Live blog: Look’s new Geo-Trekking pedals; Should cyclists get an extra day off work? Bjorg Lambrecht lost control of bike because of a roadside reflector + more

Darren Speight had been in a coma since a collision with a motorbike at the start of the month.

Full story here.

Reports that Nicolas Roche was caught up in this one as well, but as far as we can tell, he's continuing.

Abandonos importantes a consecuencia de una caída masiva /  @UranRigoberto, Hugh Carthy and Víctor De La Parte are out of the race after a massive crash. #LaVuelta19https://t.co/O2kwchxw1f

— La Vuelta (@lavuelta) August 29, 2019

Look’s new Geo-Trekking 2-in-1 pedals combine a flat body ideal for commuting in regular shoes, with a recessed single-sided clipless mechanism for going adventure and gravel riding.

Says Look:

The new Geo-Trekking range of three pedals - Geo-Trekking, Geo-Trekking Grip and Geo-Trekking ROC - has been designed to meet the diverse needs of riders from the urban commuter to the enthusiast e-mountain bike rider.

Featuring a flat and clipless side in the same body, Geo-Trekking’s versatility means that it can tackle almost every riding situation and condition, providing the rider with a flexibility of riding and choice of shoes and style, along with an unparalleled freedom of spirit.

The clipless side is based on a mechanism compliant with the micro cleat standard, compatible with an SPD cleat. This mechanism features across the entire range and provides simple and secure clip-in and clip-out, with an easy adjustment system enabling a tension adjustment range of 5-10Nm. All of the pedals are supplied with the X-TRACK EASY cleat with 30% easier clip-inand more natural multidirectional clip-out than regular SPD cleats.

On the flat side, LOOK have created three separate designs to meet the specific needs of the rider. The Geo-Trekking model features a 84mm-wide composite body with lightweight, molded spikes to offer versatile performance and grip in varying conditions, while Geo-Trekking Grip has a completely filled flat side with a soft elastomer material to increase traction without damaging the soles of the rider’s everyday shoes. 

The Geo-Trekking ROC version features an 83mm-wide aluminum body to withstand impacts and scratches, intended primarily for off-road use, offering maximum adhesion to the flat side thanks to its wider body and eight alloy traction pins situated around the edge of the pedal.

Both the Geo-Trekking and Geo-Trekking ROC models are also available in ‘Vision’ formats, featuring additional detachable LED lights for added essential visibility. Unlike a standard light fitted in a fixed position on the bike, pedals are subject to circling motion, which considerably increases their visibility by creating an oscillating beam from in front and behind.

The new pedals are priced from €59.90 and will be available from 15th October.

Blackpool Promenade is closed to motor vehicles during the event but trams continue to run alongside.

Full story here.

A German politician has said that cyclists should get an extra day’s holiday because they are healthier and take fewer days off work.

CNN reports that the comments were made by Stefan Gelbhaar, a Green member of Germany's federal parliament.

"People who regularly cycle to work should be entitled to one additional day off a year," he said.

"Statistics have shown that people who regularly cycle to work fall ill less frequently and have fewer days of absence from work."

Gelbhaar says that financial incentives aimed at encouraging people to cycle to work don’t reward "the positive effect of bike commuting on workers' health" and lower rate of absence from work.

He said that the extra day’s holiday would act as motivation for commuters to cycle instead of drive.

Riding to work’s cheaper too. (See below.)

Yesterday we reported on a survey from Argos that found that travelling to work by bike could save the average commuter almost £1,400 a year.

Personal finance expert Simon Read told The Independent that cycling to work was a common sense option for many people.

"When it comes to saving money, cycling to work is an easy win for commuters. Once you’ve splashed out on a bike, then using it every day will help improve your wealth as well as your health.

"The cost of a bike and gear could pay for itself in just four months, which means the more you pedal after that, the more savings you make."

Bjorg Lambrecht, who died during the Tour of Poland, lost control of his bike because of a roadside reflector, reports the Brussels Times.

Lambrecht, who rode for Lotto Soudal team, died as a result of a crash on stage three on August 5.

The court in charge of the inquiry, in the town of Rybnik, heard statements from two riders who were following the Belgian at the time.

The inquiry continues.