Welcome to your Monday live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team.
Live blog: Bristol teen completes gap year round-the-world ride, Zwift L’Etape du Tour Training Club, lorry tailgate near-dooring, Brailsford smashes Strade Bianche Gran Fondo, tributes to Kelly Catlin + more
All today’s news from the site and beyond as we start a new week…
Mon, Mar 11, 2019 16:44
SUMMARY
11 March 2019, 16:44
In case you missed it: Ban on electric scooters on UK roads could end, says minister
Transport minister Jesse Norman says that an effective ban on using electric scooters on UK roads could end – potentially opening the way for scooter-sharing firms to enter the British market. More here.
11 March 2019, 16:44
ICYMI: Mattel releases Kristina Vogel Barbie doll to mark International Women's Day
Olympic champion track cyclist Kristina Vogel, who was left paralysed from the chest down after a training crash last June, has been honoured with a Barbie doll in her likeness for International Women’s Day. More here.
11 March 2019, 16:44
ICYMI - Pope Francis says road cycling shows value of teamwork – but warns about sport’s dark side
Pope Francis says that road cycling provides an example of the value of teamwork – but has warned that the pursuit of “prestige and profit” can lead riders astray. More here.
11 March 2019, 16:44
Cycling pays tributes to World Champion cyclist Kelly Catlin, who died aged 23
The UCI is deeply saddened by the loss of three-time team pursuit UCI World Champion, Kelly Catlin. Our thoughts go out to her family, teammates, and friends. pic.twitter.com/OS551BLWeN
— UCI (@UCI_cycling) March 11, 2019
The impact this article has on me resonates strongly. I hope that we can find better resources for Olympians and athletes alike. Most are struggling to pursue something they’re passionate in but also something that’ll pay the bills.
— Mirai Nagasu (@mirai_nagasu) March 11, 2019
This is tragic.
If you’re suffering from depression, reach out. There’s nothing harder than getting through that darkness. But you can, and when you do the world looks entirely different. All you need is the strength to ask for help.
tel:1-800-273-8255 https://t.co/n7RkybyxYc— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) March 11, 2019
The U.S. cycling community suffered a devastating loss with the passing of Kelly Catlin, USA Cycling National Team member.
Read full statement here: https://t.co/R5jltUh5KF pic.twitter.com/GJU6mlHGq0
— USA Cycling (@usacycling) March 10, 2019
Catlin’s father Mark told VeloNews that the cause of her death on Friday night was suicide. We’ll have a full story and obituary on the site later this morning.
11 March 2019, 16:44
Popular climb in Lanzarote closed to cyclists... because of too many cyclists
Tourists who visit the Canarian island for the epic cycling rather than the Irish bars and discount cigarettes have recently been disappointed to find that one of the most famous climbs has been closed to cyclists for the forseeable… because of too many cyclists. According to Spanish news website Lancelot Digital the narrow climb up Femés mountain meant that tailbacks of cars were being formed due to high numbers of cyclists ascending and descending it. The report says some locals have complained the road is particularly dangerous, although according to our sources on the island many are still riding the climb anyway. Translating the comments in the Lancelot Digital article reveals some familiar anti-cyclist sentiment, although refreshingly a majority call for widening of the roads and better cycle tracks “because the islanders should be thinking more carefully about the kind of clientele they want to attract to Lanzarote” says one…
11 March 2019, 16:44
La Dusty Vita
Quickly becoming one of our favourite races to watch is Strade Bianche.
The race uses the gravel roads of Tuscany, winding their way through the hills and taking the riders to the finish in Sienna.
It is a truly stunning race to watch, although riding it might be a bit different…
11 March 2019, 16:44
Julian Alaphilippe's Strada Bianche winning S-Works Tarmac Disc
Here’s Julian Alaphilippe’s Strada Bianche winning S-Works Tarmac Disc, covered in dust and in need of a good wash!
He was riding the Tarmac, the all-round model in Specialized’s range, with disc brakes and 50mm carbon fibre rims shod with 26mm wide tyres.
11 March 2019, 16:44
Even after winning the race he still had enough energy to attempt some front wheel stoppies on his way back to the team bus, whilst being chased by fans wanting a selfie!
11 March 2019, 16:44
Dave Brailsford smashes the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, averaging almost 21mph over the bumpy 138km ride
While most of his top pro riders are in the thick of Paris-Nice, Team Sky’s head honcho took to the white gravel in Tuscany, competing in the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche that took place the day after Julian Alaphilippe of Quick-Step won the pro race. It was another mightily impressive ride from Brailsford, who posted the evidence to Strava – according to Strava’s power estimates (make of that what you will) he put out an average of 280 watts and rode at just under 21mph to complete the course in a little over four hours… that’s with a puncture 9km out from the finish. He’ll have no option but to sign himself up on the team at this rate!
11 March 2019, 16:44
What's this... decent London infra??
Just another new modal filter in Waltham Forest. Welcome to calm Capworth Street! @wfcycling @WeSupportWFMH @TwoWheelsGoodUK @Labourstone pic.twitter.com/2xfAwz4GCX
— Kee (@RouteW15) March 10, 2019
More of the same please!
11 March 2019, 16:44
Who else would love a month in Calpe?
Madison Genesis held their annual team training camp in Calpe this year and it’s easy to see why. The wall-to-wall sunshine beats the weather that we’ve been having here!
Anyone for a holiday?
11 March 2019, 16:44
Come join us for road.cc's Bath rideout, 22nd March
We’ve still got some FREE places left for the road.cc rideout on Friday 22nd March… join us for a chat, cake, beer, pizza… oh and a lovely scenic ride too. We’ve also got Stans NoTubes visiting to convert a lucky few volunteers to tubeless, tasty giveaways from Namedsport and the routes are provided by Komoot. See you there!
11 March 2019, 16:44
A different kind of near-dooring - cyclist almost hit as lorry driver opens trailer
We’ve featured near-doorings in our Near Miss of the Day series before, but here’s an unusual one, involving a lorry driver opening his trailer.
The footage was recorded by road.cc reader Bob, who said: “This looks quite innocent until you think what would have happened had I not given that lorry a wide berth, luckily nothing was coming the other way or I might not be here to tell the tale.
“Also the lorry is parked on double yellow lines and the pavement. No wonder our pavements are a mess.”
11 March 2019, 16:44
Bristol teen who had bike stolen in Australia set to complete record-breaking round-the-world ride
A Bristol teenager whose bike was stolen when he was in Australia is reportedly on course new record for being the youngest person to cycle around the world solo and unassisted.
Charlie Condell, aged 18, decided to use his gap year to circumnavigate the globe on two wheels, setting off on 6 July last year.
The Guardian reports that he was due to return to his starting point – Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge – today after visiting 20 countries on his 18,000-mile journey.
“I’ve loved so many different aspects of this trip,” the Guardian reports him as saying. “From the beautiful mountains to the pristine beaches, the people, the culture and the food. I’ve loved growing as a person.”
He was 103 days into his journey when he discovered that his bike, camping equipment, passport and other kit had been stolen in Townsville, Queensland, but vowed to carry on and with the theft making headlines around the world was able to source a new bike and other gear.
Reflecting on his ride, he said: “I think that there are a few reasons why people cycle, There are certain special things that everyone can share in common. That ranges from reaching a summit, to simply just pushing a big gear down a piece of perfect road.
“When you can find one of these moments, with the perfect scenery, and bliss everywhere, that’s when one feels truly special. It reminds us why we first rode – not for the KOMs or any of that stuff, just simply for the pleasure of riding your bike.”
11 March 2019, 16:44
How many bottom bracket standards?
S**t loads, that’s how many! Although in amongst them all I’m still unable to source a 103mm square taper Shimano BB-UN55 Bottom Bracket for my trusty Trek 1.2, anyone got any pointers??
11 March 2019, 16:44
Paris-Nice: Dylan Groenewegen wins stage 2
@GroenewegenD devance @ivan_cortina et @PhilippeGilbert sur la ligne et conserve son #MaillotJaune.
Dylan Groenewegen beats Ivan Garcia Cortina and Philippe Gilbert ans keeps the yellow jersey on his shoulders. pic.twitter.com/vnaUPq7U2Q
— Paris-Nice (@ParisNice) March 11, 2019
The Dutch Team Jumbo–Visma rider maintained his overall lead and made it back-to-back stage wins on the second day of Paris-Nice.
11 March 2019, 16:44
Zwift launches L'Etape du Tour Training Club
Virtual cycling platform Zwift has launched L’Etape du Tour training club aimed at preparing riders for this year’s edition of the cyclosportive – although with places capped at 30,000 compared to 15,000 entries for the event itself, they’re expecting people not riding in France to use it for their own summer goals.
Head here to sign up. Here’s what Zwift says:
16 weeks. 4 distinct training phases. Limited to 30,000 riders, this exclusive training club specifically targets the demands of the 2019 L’Etape du Tour. World Tour coach, Kevin Poulton, is the mastermind behind the plan’s many workouts and rides.
Finish individual workouts between March and July 21st—the date of the 2019 L’Etape du Tour—to unlock items based on your progress. Get to 100% completion for five unique items. Your avatar’s style is about to skyrocket.
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Jack is group editor across road.cc, off.road.cc and ebiketips, overseeing all three sites in the F-At Digital group to make sure everything’s up to scratch. He’s been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of road.cc including tech, news and video, and also contributed to eBikeTips before being named editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town, and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master’s degree in print journalism, and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it’s a long story).
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Latest Comments
hawkinspeter 11 minutes ago
Regulation isn't required for the illegal e-motorbike issues - they're already illegal to use on the roads/pavements, so it's a question of enforcement. Tougher (or at least some) traffic law enforcement is required, but the police should focus on the biggest problems which to my mind are drivers who are not paying attention or speeding etc.
mdavidford 14 minutes ago
I think that's a crown farthing, isn't it?
chrisonabike 11 hours ago
"All that's required is an to roads policing" - that's a big all... Although no doubt the "idiots just keep coming" aspect does apply: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz9lel2wz93o "Man charged after car crashes through bowling alley" - luckily they only skittled over skittles.
chrisonabike 11 hours ago
Almost any change to roads and streets is accompanied by a period of heightened danger, and in the UK "look out for cyclists" will need to be learned... practically. And over the time it takes for cyclists to become a regular feature. OTOH once (if...) good designs are in and frequent enough such that drivers encounter them AND the cyclists on them regularly (another big if) I don't think they should be much more difficult than a footway to deal with. These things are all over NL - don't have the collision stats but they should. (NL isn't perfect but collecting info on the safety of designs to feed back into better designs as required is part of the "sustainable safety" philosophy - if they're really a killer I think they'd be altering these.)
wtjs 13 hours ago
I'm in the happy position of agreeing with everybody here! I've never considered a bike with a stand, yet I'm impressed by the ingenuity and adaptability of this axle. I tow a Yak Bob with a Robert Axle, employing my El Cheapo Vitus gravel bike and I just have to be very careful where I stop. Hedges are generally a dead loss, and I seek walls, telegraph poles and signposts and generally lean the widest part of the Bob against it. One very awkward task is removing the two steel pins which lock the trailer arms onto the special mounting slots on the Robert axle, and when you have one out, the sodding weight in the trailer can twist the whole caboodle and bend the Bob fitting before you can get the other out and unhitch. I doubt if a stand would help with that. You can imagine that this combo is a real pain when you have to get it over the bridge at railway stations, and it nearly resulted in Merseyrail nearly parting me and the trailer on the platform from the bike on the train. It's a long story for another time. Another axle example recently featured on here, with a 12mm front axle bearing the Herculean weight limit of a monster American front rack.
HoarseMann 14 hours ago
This has nothing to do with the type of bike - it's the type of behaviour that's the problem. Banning the sale of such bikes will not curtail the behaviour. They'll just find another type of vehicle and continue to drive dangerously as there's such a lack of enforcement. I'd sooner see them ban the bally. But really, all that's required is an improvement to roads policing.
AidanR 15 hours ago
The EAPC Bill is welcome, but full of holes. What's to stop an overpowered but temporarily limited e-bike being sold and subsequently delimited? This is often a trivial process.
Sredlums 15 hours ago
@KiwiMike Yeah, in my over four decades of riding all over Europe I've never 'been for a ride in the countryside'. That must be it. Or, and I know this is a wild concept, you just accept that I just voiced my personal experiences and never missed a kickstand, like I wrote. Anyway, what's the big horror of laying your bike on its side for the very few occasions where there is nothing to lean your bike against?
mdavidford 16 hours ago
They may have looked, but did they see?
jackcycles 16 hours ago
Ds2025: where they are going wrong is that they are crushing the motorbike rather than the person sat on top of it. If they did the latter this issue would be solved in less than 24 hours.
8 thoughts on “Live blog: Bristol teen completes gap year round-the-world ride, Zwift L’Etape du Tour Training Club, lorry tailgate near-dooring, Brailsford smashes Strade Bianche Gran Fondo, tributes to Kelly Catlin + more”
Kind of makes Playa Blanca a
Kind of makes Playa Blanca a pretty bad choice as a cycling holiday destination. In fact, it rules out so much of the south of the island, you’re better off going somewhere else altogether.
I wonder if Brailsford has
I wonder if Brailsford has any of the jiffy bags left over? Impressive stuff from him though.
Rick_Rude wrote:
I’m not sure he deals with the paperclips and envelopes etc. nice of you to consider it though. What do you need them for? I think there’s some in the cupboard at work, if you send your address I can get some out to you…
its a busy road from playa
its a busy road from playa blanca and the quickest route to other parts of the island. Throw in a couple of hairpins near the top 12% average gradient for 1 km then its not surprising. I normally pull over in a lay by near the top to let traffic go and also for my own safety. Best climb is Tabayesco for length and solitude, stay in puerto del carmen and opens up the whole island
Rather than banning bikes
Rather than banning bikes from that road, they ought to be looking into why it’s so busy with cars. The LZ-2 should to be the route of choice for through traffic.
Dave, seeing as Dr Richard is
Dave, seeing as Dr Richard is on long term sick, do you know who the testosterone patches were for?
Velovoyeur wrote:
Dave and his crew have been through quite a lot of undue speculation and seemingly passed with flying colours. I’m not sure your warrior skills from behind that keyboard are likely to make a Columbo-esque discovery.
Just one more question, when another article here refers to an athlete taking her own life, do you not think it crass to be brinking up the good doctor’s apparent mental health issues?
Jack, I’ve got a boxed
Jack, I’ve got a boxed titanium spindled Hope ST BB in BSC/103mm flavour with sealed bearings and you can have a choice of red or blue cups, how much would you like to offer me?