England cricket captain Joe Root thanks new cycling regime for century in India; Cyclist suffers broken bones in “serious assault” by ten youths; UK’s safest city for winter cycle commuting; UCI bans riders from top tube descending + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
UCI may ban riders who descend on the top tube
The UCI is cracking down on pro riders descending in the aero tuck or super tuck position. Whatever you want to call it, it involves riders sitting on the top tube to reduce their profile, get more aero and descend faster. The UCI’s statement on ongoing attempts to improve rider safety explained that in first instances riders will be given warnings by race commissaires as part of an initial education and awareness phase. However, after April 1st systematic sanctions will come into place, including possible exclusion from competition.
Needless to say the UCI has received a social media backlash from riders and fans who suggested the governing body is putting the blame for the sport’s danger on the riders. Cofidis’ Simon Geschke tweeted: “What about downhill sprints like the one in the Tour of Poland last year that nearly killed someone?”
Geschke’s complaint came just hours after the second stage of Étoile de Bessèges, which was marred by a big crash after the peloton was asked to negotiate a roundabout at 500m to go on a fast sprint stage. Mads Pedersen was caught up in the crash and described it as a “shit way to end a good sprint stage”.
In the UCI’s statement they reiterated their commitment to increasing rider safety at dangerous parts of the race, including by introducing a standardised barrier for the final of events, particularly bunch sprints.
Literally today. pic.twitter.com/LYioHxuuST
— Cycling out of context (@OutOfCycling) February 4, 2021
Poll: Should pro cyclists be allowed to descend on the top tube?
Mirror breached Independent Press Standards with photo of lockdown cyclists
The Mirror was a repeat offender. Perhaps the most egregious example was this photo (from the same photographer) of an alleged “group” of cyclists shown over almost the entire length of one side of Regents Park pic.twitter.com/12iGA6s68O
— Mark Treasure (@AsEasyAsRiding) February 4, 2021
Just a quick update as we’ve got a full news story coming shortly. The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) has upheld a complaint about a story that appeared on the Mirror’s website last April. The complaint was made about the use of a photo of cyclists where “the angle of the photo gave a distorted impression of the distance between him and the other cyclists, making them appear closer in proximity. He said that, if the road markings in the image were examined carefully, it was clear that the cyclists were at least 2 metres apart.”
Full story to follow on road.cc shortly…
Hereford is the UK's safest place to commute during winter
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Data by Electric Bike Access put Hereford at the top of the table for Britain’s safest place for winter cycling commuters. They reached the conclusion by analysing the number of cycling incidents as well as other factors such as rainfall and temperature. London topped the list for the highest number of injuries and fatalities, with 779 in 2019 yet still scraped into the top five safest cities. Leeds was ruled the worst city for cyclists. Behind Hereford the other safest cities were Plymouth, Wakefield and Swansea.
Plymouth Live reports that despite their city’s inclusion, one cyclist is fed up with cars parked in bike lanes. Jason Searing’s video was shared on the news outlet’s website and shows a first-person view of one of the city’s cycle lanes…
This is what we like to see
Every kid deserves to grow up with a good dog… pic.twitter.com/fyhnrIwB0n
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) February 3, 2021
Cyclist suffers broken bones after "serious assault" by ten youths
A cyclist was left with fractures to his jaw, ribs, leg and wrists after being punched and kicked to the ground by a group of ten youths on a disused railway track in Walsall. The cyclist in his 50s was set on as he tried to ride past the group just off Cartbridge Lane South. The Birmingham Mail reports the attack only stopped when a passer-by shouted at the group, who then fled the scene. Due to his injuries the cyclist is still recovering in hospital.
West Midlands Police has launched an appeal to catch the group, who fractured the cyclists jaw in two places during the attack. A spokesperson for the police force said: “We’re asking for your help to identify a group of lads who left a cyclist with several broken bones, including a fractured jaw, after a serious assault on a disused railway track in Walsall.
“The man in 50s went to cycle past a group of about 10 youngsters on the path off Cartbridge Lane South at about 1.45pm on Saturday, January 23. But they began kicking and punching at him, before two of the youths who were on a motorbike, knocked him to the ground, where the attack continued until a passer-by shouted and the group fled.
“The group of lads were all described as white and were wearing dark clothing, face coverings and scarfs. Our enquiries are continuing and if you were out on the path, saw the group of lads or have any other information please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 or via the live chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk and quote the crime reference: 20WS/21739H/21.
Jackie Weaver and the Handforth Parish Council make it to the big time
After more jostling for position than a Parish Council meeting, @kwiato and @Eganbernal have made the break at #EDB2021.
They have a 2:30″ gap with 65km to go 👊 pic.twitter.com/PSkzy3d4YR
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) February 5, 2021
The measure of something going viral should surely be if a pro cycling team manages to shoehorn a reference into a race update. Jackie Weaver, Aled’s iPad and the other stars of the now famous Handforth Parish Council meeting, you’ve made it…If you’ve got no idea what we’re talking about, take a watch of this clip from the Wilmslow parish’s Zoom meeting that has been making headlines today…
Myanmar Military: “Let’s hold the biggest coup d’état of 2021.”
Me, Jackie Weaver: “Hold my green tea”
— Jackie Weaver (@TheJackieWeaver) February 4, 2021
British Cycling names new external Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group
British Cycling has named the first members of its new external Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group. The move is part of a five-year strategic framework to tackle the diversity and inclusion gap and hopefully ensure that the sport is reflective of Britain’s communities. The group brings together 14 experts who will advise the Executive Leadership Team, Board of Directors and British Cycling staff. Julie Watts will be the co-chair and senior clinical manager, while former professional cyclist Philippa York is also part of the group.
British Cycling’s business services director Rob Findlay said: “This is a long-term mission which requires a real organisational and culture change, and covers all levels of the sport, including our membership, programmes, volunteer workforce, staff and decision-making governance structures, and we are committed to providing updates on our progress over the months and years ahead.”
Readers' thoughts on the UCI banning the top tube descending position...
So I guess this won’t be allowed… pic.twitter.com/TYb8rCZOiJ
— Makecyclingsafeagain (@Makecyclingsafe) February 5, 2021
There’s been a fair bit of debate on our Facebook and Twitter posts as well as in the comments here about the UCI’s threat to impose sanctions from April 1st for riders who descend on the top tube. The debate seems to be split between two main camps: those who think pros are skilled enough to decide how much risk they want to take in closed road races and those who think the descending style sets a dangerous example to amateurs (especially younger riders) who may copy them. As with Simon Geschke’s complaint, there’s also been a few accusations of hypocrisy about other aspects of the UCI’s governing of races that has seen riders put in danger…
On Facebook Craig Osborne replied to our story: “I get it. They don’t want to encourage it in amateur races and charity events or worse still on the open road. It’s a shame though. I always enjoyed watching master bike handlers go downhill like stones.”
Stuart Parker added: “Yes it’s the right call. I see too many kids copying it, including my own 11 year old son. It’s dangerous.”
However, Fábio Queirós made the case for the defence: “Absolutely NOT! They are pros and race on closed roads, they should do whatever they deem risk worthy for those extra seconds. What’s next? Neutralise the clock on descents? As for the regular Joe imitating the pros, it’s not for the UCI to educate the public. When I go for a bike ride, I decide what I do (to be clear, I’ve used this position once or twice in my life) and the risks I want to take. And if your kids are doing this, then it’s on you, the parent/coach, to correct it. If you don’t, it’s your failure, not the UCI’s.”
John-Paul Bell said: “shouldn’t the UCI be dealing with more persistent causes of accidents like idiotic motorcycle outriders?” While James Wright added: “Literally the same governing body who allowed a roundabout in the last 500m of a sprint stage yesterday…”
Kwiato has his say on top tube descending
So just before the stage I was answering questions about riding on the top tube. Please @UCI_cycling think about the real risks, like oil on the road today. Don’t blame us for causing crashes. There is so much to do on safety and organization side of cycling… @Etoile_Besseges pic.twitter.com/3SV3dmOyDF
— Michał Kwiatkowski (@kwiato) February 5, 2021
Tim Wellens wins stage three of Étoile de Bessèges with a solo attack
Top 10 tercera etapa @Etoile_Besseges pic.twitter.com/ewShBd7Z0i
— LA RUEDA COLOMBIA 🚴🇨🇴🚴 (@TristanchoYamid) February 5, 2021
After all the debate around descending and top tubes today, when the racing finally got underway it was Tim Wellens who got his hands in the air. The Belgian attacked over the top of the final climb and held off the chasing breakaway to win solo by 37 seconds and most likely secure the GC for the five-stage race as well. Ineos rider Michal Kwiatkowski crashed on the final descent due to oil in the road.
🔥 ¡GIGANTE Tim Wellens! #EDB2021
🚴 El corredor belga del @Lotto_Soudal se escapó en solitario y se llevó la victoria en la tercera etapa del @Etoile_Besseges-Tour du Gard
💥 https://t.co/wgAVMDSNo2 pic.twitter.com/KFtAjPnjwB
— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) February 5, 2021
England cricketer Joe Root puts century in India down to new cycling regime
Joe Root was in scintillating form on the first day of the opening Test against India this morning. The England captain scored a century on his 100th Test match and it’s apparently all down to the cycling he’s been doing. Root said: “I can assure you this is not a plug, but I invested in a Peloton and have been doing a lot of work on that. I have followed the programme that (fitness coach) Phil Scott puts together for us too, trying to make my back a little bit more manageable and my legs and backside a little bit stronger.
“It’s really important for all of us, with the amount of cricket we have to play, that we are in as best shape as we can be to give ourselves a better chance to be on the park as frequently as possible and able to perform at our absolute best.”
5 February 2021, 09:07
5 February 2021, 09:07
5 February 2021, 09:07
5 February 2021, 09:07
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Latest Comments
With so many people using and looking at mobie phones whilst driving and other distractions, may I suggest you always wear Hi viz and stay at home.
The design of the "car" has played a role in this. SUVs and what the Americans call "trucks" are exempt from the pedestrian safety regulations which apply to passenger cars. Had the victim been hit by a car designed in the past twenty years he would have been "scooped" onto the bonnet and either over the roof or off to one side. Still a serious injury risk and potentially fatal but they have the benefit of those passive safety systems to improve their chances. With vehicles with such a high bonnet line as this Volvo has what tends to happen is the person bounces off the bonnet and falls on the road in front of the vehicle where they're then run over. This has happened time and time again and is becoming more of an issue as the numbers of vehicles exempt from the safety standards grows.
@Accessibility for all Reducing the speeds wouldn't have helped in this case as the driver was reported doing 65 in a 40 zone on the approach to the junction, his driving described by the witnesses as erratic and evidently had no intention to stop to give way even though he had been warned by the passenger who apparently shouted "bike" three times just before the collision. He would have likely flown through that junction even if it was traffic light controlled with a red light for him at the time. In my own experience the entire area i.e. east of Lymm towards Warburton and along Dunham Road all the way up to Altrincham and past into Hale Barns, all those wealthy, posh settlements around Manchester Airport are best avoided by road cyclists. A disproportionally high number of psycho drivers must for some reason live in that area because every single time I went there on my road bike in the past, I either got harassed myself or witnessed proper dickhead driving - speeding, close passes, overtaking into oncoming traffic or round a blind bend, accelerating towards pedestrians already crossing the road, you name it. I gave up road cycling in that area years ago and only use the local TPT these days.
In respect of the murder charge: based on him hitting Mr Mullins and making no attempt to help him (this killing him), how would the case compare to a hit and run driver who seriously injures or kills a cyclist, knowingly, and flees the scene without helping? Would this make the cut for a murder charge? Or is there something very different going on here that I’m missing? Genuinely curious because I don’t recall there being a murder charge before for this kind of thing unless it was premeditated. In fact, in my experience most cases like this seem to go the opposite way - where the driver can merely say the sun was in their eyes and get away with a slap on the hands.
@Rendel Harris...and there was me dishing out the praise!
@polainm He must also be an already hardened criminal. It wasn't mentioned during the court proceedings to avoid influencing the jurors and ensuring he had a fair trial, but he had been released from prison shortly before this incident and was couch surfing at his cousin's house days before. Just look at his face, he's only 35, but looks older than his victim who was 56. Must have spent half his adult life in prison.
@jaymack They did offer him manslaughter though but he declined to plead guilty. Without wanting to seem curmudgeonly, yes great that they preferred the most serious charges but hard to see how they could have done differently considering that Richardson got out of the car, saw Mr Mullins was stuck underneath and then got back in and carried on. That clearly moved it above anything that falls under death by dangerous driving.
@thrawed Agree - the UK winters are utterly grim; grey, wet & windy. Not the type of weather you really want to go out and ride. Everything get covered in filth, and takes time to clean it after a ride. Oh for colder, drier & crisper days which can be enjoyable to be out in.
@ymm In my view, lax sentencing of dangerous drivers, especially where cyclists are involved, makes the judge, jury and CPS complicit in UK driver culture. This driver is a sociopath.
@Mr Blackbird i reckon the libido is a bit overrated. I'd let that go rather than a limb or a nice bike.
36 thoughts on “England cricket captain Joe Root thanks new cycling regime for century in India; Cyclist suffers broken bones in “serious assault” by ten youths; UK’s safest city for winter cycle commuting; UCI bans riders from top tube descending + more on the live blog”
Ah, good old whataboutery or
Ah, good old whataboutery or “Semi-related issues is a perfectly valid reason to ignore this issue.
Losd wrote:
Which is even less convincing as an argument when you realise that the same UCI statement covered a whole package of other measures aimed at addressing exactly the kind of issues they’re complaining about them not addressing…
Having said that, I’m not convinced that there’s any particular evidence been demonstrated that descending on the top tube is causing increased danger – it seems to be more that some purists think its ugly, which isn’t really a good reason for banning it.
Well, I’m glad the UCI can’t
Well, I’m glad the UCI can’t tell me what to do (I’ve never raced and am well past doing so). When I had a bike frame made I had the top tube sloped down enough to give me space under the nose of the saddle to get down on the top tube and go faster. Worked a treat.
I don’t think there’s a
I don’t think there’s a single top rider who can’t descend like this, so why the fuss? If some could do it and some couldn’t those who could would have cause for complaint about their advantage being removed, as it is a ban would give nobody an advantage and would make everybody safer.
Descending at speed is
Descending at speed is dangerous. Professional riders know this. Let them decide what they should do. They all know the risks.
OldRidgeback wrote:
This is the same argument as for allowing performance enhancing drugs.
It’s dangerous let the riders decide for themselves, they only risk their own health
But if some will do it, then everyone is forced to, or not be competitive anymore.
Does it add to the racing? Does it make tactics more complex? Is it a particularly difficult skill? No it adds danger for no real benefit, and kids and pro emulators copy it.
Picture is quite an extreme example with the riders centre of mass almost above the front wheel.
wycombewheeler wrote:
No it isn’t. Descending fast is a cycling skill. Don’t equate that with drug use.
OldRidgeback wrote:
The logical extension of that is to say “Riding off your line in a sprint is dangerous. Professional riders know this. Let them decide what they should do.” In fact the full logical extension is to say remove all rules and just let the riders decide what they think is best in all circumstances..
Not convinced by the slippery
Not convinced by the slippery slope argument. Riding off the line frequently causes incidents and accidents. Top tube descending looks sketchy, but doesn’t have a long history of carnage.
Drinfinity wrote:
That, I think, is the point, isn’t it – anyone who rides a bike knows it’s not as stable or safe as standard riding positions, isn’t it a good shout to ban it before we have a history of carnage?
Rendel Harris wrote:
Pro riders can do various things that the rest of us probably shouldn’t try. For example, too many people – including kids – doing stupid things like resting their forearms on the handlebars in circuit races and even during training sessions “like pro riders”. I’ve seen it myself and know it’s a common problem.
The aero tuck is not the biggest issue facing pro cycling* but I think it makes sense to ban it.
* that wil be the aero gains from knee-length ribbed socks.
Ultimately people have
Ultimately people have complained about the aero tuck before. If someone was killed despite the warnings then the UCI would be asked why it wasn’t banned and so on.
And yes, I’ve seen amateur riders copying it. Looks like an accident waiting to happen…not just if you crash…what if you misjudge getting up off the tube and smack your back on the saddle…pain….
Have there been any accidents
Have there been any accidents in the pro peloton as a direct result of aero tucks?
The only example I could find
The only example I could find was 2018 Philippe Gilbert in Le Tour. Even then he was back up in the saddle for two corners before crashing. Plenty of other downhill crashes on bends from a normal position.
Quintana once crashed when adjusting his shoe – very clear cause effect in that one. UCI should ban shoes, as there is more evidence* they cause crashes.
*By evidence, I mean 5 minutes googling. Proper evidence would include a large representative sample of pro descending, an assessment of speed and Km in tuck vs standard, comparison of crash frequency.
PRSboy wrote:
How can one say? Certainly there have been pros crashing when in an aero tuck, but who can say they wouldn’t have crashed if in a conventional position? However, as even their proponents and defenders agree that these positions are less stable, it seems safe to assume that there would be crashes which could have been avoided with a more stable platform.
Rendel Harris wrote:
But it isn’t though. If it is such an issue, then gather and present the evidence. Look at the crash rate per km of downhill riding style, and see if there is significant evidence to reject the hypothesis that there is no additional risk.
If it really is so dangerous, then it will be obvious from the data, and that would be a good rationale for the ban.
A proper approach would consider the various risks in a similar way, and take the most drastic action on those with the highest priority. Motor vehicles, and obstructions in sprints (barriers, road furniture and photographers for example) I suggest would have a higher signal than top tube descending, but the data would show where the most significant issues are.
Although having now actually
Although having now actually read UCI statement, they are going to do that as well.
“
With the collaboration of an external service provider specialising in data collection and analysis, the UCI has undertaken the development of a database of incidents and accidents that have occurred at major UCI WorldTour events in the last five years, allowing for more effective targeting of actions to be taken by the UCI for in-race safety”
Story in today’s Bristol Post
Story in today’s Bristol Post, fitting the ‘motor vehicles as domesticated animals’ trope:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/kingswood-crash-sees-car-flip-4969033
My emphasis.
So, the car apparently flipped onto its roof without any human involvement; as a consequence of this, some humans were injured; and (if we’re going to be pedantic) an ambulance arrived and took the injured humans away without any paramedics being involved…
At least they called it a “crash” and not an accident.
Domesticated animals! I’ll
Domesticated animals! I’ll remember that, it’s good. I’ve always gone for the plain old “autonomous cars” or “sentient vehicles” line.
Thousands of drivers are
Thousands of drivers are prosecuted after angry motorists submit dash cam clips to police (telegraph.co.uk)
This is from the the Torygraph. Not sure what the purpose of the article is other than clickbait. But why do they assume that motorists (and cyclists) submit footage because they’re angry. Nothing to do with civic duty or road safety then?
IanMK wrote:
Indeed. I submit footage to ensure I don’t get angry.
I made the mistake of reading
I made the mistake of reading some of the comments on the Plymouth Live story. Apparently lots of “experts” believe that it’s okay to stop on double yellow lines if your a builder or your just dropping something off. I assume they believe that it’s the Highway Code that’s wrong or possibly ambiguous “Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs.”
Don’t forget too that
Don’t forget too that flashing hazard lights are universally recognised as allowing you to park anywhere, for any length of time.
To be fair, if it’s just
To be fair, if it’s just double yellow lines, you are allowed to “stop to load or unload”. Dropping something off probably counts as unloading. If there are additional marks on the kerb, they may indicate no loading.
There are some double red
There are some double red lines not far from me now. One section has no stopping at any time and another has no stopping between 1 April and 30 Sept.
People believe it is ok to park on the double reds in the 1 April to 30 sept section because it is February !
You could be right but this
You could be right but this is more likely to be a case of interpreting the rules to suit. The AA says:
You might be allowed to quickly stop to load or unload heavy goods.
Obviously if they were a blue badge holder they would be allowed to stop there.
“The increase in cycling has
“The increase in cycling has led to funding for roads being diluted and diverted from its primary use.”
You couldn’t make it up !
of course the primary purpose
of course the primary purpose of roads is to be a place you can leave your private vehicle unattended wherever it suits you, you’re not suggesting it should be used for people actually going somewhere are you
At least the rules are
At least the rules are finally going to be enforced, but they are coming as just warnings at the moment. I guess enough warnings lead to a fine and then a ban.
This was the Australian crit champs today.
Hereford safest city to
Hereford safest city to commute in. Presumably there is a correlation with West Midlands police using it as part of their close pass initiative. Perhaps other cities could learn.
Why on earth are the police
Why on earth are the police referring to the filth who beat up the cyclist as “lads” and “youngsters”? Makes it sound as if there was a bit of harmless horseplay!
Might be confusing for The
Might be confusing for The Filth to be after filth?
You beat me to it! Perhaps
You beat me to it! Perhaps ‘the lads’ were just larking about, being satirical or something, and certainly didn’t mean it…?
Basically good boys, except
Basically good boys, except for a bit of ultraviolence now and then.
As far as the ‘wont someone
As far as the ‘wont someone please think of the children’ reaction to the UCI having solved all other problems in cycling, since kids have been riding on the crossbar,because it’s the obvious way to gain speed going down hill, since kids & bikes were invented. How will the UCI decision then actually help ?
For instance kids often ride 2up on bikes with one sat on the stem/handlebars, I’ve not seen pro riders do that too often, maybe the UCI should ban it just in case, or maybe it’s just kids do stupid things when they ride bikes because they are kids,not because they copy pro riders.
The UCI erred by stating it
The UCI erred by stating it was for rider safety, when they can easily make it about being consistent with their opposition to aero measures that make riding faster. They banned recumbents, they banned the Lotus 108, why would they not ban a riding position that creates a more aero profile? The bike’s geometry and mass is regulated, it is logical that they would regulate the aero as well. They do this with sock length and aero fabrics, which is consistent to other sports – eg swimming, where fast suits were banned because of their buoyancy and reduced drag.
Clearly the UCI are already limiting aero in many ways, so why not just own it instead of hiding behind safety as an excuse?