Cycle lane nearing completion branded “a complete waste of money” by local MP; Factor return to the WorldTour; Former Team Picnic PostNL’s women’s rider speaks out + more on the live blog

Our most loyal readers may remember the story of the Sheffield pub which survived two World Wars, floods and the pandemic” but faces “almost certain closure” due to plans to put a protected cycle lane outside.

> Pub which “survived two world wars, the Sheffield floods, and the pandemic” risks “almost certain closure” due to active travel plans, according to owner

Almost five months later, 162-year-old The Carlton Hotel Pub is still alive and, according to their social media posts, should have held their fortnightly meat raffle last night. That’s despite ongoing construction works outside their premises to build active travel infrastructure “designed to transform access between growing employment, leisure and housing opportunities in Darnall, and the Lower Don Valley into the City Centre and to Meadowhall, which will make the area more attractive to live, work and invest in.”

The Darnall-Attercliffe-City Centre cycle lane is designed to provide “new and improved crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists, public realm enhancements on Attercliffe High Street, bus priority improvements and segregated cycle routes linking Darnall and Attercliffe to the city centre. You can see the full map of the plans here.

But the pub landlords have gained a new ally in their mission to cancel the cycle lane works: local Labour MP Clive Betts.

Betts went as far as to describe the whole scheme to the BBC as “a complete waste of money”, “not necessary” and “a cycle lane to nowhere” – my favourite Talking Heads song. Unsurprisingly, the pub landlords have shared their support for Betts’ call for the lane to be scrapped…

The disruption also seems to be irritating locals:

“Sheffield is built on seven hills, it’s not Holland”

“They built the grate [sic] wall of China quicker “

“Why are cycle lanes more important than businesses and pedestrians?”

There’s also the usual tripe about ‘road tax’, driving tests and ghost bikes which we needn’t share here. It just shows how, even when the end of the work is in sight, some people will never be appeased…

If you’re not up to speed on the hullabaloo surrounding Team Picnic PostNL, Ryan has written a very good piece detailing all the recent allegations, as well as a rather firm response from women’s team DS Callum Ferguson.

> “Is he saying this because we didn’t extend his contract?” Picnic PostNL sports director hits out at “unfair and unjustified” claims of “toxic culture of fear” within team

The short version is that an investigation by Dutch broadcaster NOS involving more than 70 employees and riders past and present found there was a toxic culture within the men’s team as well as a complete lack of mental support for riders. The line that sticks out to me was the team manager saying he didn’t believe in psychologists.

The women’s team were not part of the investigation and in the days following NOS’ report, several women’s team riders posted their support for the team management. But now some dissenting voices have spoken out.

Esmée Peperkamp rode for the team for five seasons until this year. In an interview with NOS she says she was unsupported by the team when she was diagnosed with RED-S, having not had her period since 2021.

Detailing the team’s medical support as “substandard”, she also revealed that all riders and staff have clauses in their contracts that risk them being fined if they criticise the team in any way.

Despite suffering a back injury, she was unable to adjust her saddle without seeing a bike fitter, the team also refused to help her when she found to be lactose intolerant and unable to consume many of the team’s energy gels and drinks, instead relying on “kind soigneurs, who gave water bottles with normal isotonic drink.

Ultimately, she accuses the team of being negligent towards her. One time when she was crying after a race she was not supported by the team and told to “come back to the bus when you’re normal” – a horrible thing to say to anyone.

In response the team said they were sorry to hear of the allegations raised, but would not comment whilst an independent investigation into the team was being carried out. Earlier this week it was announced that Marjan Olfers, a Dutch professor who previously investigated the infamous whereabouts of Michael Rasmussen before the 2007 Tour de France, would lead the study.

Peperkamp, who now rides for VolkerWessels, has since posted on Instagram thanking people for their messages of support…

 

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A post shared by Esmée Peperkamp (@esmeepeperkamp)

“It is really important that I can rest now, so I decided to speak out so I can close this chapter of my life and never ever have to be bothered with questions and with this ‘secret’. I hope everyone respects my situation and grants me the rest I deserve and need to get better as soon as possible.”

The Belgian always felt like a rider who couldn’t easily be categorised. He’d win up mountains but also had a hell of a kick on him. Very similar in profile perhaps to Julian Alaphilippe only without the the fervour…

 

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A post shared by dylan teuns (@dylanteuns)

“What a ride it has been! It is time to say goodbye to the professional peloton.” The 34-year-old announced.

“After wonderful youth years, I was able to transition from the BMC Development Team to the main squad in 2014. That was the start of a twelve-year pro career (2014-2026) that took me through top teams like BMC, Bahrain Victorious, Israel-Premier Tech, and Cofidis. Wearing their jerseys was an absolute privilege. I look back with immense pride and gratitude on a career in which I was able to fulfil my absolute childhood dreams.

“I am proud of the versatility I was able to show: from a time trial victory in the Ruta del Sol to completing all five Monuments and all three Grand Tours. I stood on the podium of Il Lombardia (2020) and narrowly missed out on the podium at the Tour of Flanders (2024). On top of that, I had the honor of wearing the iconic Belgian national jersey at four World Championships.

“To all the fans, teammates, and staff members who have backed me all these years along the road and in front of the screen: thank you!

“But a special thanks goes out to my parents, close friends, and girlfriend for having my back during the highs and the lows.

“Deep gratitude for my loyal, steady entourage over the years. Without you all, this dream would have never become reality. It is time for a new chapter, but the love for the bike remains forever. Merci!”

In his career, Teuns won two Tour de France stages (atop Super Planche des Belles Filles and Grand Bornand respectively) as well as the prestigious Fleche Wallonne classic, a home race for the Belgian. He also wore the leader’s jersey at the Vuelta a Espana, and even podiumed Il Lombardia in 2018. Pretty good going!

Patrick Stewart and his e-bike in 2015

#RIPPatrickStewart

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— Cool Bike Art (@coolbikeart1.bsky.social) 29 October 2026 at 20:44

Hear, ye! Hear, ye! Spread the news far and wide…

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