...to celebrate the events taking place this July. Full story here. 

Brushett v Hazeldean – The Facts https://t.co/GJ0CB6yojbpic.twitter.com/pD1NPcGXai

— Aneurin Moloney (@NyeMoloney) June 24, 2019

The barrister who represented Gemma Brushett, the pedestrian who sued cyclist Robert Hazeldean for hitting her although she was found to be partly liable, has given his view on the case. 

Aneurin Moloney says in his opening paragraph on a blog post: "I accept that I am not an independent observer of the case.  But I was one of only a handful of people who were present for the 2 days of the trial, and can add some important detail to that put out in the newspapers."

He then says in court, it was revealed that one witness (called Mr H in the blog) came forward who was of the opinion the defendant (Hazeldean) was to blame: 

"The Claimant relied on Mr H as her only witness on the issue of liability. Mr H attended trial and was cross examined by the Defendant’s barrister.

"Mr H’s evidence included a voice memo that he had recorded on his mobile phone minutes after the accident in order to provide a more detailed account than that recorded by the police.  His witness statement expanded upon his police statement.  He described in Court that there was a ‘throng’ of pedestrians 5 or 6 deep crossing the road, and estimated that there were 50 people in this group.  He described that he slowed his bicycle because he felt that it was unsafe to proceed with people still crossing.

"Mr H said that he was overtaken by the Defendant, who was travelling at around 20mph and had sounded his airhorn.  Mr H considered that the Defendant accelerated as he approached the crossing.  He saw the Defendant collide with the Claimant who was crossing the road.  He remained of the view that the Defendant was to blame."

Moloney summarises: "There was more to this decision than the many of the newspaper articles conveyed.

"Based on the judge’s finding that the Claimant was using her mobile phone, it was absolutely correct that she was found to have significantly contributed to the accident.  However, the Defendant himself had conceded that he had accelerated towards a crossing which wasn’t clear of people.

"If any wider good has come from this case it is that the publicity may encourage cyclists to take out insurance to protect themselves in the event that their riding causes someone to suffer injury."

The case has garnered a significant amount of media attention, and a crowdfunder to help pay for Hazeldean's legal fees has now reached over £55,000. The page creator and Hazeldean have said any money left over will be donated to the Action Aid charity.  

| INTER'S 19/20 AWAY JERSEY!

Do you like it? pic.twitter.com/bMsvEQNPbt

— Inter (@Inter_en) June 25, 2019

Check out Inter Milan's 2019/20 away jersey! To be fair it might provide a welcome distraction for their fans whether they love it or hate it, as the club have just announced that they're going to demolish the San Siro stadium that they share with city rivals AC Milan. 

More support from one of the biggest names ever in British Cycling! Huge thanks to @SirWiggo's message for our Le Loopers ... he thinks we're mad mind you! ... #TDF2019pic.twitter.com/JpGDwELaAe

— Ride Le Loop (@RideLeLoop) 24 June 2019

Le Loop will see a group of riders complete stages 2-21 of the Tour de France a week ahead of the pros, in an effort to raise funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust. Ride Le Loop managed to get an endorsement from 2012 winner Bradley Wiggins himself, who was reminded the event goes on for the full three weeks rather than just a day: "Oh sh*t sorry, the whole three weeks apparently which is even better... I think you're mad!"

Find out more about Ride Le Loop here."

With ULEZ now enforced in Central London, are e-cargo deliveries set to boom? Full story on ebikeTips. 

ok mate calm down pic.twitter.com/jFMdrhTdeR

— matthew (@handsblinx) June 25, 2019

One wonders what happened to this cyclist to make him want to adopt full body armour on the morning commute... 

I am disturbed by reports of a NYPD crackdown on cyclists near the intersection where cyclist Robyn Hightman was killed yesterday by traffic violence. Trucks and cars are the cause of the overwhelming number of traffic fatalities in our city. https://t.co/w3zPRPqCQD

— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) June 25, 2019

20-year-old Robyn Hightman became the 12th cyclist killed in New York City this year on Monday, hit by a truck driver who drove off unaware before returning to the scene shortly afterwards after being informed by a witness, according to CBS New York. The Gothamist reports that police in the area where Hightman was killed were found to be looking for cyclists committing minor traffic violations instead of ticketing drivers breaking the rules. Officer Carlos Negron told the Gothamist: 

"Our unit is specifically the bicycle unit—whenever there's a pedestrian struck or a bicyclist struck, anything that involves a bike, we try to respond to it.

"As far as the female who passed away unfortunately, yesterday, I believe she was riding off the bike lane, you know. It's sad, but it's sad that she was off the bike lane, you know? Maybe if she had been on the bike lane, maybe she'd still be alive."

It's not illegal for cyclists in New York to ride out of a bike lane if there are surface hazards or obstructions in front such as vehicles or pedestrians. 

20-year-old Hightman ran a cycle courier company, and was an ambassador for the Hagens Berman Supermint team while riding competitively for Spin Peaks. A vigil was held in New York yesterday, and the Supermint team have also left a lengthy tribute on their Instagram page. 

#robynhightman, killed by a speeding trucker this morning. The driver fled, came back, and the police sent him on his way. #VisionZero@NYC_SafeStreets@TransAlt@SpinPeaksRacingpic.twitter.com/HG5GxT9dy9

— Blythe Austin (@bblytherss) June 24, 2019

if.com reports that the feature-length documentary, called 'Phil Liggett: The Voice of Cycling', will get a premiere in October 2020 and a cinema release shortly afterwards. It will folow the commentator around some of the biggest events on the cycling calendar, including the Tour de France. 

Backed by Demand Film and produced by Nickolas Bird and Eleanor Sharpe, this will be their follow-up to the popular 'MAMIL' documentary. Liggett said: “As we have been filming in secret at various locations and scanning the archive I was not aware how full my life has been and how privileged I have been to be a part of this wonderful sport and pastime of cycling.

“Demand Film did a great job with MAMIL and I know that they can be trusted to handle my story and share it with the world.”

The Giro will start on Saturday May 9 with a 9.5km individual time trial on the streets of Budapest. The final climb is about 1.5km at around 4%.

The second stage is 193km and suited to sprinters. It’ll start from the capital and head to Györ. Bit of a double-digit gradient kick 22km from the end, but nothing too serious.

Stage three (197km) will start in Székesfehérvár and finish in Nagykanizsa. It’s another one for sprinters.

Watch the video here.

Barnes triumphed over the 17 mile course to ensure the National TT title stays in the Barnes family for another year. The men's elite TT is up next with the first rider off at 3:30pm. 

The IAM RoadSmart report referenced in the ‘intent prediction’ software story below also recommends that driver training should be a life-long continuous process.

Tony Greenidge, IAM RoadSmart business development director, said: “Perhaps we should require people to retake their test after a certain number of years? There is a growing belief that we should.

“I cannot think of another single task as difficult, complex, important or as dangerous as driving on business, where quite literally, you can perform well for just an hour of your life – during the driving test – and that’s all that’s required for the next 60 years or more. Given the rapid changes in technology, legislation and congestion this just does not seem logical.” 

Wait, you're not signed up to the Rapha newsletter? But you're missing out on daily pics of moody-looking cyclists.

To be fair, the one that landed in our inbox today was all about a 40% off sale.

It's got quite a bit of summer kit in there, so it's well worth a little look.

If you fancy a browse, click here.

Cycling, out of context. Lachlan Morton goes shopping. pic.twitter.com/xPXPuhXDvu

— Jeremy Whittle (@jeremycwhittle) June 27, 2019

...is GBDURO leader Lachlan Morton stopping at a shop to fill up on Lucozade. He's currently over 400km in the lead on the brutal mixed-terrain LEJOG route of nearly 2,000km in length, and with 500km to go we estimate he'll finish some time on Saturday. Head over to the Racing Collective live tracker for updates. 

While 87 per cent exceed the limit on 20mph roads.

In 2018:

10% of cars exceeded the speed limit on national speed limit single carriageways
52% of cars exceeded the speed limit on 30mph roads
a greater proportion of cars exceeded the speed limit on weekdays than weekendshttps://t.co/OcFfKXr3a8

— APPCG (@allpartycycling) June 26, 2019

Team Ineos will go into the Tour de france, which starts in Brussels a week tomorrow, with Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal as joint leaders - and they have a very strong supporting cast to back them up. Find out all about it here.

Working on my patience #recovery#cyclingpic.twitter.com/wFMDRcyIfN

— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) June 28, 2019

...and dreaming of getting back on the bike again. Let's hope the doctor's predictions were correct. 

The Dutch government has launched a publicity campaign urging cyclists to “Leave your phone in your pocket and save yourself a €95 fine” ahead of a new law banning people from using a mobile phone while riding a bike coming into force on Monday, reports dutchnews.nl.

 The country’s transport minister, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, said: ‘In the traffic, an accident is just around the corner and this is why it’s important for all road users – including cyclists – to keep their eyes and minds on the road and not on their telephone screen.

“We often think that we can multi-task in traffic, but we really can’t, so please drive in ‘mono’ mode. I have a clear message for all cyclists: keep your phone, and your €95 in your pocket.”

Rescued some ducklings this morning. First time I’ve been cheered for holding up traffic on me bike. from r/bicycling

This Redditer described his heroic act as the "first time I’ve been cheered for holding up traffic on me bike".

*We've been told on certain browsers Reddit vids don't appear to work, so here's the link JIC

May as well head to the registry/deed poll and get it properly changed now it’s been acknowledged at the highest level. Need all helps at the tdf I can get. https://t.co/iOtxJzhHPX

— Alex Dowsett (@alexdowsett) June 28, 2019

The new self-proclaimed 'Alex van der Dowsaerttpoel' (we presume the name is in tribute to a certain very talented Dutchman) has pretty much been knighted with the esteemed title... 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‪I was really chuffed to work with @brainsbrewery to make this beer. I hope you get a chance to enjoy it over the summer! I’m already looking forward to a pint or two once the Tour is over! Find out more about the G beer here: www.sabrain.com/gbeer‬

A post shared by Geraint Thomas (@geraintthomas86) on Jul 1, 2019 at 1:28pm PDT

It's a shame that things like this have to be pointed out and isn't the norm. Drives me mad when people are throwing rubbish! If it comes out your pocket it can easily go back in! Thanks for all the kind words none the less https://t.co/cYEn1OX2Hh

— Alice Barnes (@BarnesAlice) July 1, 2019

Newly-crowned national TT and road champ Alice Barnes responded to the tweet showing the contents of her pockets: "It's a shame that things like this have to be pointed out and isn't the norm."

She's recently commented on her double victory in the TT and road race this morning, saying "it still hasn't sunk in". 

Double British National Champion So many people to thank for this. Still hasn't sunk in! pic.twitter.com/HftAFMN028

— Alice Barnes (@BarnesAlice) July 1, 2019

I like our kit, so it’s a no from me https://t.co/BQpowngCig

— Simon Geschke (@simongeschke) July 1, 2019

Simon Geschke was pretty reserved in his reply to this weird attempted burn. Here's the kit below in the CCC team's Tour de France reveal, and we reckon it don't look half bad. 

Our #TDF2019 roster is in! We're proud to present the eight riders ready to take on @LeTour

@PaddyBevin
@ADM_RossodiBuja
@simongeschke
@sergepauwels
@joeyrosskopf
@michaelschaer
@GregVanAvermaet
@lukaswisniowski

https://t.co/S9dNpcQYC8#RideForMorepic.twitter.com/KLgbP17DKz

— CCC Team (@CCCProTeam) July 1, 2019

I'm happy to see my brother Juraj win the Slovak championship and I'd like to thank the thousands of fans that cheered for us along the route. In a few days, we head to Brussels with the team for the @letour Grand Départ. (Thanks to https://t.co/LoKelSecLw for the nice photos) pic.twitter.com/AAPqbdqJE9

— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) 30 June 2019

...but one to get used to in 2019, as it's just occurred to us this will be the first time for three years that Sagan has lined up for a Tour de France without a world champion's jersey. Here he is in his bog standard, run-of-the-mill Bora-Hansgrohe kit while supporting his brother to a Slovak national champs win, looking like a normal professional cyclist but way cooler...

Here are some of our top stories from the weekend...

World Tour pro Lachlan Morton wins “unimaginably hard” GBDURO bike-packing event

Cyclist dies after crashing on Wrynose Pass descent during Coast To Coast In A Day sportive

Big rise reported in cyclists seeking insurance after pedestrian collision legal case

Near Miss of the Day 284: Punishment pass while riding with a 14--year-old

A Massachusetts man has appealed for the return of his wife's classic bike, which he sold by mistake at a yard sale, and which he belatedly learnt had huge sentimental value.

Allan Steinmetz told Boston25news.com that the bike, a yellow 1970s tourer from the French brand Motobecane, had been given to his wife on her 16th birthday more than 45 years ago by her father, a Holocaust survivor.

She planned to give it to their first grandchild.

"This bike is absolutely priceless to not only my wife but to her family, my children and she wanted to give this bike to our granddaughter one day, which I didn’t know," he said.

"It was important to my wife, I didn’t realize how… and that was the biggest mistake I’ve made this year so far," he added.

"He went out and bought the best bike money could buy and he wanted my wife to feel as special as he was."

Nothing to see here... pic.twitter.com/PrLMRCrI40

— Rex Chapman (@RexChapman) July 2, 2019

Zwift's talent program sees riders compete for prizes, with the top accolade being professional cycling contracts with Dimension Data's Continental team and Canyon/SRAM. For 2019 riders must complete a series of eight workouts and four races or social rides, with incentives offered for progression. 

Over 35,000 took part in 2018, with that figure expected to swell to over 100,000 this year. Enrolment is open now, with the virtual events running from August 5th until September 29th. ​You can sign up here. 

We're seeing a dangerous surge in cyclist deaths on our streets — and we're taking action.

I’ve directed the NYPD to immediately launch a major enforcement action that will encompass every precinct. They will crack down on dangerous driving behavior like parking in bike lanes.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) 2 July 2019

Mayor Bill De Blasio released a statement calling for a crackdown on dangerous drivers, following the death of 28-year-old Devra Freelander who was involved in a collision with a cement truck in the Brooklyn area of the city:

“We are seeing a dangerous surge in cyclist deaths on our streets, and we are taking action. I have directed the NYPD to immediately launch a major enforcement action that will encompass every precinct and crack down on dangerous driving behaviour like parking in bike lanes. At the same time, I have charged the Department of Transportation with developing a new cyclist safety plan to make biking in our city safer. No loss of life on our streets is acceptable. Last year was the safest year on record—and we have to keep pushing the envelope and increasing our efforts until we achieve Vision Zero.”

Freelander was the 14th cyclist to be killed in NYC this year, which is already double the 2018 death toll. Mayor de Blasio is often criticised for the city's attitude towards cycle safety, with locals reporting that the standard response from police is simply to ticket cyclists breaking minor traffic laws; and although this appears to be the most forceful statement yet that action will be taken to crack down on dangerous driving, it appears many New Yorkers aren't convinced. 

Weren't you warned that your Vision Zero wasn't working? Now you're not on track to even meet your own goals of increasing cycling modal share.

You've also promised enforcement on bus lanes and placard abuse; that isn't going well. You've lost our trust.https://t.co/eMScz472zw

— Samuel Santaella  (@TransitNinja205) 2 July 2019

How many cyclists had to die before you noticed?

Fifteen, apparently. #zerovision

— j (@Icarurs) 2 July 2019

Grass is cut, bags are packed, Brussels tomorrow. The NBC team will be great, but my 47th Tour will be different. It will be a great race this year and it will honour Paul's name. But who will make my coffee at 06.30 every day for next month?

— Phil Liggett (@PhilLiggett) July 2, 2019

Not how I planned to get one of these this year Merci @MaillotjauneLCLpic.twitter.com/QVJI742g1V

— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) July 3, 2019

Channel 5 is being criticised on social media today after it  emerged that the network is screening next Tuesday evening a documentary under the title 'Cyclists: Scourge Of The Streets?' 

Clearly, it's impossible to judge the programme until after it airs, but the title doesn't eexactly fill us with hope that it will be sympathetic to people on bikes.

We'll have more on this shortly but in the meantime, this tweet is one of manyy outlining concerns about the show on Twitter.

Dear Media - where do I even begin with this. having a show like this https://t.co/VQzuVfgQke is not helpful to moms like me (or any other human)- who CYCLE. We are human beings. Parents, families. friends. colleagues. HUMANS. @Chris_Boardman@ShanazeReade

— CycleCharterCoord (@CyclingCharCoor) July 3, 2019

How do you know any of those things? You are speculating based on no fact.

— Peta Cavendish (@petatodd) July 2, 2019

She also took time to respond to some fans, including the poor chap below, and judging by the comments being retweeted is also frustrated with the way Dimension Data handled the selection process. 

Don’t be sad Evan! I understand how you feel and it’s tough right now...but you must keep your chin up. Mark is safe, fit and well and we can’t wait to see you cheering him on again really soon. https://t.co/5MahKpTJkO

— Peta Cavendish (@petatodd) July 2, 2019

When @AdamBlythe89 takes the peloton the wrong way at the @BritishCycling national champs and it makes it onto @ladbiblepic.twitter.com/CyOqafGfqv

— Hannah Walker (@spannawalker) July 2, 2019

We missed this from the British Road Champs last week, but according to Hannah Walker it appears Adam Blythe lead most of the peloton the wrong way at this particular junction... where were the marshals though? 

We're excited to be using the new @FordEu#RangerRaptor as our recon car during #TDF2019. It looks amazing! pic.twitter.com/rBPznBADDW

— Team INEOS (@TeamINEOS) July 4, 2019

The team are taking flak for using the (not exactly environmentally-friendly) Ford Ranger Raptor for their Tour de France course recons this year. Some of the replies to this post aren't exactly positive...

Huge misjudgement, Ineos. Horrendous gas guzzler linked with a sport such as cycling.

— Ian Hancock (@hancock_i) July 4, 2019

Do you like our new, special-edition @BORAhansgrohe jersey from @sportful for @letour? pic.twitter.com/UX8sNFhPAz

— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) July 4, 2019

Perhaps to make their star man feel a little more exclusive despite not donning a world champs jersey for the first time at the tour in a few years, Bora Hansgrohe have unveiled this new jersey for the race. What d'ya reckon? 

We're not just out here looking for news and bikes, we're also on the hunt for tat... and what could be more tenuous than a Tour de France eu de toilette? Luckily it smells quite citrussy rather than like sweat and chamois cream. 

Peter Sagan has his signature 'why so serious?' catchprase accompanied by The Joker on his stem...

...while Daniel Oss has gone for this pun that doesn't really work or rhyme, but is unique all the same. 

While the rest of Team Ineos are sticking with rim brake bikes for the Tour, Sir Dave Brailsford's own bike is a disc brake version of the Dogma F12. The Ineos boss is looking fit as a fiddle and could have passed for a member of his team as he headed out for a ride this morning, here he is looking really pleased to be papped in the photo below. 

The closed-road Vélo North sportive, which has caused some controversy (as usual, with closed-road events) has been cancelled two months out from its inaugural run, which was due to take place on 1 September.

On the event website the organisers say that "Despite our best efforts, we were unable to attract sufficient riders to justify the event going ahead. We apologise to everyone who had signed up and was looking forward to taking part – we hope you understand our reasoning and appreciate that this was not a decision we took lightly."

The email to entrants paints it slightly differently: "Despite our best efforts, we were unable to attract sufficient riders to justify the level of disruption the event would have had on residents, businesses and communities throughout the region as a result of the road closures."

More on this one soon...

It’s been an incredible journey... a massive thank you to all my family, friends, teammates and fans for the last 22years of cycling at the highest level! https://t.co/8lQ9bc5uVr

— Mark Renshaw (@Mark_Renshaw) July 4, 2019

Mark Cavendish's lead-out man Mark Renshaw is set to retire at the end of this season.

The Australian sprinter formed an unstoppable partnership with Cavendish at HTC Highroad, helping the British sprinter to the majority of his 30 Tour de France stage victories.

Renshaw briefly joined Blanco Pro Cycling to try for his own victories but returned to lead-out man duties with Etixx Quick-Step before moving to Dimension Data with Cavendish.

Our favourite moment that the pair produced was this fabulous victory on the Champ Elysees back in 2009.

 ...from us in Brussels - we'll be bringing you race reports from tomorrow till the end of the Tour and plenty of tech articles and videos on all the bike porn we've managed to borrow while we've been here. Au revoir/saluu!  

The 106th Tour de France starts in Brussels tomorrow. Here's our previews of the opening three stages.

Stage 1

Saturday 6 July

Brussels – Brussels (192 km)

The opening stage features two climbs that over the years have so often proved decisive in the Tour of Flanders, the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg, but today they feature early on rather than in the final. Nevertheless, it will as always be a nervous start for the peloton, and we can expect a lot of jostling for position ahead of both ascents as riders try and keep themselves out of trouble.

On the way back into Belgium’s capital, the race passes the battlefield of Waterloo, as well the suburb of Wouluwe-Saint-Pierre, the childhood home of Eddy Merckx, who spent more days in yellow than anyone else in Tour de France history. The peloton will be going full gas to reel in the day’s break ahead of what looks set to be a bunch sprint finish in the city’s Royal Park.

Stage 2

Sunday 7 July

Brussels – Brussels (TTT) (27.6 km)

A change in the race lead is highly possible today, and even this early, time gaps between teams with overall ambitions may have an impact later on – but last year’s team time trial in Cholet saw just 11 seconds separating the fastest five teams, with the now-defunct BMC taking the win.

Today’s stage starts at the Palais-Royale in the Belgian capital and finishes outside its most emblematic building – the Atomium, built in 1958. Whoever is in the overall lead today will be sporting the iconic structure on the yellow jersey, with the one awarded after each stage each marking people and places in the race’s history.

Stage 3 

Monday 8 July  

Binche – Epernay (215 km)

Another stage with a Spring Classics flavour – today, the Ardennes, with four punchy climbs within the final 40 kilometres as the race heads into France. It’s not going to end in a bunch sprint, for sure. There’s a time bonus available on one of those, 15 seconds from the line – remember Geraint Thomas banking some of those last year on his way to victory?

There’s also a 15 per cent slope approaching the line. One for Julian Alaphilippe … or a final Tour de France stage for Alejandro in the rainbow jersey? The Champagne for the stage winner should go down particularly well tonight – Epernay is at the epicentre of the wine-growing region.              

The Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy – or Velokhaya for short – is a not-for-profit organisation based in Khayelitsha, South Africa.

They use their cycling-based programmes to involve youth in a positive, after-school activity.

Yesterday, at the Team Dimension Data team presentation in Brussels ahead of the Tour de France they were given the chance to join their heroes up on stage. 

#TDF2019

The Beginning | Inspire

A journey from a rural township in South Africa, to @LeTour for @Velokhaya.

"We're not crying, you're crying" - #BicyclesChangeLivespic.twitter.com/Ei4hwdmrrW

— Team Dimension Data (@TeamDiData) July 5, 2019

Martin's all-round race bike is a beauty, dressed with Campagnolo 12 speed Super Record EPS and a non-standard 54/39 chainset. We also spotted Martin is running the special edition Tour de France Look Keo blades with  ceramic bearings, the first time we've spotted them in the wild...

We think it's a goat anyway, and despite his rotund build this one is still supposedly good at climbing. Yours for 15 euros...

In his first action as brand ambassador Geraint provides a glimpse into the world of professional downhill racing in a short film called “Confidence”. As Geraint himself said: “follow guys riding Continental tyres, they will stick when others will not. And sticking’s is what you want.” Let's hope he remains upright for the next three weeks...

Geraint Thomas is currently preparing to defend his Tour de France title.

Meanwhile, @geraintthomas has just got a new bike... 

Pleased to be getting @geraintthomas, one of the most patient people on Twitter, on a bike this July...  He's #NowaCyclistpic.twitter.com/xrIEGReU1q

— Evans Cycles (@EvansCycles) July 4, 2019

Mike Teunissen won a dramatic, surprising and powerful sprint to take the yellow jersey, and his biggest career win to date. 

The Jumbo Visma rider was the lead out man for Dylan Groenewegen but when his leader crashed he made the decision to push on and go for the victory himself. 

He has previously finished 2nd at Dwars Door Vlaanderen and 7th at Paris-Roubaix but this victory will be something else for the 26-year-old Dutch rider. 

Michael Matthews (Sunweb) found himself on the front with around 250m to go and was forced to make his effort. 

Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) sprinted off his wheel with Sonny Cobrelli (Bahrain-Merida) and Teunissen in pursuit. 

In the end Teunissen had the strength to come around Sagan just as the Bora-Hansgrohe rider was beginning to fade.

Indeed Ned Boulting and David Millar were so shocked they intially thought it was Teunissens team mate Wout Van Aert who had won the stage. It was only once the photo finish had been confirmed that they realised it was the lesser known rider that had taken the opening stage of the 2019 Tour de France in a brilliant, opportunistic dash for the line. 

now that’s what you call a photo finish #TDF2019pic.twitter.com/rTSj1yPTgb

— BlueWorld (@TheBluePlanet13) July 6, 2019

And it wasn't just stage contenders affected by the usual nervousness and twitchy legs of the opening day, the GC contenders also hit the ground. 

Jakob Fulgsang, riding for Astana, came down hard with 18km to go. At first he looked ok to continue with just superficial wounds. However, he hit his head hard at it appeared as though his glasses had smashed cutting his eyebrow. 

With the team time trial tomorrow a big day for the GC boys, it will be interesting to see how Fulgsang recovers. 

＜Cycle*2019 ツール・ド・フランス＞
落車...！
https://t.co/WAvdOMt0LL#TDF2019#jspocyclepic.twitter.com/8n5f2OCpYB

— J SPORTSサイクルロードレース【公式】 (@jspocycle) July 6, 2019

Some stages of the Tour just aren't as good as others. That's a fact. So what can you do to keep yourself entertained during those long, days watching others in the saddle? Play Tour de France bingo of course! 

Here it is. Your #TDFBingo for this year's #TDF2019 Something to keep you entertained between the second intermediate sprint and the final feed zone. We'll be watching on @Eurosport_UK@itvcycling and listening every night to @cycling_podcast. Who will get the first line? pic.twitter.com/uK6bEnJiG7

— TDF Bingo (@TDFbingo) July 5, 2019

Special pinning this on today Here we go #tdf2019pic.twitter.com/3D8kpZ78BG

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) July 6, 2019

Brad Wiggins is a stylish man, mostly, and his love for cycling's aesthetic history is well known.

Here, he talks us through some of Eddy Merckx yellow jerseys, giving a little bit of insight into what it takes to win the most coveted prize in cycling. 

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of Eddy Merckx’s first Grand Tour win.

Up until the end of his career, this dedicated and talented cyclist, nicknamed “le Cannibale”, brought home countless victories, riding in all weather conditions and on all terrains.

Merckx rode in the Tour de France seven times, achieving 5 wins and 34 stage wins. In 1969, he wore the Yellow Jersey for the very first time in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, right near his family’s grocery store. 

This year the race will ride past the cycling icon's house twice as they enjoy a summer start in the Flanders region.

Episode One | What this jersey means to me; Eddy Merckx @LeTourpic.twitter.com/rJlbv7oAIg

— Brad Wiggins (@SirWiggo) 6 July 2019

Interesting...

Think again! This Cannondale SuperSix Evo Disc is pretty darn light

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The new @cannondaleroad #SuperSixEvo. Light, fast, and ready to rip at the Tour de France. And... did we mention it’s under the weight limit with disc brakes?

A post shared by EF Education First Pro Cycling (@ef.educationfirst.procycling) on Jul 3, 2019 at 2:58pm PDT

Defending champion Geraint Thomas and Team Ineos supremo Sir Dave Brailsford have been sharing their final thoughts ahead of the Tour de France starting in Brussels today.

Here’s what they had to say at yesterday’s press conference.

Brailsford: "We’re still in the infancy of this exciting new partnership with Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be heading into this Tour with them.

"Here we are, starting this edition of the Tour de France as Team Ineos, it’s an amazing feeling really - and it would be remiss of me not to thank Jim and his team.

"We want to help pay them back over this race.

"We’ve got a great team this year - of course we lost Chris [Froome], which was a big disappointment.

"But we’ve got two great leaders and a team packed full of Tour experience, which is vitally important in this race.

"With the group of guys we’ve got here, you couldn’t want for a better team. It’s an extremely exciting time for us and we’re all really looking forward to the race getting underway now."

Thomas: "I feel in good shape. Of course the crash [at the Tour de Suisse] was a setback but I didn’t lose any training days and I’m feeling good on the eve of the race.

"There's no lasting damage at all. Obviously, it was disappointing to hit my head. That was the reason I couldn't carry on but I've still done some good training and I don't think it's affected me too much

"We’re excited heading into the race. It’s always a great occasion and we feel we’re ready for another strong three weeks.

"Myself and Egan [Bernal] are co-leaders and we’re excited about the challenge that lies ahead of us.

"Egan is an honest and good guy, and as long as we communicate well and are open with each other, like Froomey and I were last year, then it can work just as well. Obviously it will be a huge advantage to have two of us there in the final stages.

"I don't know about being favourite. That's for everyone else to talk about. I can't bet on the races anyway, so the odds don't really matter to me. I feel in a good place and I'm looking forward to the race, and I just want to get going now."

We've been wasting a lot of time at road.cc towers today on this AMAZING Twitter thread that starts with the question, Can you win the Tour de France?

Follow the thread, make your choices, click on the blue arrow button wherever it pops up, and have fun!

******* Can you win the Tour de France ? *******
A JANKY BIKE RACE ADVENTURE THREAD#TDF2019pic.twitter.com/HziObLuFBP

— Jonathan Rowe (@ronnyjowe) July 7, 2019

Victory for Julian Alaphilippe!
Victoire en solitaire de Julian Alaphilippe ! @alafpolak1#TDF2019pic.twitter.com/PjRq59tbNN

— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 8, 2019

Julian Alaphilippe stayed well clear of the peloton to take the stage 3 victory and the yellow jersey - full story to follow. 

"I love you, man. You are my hero!" - @SirWiggo feeling the love out on Stage 3 with @BOUETMAXIME! #BradOnABike#TDF2019pic.twitter.com/HDjdVUifaX

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 8, 2019

Eurosport have certainly upped their game by sticking Bradley Wiggins on the back of a motorbike to provide live updates at this year's race. Here he is having a friendly chat with an Arkea-Samsic rider mid-race.

On Saturday, Mike Teunissen surprised the entire world by taking the opening stage of the 2019 Tour de France; winning the Netherlands' first yellow jersey in 30 years.

Here he is in 2005—at the age of 12—training with legendary cyclist Peter Winnen in the village of Ysselsteyn. pic.twitter.com/bjjqwU8uGF

— Dutch Cycling Embassy (@Cycling_Embassy) July 8, 2019

According to the Dutch Cycle Embassy this is stage 1 (and 2 with his teammates) winner Mike Teunissen training in his homeland with Peter Winnen on a battered old tandem, aged 12. 

Did @marianne_vos teleport in the last 10 meters? That was just insane! (via @wcsbike ) #GiroRosapic.twitter.com/z2XyPr11Sm

— Mihai Cazacu (@faustocoppi60) July 7, 2019

Australian rider Lucy Kennedy is the latest to learn her lesson from an early celebration, as Marianne Vos put down a phenomenal sprint to beat her on the uphill finish to stage 3 of the Giro Rosa...

Lesson most definitely learnt: always sprint beyond the line and never celebrate early. It hurts to come so close to my first #WWT win at #girorosa today, but I can be very happy with my form and how @MitcheltonSCOTT executed our plan perfectly (until 3m to go ) pic.twitter.com/xDyFZ7rM4G

— Lucy Kennedy (@lucyjkenn) July 7, 2019

.@UCI_cycling sock-height-measuring device at @LeTourpic.twitter.com/6IgH1OYakc

— Jakub Zimoch (@kubawinter) July 7, 2019

We were out in Brussels ahead of the Tour de France nosing around the team trucks. Here's a gallery of bikes and equipment we spotted Trek, Pinarello, Specialized, Canyon and more, plus lots of interesting new products and top hacks.

- Tour de France 2019 Tech Highlights - Sagan's bike, new Bontrager XXX shoes, SRAM custom rings and much more

New, on the Bike Blog: why Channel 5's programme this week, "Cyclists: Scourge of the Roads?" is irresponsible, inaccurate and generally awful, and will make me, my loved ones and others on two wheels less safe.

I've watched it so you don't have to.https://t.co/CNscMBuOsx

— Peter Walker (@peterwalker99) July 8, 2019

The documentary has caused much controversy before even airing (on tomorrow night at 9:15pm if you really want to put yourself through it), and Guardian journalist Pete Walker has got an early preview. Walker goes as far as to say the documentary may put cyclists at risk: "On Wednesday morning, I’ll be a little bit more wary when I cycle into work. I’m always hugely careful, anyway – the trip involves sharing space with tonne-plus lumps of speeding metal – but this time I’ll be particularly on my guard. Why? Because Channel 5 are putting me, and others, at risk."

Walker quotes numerous false statements presented as fact in the program, such as the idea that Britain has gone 'bike mad' when in fact journeys made by bike in the UK are stuck on around 2%, and using the lack of helmet-wearing by cyclists as an indication that people who ride  bikes are more likely to flout laws; when in fact there is no law in the UK that says cyclists must wear helmets. 

The program also features a man driving a 4x4 down narrow country lanes, bemoaning the capacity of Britain's roads and complaining that he is unable to overtake them on blind bends. 

Numerous people are voicing their concerns on social media about riding the day after the documentary airs; although others are relieved that it's only on Channel 5...

Cue thousands of letters to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission. If it's that bad the Police should be informed as well - because this type of programming may incite violence by impressionable drivers of below average IQ. Watch out for a surge in road crime.

— Richard Lewis #FBPE (@cyclisethecity) July 7, 2019

The only saving grace might be that because it's on @channel5_tv it will only be seen by the viewing figures of the occupants of a tandem.

— OstendGudgeon (@OstendGudgeon) July 7, 2019

From our friends at Angry People in Local Newspapers, here's a gloriously retro photo of a girl pointing at a pothole which, judging by her facial injury, was presumably responsible for flinging her off her super cool Raleigh Chopper. Wonder if the council have got round to sorting it yet?

Here are some of our top stories from the weekend as the 2019 Tour de France kicked off with a surprise stage 1 victory for Lotto Jumbo's Mike Teunissen...

RideLondon admits photoshopping picture of black woman

Local paper runs front page story on cyclists flouting Hull city centre ban – which doesn’t exist

Tour de France Stage 1: Mike Teunissen springs a surprise to win in Brussels and take yellow 

Tour de France Stage 2: Mike Teunissen stays in yellow as Jumbo-Visma win team time trial

Exclusive: Team Ineos riding Lightweight wheels at Tour de France. 

Chris Boardman, the world and Olympic gold medal winning cyclist turned cycling campaigner, has said ahead of tonight's Channel 5 documentary that cyclist's aren't the "Scourge Of The Streets" - a reference to the programme's title - but members of people's families.

Boardman  who remains a policy advisor to British Cycling in addition to his principal role as Greater Manchester's cycling and walking commissioner, was speaking in a short film for the governing body ahead of the programme, which airs at 9.15 this evening.

Cyclists aren’t the ‘scourge of the streets’. They are mothers, fathers, grandparents and children all doing their bit to make Britain a healthier, greener and more liveable place.

Share this video from @Chris_Boardman to help us make our message loud and clear to @channel5_tvpic.twitter.com/PDkRGEjsRi

— British Cycling (@BritishCycling) July 9, 2019

@eliaviviani wins in the sprint!
@eliaviviani s'impose au sprint !#TDF2019pic.twitter.com/80cmyzvR3Z

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 9, 2019

It's two in a row for Deceuninck–Quick-Step, as Elia Viviani beats Alexander Kristoff and Caleb Ewan to the line with Peter Sagan finishing fourth - full story on the site coming soon. 

Find more like this over on our sister site off-road.cc.

An Un-identified Rolling Object goes on the attack

Attaque d'un Objet Roulant Non Identifié #TDF2019pic.twitter.com/DP0sEfVdB6

— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 9, 2019

*Probably not Obree

Here he is!@k_asgreen, happy to continue #TDF2019 and to get a morale-boosting visit from his beautiful family before the start of the stage. pic.twitter.com/fpT9JqLmVc

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) July 9, 2019

Thankfully Asgreen came off far better than his bike, which was literally cut in two after he crashed deep into yesterday's stage. He went to hospital after gingerly crossing the line but has been given the all-clear to continue today. 

The never ending podium handshake, featuring @KNiewiadomapic.twitter.com/0TASutjUhY

— Coreen Mazzocchi (@mazzok) July 8, 2019

Canyon-SRAM's Kasia Niewiadom found herself locked in a seemingly infinite handshake as she collected the Maglia Rosa yesterday, in a test of endurance on a par with the 100km stage she'd just completed. A captivatingly akward watch... 

Absolutely crying with laughter watching @SirWiggo on the moto for @Eurosport_UK’s @LeTour coverage. Along with bike racing, he was made to do this. His Instagram Stories are absolute gold too. Not just for laughs, his knowledge is impeccable pic.twitter.com/3IvkvHJ05o

— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) July 8, 2019

Chilling in the presidential suite #lifeontheroadpic.twitter.com/Xnacsdgw2b

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) 8 July 2019

Epic tan lines, an empty takeaway carton, some suspect art on the wall, and who knows what's going on to right of G's bedside!

This really is scraping the bottom of the barrel!!

— Paul Taylor (@Paultaylor66) 9 July 2019

This 'documentary', which has been called "45 minutes of hatred" by journalist Peter Walker, airs tonight unfortunately...

Phil Gaimon – the former professional cyclist whose ‘Worst Retirement Ever’ series on social media has made him something of a cult hero – is back in the spotlight, but on a far more serious issue.

The 33-year-old former Cannondale Pro Cycling rider, who hung up his wheels at the end of the 2016 season, had a video prepped for a while about the dangers cyclists face on the roads.

Titled ‘Share This When I’m Killed by Someone Driving a Car’ he has decided to share it now following a rise in the number of cyclists killed in road traffic collisions in the US, and in New York City in particular.

Commenting on his decision to make the footage public now, Gaimon said: “I made this video a few months ago and was waiting for a good time to share it.

“I finally realized there won't be a good time. It's just going to hurt, but it has to go up.”

It’s a very powerful, and sobering, watch.

Victory for @petosagan!
Victoire de Peter Sagan ! #TDF2019pic.twitter.com/y2tTt5rG6s

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 10, 2019

His first stage of this year's tour - full story to follow. 

Dinner tweet! stage 4: avocado, beetroot, falafel salad - roasted chicken, dried fruits, grilled pumpkin, gnocchi - polkadot cheesecake. #TDF2019pic.twitter.com/fWM3zVvRkT

— Thomas De Gendt (@DeGendtThomas) July 9, 2019

This doesn't look like what we'd imagine your typical post-stage refuel for Tour de France riders to look like - although we could definitely go for multiple portions of that polka dot cheesecake... 

Thankfully, no serious damage done in this crash for@PerichonPLuc@TeamCOFIDIS - captured by a camera on team-mate @Natnaelb2's bike on #TDF2019 Stage 4 pic.twitter.com/2XdlsmoC4B

— Velon CC (@VelonCC) July 9, 2019

In this video captured by an on-bike camera belonging to his teammate Natnael Berhane, Périchon fails to see the warning sign held up by a marshal ahead of the bollard in the middle of the road... and is sent flying over the handlebars. Berhane was also knocked off, unable to avoid Périchon or his wayward bike.

Velon say no serious damage was done, and indeed both riders managed to continue and finish the stage. With Jakob Fulgsang coming off the worst from the numerous crashes we've had so far in the early stages of this year's Tour, we'll be hoping for an incident-free stage five, a 175km hilly jaunt from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges to Colmar. Less than an hour into the stage, a four-man breakaway has emerged featuring Tim Wellens and Simon Clarke, with a 1:40mins lead over the peloton at the time of writing... 

137 KM

The peloton trails by 1'40" approaching the first challenge of the day: the Côte de Grendelbruch.
Le peloton compte 1'40" de retard à l'approche de la première difficulté du jour, la Côte de Grendelbruch.#TDF2019pic.twitter.com/2AKslgBJBm

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 10, 2019

Yellow handlebar for the Yellow Jersey, @alafpolak1.

Une guidoline jaune pour le Maillot Jaune. #TDF2019pic.twitter.com/2JjYXmp9q7

— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 10, 2019

So it turns out the 'documentary' on Channel 5 last night was so poorly executed it's not really worth giving it any more publicity (a colleague commented that he suspects more journalists than regular viewers actually bothered to watch the whole thing), but here's a select few relevant tweets that we liked instead...

Here I am, scourge of the streets. With my bananas (underripe), bread (medium-sliced), and milk (semi-skimmed).#scourgeofthestreetspic.twitter.com/wu0tJcOR5A

— Dave Walker (@davewalker) 9 July 2019

Sad to hear the dangerous nonsense being broadcast on @channel5_tv. People who ride bikes aren’t the ‘scourge of the streets’. They’re Mums, Dads & kids helping make the UK a healthier & more liveable place. Pls share my friend @Chris_Boardman’s video to send C5 a v clear message https://t.co/vbj6ZQO6BS

— Will Norman (@willnorman) 9 July 2019

I invite anyone involved in the making of this gammontastic incitement to vehicular violence to join us on bikes & show us how not to be a scourge. How about 8am on Wednesday, as your riled-up viewers angrily drive to work? Hang your heads in shame, you specious shitmunchers.

— Prestwich Pootler (@pootlers) 9 July 2019

From the same people who brought you “Can’t Pay, We’ll Take It Away”, a programme dedicated to humiliating people whilst they struggle with debt problems.
The whole network is trash! Poorly made filler TV to appease red-faced gammons balancing their dinner on their beer bellies

— Emily⚡️ (@just_barely) 9 July 2019

You’re not stuck in traffic, you are the traffic. pic.twitter.com/nXQlBPImEy

— RuPaul (@RuPaul) July 9, 2019

The most famous of all drag queens provided this helpful reminder on his Twitter account yesterday, hopefully opening the eyes of some of his million-plus followers. Wonder if he dresses down to cycle through NYC? 

With bikes in the news after Channel 5's portrayal of us cyclists as lawless killers, the BBC has gone after a bit of cycling-related website traffic with an article that asks the question 'How does a bike stay upright?'

Good question, you might say, and it is. But unfortunately the article doesn't get even close to answering it, and makes at least one serious error while failing to reach that destination.

After quite a lot of waffle about the gyroscopic effect of a spinning wheel, the piece concludes that this isn't actually what keeps a bike upright as it rolls along. It cites Dr Hugh Hunt from the University of Cambridge, as having built bikes with extra, contra-rotating wheels cancelling out the gyro effect of the wheels on the ground. Turns out they're still stable.

Rider skill, the article concludes, is what keeps a bike upright, which would be fine if it weren't for the fact that you can push a riderless bike off down a slope and above a certain speed it will keep going.

As well as failing to explain what keeps a moving bike upright, the Beeb repeats common misconception about wheels. It says: "when you sit on the bike, the axle pulls down on the rim and acts like an arch … you are, in effect, hanging off the rim of the wheel."

Except you're not. If that was how wheels worked, then the upper spokes in a loaded wheel would have higher tension than when not loaded. A few minutes with a spoke tensiometer reveals that they don't change, but in fact the tension in the lower spokes reduces.

This matters because it implies something important about building wheels: high tension is good. If the tension in a spoke drops to zero, the nipple is free to turn, allowing the wheel to go out of true. If several spokes end up with zero tension, the wheel can collapse because the spokes are no longer holding the rim in place.

A good wheelbuilder therefore builds with as much spoke tension as the rim can take, and well-designed rims have sturdy spoke beds to take the load from the nipples. If spokes increased in tension when a wheel's loaded none of this would matter, but observation confirms that under-tensioned wheels quickly develop problems and high-tension wheels don't.

Victory for @dylan_teuns!
Victoire pour @dylan_teuns !#TDF2019pic.twitter.com/ySZiNdNMP7

— Tour de France (@LeTour) 11 July 2019

Behind him, Geraint Thomas made up some time over other GC contenders with a very strong finish on the savage gradients and Giulio Ciccone put himself in the yellow jersey - full story to follow. 

So, this sucks… See what’s up (or down): https://t.co/XbHooFfuLypic.twitter.com/kIsmchK9Nz

— Relive (@relivecc) 11 July 2019

If you're on Strava's mailing list, you may have noticed an email last night announcing that they will no longer be working with the 3D video sharing platform Relive: "The current version of Relive violates several of the terms that we ask of our API partners.

"We've worked hard with Relive to try to fix this, but they have ultimately chosen not to make the changes needed to honour the agreement. So as of today, Strava will no longer send your activities to Relive for playback." 

Relive have responded with a statement this morning, claiming that Strava weren't happy about new social features that are included on the latest release of the Relive app: 

"We thought we had a thing. Until last week. After launching our first social features, we received a very unexpected message threatening to pull the plug. Given our long-term partnership, we immediately rolled back the changes like they requested.

We then tried to call, email, and talk this out with Strava. No response, except for new ultimatums and threats about our existing features they’ve applauded for years. It’s sad to see them suddenly go and we’re bummed about this, just like you. We like Strava’s product and we’ve been working with them for more than 3 years.

Nothing has changed about how Relive uses and protects your data or how we use their API. We’re working to make sure you can keep your current and past activities on Relive. We believe this is your data and you should decide how it's used. After all, it’s your legs doing all the work!"

For any Relive users who currently use the app via Strava, you will now have to share the activities by connecting it using compatible Garmin, Suunto or Polar devices instead. 

Do Strava think Relive are getting too big for their boots by trying to roll out additional features that may jeopardise their status as the biggest social platform for athletes; or does this mean Strava may introduce a Relive-type feature of their own in the future? We've asked Strava for comment. 

A big investigation by Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, has led to a huge seizure of doping substances and led to 234 arrests, according to their press release. In all the bust shut down 17 organised groups, stopped operation at nine underground labs and seized 3.8 million doping substances and counterfeit medicines. Mario Thevis, head of Europol's doping analysis lab in Cologne, said: “We learn from the case that obviously there is a big market. Only if there is a large market will imports and structures of this kind be built.“

It follows on from Operation Aderlass, when a number of pro cyclists and cross country skiers were caught in raids across Germany and Austria. No names in cycling have been implicated yet, but we'll update if there are further developments. 

 

 

 

 

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Stage victory #12 at @letourdefrance ! Photo @paulineballet / ASO

A post shared by Peter Sagan (@petosagan) on Jul 10, 2019 at 2:48pm PDT

Sagan was back to his best yesterday, taking stage five in emphatic style - and once more gave something back to his eyewear sponsor 100% by donning one of their ski masks. 

 

 

 

 

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You can trust what I say... I’m on TV. #itsyouonlyfaster @iamspecialized @iamspecialized_turbo

A post shared by Peter Sagan (@petosagan) on Jul 11, 2019 at 1:14am PDT

In other Sagan news, here he is convincing us the world is flat thanks to the Specialized range of e-bikes. The man can do no wrong...