Le Métier is the title of a new book by Team Sky’s Michael Barry. The book looks wonderful, with big photos and fine print. Only I can’t help wondering if the book’s title isn’t a massive blunder. Why? Well read on… “Faire le métier” : combien de fois dans ma vie ai-je entendu cette expression … Read more
I’ve not put anything on the blog. I’m not paid to but in case you want something to read today, here are two excellent reads: First, my online nemesis, Big Ring Riding. Note the capital letters, this blog is about what the French call “la rage de vaincre“, which is “the will to win” but … Read more
I wrote a suggestion on here yesterday that should Alejandro Valverde get banned then race results from the past need to be updated instantly to leave things in no doubt: as soon as Valverde’s gone, he’s gone from the record books. The idea has been picked up by French website cyclismag.fr. Here are the potential … Read more
Normally you’d think of Switzerland as one of Europe’s wealthiest countries, a land of mountains, lakes and hard currency. But this might not be so. Mo’ points, mo’ problems Fabian Cancellara’s stormed the season. As yesterday’s UCI rankings show, he’s in seventh place with 200 points. In the same rankings you can see the national … Read more
The latest UCI rankings are out. Here’s the top-25: First, the Court or Arbitration is expected to send Valverde into sporting exile so this should be the last time his name appears. Philippe Gilbert, an outspoken supporter of anti-doping measures will then be the number one rider in the world. Obvious symbolism there. Let’s look … Read more
The phrase “swan song” is a reference to an ancient belief that the Swan is completely mute during its lifetime until the moment just before it dies, when it sings one beautiful song. Swans are not actually mute during life – they produce snorts, shrill noises, grunts, and hisses – and they do not sing … Read more
Becoming a professional rider isn’t as straightforward as you might think. There are many amateurs winning all over Europe and beyond. So in a series of tips on how to make the step up, here are some suggestions. Background Imagine you’re an amateur who’s just won a pro race, you’ve left big ProTour teams trailing … Read more
A quick look over the shoulder at the most popular pieces on the blog in April. Cancellara’s sneak attack – a look at how Fabian Cancellara rode away and how you can use the same move in a race Does Cancellara have an electric bike? This was very popular and I reported it tongue in … Read more
Watching today’s stage of the Tour of Romandie, won by an aggressive Simon Spilak, something flashed across my mind: the Lampre kit is very old. Look at the photo above from Maurizio Fondriest’s win in the 1993 Milan – San Remo, observe the details. See how old the Fiat Tempra looks, the motorbikes seem ancient … Read more