Welcome to your Monday live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team.
11/03/2019, 18:40
Zwift launches L'Etape du Tour Training Club
Virtual cycling platform Zwift has launched L'Etape du Tour training club aimed at preparing riders for this year's edition of the cyclosportive - although with places capped at 30,000 compared to 15,000 entries for the event itself, they're expecting people not riding in France to use it for their own summer goals.
Head here to sign up. Here's what Zwift says:
16 weeks. 4 distinct training phases. Limited to 30,000 riders, this exclusive training club specifically targets the demands of the 2019 L’Etape du Tour. World Tour coach, Kevin Poulton, is the mastermind behind the plan’s many workouts and rides.
Finish individual workouts between March and July 21st—the date of the 2019 L’Etape du Tour—to unlock items based on your progress. Get to 100% completion for five unique items. Your avatar’s style is about to skyrocket.
11/03/2019, 15:32
Paris-Nice: Dylan Groenewegen wins stage 2
@GroenewegenD devance @ivan_cortina et @PhilippeGilbert sur la ligne et conserve son #MaillotJaune.
Dylan Groenewegen beats Ivan Garcia Cortina and Philippe Gilbert ans keeps the yellow jersey on his shoulders. pic.twitter.com/vnaUPq7U2Q
— Paris-Nice (@ParisNice) March 11, 2019
The Dutch Team Jumbo–Visma rider maintained his overall lead and made it back-to-back stage wins on the second day of Paris-Nice.
11/03/2019, 13:21
How many bottom bracket standards?
S**t loads, that's how many! Although in amongst them all I'm still unable to source a 103mm square taper Shimano BB-UN55 Bottom Bracket for my trusty Trek 1.2, anyone got any pointers??
11/03/2019, 13:04
Bristol teen who had bike stolen in Australia set to complete record-breaking round-the-world ride
A Bristol teenager whose bike was stolen when he was in Australia is reportedly on course new record for being the youngest person to cycle around the world solo and unassisted.
Charlie Condell, aged 18, decided to use his gap year to circumnavigate the globe on two wheels, setting off on 6 July last year.
The Guardian reports that he was due to return to his starting point – Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge – today after visiting 20 countries on his 18,000-mile journey.
“I’ve loved so many different aspects of this trip,” the Guardian reports him as saying. “From the beautiful mountains to the pristine beaches, the people, the culture and the food. I’ve loved growing as a person.”
He was 103 days into his journey when he discovered that his bike, camping equipment, passport and other kit had been stolen in Townsville, Queensland, but vowed to carry on and with the theft making headlines around the world was able to source a new bike and other gear.
Reflecting on his ride, he said: “I think that there are a few reasons why people cycle, There are certain special things that everyone can share in common. That ranges from reaching a summit, to simply just pushing a big gear down a piece of perfect road.
“When you can find one of these moments, with the perfect scenery, and bliss everywhere, that’s when one feels truly special. It reminds us why we first rode – not for the KOMs or any of that stuff, just simply for the pleasure of riding your bike.”
11/03/2019, 13:04
A different kind of near-dooring - cyclist almost hit as lorry driver opens trailer
We've featured near-doorings in our Near Miss of the Day series before, but here's an unusual one, involving a lorry driver opening his trailer.
The footage was recorded by road.cc reader Bob, who said: "This looks quite innocent until you think what would have happened had I not given that lorry a wide berth, luckily nothing was coming the other way or I might not be here to tell the tale.
"Also the lorry is parked on double yellow lines and the pavement. No wonder our pavements are a mess."
11/03/2019, 12:27
Come join us for road.cc's Bath rideout, 22nd March
We've still got some FREE places left for the road.cc rideout on Friday 22nd March... join us for a chat, cake, beer, pizza... oh and a lovely scenic ride too. We've also got Stans NoTubes visiting to convert a lucky few volunteers to tubeless, tasty giveaways from Namedsport and the routes are provided by Komoot. See you there!
11/03/2019, 12:01
Who else would love a month in Calpe?
Madison Genesis held their annual team training camp in Calpe this year and it's easy to see why. The wall-to-wall sunshine beats the weather that we've been having here!
Anyone for a holiday?
11/03/2019, 11:30
What's this... decent London infra??
Just another new modal filter in Waltham Forest. Welcome to calm Capworth Street! @wfcycling@WeSupportWFMH@TwoWheelsGoodUK@Labourstonepic.twitter.com/2xfAwz4GCX
— Kee (@RouteW15) March 10, 2019
More of the same please!
11/03/2019, 09:06
Dave Brailsford smashes the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, averaging almost 21mph over the bumpy 138km ride
While most of his top pro riders are in the thick of Paris-Nice, Team Sky's head honcho took to the white gravel in Tuscany, competing in the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche that took place the day after Julian Alaphilippe of Quick-Step won the pro race. It was another mightily impressive ride from Brailsford, who posted the evidence to Strava - according to Strava's power estimates (make of that what you will) he put out an average of 280 watts and rode at just under 21mph to complete the course in a little over four hours... that's with a puncture 9km out from the finish. He'll have no option but to sign himself up on the team at this rate!
11/03/2019, 09:28
Even after winning the race he still had enough energy to attempt some front wheel stoppies on his way back to the team bus, whilst being chased by fans wanting a selfie!
11/03/2019, 09:25
Julian Alaphilippe's Strada Bianche winning S-Works Tarmac Disc
Here's Julian Alaphilippe's Strada Bianche winning S-Works Tarmac Disc, covered in dust and in need of a good wash!
He was riding the Tarmac, the all-round model in Specialized's range, with disc brakes and 50mm carbon fibre rims shod with 26mm wide tyres.
11/03/2019, 09:21
La Dusty Vita
Quickly becoming one of our favourite races to watch is Strade Bianche.
The race uses the gravel roads of Tuscany, winding their way through the hills and taking the riders to the finish in Sienna.
It is a truly stunning race to watch, although riding it might be a bit different...
11/03/2019, 09:06
11/03/2019, 08:53
Popular climb in Lanzarote closed to cyclists... because of too many cyclists
Tourists who visit the Canarian island for the epic cycling rather than the Irish bars and discount cigarettes have recently been disappointed to find that one of the most famous climbs has been closed to cyclists for the forseeable... because of too many cyclists. According to Spanish news website Lancelot Digital the narrow climb up Femés mountain meant that tailbacks of cars were being formed due to high numbers of cyclists ascending and descending it. The report says some locals have complained the road is particularly dangerous, although according to our sources on the island many are still riding the climb anyway. Translating the comments in the Lancelot Digital article reveals some familiar anti-cyclist sentiment, although refreshingly a majority call for widening of the roads and better cycle tracks "because the islanders should be thinking more carefully about the kind of clientele they want to attract to Lanzarote" says one...
11/03/2019, 08:46
Cycling pays tributes to World Champion cyclist Kelly Catlin, who died aged 23
The UCI is deeply saddened by the loss of three-time team pursuit UCI World Champion, Kelly Catlin. Our thoughts go out to her family, teammates, and friends. pic.twitter.com/OS551BLWeN
— UCI (@UCI_cycling) March 11, 2019
The impact this article has on me resonates strongly. I hope that we can find better resources for Olympians and athletes alike. Most are struggling to pursue something they’re passionate in but also something that’ll pay the bills.
— Mirai Nagasu (@mirai_nagasu) March 11, 2019
This is tragic.
If you’re suffering from depression, reach out. There’s nothing harder than getting through that darkness. But you can, and when you do the world looks entirely different. All you need is the strength to ask for help.
tel:1-800-273-8255 https://t.co/n7RkybyxYc— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) March 11, 2019
The U.S. cycling community suffered a devastating loss with the passing of Kelly Catlin, USA Cycling National Team member.
Read full statement here: https://t.co/R5jltUh5KFpic.twitter.com/GJU6mlHGq0
— USA Cycling (@usacycling) March 10, 2019
Catlin's father Mark told VeloNews that the cause of her death on Friday night was suicide. We'll have a full story and obituary on the site later this morning.
11/03/2019, 08:39
ICYMI - Pope Francis says road cycling shows value of teamwork – but warns about sport’s dark side
Pope Francis says that road cycling provides an example of the value of teamwork – but has warned that the pursuit of “prestige and profit” can lead riders astray. More here.
11/03/2019, 08:37
ICYMI: Mattel releases Kristina Vogel Barbie doll to mark International Women's Day
Olympic champion track cyclist Kristina Vogel, who was left paralysed from the chest down after a training crash last June, has been honoured with a Barbie doll in her likeness for International Women’s Day. More here.
11/03/2019, 08:34
In case you missed it: Ban on electric scooters on UK roads could end, says minister
Transport minister Jesse Norman says that an effective ban on using electric scooters on UK roads could end – potentially opening the way for scooter-sharing firms to enter the British market. More here.