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Live blog: Wiggins: Froome “couldn’t scratch his arse” before 2012 TdF, 2016 TdF stage winner Jarlinson Pantano tests positive for EPO, Paris-Roubaix round-up on-bike footage and Sussex 11-year-old from Sussex who rode Saturday’s sportive + more

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15/04/2019, 18:18

Tour de France stage winner Jarlinson Pantano tests positive for EPO

Colombian cyclist Jarlinson Pantano, who won a Tour de France stage in 2016 when he was with the IAM Cycling team, has tested positive for EPO, the UCI has confirmed.

World cycling’s governing body said that the rider was targeted for testing by the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation.

It added: “The rider has the right to request and attend the analysis of the B sample. 

“In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the affair. 

“At this stage of the procedure, the UCI will not comment any further on this matter.”

The 30-year-old’s current team, Trek Segafredo, said: “It is with deep disappointment that we have just learned that our rider, Jarlinson Pantano, has been notified of an adverse analytical finding in a sample collected during an out of competition control carried out by the Cycling Antidoping Foundation.

“In accordance with our zero-tolerance policy, he has been suspended immediately.

“We hold our riders and staff to the highest ethical standards and will act and communicate accordingly as more details become available,” it added.

15/04/2019, 15:11

Another cycling and walking paradise in London thanks to an unlikely source

Last week Hammersmith Bridge was shut indefinitely to motor traffic thanks to the lack of money the council had to fix it, and this week the Extinct Rebellion climate change action group are responsible for closing off Waterloo bridge. They've started putting trees and potted house plants up to ensure the road remains blocked off for the foreseeable...   

15/04/2019, 15:15

Game of Thrones Olympics

When the world seems to be talking about something else, we always try to bodge in a cycling reference... and this time we thank The Humour Feed for sharing this gallery (original credit unknown) in which Bronn from Game of Thrones starts in the men's Olympic Road Race (photo 14).  

 

15/04/2019, 12:59

Wiggins and Froome (pic Bettini Photo, courtesy Pinarello)

Wiggins: Froome “couldn’t scratch his arse” before 2012 Tour de France

Remember Chris Froome saying on Nico Rosberg's Beyond Victory podcast last week that he had issues trusting Bradley Wiggins at the 2012 Tour de France because of the previous year’s Vuelta, where he had to follow team orders and surrender the leader’s jersey to Wiggins, only to prove the stronger of the two Team Sky riders during the third and final week of the race, finishing second with his team-mate in third?

Well, it was bound to provoke a reaction from Wiggins, and so it proved in the latest episode of his Eurosport podcast, The Bradley Wiggins Show, when he said that Froome – who finished runner-up as his team leader became the first Briton to win the yellow jersey – “couldn’t scratch his arse” before the 2012 Tour de France.

You can listen to the full segment here.

15/04/2019, 11:59

11-year-old Ventoux and Stelvio-conquering Alfie Earl becomes youngest to complete Paris-Roubaix Sportive

Alfie_Earl_on_Zoncolan_2_(Steve_Earl)

The intrepid youngster finished the 145km epic over the famous cobbles on Saturday, gaining special permission to ride as the usual minimum age for the event is 18. He completed the course in just over seven hours. He said: “I’m really proud to have done Paris-Roubaix, it was a brutal but an amazing experience. The Arenberg was horrible but after that I got more used to the cobbles and my BMX'ing came in handy as I could bunneyhop into the gutters! Lots of people were encouraging me and I got lots of high fives along the way.”   

Aged just nine Alfie, who attends the The Weald School in Billingshurst, West Sussex, climbed the Ventoux and Stelvio inside 48 hours. He also conquered the Col du Galibier a few months later. 

 

15/04/2019, 09:22

Evaldas Siskevicius has ride of his life to finish 9th in 2019 Paris-Roubaix... a year after arriving at the finish to find velodrome doors closed

You may remember the Lithuanian rider's story of stubbornness from last year, in which he battled through exhaustion and a puncture 30km from the finish only to ignore the motorbike sweeper and continue on out of pure determination and respect for the race. Siskevicius found security had already closed the gates to the velodrome that Peter Sagan had rode through to claim victory over an hour before, and had to sneak in to cross the finish line. 

A year on, and Siskevicius had the absolute ride of his life to record a top ten finish on the Hell of the North. Hard work pays off, chapeau that man. 

*Edit* They do say if it's not on Strava it didn't happen, and luckily for us Siskevicius has already uploaded his epic ride from yesterday! Link here with all the juicy data. 

paris-roubaix strava.PNG

 

15/04/2019, 09:37

On-bike footage/carnage from Paris-Roubaix

The folks at Velon managed to edit together plenty of carnage just a few hours after the finish - check out the madness and Gilbert's victory from another perspective...

15/04/2019, 09:17

Elation from Philippe Gilbert as he clinches his fourth monument

Gilbert is seen in tears after winning Paris-Roubaix yesterday, and is embraced by team manager Patrick Lefévère as he comes to a stop on the famous velodrome. Full report on yesterday's epic here

15/04/2019, 09:15

The cycle paths that encourages you to sing

Apparently it's a thing in the Netherlands!


Five cool things coming soon from Castelli, Bontrager, Hiplok, Merida and Deuter

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Five cool things coming soon from Castelli, Bontrager, Hiplok, Merida and Deuter

Live blog: Victor Campenaerts breaks Sir Bradley Wiggins' UCI Hour record in Mexico as he rides more than 55km, 12-year-old Hannah Killick rides Land's End to John O'Groats, +more

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16/04/2019, 18:22

Victor_Campenaerts_Ridley_Arena_TT_1 (1)

Victor Campenaerts' UCI World Hour Record setting Ridley Arena bike

The hour record, it's not about the bike… okay, well maybe a bit. That being the case here's the piece we ran recently on Victor Campenaerts' Hour Record setting Ridley Arena TT bike… that go-faster red paint job must have been worth a few extra metres.

16/04/2019, 18:03

Victor Campenaerts breaks Sir Braadley Wiggins' UCI Hour record

Victor Campenaerts has set a new UCI Hour record in Aguascalientes, Mexico today, his distance of 55.089 kilometres surpassing the 54.526 kilometres ridden by Sir Bradley Wiggins in London almost four years ago.

Full story to follow.

16/04/2019, 17:00

He's off!

Screen Shot 2019-04-16 at 17.00.22

The power hour begins. 

16/04/2019, 16:56

Campaenaerts is about to begin his attempt

Screen Shot 2019-04-16 at 16.56.13

Currently being sprayed with some type of oil on any bits of exposed skin... presumably to make it more slippery. We're expecting he'll start any minute now, stream above. 

16/04/2019, 15:13

12-year-old Hannah Killick completes LEJOG

Hannah arrived in John o' Groats about an hour ago, and has raised over £3,000 ang counting for Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal and United World Schools. Head to her fundraising page here if you want to donate. Chapeau, Hannah! 

16/04/2019, 13:45

16/04/2019, 13:43

Victor Campenaerts UCI Hour Record attampt - watch it LIVE here

Belgium's victor Campenaerts is attempting to take the UCI Hour record from Sir Bradley Wiggins today - we've already had some coverage on the live blog today - and you can watch the livestream from the velodrome in Aguascalientes, Mexico, right here on road.cc (see main picture)>

According to the UCI, the livestream starts at 1655 UK time - but there seems to be some confusion about what time the LottoSoudal rider is starting, so you might want to check half an hour beforehand, or even earlier, if you don't want to miss it.

16/04/2019, 12:49

Behind the scenes of Katusha-Alpecin's biggest result this year

Nils Politt gave Team Katusha Alpecin the best result of what has been a difficult Classics campaign.
The German rider looked very strong over the cobbles, but couldn't beat Gilbert in the sprint on the Roubaix velodrome.

16/04/2019, 12:00

Extinct Rebellion update: pianists serenade protesters and passers-by, hooked up to speakers powered by bikes

It's day two of the climate protests that have seen Waterloo Bridge, Marble Arch and the area around Oxford Circus closed to motor traffic, with activists placing trees, plants and themselves in the way to make the streets traffic-free for the time being. 

16/04/2019, 11:36

"The maximum expression of pain" - Vittoria Bussi tells Bradely Wiggins about her own successful Hour Record attempt last September

Vittoria Bussi ketone vid screenshot

The female Hour Record holder sat down to discuss the feat on Eurosport's Bradley Wiggins Show, and attempted to explain what goes through the mind as you try to hold maximum power for 60 minutes: "You think about everything except cycling. If you think you are pedalling at 48kmp/h, you need to do almost 200 laps – it's too much. Your mind cannot support that. I just remember the voice of my boyfriend shouting to me the lap time, loud music, because I had a playlist in the velodrome... the sensation of pain in my leg, neck – pain everywhere, actually. Then most obviously the last minute, because [at that point] I understood I was bringing a world record, so it was really: 'Wow! Exciting!'"

On the pure pain, Bussi says: "Okay, I'm preparing for a world record, so it's normal that I'll feel pain. And it's good if I do, because then I know I'm overriding my limits. So I was searching for pain, actually. It's a change of perspective. But it really changes your relationship with pain, because you're searching for him. It's not him who comes to you and you're scared... Don't be scared of pain."

16/04/2019, 11:28

Victor is hoping to be top trumps tonight...

16/04/2019, 09:11

How The Race Was Won: Paris-Roubaix 2019

Want to know exactly how the Deceuninck Quick-Step tactics helped Philippe Gilbert to victory? Cosmo Catalano takes us through the Hell of the North.

16/04/2019, 08:55

Guess the hour record distance to win a signed jersey

With a retweet of the post above and an accurate guess of the distance Campenaerts will cover, the UCI are also giving someone the chance to win a signed jersey from the man himself. The time now seems to have been changed to 18:00 CEST, although we previously understood it was set to take place 'from' 17:30. The UCI Youtube stream is currently showing that it will go live at 4.55pm UK time.   

16/04/2019, 08:26

Victor Campenaerts makes final prep, with hour record attempt set to go ahead at 16:55 this evening

On his blog for Lotto Soudal posted yesterday, Campenaerts says: “The last days before the Hour Record attempt are not hard to fill. Three weeks ago, I could already have predicted how they would go. That is exactly what gives me peace and confidence. The tough training sessions are over; now it is important to still stimulate the muscles a bit. In terms of nutrition, it is time for carbo-loading, which means eating as many carbohydrates as possible. Fats, fibers and proteins are mostly eliminated, but even for an effort of 60 minutes, my muscles still need to be fully charged, which is at least as important as the Classics riders in Paris-Roubaix. Throughout the day, I have to take ten to twelve grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight to fill my tank. ”

“The moment of truth is getting closer. My body is totally ready for it. Mentally, I am pretty relaxed due to the perfect preparation. My schedule is minutely planned. Meanwhile, my body has completely adapted to the special biorhythm: getting up at 5 o’clock and going to sleep at 8 o’clock is very easy now.”

The attempt is set to take place from 17:55 CEST (16:55 in the UK according to the latest update on the Youtube live stream) and the mark Campenaerts is aiming to surpass is 54.526km, set by Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2015. If you want to clock off early or stay late to watch the pain unfold, the link to the live stream on Youtube is here

16/04/2019, 09:01

If you're going to get hit by a car, you could do worse than America...

Miami Biscayne_Boulevard_south_end

According to law.com's Dail Business Insider, a cyclist who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury at the hands of a Porche Driver negotiated a $6 million settlement for his injuries. 

31-year-old Andy Introini was cycling in Miami Beach  on 8th November 2017, and was hit as he crossed an intersection. The driver Raymond H. Maroon Jr. allegedly made a high-speed right turn and struck Introini’s bike, sending the cyclist flying onto the windshield before slamming onto the tarmac, where he hit the side of his head. The damages were sought for medical expenses, plus pain and suffering.

16/04/2019, 08:45

Froome says "Yorkshire and cycling now go hand-in-hand"

Team Sky 2019 Chris Froome.jpg

Quoted in the Tour de Yorkshire official programme, Froome says: “Having the Tour de France start in Yorkshire obviously got a lot of people out and got a lot of people really excited about cycling. 

“And the knock-on effect that it had is just massive, to the extent where Yorkshire and cycling now go hand in hand.”

The Tour de Yorkshire takes place between 2nd-5th May, and as there's no Giro d'Italia in his plans this year, it's allowed Froome to make his debut at the event. 

16/04/2019, 08:52

Live blog: Team Ineos to debut at Tour de Romandie in one-off kit; Wiggo does classy; Women’s Paris Roubaix – World champ Anna van der Breggen makes the case, Near miss* – the pro race edition; Happy hour - the drinks are on Victor + more

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17/04/2019, 19:29

Specialized makes compelling case for Women's Paris-Roubaix

At the launch of its latest Roubaix model last week, US bike brand Specialized also unveiled a women’s version of the bike – and in a video (see above) enlisted the help of world champion Anna van der Breggen and her Boels-Dolmans team mates Christian Majures and Chantal Blaak to make a compelling case for why there should be a women’s version of the race, showing the trio riding through the Arenberg sector of pavé.  

As Specialized says at the end of the video, “The Roubaix is no longer just for men. The race shouldn’t be either.”

There are already under-23 and junior versions of the race for male riders – so why not one for elite women too? What do you think?

17/04/2019, 16:50

Near Miss: Pro edition

It's hard enough to get in a breakaway as it is. It's even harder when the race motorbikes get involved.

 

Luckily Liane Lippert has good bike handling skills.

 

*interestingly since we posted this earlier today the tweet and accompanying video off the moto veering in to Liane Lippert's path has been taken down.

17/04/2019, 13:27

Sam Bennett doubles up at Tour of Turkey

The Irishman has taken both of the opening stages at the Presidential Tour of Turkey, winning an uphill sprint finish on day two. The comeback from illness for Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) isn't going to plan at the moment, finishing 22nd on stage 1 and 94th today. 

17/04/2019, 12:37

Team Ineos jersey for Tour de Romandie.PNG

Team Ineos to make ddebut at Tour de Romandie on 30 April - in one-off jersey

Team Ineos will make their debut at the Tour de Romandie in Switzerland on 30 April - and will be wearing a one-off jersey, according to organisers of the Swiss race.

The takeover of Team Sky's management company, and sponsorship, by the petrochemicals group is due to take effect from 1 May and it had been announced that the new kit would be unveiled at the Tour de Yorkshire, where Chris Froome is racing.

In a tweet, however, organisers of the Tour de Romandie confirmed that Geraint Thomas and co will race for the first time as Team Ineos in the race, which runs from 30 April to 5 May.

The tweet reads: "Breaking news. Team Sky will take to tthe start of the #TDR2019 in the colours of Ineos. A unique jersey that you will only see on the #TDR2019!"

They also tweeted an image of the jersey as part of the provisional start list, as shown in the image above.

17/04/2019, 11:17

Classy from Sir Brad

Many are asking the question of how much advantage was gained by Campenaerts breaking the Hour Record at 1,800m of altitude - but Bradley Wiggins has suggested in his podcast (and in this tweet) that he has nothing but praise for his successor. What would Campenaerts have done at sea level? We might never know, but will try to investigate with some expert help over the next few days. 

17/04/2019, 10:49

Watch how Giovanni Battaglin builds a steel frame

Giovanni Battaglin, winner of the Giro and Vuelta in 1981, turned his attention to building bikes the following year, and is still going strong today. In a new video series the Italian company is allowing you to go behind-the-scenes to see how a frame is made from start to finish. See more here.

17/04/2019, 10:47

Calorie counting for easter weekend

How much to burn off a couple of easter eggs as well?

17/04/2019, 09:19

specialized-roubaix-pave

David rides new Specialized Roubaix 2020

David has just got back from Belgium where he's been riding the brand new 2020 Specialized S-Works Roubaix on the cobbled roads it was designed to tame and conquer, check out his first ride impressions in the video below. If you missed the launch fanfare, here's everything you need to know about the new Roubaix. 

 

17/04/2019, 08:56

"Free beer all night long": Campenaerts plans to treat his fans to celebrate Hour Record success

Skip to 1:26:45-ish in the live stream, and Victor appears to offer a free night's drinking at his local bar back in Antwerp, Cafe Mombasa in the district of Borgerhout. He says: "In Borgerhout, at my fan cafe (Cafe Mombasa) all my fans can drink free beer all night. And if you're not a fan, you an still become a fan! All night, free beer. Enjoy." 

We might have to make a pilgrimage. If you want to read the full report of how Campenaerts smashed the record click here, to see his history-making bike in more detail head here

17/04/2019, 08:41

Don't worry Victor, we still remember

Campenaerts' heroics in the velodrome yesterday may have almost banished the memories of when he asked a girl out on a date at the end of a Giro d'Italia time trial by displaying the request on his chest, for which he was fined 100 euros... but fear not, here's the story from 2017 just in case you'd forgotten!

Live blog: "WTF?" Ryder Hesjedal calls out Sir Bradley Wiggins after Insta message (later deleted) suggests Giro-winning jersey he gave him was sold on; 1x chainrings – the future of road bike groupsets or a gimmick we just don’t need? + more

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18/04/2019, 15:35

Wheelie cool grandma

You're never too old...

18/04/2019, 15:26

Tour of Turkey - Fabio Jakobsen wins sprint as Cavendish takes third

Sam Bennett had to settle for second today after winning the first two stages, with Quick-Step's Jakobsen producing a well-timed sprint to claim victory. It was a much better day for third-placed Mark Cavendish, who wasn't in contention for the sprint finishes on days one and two. 

18/04/2019, 14:59

Ryder Hesjedal removes Insta posts

Screen Shot 2019-04-18 at 14.39.56

Perhaps this was a misunderstanding after all, as Hesjedal's posts, questioning if Wiggins had sold a pink jersey given to him by Hesjedal, have now been removed. The comments are still viewable via Twitter, as we've screenshotted above.  

18/04/2019, 14:21

ROTOR 1x13 - 1x chainring.jpg

Is 1x the future or a waste of time?

There's a lot of debate around 1x on road bikes at the moment, and it's clearly an issue dividing opinion amongst you lot, as an informal poll on social media this week reveals. Some of the replies suggest there's as many people against it as there are for it. Where do you stand on this hot debate?

- Are the benefits of 1x outweighed by the disadvantages? We asked, you answered

18/04/2019, 13:03

"WTF?" Ryder Hesjedal calls out Sir Bradley Wiggins after Instagram message suggests Giro-winning jersey he gave him may have been sold on

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

——. @bradwiggins what stage was this from???

A post shared by Ryder Hesjedal (@ryder_hesjedal) on

#Awkward. Get the popcorn out, as this looks potentially salty... it all started when 2012 Giro winner Hesjedal asked Wiggins "what stage was this from?", with a message underneath that appears to be from someone claiming to have bought the jersey off Wiggins. 

In the next post, Hesjedal then questions if it really is a genuine jersey that Wiggins has sold on, or if there's been a misunderstanding and it's just a replica. Wiggins hasn't responded yet, and if he does we'll update you of course... 

18/04/2019, 12:53

Man flips over wall after crashing his bike, dog cares not one jot

This bizarre video captures the moment a man crashes and flips over a wall, only for a dog on the other side to completely ignore the commotion and carry on snoozing. 

According to the article in The Metro, the victim Rick Murphy was largely ok afterwards and was "back in the pub" soon after with a few scratches. The dog's owner John Heavey told The Metro: "It’s funny that Shep didn’t even move because when we’re home, he always tries to open the gate and get out for a wander, but it really surprised me that he’s just lay there. He doesn’t even flinch."

 

 

18/04/2019, 12:38

From Peckham to Tokyo - the 19-year-old BMXer training full-time for 2020 Olympics

This mini-doc follows Kye White as he charts his journey towards the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. National Lottery funding has enabled Kye to train full-time, as well as plenty of sacrifices made by his family along the way. 

18/04/2019, 12:28

New La Passione Geometric collection launches

2019 Geometric - Press - 02

"Minimal but not ordinary", say La Passione, the Geometric jerseys use breathable, Italian fabrics and are available in black, blue, porto, or white colourways. Head to their website to browse the new kit now. 

18/04/2019, 09:24

Timmy Mallett will tell all about his e-bike adventure and show off paintings he made along the way at festival appearance

Last year TV presenter Timmy Mallet embarked on a self-supported cycle tour on his e-bike, riding across three countries and eventually across the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in northern Spain. Multi-talented Mallett painted the landscapes along the way, and will be appearing at Cookham Festival in Berkshire on 10th May to tell his story and show his paintings off. 

Mallett is still riding regularly (apart from a brief hiatus when he got his beloved Giant e-bike stolen); you can follow him on Strava here

18/04/2019, 09:11

Highbury corner set for segregated cycling infra

Will Norman announced the plans on his Twitter account yesterday, saying: "People cycling make up 25% of rush hour traffic here, they’re long overdue their own space."

Sunday Times claims “victory” for drivers as number of people cycling on English roads drops

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The Sunday Times has claimed that new figures revealing that the number of people riding bikes on England’s roads has dropped represents a “victory” for motorists “in their long-running battle with cyclists.”

The assertion is made in the opening paragraph of an article citing Sport England’s latest annual Active Lives survey that highlights a shift in the pattern of where people cycle for leisure or sport, with a rise in indoor cycling thanks to the growth of platforms such as Zwift.

Opening his article, Sunday Times social affairs editor Nicholas Hellen wrote: “Motorists have scored a victory in their long-running battle with cyclists, as official figures reveal a 355,000 drop in the number of regular leisure and commuter riders on the roads in 12 months.”

The piece – which is behind a paywall, but can be read for free upon registration, which allows readers to access two articles a week – goes on to say that “Deterred by potholes, accidents and abuse from motorists, enthusiasts are retreating indoors, preferring to avoid the tensions of public roads by switching to virtual rides.”

We’ll be taking a closer look at the data from the Active Lives survey, and its implications, in a separate article here on road.cc.

But what jumps out from the Sunday Times article is the inflammatory and divisive language used, and in particular the premise that motorists and cyclists are two entirely distinct sets of people.

It’s something often claimed by some sections of the media – see, for example, the title of the 2012 BBC programme, The War On Britian’s Roads– but one that does not stand up to closer scrutiny.

Consumer research consistently shows that regular cyclists are more likely than the general population to hold a driving licence, and to live in a multiple car-owning household. Many motorists cycle.

The Sunday Times article naturally references Lord Winston and his campaign against cyclists and – we suppose for balance – the broadcaster and cycle commuter, Jeremy Vine.

Our Near Miss of the Day series amply demonstrates that many motorists have a reckless disregard for the safety of people on two wheels with whom they share the road and, at times, the intimidation is clearly intentional.

But to imply that two tribes exist and are at war with each other at one and the same time ignores that many people will choose the mode of transport most suited to the particular journey they are undertaking, and pours fuel on the fire of a conflict that is largely media-driven, and casts someone on a bike in the role of “the other” – as research from Australia recently found.

And that risks causing some motorists to view cyclists as the “enemy” – as any number of social media posts attest.

The fact is that most of us – whether on a bike, or behind the wheel of a car – simply want to get from A to B safely and without drama.

Riding a bike among motor traffic on any road in the UK will expose the cyclist to poor driving that underlines how vulnerable you can feel against two tonnes of metal, without the protection of seatbelts or airbags.

Attempts to create what can be best described as a Phoney War, rather than looking at how we can remove conflict between motor vehicles and vulnerable road users, whether on bike or foot, are at best deeply unhelpful – and at worst, by fostering that “us and them” mentality – potentially life-threatening.

And of course, that’s without mentioning the positive benefits of cycling on public health, easing congestion, and reducing toxic emissions that cause death through air pollution and helping combat climate change..

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Live blog: Driver who allegedly rammed Andrew Gilligan off bike due in court, Wiggins urges Brailsford to sign "hottest property in cycling" van der Poel, Belgian road champ praises disc brakes, weekend catch-up + more

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Welcome to Tuesday's live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team. 

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23/04/2019, 16:48

Driver in court accused of ramming Andrew Gilligan off his bike

A driver was due to appear in court today to face charges of assault and dangerous driving after allegedly ramming former London cycling commissioner Andrew Gilligan off his bike.

The Evening Standard reports that the incident happened in Bishopsgate on 4 April 2018 and left Gilligan, now a senior correspondent for The Sunday Times, feeling “very, very shaken” and needing hospital treatment for cuts to his shins.

Chukwudi Uzorh, aged 28 and from Camden, who was driving a Nissan Juke at the time, was due to appear at City of London Magistrates’ Court today.

23/04/2019, 14:22

Italy have been out in Yorkshire previewing the World Championship course

23/04/2019, 12:27

UCI List snooping... Time Alpe D'Huez 01D and 21D added, suggesting disc brake versions are coming

time-front-pool

We went to the launch of Time's Alpe D'Huez 'altitude bike' last year, and after perusing the latest version of the UCI approved list it appears that a disc version is on the horizon. The top-end 01 and more affordable 21 versions both have an additional listing with a 'D' added to the end of the name, which we can only assume means 'disc'. We'll update with confirmation when we get it. 

23/04/2019, 12:08

Bontrager's Bat Cage is now made out of recycled fishing nets

bontrager bat cage

The bat cage has been around since 1997, and now a new manufacturing process and partnership with Bureo means they're giving a new life to discarded fishing nets. Bureo collects end-of-life fishing nets and recycles them into tiny pellets that can be used for injection-moulded plastic products like the Bat Cage, sunglasses, skateboards, and more.
"Bat Cage may be a small product, but it's the little hinge that swings a big door. This year alone, it will put 44,000 square feet of discarded fishing nets to good use. That's making a real difference, and Bat Cage is just the beginning", says Trek's Justin Henkel. They cost £9.99 each, head over to Trek's website to buy yours. 

23/04/2019, 09:24

“Disc brakes big advantage over teams that don’t have them” says Deceuninck - QuickStep rider

If you've watched any pro racing this year, you'll have seen a lot more bikes with disc brakes. Every Deceuninck - QuickStep victory, and there have been a few, has been on a Specialized bike with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 hydraulic disc brakes, prompting Shimano to release this promotional video.

It reveals that the disc brakes take a lot more time and work to get right but that the benefits are worth it. And those benefits? “You can brake later, you can make more speed with them,” according to Belgian national champion Yves Lampert, in a video produced by Shimano and shared a few days ago.

23/04/2019, 08:50

Bradley Wiggins: Brailsford "must sign" Van der Poel after hugely impressive breakthrough year

The 24-year-old Dutchman has put together some mighty performances already in 2019, winning Dwars door Vlaanderen, De Brabantse Pijl and Grand Prix de Denain.and then topping them all with one of the best finishes to a race we've ever seen at the Amstel Gold over the weekend. 

On his latest Eurosport podcast, Wiggins explains why he thinks van der Poel would be a great acquisition for Team Sky, soon to be Team INEOS: "He’s just impressed us every week."

"He is the hottest property in cycling at the moment other than Alaphilippe. He’s a bigger potential. It’s weird to call him a potential because he’s already winning these big races. It’s scary to think what he might actually achieve by the time he’s (Philippe) Gilbert’s age."

The host Graham Willgoss asked who would be the better signing out of Van der Poel or Julian Alaphilippe, and again Wiggins favoured the former, saying: "I would pick Van der Poel. That’s no slouch on Alaphilippe, he’s phenomenal as well. But I think he could win a Grand Tour one day. It’s a little bit sad to think that they both may end up at Sky. It’s a bit like Manchester City and football. It’s nice having this spread of riders."

23/04/2019, 08:46

Brazilian bike company uses a strike by truck drivers to demonstrate cost savings of bike transportation

This video shows how the cost benefit of bikes can make sense in the wake of national truck strike, with Brazilian bike manufacturer Caloi working out how much money on gas is saved when bikes are used instead. 

Live blog: Watch as Alaphilippe and Fuglsang slug it out at Fleche Wallonne, Chris Froome on Tenerife training and making yourself hurt, NYPD "harassing" youngsters by fining cyclists without bells, confiscating bikes + more

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24/04/2019, 18:21

Battle of the Bastard Climb

No apologies for the Game of Thrones reference.

Watch as Julian Alaphilippe and Jakob Fuglsang slug it out on the Mur de Huy at the end of today's Fleche Walllonne.

24/04/2019, 18:13

24/04/2019, 15:33

Julian Alaphilippe successfully defends Fleche Wallone title

Julian Alaphilippe, along with Mathieu van der Poel one of the two in-form riders of the early months of the season, has won La Fleche Wallone for the second year running.

The Deceuninck-Quick Step rider crossed the finish line on top of the iconic Mur de Huy this afternoon ahead of Astana's Jakob Fuglsang, with Diego Ulissi of UAE Team Emirates third.

Victory in the women's race went to another rider who is absolutely on fire at the moment - world champion Anna van der Breggen of Boels-Dolmans  - her fifth successive win in the race.

24/04/2019, 14:12

Blues and twos (wheels)

...and coming soon*: a trailer for patients and a helmet with built in blue lights and siren.

*in our imaginations

24/04/2019, 13:28

Chris Froome on Tenerife training: “You have to make yourself hurt”

Team Sky’s Chris Froome says “you have to make yourself hurt” to get the benefit from training camps on Tenerife to be able to help you cope with the suffering and pain once you are racing.

The four time Tour de France winner was speaking during a camp at Mount Teide to the BBC’s Tom Fordyce.

"When I first started coming here, it felt like we were on the Moon," he said. "I wondered what we were going to do for two weeks.

"It's pretty desolate up here. It's just the hotel. But that's perfect. These training blocks, you can literally shut the rest of the world out.

"We're out on our bikes almost all day, and when you come back to the hotel in the evening there's nothing. Just peace and quiet. Massage, eat, sleep. Rinse and repeat. You do exactly what you need to get ready for July.

"It is going to bring pain. But that is what this is all about. We're bike riders. You're not going to get better by just cruising around, getting coffees every day.

"You've got to get out there and make yourself suffer. You have to make yourself hurt."

Froome is currently racing at the Tour of the Alps and next month, rather than defend his Giro d'Italia title, will ride at the Tour de Yorkshire, his first race in the colours of Team Ineos following its takeover of Team Sky's management company.

Read the full interview here.

24/04/2019, 11:49

Mikel Landa to replace Vincenzo Nibali as Bahrain-Merida's star Grand Tour GC contender, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport

La Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that Landa is on his way out of Movistar to be the new top dog at Bahrain-Merida. With Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde already on Movistar's roster, it's a move that could help Landa to fulfil his potential shown at the 2015 Giro d'Italia, when he finished third.  

 

24/04/2019, 11:10

Ritchey launch 25th anniversary edition of the Swiss Cross frameset

Screen Shot 2019-04-24 at 11.17.39

Tom Ritchey designed and built the first steel Swiss Cross cyclocross bike a quarter of a century ago for the Swiss CX champ Thomas Frischknecht, and now they've updated it to mark the occasion. The new Swiss Cross has flat-mount disc brake compatibility, thru-axles, a full carbon fork and updated geometry for a slightly more aggressive position. It also has clearance for up to 40mm tyres for off-road forays away from the CX race course. 

100 limited edition framesets will be launched and there will be a normal production run of the standard black version (below). Check them out on Ritchey's website here.  

Screen Shot 2019-04-24 at 11.21.57

 

24/04/2019, 08:46

New York City Cops, they ain't too smart...

New York Police Department is renowned for its occasional 'crackdown' on certain behaviours and petty crimes that might seem heavy-handed to the rest of us; and recently, photos and videos emerging on social media of cops surrounding youths and fining them for not having bells on their bikes appears to be the latest use of resources that could probably be best exercised on more pressing issues. There are also reports of officers seizing bikes, and the image below allegedly shows "at least 20" police officers surrounding BMXers and telling them to leave for having the audacity to sit in Union Square. 

Streets Blog NYC reported that New York Mayor De Blasio knew nothing of the heavy-handed approach or of the four tickets that were handed out to youths for not having bells on their bikes. He dismissed it as precautionary due to the perceived spike in marijuana use on '4/20 day' (the 20th of April), although it's difficult to see what that has to do with confiscating bikes. 

Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who is planning to run for mayor, commented: “We should be encouraging cycling by making people feel safe biking on our streets, not targeting cyclists for overly punitive crackdowns. We have to do better than this.”

24/04/2019, 08:38

A cycling club and restaurant in Hackney are working in tandem to fund bikes for refugees

The Hackney Citizen reports that Cycling Club Hackney and the Italian restaurant Venerdi are raising funds to kit out local refugees with new road bikes. It's part of the club's Aspiring Rider Development Programme to help young cyclists to compete at a high level. The scheme also includes youths from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as refugees who have been riding with the club for over a year.  

Cycling Club Hackney's manager Keir Apperley has coached at youth level for ten years, previously mentoring Team Sky's Tao Geoghegan-Hart who won his first WorldTour stage win at the Tour of the Alps over the Easter weekend. 

The new bikes have been rebranded with Venerdi logos before being given to aspiring young racers, and there is also custom kit. 

 

24/04/2019, 08:32

Cyclists in Aberdeen plan to demonstrate in the city over lack of proper cycling infra

As part of the Pedal on Parliament movement that has long called for better cycling infrastructure in Scotland, the Aberdeen Cycle Forum plan to ride into the City Centre of Aberdeen on the 28th April to highlight the need for segregated cycle lanes. It will start at 11am and riders will complete laps of the city. 


Live blog: Tao Geoghegan Hart claims second victory at Tour of the Alps; Police in Leeds catch 11 drivers in one hour during close pass operation; boys lend officers their bikes for (successful) police chase; motor that stops bikes falling over + more

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25/04/2019, 17:12

Wardour Street (via StreetView)

TfL to pilot continuous green man at ten pedestrian crossings

Capital's transport body confident its vehicle detectors will pick up oncoming cyclists.

Full story here.

25/04/2019, 17:05

Tao Geoghegan Hart claims his second victory of the week at the Tour of the Alps

25/04/2019, 15:52

What are cycle lanes like in your town?

Graham from Bournemouth sent us this video.

“The traffic here is awful,” he writes. “Most days it’s actually the cars holding up the bicycles. I dont appreciate being told to use cycle lanes (which has happened multiple times) when quite clearly there's a reason behind not doing so.”

Graham wants the council to do bike lanes properly.

“At the moment all they do is stick pretty pictures of bikes on pavements.”

25/04/2019, 15:45

Thomas Voeckler winning the final stage of Tour de Yorkshire in Scarborough (SWPIX.com).jpg

Thousands of Ineos fracking protesters expected at Tour de Yorkshire next weekend

You can expect plenty of 'land art' for the helicopter shots.

Full story here.

25/04/2019, 13:49

Transfer Rumor - Nibali's Trek Segafredo Deal is Done

Vincenzo Nibali (Team Bahrain-Merida @BettiniPhoto)

We've got no confirmation yet, but word is that Vincenzo Nibali will be a Trek Segafredo rider from next year. Bahrain Merida yesterday announced that Mikel Landa will be their leader for the Grand Tours in 2020, leaving Nibali, winner of all three Grand Tours, without dedicated team support. These rumors aren't new. We first heard whispers in January. But it seems that the transfer will be confirmed today. Even more interestingly, Nibali is currently throwing down continuous attacks in the Tour of the Alps. Maybe he's letting his legs do the negotiating?

25/04/2019, 12:50

Leeds Police warn drivers over close passing cyclists as 11 are caught in one hour

Leeds Police South have revealed the results from an hour of observing motorists on the A63, and close passing on cyclists appeared to be rife. 11 drivers were caught in one hour passing too close, and a further five were dealt with for not wearing seatbelts and two more for speeding. They say: "This initiative isn't about picking on or penalising motorists, it is about making sure our roads are safer for everyone. With the success of Tour de Yorkshire we support our partners in wanting to get more people to feel confident in cycling in the county by making sure the roads are safer for cyclists and all vulnerable road users."

25/04/2019, 12:43

Great Britain teams confirmed for Tour de Yorkshire

Tour de Yorkshire 2019 airport announcement

A men's and women's team in GB kit will take to the startline of the Tour de Yorkshire, taking place between 2nd-5th May. Here are those teams: 

Men

Jim Brown
Sean Flynn
Ethan Hayter​
Dan McLay​
Joe Nally​
Will Tidball​
Ben Turner

Women

Rhona Callander
Dani Christmas
Anna Docherty​
Lauren Dolan
Nikki Juniper
Jess Roberts

25/04/2019, 12:27

Justice (Lonpicman, Wikimedia Commons)

Suspended sentence for impatient driver who knew he'd caused cyclist's crash but said it was 'karma'

Ralph Keemer was held up, so he drove in front of Laura Fidler and braked. She needed surgery. He failed to stop and showed no remorse.

Full story here.

25/04/2019, 12:04

Dutch innovators TU Delft and Gazelle have made a smart motor that stops bikes falling over

The motor offers steering assistance, propping the bike up straight again if it senses you are leaning too much and are about to fall, and keeps the bike stable at speeds of over 4km/h. It's a prototype at the moment, and TU Delft have been researching how and when bikes do and don't fall over for the past 15 years. 

Will it work on a mountain descent at 50mph, we wonder? 

25/04/2019, 12:00

Here's a stat for you...

A stat that won't be particularly welcomed by Julian Alaphilippe, we're guessing... 

25/04/2019, 11:55

Campagnolo trickle 12 speed down to Chorus level

campag chorus jack photo 14

New groupset, more sprockets, plus 48/32 chainset and 11-34 cassette options. Read all about it here

25/04/2019, 10:04

US cyclist charged after being hit by police officer turning right on red

Covering the Corridor reports that a Virginia cyclist has been charged with not paying attention after a police officer drove into him while turning right at a red light.

In most parts of the US, motorists are allowed to turn right on red.

Here’s the incident from the police vehicle’s perspective.

And here it is from side-on.

25/04/2019, 09:41

Police tape (CC licensed by freefotouk on Flickr)

Boys lend officers their bikes for (successful) police chase

The Northampton Chronicle reports that two boys have been thanked by Northamptonshire Police after they lent officers their bikes for a police chase.

At about 12pm on Monday, three men broke into a builder’s yard in Carisbrooke Way, Daventry, and tried to steal a dumper truck by driving it into the back of their transit van.

A member of the public called it in and after the suspects abandoned their van, a foot chase ensued.

Various members of the public pointed officers where to go before two boys lent them their bikes to continue the chase.

Two men were caught and charged.

Police Sergeant Matt Bailey, said: “The public support during this incident was fantastic and led directly to the capture, arrest and charging of these two individuals.

“I would like to thank all of them for their help but especially the two boys who lent me their bicycles – it was great to know how much they wanted us to succeed in catching up with the suspects.

“These two young men have been written to and invited to spend a day with us on response, which I hope they’ll take up as it’ll be great to spend the day with them and show them a day in the life of a response officer.

“This incident was a great example of how effectively the public and the police can work together and with the teamwork displayed on Monday, the thieves had no chance.”

Live blog: Leave Vs Remain poll – Near Miss of The Day; Cycle path apple tree vandals offered olive branch; woefully-timed overtake by driving instructor; 'how to take on a club 10’, ‘Tour of Pembrokshire tractor incident case dismissed, Canyon e-racing+

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26/04/2019, 16:14

Vittorio Brumotti (via Twitter video)

Vittorio Brumotti's a what now?

A mafia hunter.

Apparently.

And he's on telly tonight.

Full story here.

26/04/2019, 16:12

More from Pedal on Parliament

26/04/2019, 14:45

Forrest Road people-protected bike lane (CC licensed by Sandy Beach Cat via Flickr)

Biggest Pedal on Parliament yet will see 20 protests across Scotland

Aim this year is to highlight specific local issues.

Full story here.

26/04/2019, 14:04

Leave Vs Remain poll: Near Miss of The day

Near Miss of the Day is in the news at the moment so what do you think Leave it out or Remain and stick with it? Have your say in our regular Friday non-binding indicative vote above.

26/04/2019, 14:28

Tasty!

IMG-3794 (1).JPG

We've just had a visit from Clif's guys in the UK, and they've kindly left us with some brand new tasty treats - the Peanut Butter Banana Clif Bar and Ginger Ale Shot Bloks are available now, head to Clif's website for more info.

26/04/2019, 12:18

Bristol to Bath Cycle Path apple tree vandals offered an olive branch

If you really want to annoy Bristolians then cutting off their cider supply is a good place to start... and sadly it appears that vandals saw it fit to tear down some apple trees on the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path at the weekend. This disgruntled yet incredibly polite note was photographed by passer-by Claire Snook, and has been called 'the most Bristol note ever' by the Bristol Post; although we think it's definitely lacking a few gerts and ooh-arrrs to qualify as that... 

26/04/2019, 12:13

Pedal on Parliament pedal on Forest Road, Edinburgh to form people-protected bike lane

The campaigners are calling for segregated cycle lanes in Scotland, and this morning a number of supports formed a chain to create a 'lane' for cyclists using the very much not segregated cycle lane on Forest Road in Edinburgh. 

26/04/2019, 11:39

Josh Quigley and his bike

Round-the-world cyclist continuing after bike theft thanks to donations from supporters

Josh Quigley has mourned his old bike and got himself a new one.

Full story here.

26/04/2019, 11:24

road.cc on GCN

road.cc on GCN and why we do Near Miss of the Day (again)

Ooh, road.cc's on GCN* how exciting! …You can get the full story here
*It's like a thing on Youtube

26/04/2019, 11:10

Essential rules for your next 10 mile TT

Endless faffing, taking too many pins and making excuses are almost as traditional as the good old British club 10 itself... 4th Cat Problems have nailed it here!

26/04/2019, 10:15

Specialized's new S-Works Roubaix is in the office

Following the launch in Belgium, we've now got the brand new Specialized S-Works Roubaix to test on more familiar roads. First look and more coming soon, but here are a couple of pics on our Instagram account. 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shiny! New Specialized S-Works Roubaix just landed in the office for review

A post shared by road.cc (@road.cc) on

26/04/2019, 09:58

canyon 2

Canyon sets sights on eracing future with professional team

Canyon is aiming at the rapidly growing eracing universe with the launch of possibly the world’s first professional e-racing team: Canyon Zcc.

It won’t have escaped your attention that eracing is becoming popular at the moment, largely due to the popularity of Zwift and culminating with the first British national e-racing championships recently.

Canyon’s new Zcc team supports two squads, men and women, with 10 riders in total. They have been competing regularly in the Zwift KISS Community League, one tier below the Super League that has attracted regular professional cyclists to take part.

canyon 3

The team has tasted success already, three riders were able to claim Zwift National Championship titles, and James Phillips claimed second place in the televised live final for the British title.

Impressive results, and striking kit too. Canyon has shown an appetite for daring kit design - the Canyon//SRAM women’s team kit still ranks as one of the best ever - and the Zcc kit is no exception. The bold kit, inspired by the early 90s rave music scene - will be worn by the riders both in real life and virtually.

“It’s about being different to the mainstream and embracing the freedom that comes with that. eRacing is still in its infancy, but we have always seen its potential and are excited to be pioneering the future of the sport”, says Team Manager Rhys Howell.

Here are the riders to watch out for:

Women's squad

  • Kristin Falck (NOR)*
  • Eva Buchholz (GER)*
  • Siri Hildonen (NOR)
  • Nathalie Eklund (SWE)
  • Laura van Regenmortel (NED)

Men's squad

  • Alex West (NZL)
  • Steve Young (GBR)
  • James Phillips (WAL)
  • Lionel Vujasin (BEL)*
  • Philipp Diegner (GER)

*Denotes Zwift National Champion.

If you’re wondering what bikes and equipment the team will use, they’re on the Aeroad CF SL in both real and virtual worlds, and using a complete Wahoo setup comprising a Kickr, Headwind, Climb and Tickr, with Nuun nutrition.

Is there a big future for professional e-racing teams? Let us know your thoughts down below.

26/04/2019, 09:17

Wolfscastle to Tufton road (via StreetView)

Farmer accused of failing to stop tractor after incident at Tour of Pembrokeshire has charges dismissed

A farmer who was accused of failing to stop his tractor at the scene of an accident during last year’s Tour of Pembrokeshire has had the charges against him dismissed.

The cyclist involved, Phillip Withers, said that he was riding towards the back of a group of around 20 riders when they encountered Haydn Williams in his tractor, heading in the opposite direction.

He said several of the cyclists managed to filter through a small gap on the left hand side of the road, but Williams continued moving forward, shouting “get back” from the cab.

As Williams drove past, Withers said his leg was pinned against his bike by the hay rake that was being towed.

Williams said he remembered getting out of the vehicle and shouting at the cyclists to move back toward a layby further down the road. He said he was unable to reverse himself as another farm vehicle and a 4x4 were occupying a layby or farm entrance behind.

Williams has pleaded not guilty to failing to stop after a road accident, failing to report the accident to police and driving without due care and attention.

The Western Telegraph reports that yesterday all three charges were dismissed and an order was made for Williams’ defence costs to be paid from central funds.

26/04/2019, 09:16

Woefull-timed overtake by driving instructor

road.cc recap: ten of our top stories this week

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1. Campagnolo Chorus 12 speed groupset launched, with lower price points and smaller chainring and cassette options

ch-guarnitura-2020

Campagnolo have launched a new Chorus groupset, bringing 12 speed technology down to their third groupset tier and also offering 48/32 chainset and 11-34t cassette options for the first time.
Read more here

2. TfL to pilot default green man signal at ten pedestrian crossings

Wardour Street (via StreetView)

Transport for London (TfL) is to trial ‘green man authority’ on ten pedestrian crossings in the capital. The signal strategy gives pedestrians priority, relying on detectors to pick up any oncoming vehicles.
Read more here

3. Walmart launches upscale Viathon road, gravel and mountain bike brand – coming to an Asda near you soon?

Viathon R.1 bike

US retail giant Walmart, which owns the Asda supermarket chain in the UK, has launched an upscale road, gravel and mountain bike brand called Viathon. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer already sells more bicycles than anyone else in the US, and is now on a mission to bring high-end models to the masses, whom it believes find specialist bike retailers intimidating.
Read more here

4. Thousands of Ineos fracking protesters expected at Tour de Yorkshire next weekend

Thomas Voeckler winning the final stage of Tour de Yorkshire in Scarborough (SWPIX.com).jpg

Thousands of protesters will wear masks of Ineos CEO Jim Ratcliffe at next week’s Tour de Yorkshire to protest the chemical firm’s impending sponsorship of what is currently Team Sky. Ineos holds licences to carry out fracking across much of North and South Yorkshire. Friends of the Earth described the firm as “a major risk to this wonderful part of the country.”
Read more here

5. Garmin launch Edge 530 and 830 GPS units

GarminEdge830

Garmin have launched their latest GPS bike computers, the Edge 530 and Edge 830. Both feature Garmin's new ClimbPro feature, first seen on their luxurious Marq Athlete multisport watches launched back in February. 
Read more here

6. Mathieu van der Poel uploads his epic Amstel Gold victory to Strava

Mathieu van der poel at tour of flanders.JPG

If you follow the pros on Strava, you might have noticed that road cycling's hottest new property Mathieu van der Poel doesn't tend to share his data very often. Before this one his most recent upload was from the Dutch Road Championships (which he won) in July 2018; and we can understand why on this occasion, Van der Poel might also be particularly proud of his efforts...
Read more here

7. Suspended sentence for impatient driver who knew he'd caused cyclist's crash but said it was 'karma'

Statue of Justice, Old Bailey (licensed CC BY 2.0 on Flickr by Ronnie Macdonald).jpg

A Surrey driver who grew impatient with a cyclist and caused her to crash has been handed a 14-month suspended sentence. Ralph Keemer, 59, told police he knew that triathlete Laura Fidler had fallen from her bike but didn’t stop, saying it was "karma".
Read more here

8. Video: London driver deliberately knocks cyclist off bike

A London cyclist has filmed the moment a driver knocked him off his bike by ramming him with his Ford Focus car. The footage was uploaded to YouTube on Monday by Olukayode Ibrahim. The incident was filmed on the A2 outside a Travelodge hotel close to Deptford Bridge Docklands Light Railway station in south east London.
Read more here

9. Brexit Party hopeful candidate begs Nigel Farage for penny-farthing spokesman job

Jacob Rees-Mogg and Penny farthing (original photo licensed CC BY-SA 2.0 on Flickr by Bob Walker).jpg

A penny-farthing rider from Battersea who hopes to be a candidate for the Brexit Party has begged its leader, Nigel Farage, to be given a job as the party’s spokesman to represent the views of fellow enthusiasts – as well as cyclists and motorbikers more generally.
Read more here

10. Sunday Times claims “victory” for drivers as number of people cycling on English roads drops

London cyclists at Hyde Park Corner (copyright Britishcycling.org_.uk).jpg

The Sunday Times has claimed that new figures revealing that the number of people riding bikes on England’s roads has dropped represents a “victory” for motorists “in their long-running battle with cyclists.”
Read more here and read our follow-up story with a response from Cycling UK response here

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Live blog: Team Sky (and outgoing sponsor) get misty-eyed as videos mark end of an era; Cycling among 6 most middle-class fitness fads (says Daily Mash), Unicycle basketball; Is eRacing is a proper sport + more

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Welcome to Monday's live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team.

 Pro cyclists split over whether e-racing is a proper sport; Junior BinckBank Classic winner lies down before crossing the line in over-exuberant victory celebration; how three former pro cyclists got on at the London Marathon + more

 

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29/04/2019, 18:06

29/04/2019, 18:03

Team Sky become Team Ineos tomorrow - and they (and outgoing sponsor) are getting misty-eyed

Love them or hate them - and they are a team that divides opinion as no other since US Postal - today marks the end of an era in professional cycling that has seen Team Sky dominate the Tour de France, with six wins in the past seven editions.

While Team Sky will essentially continue in its current form - albeit with a new owner and sponsor, with Ineos officially taking over from Wednesday but its logo appearing on the jersey from tomorrow at the Tour de Romandie - both the team and the outgoing sponsor (which previously also sponsored British Cycling) have been getting a bit misty-eyed about it all, as these videos show.

29/04/2019, 17:49

That Telegraph article blaming cyclists for polluting the countryside is never going to get old, is it?

29/04/2019, 14:37

So that's a No then, Conor?

The super-tall Irishman used to race for now-defunct Team Aqua Blue, who suffered their fair share of mechanicals that were largely blamed on racing with 1x setups. While there's more to riding a bike than pro racing, it appears the facepalm emoji would suggest the front mech certainly ain't dead according to Conor...

29/04/2019, 14:09

Team Ineos kit for Tour de Romandie

Team Sky has ridden last race - but 2017 kit (or near enough) back for one more

Team Sky may have ridden their last race at Liege-Bastogne-Liege yesterday - but their kit (the 2017 version, at least, or something very close to it) will be worn by the riders at the Tour de Romandie which starts tomorrow.

Officially, Ineos doesn't take over the team - and its sponsorship - until Wednesday 1 May, which is when the new kit will be launched (minus, we're guessing, the signature blue line).

With all but the opening day of the Swiss race taking place under the new sponsor, Ineos is the name Geraint Thomas and co will be wearing at Romandie ... and provide a last glimpse of the colours that have dominated the Tour de France in recent years.

29/04/2019, 13:28

29/04/2019, 13:27

Basketball ... on unicycles

29/04/2019, 13:17

Middlesborough artist demonstrates the power of the penis for pothole prevention

The anonymous urban artiste decided to doodle dongs around some particularly bad potholes in the Middlesborough area and... hey presto, the council quickly filled them in! Speaking to the BBC, resident Resident Brad Nicholson praised "the power of the willy" to give the council visual reminders that Britain's roads need some serious TLC.  

29/04/2019, 12:25

There's celebrating, and then there's...

This rather odd victory celebration at the Junior BinckBank Classic one-day race was performed by 16-year-old Tobias Lund Andresen, who found that he had time to get off his bike, sink to the ground and then walk across the line with his bike held aloft. Some have accused the youngster of arrogance and over-exuberance in victory, while others have put it down to a young lad who's just proper excited to win a race. 

29/04/2019, 12:12

Britain's Kye Whyte takes maiden BMX World Cup win in Manchester (and there was a spectacular crash in the heats)

19-year-old Whyte won in round two of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup yesterday, and said of his victory: “This is the best day of my life, I reckon! I thought that – without being cocky – if I could get amongst the top three, with the track speed I’ve got, I thought I could win. I’ve made world cup finals before, but I’ve only ever finished last! It’s been a great day.”

There was also a mega crash in the heats of the men's elite event, with no one escaping apart from France's Joris Daudet who rode away for an easy win. Watch it here on the BBC's website.   

29/04/2019, 12:03

Campaginers are placing red cups between car and bike lanes to show how there needs to be more protection

Bike Newton, a cycle safety campaign group based near Boston in the US, laid out red cups to demonstrate how motor vehicles shouldn't encroach on bike lanes. Unfortunately this was the scene a few hours later...

"No vehicle should have been driving in the buffer", say Bike Newton. The hashtag #redcupproject is doing the rounds mostly in the US, but the call for action is global, say campaigners. 

29/04/2019, 11:57

29/04/2019, 11:29

70's Pissei style

pissei 70s

Unfortunately-named Italian cycling apparel brand Pissei have unveiled their latest collection, paying homage to the 1970's. With the jersey and shorts available in two different colours, Pissei say the kit "has an influence of disco dancing", with a regular fit, breathable mesh at the rear on the jersey and flat straps on the bibs for extra comfort. 

The kit is available now on Pissei's website

29/04/2019, 08:56

Cycling has made the list!

DailyMash Cycling in top 6

We've made it!

Cycling is in the top 6 ways that you can exercise in the most middle-class way possible according to the tongue-in-cheek website The Daily Mash!

"Practical, A-to-B cycling is for poor people. Instead, ride a £10,000 bike around country lanes in a large group, holding up traffic for miles until you reach a village tea shop where you loudly say you’d buy the local vicarage if it wasn’t for your ‘bloody commute’."

Other ways include boot camp in the park, wild swimming, underwater weightlifting, outdoor spin class and finally, a 5k run with your children.

We'll stick to our 10-grand bikes, thanks!

29/04/2019, 08:30

Is e-racing a proper sport? Pro cyclists have their say

Alex Dowsett says the Fifa (the football game) comparison is wholly unfair on bike e-racing, as it's "a lifetime closer in reality"; the idea being that a very very good indoor cyclist could actually have a chance at turning pro in real life, whereas that would never be the case for someone who is really good at Fifa.  

Nikki Brammeier, however (who ran the London Marathon this weekend), isn't so keen...

Her reply was met with plenty of opinions for and against, with some even saying the British Championships was great to watch...

What do you think, should we accept static bike racing as equal to road and track racing? 

29/04/2019, 08:09

How three pro and ex pro-cyclists did at the London Marathon

800px-London_Marathon_2005_at_Blackfriars

40,000 runners took to the streets of London for one of the world's biggest 26.2 mile foot races yesterday, and in amongst them were some cyclists whose names you may well recognise. Husband and wife Matt and Nikki Bramameier (the former last rode for Aqua Blue and is now a coach, and Nikki is still a professional road racer) crossed the line together in a time of 3:53:28. We will give an extra tip our hat to former Olympic track cyclist Chris Newton, though, who finished in a mighty impressive time of 2:45:24! 

29/04/2019, 08:20

No, definitely not...

Sky’s biggest achievement in cycling? Getting more Brits on bikes, says Brailsford

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Forget bankrolling a team that has own six of the last seven editions of the Tour de France; Sir Dave Brailsford says Sky’s biggest achievement in cycling has been getting more people riding bikes in Great Britain.

Besides sponsoring the UCI WorldTour outfit that Brailsford is team principal of, the broadcaster also backed British Cycling – where he was formerly performance director – from 2008-16, a period that saw the introduction of mass participation Sky Rides across the country.

Last year, British Cycling said that its membership had risen almost tenfold from 16,500 members in 2005 to 145,000, and is now  equally split between competitive and leisure riders.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Brailsford said that events such as those, which continue under the banner of successor sponsor HSBC, had helped encourage people to get in the saddle as well as increasing interest in cycling.

“The majority of the time people stop me and say – 'I never used to ride my bike and then I started riding'– some of them for fitness, some racing,” he said.

"As a youngster growing up in north Wales, trying to get into the sport of cycling was not easy. I ended up packing my bike up in a box and going off to France to pursue my dream.

"Now when I go back, there is a thriving cycling culture in that little area of north Wales with a fantastic club. For me, that signifies what has happened in the rest of the country.

"Despite the fact that we have been terrifically successful in the big races, I think what has happened from a participation point of view is actually what gives me the greatest pleasure and is the biggest achievement that Team Sky made."

He was speaking as he reflected on the team’s path over the past decade that saw it win the Tour de France six times in the past seven years, prior to petrochemicals group Ineos taking over sponsorship, and the UCI WorldTour outfit’s management company.

Officially, the change in ownership takes effect from tomorrow, but this afternoon Team Ineos made its debut at the Prologue of the Tour de Romandie, with the final race in Team Sky’s colours taking place at Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday.

Geraint Thomas – fifth today – and his team-mates are racing in the Swiss one-week race in a one-off black kit with Ineos logos, but the jersey the team will wear for the rest of the season will be officially unveiled tomorrow ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire, which starts on Thursday.

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Live blog: MP calls for Minister for Cycling in cabinet, “Hygiene” –Sainsbury’s kicks out cyclist who wanted to bring bike in shop, “Get lights, wear bright colours and a helmet" - Skoda's cycle safety message; New Rapha jacket; Pro tip – zip it! +more

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30/04/2019, 16:18

Rapha reveals Pro Team Lightweight Shadow Jacket

Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Shadow

Eagle-eyed viewers might have spotted a new Rapha jacket being worn by members of EF Education First racing Liège–Bastogne–Liège on Sunday. The updated version of the Pro Team Lightweight Shadow Jacket is similar to the previous design but it uses a much lighter fabric.

"Our proprietary Shadow fabric is back, but not as you’ve seen it before," says Rapha. "Constructed using the same technique of stretch weaving yarns dipped in a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment, our new fabric incorporates threads that are just as strong but even lighter. Treated for a second time with DWR, the technique creates an out-of-the-pocket jacket whose feathery weight belies its incredible wind and water-resistant properties."

Unlike most fabrics designed to do a similar job, Rapha's doesn't rely on a membrane. Rapha reckons that this makes for exceptional breathability.

RAPHA PRO TEAM LIGHTWEIGHT SHADOW JACKET

"The woven fabric also provides an element of mechanical stretch and wraps around a rider’s body to create a tight race fit. A full-length, two-way zip allows for easy adjustments on the fly while a reflective armband combines with reflective bands to vastly improve your visibility while riding through the gloom."

Tanel Kangert, Michael Woods and Simon Clarke were all spotted wearing the Pro Team Lightweight Shadow Jacket at the weekend.

We'll ask the nice people at Rapha if we can get one in for review.

Get more details from Rapha's website. 

30/04/2019, 15:13

Oxford promise to keep your chain minty fresh with launch of mint lubes

oxford mint lube

Why you would want or need to we're not sure, but you can now buy minty chain lube from Oxford Products. The range contains 75ml and 150ml bottle sizes and there are wet, dry and a general '365' version to choose from. You can search for your nearest stockist at oxfordproducts.com

30/04/2019, 15:04

Pro tip: When showing off the new sponsor, maybe zip the jersey up?

Introducing Team Ineeoos ...

30/04/2019, 13:59

“Get lights, wear bright colours and a helmet" - Skoda's safety message to cyclists

“Get lights, wear bright colours and a helmet and that will keep you safe” – that’s the message to cyclists in a video from Skoda’s We Love Cycling website that has seen the Czech car manufacturer accused of victim-blaming.

The video, called To Hell and Back on a Bike, attempts to point out to cyclists (and motorists) things they should and shouldn’t do to keep safe, and the first thing you’ll notice is that despite it being voiced in English by a certain ‘Paul’ it certainly wasn’t filmed in the UK – it was shot in Rijeka, Croatia.

That means that the video, in which the male cyclist is a professional stuntman, contains some advice that is contrary to the situation in the UK, given that in Croatia, as elsewhere on the continent, driving is on the right.

It’s accompanied by a three-level safety quiz on the website, and was flagged up by road.cc reader James, who said: “ Nice bit of victim blaming from Skoda under the banner of ‘We Love Cycling’.

30/04/2019, 12:28

this_is_the_line.jpg

So farewell then, Team Sky

So farewell then, Team Sky.

“This is the line ... ”

Yes, that was your mantra.

Some disliked Murdoch’s backing.

Jim Ratcliffe’s response?

“Hold my beer."

In a plastic cup.

 

(With apologies to EJ Thribb)

 

30/04/2019, 12:10

Labour MP Fabian Hamilton calls for Minister for Cycling in the cabinet at All Party Cycling meeting

At the meeting in London this morning, Hamilton also said that says that Leeds has a population of 800,000 but has never received any significant funding for cycling. Cycling UK's Roger Geffen also spoke earlier, talking about Cycling UK's campaign to encourage people to write to their MP's to ask for more funding for cycling. Also discussed was a confusing graph made by the government that states a driver is worth more to the economy that cyclists, pedestrians and rail passengers. 

30/04/2019, 11:59

Nothing to see here...

30/04/2019, 08:39

Sainsbury's refuse entry to man with a bike because it could "contaminate the food"... cue sarcastic responses on Twitter

Edouard Guidon questioned the supermarket on Twitter about them refusing him entry into their Paddington Station store in London. When asked to elaborate on why it was a hygiene issue, this was their response...

This left many folks questioning if such a policy actually existed; plus bikes aren't the only objects with wheels that could end up in a Sainsbury's shop, wheelchairs and their own trolleys being two examples...

One reply questioned the complainant's failure to spot that there are in fact 380 bike racks in Paddington, however, to which he said Sainsbury's could have been a little more helpful in guiding towards the bike parking. 

To be fair to Sainsbury's we're not sure if the bike in question was brand spanking new or just back from a CX race, but even so banning anything with wheels from their stores would seem to be pretty unworkable... what do you reckon? 

30/04/2019, 08:34

What the?!

Odd, funny, highly entertaining, perhaps a bit disturbing... the competitors in the video are apparently four years old. Such speed, desire and hunger to win at all costs must be down to god-given talent... that plus some very enthusiastic parenting no doubt. 

Live blog: Team Ineos reveal new kit –Twitter takes the piss; Sky’s farewell vid but…Where’s Wiggo?; Brailsford says new backer marks “momentous day” for, well – everyone; Elton John as UCI WorldTour kits + our new General Cycling Nonsense feature & more

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01/05/2019, 20:00

Elton John dressed as UCI WorldTour teams

You may have seen a thread on Twitter in recent days showing David Bowie taking to the stage in outfits that match the kits of current League 1 [asks editor if that is actually a thing, given that the team I support has been in the top flight for 100+ years and apparently it is].

Anyway. References to North London's leading club apart (the other claimant, it should be noted, was in Middlesex until the mid-1960s), someone has taken inspiration from that thread and done one of Elton John riffing UCI WorldTour kits.

And it is AM-AZ-ING.

Goodbye, Yellow Brick Jersey.

01/05/2019, 19:48

General Cycling Nonsense

One of the reasons we set up this live blog on road.cc was so we had a home for stuff that wouldn’t necessarily warrant a full story, but which we would love to share with you.

It’s a genre that we have felt for a while now deserves its own branding, a bit like our Near Miss of the Day series, and in a sudden flash of inspiration, we’ve finally come up with one.

Ladies and gentlemen, we introduce … General Cycling Nonsense.

We'll kick off with this tweet reacting to the new Team Ineos kit.

And if anyone can suggest a three-letter acronym for this feature, feel free to suggest it ... we are struggling  3 

01/05/2019, 16:15

Crooks are embracing green transport

Northants Police recognising the silver lining of a violent criminal choosing two wheels over four to attempt a getaway... of course, he fell off and got caught shortly after. 

01/05/2019, 15:33

New bike, new kit and... new van

A good spot here as Froome heads out for a training ride in Yorkshire following his media engagements this morning. Of course, the team motor vehicles have had to get the new team colours too. 

01/05/2019, 15:25

New Wahoo Elemnt Roam has landed in the office

01/05/2019, 13:43

Stop the press! New Ineos bottle also revealed by Elite

Elite rule the roost when it comes to supplying pro teams with their bottles, and they've just unveiled the new Ineos version of their Fly Team bottle. We haven't seen one for sale yet, but when they are you can usually pick one up for about six quid online. 

01/05/2019, 13:25

Dave Brailsford pronounces Ineos partnership as “A momentous day for the team, our fans and cycling in general"

Speaking at an undisclosed location in Yorkshire just in case anti-fracking protesters turn up (read more about that here), Sir Dave Brailsford said: It is the start of an exciting new chapter for us and we’re all really looking forward to our future with INEOS at the helm”. 

He also posed for some (slightly awkward) photos with Ineos head honco Sir Jim Ratcliffe and star rider Chris Froome, with Froome wearing the new kit and clutching a brand new Pinarello Dogma F12. You can read all about the new bike here.   

01/05/2019, 13:08

And Pinarello reveals new Dogma F12 and F12 Disc

Whaddu know, Pinarello's brand new Dogma F12 is more aero and stiffer than the outgoing Dogma F10 that Team Sky had been racing since 2017. Read all about in our tech-laden story below

- Pinarello Dogma F12 and F12 Disk launched

 

01/05/2019, 12:27

Velon enhances pro race data tracking

Bettiol_Flanders_VelonData

Data provider Velon has teamed up with the digital services company EY to launch VelonLive, described as "a suite of digital services designed to provide enhanced performance insights and make road cycling more accessible and engaging for millions of fans around the world". The creators claim that VelonLive data tracking system is among the most sophisticated in the sports industry.

Velon has been around since 2014, providing live data and videos from some of the world's biggest pro cycle teams, including Team Ineos (formerly Team Sky).

The new level of live rider data – including real-time updates on riders’ speeds, power and cadence – will be accessible for more than 100 days of racing each year, beginning with the Giro d’Italia 2019 on 11 May in Bologna, Italy.

Earlier this year, live rider data was shown to those watching the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Australia, the UAE Tour and the Tour of Flanders. 

"The data also provides fans with insight into the Hammer Series of races," says Velon. "Not only can fans access additional information via the VelonLive app and website, the data is also shared with organisers, broadcasters and media outlets to enhance coverage of the races."

Get more info from www.velon.cc.

01/05/2019, 11:12

Very nice in our opinion.

Here's the new Ineos kit with a very fresh-looking deep red colour scheme.

More to follow.

01/05/2019, 10:39

How to wrap your custom carbon race shoes with Adam Hansen

Adam Hansen has to be one of our favourite pro racers. He looks at things from a very different angle and what we get is some brilliant tech.

The best of his creations is his carbon shoes which are incredibly light and perfectly molded to his feet. Here, he's re-wrapping them to give them a fresh look before his next race.

Dave has built a Bamboo Bike. Should we make him have a go at some shoes?

01/05/2019, 10:35

INEOS Kit - Ron Burgundy?

What would you like to see from the new Ineos team kit

01/05/2019, 09:44

EF Gone Racing - Episode 9: Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Catch up with the latest edition of EF Gone Racing. It's the final race of the Spring Classics and the heavens have opened.

01/05/2019, 08:53

Near Miss of the Day, canine edition

Although you could say this was very much the fault of the owner, this tiny dog just avoided getting hit by a rider in the prologue of the Tour de Romandie yesterday. The stage was won by Jan Tratnik of Bahrain Merida, and the event marks the first outing for Team Ineos. 

01/05/2019, 08:35

Thank you Team Sky, it's been emosh... but isn't there are glaring omission to this video?

The Team Ineos Youtube channel posted a video with some of the best memories from the decade-long dominance enjoyed by their riders when they raced as Team Sky; however there wasn't any mention for a certain Tour de France-winning Kilburn native. Instead there are interviews with the current roster including Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, with the former saying "none of this would have been possible without Team Sky". 

01/05/2019, 08:29

22-year-old model who had ambitions to be Miss France dies after being hit by a tractor while cycling

Reported in Le Figaro, Morgane Rolland was cycling with a friend on a small road in Loire when she swerved off the pavement to avoid a car, and was hit by the trailer which led to her being pulled under the truck. The Director General of the Miss France Committee Sylvie Tellier paid tribute to Miss Rolland (above) - we don't know if any arrests have been made yet over the incident. 

01/05/2019, 08:27

Ned Boulting appointed President of Herne Hill Velodrome

Tony accepts LCC award from Ned Boulting

The popular presenter will take on the roll for the net three years, and will be involved in promotional and fundraising activities for the Trust. 


Live blog: NYPD tickets cyclists heading to memorial ride for hit-and-run victim, Tour de Yorkshire stage winner flies flag (literally), Anti-fracking protesters chant "You've sold your soul, you've sold your sport out" at Team Ineos bus + more

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02/05/2019, 19:49

NYPD tickets cyclists headed to memorial ride for hit-and-run victim

We’ve mentioned several times recently on road.cc how the New York Police Department’s standard response to the death of a cyclist on the streets it patrols is to ticket riders in the ensuing days – at times, for ‘offences’ that don’t exist, such as not wearing a cycle helmet, which is not legally required for adult cyclists there.

But now it’s emerged that ‘New York’s Finest’ reacted to a cyclist being killed by a hit-and-run truck driver a couple of months ago by issuing fines to people heading to a memorial ride for her.

Aurilla Lawrence was killed on 28 February, and the actions of NYPD officers following her death have led her father, Kenny Lawrence, to pen a heartfelt piece for Gothamist in which he calls on the city’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, to protect cyclists.

“On February 28th, 2019, my daughter Aurilla Lawrence was struck by an oil tanker truck near the intersection of Broadway and Rodney Street in Brooklyn,” he wrote. “The driver attempted to pass Aurilla and came back in on her causing her to lose control. She ended up under the wheels of his truck.

“This driver took my daughter's life, and he didn’t even stop. He left her to die alone on the street as he continued on his way.”

He went on to say: “Far too many families have had to bury a loved one this year because of unsafe streets and reckless drivers. Nothing will bring her back, but at the very least Mayor de Blasio ought to be doing everything in his power to make sure nobody else’s family has to go through what mine has.

“But they’re doing the opposite. I was furious to learn that the morning after Aurilla was killed, police were out giving tickets to bicyclists on the same block where she was struck. The truck driver was the one who killed my daughter and fled the scene, so why were the police out on the street treating cyclists like criminals? Did Mayor de Blasio not understand that many of these cyclists who were being targeted were actually headed to a memorial ride in honour of Aurilla?”

In conclusion, he said: “It’s impossible to feel that way if you live in fear that you might get run down every time you get on your bike. But Aurilla was a fearless bicyclist. Mayor de Blasio, please honour her by being a fearless mayor and doing everything you can to eliminate all this senseless death.”

02/05/2019, 18:51

Jesper Asselman wins Tour de Yorkshire 2019 Stage 1 in Ripon – Picture by Alex Broadway, SWpix.com_.JPG

Tour de Yorkshire stage winner flies the flag - literally- as he crosses line

Roompot-Charles cyclist Jesper Asselman flew the home flag – literally – as he crossed the line in Ripon this afternoon to win a rain-drenched stage of the Tour de Yorkshire from the break, with the peloton breathing down his neck but just unable to make the catch.

The Dutch rider, whose only previous pro win came at the Ronde van Drenthe in 2016, rode by the barriers on the right hand side of the finishing straight to overhaul his riders from the break – and somehow managed to inadvertently pick up a spectator’s blue Yorkshire flag with the white rose at its centre.

02/05/2019, 16:27

Bad weather. Awesome Photography

The weather may be bad on today's stage of the Tour of Yorkshire but it has brought out the best in Alex Broadway. He managed to make the weather look quite beautiful.

02/05/2019, 16:23

02/05/2019, 16:18

Perhaps this needs a rethink...

02/05/2019, 15:56

Ee bah gum, that looks grotty!

It's a lovely spring day in Yorkshire...

02/05/2019, 15:46

Tour de Yorkshire: Team Ineos controlling the race

A small break has a lead of just over a minute, but it's the new red and black jerseys dicating the pace of the peloton. 

02/05/2019, 13:42

Meanwhile, here is Chris Froome's new Pinarello Dogma F12 race bike

You probably saw the news about Pinarello's brand new Dogma F12 yesterday, well here today is Chris Froome's brand new race bike. We've taken a bit of a detailed look at the new bike the equipment that sets his bike apart from the peloton. What do you think of the new red livery as well? 

Read about Chris Froome's Pinarello Dogma F12

02/05/2019, 11:40

"You've sold your soul, you've sold your sport out"

Things aren't so cheery down at the Team Ineos bus. The full quote from the most vocal man in the middle: "It's unlawful, they're trying to buy the law here. We're checking them out. You've made the wrong decision here. I'm a cyclist myself and you've sold your sport out, you have, you've sold your sport out! If you think this is the end of it, you're wrong!"

02/05/2019, 13:05

Faith in humanity = restored

We're always glad of a good news story, and particularly one where someone gets their stolen bike back' the suspects have been arrested too. 

02/05/2019, 13:05

Success hasn’t changed Connor one jot…

 

The British road champ is still proper Yorkshire, as you will see in this video courtesy of his team Madison Genesis. The Tour de Yorkshire began today, with Swift hoping to add some stage wins to his already impressive CV.

02/05/2019, 11:17

Your TdY Stage 1 Winner...

...is Sgt Leach of North Yorkshire Police! But how did he train for such a historic win? Well...

Hot Fuzz Swan CREDIT Hot Fuzz

02/05/2019, 11:03

The protests against fracking and Team Ineos have begun

The race has barely begun yet the protestors are out, making their frustrations known.

We'll keep an eye out for roadside protests and amusing helicopter shots when we get live pictures at 1pm.

02/05/2019, 11:16

It's #bikesatpollingstations time

Voting in local elections has been happening this morning up and down the country, and as well as feline and canine friends some have been using it as an opportunity to take their two-wheeled friends along too...

02/05/2019, 09:37

'Pure Skills'

Peter Sagan's wheelies? That girl who does tricks while riding the rollers? It all pales into insignificance compared to the skill and endeavour of this gentleman riding through the Greater Manchester suburb of Leigh with a fireplace around his neck, spotted by April Fillingham. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Ms Fillingham said: 

 "I was in my friend's car when I saw this guy riding down the road on a bike with this massive fireplace. We had to turn back and take a better look. It must have been really heavy but he had this massive smile on his face.

"It was pure dedication. He must have really wanted that fireplace."

02/05/2019, 09:36

Dan Lloyd approves of our new General Cycling Nonsense feature

For some reason or another...

Live blog: Police fire off a letter after viewing footage of horrific hit and run on cyclist; Mail presents cyclist fatalities as ‘cyclists killing more people’; Brailsford talks down scale of Ineos protests at Tour de Yorkshire + more

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03/05/2019, 17:09

Wooden bike anyone?

This one has even got dropouts made from old Audi wheels...

Audi driver jokes in the comments, please!

03/05/2019, 17:04

Fresh from Bespoked Bristol

Here are some eye-candy bikes to see you through the rest of Friday afternoon.

03/05/2019, 16:42

Francis Benali (source Facebook).jpg

Ex-Premier League star laid low after four Ironman triathlons in four days

Francis Benali still hoping to restart his charity challenge tomorrow.

Full story here.

03/05/2019, 16:35

Met Police leaps into action after viewing footage of horrific hit and run on cyclist…

Yesterday we reported how hit and run victim Thonmoy Josh Dey was asked by police to go and get the CCTV footage of the collision himself.

Understandably, he said he made it his first priority once he got out of hospital.

Thankfully, the Met have really leapt into action since viewing that footage…

03/05/2019, 16:29

DT Swiss reveals Ratchet EXP hub system

041_RatchetEXP_MORE_PRECISION_detail

DT Swiss has released details of its new Ratchet EXP system (top pic, above) which is said to be lighter, stiffer and more precise than its existing Ratchet system (lower pic, above).

DT Swiss's freewheel system has long made use of two ratchets featuring various numbers of teeth (18, 36 and 54-tooth versions). Two springs push the ratchets against one another so that all the teeth engage when you pedal, while the teeth move apart when you're coasting.

The new Ratchet EXP system is based on a similar concept but one of the ratchets is now threaded into the hub shell. A single spring pushes the second ratchet into the first one so that the teeth engage when you pedal. 

041_RatchetEXP_MORE_PRECISION

DT Swiss says that reducing the number of components not only increases durability, it reduces the overall weight, improves reliability and stiffens up the system.

"A single cylindrical spring ensures a faster full engagement and therefore an increase in reliability," says DT Swiss. 

"The hub stiffness is significantly defined by the distance between the bearings. For optimal performance it is important to maximise this distance, which is limited by the size of the freehub system.

"In the previous system the driveside bearing had to be placed next to the threaded ring and therefore the distance couldn't be increased. The integration of the driveside bearing into the threaded ring increases the bearing distance, resulting in a 15% improvement in hub stiffness."

All DT Swiss Ratchet system hubs can be converted to Ratchet EXP.

PHO_H18PNCDJR28SA4708S_HIG_PRT_901

Ratchet EXP will at first come only in DT Swiss's 180 hubs although you can expect it to make an appearance elsewhere in the range sooner or later.

They ain't cheap, though. We don't have UK prices yet but whether you go for a disc or a non-disc version, a road front hub with SINC Ceramic bearings is €261.90 while the rear is €486.90. You can have a Shimano 11-speed, SRAM XRD or Campag freehub body.

03/05/2019, 15:09

Family on bikes enjoying the gardens at Clumber Park Nottinghamshire 1.JPG

Most parents think learning to ride a bike is ‘a vital life skill’ yet just two per cent of journeys are made by bike

Bit of a disconnect.

Full story here.

03/05/2019, 15:05

... and another begins

03/05/2019, 15:05

Tour de Yorkshire stage ends...

03/05/2019, 11:14

7 hill climbs in one day....no thanks!

Take a look at this great video showing the insanity of this part race, part sportive event known at the Magnificent 7.

03/05/2019, 10:55

ICYMI... what a shot this is

All credit to Simon Wilkinson of SWpix... photo of the year so far without a doubt. 

03/05/2019, 10:42

Well at least someone's looking on the bright side

Another fine observation from UK Cycling Expert. Chateau! 

03/05/2019, 10:21

Amsterdam Bicycles (Jorge Royan, Wikimedia Commons)

“Cyclists kill more people than motorists in Holland” says Daily Mail in elite-level victim-blaming headline

Another day, another wilfully skewed Daily Mail cycling headline. “Cyclists kill more people than motorists in Holland for the first time in the bicycle-loving country's history,” reads today's.

The article begins: “Cyclists have claimed more lives than motorists in Holland for the first time in the nation's history, shocking new figures show. Between 2017 and 2018, 206 people were killed in bicycle accidents compared to 201 by cars, according to Statistics Netherlands.”

Ah, now the picture grows clearer. The lives being claimed by these cyclists are, almost exclusively, their own – and in fact, there’s nothing to say that they were even responsible.

What these figures actually show is that more Dutch cyclists are being killed than motorists. In the Mail's world by 'being killed' cyclists are 'killing people'.

The “new” figures actually came out over a year ago. Here’s our report.

03/05/2019, 08:52

Dave Brailsford faces the press, Paris, October 2012 (copyright Simon MacMichael)

Brailsford talks down scale of Ineos protests at Tour de Yorkshire

We reported on some of the protests against fracking and Team Ineos in yesterday’s live blog, but speaking at the stage finish in Selby, Sir Dave Brailsford was keen to play down the number of activists.

"I had to hunt them down first because I couldn't find them," he told Cyclingnews.

"There was hardly anybody there, let's be honest – let's be real for once. The 15,000-mob that was to attack me this morning didn't really materialise. That's the reality. There were people there with the right to an opinion and I respect that but they've got a right to their opinion and that's it."

Many have questioned the wisdom of launching Team Ineos in Yorkshire, where the sponsor holds licences to carry out fracking, but Brailsford was comfortable with the decision.

"If we'd had any concerns about launching in Yorkshire we wouldn't have done it. We were right not to have any concerns because there are people here and they're enjoying it. Let's report that.”

Referring to the hordes of cycling fans at the finish, he said: "You might have people with flags but what about these people here? Does their opinion matter any less? No it doesn't.”

Somewhat labouring the point, he continued: "If you have a balance, I can see here now way more people than had flags. That's just true. That's facts and evidence. If you count the number of people here and the people with flags this morning… How many were there? Twenty? And how many here? There are more, aren't there?"

road.cc recap: ten of our top stories this week

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1. "You've sold your soul, you've sold your sport out" TDY protester shouts at Team Ineos bus

This was the scene at the opening stage of the Tour de Yorkshire, where Team Ineos didn't get the warmest of welcomes...
Read more here

2. Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Ineos would end cycling team backing over doping

Team Ineos launch (picture credit SWPix.com (34)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said that Ineos will withdraw its sponsorship of cycling should members of its team be caught cheating or taking drugs, and has also denied accusations that his company’s entry into the sport is tantamount to “greenwashing.”
Read more here

3. Police fire off a letter after viewing footage of horrific hit and run on cyclist

Screengrab from CCTV footage of hit and run (via ITV Twitter)

From Friday's live blog, we reported how hit and run victim Thonmoy Josh Dey was asked by police to go and get the CCTV footage of this shocking collision himself. The Met really leapt into action there...
Read more here

4. Bespoked 2019 highlights

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Some first day highlights from the UK’s only celebration of handbuilt bicycles.
Read more here

5. Pro Bike: Chris Froome’s Pinarello Dogma F12 in new Team Ineos livery

Team Ineos Chris Froome Pinarello Dogma F12 (picture credit SWPix.com (11).jpg

It’s all-new kit and bike for Chris Froome as Team Ineos has been unveiled ahead of this weekend’s Tour de Yorkshire, and Pinarello, bike supplier since 2009. has unveiled the new Dogma F12. Here’s a first look at the bike Froome will be racing this season.
Read more here

6. BrightLoc, a lock and a light combined, is crowdfunding on Kickstarter

brightloc front

Described as "the ultimate cycling accessory", Brightloc can be used as a front or rear light when not on security duties.
Read more here

7. Wahoo launch the Elemnt Roam GPS computer, their first with a colour screen

wahoo elemnt roam main

Wahoo Fitness have unveiled their new flagship GPS device, the Elemnt Roam(link is external). It adds expanded navigational features and a colour screen, which will appeal to both road and off-road riders. 
Read more here

8. Protesters against “reckless” cyclists block Hackney street

London Fields West Side (via GoogleStreetView).PNG

Protesters against “reckless” cyclists – including a mother who says her son was left with a facial scar after he was knocked over by someone on a bike who immediately rode off – have blocked a street in the London Borough of Hackney.
Read more here

9. Sky’s biggest achievement in cycling? Getting more Brits on bikes, says Brailsford

Sky Ride Barking 2011.jpg

Forget bankrolling a team that has won six of the last seven editions of the Tour de France; Sir Dave Brailsford says Sky’s biggest achievement in cycling has been getting more people riding bikes in Great Britain.
Read more here

10. Witnesses sought to cyclist/pedestrian collision on London Cycle Superhighway

New Bridge Street junction with Tudor Street (via GoodleStreetView).PNG

A London cyclist has appealed for witnesses after he came across the aftermath of a collision between a cyclist riding a Santander Cycles hire bike and a pedestrian on one of the capital’s Cycle Superhighways during yesterday’s morning rush hour.
Read more here

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BBC Antiques Roadshow expert puts £2,000 valuation on child-sized penny-farthing

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An expert on the BBC TV programme Antiques Roadshow has put a £2,000 valuation on a child-sized penny-farthing bicycle, stunning the owner who bought it for a tenth of that sum in a house clearance sale.

The owner had brought the Victorian bicycle to the filming of the latest episode of the show at Newcastle Civic Centre.

Expert Adam Schoon, who specialises among other things in Victoriana, asked him how he had come by it, and the guest explained: “I got it from a house clearance shop in North Shields, locally.

“It was lying at the back of the shop beside this old sofa and I just saw it lying there and I had a feeling this is going to be worth a bit of money.

“So what I did was I went and did a bit of research on the internet and I discovered there was one in America that was worth quite a bit of money, so I thought how am I going to get this on the cheap?

“I went and picked a few of the items in the shop, a few lights and things like that and I made the guy an offer of £300 for the whole lot. Overall it cost about £200.”

Asked by Schoon how recent the purchase had happened, he said it took place “about a year ago.”

Schoon told him: “The bike is made of two things. Wood and iron. An original handle there and what was this?”, he asked, indicating the other end of the handlebar.

The guest replied: “It was an old file handle so I drilled the end and I carved it a bit and I varnished it with a bit of coloured varnish.”

When asked whether he was “an engineer or something,” the guest said that he was.

> "Britain's oldest bike" - dating from 1819 - found in barn in Home Counties

Schoon said: “When I first saw it, I really didn’t know whether it was a fake or whether it was real.

“Let’s have a quick look just here and here, there are two rivets which you can see are handmade. This is a hand-wrought bicycle.

“It’s got tyres made of iron. This is before pneumatic, pump-up tyres. Originally it would have had a leather seat, a bit of token comfort.”

Referring to the bicycle’s size, he said: “What must’ve charmed you is the fact that it’s for a child,” to which the guest responded, “I’ve never seen anything like it before, it’s quite fascinating.”

“I think you’ve probably got the feeling that it is actually a period one from the 1880s and indeed, it is an American one,” Schoon continued.

“They call them high wheelers and the men who used to ride, penny-farthings as we call them, they’re called wheel men, or wheeler men.

“It owes you the equivalent of £200, in this condition it’s clearly worth £2,000,” he added. “You have done well.”

The owner replied: “What?! Goodness. Knock me over with a feather. Goodness me. £2,000?!”

You can watch the clip from Sunday’s programme here.

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Live blog: Tour de France heading back to Yorkshire? MAMIL trend sees rise in casualties among Australian cyclists aged 45+, London cyclist falls off after failing to spot fire engine turning left + more

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Welcome to Tuesday's live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team. 

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All today's news from the site and beyond...
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07/05/2019, 19:52

MAMILs in Leeds (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by 11thEarlOfMar:Flickr)

MAMIL trend means more casualties among older cyclists, finds Australian study

The rise in the number of so-called MAMILs - middle-aged men in Lycra - in Australia over the last two decades has led to cyclists aged 45 and over making up a greater proportion of casualties on the country's roads, according to a new report from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW).

"The severity of injuries sustained by cyclists generally increased with age," said AIHW spokesman Professor James Harrison.

He added: "Those aged 45 and over were more likely to have life-threatening injuries, stay longer in hospital and be transferred to another hospital."

We'll take a closer look at the report on road.cc tomorrow.

07/05/2019, 19:34

TdF 2014 Stage 2 leaves York racecourse (picture credit Welcome to Yorkshire letouryorkshire.com)

Tour de France heading back to Yorkshire?

Could the Tour de France be heading back to Yorkshire?

The region that in 2014 hosted what former Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Sir Gary Verity described as "the grandest of Grand Departs" is hoping to bring the race back, as well as hosting the start of the Vuelta, also owned by ASO.

The tourism and inward investment agency's commercial director Peter Dodd has told the Telegraph that "it's a question of when the Tour de France comes back to Yorkshire and not if.” 

He's also spoken of the future of the Tour de Yorksshire in the wake of Verity's departure due to an expenses scandal.

More on this story on road.cc tomorrow.

07/05/2019, 15:09

The worst pothole, and best photo of one, we've ever seen (although it's technically not a pothole, say council)

Local news photographs don't get better than this, sent to York Press by Grant Parker, the gentleman who is stood in it. In all seriousness, it says in the article that the road has since been repaired, but Mr. Parker is still waiting to hear whether he can claim for the damage it did to his car. That's proving to be an issue as it isn't technically a pothole, rather a hole that was formed due to water escaping and creating a 'void' in the road. A spokeswoman for City of York Council told York Press: “This is caused by water escaping from somewhere and washing out the structure of the road, over time, until a void is created. The road surface will hold up for so long and then the void becomes too large and the tarmac fails.”

This means it's not the council but Yorkshire Water who are liable, and they've apologised to Mr Parker for the damage caused to his vehicle. 

 

07/05/2019, 12:41

Video surfaces of cyclist falling off after failing to spot fire engine turning left

It's had the comments section of a certain right-wing tabloid up in arms this morning, and yes it appears this cyclist, filmed near London's Great Portland Street station, should have been more aware of surroundings... but according to a good proportion of those commenting on the tabloid's website, that does indeed make everyone who rides a bike inherently bad. 

07/05/2019, 11:56

Cycling Scotland’s #cyclespacecampaign initiative – Boardman-approved

07/05/2019, 11:40

prova cycles19.jpg

Bespoked road.cc Choice Awards

We went to the Bespoked UK Handbuilt show over in Bristol over the weekend and saw some very lovely bikes, but we managed to highlight three of the best bikes on display for our road.cc Choice Awards. 

See the bikes and read the reasons they stood out right here.

You can also see some more highlights from the rest of the show here

07/05/2019, 11:29

Wahoo _ Team INEOS partnership (4)

Team Ineos sticks with Wahoo trainers

Wahoo has confirmed that despite a change of sponsor, its products will still be used by Chris Froome and co. In fact, Wahoo has renewed its sponsorship of Team Ineos through to 2021.

The details of the deal mean the team will use Wahoo’s Kickr trainer, which it has been using since 2014, for off-season training and pre-race warming up rides, along with the Climb, Headwind and Tickr.

The deal does not extend to bike computers, instead, the team will continue to use Garmin Edge computers.

“Warming up and training on the KICKR for the last several years has helped me to prepare for lots of races - especially the Tour,” said 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas. “This year the CLIMB lets us simulate the climbing position indoors, which helps greatly with muscle adaptation. With this year’s focus on winning the Tour again, finding every advantage is more important than ever, and I’m glad to have the Wahoo Ecosystem to help me get into Tour-winning form.”    

“We’ve been proud of the team’s success during our partnership,” said Chip Hawkins, CEO of Wahoo Fitness. “When you’re racing for a win at the Tour de France, every small improvement can pay off with big results, and we’re grateful to be part of the winning formula for Team INEOS and our other sponsored teams. After all the success we’ve seen in 2018, it’s exciting to carry our partnership forward into 2019, and through 2021.”

07/05/2019, 10:11

Whip it, Froomie!

Next, we'll be shouting 'do a skid'!

07/05/2019, 09:29

Cycling Scotland finds 'most' drivers unaware of dangers of close-passing, and 73% didn't know they could get penalty points

Cycling Scotland's #givecyclespace campaign begins today, with officers taking to the streets on bikes in plain clothes to educate drivers who fail to give enough space. The BBC reports that out of 1,000 people surveyed, Cycling Scotland found that 'most' were largely unaware of the danger of passing a cyclist too close and 73% didn't realise a close pass could land them with three penalty points on their driving license and a minimum £100 fine. 

Cycling Scotland chief executive Keith Irving said: "People who cycle regularly are likely to experience a 'very scary' close pass incident every couple of days and cycling casualties are increasing, in line with cycling's growing popularity.

"Every week in Scotland, at least three people cycling suffer serious, potentially life-changing injuries, usually from a collision with a vehicle. Our new TV ad campaign shows how it can feel to be close passed and increases awareness of the legal consequences for people driving too closely to someone cycling."

07/05/2019, 09:14

Plans to make Bodmin "Cornwall's cycling capital" with plans for cyclist's holiday park

Bodmin_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_64512

Cornwall Live reports that plans have been submitted to the council for a holiday complex for cyclists, to be based in Callywith Quarry in Bodmin. The new cycle routes would act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre and would hopefully bring 74,000 new cyclists to the town each year. CEO of Visit Cornwall Malcolm Bell said: “This proposed investment is exactly what we would like to support and be supported by authorities, as they are key to keeping Cornwall as the premier tourist destination in the UK and to directly help us to build the very important and valuable overseas market to our region.

“Having studied the plans for the proposed development, I can state that Visit Cornwall fully supports this proposed development. It will secure an increase in visitor spend from walkers and cyclists and its associated contribution to the local economy through purchases of food and drink supplies, retail and activities.

“As the area is already well served by cycle and walking infrastructure it will support the wider local economy, especially with customers in the very important low season.”

 

07/05/2019, 09:07

Froome signs off from Tour de Yorkshire, and reveals his team's shifting secrets

His teammate Chris Lawless was the overall winner, and Froome dipped into the comments on his Twitter post to explain why Ineos riders appear to hover their thumb on top of the hoods - turns out a Di2 button is nestled in there to make shifts down the cassette. Well if it works for them... 

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