Phew, the Giro stages in Holland were something, it was like the classics season had suddenly got going. Cold weather, small roads, crashes: it was early April all over again. I found it made for exciting riding but is this what a Grand Tour is all about? I’m in two minds, on the one hand … Read more
As part of the series on the 1980s, here are five items related to bike componetry during this decade. 1. SuntourJapanese componentry didn’t just mean Shimano. Suntour also produced a top end groupset, the Superbe Pro. It was similar to Shimano in design and features, with a functional look and crisp shifting. 2. MavicFamous for … Read more
Mont Ventoux is part of cycling legend. The mountain is unlike others in France because it stands proud of the land, famous passes in the Alps and Pyrenees like the Galibier and Tourmalet merely snake their way from one valley to the next. Instead Ventoux dominates the terrain it occupies and the road reaches the … Read more
I’ve often wondered what it would be like to cheat, you know, to get my blood turbo charged and lay waste to the opposition. In times past I’ve raced against some big names and people whispered about EPO users. I never came across it, maybe I was totally naive or blind but nobody tried to … Read more
Ciao! There are loads of previews out there, to analyse the favourites and give you the stage details. There’s even a handy iPhone app. Instead I’ve got three extra thoughts. First, the Giro is the most visually attractive race on the calendar. The Tour de France has its fine moments but it also has very … Read more
London cycling brand Rapha has opened a café and shop in London. The design looks very modern, you can see some more images over at the Bianchista blog. It’s on the edge of the City, London’s wealthy financial district and one of the more creative areas of London. The symbolism is obvious, it’s close to … Read more
Tata’s an Indian conglomerate which is involved in everything from tea to cars and IT, via Tata Consultancy Services. What began as an IT operation to help Western companies put their IT and customer support offshore – Indian call centres and software development – is now an international heavyweight in IT consulting. So it’s good … Read more
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