Welcome to your Tuesday live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team.
Live blog: Froome loses 14 mins in Catalunya crash, German govt digs in over “sexist” cycle helmet ad, Jeremy Vine cut up by cab vid sees HIM get riding advice, Green MP takes aim at new Team Sky owner Ineos, Thomas de Gentd lays down the power +more
All today’s news from the site and beyond…
Tue, Mar 26, 2019 19:06
SUMMARY
26 March 2019, 19:06
Unbaa-lievable
Here’s a lamb confusing a bike tyre for its mum to start your day…
26 March 2019, 19:06
Milan-San Remo from the EF Education First Team
The longest day on our race schedule took us from the bustling streets of Milan to the sunny coastal town of Sanremo. Along the way, #PinkArgyle animated #MilanoSanremo.
The latest episode of #EFGoneRacing brings you along on the first Monument of the season Watch now. pic.twitter.com/R7Bs0dAB0L
— EF Education First Pro Cycling (@EFprocycling) March 26, 2019
In association with their kit sponsor Rapha, the team have produced this snazzy video to chart their 2019 Milan-San Remo journey…
26 March 2019, 19:06
Thomas de Gendt throws down huge power in impressive Volta a Catalunya opening stage victory
The Belgian Lotto-Soudal rider showed us what it takes to capture such an impressive victory via his Strava account, with a weighted average power of 352 watts over the 164km stage with over 3,000m of elevation. De Gendt weights 72kg.
De Gendt broke away with about 60km to go and more than held on for the victory, now enjoying a three minute lead over his nearest rival. What’s more impressive is that De Gendt’s ride shows that the peloton were tanking it from the start in places, with plenty of his early segments in the 400 to 500 watt range.
The second stage is slightly longer and could play into the hands of sprinters, although there are a couple of tricky climbs on the way. After yesterday’s effort, it will be mighty impressive if De Gendt manages to keep his overall lead.
26 March 2019, 19:06
German government digs in over "sexist" cycle helmet ad
The German government says it “stands by” an advertising campaign aimed at encouraging young people to wear cycle helmets but which has been accused of sexism.
As we reported on Sunday, an image in the campaign, shot by the acclaimed British fashion photographer Rankin, had come under criticism on social media since it showed a model wearing just a cycle helmet and a bra.
Other pictures in the initiative – which are accompanied by the slogan, “Looks like shit. But saves my life.” have also attracted negative comments online.
But according to the Associated Press, transport ministry spokeswoman Transport Ministry spokeswoman Svenja Friedrich said yesterday that the whole point of the campaign was to grab attention, and she also highlighted that male models were involved.
“We can absolutely understand the criticism from various sides, but we still stand by the images,” she added.
26 March 2019, 19:06
Video: Yorkshire Worlds course suits Sagan, says ex-team mate after recce
Michael Kolar, who rode alongside Peter Sagan at Bora-Hansgrohe until he retired last year, has been out on a recce of the course of the men’s road race at September’s UCI Road World Championships – and says it will suit his fellow Slovakian, who won the rainbow jersey three times in a row from 2015-17. Here’s the video from Yorkshire 2019.
"Absolutely loved the course, amazing landscape… I think it'll be for the classics type rider, exactly to suit @petosagan in my eyes"@BoraHansgrohe's @MichaelKolar_ came to Yorkshire to take a closer look at the parcours for @yorkshire2019. Watch how he got on #Yorkshire2019 pic.twitter.com/wtVUlnyPAy
— Yorkshire 2019 (@Yorkshire2019) March 26, 2019
26 March 2019, 19:06
Ekoi launch Stripe clothing collection
The French brand’s new Stripe collection includes jerseys in blue, red, white and black colours, and also bib shorts with the stripe pattern in a choice of the same four colours on the leg grippers so you can go matchy matchy. All are available now on Ekoi’s website, with the jersey and matching shorts bundle on offer for £128.60.
26 March 2019, 19:06
Relive THAT stage from last year's Giro
BLOWING UP THE GIRO from Science in Sport on Vimeo.
Science in Sport have released a video charting Chris Froome’s legendary solo stage victory on the Colle delle Finestre on his way to Giro victory last year. Definitely worth 6 and a bit minutes of your lunchbreak…
26 March 2019, 19:06
Jeremy Vine posts video to Twitter of getting cut up by cabbie - but replies say he should have held back
Broadcaster and cyclist Jeremy Vine has posted another video to Twitter, asking this time whether he “should mind” getting cut up by a taxi in the City of London.
But the general view of people replying on the social network is that with the lights changing and the taxi starting to pull away at a junction where all traffic has to turn left from Newgate Street into King Edward Street, he should have anticipated what was going to happen and held back, rather than put himself in harm’s way.
What do you think?
Should I mind about this?
The other cyclist minded on my behalf. pic.twitter.com/U5zoKvfmaW— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) March 26, 2019
26 March 2019, 19:06
Froome crashes and loses 14 minutes in Catalunya
With so many pinch points on today’s stage, it was inevitable that there would be a few crashes but the hardest hit was Chris Froome who lost out on any potential GC hopes after a nasty crash inside the final 40km. He eventually rolled in with a small group 14 minutes down, though that should give him some freedom to go for a stage win should he recover sufficiently.
26 March 2019, 19:06
Balance bike toddlers - on a velodrome track!
Here’s a terrific video from Japan – toddlers riding the track at the Izu Velodrome on their balance bikes.
According to Google Translate, the text says (roughly) “The senior team is great!”
年長部門すごいですね！！ pic.twitter.com/pE7hFsBn7w
— izu velodrome (@Izu_Velodrome) March 24, 2019
26 March 2019, 19:06
Green Party MP takes aim at new Team Sky owner over pollution
Last week, Friends of the Earth accused Ineos and its owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe of “greenwashing” after it was confirmed the petrochemicals firm was buying Team Sky’s management company from Sky and 21st Century Fox with effect from 1 May.
Today, its Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion who is taking aim at the Brexit-backing billionaire, referencing Team Sky in a tweet that links to a Greenpeace article claiming that Ineos will close a plant in Middlesbrough if forced to comply with EU anti-pollution laws.
Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe can buy Team Sky, sponsor the Americas cup, and fund fracking.
But he ‘cannot justify’ upgrading his chemical plants so they don’t pollute our air and water.
What a guy.https://t.co/rp9nWp2ZXt
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) March 25, 2019
Once secretive, Ratcliffe’s backing of teams in yachting and cycling and an attempt to buy Chelsea FC last year, as well as his status as Britain’s richest man, have seen the raising of both his and the company’s profiles.
Anti-fracking campaigners are reportedly planning to protest against Ineos when the team debuts under its name at May’s Tour de Yorkshire – a shape of things to come once Geraint Thomas, Chris Froome and their team mates sport the company’s logo on their jerseys?
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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
Chris RideFar 3 hours ago
I have great news for everyone: as long as your derailleur has pulleys with proper bearings (i.e., not the bushings found in cheaper RDs) then your cage already has "almost zero friction". This is especially true because the return part of your chain has virtually no tension on it, so you don't need to spend any money on an "upgrade". Just go ride your bike, and "ride up grades" instead of buying them.
Chris RideFar 3 hours ago
This racing incident is certainly not what cost her the jersey, so she shouldn't be whining or placing blame anywhere else but with herself. She had plenty of time after the incident to come back, but she looked totally spent and was lucky to be with the Italian, who towed her to the line.
Mr Blackbird 4 hours ago
Even if she doesn't win the GC, she has had a terrific tour. A great win on Ventoux, Almost snatching a sprint stage and a super time trial performance.
chrisonabike 8 hours ago
@Rendel Harris indeed, but there have been a few other changes also eg. the protection of children. Sandboys are no longer employed, I thought? And thus not run over drunk in the streets. (But I may have missed a change when BJ was mayor?)
chrisonabike 8 hours ago
The basic upright bike is indeed supremely practical (ideally built with sturdy metal frame, equipped with mudguards, rack, perhaps baskets and kickstand etc). But that doesn't seem to be what most professionals are racing? It's an open question whether a modern pro would win eg. the TdF on a (faired?) recumbent benefitting from the developmental efforts that modern bikes have received. Would the aero and comfort benefits outweigh the likely weight disadvantage? Given what we know of the huge aero benefits of group riding perhaps uprights might still edge it? However the reason it's still an open question is that it was resolved on the flat a long time ago and as a result the UCI acted and amended the rules to effectively disqualify recumbents! (Perhaps in part to protect the interests of builders of upright bikes).
half_wheel79 8 hours ago
Thats racing, I like Kasia but she didn't position herself well nor have the legs yesterday.
Mr Blackbird 8 hours ago
Kasia should consider herself fortunate that Longoborghini (apologies for spelling). was willing to tow her to the line, or she would have lost even more time - she was not strong enough to do a turn on the front of the chase.
Rendel Harris 9 hours ago
https://x.com/hetiskoers/status/2086180569352716750
Rendel Harris 9 hours ago
I wanted Kasia to hold on but there's nothing conclusive on the video and even if she was baulked, intentionally or otherwise, it could only have cost her a couple of seconds, not seventeen. It's a very serious allegation; hopefully it was just made in the heat of the moment and in the cold light of day she might withdraw it. ETA Some extra fan footage on Twitter, it's a big load of nothing as far as I can see, Kasia and Gery were both trying to hold Vollering's wheel, they both went too fast into the corner side-by-side and Kasia, being on the outside, got the worst of it. No foul. Link in next comment.
Jaijai 11 hours ago
Couldn't agree more ,had my account 6 years and my last order arrived on Monday, 2 dats before the announcement .The whole set up was a mess and their b2b website is a shambles. It's not surprising to me at all they are where they are
18 thoughts on “Live blog: Froome loses 14 mins in Catalunya crash, German govt digs in over “sexist” cycle helmet ad, Jeremy Vine cut up by cab vid sees HIM get riding advice, Green MP takes aim at new Team Sky owner Ineos, Thomas de Gentd lays down the power +more”
Aw sheep iz qtist !
Aw sheep iz qtist !
Sorry Jezza, defensive riding
Sorry Jezza, defensive riding sonshine so you’re in the wrong on this one.
You can see the lights are changing, you can see it’s a left only turn and you cannot get to the ASL before they are going to move off so why bother trying to go on the inside when this is not going to save you any time whatsoever but does put you into conflict in an entirely predictable situation.
In fact the cab driver had priority and you should have yielded to that, placed yourself central behind the cab 9just like the other rider did) and taken the lane through the lights and around the bend, safe as houses and you’ve ‘lost’ what, 1.5seconds if that and no dramas. In fact it probably would have been quicker for you taking the correct option given the person behind you actually comes past with ease!
Nope, you thought a MGIF was the right thing to do.
Should mr pollution have taken the correct line around the bend, yes, but it still might have been tight, should he have bothered to check his nearside mirror before moving off, yes, however you know and we know that that’s simply not going to happen in this scenario a moton at the wheel.
Lesson learnt, just because there’s a gap doesn’t mean a you have a right to take it and b, defensive riding/driving is a thing, you need to be aware of ‘what ifs’ and in this case it was 100% predictable what was going to happen, so much so that another vulnerable road user actually took the correct line through the lights/bend.
BTBS: why are you referring
BTBS: why are you referring to JV as a magazine?
https://sonshinemagazine.com/
Or do you actually mean “sunshine”?
Rapha Nadal wrote:
As in sonny, sonshine,
deal with it, maybe just actually make comments on the subject matter at hand instead of just going off on a tangent just to cause an argument.
BehindTheBikesheds wrote:
Who’s arguing here? I’m curious as to your made up words, sonshine.
I’ll agree with BTBS there,
I’ll agree with BTBS there, ease off a bit and let the cabbie (high likelihood of being a… less forgiving driver) go off in front and go past in a more suitable situation/road section.
I’ll say well done JV for putting this as a question, getting people to assess a situation and draw conclusions about the best line to take/riding techniques to use.
BIGWATTS wrote:
tbf JV didnt say he was as put out as the rider next to him was about it, hence the question posed, but yeah thats one of those can see it coming,back off, nothing to be gained by rushing into the gap where angels fear to tread there.
I’ll agree with BTBS there,
I’ll agree with BTBS there, ease off a bit and let the cabbie (high likelihood of being a… less forgiving driver) go off in front and go past in a more suitable situation/road section.
I’ll say well done JV for putting this as a question, getting people to assess a situation and draw conclusions about the best line to take/riding techniques to use.
I’ll agree with BTBS there,
I’ll agree with BTBS there, ease off a bit and let the cabbie (high likelihood of being a… less forgiving driver) go off in front and go past in a more suitable situation/road section.
I’ll say well done JV for putting this as a question, getting people to assess a situation and draw conclusions about the best line to take/riding techniques to use.
I’ll agree with BTBS there,
Oops!
The German government may
The German government may stand by its images, but does it stand by its words “But saves my life” Surely they have an equivalent to our ASA?
burtthebike wrote:
they might who’d then ask why isnt it in Deutsch in the first place ?
If Jeremy uses that junction
If Jeremy uses that junction regularly then yes, he should’ve realised its a pinch point on that corner. However, the road markings are badly designed: the cycle lane could lead someone to believe they can filter up to the front. If they carried on the cycle lane around the bend it would help drivers not cut the corner
Think JV is actually doing a
Think JV is actually doing a good service here as he’s showing we don’t always get it right but it’s always us that is vulnerable. Incidentally, taxi overhanging the ASL, the one to the right even worse…
It also highlights the shit infrastructure, why do we keep being funnuled down the inside of cars to potential death?
I’m with you alansmurphy – I
I’m with you alansmurphy – I know that junction very well – JV’s moral indignation might be justified but from a self preservation point of view he got it wrong I’m afraid. There is no cycle lane beyond that point so someone in a motor will go for the space.
I agree – JV should have
I agree – JV should have anticipated the cabbie cutting the corner. I wouldn’t have undertaken (filtered, etc) at that point on a bike or in a car.
Had the light changed just a
Had the light changed just a little later I expect everyone would be blaming the taxi driver for dangerously cutting the corner.
Taxi driver isn’t blameless even though JV shouldn’t have put himself there as the light changed early enough to make the call.
on approaching i can see the
on approaching i can see the lights are changing, definitely tuck in behind the cab, might even get to draft it accelerating away after the bend.