D-I-S-C NO! Introducing the Rim Brake Preservation Society; Ineos takes all-Latin team to Tour of Colombia; Search for cyclist who left man with broken leg; plus more on Live Blog

Students of mid-1970s dance music will remember the tine D.I.S.C.O. by the French band, Ottawan.

Ottawa, of course, being the capital of Canada,

And it is from Canada that we bring you news of this perhaps tongue in cheek resistance movement against the rise of the disc brake: The Rim Brake Preservation Society.

In its own words, “The Rim Brake Conservation Society has one mission – to save the rim brake. The disappearance of the rim brake in the road cycling industry is of great concern to us and our future attempts at uphill KOMs.

“Is it all part of an agenda by the bike industry to make more money? Slow us down?

“Laugh maniacally at our group ride full of brake squeals? Probably yes.
“We aren’t here to tear down the disc, simply to make sure the rim brake doesn’t go extinct at the hand of profit under the veil of ‘progress’.”

You’ll find the full story here on cyclingmagazine.ca.

Oh, and someone even got a tattoo done of their logo.

#TourColombia2020 here we come!

We're excited to be lining up with our first-ever all-South American squad. Meet the team:@Eganbernal (🏆 '18)@RichardCarapazM@5_henao@NarvaezJho@_brandon_2103@ivansosacuervo (🥈 '19) pic.twitter.com/Yyw4iE4tNb

— Team INEOS (@TeamINEOS) January 29, 2020

Egan Bernal, Richard Carapaz, Sebastian Henao, Jhonatan Narvaez, Brandon Rivera and Iván Sosa make up the six-man Ineos squad for the Tour of Colombia, with their considerable pool of British talent left out. No language barrier between any of the Spanish-speaking riders then, just between them and the rest of the staff... 

The Huub Ribble development team have partnered with the DCG to offer a programme for 16-year-old riders to join the academny in September 2020, combining training and mentoring with further education. Riders will get 1-2-1 coaching from elite track and road racer Jacob Tipper and an individualised training programme for road and track. The most successful riders will have the chance to secure a place in the Huub Ribble performance squad with opportunities to compete in national competitions. 

DCG Sports and Public Services team manager Nick Ramsden says: “Our aim is to develop well rounded athletes with coaching and education that is much needed to prepare the riders not only to compete at national junior level, but also to allow them to explore the possibility of a future career in the sport.”

Some suggest I #Cycle. For the record I dont. I simply target resource v risk; meaning more enforcement on vehicles & less on #Cycling. Why? Well. In 2018; 12 & 2019; 5 #Cyclists died in vehicle collisions. In comparison not a single road user died because of a #cyclist. #Londonpic.twitter.com/13CXO0l01j

— Andy Cox (@SuptAndyCox) January 29, 2020

The Essex County Standard reports that Colchester Cycling Campaign have objected to a new £2 million staff car park with an extra 152 spaces at Colchester Hospital, because it will increase car use and doesn't take into consideration the hospital's own travel plan. 

In a letter to the council shared on their blog, Colchester Cycling Campaign said: "Tonight councillors have a difficult decision to make. On the face of it more car parking at Colchester hospital is a popular move. The issue of too few car spaces with “fees that are way too high” frequently tops the news agenda. It is a topic with which most drivers will empathise.

"On the other side of the coin, however, increased car use will lead to higher levels of obesity, heart disease, asthma and diabetes (ironically the issues that our doctors and nurses see daily).

"Of course essential hospital workers, for instance anaesthetists and bank nurses who cover for colleagues, sometimes have no option but to drive. One would hope, however, that they would aim to live near their usual place of work or near a transport hub to limit unsustainable travel. There are also workers whose shifts start or finish before public transport begins for whom a car may be essential. 

"In commenting on this application, CCC’s message  is not “don’t drive” but “think, drive less and don’t be daily dependent on the car”. In short, our esteemed hospital must not be treated as a special case."

The Campaign's position has split opinion, with some suggesting it isn't realistic that hospital workers can cycle to and from shifts in the early hours, and others claiming it won't increase car use. Do you support the CCC's position?

A 'minor disagreement' at the park in London on Saturday 28th December "very quickly escalated to totally unnecessary violence", after a 60-year-old was left with a broken leg after being attacked by a man riding a mountain bike shortly before the incident. 

The man, described as white, between the age of 30-40 and with a London accent, rode off leaving the victim on the ground - the injuries were described as not life-threatening, but the victim required surgery for the broken leg. 

The Met Police have launched an appeal, with Sergeant Pete Sturgess saying: “I am keen to hear from anyone who can identify the man in the picture. While the quality of the image (above) is not great, if you know him, it’s likely that you will recognise him."​

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting the crime number 3234/28DEC. 

The multiple world champion-turned cycling commentator took to the track in Aldersley, Wolverhampton to raise money for Compton Care, covering 22.7 miles on his 80 lap jaunt reports the Express and Star. People who took part were invited to the the mayoral suite in the city the following day through special invitation. Mr Porter commented: "It was absolutely wonderful – it was a wonderful idea of the mayor's and it was a big thank you to everyone involved.

"It gave me an opportunity to invite quite a lot of the riders, who are my pals, who rode the event with me.

"I've had two absolutely memorable days I will never forget – it's just been wonderful."

International lawyer Chris Parsons will set off on his 4,500km quest on 3rd February from the southernmost Indian city of Kanyakumari, and try to reach Srinagar 45 days later. 

Mr Parsons is chairman of The Loomba Foundation that helps widows in India, and hopes to raise $450,000 for the charity. He says: “Unfortunately, many widows in India are left destitute when their husband dies. This is where The Loomba Foundation comes in. Through their empowerment programmes, the charity provides skills training and other support to help widows become self-sufficient so that they can support themselves and their families.

“I am feeling a little anxious as this is going to be a huge mental and physical challenge for me; at the end of the day, I am going to try my best and hope to raise much needed funds along the way for a cause that is very close to my heart." 

You can visit the JustGiving page here to donate.