ving wait for Pog when he crashed. He didn’t have to that.   The iTT on Saturday will be interesting.  One of the best Tours ever. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on July 22, 2022, 12:02:42 PM
TonyD agreed!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on July 22, 2022, 10:40:14 PM
Jumbo as a whole team have been unreal, to lose roglic & Kruswijk and still dominate is special.  Great reward for Laporte today, think the sprint teams thought it was open for them when Van Aert pulled off in last 3km but didn’t react well to Laporte just riding away into sunset.  Some of those sprinters like Ewan will have had a pretty pointless tour if they don’t get anything on Sunday.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: CT Villan on July 23, 2022, 01:58:14 AM
Jumbo were definitely everything I had hoped Ineos would be. Though with that said there have been times before when Tadej would put the hammer down on his own and nobody could live with him. To see him on the climb with a support rider and not able to drop Vingegaard was tough to watch. That takes nothing away from JV as he is an awesome rider too.

Feel sorry for Froomey after all he has been through of late and now doesn't even get to finish.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 24, 2022, 08:49:36 PM
Would have been great to see WvA contest the sprint today, but I guess he didn’t feel that he had it in home after the Time Trial.

Still, that did allow the five remaining Jumbos to roll over together, emphasising the team work involved in the race
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 24, 2022, 09:10:34 PM
Well that's Le Tour for another year and what a great one it was. Hats off to (saved typing) Vingo, Pog and WvA all three were brilliant.  Special mention to G, the best of the rest by some distance and Fred Wright who loved to get in a break.
Still IMO the greatest sporting event in the world.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 25, 2022, 12:11:59 AM
Also a mention to Pidcock, won’t be GC contender but a brilliant ride and win up D’Huez but also a tremendous descent from the climb before that.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on July 25, 2022, 08:05:40 PM
Also a mention to Pidcock, won’t be GC contender but a brilliant ride and win up D’Huez but also a tremendous descent from the climb before that.

Any idea what the plan is for Pidcock and Ineos. I think he could be a GC contender, what am I missing?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on July 25, 2022, 08:21:06 PM
Also a mention to Pidcock, won’t be GC contender but a brilliant ride and win up D’Huez but also a tremendous descent from the climb before that.

Any idea what the plan is for Pidcock and Ineos. I think he could be a GC contender, what am I missing?
Think you’ll find he likes the mountain biking as much as the road racing….sure ineos will have him as GC at a few stage races before launching him at a grand tour lead role
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 25, 2022, 08:31:33 PM
Pidcock in most major world tour races will be competing with WvA and Van der Poel.  He might want to consider a GC role at some stage in the future to not having to compete with them.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 25, 2022, 09:17:31 PM
Pidcock in most major world tour races will be competing with WvA and Van der Poel.  He might want to consider a GC role at some stage in the future to not having to compete with them.


It was mentioned during the TdF that Pidcock’s team will continue to allow him to compete in mountain biking and cyclocross.

It’ll be interesting to see whether his performance over the past few weeks leads him to concentrate on the road.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 18, 2022, 12:54:21 AM
I already have a Siroko jersey...the one featured at the top of their website...and I've just ordered the one you picked out BV! Thanks for that! Birthday gift request sorted!

No worries, hopefully looks the part on you. As mentioned before, I'm not a cyclist myself but this looks a bit of a snip should anyone be so inclined. https://www.siroko.com/p/m2-siena-long-sleeve-cycling-jersey-men?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 20, 2022, 11:36:35 AM
Zoe Bäckstedt decimated the rest of the TT youth field to hold her fourth Junior World Title in cycling disciplines this year. (Although she could lose out on the road race one later on this week).
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on September 24, 2022, 09:35:32 PM
Zoe Bäckstedt decimated the rest of the TT youth field to hold her fourth Junior World Title in cycling disciplines this year. (Although she could lose out on the road race one later on this week).

Zoe won the Road Race for the second year in the row (https://twitter.com/UCI_cycling/status/1573460070012440576). Left everyone else trailing behind her. Brilliant 18th Birthday for her.
 
And in the seniors Van Vleutan won it (https://twitter.com/UCI_cycling/status/1573581017440735232) even though she was riding with a fractured elbow from a crash on the TT relay earlier on in the week.

 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on November 24, 2022, 10:21:25 AM
Pidcock now fit for the cyclo-cross I see!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: KNVillan on November 30, 2022, 06:45:20 PM
Italian cyclist Davide Rebellin has died in a training accident

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/63813147
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 04, 2023, 11:35:23 PM
Pidcock with the Strade Bianche win.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on March 21, 2023, 11:07:48 AM
Milan - San Remo was as crazy as ever!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 04, 2023, 01:13:09 PM
The Giro d’Italia starts Saturday, who’s your favourites?

Remco has to be number 1 right? Smashed LBL
Roglic has won twice already this season and Jumbo team is dominating
Thomas is 36 and turns 37 on stage 13 of the Giro.

I’m going for Ben Healy to surprise a few of the big names and win a few stages.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on May 04, 2023, 09:52:00 PM
Remco for me with Jay Vine as a decent long shot.  Hopefully Cav will take a sprint stage although it looks as if he will have little support from Astana.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 05, 2023, 09:45:53 AM
The Giro d’Italia starts Saturday, who’s your favourites?

Remco has to be number 1 right? Smashed LBL
Roglic has won twice already this season and Jumbo team is dominating
Thomas is 36 and turns 37 on stage 13 of the Giro.

I’m going for Ben Healy to surprise a few of the big names and win a few stages.

Is that his age or the number of times he will come off his bike?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on May 12, 2023, 11:16:38 AM
First big mountain stage on the Giro today. Should give a better idea as to who really has the best form?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 14, 2023, 09:39:34 PM
Remco out of the Giro, Covid.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on May 15, 2023, 02:24:10 PM
Remco out of the Giro, Covid.

Ineos must fancy their chances with Thomas and Geoghan-Hart?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on May 21, 2023, 07:46:16 PM
The GC hasn’t taken off yet. 
Only a week to go. 
The weather hasn’t been kind.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on May 23, 2023, 11:12:37 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/65665546

Cav to retire!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on May 23, 2023, 11:40:08 PM
Big G is back. 
Legend
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Risso on May 24, 2023, 10:14:50 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/65665546

Cav to retire!

One of the greatest British sportsmen ever. Not bad for a lad from a tiny village on the IOM.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on May 27, 2023, 05:13:55 PM
Fuck fuck fuck. 
Big G blew it on the mountain TT. 
Gutted for him.   
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 27, 2023, 06:40:03 PM
Not sure he blew it, Roglic absolutely monstered that climb.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on May 27, 2023, 06:51:19 PM
Not sure he blew it, Roglic absolutely monstered that climb.
True. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on May 28, 2023, 07:02:19 PM
Just to complete a great day Cav wins the final stage in Rome, with help from G.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 05, 2023, 11:46:00 AM
Death at Ironman Hamburg with a press motorbike riding on the wrong side of the road with competitors cycling both ways. Surprisingly the Motorbike rider died in the incident although he was over 70 so might have been a heart attack after the incident.

https://tri-today.com/2023/06/motard-ironman-hamburg-dies-after-horror-crash-with-cyclist-video/
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 05, 2023, 07:40:50 PM
Death at Ironman Hamburg with a press motorbike riding on the wrong side of the road with competitors cycling both ways. Surprisingly the Motorbike rider died in the incident although he was over 70 so might have been a heart attack after the incident.

https://tri-today.com/2023/06/motard-ironman-hamburg-dies-after-horror-crash-with-cyclist-video/

That stretch of road is too narrow for 2 way traffic, add motorcycles in and it’s a recipe for disaster. UCI regs state a physical barrier between riders if an out and back course. Way too many motos on the course and the issue was raised at the pro briefing and Ironman failed to respond to pro concerns about moto numbers.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on June 06, 2023, 10:59:48 AM
Death at Ironman Hamburg with a press motorbike riding on the wrong side of the road with competitors cycling both ways. Surprisingly the Motorbike rider died in the incident although he was over 70 so might have been a heart attack after the incident.

https://tri-today.com/2023/06/motard-ironman-hamburg-dies-after-horror-crash-with-cyclist-video/

That stretch of road is too narrow for 2 way traffic, add motorcycles in and it’s a recipe for disaster. UCI regs state a physical barrier between riders if an out and back course. Way too many motos on the course and the issue was raised at the pro briefing and Ironman failed to respond to pro concerns about moto numbers.

I’ve heard quite a few rumbles from a few people I know about Ironman as an organisation Jon, as you’re an actual competitor how does it feel from your angle at the events you’ve done?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 06, 2023, 10:06:03 PM
Similar thing happened at Ironman Bolton the other year. Competitor was injured when hit on a supposed closed road section of road. Turned out the marshals had waved the car on to the course. They apparently also opened the course up to traffic a few hours earlier then they told the amateur competitors.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 12, 2023, 03:49:31 PM
Death at Ironman Hamburg with a press motorbike riding on the wrong side of the road with competitors cycling both ways. Surprisingly the Motorbike rider died in the incident although he was over 70 so might have been a heart attack after the incident.

https://tri-today.com/2023/06/motard-ironman-hamburg-dies-after-horror-crash-with-cyclist-video/

That stretch of road is too narrow for 2 way traffic, add motorcycles in and it’s a recipe for disaster. UCI regs state a physical barrier between riders if an out and back course. Way too many motos on the course and the issue was raised at the pro briefing and Ironman failed to respond to pro concerns about moto numbers.

I’ve heard quite a few rumbles from a few people I know about Ironman as an organisation Jon, as you’re an actual competitor how does it feel from your angle at the events you’ve done?

I've raced over 25 Ironman races now including a World Championship 70.3.
Man that is a whole can of worms.
I've had great and shocking and everything in between.

In Bahrain at the Middle East Champs in 2018 there were cars on the bike course within 5km of the start, I also saw at least 3 £15k TT/Tri bikes under lorries heading out to The Tree Of Life and the GP circuit, on the run course local Arab athletes were wearing headphones (specifically banned) on the run course getting in the way and generally obstructing faster athletes, nobody said a word.

In France at Aix-En-Provence cars on a closed road mountain course, marshals and helpers on the run course on their phones playing Candy Crush whilst athletes were collapsing with heat exhaustion in the heat.

In Barcelona pelotons of 30 plus cyclists all drafting (banned) each other and nothing gets done.

In Turkey Russian athletes riding in pelotons together all drafting off each other in turns like a pro peloton and nothing got done.

In Morocco £15k TT & Sri bikes being transferred to the T1 area on a flat bed, bikes literally thrown on top of each other for a 15km journey through the desert.

I am also aware of bikes being stolen from T1 overnight before a race.

Now there's a lot there that is down to athletes not playing by the rules, there have been deaths, mostly in the swim and pretty much all down to a cardiac arrest. Ironman is a hugely popular and successful global brand, it lost it's way during the pandemic but I think it's on the right course again now. It's all about the money though, if I qualified for say the full Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii, the race entry fee alone is well over $1000. I know a few people who've raced there, in fact my coach has, it cost him in excess of £20k all in with flights, transport and accommodation, it's just not sustainable and I think that's part of the reason why the mens WC this year is in Nice, France and the women is in Kona.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on June 13, 2023, 11:14:45 AM
Women's Tour de Pyrenees stopped over safety concerns I see! Namely vehicles and other obstructions as roads not closed even for a few minutes to let the race go by and reports of only 4 motorbike outriders to warn of the oncoming race!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 13, 2023, 05:00:55 PM
Yep that tier of racing doesn't get closed roads even under UCI rules.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 14, 2023, 07:38:15 AM
German newspaper Bild is reporting that the 70-year-old moto driver who died at Ironman Hamburg had an ear infection that led to a balance disorder and was told not to drive for three months in April by his doctor.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 14, 2023, 08:43:03 AM
German newspaper Bild is reporting that the 70-year-old moto driver who died at Ironman Hamburg had an ear infection that led to a balance disorder and was told not to drive for three months in April by his doctor.

So seems to be a similar thing that a Doctor or Optician here could diagnose something which means the driver is a menace on the roads, yet can't legally inform anyone to stop them driving.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: ian c. on June 14, 2023, 10:06:47 AM
On a brighter note, Rachel Atherton was back to winning ways at the weekend.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 14, 2023, 02:26:44 PM
Really enjoying the Tour de France Unchained documentary on Netflix, great stuff even for the non cyclist.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 14, 2023, 02:43:46 PM
The section with Pidcocks descent.......
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 14, 2023, 10:39:43 PM
The section with Pidcocks descent.......

Just watched that episode this evening. Yikes.  I’ve hit 85 kmh a few times but fuck me 105 kmh down the Galibier.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on June 15, 2023, 10:37:08 AM
The section with Pidcocks descent.......

Just watched that episode this evening. Yikes.  I’ve hit 85 kmh a few times but fuck me 105 kmh down the Galibier.

Was stunning footage too…totally on the edge riding
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 16, 2023, 12:11:05 PM
Gino Mader has died after crashing on a descent leading to the finish. I thought they had stopped doing stage finishes at the bottom of HC climbs to stop riders wiping out trying to cross the finish line.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on June 16, 2023, 12:11:32 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/65926606

Quote
Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died at the age of 26 after crashing on stage five of the Tour de Suisse.

The Team Bahrain Victorious rider was involved in a high-speed crash with American Magnus Sheffield, 21, on Thursday on the descent of the Albula Pass and fell into a ravine.

He was resuscitated at the scene before being airlifted to hospital in Chur, but passed away on Friday morning.

Bahrain Victorious said Mader was "one of the shining lights of our team".

"Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the whole cycling community," the team said.

"His talent, dedication and passion for the sport has inspired us all."

Team managing director Milan Erzen said: "Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist, but a great person off the bike.

"Bahrain Victorious will race in his honour, keeping his memory on every road we race. We are determined to show the spirit and passion Gino displayed, and he will always remain an integral part of our team."

A statement said the Tour de Suisse is "heartbroken" by Mader's death, while the UCI - cycling's world governing body - said he was a "rising star".

Ineos Grenadiers rider Sheffield was taken to hospital with a concussion and soft tissue damage.

More to follow.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on June 16, 2023, 01:34:30 PM
Awful news
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on June 17, 2023, 06:51:17 AM
It is Simon. Absolutely ludicrous to have and downhill finish. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: charlatan on June 17, 2023, 08:59:32 PM
Doesn't seem to me that the finish was to blame. The last few hundred metres were flat and this sort of accident would have been just as likely if there had been an extra few km on the flat at the finish as is common.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: JD on June 18, 2023, 09:05:03 AM
Doesn't seem to me that the finish was to blame. The last few hundred metres were flat and this sort of accident would have been just as likely if there had been an extra few km on the flat at the finish as is common.

Fair enough. I just read some comments from some of the riders. Maybe they were just over emotional.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on June 19, 2023, 10:18:22 AM
Doesn't seem to me that the finish was to blame. The last few hundred metres were flat and this sort of accident would have been just as likely if there had been an extra few km on the flat at the finish as is common.

Fair enough. I just read some comments from some of the riders. Maybe they were just over emotional.

I think its is the cumulative effect of a long uphill climb where you need all your energy and then a long downhill chase to the finish that was being criticised?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on June 23, 2023, 02:01:03 PM
NO Froome at the TDF this year!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 23, 2023, 02:06:46 PM
Have you seen his statement on why? Bad equipment according to Froome.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: usav on June 23, 2023, 06:19:59 PM
Have you seen his statement on why? Bad equipment according to Froome.

Do the bikes really make that much of a difference?  Surely they all have the same technology and it's 99% down to the rider.  I can see the supporting cast within your team being way more important than the bike itself.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 23, 2023, 09:52:09 PM
To be fair he had a couple of mechanicals in the season but at the end of the day if you’re not push the numbers you aren’t riding the tour.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on June 27, 2023, 12:04:25 PM
Have you seen his statement on why? Bad equipment according to Froome.

A poor workman always blames his tools?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 27, 2023, 07:36:15 PM
No G at TdF but not a surprise as I think he said early season Giro and Vuelta were the A races.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: manic-road on June 28, 2023, 01:59:56 PM
I'm after some cycling advice: I cycle with toestraps and have done for years, is it worth changing to SPD pedals and shoes? (Giant Defy Advanced 2)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 28, 2023, 06:18:43 PM
Definitely worth changing to clipless pedals like SPD SL for the Giant. You’ll transfer power much better and they’ll encourage a much better pedal stroke as you’ll be able to deliver power all the way through the stroke with clipless. Also much easier to get in and out of the pedal without fannying about with toe lips and straps. If you can afford it then a full carbon or carbon impregnated soled shoe will be stiffer and more efficient too. One last thing is get the cleats fitted at your LBS so you don’t end up shagging your knees or heel rubbing the chainstay of your bike with a poorly adjusted cleat.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: manic-road on June 28, 2023, 06:41:26 PM
Definitely worth changing to clipless pedals like SPD SL for the Giant. You’ll transfer power much better and they’ll encourage a much better pedal stroke as you’ll be able to deliver power all the way through the stroke with clipless. Also much easier to get in and out of the pedal without fannying about with toe lips and straps. If you can afford it then a full carbon or carbon impregnated soled shoe will be stiffer and more efficient too. One last thing is get the cleats fitted at your LBS so you don’t end up shagging your knees or heel rubbing the chainstay of your bike with a poorly adjusted cleat.

Cheers Jon that's much appreciated advice especially about getting them fitted at my local bike store, I'll get some this week.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on June 28, 2023, 09:00:53 PM
With the cleats, think about your riding style and how much walking you might be doing as well before purchasing pedals and shoes.

SPD’s. (The ones your probably mentioned) are two screw metal plates with pedals that can be one sided (normally with flat) or dual sided. They are mostly looked at as gravel / mtb ones but I would recommend these if will be walking more or just tootling along rather than exerting with speed. Go for ones with a wider platform for support as the smaller cleat area can cause hotspots on your feet. The cleats are normally recessed slightly on most shoes.

SPD-SL’s are more for racing and the cleats are exposed more. They are normally three bolt ans made from durable plastic, but will wear more with walking, plus awkward to walk in anyway. Go for these if wanting more performance.

As you are going defy which is more endurance then speed, I’m guessing the former is the ones you need.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: manic-road on June 29, 2023, 10:06:15 AM
With the cleats, think about your riding style and how much walking you might be doing as well before purchasing pedals and shoes.

SPD’s. (The ones your probably mentioned) are two screw metal plates with pedals that can be one sided (normally with flat) or dual sided. They are mostly looked at as gravel / mtb ones but I would recommend these if will be walking more or just tootling along rather than exerting with speed. Go for ones with a wider platform for support as the smaller cleat area can cause hotspots on your feet. The cleats are normally recessed slightly on most shoes.

SPD-SL’s are more for racing and the cleats are exposed more. They are normally three bolt ans made from durable plastic, but will wear more with walking, plus awkward to walk in anyway. Go for these if wanting more performance.

As you are going defy which is more endurance then speed, I’m guessing the former is the ones you need.


Thanks for the Info
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on June 30, 2023, 01:42:47 PM
Cleats are the way to go.
They do a lot of things. 
Keeps your feet in the right place on the pedal.
Gives you confidence to push hard knowing you’re never going to slip out.
And for me they improved my cadence.  I used to pedal in bursts. Now it’s a nice steady cadence. 
Plus you don’t have to hook the pedal up when you ride off. 

I’m not looking to break any speed records.  So I use these:
https://www.wiggle.com/p/shimano-m324-combination-pedals?utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=base&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvbLjtYHr_wIVUZvVCh1csgszEAQYASABEgLFKfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

You can clip out both ways with them.

Shoe wise I’ve always gone for North Wave.  Good for wider feet.  Lots of cycling shoes tend to be a narrow fit.   These are good value  https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/northwave-escape-evo-cycling-shoes/?aid=fef7546ece63c8d446cec606fabf9d1e&pid=10004&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoufdioLr_wIVxuPtCh2SYgAxEAQYIyABEgJl_PD_BwE&wt_mc=uk.pla.google_uk.18006637156..#galleryid-1.pictureid-3
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on June 30, 2023, 01:44:08 PM
TdF tomorrow. 
Love it. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on June 30, 2023, 02:58:49 PM
Yep, repeat-record set for the ITV4 highlights
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 01, 2023, 09:17:28 AM
p
TdF tomorrow. 
Love it. 

Hope Pogacar is fully recovered to take on Vinegaard and Jumbo Visma. And of course a stage win for Cav.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Villa Lew on July 01, 2023, 10:36:00 AM
Is there any chance of a British winner?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 01, 2023, 11:19:14 AM
Is there any chance of a British winner?

Tom Piddock, the Yates brothers, Cav and Fred Wright for a possible stage win. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 01, 2023, 11:24:41 AM
It will be interesting if TdF is affected by the riots. After all the Police are normally heavy handed with any disruptions of it in normal times.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: charlatan on July 01, 2023, 02:03:31 PM
They don't spend much time trundling through the banlieues
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 02, 2023, 01:48:39 AM
Yates and Yates
1st and 2nd!
Fukin awesome. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 02, 2023, 02:04:04 AM
Should have put a bet on.
In hindsight that route was a series of nasty little climbs.
Like we get in England especially south Devon. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: CT Villan on July 02, 2023, 02:31:12 AM
Who is the favorite on here for the GC win in Paris ? Not close enough to it to know who is in form etc...

The course looks brutal though !
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 02, 2023, 08:13:12 AM
Should have put a bet on.
In hindsight that route was a series of nasty little climbs.
Like we get in England especially south Devon. 

It’s the Dartmoor Classic this weekend if you want nasty little climbs all day. Only other place I’ve come across anything like it was the Tour of Flanders sportive, relentless punchy climbs all day.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on July 02, 2023, 10:25:28 AM
Yates and Yates
1st and 2nd!
Fukin awesome. 

Bury's most successful sporting siblings since the Nevilles.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 02, 2023, 11:09:02 AM
Should have put a bet on.
In hindsight that route was a series of nasty little climbs.
Like we get in England especially south Devon. 

It’s the Dartmoor Classic this weekend if you want nasty little climbs all day. Only other place I’ve come across anything like it was the Tour of Flanders sportive, relentless punchy climbs all day.
Dartmoor itself is fine. .
But try going clockwise say from Okehampton and skirt Dartmoor going on NCS 28.  Then on to Modbury and then around the South Hams.   
I’ve cycled all over the place. But that area is truly hideous.  Especially with c12 kgs of camping gear.  I’m never ever going back to ride that part of the world.  And I quite like hills.

I thought Flanders was flatter than flat.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 02, 2023, 12:25:55 PM
Should have put a bet on.
In hindsight that route was a series of nasty little climbs.
Like we get in England especially south Devon. 

It’s the Dartmoor Classic this weekend if you want nasty little climbs all day. Only other place I’ve come across anything like it was the Tour of Flanders sportive, relentless punchy climbs all day.
Dartmoor itself is fine. .
But try going clockwise say from Okehampton and skirt Dartmoor going on NCS 28.  Then on to Modbury and then around the South Hams.   
I’ve cycled all over the place. But that area is truly hideous.  Especially with c12 kgs of camping gear.  I’m never ever going back to ride that part of the world.  And I quite like hills.

I thought Flanders was flatter than flat.

I go out that way now and again via Dartmouth and Totnes to Bigbury and back via Blackpool Sands and Brixham. Yep it’s hilly.

Flanders is nothing like flat.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 04, 2023, 11:01:09 PM
Mad crashes in the final few kilometres today.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: dcdavecollett on July 05, 2023, 01:44:27 AM
Always hate to see this happen!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 05, 2023, 08:40:54 AM
Mad crashes in the final few kilometres today.

Wasn't the last km's on a race track? Oil on the track that was not noticed?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 05, 2023, 09:12:46 AM
That was my thought as I was watching.

Before the peloton got to the track, David Millar said that he'd ridden the last 2k and thought that it was an easy finish.

ITV didn't show this recognisance ride, as they normally do for expected sprint finishes

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 05, 2023, 09:19:55 AM
Just seen the last straight sprint. VdP taking the illegal manoeuvre relegation to force the gap for his team mate is a bit dodgy. The crash just before the line was rider error. But the one on the turn I can't tell.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on July 05, 2023, 11:27:44 AM
Just seen the last straight sprint. VdP taking the illegal manoeuvre relegation to force the gap for his team mate is a bit dodgy. The crash just before the line was rider error. But the one on the turn I can't tell.

Grip must have been a factor? Tarmac on the race track would be different to the roads they had been on!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 05, 2023, 08:50:38 PM
What a ride from Jai today.
Yes I know he was in the break. 
This tour is going to be a cracker! !!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 05, 2023, 08:53:26 PM
Fuck Jai looks so fresh in his interview after the stage.
No hint of any effort on his face.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 05, 2023, 08:56:40 PM
Cadel doesn’t look well. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 07, 2023, 11:38:28 PM
Cav so close today.
Thought he had it for a moment.
Shit luck jumping on his highest two gears. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 07, 2023, 11:58:40 PM
Should have put a bet on.
In hindsight that route was a series of nasty little climbs.
Like we get in England especially south Devon. 

It’s the Dartmoor Classic this weekend if you want nasty little climbs all day. Only other place I’ve come across anything like it was the Tour of Flanders sportive, relentless punchy climbs all day.
Dartmoor itself is fine. .
But try going clockwise say from Okehampton and skirt Dartmoor going on NCS 28.  Then on to Modbury and then around the South Hams.   
I’ve cycled all over the place. But that area is truly hideous.  Especially with c12 kgs of camping gear.  I’m never ever going back to ride that part of the world.  And I quite like hills.

I thought Flanders was flatter than flat.

I go out that way now and again via Dartmouth and Totnes to Bigbury and back via Blackpool Sands and Brixham. Yep it’s hilly.

Flanders is nothing like flat.
Yep it’s hilly. But there are different types of hills.  Bit like the Eskimos have 90 word for snow.  Some climbs even if steep are okay. Some really long and steep climbs I can cope with. But the hills around that neck of the woods are nasty. Plus the road surfaces on the sustrans routes around there are narrow 10 to 20% climbs with a mound of 5 years shite in the middle of the road and the only space to ride on is the tyre tracks. And then now have potholes every 50 metres or so. 
I’ve cycled most of the south west and beyond in the UK on sustrans over the last 15 years. But the last 2/3 years some of the roads have basically become a nightmare.  Shame as you could always rely on the routes for a cracking few days or a week cycling tour with the old camping gear. 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 08, 2023, 04:09:27 PM
Cav so close today.
Thought he had it for a moment.
Shit luck jumping on his highest two gears. 
Unlucky yesterday really unlucky today. Out of the tour crashed and probably has a broken collarbone. Great shame not the way to end his time on the tour.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 08, 2023, 07:38:44 PM
Gutted for Cavendish but no mean feat to equal Eddy.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on July 08, 2023, 08:49:16 PM
Is there any chance he'll come back next year? Or is it really over
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: TonyD on July 08, 2023, 10:24:55 PM
He might.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on July 10, 2023, 12:35:50 PM
Is there any chance he'll come back next year? Or is it really over

The door is still open apparently!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: manic-road on July 10, 2023, 01:08:37 PM
Is there any chance he'll come back next year? Or is it really over

The door is still open apparently!

Yep, Astana Qazaqstan are apparently ready to offer him a new deal for next year. Anyone seen The Tour De France Unchained on Netflix?  It's very good and filmed in a similar way to F1 Drive to survive on netflix.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 10, 2023, 05:25:24 PM
Is there any chance he'll come back next year? Or is it really over

The door is still open apparently!

Yep, Astana Qazaqstan are apparently ready to offer him a new deal for next year. Anyone seen The Tour De France Unchained on Netflix?  It's very good and filmed in a similar way to F1 Drive to survive on netflix.

Yeah it’s very well done. Incidentally The Program is now on Netflix, the Lance Armstrong story from the side of the  journalist who investigated his lies and cheating. Also worth a watch is Icarus and The Accidental Death Of A Cyclist, all about Pantani, Icarus is truly mind blowing, a brilliant watch.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 18, 2023, 07:31:55 PM
Anyone see todays time trial?

Doped?
Motor doped?
Just a really strong ride?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on July 18, 2023, 07:38:16 PM
I’d like to think just a strong ride but those time gaps were mind boggling…
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 18, 2023, 07:50:43 PM
1 minute 38 seconds over 22km is obscene. That’s Armstrong territory.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on July 18, 2023, 09:58:14 PM
Be interesting to see how he recovers from that tomorrow. Two really hard stages left hopefully Pogacar can still get that time back although it will be extremely difficult.  However if anyone can Pogacar can.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aev on July 19, 2023, 08:59:50 AM
I am thinking of getting a gravel bike, and the choices out there are mind boggling.

Anyone have any views of the below (or alternatives)?

Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Trail
Cannondale Carbon 3
Cube NUROAD C:62 SLX
Cannondale Carbon Rival AXS
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 19, 2023, 10:17:23 AM
Anyone see todays time trial?

Doped?
Motor doped?
Just a really strong ride?

I really didn't think that such a short time trial would have such a dramatic effect on the GC

Pog's bike change wasn't the best (bloke seemed a bit slow out of the car and getting the bike off the roof).

To see Jonas take so much time out of Pog while riding a TT bike up hill was incredible.

I hope that it was just a spectacular performance
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on July 19, 2023, 12:35:22 PM
Anyone see todays time trial?

Doped?
Motor doped?
Just a really strong ride?

I really didn't think that such a short time trial would have such a dramatic effect on the GC

Pog's bike change wasn't the best (bloke seemed a bit slow out of the car and getting the bike off the roof).

To see Jonas take so much time out of Pog while riding a TT bike up hill was incredible.

I hope that it was just a spectacular performance

I watched it live on TV in the afternoon! It was an awesome TT
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Scott Nielsen on July 19, 2023, 12:56:58 PM
Anyone see todays time trial?

Doped?
Motor doped?
Just a really strong ride?

Armstrong and the boys (including guest Johan Bruyneel yesterday) on The Move podcast all said he put in a perfect ride. They also highlighted how incredibly aggressive Vingegaard was throughout and I just saw a side-by-side video of V and P going into the first corner and it's really telling.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Rotterdam on July 19, 2023, 01:37:39 PM
The eldest (12yo) wants to get into off road mountain biking...does anyone know of any easy'ish trails within striking distance of Solihull?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 19, 2023, 01:52:26 PM
Saw some of Vingegaard’s numbers from the TT, his watts per kg were almost 7.

I clock 3.76 watts per kg (based on my FTP) at race weight and peak fitness. 7 watts per kg is just phenomenal.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: itbrvilla on July 19, 2023, 02:02:23 PM
The eldest (12yo) wants to get into off road mountain biking...does anyone know of any easy'ish trails within striking distance of Solihull?
Down hill or cross country?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Villan For Life on July 19, 2023, 02:05:41 PM
The eldest (12yo) wants to get into off road mountain biking...does anyone know of any easy'ish trails within striking distance of Solihull?

There are several trails on Cannock Chase which always seem busy with mountain bikers.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 19, 2023, 02:22:10 PM
Sandwell Valley has some as well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 19, 2023, 02:22:26 PM
I am thinking of getting a gravel bike, and the choices out there are mind boggling.

Anyone have any views of the below (or alternatives)?

Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Trail
Cannondale Carbon 3
Cube NUROAD C:62 SLX
Cannondale Carbon Rival AXS

Canyon get mixed reviews across their range, that’s the trouble with a virtual bike shop.

I like Cube as a maker, they make some stunning bikes for the money.

Have you looked at Whyte? A British brand, they get great reviews for their gravel bikes.

Can’t comment on Cannondale other than my dream aero bike is their System 6.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 19, 2023, 02:31:43 PM
I am thinking of getting a gravel bike, and the choices out there are mind boggling.

Anyone have any views of the below (or alternatives)?

Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Trail
Cannondale Carbon 3
Cube NUROAD C:62 SLX
Cannondale Carbon Rival AXS
I don't have gravel bike although I have been looking more for adventure riding / packing rather then direct fast gravel riding.

As all your picks are Carbon, and with suspensions options, are you looking to do rough stuff fast or doing more mtb type riding?

I would knock the last one off, (assuming it is the latest model one), as it has the integrated lights / battery pack which means you are being charged for stuff you probably won't need, or could get better options cheaper and lighter.

For VFM, I wouldn't rule out the Sonder Camino from Alpkit.

https://alpkit.com/collections/sonder-camino
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on July 19, 2023, 02:34:22 PM
The eldest (12yo) wants to get into off road mountain biking...does anyone know of any easy'ish trails within striking distance of Solihull?

I don't know if it counts as mountain biking, more like hill biking with the constant possibility of death, and it's not exactly around the corner, but whenever I've been on Brean Down in recent years there's usually somebody on a bike up there. Should you ever find yourself down that way.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: itbrvilla on July 19, 2023, 03:01:52 PM
Have a look at the vertebrae MTB guides for the Cotswolds. Some decent challenging MTB routes ~1 hour away. Get a decent cycle GPS and use Ride with GPS to plot the routes.

https://www.bikemaps.co.uk/sw-england-mtb/cotswolds-mountain-biking.htm

Also look on Koomoot for nearby routes:
https://www.komoot.com/discover/Current_location
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: aev on July 19, 2023, 09:51:48 PM
Thanks for the gravel bike suggestions.

The Whyte Gisburn looks good (odd name though).
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on July 20, 2023, 11:42:10 AM
Pogacar cracking on stage 17 yesterday was pretty dramatic!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 20, 2023, 06:47:47 PM
The eldest (12yo) wants to get into off road mountain biking...does anyone know of any easy'ish trails within striking distance of Solihull?

I don't know if it counts as mountain biking, more like hill biking with the constant possibility of death, and it's not exactly around the corner, but whenever I've been on Brean Down in recent years there's usually somebody on a bike up there. Should you ever find yourself down that way.

If you want the constant threat of death go to Bike Park Wales, there’s a few runs there you really don’t want to leave the trail on and believe me, I’ve left the trail there and been dangling upside down only held from falling over a 30 foot drop by the fact I was still clipped into a pedal.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Scott Nielsen on July 21, 2023, 05:38:41 AM
Felt the tour was pretty much over given stage 17 but what a great stage we had yesterday. So fucking satisfying the break-away clinched it and that Philipsen's antics (a recurring theme this tour) were not rewarded.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on July 21, 2023, 11:22:33 AM
Felt the tour was pretty much over given stage 17 but what a great stage we had yesterday. So fucking satisfying the break-away clinched it and that Philipsen's antics (a recurring theme this tour) were not rewarded.

Yes!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Scott Nielsen on July 22, 2023, 11:53:51 AM
The whole thing is worth watching for those who didn't see the stage yesterday but the interview starts at 5.30. It deserves a larger audience, I think, but not sure where else to put it.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 22, 2023, 09:51:18 PM
Great performances from the Yates twins today, but they had no chance to win the stage once Pog and Jonas decided to have a race.

Massive crowds to give Pinot a worthy send off.

Philipsen will be favourite for tomorrow, but hopefully someone will get past him.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: lovejoy on July 23, 2023, 01:01:49 PM
Well after the rest day Vingegaard had two out of this world performances (Pog numbers on the TT were extremely high and he took c 1'30 out of the pelaton but the effort cracked him the following day).
Then yesterday Vingegaard was bang average. He tailgated Pog. Now if the race was close I can understand a defensive ride so either he's not got the legs (a massive come down from Wednesday don't you think) or he's happy to tailgate and lose the stage -w which at best makes him an extremely dull rider.
I don't know what to think but Armstrong wasn't winning by these margins and Ullrich was a lesser rider than Pog.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: charlatan on July 26, 2023, 01:33:24 AM
My father-in-law didn't make it to the end of the Tour. Out for a ride with his regular cvcling mates on Saturday morning, swerved to avoid some debris in the road, came off awkwardly (apparently at about 20 mph), banged side of his head, goner (despite helmet). Not a great personal loss for me (hadn't talked in years because mother-in-law is a psycho and he always took her side) but quite difficult to fully process nevertheless. Sounds very unlucky. I understand he was very safety conscious.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on July 26, 2023, 08:26:00 AM
Sorry for your loss.

Helmets might help in situations (definitely stops skin lesions etc) but as they are only rated for a fall of 1.5m from a stationary bike they don't actually do much in most, and as they make the head wider/taller by several cms, can actually cause the "head" to hit the ground harder even if without it wouldn't have impacted. I'm not advocating not wearing them, just that they are not the safety protection some think they are.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 27, 2023, 01:20:10 PM
Sorry to read that charlatan.
Sometimes it’s fine margins that make a difference between life and death, having had a big crash in 2020 I was thankful for my helmet that I didn’t suffer any kind of head injury and I will always wear one and encourage others to do the same.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: charlatan on July 28, 2023, 07:25:21 PM
I've worn one in recent years assuming it is more likely to help me than harm me (and somewhat ironically help to avoid a lecture from the wife), but I'm sure I'm much more likely to be mown down while running, particularly since my road crossing technique is much more aggressive than my cycling. On the rare occasions I've come off my bike (admittedly sometimes as a result of not having my feet attached to the pedal when exhausted) I've walked away relatively unscathed, but assume it's actually more dangerous to have your feet clipped or cleated in the event of some unanticipated incident.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 29, 2023, 02:50:04 PM
When I worked in London I had some colleagues over from New York, I took them out for a run one lunchtime through London, along The Mall, Regents Park, Horse Guards, The Embankment, they got a really good tour of the sights of London for free. However, they were horrified at crossing the road or more accurately how I did it in London, often crossing halfway and running down the middle of the road until a gap appeared on the opposite carriageway. Frightened the beejeezus out of them both. We all lived to tell the tale.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on August 04, 2023, 11:28:52 AM
Cycling world champs on the BBC for the next ten days!
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 05, 2023, 05:32:43 PM
Charlie Hatton Downhill MTB World Champ.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/cycling/66416680

In those conditions as well, quite a ride.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on August 05, 2023, 08:06:18 PM
I watched a bit of that earlier.

I’ve done a fair amount of MTB’ing but you’d not catch me attempting that track.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 06, 2023, 11:51:25 AM
Road Race neutralised due to protests on the course. News haven't yet covered the protests so not sure if JSO or others.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: manic-road on August 06, 2023, 01:08:29 PM
Road Race neutralised due to protests on the course. News haven't yet covered the protests so not sure if JSO or others.

Environmental group This Is Rigged claimed responsibility, Ironic for such a green event.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 06, 2023, 03:20:16 PM
Road Race neutralised due to protests on the course. News haven't yet covered the protests so not sure if JSO or others.

Environmental group This Is Rigged claimed responsibility, Ironic for such a green event.

Bernard Hinault would have kicked their teeth in.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 06, 2023, 03:29:54 PM
Road Race neutralised due to protests on the course. News haven't yet covered the protests so not sure if JSO or others.

Environmental group This Is Rigged claimed responsibility, Ironic for such a green event.

Professional road cycling with how many vehicles supporting them plus helicopters in the sky "green"? Probably what they were protesting about.

Anyway, 4 Belgiums in the lead pack going into the last 50km. Could be interesting which one will want the glo......Hello Remco.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 06, 2023, 03:36:08 PM
Road Race neutralised due to protests on the course. News haven't yet covered the protests so not sure if JSO or others.

Environmental group This Is Rigged claimed responsibility, Ironic for such a green event.

Professional road cycling with how many vehicles supporting them plus helicopters in the sky "green"? Probably what they were protesting about.

Anyway, 4 Belgiums in the lead pack going into the last 50km. Could be interesting which one will want the glo......Hello Remco.



Most UCI events now state EV or Hybrid for teams and officials.
Their beef is with INEOS according to their website but as usual they’ve missed the fact that INEOS have nothing to do with world cycling their ire should be aimed at British Cycling for their deal with Shell.

Maybe I can do their research for them as it seems they have an 8 year old doing it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 06, 2023, 04:41:42 PM
Great ride at the end including surviving the commentators curse.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 06, 2023, 07:57:35 PM
A friend of mine Claire Danson is racing in the TT on Wednesday, Road race on Friday and the mixed relay on Saturday. She’s a para athlete and a fucking amazing human being.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: charlatan on August 06, 2023, 08:23:55 PM
They went past my office five times as many times as I have this year. Seeing a race where you're familiar with a lot of the course really brings home how fast they are going (much better than my general rule that they must be going at least twice my speed on the flat).
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on August 06, 2023, 08:30:57 PM
Wish there’d been an indoor cycling track around when I was a kid. I was definitely built to be the front bloke on the tandem. Some of them could double up as prop forwards.

Watched a couple of the Elimination races. Interesting to see the tactics but the commentator on Eurosport was terrible. He seemed shocked when anyone was eliminated, when that’s the whole point of the race.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 06, 2023, 08:47:41 PM
Knowing how steep the embankment actually is at a track (Derby), I don't think I could cycle around it no handed like the Brit did when he celebrated his win last night.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 06, 2023, 08:50:15 PM
They went past my office five times as many times as I have this year. Seeing a race where you're familiar with a lot of the course really brings home how fast they are going (much better than my general rule that they must be going at least twice my speed on the flat).

And the course was also quite bendy with 90Degree turns regularly so the speeds were probably not that fast in comparison, yet they still did the laps in at an average of 25mph.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 07, 2023, 08:57:17 AM
Wish there’d been an indoor cycling track around when I was a kid. I was definitely built to be the front bloke on the tandem. Some of them could double up as prop forwards.

Watched a couple of the Elimination races. Interesting to see the tactics but the commentator on Eurosport was terrible. He seemed shocked when anyone was eliminated, when that’s the whole point of the race.

Go to Newport and give it a go in one of their try out sessions. All abilities catered for and all you need is a pair of cycling shoes that I think you can hire, bikes are also provided.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on August 07, 2023, 01:57:12 PM
Emphasis on the....'when I was a kid'.

Now I'm a bloke in his 50s who gave up mountain biking due to a dodgy back.

I'm ok doing my 40 mins or so on the static bike each morning, but that's probably about it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 21, 2023, 10:06:16 AM
2 athletes die in the swim at Ironman Cork yesterday, not known how yet but judging by the conditions which were absolutely brutal you can’t rule out drowning. From the videos I’ve seen online of the start I’d say if the race directors get out of Ireland without being arrested for criminal negligence I’d say they’ve done well.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 21, 2023, 10:44:13 PM
Someone fucked up then

https://www.triathlonireland.com/news/triathlon-ireland-statement/
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on August 24, 2023, 11:52:24 AM
Someone fucked up then

https://www.triathlonireland.com/news/triathlon-ireland-statement/

It would be interesting what the word "sanction" means in this context. It could easily be they wouldn't allow it as a full Ironman due to the conditions, which might be why the organisers then decided to reduce the swim stage to half the distance to let it go ahead still (and so they wouldn't have to refund). It doesn't necessarily mean they told them they shouldn't actually go ahead with with the swim/event at all.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 24, 2023, 08:05:15 PM
Unsanctioned in this case would mean athletes would not be insured by their home nations.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: KNVillan on August 25, 2023, 06:26:23 PM
Tijl de Decker dies in accident

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/66619682
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 26, 2023, 05:29:17 PM
Another athlete dies in an Ironman swim, this time at the 70.3 World Championships in Lahti.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 27, 2023, 09:40:11 PM
Did the European Middle Distance 70.3 Triathlon Championships in Belgium today. Now recovering with some hoppy ales.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 28, 2023, 06:26:11 PM
Did the European Middle Distance 70.3 Triathlon Championships in Belgium today. Now recovering with some hoppy ales.

That bike course looked an absolute bastard from your Strava stats Jon.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: manic-road on August 30, 2023, 10:48:12 AM
https://twitter.com/MattMcElroy9/status/1696331321956880668 

Lucky this wasn't worse than it was for Flagstaff Arizona riders.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 31, 2023, 09:39:07 AM
Did the European Middle Distance 70.3 Triathlon Championships in Belgium today. Now recovering with some hoppy ales.

That bike course looked an absolute bastard from your Strava stats Jon.

Flanders is flat right? Wrong. It was also quite technical in places, a lot of the course in the town with dead turns, cobbled sections and a lot of nasty pointy street furniture. Overall happy with the bike and run leg but I fucked up the swim big time but the worst thing was the wind, it came from all angles all fucking day long.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 31, 2023, 12:42:34 PM
Did the European Middle Distance 70.3 Triathlon Championships in Belgium today. Now recovering with some hoppy ales.

That bike course looked an absolute bastard from your Strava stats Jon.

Flanders is flat right? Wrong. It was also quite technical in places, a lot of the course in the town with dead turns, cobbled sections and a lot of nasty pointy street furniture. Overall happy with the bike and run leg but I fucked up the swim big time but the worst thing was the wind, it came from all angles all fucking day long.

Where did you come out of interest?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on September 05, 2023, 12:13:02 PM
Watching the Tour of Britain go through Yorkshire. Jumbo Visma have the race tied up already, but still an interesting watch?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 10, 2023, 09:41:00 PM
Did the European Middle Distance 70.3 Triathlon Championships in Belgium today. Now recovering with some hoppy ales.

That bike course looked an absolute bastard from your Strava stats Jon.

Flanders is flat right? Wrong. It was also quite technical in places, a lot of the course in the town with dead turns, cobbled sections and a lot of nasty pointy street furniture. Overall happy with the bike and run leg but I fucked up the swim big time but the worst thing was the wind, it came from all angles all fucking day long.

Where did you come out of interest?

13th.

Ironman Weymouth this Sunday.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 12, 2023, 08:45:45 AM
Could go in the Brexit thread as well.

The Tour of Britain race director blames Brexit and funding crisis amid criticism.

 “It’s purely and simply Brexit.”

“Just to give you an example,” he added, “it took some teams that rode the world champs [in Glasgow] five hours to get their vehicles, technical teams through customs at Dover, and that was only three weeks ago. And they go, ‘Hang on. You know what? It’s not worth it’

Brexit has created a costly and time-wasting mountain of border red tape. While everyone ranted about tariffs, the much larger problem of non-tariff barriers was almost wholly ignored. Brexit was won after the mostly hopelessly ignorant and misinformed debate that one could find outside a dictatorship. It was a total failure of democracy.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Gareth on September 12, 2023, 01:01:35 PM
Nathan van Hooydonck of Jumbo-Visma in a ‘life threatening condition’ after car crash when he fell ill behind the wheel - horrible
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 18, 2023, 05:33:36 PM
Ironman Weymouth reduced to a long duathlon as lightning strikes at sea meant the swim was cancelled.
Weather was biblical in the morning, gusts of 40+ kph and driving rain made for a challenging ride, having managed to stay upright with 90mm front wheel and a disc rear in severe crosswinds I made it to 3km from home with just a few hairy moments.
After a fast technical descent at over 60 kph, wind gusting and standing water on the road I came off the power and went onto the bull horns on the base bar to start braking for a sharp left turn 100 metres ahead. I pulled the front brake. Nothing. I pulled it all the way to the bull horn and still almost nothing, on with the back brake too, risky in the wet and still almost nothing, speed not really dropping and I was about to pile in big time when in a flash I just thought, power oversteer, let go of the front pulled the rear and power slid round the corner with a dab of opposite lock. To my amazement and relief and notably the applause of a few hardy spectators I pulled it off, HR spiked, hands shaking I put the power back on and made it home in the wettest race I’ve ever done.  Added bonus I didn’t shit my Tri suit either.

Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 25, 2023, 12:30:59 PM
Back in the saddle for the first time in a year this morning and what better way to start my next training block with an FTP test on the indoor bike. Fuck me my legs are still moaning now.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 25, 2023, 12:48:53 PM
20 minutes of suffering or did you do the full 60 minutes?

I tested every month through the summer, hated the first few but look forward to them now to see progress.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 25, 2023, 02:32:30 PM
20 minutes Jon, I'm not a maniac. You're right though whilst it hurts, there's a part of you which is itching for scores on the doors to see progress. 

Was quite pleased that not having ridden for a year I actually managed to be within 10 watts of previous FTP which was post my last Duathlon.

 
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 25, 2023, 02:57:20 PM
Good effort. I gained 60 watts over the summer and dropped 8kgs having taken 6 months off to give my knackered old body a proper rest. Work hard and it soon comes back.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 04, 2023, 02:33:49 PM
Cav has delayed his retirement to ride next year's TdF
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: dcdavecollett on October 05, 2023, 01:08:17 AM
Great news! Let's hope he makes it.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on October 05, 2023, 12:37:23 PM
Cav has delayed his retirement to ride next year's TdF

 :)
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on October 05, 2023, 02:30:30 PM
Great news! Let's hope he makes it.

Astana are building a much stronger team and lead out for him including his old lead out man Morkov. I wouldn’t put it past him to pick up a couple of stages.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: dcdavecollett on October 06, 2023, 12:36:37 AM
I really hope you're right.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 06, 2023, 01:45:01 PM
Cav has delayed his retirement to ride next year's TdF

No Sagan to put him in the barriers either.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: dcdavecollett on October 07, 2023, 12:54:21 AM
That was a horrible thing to watch when it happened.

The look on Cav's face told you that he knew he was in trouble but he couldn't get out of it.

Was Sagan banned for this?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 07, 2023, 08:53:17 AM
That was a horrible thing to watch when it happened.

The look on Cav's face told you that he knew he was in trouble but he couldn't get out of it.

Was Sagan banned for this?

Only from the remainder of the 2017 TdF. To this day he says he sees no reason for the DQ.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: dcdavecollett on October 07, 2023, 08:40:35 PM
Sagan is a big unit and it wasn't clear that his action was deliberate bit it was a really bad moment for Cav.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on December 31, 2023, 01:59:10 PM
Seems Rohan Dennis has been charged with killing his wife with a car.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/67852900
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 20, 2024, 08:12:35 PM
Just booked a week in Tenerife in March for a spot of early season conditioning, obviously I'll be doing Mount Teide but if anyone has any routes or tips for the island please let me know
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on March 04, 2024, 01:10:14 PM
I see Tom Pidcock summed up the start of Pogacar's season as WTF.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Villa Lew on March 18, 2024, 12:10:50 PM
Laura Kenny retiring Britain's most successful female Olympian with 5 golds plus 7 World Championship titles, that is a brilliant career.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: nigel on March 19, 2024, 04:08:40 PM
Laura Kenny retiring Britain's most successful female Olympian with 5 golds plus 7 World Championship titles, that is a brilliant career.

Brilliant career.

However, whenever I watch the women cycling team I always remember a comment I read. I think it was Laura Trott, as she was, stand corrected if I’m mistaken.
She was basically asked if the women shaved below for comfort in the saddle. ‘No’ she replied ‘it’s much better the other way, extra padding’ 😂
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 19, 2024, 04:32:33 PM
Do they ask the men the same question I wonder.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: nigel on March 19, 2024, 07:08:03 PM
Do they ask the men the same question I wonder.

Probably not.
I can’t remember where I read it, but she wasn’t directly asked, it was sort of hinted at when talking about how uncomfortable riding can be for prolonged distance.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 20, 2024, 10:38:25 AM
When I google searched it (carefully), it was a question asked at Rio 2016 apparently. It didn't have her reply but it was mentioned that some of the team were uncomfortable* with the questioning.


*please don't lower yourself H&V crowd.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 20, 2024, 03:26:09 PM
I remember when Jason Kenny was pictured at Wimbledon (?) with Laura and the caption read something along the lines of 'Multiple Olympic gold medallist cyclist Jason Kenny and his wife'.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: nigel on March 20, 2024, 05:27:20 PM
When I google searched it (carefully), it was a question asked at Rio 2016 apparently. It didn't have her reply but it was mentioned that some of the team were uncomfortable* with the questioning.


*please don't lower yourself H&V crowd.

Ahh, I wonder if the reply was added on a bit later and as there was a photo of one of the girls I assumed that was her answer.


Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 05, 2024, 07:24:01 PM
Paris Roubaix on Sunday, that entry to Arenberg is going to be carnage.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: SteveN on April 07, 2024, 09:16:53 PM
The monster that is Van der Poel wins Paris Roubaix by a distance following his victory in the Tour of Flanders, also by a distance.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on April 08, 2024, 11:49:44 AM
The monster that is Van der Poel wins Paris Roubaix by a distance following his victory in the Tour of Flanders, also by a distance.

Just watched the re-run highlights of both men's and women' races. Bothe epic in their own way?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 08, 2024, 12:09:24 PM
Just seen the footage of a woman throwing what looks like a cycling cap into the rear wheel of VdP whilst he's on the cobbles flat out, luckily it wasn't drive side or the consequences could have been disastrous.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on April 12, 2024, 04:32:53 PM
Just seen the footage of a woman throwing what looks like a cycling cap into the rear wheel of VdP whilst he's on the cobbles flat out, luckily it wasn't drive side or the consequences could have been disastrous.

She's told the press she won't be talking to them, but to a lawyer instead?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 14, 2024, 10:07:34 AM
Apparently she was a corporate hospitality guest.
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on April 15, 2024, 02:34:11 PM
Apparently she was a corporate hospitality guest.

Prawn sandwich brigade then?
Title: Re: The cycling thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on April 15, 2024, 02:34:40 PM
Nice win for Pidders at Amstel Gold on Sunday?
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