The Inner Ring - Part 161

Book Review: Triumphs and Turbulence

Thursday, 15 September 2016Wednesday, 14 September 2016

Triumphs and Turbulence by Chris Boardman

Confession time. There’s a conveyor belt of books about British cycling and when this came out during the summer it wasn’t a pressing read. Boardman’s enjoyed an impressive career but the story of a track and time trial rider famous for his calculating ways didn’t appeal at first. Surely rival Graeme Obree’s story is the more interesting? Add to this the fact that Boardman comes across as dryer than an indoor velodrome and this wasn’t something to rush into. Was it worth waiting for?

The Moment The Vuelta Was Won

Monday, 12 September 2016Monday, 12 September 2016

Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana break away right from the start of Stage 15 and aided by their team mates in the same move caught Team Sky having a siesta. Froome gave chase but quickly ran out of team mates and could only manage to limit his losses as Quintana went up the road and Sky’s plans went up in smoke. This was the moment the race was won.

Vuelta Stage 21 Preview

Sunday, 11 September 2016

The traditional parade into Madrid to crown the winner and offer a last sprint finish for those who’ve stayed the course. The finish is later than usual.

Vuelta Stage 20 Preview

Saturday, 10 September 2016

Another day, another summit finish. This is the last decisive stage of the Vuelta and it ends with a giant 21km summit finish.

Vuelta Stage 19 Preview

Friday, 9 September 2016

Notionally a crucial time trial, last weekend’s racing saw Nairo Quintana build a big lead over Chris Froome and the Colombian’s margin looks secure. But there’s all to play for with the stage win and Alberto Contador is only handful of seconds off a podium finish this Sunday.

Vuelta Stage 18 Preview

Thursday, 8 September 2016Thursday, 8 September 2016

A long and scenic stage, normally promised to the sprinters but with so few of them left, the hilly terrain could help another breakaway stay away for the day.

Vuelta Stage 17 Preview

Wednesday, 7 September 2016

With the rest day done the Vuelta enters the final phase towards its conclusion in Madrid this Sunday. A hilly stage awaits with an early opening climb and a tricky uphill finish.

Vuelta Stage 16 Preview

Monday, 5 September 2016Monday, 5 September 2016

A day trip to the seaside for the peloton ahead of the rest day. An extended day off? Unlikely given the intensity of riders battling to get in the breakaways but it should mean a quieter day for the overall contenders.

Vuelta Stage 15 Preview

Sunday, 4 September 2016Sunday, 4 September 2016

A short, explosive stage of just 118km and a difficult uphill finish await.

Vuelta Stage 14 Preview

Saturday, 3 September 2016Saturday, 3 September 2016

Labelled by everyone as the Queen Stage of the race, today’s route is packed with climbing and ends with a tough summit finish. Nairo Quintana leads the race but has to take time on Chris Froome. Can he do it?

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