Recent comments

I've never had an aluminium bike that was so harsh I couldn't ride it all day long, or was so heavy it was a significant factor in my success, or lack thereof, in races. Nor have I ever spent as much as this on any bike, regardless of frame material. But I have crashed an aluminium bike and had to dispose of the frame, because it bent where a titanium one probably wouldn't have, and could not be cold set back into alignment like a steel one. Also, no amount of money can prevent the fatigue limit problem of aluminium alloys. Most people would probably get bored with riding the same bike long before that is a factor but, for me, 3300 quid is too much for an inherently disposable bike.

I agree about the general level of traffic not being the issue - the issue on the A9 is the behaviour of certain groups (yes Audi drivers - I'm looking at you) when they reach a dualled stretch. The roar of the engines as cars are hurled to over 100 mph to overtake as much as possible in the space is quite deafening.

I recently had cause to travel the whole length of the road from Inverness south at around 60mph (my wee Almera couldn't really cope with 3 bikes on the rack) - and you'd have thought I was stealing days from these people's lives.

Instead of upgrading, a concerted campaign by the police against the speeding and dangerous driving on this route is long overdue.

You need 9 riders in the team to score points, but they don't have to ride the stage. So you can select a GC guy that doesn't participate in Paris-Roubaix.

Of course, he won't score any points for you that way, so it's your choice whether that is worth it.

Zactly - thought the cameras were a brilliant addition, bringing to life the tactics that everyone knows go on behind the scenes. It was a bit like Wacky Races at times - brilliant.

I was personally disappointed that Cancellara didn't get away at the very end when he turned it on again - he showed not only incredible strength but character and real style in the way he rode. But fair play to a) Chavanel, for a great ride out front before Canc got there and for playing it very well tactically after that b) Gilbert, for just being an incredibly exciting, competitive racer and c) Boonen, for giving it one last attempt at the death and keeping up the suspense until the line. All made for a cracking race to watch.

Can't wait for Roubaix now...

I did see that, but if it was the other way round it would just be the same, all part of the games you play when racing

Speaking of in-car video, did anyone else notice the Lotto DS telling the Leopard DS that Chavanel couldn't help beacuse Cancellara was just too strong, but a bit later on he was talking to Chavanel, leaning out of the window pointing at Cancellara's wheel and obviously saying stay on it and don't ride?

I wonder how those cameras will affect relations between Directors Sportif.

I like Finish Line Wax Ceramic (or is it Ceramic Wax? yes, I believe it is). Seems to last well, quiets things down nicely and doesn't need to be applied as often as dry lube. But in the winter I'll go for something gloopier.

Looks like aleksandr kuschynski coud be the bargain buy / hot tip for Paris Roubaix. Has anyone else heard this on the grapevine?

Well you got the bit right about a local winner - hope you picked him in your team .

Would it be unreasonable to suggest that Philippe Gilbert has been a bit of a let down this classics campaign? Interesting to see that he is currently not on the start list for PR, which saves me the decision about whether to drop him.

yeah, didn't go so well for me