Poll: Should headphones be banned while cycling?; UCI and pro cyclists’ union in urgent rider safety talks; A legal spin – Peloton sues “copycat” Echelon; New Akrigg vid; Time launches gravel-specific pedals; Bieber on an e-bike + more on the live blog

Professional cyclists’ union the CPA has met with the UCI at the governing body’s headquarters in Aigle, Switzerland, to raise concerns over rider safety following a number of incidents at major races in recent weeks as well as in national events.

As a result the two organisations have agreed to draw up a road map in the coming weeks, and will also hold meetings with other stakeholders including representatives of teams and race organisers.

The aim is to draft proposals concerning improving the safety of riders, which will be presented at the UCI WorldTour seminar on 10-11 December and, once approved by the UCI Management Committee, will be adopted from next season.

UCI president, David Lappartient, said: “The safety of cyclists is an absolute priority and I would like to thank the CPA for their co-operation at the meeting. Along with our partners from cycling’s various families, we have already done much to improve race conditions for riders, although recent events have reminded us that we can never rest on our laurels.

“In assuming a sense of responsibility shared by our Federation and the relevant stakeholders, we will come up with a joint response to the legitimate concerns of riders by taking strengthened actions as of next year.”

CPA President Gianni Bugno added: “Rider safety is one of the CPA’s key missions, and we are delighted that the UCI is listening on this issue and is determined to do something about it.

“We are going to come up with specific proposals as part of a constructive approach, with the aim of seeing significant measures introduced for the benefit of riders in 2020.”

Another story from Belgium, and this time the e-bike share company Billy are asking users to snitch on riders they see parking the bikes incorrectly after an influx of new users. 

Billy have launched a whole campaign reminding their new customers how to leave their bikes when they're done (see above) and Pierre De Schaetzen says customers must be responsible: “We have always been proud of the fact that Billy Bikes were always left behind properly. The mobility of our users is not more important than the mobility of the other people in Brussels using the sidewalks.”

Also the Tour de France winner @EganBernal shows good shape this late in the season as he hangs on for sixth place today.

Here is the data of his final effort on the Superga climb:

Time: 1’55”
Avg Speed: 22.0km/h
Avg Power: 425W
Max Power: 700W
Avg Cadence: 81rpm#MilanoTorino pic.twitter.com/CDrZwjULk9

— Velon CC (@VelonCC) October 9, 2019

The Tour de France champion ain't a big lad, weighing in at just 60kg. 

So, to hold his wheel up today's final climb in Milan-Torino, you'll need to match that power data.

How long can you hold 7.08w/kg for? Try this evening on Zwift and let us know in the comments below. Remember, no Zwift-bots!

If their legal threatening of a popular cycling Youtuber, being sued by music publishers for allegedly using tunes without permission and reports of huge losses ahead of going up for an initial public offering wasn't enough drama, Peloton now want to sue rival spin bike company Echelon Fitness LLC.

Peloton are accusing Echelon of selling "cheap, copycat products" and say they are infringing on Peloton's patents. They also say Echelon are producing false advertisements that mislead customers about their prices compared to Peloton's, describing them as “deceptive”; although we have found Echelon bikes selling for just over £1,200 online, while a Peloton will set you back around £2,000. In the lawsuit, Peloton said: “Echelon has unfairly stolen customers from Peloton and attracted funding from investors that has reportedly brought Echelon’s total valuation to over $100 million.”  

Echelon president Lou Lentine said: “While we just learned of the lawsuit and therefore cannot comment substantively, we can say that we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these frivolous claims, and we are confident that we will ultimately prevail.”

A nice personalised bottle of bubbly for world champion Mads Pedersen ahead of Milano-Torino today ... probably best to leave it until after the race, mind.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Scottish MTB legend's partnership with Red Bull, he'll be answering questions about his career and his various viral video sensations this evening in a live Q+A. We've picked our favourite of   MacAskill's videos (above) which is too good not to share again, and here is the link for the Q+A that goes live at 5pm. 

Cobbles lover, raised in a Flemish farm and still living there, our first new face will bring his wide experience to the #MenInGlaz… Please forgive us, @Glazic_Officiel.

https://t.co/cQFUdbo1tN

@atelierdufilm l #ThereIsNoTry pic.twitter.com/BH880m8osf

— VITAL CONCEPT - B&B HOTELS (@VitalConcept_BB) October 8, 2019

Something new rider joining new team, something giant chicken, something??

According to nieuwsblad, the 37-year-old could be offered the chance to resurrect his career at pro-continental team Corendon-Circus after his first choice Lotto-Soudal confirmed they wouldn't be interested in re-signing him. It's thought Corendon-Circus could see signing Greipel as a gateway to bringing in Alpecin as a possible German co-sponsor. 

It's rumoured Dimension Data are also interested in Greipel, who suddenly agreed to have his Arkea-Samsic contract terminated last month after poor results in 2019. He announced via his Instagram page that he'd be taking time out to reassess and will be coming off on social media until November...