Welcome to Wednesday's live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team.
10/07/2019, 20:10
“When I'm killed” – ex-pro Phil Gaimon’s powerful YouTube film about vulnerability of cyclists
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.
10/07/2019, 16:40
Katusha-Alpecin to fold - riders reportedly told to look for new contracts after TDF stage 4 last night
According to L'equipe, the team members were informed last night that they should start looking for new contracts. It's also been reported that the UCI hasn't received the team's registration for the World Tour next year, which all but confirms their withdrawal - more to follow.
10/07/2019, 16:31
Peter Sagan wins stage 5
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.
10/07/2019, 16:28
Going full gas...
We were completely confused by this initially, but on further inspection it appears to be an exploding CO2 canister that caused this unfortunate triathlon transition.
10/07/2019, 15:28
10/07/2019, 15:27
Dunoon Dirt Dash brings a new gravel event to Argyll
Dunoon Presents and Wild About Argyll team up to bring a new gravel bikepacking event to Dunoon on Scotland’s Adventure Coast in September. The Dunoon Dirt Dash is a 2 day, one night, reliability trial presented by Charlie Hobbs and Markus Stitz. off-road.cc have all the details here.
10/07/2019, 15:09
No pasta??
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...
10/07/2019, 15:05
Bike parking boost for London
With cycling at record levels, @willnorman and @TfL today announced a £2.5m funding boost to meet the growing demand for cycle parking. 1,400 new spaces will be created in residential areas over the coming year, along with upgraded cycle parking outside at least 10 stations pic.twitter.com/IZJo7oXyWJ
— Mayor's Press Office (@LDN_pressoffice) July 10, 2019
1,400 new spaces were announced today by Will Norman and Transport for London.
10/07/2019, 13:08
Horrific crash for Cofidis rider Pierre-Luc Périchon as he hits bollards and is sent over the handlebars
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
10/07/2019, 12:17
Maurten release unbranded sponsor-friendly packaged products
So, you've turned up to your cat3 Tuesday night crit race, but your sponsor's energy product just isn't going to deliver you to the sprint finish in optimal condition. You can't be seen with a rival's better product, but you need those BC points. Oh, the conundrum! Maurten might just have the unbranded answer to your problems.
They've just released their Hydrogel drink in completely unbranded packaging, which they say will help pro athletes (and you) to subtly use their product without annoying any sponsors.
It reminds us of the time that Castelli sold a 'Pro Edition' of the Gabba, which came with a black Sharpie so that you could black out the logos.
Need to get your hands on some of this unofficial stash? Thankfully, you don't need to turn to the dark web, you can get them here.
10/07/2019, 11:09
Le handlebar jaune...
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
10/07/2019, 08:50
Would-be Scourge of the Streets participant David Brennan reveals why he declined the invitation
Please don't watch @channel5_tv programme tonight about cyclists & drivers. If you feel the need to watch it, keep this comment in mind from Firecracker Development Producer when she tried to get me to take part: 'I totally understand that it's far more nuanced than an Us V Them'
— David Brennan (@magnatom) 9 July 2019
Brennan co-founded the Scottish cycle advocacy group Pedal on Parliament, and has outlined why he refused to appear on the show last night while sending Firecracker Films a quick email...
I have sent the following email to @FirecrackerFilm.... Hi xx
I thought I would message you tonight following your, Cyclists :Scourge of the Streets? programme. I wonder if, following tonight's programme, you can justify trying to involve me in it using the following statements:
— David Brennan (@magnatom) 9 July 2019
10/07/2019, 08:07
Breaking: cyclists aren't the scourge of the streets
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
10/07/2019, 08:40
The #BottleCapChallenge and bikes
If you aren't familiar, this latest online challenge requires the nominee to remove a bottle cap, usually with a roundhouse kick, with the full bottle still left standing. A few cyclists have been taking it to the next level though, including the girl off of skipping/juggling/bunny-hopping on rollers Ruby Isaac...
#bottletopchallenge on another level @KWALANDA look at this.. #k24sportshub@K24Tvpic.twitter.com/Zj6hSqGOs4
— Kinyua Babake Reagan. (@kinyua_kinyuaji) July 8, 2019
Meanwhile... #bottletopchallenge#BottleCapChallenge Thanks to the steady hand of @AdamBlythe89 for helping make this happen. And to @Eurosport_UK for the polo top and natty cap. I just felt good, had proper warm up plus I was orange belt at judo in 1983. pic.twitter.com/dvYdM4eRMl
— Matt Stephens (@RealStephens) July 9, 2019
10/07/2019, 08:34
RuPaul, the unlikely active travel advocate
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?