Welcome to Thursday’s live blog, with Alex Bowden, Jack Sexty and contributions from the rest of the team.
Live blog: Bar wars! Energy bar brawl; Hammersmith Bridge closed ‘indefinitely’ to motorists… which is great for cyclists; Wahoo Elemnt Bolt in ltd edition colours; Phew! Extra loos for Yorkshire Worlds after 2014 Grand Départ ‘mix-up’ + more
All the cycling news from this site and beyond…
Thu, Apr 11, 2019 17:24
SUMMARY
11 April 2019, 17:24
They're going to put toilets on Buttertubs Pass and Grinton Moor for the World Championships after… what happened during the 2014 Grand Depart
The Northern Echo reports that North Yorkshire is keen to avoid mistakes made for the 2014 Grand Départ of the Tour de France.
These include a failure to provide toilets on the categorised climbs of Buttertubs Pass and Grinton Moor.
Richmondshire District Council leader, Yvonne Peacock, said: “There wasn’t much that went wrong with the Tour de France, but there was a bit of a mix-up with who was providing the toilets and they didn’t turn up. That’s a situation that we will ensure is not repeated for the World Championships.
“We know that people will be heading to Grinton Moor and Buttertubs as it is absolutely spectacular seeing the bikes going up the climbs.”
In 2014, about 30,000 spectators turned up on Buttertubs alone, so you can see why they’re keen to address this.
11 April 2019, 17:24
Danny MacAskill to stage show at Edinburgh Fringe
The Herald reports that MacAskill will be bringing a special Fringe version of his Drop and Roll show to Edinburgh this year.
MacAskill said: “Edinburgh provided the best backdrop for what became my breakthrough video back in 2009. Ten years on it seems like the perfect time to come back with the team for a brand new show in The Meadows. See you in August.”
A tongue-in-cheek 80s rock homage, MacAskill first toured Drop and Roll in 2015.
Here’s a video.
11 April 2019, 17:24
Factor launch custom frame colour software for their O2 Equipe and Classic frames
Factor’s new online 3D Prisma Studio offers 2,688 different possible colour combinations and finishes. You can create the custom frames on their O2 Equipe and Classic models, in either disc or rim brake versions. You can choose everything from the base frame, panels and logo, choosing from nine different colourways across gloss and matte finishes, with seven metallic equivalents. New colours will also be added over the next few months.
Head over to the Prisma Studio on Factor’s website to start making your own cool colour combos…
11 April 2019, 17:24
12-month ban for pensioner who didn't see cyclist she killed until he was on her bonnet
Just “a second or two moments’ inattention” says the judge.
11 April 2019, 17:24
Pinarello unveil electronic full suspension Dogma FS road bike ahead of Paris-Roubaix
The new bike provides 20mm front and 11mm rear suspension travel and is claimed to be able to “absorb in average 42% of the vibration coming from the ground that directly means an increase in comfort and bike stability,” and can be automatically or manually controlled. Full story here.
11 April 2019, 17:24
Lucky 13
Look what we’ve just had delivered… not only is it an Argon 18 Gallium Pro with Enve rims but that there is Rotor’s new 13 speed hydraulic groupset! Check back for a verdict soon when we’ve given it a thorough test ride…
11 April 2019, 17:24
The recces have begun for Paris-Roubaix...
It’s that time of the year again
Recon of ‘the Hell of the North’ pic.twitter.com/K4g6PrhSsX— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) April 11, 2019
Just three days to go before the brutality begins…
11 April 2019, 17:24
Hammersmith Bridge closed indefinitely to motorists due to safety concerns... which happens to be great news for pedestrians and cyclists
How about leaving it just for pedestrians and bikers? Will save millions in refurbishment costs and contribute to London actually being able to meet air quality and active travel goals. https://t.co/QN9ehaOAPx
— Fraser Seifert (@fraseralfred) April 11, 2019
While the indefinite closure of Hammersmith Bridge is being blamed on Conservative austerity because of lack of funds to repair it, on the bright side it means a much quieter commute for cyclists and pedestrians.
The BBC reports that the bridge has been closed after safety checks revealed “critical faults”, and the council were left with no choice but to shut it to motorists until refurbishment costs can be met. Hammersmith and Fulham council said “government budget cuts” are the reason why Transport for London can’t repair it.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the bridge from Barnes to Hammersmith.
11 April 2019, 17:24
That new thing from Wahoo...
You might have seen on yesterday’s live blog that we teased a teaser from Wahoo who said ‘something new’ was coming today… forgive us for being a little underwhelmed but it turns out the surprise was the very good Elemnt Bolt but just in blue or pink limited edition colourways. They’re the same price as the standard edition at £199.99, click here if you want to buy one.
11 April 2019, 17:24
RideLondon has provided £3.3m for recreational facilities in Surrey
Grants are awarded to recreational projects in areas where London Marathon Events Ltd organises events.
11 April 2019, 17:24
Crash carnage at Itzulia Basque Country causes Steve Cummings, Adam Hansen and Jonathan Castroviejo amongst others to abandon
ABANDONS
Étape 3 @ehitzulia
Jonathan Castroviejo »Team Sky
Patrick Bevin »CCC Team
Steve Cummings »Team Dimension Data
Adam Hansen »Lotto Soudal
Ángel Madrazo & José Fernandes »Burgos-BH
Steff Cras »Team Katusha – Alpecin#Itzulia #lesrp pic.twitter.com/bpRUO1azA1— WSFR Cyclisme (@WSFR_Cyclisme) April 10, 2019
Cummings of Dimension Data suffered a broken clavicle on stage three yesterday, according to this update on the team’s website from Dr Samuel Fisser: “Steve crashed around 25km into today’s stage 3 of Itzulia Basque Country and had to stop the race. After further examinations, scans revealed that Steve has a fracture of the left clavicle. Fortunately, at this stage surgery will not be required as part of his recovery process. We will continue to monitor Steve until he has made a full recovery.”
Sky’s Castroviejo has suffered a broken right clavicle which requires surgery according to their team doctor, and also some smaller fractures including a rib and his left wrist. He should be heading home from hospital today.
11 April 2019, 17:24
EAV launch the Project 1 four-wheeled e-cargo bike for last mile deliveries
The new tech-driven e-cargo manufacturer EAV has revealed its new four-wheeled machine that they hope will revolutionise ‘last mile’ deliveries in urban areas. They have also began working with DPD, who have already placed an order for a fleet of bikes. Full story over on eBikeTips.
11 April 2019, 17:24
Video: Van driver pulls out into cyclist – “No requirement to report” says police website
11 April 2019, 17:24
Bar wars
There’s an energy bar brawl brewing.
On March 6, Clif took out a full-page ad in the New York Times challenging rival firm Kind to go organic, offering help and 10 tons of free organic ingredients
In a tweet, Kind replied: “It’s deceptive to try to pass off organic brown rice syrup as healthy. We’d be happy to meet with you and share why we focus on making snacks that always lead with nutrient-dense ingredients like whole nuts, whole grains & whole fruit – instead of sugar.”
Forbes reports that Kind is now setting up a pop-up where visitors will be able to use a mobile device to see the sugar content of common nutrition and energy bars and also explore the different types of sweeteners used in these and other processed foods.
Come say at our pop up. April 10th & 11th. 579 Broadway, NYC. 10AM – 6PM. pic.twitter.com/Xx2IAh96nv
— KIND Snacks (@KINDSnacks) April 9, 2019
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Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn’t especially like cake.
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Latest Comments
Miller 2 hours ago
Here's a photo I took on Alpe d'Huez at TdF 1991. L to R: Gianni Bugno, Miguel Indurain, Luc Leblanc. They would finish the stage in that order, Bugno winning. Yes, colour film was available in 1991 but that day I chose to use black and white knowing that many years hence it would look epic.
tomlew 3 hours ago
Riding a bike is green. Pro cycling is not. Don't greenwash us by confusing one with the other.
Rendel Harris 5 hours ago
The first 750 words of this article comprise a detailed explanation of the ways in which cycling continues to feel the full force of climate change. Perhaps more time reading what's actually written before rushing to spaff nonsense everywhere might help your comprehension.
60somethingcyclist 5 hours ago
Sadiq Khan and TfL cannot be accused of neglecting cycling. They have greatly improved provision in London. Yes there is a lot more that could be done, but we need to be patient. The public finances aren't in good shape, so things are going to b e tight for some time.
tomlew 6 hours ago
@Rendel Harris "ultimately football at every level is played on roughly the same size to pitch, the goals are the same size and there are eleven players on each team." Except they don't. In a senior team a 16-year-old plays against adults, under tougher competition, plays more matches and under greater mental strain. If your argument was vaild, I could easily counter it by sayng that riding the very same bike on the same roads as in training, 150 km a day, should not be such a big deal for a pro cyclist.
MaxiMinimalist 6 hours ago
The TdF yearly circus generates human and atmospheric pollution. Big time. Airplanes, choppers, trucks, cars for teams, media, VIP and other involved parties. But pro cycling is a profitable business, ask ASO. Don't spoil the party with questions about carbon footprint, side-road waste, recycling (pun intended). Also, why does ASO not have a plan B case of high temperatures - earlier departure times, shortened stages, ... ? Based on this week's weather forecasts, several stages are likely to be cancelled. Quote of the day : "But as cycling continues to feel the full force of climate change, ..." In what ways?
Pub bike 7 hours ago
@Podc I heard that Scunthorpe CC's experiment with wrapping the name around the jersey under the arm to make it fit didn't go too well either.
IanMK 8 hours ago
Be interesting to see if UAE chase down any breakaway today to ensure that Jonas stays in yellow.
Rendel Harris 12 hours ago
@Rendel Harris Interestingly, and it sort of supports my theory that UAE were being cunning, Pog has the mountains jersey today because he was the quickest up the final climb, which argues that he hadn't burnt all his matches when he got to the finish.
eburtthebike 13 hours ago
@JLasTSR It takes time. I got knocked off nine years ago in broad daylight on a roundabout, by a driver who was wearing very dark glasses, I'm suspicious that he was actually visually impaired. No prosecution. It took me a few years to get my confidence back. I wish you all the best in getting the enjoyment back.
11 thoughts on “Live blog: Bar wars! Energy bar brawl; Hammersmith Bridge closed ‘indefinitely’ to motorists… which is great for cyclists; Wahoo Elemnt Bolt in ltd edition colours; Phew! Extra loos for Yorkshire Worlds after 2014 Grand Départ ‘mix-up’ + more”
Yes, I was one of the 30,000
Yes, I was one of the 30,000 up on Buttertubs. Fortunately I have the plumbing for it not to be such an issue. My partner on the other hand…
That Rotor hydro rear mech
That Rotor hydro rear mech looks Huuuuge.
Miller wrote:
And ugly.
Grahamd wrote:
I agree in that they should have put it on the large sprocket for the photo.
Hammersmith bridge should be
Hammersmith bridge should be used as an example every time anyone brings up road tax. That’s the damage cars cause and it doesn’t even cover that, yet cyclists can carry on using it. I agree, make it pedestrian and cyclist only rather than having an eyesore of signs for the next ten years.
Yes, I was also really
Yes, I was also really looking forward to see what Wahoo would be bringing out today. Power meter, watch, booster rocket, err no, a different coloured Bolt. Hmm…… :-/
Or you could stick to
Or you could stick to Veloforte bars. Enough calories to be worth eating, no crap whatsoever and absolutely DELICIOUS .
No affiliation, just a huge fan.
StraelGuy wrote:
What he said. Veloforte bars are tasty as all hell, and if you’ve not tried them you’re missing out.
StraelGuy wrote:
The trouble with those if it is literally nut city. I don’t think they do any without one nutty type ingredient. So if you don’t like them or are allergic……
It appears that Hammersmith
It appears that Hammersmith is Pedestrian only, you’ll have to push your bike…..
mikepridmorewood wrote:
Nah. I’ll cycle across, thanks.