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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Winter in Europe and North America is arriving and as bad weather and darkness sets in, what better way to keep fit than riding indoors? To help readers I’ve decided to review every indoor / turbo trainer on the market. It didn’t take me long to reach a conclusion. They are all crap. Yes, every … Read more
That’s French rider Clément Lhotellerie in the King of the Mountains jersey from the 2008 Paris-Nice. He won the jersey and finished 11th overall, days after his 22nd birthday. Other impressive results meant he joined Vacansoleil in 2009 and was labelled as the team’s leader for stage races. Only it didn’t work out. He was … Read more