Wikileaks and the Kazakhs

All the storm over the recent diplomatic documents Wikileaks doesn’t surprise me, but it’s just interesting to see things put in black and white text. A bit like someone’s private, off-the-record thoughts being transcribed and made very public. It’s embarrassing. Some recent documents touch on the small world of pro cycling. Two “cables” from US … Read more

Round and Round We Go

I’ve been away for a week, enjoying time without the internet (recent articles were typed ahead of my departure and published automatically). If the time off work felt like a long spell, I come back and of course little has changed in the world of cycling. There’s no news on the Novitzky investigation, although some … Read more

Champagne Celebrations

You’ve the riders spraying champagne on the podium sometimes. In case you didn’t notice, it’s a symbolic gesture that some have linked to, err, male ejaculation. But it’s a relatively recent idea. In the 1950s the French Grand Prix motor racing event took place in Reims and seeing as the city is the champagne capital … Read more

Hotel Valjavec

Embroiled in doping allegations, Tadej Valvavec is struggling to find a team for 2011 and is linked to a smaller Slovenian team. But he’s got a sideline going, with a hotel in the Slovenian Alps near Pokljuka in the Triglav National Park. It’s one of the last territories in Western Europe where bears roam free. … Read more

Time Running Out

As a follow up to the item about young talents to watch, I thought I’d review some riders who have to deliver in 2011, the guys who are carrying a burden on their shoulders whilst also knowing that they haven’t got too many more seasons to impress. I’m concious that in naming riders here that … Read more

Eurofoods – Part V: French Fries

There are some foods that are particularly European. Maybe people think of fine wine, truffles, baguettes and ravioli. But for cyclists there are some particular foods that stand out. As part of a series about food in Europe for riding, here’s the fifth: french fries. Product description Fairly obvious, it’s sliced potato that’s been fried. … Read more

Riders to watch for 2011

With riders starting training camps and getting their new 2011 kit, who are the ones to watch out for next year? Here’s a selection of a few names, it is not so much an exhaustive list as a personal watchlist. Thibaut Pinot (left) is one to watch Sometimes riders can show something special, only to … Read more

Out of the Office Automessage

I’m away for a week so content on here is going to be lighter than usual. I’ve penned a few articles to cover my absence, a look at which riders have had a good year and another take on who needs to deliver something in 2011 to avoid a slide. There will also be an … Read more

Yesterday’s Men

Whilst everyone is entitled to a second or even a third chance, sport is a cruel place. If you can’t compete, you’re out. Looking at the past So I’m left surprised when I read about the likes of Rasmussen and Rebellin. Both these two riders have been busted for doping but they also share another … Read more

Sponsors Can Insure Against Disaster

London’s The Independent has an interesting idea today, namely that corporate sponsors are taking out insurance policies to protect themselves against sponsorship deal going sour. Big brands associate with sports champions for obvious reasons but all too often the brands link up with an idealised vision of of the champion, an almost mythical status. Whereas … Read more