Live blog: Indoor cycling brand Peloton lost $196m last year as it prepares for IPO; Cav to ride Six Day London; Specialized team up with 3D carbon experts for new saddle; police officer who helped pioneer close pass op is battling cancer + more

A survey from Argos has found that travelling to work by bike could save the average commuter almost £1,400 a year.

That’s based on 2,000 respondents to a survey commissioned by the retailer saying that they spend on average £28 a week commuting by car or public transport, reports The Mirror.

Of course, if you don’t own a bike there are some upfront expenses – buying a bicycle plus accessories such as a decent lock, lights and perhaps panniers and rainwear, though all of that can be got at a saving through the Cycle to Work scheme.

A spokesman for Argos said: "With train fares newly announced to increase again in January, many workers are really feeling the financial pinch of their daily commute.

"We're all familiar with that rage-inducing feeling of being jam-packed on a hot train or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, so it's no wonder that so many are looking at cycling to help them save money, while also staying fit and de-stressed.

"Our data shows that sales of adult bikes have risen almost 70 per cent in the last three years, while folding bikes are proving even more popular and have doubled in the same time.

"If you're new to cycling then a folding bike is the perfect introduction to the world of cycle lanes and helmets as you can easily mix your ride with a stint on public transport."

This guy is having a hell of a days ride. https://t.co/MOOyGATXmz

— Cab Davidson #FBPE (@gnomeicide) August 27, 2019

Meet Frankie the beagle and his owner Garry Mullins.

This cycling duo can be seen around the streets of Halifax!

Fearless and active, they're causing quite the social media uproar.

I mean, how could they not? pic.twitter.com/EGrkm1k88A

— Alexa MacLean (@AlexaMacLean902) August 27, 2019

Lining himself up for a mega eyewear deal a la Peter Sagan is Frankie the beagle, who can often be seen on the back of his owner Gary Mullins as he cycles around the West Yorkshire town...

This is PC Steve Hudson of @WMPolice in 2016 pioneering policing of close passing of cyclists.

He is now battling cancer. He & many others need stem cell donors to aid them in their fight. If you feel that you can help, please register via this link https://t.co/GoYzcOrlyq +RT pic.twitter.com/d6ccjutynI

— CHAIRRDRF (@CHAIRRDRF) August 27, 2019

PC Hudson, who along with fellow officer PC Dave Hodson has been officially recognised for his efforts to improve road safety by the Road Danger Reduction Forum and Cycling UK, is sadly battling cancer. In the tweet above Dr Robert Davis highlights the importance of stem cell donation to help cancer patients find a match; if you want to register to donate click the link here. 

Broadcaster Sian Welby has been left a little red-faced after trying to high-five a cyclist in London yesterday ...

It’s a hot sunny day in London. People are happy, smiling, making polite conversation...which is why I totally misjudged the situation. I was jogging and thought a passing cyclist was going for a high-five. Turns out he was just indicating to turn left. Kill me.

— Siân Welby (@Sianwelby) August 27, 2019

You may have seen the adverts during every commercial break on ITV4's Tour de France coverage last month; you may have even heard about their failed lawsuit against Youtuber Shane Miller for daring to call a video 'The Peloton Podcast', or the current one against  them for using unlicensed music... but the latest from the fitness industry's most heavily marketed spinbike is that all that attention has resulted in a rather substantial haemorrhaging of cash, with Peloton reporting losses of $196 million in the year to 30th June according to the FT. 

Like many buzzy startups Peloton relied heavily on huge swathes of private investment to scale up, and despite the losses accelerating they did report that turnover double to around $915 million last year. 

In his initial pitch to file the company for an IPO, Peloton's CEO and co-founder John Foley insisted that Peloton "sells happiness" and is "so much more" than a piece of fitness equipment: “It is no secret that exercise makes us feel good. It’s simple science: exercising creates endorphins and endorphins make us happy."

They're looking to raise another $500 million in the IPO, and warned in its filing that they may not turn a profit or ever maintain profitability in the future. Do you think happiness is a two grand spin bike and £40 a month subscription, or are Peloton's financial woes a good indication they're heading for the scrapheap? Let us know what you think in the comments of course...

Etapa 5 | Stage 5

L'Eliana
Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre
12:45 CET > 17:23 CET
170,7 km

Manzanera
1x1x1x Cat.

+ info https://t.co/l291g0fMGw#LaVuelta19 x @reliveccpic.twitter.com/P3moc2OI2p

— La Vuelta (@lavuelta) August 28, 2019

Not one for the sprinters today as the peloton take on category 1, 2 and 3 climbs on the 170km route.