11 things we've learned this week

1. Viitor Fonseca rescuing a kitten was just purrfect

Viitor Fonseca of the Equipe de Ciclismo de Taubaté found the kitten, which had apparently lost its mother, while on a training ride last week. With the animal clearly needing help, there was only one thing for it – Fonseca, wearing of course a Catlike helmet, tucked it into his jersey for the remainder of the ride. The kitten did not seem unduly distressed about being tucked in the jersey or being on the bike and gave him lots of licks and kisses.

Read more and watch the video here. 

2. Tom Dumoulin is a tough cookie, and refusing to crumble

His lead in the general classification may have been overhauled thanks to stomach troubles on stage 16 and time losses on stage 19, but Dumoulin's still well placed considering the final stage is a time trial through Milan.

Read more here

3. Dumping septic waste is a sure fire way to kick up a stink

Two members of Swiss cycling team Katusha Alpecin left the Tour of California in disgrace after being caught dumping septic waste on a highway. Spokesman for the race Michael Roth clarified that the Tour of California has "a zero-tolerance policy for desecrating areas along the route."

Read more here

4. A bigger British cycle network could be on its way soon

A Kickstarter campaign to research and revive 300+ miles of 1930s-era British cycleways has received a massive boost from an American corporate backer, Showers Pass of Portland, Oregon.
Crowdfunding was begun by Bike Biz executive editor Carlton Reid, who said: "It's fantastic that an American company has seen the worth – and the  PR potential – in backing this campaign.

Read more here

5. The dashcam/cycle camera debate rages on

AA President Edmund King suggested laws should be introduced to restrict the use of dashcam video footage, saying that a “rush to judgment” on social media can lead to innocent motorists being victimised - the comments split opinion in the road.cc comments section, with some saying his points are valid and others claiming King is disregarding the need to protect vulnerable road users. 

Read more here

6. US Cycle safety campaigners are getting creative, really creative... 

Cycling campaigners in the US are becoming ever more creative in their efforts to persuade city authorities to make conditions safer for people on bikes. Eight huge cartoon cut-outs were put up on Massachusetts Avenue on Sunday 22nd May to act both as a message to Mayor Martin J. Walsh to improve infrastructure and to highlight to drivers the role they can play in keeping cyclists safe.

Read more here. 

7. The inventors of the keyless Ellipse bike lock have a tough crowd to please

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'Bank Level' encryption, solar-powered and a dual-locking mechanism... revolutionary? Our commenters weren't so sure, and we feel that the inventors of Ellipse, who have successfully brought this bluetooth-connected device to the market with an RRP of £199, have a way to go to convince cyclists that their lock is the way forward. 

Read more here

8. There was a wheelie good battle going on between Italy and the US

Two grand tour riders were filmed pulling some serious wheelies, showing that there's still time for some fun even when the stakes are high. Peter Sagan showed off his skills on Mount Baldy at the Amgen Tour of California, and Fernando Gaviria did likewise at the Oropa climb at the Giro d'Italia.

Read more and watch the videos here. 

9. Age can sometimes be a barrier

80-year-old cyclist John McNally completed Étape Caledonia last week in five-and-a-half hours, finishing 2,265th and ahead of over a thousand riders... but was dismayed to find out that the event isn't open to riders over the age of 80, meaning as it stands he won't be able to compete next year despite being in rude health. The Étape Caledonia organisers have been contacted for comment.

Read more here. 

10. Mum's not always the word

Cyclist Iván Muñoz didn't exactly get the motivational words from his dear mother that he was hoping for when tackling one of Spain's most feared climbs. Just before approaching the 23.5% max gradient of the Alto de l’Angliru climb, Muñoz' mother can be heard shouting: “Iván, the bit coming now is much harder“... to which Ivan manages to reply: “Bloody hell, Mum. Thanks!”

Read more and watch the video here. 

11. Legendary Ultra Cyclist Mike Hall will get the most fitting send-off possible.

After tragically passed away in March following a collision in Australia during a race, family and friends have organised a ride in South Wales in Mike’s memory, with his ashes being rode down from his native North Yorkshire by close friend Guy Kesteven.

Guy said: "Pat [Hall’s mother] and I thought that taking his remains by bike would be a fitting way to get him down to Wales for one last party so he's going to put me through the wringer one last time.
“If anyone wants to join Mike for a bit on his last ride or just say goodbye en route then it'd be great to see you."

Read more here.