“I can confirm European cyclists are built different”: American rider clings on for dear life at Spanish Gran Fondo… and leaves wondering “why are these people so fit?”; Shimano gets Pogačar’s Roubaix neutral service bike back + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
"I can confirm European cyclists are built different": American rider clings on for dear life at Spanish Gran Fondo... and leaves wondering "why are these people so fit?"
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A bit of a shock for this US rider over in Europe who rocked up at the start of a Gran Fondo and quickly found the pace to be essentially a race. Some locals may well take issue with the assessment that the sportive just outside of Girona was in Spain but, politics and regional identity aside, one thing was clear… the pace was hot.
Many events on the continent, even just a local one like this, attract many a rider not far off pro level. The front of these events is almost always more race than sportive, but probably more so given this one started near one of Europe’s cycling capitals, Girona.
“This was a local one, just outside of Girona called ‘La Barroca’,” our US rider explained. “I recommend it if you’re ever in the area when it’s happening. There’s two routes, I did the shorter one which is 90km and 1,230m (of climbing). We finished in 2hr 40 min, 33 kph avg. I never drove pace, just tried to survive… these cyclists are built different!
“This is me simply surviving in the front group of a GRAN FONDO in Spain. Why are these people so fit?”
As someone who had their head kicked in at a similar event in the Canary Islands last autumn, I can certainly relate to that last question. The continental Gran Fondo scene is more aero socks and attacks than the often (but not always) more sedate sportives I’m accustomed to over here in the UK.
Someone else on the thread summed it all up quite nicely: “Incredibly fast and technical as the speed increases. It’s maximising ever corner and watt to create gaps. Goes beyond fitness and into the realm of competing with caution thrown to the wind. Loved the video and comments that accompanied it. You were riding super strong.”
Bike-stealing thief attempts to evade police by riding on race course… and gets caught after overtaking peloton
Shimano neutral service bike was like riding "a wheelbarrow" at Paris-Roubaix, claims Tadej Pogačar
Shimano mechanics will be hosing the neutral service bike as we speak, the brand’s excitement to get its Tadej Pogačar-ridden ride returned after Paris-Roubaix possibly now tainted by the Slovenian’s review… that it was like riding a wheelbarrow.
PUNCTURE FOR POGACAR 😱
The world champion is off the back and riding a Shimano neutral service bike! pic.twitter.com/Gyd84WXAlt
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) April 12, 2026
The world champion reportedly told the Slovenian press that was his assessment of the bike, which Het Laatste Nieuws has suggested looks remarkably like an unbranded Canyon model.
“It felt very uncomfortable,” Pogačar is quoted as saying. “I got a ‘karjolo’ [wheelbarrow].
“I was able to start my chase, but it had been a long time since I’d ridden a Shimano bike. The saddle height wasn’t right. And the wheels weren’t suitable for the terrain either. So I had to switch again.”
And to think this morning Shimano were buzzing to tell us how they’d got the bike in question back and wouldn’t be washing it for a while…
Engineers begin work on new cycle bridge as part of HS2 construction
A new cycle bridge will soon link Offchurch Greenway in Warwickshire and Route 41 of the National Cycle Network. Engineers are currently installing the bridge as part of wider HS2 construction works, with the active travel infrastructure expected to be completed by September.
Vicki Lee, HS2 Ltd senior project manager, said the bridge would “improve safety and connectivity” for cyclists. Warwickshire County Council has also called it a “key link” and one that will “benefit many generations to come”.
Paris-Roubaix... on a folding bike
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That 28kph average speed is mighty impressive, get that rider over to a Spanish Gran Fondo ASAP…
“Just a bloody annoyance”: Ex-BBC journalist told Met Police won’t investigate his stolen bike, despite deliberately parking under a CCTV camera
Excuse me?
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Spanish pro cyclist Jaume Guardeño remains in intensive care two weeks on from training crash
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Caja Rural-Seguros RGA have released a follow-up statement about Jaume Guardeño, the pro rider who was airlifted to hospital following a training crash two weeks ago.
The team said Guardeño remains in the intensive care unit and is “critical but stable”. Guardeño is due to undergo “further procedures” in the coming days.
Climber Guardeño finished 29th at the Volta a Catalunya and 14th at the Vuelta last season, the 23-year-old rushed to Tauli Hospital in Sabadell following a crash at the end of March.
Spanish media reports suggest Guardeño lost control when he hit a rock in the road, before then colliding with a car being driven on the same route. There is no suggestion at this stage that the crash was caused by anything other than the rider hitting the rock.
A Caja Rural-Seguros RGA spokesperson said: “We continue to send all our strength and affection to Jaume, as well as to his family and friends at this time.”
"The old horse still has some kick": Taylor Phinney eyes track cycling comeback ahead of LA 2028 Olympics
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Two-time individual pursuit world champion Taylor Phinney is making a comeback. In his own words: “The old horse still has some kick”.
Phinney, who retired from pro cycling back in 2019 at the end of a career which saw him win a Giro d’Italia stage and three US national time trial championships, admitted he’d “never in a million years” have predicted he’d be returning to the sport… “but here we are”.
“What started as a return to gravel racing has delicately snowballed into a full on Olympic dream,” he said, revealing his comeback will be on the track with an eye to the 2028 home Games. “It’s been super fun and rewarding to find the love for training and ripping high speeds again over the past few months.
“I laughed it off at first, but with encouragement from wifey (Kasia Niewiadoma) the seed started to grow and before I knew it all I could think of was closing this final loop in my cycling career.
“The track was where I first found love and success in this sport, it was even the first discipline to break my heart when my specialty event, the individual pursuit, was removed from the Olympic programme, which prompted me to swiftly abandon the track and go all in on the road.
“Recently the USA boys have been making huge strides in the Team Pursuit, and I couldn’t be more stoked to be joining them in the chase for the Olympic dream.
“I have a lot of work to do in the gym and refining the position, but after my first camp with them (and first time in a TT position in probably 7 years…) I must say, it’s awesome to be back in a team environment. I’m happy with how I slotted into the group considering I’ve only been ‘back’ training since November, and I look forward to stepping up over the course of the next two years. The energy and vibe of the squad is top notch.
“Regardless of whether I make the official team for LA28 or not, I’m honoured to be in the running and will look forward to making some World Cup teams to elevate the team to its highest potential and Olympic qualifying position.”
"Well... that's one we're never washing again": Shimano gets its Tadej Pogačar-ridden Paris-Roubaix neutral service bike back... and fans want an eBay auction
“Well… that’s one bike we’re never washing again…”
Shimano has shared the footage of it getting its bike back post-Paris Roubaix, the neutral service ride having had probably the most exciting afternoon of its life when Tadej Pogačar took it for a spin after a puncture at 120km to go.
The components giant even suggested the bike would be kept in its raced condition for the foreseeable… “Straight from the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix back to the Neutral Service car. After a ride from Tadej Pogačar, this one might stay like this for a bit. Some bikes get cleaned. Some you leave… just for now.”
We reckon it might be headed for a display at HQ or Shimano’s Experience Center in the Netherlands (although hopefully it won’t suffer the same fate as the “irreplaceable” bikes ridden to extraordinary performances by names such as Peter Sagan, Mathieu van der Poel, Julian Alaphilippe and Egan Bernal, which were stolen during an overnight burglary back in 2024).
Some fans urged Shimano to get the bike listed on eBay, although, considering his ripped Milan-San Remo jersey went for €95,100, god knows how much the neutral service ride would reach…
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@Rendel Harris you've painted a rather alluring picture of social harmony there, but unfortunately you've got my name wrong. I'm Jack, not Nigel. However, to return the compliment, I must think of a story for you. I imagine you sat outside a pub, real ale and pipe propped on the adjacent table, in a similar fashion to Nigel Farage at his populist best. You turn to your wife. "You know what dear? I think I've been a bit harsh in my time. I've shunned the politeness and wisdom of others for too long and want to change my ways.* "There there Rendel", says Mrs Harris. "You're not a bad old stick, it's just living in London that's emptied your soul of kindness and compassion. I've found a lovely new place where we can settle down in our later years. It's on a leafy cul de sac, surrounded by friendly neighbours and smiling faces. There's a guy a couple of doors down, a remarkable man. As well as his towering intellect and rapier wit, he's also a keen cyclist, holding severa local KOMs. Don't be perturbed dear - he'll ride with anyone provided they show other road users the kindness and courtesy they deserve." Rendel turned emotionally, voice shaking. "Oh my dear, thank you for this second chance", and with that the rest of the pub goers turned and applauded the couple, throwing garlands of petals in their wake. The end.
As a Councillor, Edward needs to be paying some attention to all that parking obstructing visibility and manoeuvres at the junction, and sorting out those radii.
Ed Hill was chucked out by Reform in 2025, though TBF to him it was about how to run it rather than ideology I think. He is now reportedly closer to Advance UK, which is distinctly more extreme than Reform. I'd call this Alan Amos style attention seeking.
Emily, thank you for such an insightful piece. I’m a man, but I enjoy watching the women’s races, possibly more than the men’s. The racing is so much closer, we rarely know who’s going to win. You painted a wonderful picture of how a true champion is able to ‘rise above’ setbacks and distractions, and focus their energy on the task in hand. ‘All’s fair in live and war -and sport, but always good to hear riders expressing their admiration for their competitors
@Nigel Garage ...and then everyone applauded my courtesy and I waved courteously to all the people who were courteously throwing flowers and cheering and courteously waving flags that said "Nigel is the best!"
The picture from street view clearly shows give way lines from the roads to the green painted cycle/pedestrian lane. The road user should give way (or must...) to the user of the green lane. This would of course apply to any cyclist on the roadway.
If I recall there is a cave or two along the route - perhaps they were sheltering from the heat in one of those having taken it for a Golf bunker?
“So if there’s a cyclist travelling down the cycle path at the moment, from this position I can’t see them because my blind spots are too big on the left hand side of the vehicle”, claims Hill. Well, there's your problem, right there...🙄
First impression from the headline that he's likely a twit. Then the detail he was expelled from Reform makes you suspect that failing even their low bar requirements he really is. Then he clearly explains his vehicle is unsafe for the highway because he can't see to give way when turning. Any collision he now has should have that video run out explaining he drove a vehicle he knew to be unsafe. Advice for motorists; instead of thinking that pedestrians and cyclists are low risk 100kg objects, imagine them as a 300 Tonne trains that will crush you and your vehicle if you cross into their paths. You'd give way to the train, so you equally can to the others.
I've had a brief look on Facebook, and Ed Hill (who now appears to be affiliated with Advance UK) seems to have taken some useful road safety improvements under his remit, including an initiative to help local pedestrians on unpaved roads, where the wider council won't help due to planning failures. Regarding the cycle path, I think this is linked to a wider misunderstanding about giving way at junctions and I'm afraid I cannot agree with Mr Hill's conclusion. Regardless of the suitability of the cycle path, vehicles should give way at the junction to both pedestrians crossing and cyclists. It seems to be a poorly understood rule among motorists where some believe they have priority at junctions like this, where they certainly do not. I once had a similar issue myself, while leisurely walking to Waitrose to buy some lunchtime fripperies. A driver beeped their horn as I crossed the junction, despite me having priority, and was shocked and apologetic when I explained I had priority. A polite conversation later, the driver departed, educated and updated on the rules of the road.
5 thoughts on ““I can confirm European cyclists are built different”: American rider clings on for dear life at Spanish Gran Fondo… and leaves wondering “why are these people so fit?”; Shimano gets Pogačar’s Roubaix neutral service bike back + more on the live blog”
“What do you mean my bike’s not UCI approved? I was told this was a cat 1 race.”
90km at 33kmh average is a typical Sunday morning club run for some
With 1230m climb? That would need about a 300W average for a 70kg rider, that would be pretty good going over 2.6 hours.
“The saddle height wasn’t right” says Pog on the shimano bike. That’s what the dropper post is for! Could it be this roadie has never touched a mountain bike before? Alas we may never know.
It’s a quick release, not a dropper.