When traffic engineers put up a 'road closed' sign, this is what it really means!
(via @NQManchester) pic.twitter.com/1DlQyKZmtU
— Cycling Professor (@fietsprofessor) August 20, 2020
"Most of the people wouldn't be driving to the cafe; they'd be walking or cycling. I am extremely disappointed by this decision,” said applicant Kelly Eroglu about the rejection of her plan for a cycle cafe at Llantarnam Lakes in Cwmbran, Torfaen.
The proposed coffee shop would be housed in a steel container with bike racks outside.
There’d be a kitchen area, a toilet and a seating area with tables and chairs.
The proposal also includes plans to use the café for a wellbeing course for vulnerable teenagers.
Speaking in support of the development, Alan Slade, who represents Llantarnam ward said: "This coffee shop would provide an attractive destination and would provide somewhere people would want to walk and cycle to.”
Councillor Stuart Ashley countered: "It's not a natural cycle route. It's ponds for fishing."
The BBC reports that while the council's highways team accepted people would walk and cycle to the café, they thought a number would arrive by car.
They then concluded that the marathon 360 metre walk between the cafe and the staff car park was too far.
Eroglu will be appealing the decision.
Middlesbrough is currently hosting a trial of UK firm Ginger's electric scooters.
Cycling Industry News reported that teething problems had included scooters being taken on dual carriageways.
It seems the firm is now asking users to provide driving licence details.
They are being used though. The trial only started in July with 100 scooters.
Ginger now checks your driving licence - and reveals that riders have already covered 15,000 miles on its black-and-orange scooters in Middlesbrough. pic.twitter.com/sB1uy4TsXX
— Zag (@mindthezag) August 20, 2020
Maybe all those people and vehicles gave him the edge.
Or maybe he'd have won anyway. He has been quite winningy of late.
🇧🇪 #BKKoksijde@WoutvanAert has prolonged his national time trial title.
He clocked a winning time of 50:10.1#samenwinnen#BKtijdrijdenpic.twitter.com/g5DtYTV8rJ— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) August 20, 2020
Van Aert finisht 30 seconden sneller dan Campenaerts en wint BK tijdrijden pic.twitter.com/Oou94398KN
— Sporza 🚴 (@sporza_koers) August 20, 2020
Ineos have owned clothing brand Belstaff – who are most closely associated with motorcycling – since 2017.
Last month Belstaff became the official outfitter of the Grenadier, the new 4x4 from INEOS Automotive.
Creating something of a brand soup, this relationship has now also extended to the cycling team that, as of the Tour de France, takes its name from the vehicle.
INEOS Grenadiers CEO Fran Millar said: “Belstaff is an iconic British brand who have a long and rich pedigree in racing. Belstaff is already providing the clothing for the Grenadier, so this was a natural progression as we begin to race as the INEOS Grenadiers for the first time.
“We look forward to developing the partnership as we work on future collaborations that are built for purpose – a British racing heritage brand supporting the needs of a modern day racing team.”
Who’s up for some photos of pro cyclists looking faintly awkward because they’ve been asked ot model clothing that isn’t made out of Lycra?
Thought so.
We are pleased to announce that British racing heritage brand @Belstaff will become the official outfitter for the INEOS Grenadiers.https://t.co/PWqjUHtx4bpic.twitter.com/LvNgyqitlt
— Team INEOS (@TeamINEOS) August 20, 2020
An opaque campaign group pushing for the removal of the Oval Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) has claimed that the London Fire Brigade has safety issues with the scheme.
Brixton Buzz reports that OneOval – supposedly “an apolitical volunteer network of concerned residents” but of somewhat opaque membership – has this week released a press statement saying that London Fire Brigade have questioned the ‘rationale’ for the Oval Triangle LTN.
The release states that one fire service representative expressed concern about access to sites in the LTN area.
However, Save Oval Streets – which comprises residents associations in the area – says this is grossly misleading.
Save Oval Streets points out that all emergency services concerns were immediately addressed by Lambeth Council and that the design of the LTN was in fact altered to take into account the views of the fire, ambulance and police services.
Councillor Claire Holland echoed the comments of Save Oval Streets.
Completely irresponsible from One Oval spreading fear through misinformation. You might not like emergency LTN but at least discuss it honestly.
I wonder why they didn't release the full email exchange to @brixtonbuzz? Maybe because the emergency services signed them off? 🤦🏼♀️👇🏼 https://t.co/Lbmj0kMM0Vpic.twitter.com/2FkLZr9X2T
— Claire Holland (@clairekholland) August 20, 2020
There is a growing campaign for Regent’s Park to be closed to rat-running motorists.
Looks like some people are so upset about ongoing inaction of the Crown Estates Paving Commission, who are refusing to tackle motor traffic in Regent's Park, they're taking direct action. Parks should be for people, not through motor traffic. #CloseTheGates@Lungs_of_Londonhttps://t.co/dJwnfZE1I0
— London Cycling Campaign (@London_Cycling) August 20, 2020
Regent's Park this morning. Protester Caspar Hughes D-locked by the neck to the park gates on Euston Road. Now is the time to stop London's parks being used a rat runs! @RPcyclists@countcaspargh@theroyalparks@willnorman@W_Bradley@Heidi_LDN#closethegatespic.twitter.com/nwfyNgh2Mk
— Peter Murray (@PGSMurray) August 20, 2020
A protest is planned for September.
Keep Saturday 12th Septmber free. It’s time to show the CEPC that @theroyalparks Regent’s Park is for People, not for through traffic. For too long, the CEPC has pandered to a handful of rich residents, but now we want our park back! #pollution@livingstreets@MumsForLungspic.twitter.com/v4BPLSSnNB
— Parks for People (@Lungs_of_London) August 15, 2020
Cycling Industry News reports that Storck Bicycle founder, Markus Storck, and Decathlon have both sold 25% stakes in the firm to Stefan Lohwasser.
Storck and Lohwasser have consequently become equal partners in the business.
Lohwasser said: “Storck enjoys the highest reputation in the industry. Thanks to progressive innovation, timeless design and high quality, the brand has managed to develop an unmistakable image. I am therefore very happy to join the well-established company and to shape the growth story together with Markus Storck.”
Markus Storck said: “In Stefan Lohwasser, Storck has gained an active, future-oriented partner. To shape the company together with him is an enrichment for the whole team. I would like to thank Decathlon for ten years of trusting cooperation and look forward to further mutual successes.”
I reckon FDJ became my favourite team yesterday. Look like a bunch or mates who are just stoked on getting round a local crit. Haha it’s so nice. https://t.co/ogSHUF740a
— AlecBriggs/ Pedaler (@Alec_Pedaler) August 20, 2020
White Gold was a sitcom about a group of UPVC window salesmen, set in the Eighties.
The Peter Sagan LE White/Gold Collection is a range of sunglasses comprising the S3, S2, and Speedcraft models.
According to the blurb, “The Sagan LE features an asymmetrical design enhanced with a golden suit of shine paired with a Soft Gold Mirror Lens.”
Behold the golden suit of shine!
Here’s a moodier shot.
Here’s our review of the S3.
And here’s our review of the Speedcraft.
No joke. Wout van Aert's defending his Belgian title today and this is his support team.
One bus, one truck, three teamcars and two soldiers for defending TT-champ Wout van Aert #BKTijdrijden#BKKoksijdepic.twitter.com/4SfNNt4ICb
— Guy VD Langenbergh (@guyvdl) August 20, 2020
Mitchelton-Scott say they have selected a team of “opportunists” for the Tour de France.
“The selection comes after the team identified stage wins as its primary objective for the first Grand Tour of the season following its successful four-stage haul in 2019,” the team said in an announcement.
This rather implies that Adam Yates won't be looking to compete in the general classification. Unless they're having us on.
Sports director Matt White said: “This year has not been a normal one by any stretch of the imagination but the team is focused and ready for the challenge.
“We are very happy with the mix of experience and talent we have available for this year's race. This is a very complete group across all terrains.
“Last year was an incredible race for the team and we will continue in the same vein of targeting stage wins throughout.
“One thing for sure is we won't be leaving France without giving our all and making our fans and sponsors proud of the way we take on the world.”
🔒 LOCKED AND LOADED 🔒
“We are very happy with the mix of experience and talent we have available for this year's race. This is a very complete group across all terrains." - Head DS, Matt White 🎙
We're on the hunt for stages at #TDF2020! 🇫🇷
📰 https://t.co/isTCWE69RKpic.twitter.com/rfLA1MyrHC
— Mitchelton-SCOTT (@MitcheltonSCOTT) August 20, 2020
Jumbo-Visma's Tour de France tilt has suffered a significant blow with the withdrawal of Steven Kruijswijk, who finished third last year.
The Dutchman suffered a nasty crash during the recent Critérium du Dauphiné and his injuries are more significant than initially thought.
He'll be replaced by Norwegian national champion, Amund Grondahl Jansen.
With dissatisfaction, but sense of reality we’d like to share Steven Kruijswijk’s announcement⤵️ pic.twitter.com/vnZQMgZr55
— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) August 20, 2020
Sportive director Merijn Zeeman confirms that Amund Grondahl Jansen will replace Steven in the Tour de France.
Get well soon, Steven!🤞🏼 pic.twitter.com/1RsxMXuHNw
— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) August 20, 2020
Thank you for your thoughts in this difficult time. https://t.co/8ieetL8Wjv
— Geraint Thomas (@geraintthomas) August 19, 2020
This year it will be a man and a woman presenting jerseys on the finish podiums at the Tour de France, rather than two 'podium girls'.
Europe 1 reports Tour director Christian Prudhomme as saying: "You used to see the winner surrounded by two hostesses, with five dignitaries on one side and five representatives of the sponsors on the other.
“Now it will be different with only one dignitary and one representative of the yellow jersey sponsors, as well as a hostess and a host for the first time.”
He pointed out that while such a balance would be seen as ‘new’ for the Tour de France, “we have already been doing it in other races for 20 years, as in Liège-Bastogne-Liège."