Pro cycling thread

[S/Lt_Phillips]

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.

[Guy Smiley]

A lot of the champions end up on pro teams and you'll see they keep rainbow stripes on the armbands of their pro jerseys.

[Slick]

Biffer, I’m going to take the boy to watch the road race go by on Sunday, where would you recommend going - I’m thinking either Holyrood or Stockbridge

[clydecloggie]

Biffer, I’m going to take the boy to watch the road race go by on Sunday, where would you recommend going - I’m thinking either Holyrood or Stockbridge

If you don't want to go to the city circuit, choose an uphill section. There's a tricky steep section in the Carron Valley (not classified as a climb) that would be good. On the flat, in all likelihood there will be an early breakaway of no-hopers flying by at 25 mph, then 5 minutes later the big peloton, and that's it. On the hills you'll get the same but slower, so it lasts longer, and there's the joy of seeing riders from such esteemed cycling nations as Pakistan and Hong Kong starting to struggle and drop off the peloton.

But if you want to stay closer to home, go to the start. Lots of riders etc. milling about, pure bike porn equipment-wise, and a sense of occasion. Solely in terms of watching sport, all you'll see is a group of blokes getting on their bikes and pedalling off, but hey ho.

[Jim Lahey]

One for the sprinters given the lack of climbing on Sunday?

I've still done my usual and stuck a 5er on Pogi as he was 13/1 before he announced he was going, but don't think the course will suit him.

[Biffer]

Biffer, I’m going to take the boy to watch the road race go by on Sunday, where would you recommend going - I’m thinking either Holyrood or Stockbridge

They’ll be by in a flash, so I actually think the better place to be, especially if you have kids with you, is at the start in Holyrood park. All of the support vehicles, team buses etc will be there. If not then somewhere on the royal mile as they climb the cobbles.

All of that is just the rolling start though I think, kilometre zero seems to down in Comely Bank.

[Biffer]

One for the sprinters given the lack of climbing on Sunday?

I've still done my usual and stuck a 5er on Pogi as he was 13/1 before he announced he was going, but don't think the course will suit him.

Probably, but there’s the possibility someone will make a break around The Crow Road as that’s the only reasonable climb, and if you get away, the street circuit is really capable of breaking up the momentum of the peloton in a chase, particularly repeatedly hitting Montrose St.

[clydecloggie]

One for the sprinters given the lack of climbing on Sunday?

I've still done my usual and stuck a 5er on Pogi as he was 13/1 before he announced he was going, but don't think the course will suit him.

Probably, but there’s the possibility someone will make a break around The Crow Road as that’s the only reasonable climb, and if you get away, the street circuit is really capable of breaking up the momentum of the peloton in a chase, particularly repeatedly hitting Montrose St.

It will be a small group sprint at best. The city circuit is much, much tougher than it looks - lots of tricky little climbs and lots of tight corners taking the speed out of the race. Montrose Street is a 13% climb within the last mile and you start it off a sharp turn so without much speed. Thing is, because of all the turns, a peloton of 100 riders would have the first rider accelerating away at the top of a climb while the 60-70th rider still has to start the climb. It's big interval work and gaps will open up near the front of the group. It will either be someone winning on their own off a short breakaway in the penultimate or last lap or a sprint between max. 10 survivors.

[weegie01]

There is uproar on social media locally about the Gran Fondo.

Someone was not too bright in having the start and finish in Perth on the same day as the first day of the Perth Show. It is horse day so it is the day with the highest number of vehicles coming and going from the showground.

The road closures mean that all show traffic has to go round the Perth bypass, down to Bridge of Earn to do a U turn, back up to Perth and in from the south. We will not be able travel home at all before about 4 pm. Our first class is at 8:30 with a youngster, we take two vehicles so we can bring the young / early class competitors home rather than asking them to stand in a lorry all day.

So my wife left home at 6am to avoid the early closures, and we have made arrangements with friends to let us use fields temporarily if we need to get out of the showgrounds early. Slightly annoying, but hey ho.

Apparently working round the closures is just totally unacceptable for many locals along the route. I cannot believe how many people are mumping about not being able to do this or that for a few hours. To be fair, many others have pointed out there has been weeks for people to prepare, and if they have not done so then more fool them, especially as this will only ever happen once in most people's lifetimes. The route was even altered when it was realised that the impact in one place had not been thought through.

As a number of people have commented, it makes you ashamed of the local population that their response has been so grudging. Many are of course delighted, but a glance at social media would make you think they are the minority.

[Slick]

Biffer, I’m going to take the boy to watch the road race go by on Sunday, where would you recommend going - I’m thinking either Holyrood or Stockbridge

They’ll be by in a flash, so I actually think the better place to be, especially if you have kids with you, is at the start in Holyrood park. All of the support vehicles, team buses etc will be there. If not then somewhere on the royal mile as they climb the cobbles.

All of that is just the rolling start though I think, kilometre zero seems to down in Comely Bank.

I was thinking that about Holyrood. Thanks both, much appreciated and will probably head there

[Biffer]

There is uproar on social media locally about the Gran Fondo.

Someone was not too bright in having the start and finish in Perth on the same day as the first day of the Perth Show. It is horse day so it is the day with the highest number of vehicles coming and going from the showground.

The road closures mean that all show traffic has to go round the Perth bypass, down to Bridge of Earn to do a U turn, back up to Perth and in from the south. We will not be able travel home at all before about 4 pm. Our first class is at 8:30 with a youngster, we take two vehicles so we can bring the young / early class competitors home rather than asking them to stand in a lorry all day.

So my wife left home at 6am to avoid the early closures, and we have made arrangements with friends to let us use fields temporarily if we need to get out of the showgrounds early. Slightly annoying, but hey ho.

Apparently working round the closures is just totally unacceptable for many locals along the route. I cannot believe how many people are mumping about not being able to do this or that for a few hours. To be fair, many others have pointed out there has been weeks for people to prepare, and if they have not done so then more fool them, especially as this will only ever happen once in most people's lifetimes. The route was even altered when it was realised that the impact in one place had not been thought through.

As a number of people have commented, it makes you ashamed of the local population that their response has been so grudging. Many are of course delighted, but a glance at social media would make you think they are the minority.

I have a friend who lives in Coupar Angus, and she was saying it was a bit of a pain, but she also said it's typical of people around the area - they complain when the council doesn't attract events like other areas do, and then they complain when they do attract them.

[weegie01]

So after the Gran Fondo today, most social media is now very positive. There were glitches, e.g my son went into Aberfeldy to get some rolls, asked the police (who were from Dundee) where he should park, then was unable to get home for 4 hours as the peleton came through well ahead of schedule. But I was really pleased to see so many photos and videos of locals out supporting.

Still the odd gainsayer, but for once on social media it was mostly positive.

I have no idea who was responsible for bringing the event to Scotland, but whover they were, it's good to see us showing some ambition and holding world class events, especially in this format that no one has tried before.

[Slick]

So after the Gran Fondo today, most social media is now very positive. There were glitches, e.g my son went into Aberfeldy to get some rolls, asked the police (who were from Dundee) where he should park, then was unable to get home for 4 hours as the peleton came through well ahead of schedule. But I was really pleased to see so many photos and videos of locals out supporting.

Still the odd gainsayer, but for once on social media it was mostly positive.

I have no idea who was responsible for bringing the event to Scotland, but whover they were, it's good to see us showing some ambition and holding world class events, especially in this format that no one has tried before.

Yes, on your last point, I hadn’t really thought about it until today but it’s fantastic we have pulled this off

[Blackmac]

One for the sprinters given the lack of climbing on Sunday?

I've still done my usual and stuck a 5er on Pogi as he was 13/1 before he announced he was going, but don't think the course will suit him.

Probably, but there’s the possibility someone will make a break around The Crow Road as that’s the only reasonable climb, and if you get away, the street circuit is really capable of breaking up the momentum of the peloton in a chase, particularly repeatedly hitting Montrose St.

I've said it before but it needs mentioning again. It's a disgrace that they will be cycling past the mural of Robert Millar/Pippa York and she has not been asked to participate in any way. Probably one of the best commentators out there and her insight into those roads would have been great.

[Blackmac]

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!

Is it not a huge no no for anyone to wear their Rainbow jersey in anything other than the speciality in which they won it.
I also get some extreme cringe when I see any recreational cyclist cutting about in them or the likes of the yellow/polka dot jersey. Then again I would ban adult football shirts from being worn anywhere outside a football stadium.

[Biffer]

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!

Is it not a huge no no for anyone to wear their Rainbow jersey in anything other than the speciality in which they won it.
I also get some extreme cringe when I see any recreational cyclist cutting about in them or the likes of the yellow/polka dot jersey. Then again I would ban adult football shirts from being worn anywhere outside a football stadium.

Blackmac in full on grumpy old man mode this morning. Good to see

[duke]

Matthieu Van Der Poel firing up Montrose Street in training

[Slick]

FFS, stupid cunts have stopped a CYCLING event. Stupid cunts

[Slick]

On a different, but connected note, just back from a great time down at the start with the boy (aged 6). He absolutely loved the whole thing and got inspired to sign up to the Edinburgh RC where we will be going next week.

Couldn’t believe the speed even the guys starting at the back were going as they crossed the bloody start line! Unbelievable. Also, in the 5 or so minutes it took us to walk from the start line to the big screen they were already through Stockbridge without even racing

[Biffer]

FFS, stupid cunts have stopped a CYCLING event. Stupid cunts

Pretty much inevitable for any major event nowadays. Good work from the broadcaster and UCI not giving them any exposure.

Looks like they’re gearing up to start again.

[Biffer]

On a different, but connected note, just back from a great time down at the start with the boy (aged 6). He absolutely loved the whole thing and got inspired to sign up to the Edinburgh RC where we will be going next week.

Couldn’t believe the speed even the guys starting at the back were going as they crossed the bloody start line! Unbelievable. Also, in the 5 or so minutes it took us to walk from the start line to the big screen they were already through Stockbridge without even racing

Glad you enjoyed it. I was too knackered to get in this morning having been through in Glasgow yesterday and out on Friday night, but it’s good viewing on the tv.

[Slick]

On a different, but connected note, just back from a great time down at the start with the boy (aged 6). He absolutely loved the whole thing and got inspired to sign up to the Edinburgh RC where we will be going next week.

Couldn’t believe the speed even the guys starting at the back were going as they crossed the bloody start line! Unbelievable. Also, in the 5 or so minutes it took us to walk from the start line to the big screen they were already through Stockbridge without even racing

Glad you enjoyed it. I was too knackered to get in this morning having been through in Glasgow yesterday and out on Friday night, but it’s good viewing on the tv.

Yeah, it was really good and just “Scottish busy” so could get everywhere.

Only minor complaint is that they had a secure bike park for hundreds of bikes behind the main stage but absolutely no signage, so there was about 20 bikes in there and hundreds chained to the fences in the park which were falling over under the weight

[Slick]

FFS, stupid cunts have stopped a CYCLING event. Stupid cunts

Pretty much inevitable for any major event nowadays. Good work from the broadcaster and UCI not giving them any exposure.

Looks like they’re gearing up to start again.

Probably a good bit of planning not to try and pull the stunt in central Glasgow

[Biffer]

Been some criticism and grumbling about this city circuit from raiders and fans (the French seem to be in a proper huff).

The UCI response is great though



Also, the atmosphere on Montrose Street looks properly bonkers.

[Slick]

Been some criticism and grumbling about this city circuit from raiders and fans (the French seem to be in a proper huff).

The UCI response is great though



Also, the atmosphere on Montrose Street looks properly bonkers.

The commentators on BBC seemed to change their mind about it as well, loved it by the end.

Loved seeing the radges giving it laldy on Montrose Street

Quite a few digs about the quality of the roads in the cities were also welcome, they are a national disgrace

[Slick]

Thought that was weird Slick. World Championship and you don't do the road. Really!! There are some sections of road in Ireland that haven't been done since the Tour De France was here but at least we did them

The roads in the cities here are awful. I think they did fill in a few potholes but not any resurfacing etc as far as I know

[Jock42]

There is uproar on social media locally about the Gran Fondo.

It's funny you should say that, I'm livid that it'll take me between 3 and 5 minutes longer to get home tonight as the road closure comes into effect as my shift finishes.

Time trial passes my house a couple of hundred metres away, will probably take a wander up despite having no interest.

[Biffer]

Thought that was weird Slick. World Championship and you don't do the road. Really!! There are some sections of road in Ireland that haven't been done since the Tour De France was here but at least we did them

The roads in the cities here are awful. I think they did fill in a few potholes but not any resurfacing etc as far as I know

Most of the A90 out towards South Queensferry was resurfaced recently, I assumed it was for this.

[sefton]

FFS, stupid cunts have stopped a CYCLING event. Stupid cunts

Pretty much inevitable for any major event nowadays. Good work from the broadcaster and UCI not giving them any exposure.

Looks like they’re gearing up to start again.

I’m quite happy seeing Just Stop Oil disrupting events but stopping cycling is a bit contrary.

[Biffer]

FFS, stupid cunts have stopped a CYCLING event. Stupid cunts

Pretty much inevitable for any major event nowadays. Good work from the broadcaster and UCI not giving them any exposure.

Looks like they’re gearing up to start again.

I’m quite happy seeing Just Stop Oil disrupting events but stopping cycling is a bit contrary.

Shell are sponsors of the GB team, major pro teams include Ineos, Bahrain and UAE. Pro tour has a huge carbon footprint flying all sorts of gear around the world.

Pressure from protesters has forced UCI to properly investigate how to use electric support vehicles and to consider the scheduling of events to minimise travel, but these haven’t been implemented yet.

[Slick]

Thought that was weird Slick. World Championship and you don't do the road. Really!! There are some sections of road in Ireland that haven't been done since the Tour De France was here but at least we did them

The roads in the cities here are awful. I think they did fill in a few potholes but not any resurfacing etc as far as I know

Most of the A90 out towards South Queensferry was resurfaced recently, I assumed it was for this.

Maybe, but as I say, it’s in the cities that is the issue

[sefton]

Pretty much inevitable for any major event nowadays. Good work from the broadcaster and UCI not giving them any exposure.

Looks like they’re gearing up to start again.

I’m quite happy seeing Just Stop Oil disrupting events but stopping cycling is a bit contrary.

Shell are sponsors of the GB team, major pro teams include Ineos, Bahrain and UAE. Pro tour has a huge carbon footprint flying all sorts of gear around the world.

Pressure from protesters has forced UCI to properly investigate how to use electric support vehicles and to consider the scheduling of events to minimise travel, but these haven’t been implemented yet.

Ok, thanks for informing me.

[Blackmac]

Seems wacky to not take the opportunity

Glasgow City Council can barely provide a minimal service for anything these days.

[Biffer]

Men’s individual pursuit was a great race.

[Slick]

Pretty much inevitable for any major event nowadays. Good work from the broadcaster and UCI not giving them any exposure.

Looks like they’re gearing up to start again.

I’m quite happy seeing Just Stop Oil disrupting events but stopping cycling is a bit contrary.

Shell are sponsors of the GB team, major pro teams include Ineos, Bahrain and UAE. Pro tour has a huge carbon footprint flying all sorts of gear around the world.

Pressure from protesters has forced UCI to properly investigate how to use electric support vehicles and to consider the scheduling of events to minimise travel, but these haven’t been implemented yet.

Didn’t know about the Shell sponsorship, now can’t stop seeing it on the strips and it’s annoying me. There were a few “Just Stop Shell” placards at the start this morning, amongst genuine cycling supporters, make sense now. Thanks

[Slick]

Men’s individual pursuit was a great race.

Incredible

[Slick]

Chris Hoy is a great commentator

[Jock42]

https://www.tissottiming.com/2023/gfowch?day=219

Are these age groups? If so, fair fucks to over 80s

[Dinsdale Piranha]

https://www.tissottiming.com/2023/gfowch?day=219

Are these age groups? If so, fair fucks to over 80s

I did the Tour of Cambridgeshire (UCI amateur event) a few years ago as they had a vintage section - bicycles, not people. The most competitive age groups were the age 50+ and the average speeds were scary high.

[weegie01]

https://www.tissottiming.com/2023/gfowch?day=219

Are these age groups? If so, fair fucks to over 80s

The older age groups do the shorter Medio Fondo in the road race, but at 87km over some twisty and hilly roads it is not easy. The over 60 Mens winner rode 87km in 2hrs 14m, and won in a bunch sprint.

The over 80 winner took 2hrs 45m for the same course. That is not hanging about.

Jeannie Longo was second in the womens 65 - 69 race. Imagine you are a 65 year old good amateur women on the start line and you realise who is standing next to you.

The winner of the 50 - 54 Men was Alexander Vinokourov