Cavendish goes the wrong way

Note all the riders are turning right, except one. The picture shows the moment the race changed. With Hushovd surviving, it’s an early blow to Cavendish’s chances of winning the Green Jersey. I won’t add to the commentary on why it happened as to me this just seems like an accident that’s going to happen … Read more

Blacklisted

I might run a series of 1980s nostalgia on here but for the likes of Bruyneel and Riis, it’s like 2004 all over gain. Why? Well they are blocking certain journalists from interviews and access according to cyclismag.com. Back then several reporters were on a list held by team staff with strict orders to freeze … Read more

Get more from the Tour

Here are five suggestions to help you get more from the Tour de France: Explore the terrain: France is a big country that stretches across Europe and you can go from the near-baltic diet of herrings and beer of the north to the Mediterranean lifestyle in the south. Take a moment to look at the … Read more

80km/h on an electric bike?

Any visitor to France will soon notice the wasp-like whine of scooters that have been modified by teenagers. Some part of me thinks that if you are going to be riding an underpowered moped powered by engine designed for a garden strimmer then you’d want to ride around in silence, to avoid drawing attention to … Read more

Melting tarmac, why?

Tar fondu Life in France is great but it’s not without its problems, the relentless politicisation of every minor event, teenagers on mopeds with modified exhausts that make a vuvuzuela sound soothing and… melting roads. Picture the scene, you are descending a stunning route and suddenly round a bend to discover the road is melting, … Read more

FDJ’s new jersey

Française des Jeux riders unveil their new jersey for the Tour de France. The sponsor recently signed a new deal with the team, backing Marc Madiot’s band for another four years. Photo: L’Equipe.fr

Where’s Steve Bauer?

Older readers might remember Canadian cyclist Steve Bauer. A strong rider from the mid-1980s onwards, he won a lot of races and was a the front of many more and was ranked in the top-10 best riders each year. During his career he held the yellow jersey in the Tour several times. You might also … Read more

Specialized’s new bike – the Electron?

This is from the wonderful Italian Cycling Journal. In a tongue in cheek move, Specialized have unveiled their 2011 range, including this Roubaix SL3 complete with mock Duracell battery.

Tour de France preview

Sorry but I’m not going to write a big Tour de France preview. They all say the same thing: Contador’s the favourite Andy Schleck’s his closest challenge Those cobbles could cost someone the race Can Wiggins go better? Eugene Christophe broke his forks in the Pyrenees …I could go on, take a look at some … Read more

Contador’s mystery training plans

This is something raised during the RTL-L’Equipe cycling podcast but since the show is in French, I thought it might be interesting bringing it to an English-speaking audience. A rare photo of Pepe Martí at work Vélo Magazine’s Nicolas Perthuis is an authority on training methods and sports science, to the point of annoying some … Read more