Dan Martin’s done his last race. A likeable rider with a palmarès everyone can celebrate, there’s one win that’s worth citing again as his Liège-Bastogne-Liège victory had a catalytic effect among other riders of his generation.
Tadej Pogačar and Fausto Masnada come into the final straight together and surely nobody knew who was going to win. It was only when Pogačar wound up the sprint very late and Masnada couldn’t respond that the race was won.
The same but different. The course changes every year but the race remains the same, a long distance test across the plains, valleys and climbs of Lombardia, a scenic race for viewers and a technical challenge for participants with double-digit gradient climbs and numerous twisty descents.
Bernard Tapie has died aged 78. An businessman, a showman and briefly a politician, he was also a crook sent to jail for fraud and spent the last years of his life battling cancer and court cases. On his way up to the top in France he ran a major cycling team and helped bring about big technical changes in the sport, from pedals to salaries.
Paris Roubaix is back. If the race didn’t exist they’d have to invent it, and if they invented it today the race would be banned. It’s a wild ride on a dry day thanks to the rough cobbles which are unlike anything else in pro cycling only now the forecast is for rain in the morning.
We’ll see how the race develops. Winning moves are going from far out these days and the wet cobbles, including the images from yesterday’s racing, will only encourage more to get out in front as early as possible.
Local newspaper La Voix du Nord promises enfer météorologique this weekend. It’s going to be wet for Paris-Roubaix and this is novel, none of the starters have ridden a wet Paris-Roubaix before. A few thoughts on the matter…
No other country cherishes bike racing as much as Belgium and the men’s road race is the final event in a week of festivities and sport. Only there’s one thing missing so far and that’s a home win, can Wout van Aert deliver? Here’s a quick preview…
The World Championships are on this week and some World Tour pros are riding the U23 races. Yes they qualify by age, but shouldn’t the category be reserved for developing riders?
It’s time to get your rampón, the Vuelta starts this weekend. We’re into the back end of the season but the Vuelta is back in its August slot and the perfect way to prolong summer. It’s easy to follow, this is tapas cycling with a daily diet of lively stages.
The War on Wheels, Inside the Keirin and Japan’s Cycling Subculture, by Justin McCurry
Keirin racing might appear on your radar for the annual track world championships, or even just for the summer Olympics. In Japan it’s a way of life for participants and punters alike, one of only four sports where betting is allowed. This rewarding new book takes look at keirin as a sport, as a business and along the way holds up a mirror to Japanese society.
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