Cyclocross World Cup announced in Glasgow; Pidcock, Yates and Pogacar included in bizarre Laureus award nominations; Brennan reveals coeliac disease prevented him drinking on Sunday’s podium + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Cyclocross World Cup coming to Glasgow in December!
Wow, some news catches you off-guard…
British Cycling have announced that Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow will host a UCI Cyclocross World Cup event this winter. It’ll be the first time since November 2014 that a World Cup event has been held on British soil (who remembers Milton Keynes?) In recent years Dublin has also played host as the UCI steadily aims to reduce Benelux dependency in the discipline.
Tickets will go on general sale next week, for the events which will take place on Sunday 13th December. Wonder if Mathieu van der Poel will be tempted to return to the city where his bowel movements headlined the newspapers… Or if British national champion (and proud Scot) Cam Mason can pull off a great result in front of a home crowd…
The event is being organised by Flanders Classics, who host several spring classics and most of the Cyclocross calendar. CEO Tomas Van den Spiegel said “We have been working on bringing a UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup event to Great Britain for several years and are delighted to be able to announce Glasgow for next winter.
“Introducing a new venue is always special, especially in a major city like Glasgow, and we are looking forward to a great collaboration with British Cycling.”
British Cycling, for their part, are similarly excited. Managing Director of British Cycling Ventures, Darren Henry, said “We are incredibly excited to bring the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup to Glasgow later this year. Bringing world-class international racing to Great Britain inspires future generations and delivers real impact for local communities. Whether a family, a lifelong cycling fan or new to the sport entirely, this is an event not to be missed.”
My thoughts exactly…
Meeus triumphs in Le Samyn as Van Aert punctures twice
No stopping the Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe fast man…
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Oldest bike shop in city that powered a Tour de France rider closes, blaming landlord and industry for decision
It’s not easy to find much positivity about the bike industry. In fact I remember during one of my first shifts ringing up a bike shop in York that blamed the internet and online retailers for its demise after 45 years.
Sadly we start this morning with a similar case study. Jardine Cycles, after 40 years of trading as an independent business in Coventry, is to close later this spring. Writing on their website and Facebook, owner Terry Coombes said that “It is with great sadness that due to landlord, industry and on-going health issues I have decided to close the shop after 40 years of trading.
“I am extremely proud of what we as a family, mum Joyce, dad Alan, brother Paul, wife Fiona and myself have achieved during this time. I would like to thank all our customers, past and present for your support over the years. We wouldn’t have made it this long without you and hope we have put smiles on lots of faces.
“I personally wish to thank Conrad, my wingman, who has worked beside me from when I took over the business from my brother 11 years ago. He too, is looking forward to new adventures and I wish him every success for the future.”
Movingly, the closure announcement has created a swell of goodwill and fond memories being shared online, many with photos of their loved ones riding their new bikes, including the father of NSN Cycling sprinter Jake Stewart.
“So sad to hear.” Paul Stewart wrote. “Bought [Jake’s] first bike from your brother Paul and it started him off on the journey of a lifetime, living the dream, representing GB at the world road champs, Flanders, Paris Roubaix and all 3 grand tours. Bikes are a bit fancier now but this was perfect for an energetic 2 year old and it’s local bike shops like yours that make these dreams possible. All the very best for whatever the future holds 
“
“So sorry to hear this. I’ve bought three bikes from Jardine over the years,” Paul Marzetti-Goldman wrote. “Many happy memories and always the best customer service ever.”
“Sad and absolutely gutted does not come close. “why am I getting emotional over a cycle shop closing?” I know why. We bought our kids their first bikes here. I remember we didn’t have a lot of money and there were cheaper bicycle shops but the service and, more importantly, the after service from yourself Paul and your father was second to none. We spent extra for that service and to put money into the hands of local people who knew the community.” Mark Roberts added.
A closing down sale has begun and will run until the shop closes at the end of May. The workshop shop will also remain open for repairs and services for much of that time. As much as the closure hurts, there is really something quite moving about the outpouring of affection.
Cofidis unveil new kit... apparently
Cofidis have announced a new kit for the rest of the season, after their credit company title sponsor tweaked their logo. The new kit is… not that different.
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The only notable change besides the different brand font is the central red panels becoming darker, making the team even less likely to stand out in a peloton. You do have to question the point of it all. Here’s the old kit that they were using before yesterday…
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Thoughts and prayers to the half dozen or so avid Cofidis fans who got their hands on the new kit only for it to be replaced after three months…
Chuckle Brother tackles JOGLE for Marie Curie
Today’s bit of feel-good charity news comes from John O’Groats where Paul Chuckle is setting off on his voyage to Land’s End with his ‘Daff bike’, fundraising for Marie Curie.
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The 78-year-old won’t be cycling the route but will be stopping in various towns and cities as he heads south, and is motivated by the care the charity showed by the charity towards his brother Barry
“I’m incredibly proud to be a Marie Curie ambassador.” Paul says in his fundraising appeal. “Marie Curie helped care for my brother Barry at the end of his life in 2018, so it’s a charity very close to my heart.
“Whilst I’d love to be able to cycle the iconic John O’Groats to Land’s End route like so many incredible fundraisers do, I’m really excited to get to travel the route with the ‘Daff bike’, meet lots of people, have some fun and say a huge thank you – from me to you!
“Hopefully I’ll get to meet you all along the way, but whether you can make it in person or you’re supporting from afar, Marie Curie and I are grateful for every penny you’re able to donate.”
You can find out where Paul will be at the link above!
‘Cycling only’ road closed to drivers since the pandemic faces pressure to reopen, but council hopeful “safe, accessible and attractive cycling routes” still possible
Wout van Aert returns and Irish delight in Wallonia
After missing the Opening Weekend due to illness, having recovered well from an ankle injury sustained during the cyclocross season, Wout van Aert is back at the muddy Le Samyn classic…
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If the Belgian is looking for a good omen, Le Samyn is where Mathieu van der Poel started his season last year, and that panned out pretty well for him with both victory on the day, and a deeply impressive spring campaign.
We should say that the women’s race took place yesterday and was won from a reduced by Lara Gillespie. The Irish wpman won the reduced sprint from the break at a canter ahead of Marthe Goossens.
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Is Shimano’s surprise Tiagra revamp an admission that its CUES project has failed?
Read (or listen) to the answer below:
Is Shimano’s surprise Tiagra revamp an admission that its CUES project has failed?
Pidcock, Yates and Pogacar make Laureus nominations in bizarre announcement full of inaccuracies
The Laureus World Sports Awards (think the Oscars for sport) have announced their long list of nominees for their awards, just don’t ask them about fact-checking cyclists.
As you might expect, Tadej Pogačar is up for the big prize, the World
Sportsman of the Year Award, where he is described as having “claimed a quartet of Tour de France stage wins to seal his third yellow jersey.” No mention is made of his unparalleled performance in the classics, or his defence of the World Championship which he won with a 66km solo attack. Alas…
Pleasingly, Simon Yates is also nominated for World Comeback of the Year after his heroics at the Giro d’Italia, but there are a few oddities and one calamity in the announcement. Firstly, he is introduced as a former Track Cycling World Champion – factually correct but a bit like introducing Gareth Southgate as a former Aston Villa defender.
He’s also up for the prize alongside Egan Bernal, when Bernal’s 2025 achievements amounted to… a shortened stage win from the breakaway in the Vuelta a Espana. That’s not to discredit his comeback from life-threatening injury in 2022. But for the folks in the Laureus office to determine that this stage win was the pinnacle and epitome of his comeback doesn’t quite sit right.
But by miles the most egregious bit of factoid wrangling was:
“In 2018, a 38-minute lead for Simon Yates vanished at the penultimate stage of the Giro
d’Italia”
A 38-minute lead?! On the penultimate stage?! This feels like a mission to bait pedants like me. Yates lost 38 minutes on stage 19 (of 21), ceding the maglia rosa to Chris Froome. But his lead was 28 seconds, over Froome a little over 3 minutes. It’s wilful ignorance at this point, a mish-mash of cycling data pasted together like an ugly collage a niece or nephew presents that you have to pretend to like. No dice here Laureus…
I should probably also add that Tom Pidcock is nominated, this time for the World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award, where the organisation have cited his European XCO mountain bike championship victory (where he started from the back of the grid) alongside his podium at last year’s Vuelta.
Unfortunately, I’d be quite surprised if any rider scoops an award. Tadej Pogačar has the misfortune of going up against both Carlos Alcaraz and Armand Duplantis, whilst Yates and Bernal will have a tough job besting Rory McIlroy and Leah Williamson. With his multi-disciplinary talents, Pidcock might stand half a chance, but my money’s on ultra-running extraordinaire Killian Jornet. Regardless, I need a lie down…
Pro cyclist disqualified for "illegal brake levers" after 60km solo win, but team insists handlebars were bent in crash
This is a rather bizarre story, cooked up in the name of ‘rider safety’. Strongly recommend you leave this page to read it, however briefly:
Latest aero technique for a sportive?
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I’ll admit, this is a nice idea. But surely if the ‘dynamic bib’ is hidden from the commissaire that just creates another world of problems?
Sean Yates reveals latest heart procedure
Warning: this entry contains a post-surgery photo shared by Sean Yates.
Sean Yates’ biography was one of the first (and better) cycling biographies I read. One of the things that sticks out in memory was the chapter given over almost entirely to his heart problems, and the various tribulations it has caused the British trailblazer. You can’t help but think that had many medical advancements been made during his career, his results sheet might be substantially shorter The former maillot jaune is therefore no stranger to these sorts of medical situations but nevertheless, seeing the 65-year old on a hospital bed isn’t an easy thing.
Writing on Instagram Yates, who got married over the festive period and lives in Spain, said the latest surgery was “Not my first choice for an activity but sometimes these need to get done. Now is time to look forward to the road to recovery. Vamos.”
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Heal up Sean!
"That would be season over for me": Brennan reveals coeliac disease prevents him drinking on podiums (or anywhere else)
One detail missed in yesterday’s fall-out of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne was Matty Brennan’s post-stage interview explaining why he didn’t join Luca Mozzato and Matteo Trentin in their post-stage drinking celebrations on the podium.
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Served a large glass of Kwaremont, the Darlington dasher (if such a nickname can be made to stick applies) could only watch as the veteran Italians each enjoyed the Flemish delicacy. And, Brennan has explained why:
“I’m not boring,” Brennan told Cycling Pro Net. “I’m a coeliac so I cannot have gluten. And if I had that, then that would be season over for me. Which, yeah, it’s a shame, because it’s always part of the moment. But unfortunately, I’d like to try and win some more bike races this year.”
You would’ve thought that, given his dietary requirements would be known by the team, the race organisers could’ve been asked to provide a gluten-free alternative, instead of leaving the Brit standing there slightly awkwardly, having to explain he’s not a kill-joy. But props to Brennan for explaining his condition, hopefully future races will be more accommodating given the career trajectory the 20-year-old is on…
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It seems like a particular waste of money as I believe the work was funded by ATE. So the locals now have to pay to review something that was paid for by central government. Perhaps if the review shows a great return on investment (as so many of these schemes do) then Restore will encourage the council spend more money on Active Travel. No? Because it's just more culture war nonsense.
Yes ... but given that many people already have access to a car, they're even less likely to be tempted to "give it a go" when it's not just nowhere near as convenient as driving but not obviously a great improvement on walking. Alas, there is both a minimum hurdle AND a relative one to overcome. Cycling must appear "safe enough" in the eyes of people who aren't currently "cyclists". And it must be reasonably "attractive" and convenient relative to driving. Ultimately that won't happen unless driving gets just a bit less convenient. (Which is why "(first) we need to fix the congestion" has it almost backwards. Few people will be interested in change while the motoring status quo still *looks* like the best deal. And while that appears to be the case (more) people will drive more, which will soon enough return to equilibrium - restoring congestion).
@mdavidford Are you rounding down to the nearest 8.2 kg? Or did you invent a new unit: 1 kibigram = 1,032.9268293 etc. grammes?
@Aluminium can It could improve if only the parking was sorted... 😉
The Cheltenham Cycle Spine goes all the way from Gloucester to Bishops Stortford, now wouldn't that be something to see !
Why show the climb of Mont Ventoux? It was a BMXer, although he was on the road, and he had no helmet on. What were his sunglasses? Road? Gravel? MTB? I think I need to have a lie down, but not in Surrey!!
Bare minimum.TBH
10 thoughts on “Cyclocross World Cup announced in Glasgow; Pidcock, Yates and Pogacar included in bizarre Laureus award nominations; Brennan reveals coeliac disease prevented him drinking on Sunday’s podium + more on the live blog”
A little unfair – he was double national champion, as well as picking up several top ten placings elsewhere. Granted it’s not a Giro win, but still.
True, although his Laureus nomination only mentioned his stage win, no reference to anything else!
The footage here is worth seeing, particularly the overtake towards a small group of cyclists.
Along with other descriptions of his driving in this case and “… the defendant had 12 previous convictions for 27 crimes from the age of 16 including robbery, aggravated vehicle taking and driving offences.”
But cyclists.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgjn1rpwn7o
“It was truly an unintentional act on my part” to drive some considerable distance at well over the speed limit, frequently on the wrong side of the road, blowing through several red lights, mounting the kerb and hitting multiple other road users until eventually I killed someone.
Hmmm, yeah – easily done if your attention wanders for a moment…
Momentary lapse in concentration.
Otherwise law abiding.
Is drinking alcohol on the podium mandatory? Believe it or not, some cyclists don’t drink beer or coffee, and don’t swallow gels packed in unrecyclable wrappers.
RE:
Ah annoying site controls again… my comment was duff though – so perhaps the system is better than I’m giving it credit for?
It still seems to be letting others post bilge – like stuff about how no-one ever uses cycle lanes, for example – so the quality filter clearly still needs some adjustment.
Filters? As long as they’re modal filters I’m all for it!
(Been quietly for that all the time, just like … many UK LAs in fact
https://therantyhighwayman.blogspot.com/2022/10/filtering-1980s.html?m=1
)