Pro cycling thread

[laurent]

Very sad news on tour de Suisse.

This brings home a bit of Personal pain.

[Jim Lahey]

I have been a club cyclist and road racer/time trial trihard for 25 years.

The roads are really dicey these days. Full of potholes and impatient dangerous drivers in massive cars that they can’t gauge how wide they are.

I have taken up gravel riding to minimise my road exposure as I feel very unsafe these days.

Anywhere else in Europe is fine it’s the angry UK drivers that scare me

This.
I did the Mallorca 312 earlier this year and spent 3 or 4 days beforehand cruising about the northern part of the island. Even on twisty mountain roads it was noticiable how much more patient local drivers were waiting for a safe spot to pass, compared to the wanker White Van Men/Audi drivers who take personal offence to being slowed down momentarily on British rpads.

[duke]

I have been a club cyclist and road racer/time trial trihard for 25 years.

The roads are really dicey these days. Full of potholes and impatient dangerous drivers in massive cars that they can’t gauge how wide they are.

I have taken up gravel riding to minimise my road exposure as I feel very unsafe these days.

Anywhere else in Europe is fine it’s the angry UK drivers that scare me

This.
I did the Mallorca 312 earlier this year and spent 3 or 4 days beforehand cruising about the northern part of the island. Even on twisty mountain roads it was noticiable how much more patient local drivers were waiting for a safe spot to pass, compared to the wanker White Van Men/Audi drivers who take personal offence to being slowed down momentarily on British rpads.

I was in Mallorca in mid April and was pleasantly surprised by how cooperative the drivers were, very few close passes and plenty of giving way where the driver didn't have to

[shaggy]

I have been a club cyclist and road racer/time trial trihard for 25 years.

The roads are really dicey these days. Full of potholes and impatient dangerous drivers in massive cars that they can’t gauge how wide they are.

I have taken up gravel riding to minimise my road exposure as I feel very unsafe these days.

Anywhere else in Europe is fine it’s the angry UK drivers that scare me

This.
I did the Mallorca 312 earlier this year and spent 3 or 4 days beforehand cruising about the northern part of the island. Even on twisty mountain roads it was noticiable how much more patient local drivers were waiting for a safe spot to pass, compared to the wanker White Van Men/Audi drivers who take personal offence to being slowed down momentarily on British rpads.

Road CC has plenty of articles on the same poor behaviours in Ireland and there have been many stories of pro riders being hit in other countries too. I know you all want the UK to be the absolute worst but let’s use some evidence here.

[Jim Lahey]

I live in NI, so I cycle the King's roads tbf.
Haven't done much cycling down in the wicked South so can't comment. But I do head over to the Lake District once or twice a year. And I got smacked off my bike earlier this year in the Wirral.

Italy, Spain and France are lightyears ahead of the UK in terms of tolerance of cyclists. Plus they have nice smooth roads. I only go out cycling at first light in the morning so I can be home before the traffic starts around 7.30am into Belfast.

[Jim Lahey]

https://cyclinguptodate.com/cycling/tad ... -runner-up

5min margin over 15km ffs

Either Pog has been seeing some Spanish "doctors" during his rehab or the lads he was competing against knew they had no chance anyway and went out on a bender the night before.

[Blackmac]

I haven't cycled since the day I retired from the police 5 years ago. I used to commute into Edinburgh every day and do a 60 to 100 mile ride at the weekend. Initially it was because I found the gardening to be physically exhausting as gym fit is completely different to workie fit, but really the roads are just so bad and the driving behaviour so poor that I just have no interest.

[Jim Lahey]

I haven't cycled since the day I retired from the police 5 years ago. I used to commute into Edinburgh every day and do a 60 to 100 mile ride at the weekend. Initially it was because I found the gardening to be physically exhausting as gym fit is completely different to workie fit, but really the roads are just so bad and the driving behaviour so poor that I just have no interest.

I'm on the boat to Cairnryan later and cycling up to Ayr. What's the road like? Probably going to stick to the coast road (there doesn't seem to be any alternative) then scoot inland when I get to Ballintrae.

Slightly concerned about the HGV traffic coming from the port so I might grab a coffee and wait for both Stenaline and P&O boats to empty before setting off.

[Blackmac]

I haven't cycled since the day I retired from the police 5 years ago. I used to commute into Edinburgh every day and do a 60 to 100 mile ride at the weekend. Initially it was because I found the gardening to be physically exhausting as gym fit is completely different to workie fit, but really the roads are just so bad and the driving behaviour so poor that I just have no interest.

I'm on the boat to Cairnryan later and cycling up to Ayr. What's the road like? Probably going to stick to the coast road (there doesn't seem to be any alternative) then scoot inland when I get to Ballintrae.

Slightly concerned about the HGV traffic coming from the port so I might grab a coffee and wait for both Stenaline and P&O boats to empty before setting off.

Don't really know the cycling routes in that part of the country I'm afraid but yeah, there will be a lot of HGV's and generally they are pricks. I was overtaken by one in the borders a few years ago and he pulled in too soon. I realised that the rear of the trailer was going to hit me and bailed off the road, 15 feet down a bank, luckily into a deep part of the Tweed.

[Jim Lahey]

Dicey enough journey to Ballintrae, absolutely gassed it as I was the first person off the boat and wanted to avoid the HGVs

Ayrshire is stunning for cycling. Once I went inland, I saw about 5 cars in 1.5 hours, and some epic scenery (and a lovely tail wind) to boot

[Jim Lahey]

Epic fightback today from Pog, although he looked absolutely fucked at the end . Would be concerned about his wrist though, he didn't look comfortable on the descent of the Tourmalet.

The tour definitely needed that shot of life instead of a TJV procession to Paris.

[Slick]

I haven't cycled since the day I retired from the police 5 years ago. I used to commute into Edinburgh every day and do a 60 to 100 mile ride at the weekend. Initially it was because I found the gardening to be physically exhausting as gym fit is completely different to workie fit, but really the roads are just so bad and the driving behaviour so poor that I just have no interest.

I used to commute 16 miles a day across central London and absolutely loved it. Cycled twice in Edinburgh and gave up due to the awful roads

[Insane_Homer]

Cav goes down in a very innocuous fall, right shoulder

...

In the ambulance, abandoned.

[clydecloggie]

I haven't cycled since the day I retired from the police 5 years ago. I used to commute into Edinburgh every day and do a 60 to 100 mile ride at the weekend. Initially it was because I found the gardening to be physically exhausting as gym fit is completely different to workie fit, but really the roads are just so bad and the driving behaviour so poor that I just have no interest.

I used to commute 16 miles a day across central London and absolutely loved it. Cycled twice in Edinburgh and gave up due to the awful roads

Edinburgh's roads are beyond shameful. Far worse than Glasgow's even, which should be reason enough for the good posho burghers to hang their heads in shame and rectify it ASAP.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Cav goes down in a very innocuous fall, right shoulder

...

In the ambulance, abandoned.

Oh that's shit news

[Dinsdale Piranha]

Cav goes down in a very innocuous fall, right shoulder

...

In the ambulance, abandoned.

Oh that's shit news

Just when he was looking there or thereabouts form wise yesterday.

[Biffer]

Absolutely gutted for Cav.

Even if he didn't break the record he would have been allowed a period leading the peloton on the final stage to mark his achievements.

[Slick]

Cav goes down in a very innocuous fall, right shoulder

...

In the ambulance, abandoned.

Ahh fuck, I wondered why I couldn’t see him at the end - Portuguese commentary

[SaintK]

Absolutely gutted for Cav.

Even if he didn't break the record he would have been allowed a period leading the peloton on the final stage to mark his achievements.

I wonder if this will sway him to change his mind?

Astana Qazaqstan have offered Mark Cavendish a contract extension to ride on the Tour de France next year despite the Briton’s planned retirement at the end of this season, the team’s general manager Alexander Vinokourov said.

[Jim Lahey]

Evenepoel apparently signed for Ineos.
Game changer for them, given they lack a GC man since Bernal's crash.
Next year's tour could be epic with a three-way battle for the yellow. Hopefully Hindley can keep improving and turn it into 4, but I think the gap between him and the top 3 is probably too big, given the relative strength of their teams.

[Biffer]

Anyone doing the UCI World Champs in Glasgow in August?

Track, Road, MTB, BMX all in the same city in the same week

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Anyone doing the UCI World Champs in Glasgow in August?

Track, Road, MTB, BMX all in the same city in the same week

The men's elite road race goes practically past my fiance's front door, so either we'll watch them whizz by on their way to the wild west, or alternatively head for the city centre circuit.

Haven't got myself organised to get tickets for the velodrome, though I'd love to go (incidentally had an intro session at the velodrome a couple of years ago, it was absolutely terrifying).

[Slick]

Mental stage today, even had my mum, wife and sister on the edge of their seats and they’ve never watched a cycle race in their lives

[Jim Lahey]

Mental stage today, even had my mum, wife and sister on the edge of their seats and they’ve never watched a cycle race in their lives

Near shat my pants repeatidly watching Rodriguez's descent

Some balls on him

[Dinsdale Piranha]

Anyone doing the UCI World Champs in Glasgow in August?

Track, Road, MTB, BMX all in the same city in the same week

I'm considering doing one of the weekends. See how it goes

[Slick]

Anyone doing the UCI World Champs in Glasgow in August?

Track, Road, MTB, BMX all in the same city in the same week

Will go for the road race through Edinburgh. Waiting to hear if my wife’s cousin will be at the MTB, either competing or commentating.

Would love to get to the track but also missed the tickets so will see what happens

[Jim Lahey]

Wow.
Just wow.

How do you never win a TT before in a grand tour then go out on smash the competition like that? Spanish doctors?

[Biffer]

Wow.
Just wow.

How do you never win a TT before in a grand tour then go out on smash the competition like that? Spanish doctors?

That's an astonishing ride.

[Jim Lahey]

Wow.
Just wow.

How do you never win a TT before in a grand tour then go out on smash the competition like that? Spanish doctors?

That's an astonishing ride.

I always had a dislike for Vinny as he seems so robotic and cold, whereas Pog looks like he's having a blast of a time. But fair fucks to Vinny. Assuming he's clean that was outrageous stuff, and well worthy of a 2nd TdF title.

[Jim Lahey]

Wow.
Just wow.

How do you never win a TT before in a grand tour then go out on smash the competition like that? Spanish doctors?

Did he not let van Aert win last year's?

Fair point.

[Guy Smiley]

Wow.
Just wow.

How do you never win a TT before in a grand tour then go out on smash the competition like that? Spanish doctors?

Pure technique and not stopping for the bike change...

watching the bits of this year's race that I can squeeze in, Pog seems to be much more of a 'punchy' climber able to deliver withering accelerations. Vin is more steady... he can climb but he's more of a tempo style. Stronger in the TT... more suited for it.

[Insane_Homer]

Wow.
Just wow.

How do you never win a TT before in a grand tour then go out on smash the competition like that? Spanish doctors?

Did he not let van Aert win last year's?

Ignoring Pog for a second, who himself managed to take ~1:10 out van Aert's ride ...

Vinegaard took ~3 mins out van Aert, who didn't have to worry about a big GC day tomorrow, on relatively short 18km TT.

It smells just a bit off

[Jim Lahey]

Its unfortunate that whenever someone puts in an incredible performance in cycling, everyone gets suspicious. But hey-ho, it does have form for it.

Maybe everyone just underrated Vinny? I know I did. I always felt that Pog was the better, more exicitng rider. And Vinny was good but had a superstar team backing him up, so he didn't need to be as good as Pog. Just get Wout and Kuss to blow up the peloton and he could try and deal with Pog by himself.

But fuck me. Kudos to that man today. Unreal stuff

[Jim Lahey]

Also seen an article this evening claiming that Vinny's VO2 max score aged 17 was 97

I consider myself a reasonably fit amateur cyclist, probably riding for 5 hours a week at a reasonable intensity on Zwift/IRL, with an FTP of 320w, yet my VO2 max is 53

Far out.

[shaggy]

Not saying anything.

[Biffer]

World Championships are underway in Glasgow.

Nasty fall for the British lad in the qualifying for the Team Pursuit, looks liked he knocked himself out cold. Walked off about five minutes later, might be considering himself lucky I think. Means the GB team didn't qualify for the knockout stage though.

[Slick]

World Championships are underway in Glasgow.

Nasty fall for the British lad in the qualifying for the Team Pursuit, looks liked he knocked himself out cold. Walked off about five minutes later, might be considering himself lucky I think. Means the GB team didn't qualify for the knockout stage though.

Excuse my ignorance, but with the road race, is this the one that if they win they get the striped jersey for the year?

Edit: Annoyingly, it goes literally straight past my old house

[Dinsdale Piranha]

World Championships are underway in Glasgow.

Nasty fall for the British lad in the qualifying for the Team Pursuit, looks liked he knocked himself out cold. Walked off about five minutes later, might be considering himself lucky I think. Means the GB team didn't qualify for the knockout stage though.

Excuse my ignorance, but with the road race, is this the one that if they win they get the striped jersey for the year?

Edit: Annoyingly, it goes literally straight past my old house

Yes.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

World Championships are underway in Glasgow.

Nasty fall for the British lad in the qualifying for the Team Pursuit, looks liked he knocked himself out cold. Walked off about five minutes later, might be considering himself lucky I think. Means the GB team didn't qualify for the knockout stage though.

Excuse my ignorance, but with the road race, is this the one that if they win they get the striped jersey for the year?

Edit: Annoyingly, it goes literally straight past my old house

Yes.

I think all the event winners get to wear the rainbow jersey for the year (so the time trial, all the track events etc, not just the road race winner). Not sure about the team event winners.

Chris Hoy mentions in his autobiography about riding the Etape du Tour one year, and he decided to wear his rainbow jersey (from the track sprint/Keirin). As he's not that fast on the hills (all relative of course), he says he felt a bit of a fraud!

[Biffer]

Excuse my ignorance, but with the road race, is this the one that if they win they get the striped jersey for the year?

Edit: Annoyingly, it goes literally straight past my old house

Yes.

I think all the event winners get to wear the rainbow jersey for the year (so the time trial, all the track events etc, not just the road race winner). Not sure about the team event winners.

Chris Hoy mentions in his autobiography about riding the Etape du Tour one year, and he decided to wear his rainbow jersey (from the track sprint/Keirin). As he's not that fast on the hills (all relative of course), he says he felt a bit of a fraud!

That’s right, the rainbow stripe is the world champions jersey, and that’s for all track and road events. So the time trial winner gets to wear it too for example.