Dogging Part II

A follow up to yesterday’s post, I got a comment asking if dogs really did run out. Of course they do! Here’s a selection from a short ride this evening. Sorry if this isn’t Cartier-Bresson but riding one handed trying to avoid a dog compromises the style… Beware of the dog signs are common. The … Read more

Suggestions to improve the Tour of California

I liked the previous editions of the race, maybe it was their slot in the season, this was an early chance to see some of the big names in action and I’d stay up late to catch the action. But now I’m looking at a small race up against the Giro. I’ve already written that … Read more

Marker molecule, a nice try but…

Velonation have a good piece on a potential agreement with some of the big pharmaceutical companies regarding the use of a “marker molecule”. Basically this is an extra ingredient to a pharmaceutical product that will show up in a blood or urine sample from an athlete. So whilst some of the actual doping products are … Read more

Why no Cali TV when Giro rides through the rain?

American cycling fans were denied TV images from the Tour of California yesterday because of the rain. But the Giro d’Italia has seen rain on almost every day but manages to broadcast extensive coverage. How come? Air powerThe Tour of California is relying on helicopters for overhead shots but the same helicopters also “relay” the … Read more

Those Giro Podium Girls

As ever, the Giro isn’t the Giro unless it’s got lots of women on display. The Italian Cycling Journal has already found the Playboy bunnies. But what of the podium girls, le miss del Giro? Well La Gazzetta has interviewed them. You can watch the interview here. Even if you don’t speak Italian, take a … Read more

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

Go the green and gold! With Matt Goss and Brett Lancaster winning stages in the Giro and Tour of California yesterday, it was a good day for Australian cyclists. It means Australians have taken three stage wins in the Giro so far… compared to zero for the Italians. It was also a day for Aussie … Read more

The Giro’s vanishing sprinters

Not to diminish Matt Goss’s win today but the Giro is losing sprinters at an alarming rate. If the first week allowed them a few chances, the second week is also suited to them but many have gone home. The weekend saw old dog Petacchi and young hope Modolo both exit the race and this … Read more

Dogging – Cave Canem

Waiting, just waiting. I know the local roads well, not just the routes to take but the details along the way. There are the obvious features like climbs, sharp corners and rough sections of roads. But I also I know where almost every dog lives within a 50km radius. Not only that, I know plenty … Read more

Tour de l’Aude

Women’s cycling doesn’t get the level of coverage it deserves, it has improved substantially over recent years. If you don’t follow much of it, take a look at the Tour de l’Aude. The Aude is a départment in Southern France that lies between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. This means it has a supreme choice … Read more

What is bike racing?

Saturday’s Giro stage was epic and already a highlight of the 2010 season. But what makes for stunning television is not necessarily sport. Penelope Pitsop defending the Maglia Rosa from the Equipo Formicaio To reduce the argument to the absurd, imagine a race organiser spraying oil on hairpin bends and digging large potholes to trap … Read more