Big crowds greet Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge with 2 days to go; Varnish on Sutton (who won’t be back at tribunal); Irish senator who complained about cyclists accepts bike ride invite; Reaction to duck egg ‘threat to cyclists’ +more on live blog

This cycle path. #YouHadOneJob pic.twitter.com/arZrQXBQqU

— You Had One Job (@_youhadonejob1) November 12, 2019

In a statement by team manager Scott McFarlane, it’s been announced that the team failed to secure a title sponsor for 2020 so will close at the end of 2019. He said: “I’ll begin this announcement by repeating what’s been said all year: Floyd Landis supported our team at a time when North American road racing needed it and when he could have easily used that money to support the growth of Floyd’s of Leadville.

“His decision to be the title sponsor of our team was in part an act of loyalty to Gord Fraser and a sincere wish to help young riders on our team. Throughout the season, Floyd was incredibly busy with Floyd’s of Leadville’s many projects but he still made time to visit the team. He took us out to dinner, had a few laughs and went back to work. His focus for the time being has moved on from road racing and the title sponsorship of our team was perhaps a final gesture before turning his full attention to his business. Every single one of us involved with this team was so lucky to meet Floyd at this moment in his life and we wish everyone at Floyd’s of Leadville nothing but success.

…”Floyd’s Pro Cycling had a good run but unfortunately, it’s time to move on.”

– @OisansT

For the 1st time in his career, @romainbardet will not race @LeTour. His reaction.
#allezALM pic.twitter.com/uaFuX307Tp

— AG2RLM Pro Cycling Team (@AG2RLMCyclisme) November 13, 2019

The Frenchman will instead focus on the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta, missing the Tour de France for the first time in his professional career. Longed tipped as a potential Grand Tour winner, Bardet won the mountains classification at this year’s Tour de France. 

News has just reached us that the legendary French racer Raymond Poulidor has passed away aged 83 after a long stay in hospital. 

Nicknamed ‘Pou Pou’ and ‘The Eternal Second’, the latter for his numerous unsuccessful attempts to beat Jacques Anquetil  and Eddy Merckx at the Tour de France, Poulidor was a hugely popular rider with an attacking and aggressive style and his underdog status. He rode for Mercier his whole career, finishing second at the Tour de France three times and third five times, and never wore the Yellow Jersey despite a distinguished career. He did win the Vuelta a Espana in 1964. 

In later years Poulidor – whose grandson Mathieu van der Poel is one of cycling’s most promising youngsters – was heavily involved in the Tour de France, working for Credit Lyonnais in the hospitality village.

Tributes have started to pour in from the cycling world. 

We’re sad to hear the news that cycling icon Raymond Poulidor passed away. We wish his family a lot of strength in this difficult time. Thanks for all the memories! pic.twitter.com/Ou1mG8x7BK

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) November 13, 2019

Una leyenda. Un inmenso campeón. ¡Nunca te olvidaremos, Raymond Poulidor!

A legend. More than a champion. We will never forget you, Raymond Poulidor!

Poulidor, ganador de La Vuelta 1964 / Poulidor, winner of La Vuelta 1964 pic.twitter.com/TEzykpqSQS

— La Vuelta (@lavuelta) November 13, 2019

OMG! Big crash from @MarkCavendish in the 1 lap time trial. We’re very relieved to see Mark standing up quickly again. It seems he’s OK. #Ghent6Day #zesdaagsegent pic.twitter.com/6fcpKNznar

— Zesdaagse Gent (@zesdaagseGent) November 12, 2019

Cavendish was competing on the opening night of the Ghent Six Day track cycling event racing with Iljo Keisse. He appeared to lose his front wheel as he slid a considerable distance round the track, and was riding at a reported speed of 70km/h when he fell. Remarkably Cavendish got up when he finally came to a halt and managed to give the crowd a wave, but he did pull out of the rest of the evening’s events. 

While Cavendish is yet to provide an update himself, his former Quick-Step teammate Keisse told Nieuwsblad: “You don’t want to experience this as a rider. 

“It was a heavy fall, at 70 km/h. He was scraped all over his body and fell on the head. His helmet is broken. This is a whole new situation for me, despite my experience. I have never experienced this.”

Gerben Thijssen will spend the coming days at Intensive Care of UZ Hospital in Ghent after a CT scan revealed three small intracranial bleeds. Gerben is now in stable condition, but he needs further monitoring the coming days by the treating and team doctors. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/m1KOZyvdZT

— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) November 13, 2019

Lotto Soudal’s Gerben Thijssen also suffered a heavy crash, and was taken away by ambulance. The team said the 21-year-old is “serious but stable”, with a brain scan showing some minor haemorrhaging – he also has some broken ribs and a broken collarbone. Lotto-Soudal added: “He is conscious but still feeling drowsy. He is been closely monitored in the intensive care department.”

The now annual competition to find male and female riders to sign real-life pro contracts with NTT Pro Cycling and Canyon/Sram respectively has been whittled down to six for the final. The three Canyon/Sram finalists are Catherine Colyn (South Africa), Jessica Pratt (Australia) and Samara Sheppard (New Zealand), while the three NTT finalists are Drew Christensen (New Zealand), Mathijs Loman (The Netherlands) and Campbell Pithie (New Zealand). The competition will take place in Spain in early December, which will involve a series of tests on Zwift and some road rides with their prospective teams. 

Will next year’s crop be riding on Zwift’s own trainer? Read all about that prospect here. 

The Express and Star reports that the campaign is proposing a 105 mile route that would feature Wolverhampton city centre, Wightwick Manor, Himley House, Dudley Castle, the Black Country Living Museum, Bridgnorth and the Severn Valley when the games come to Birmingham in 2022. Wolverhampton-born Hugh Porter MBE, a 1966 Commonwealth  gold medallist and four-times pursuit world champion, is spearheading the campaign. 

If it happens, it would take place on the 80th anniversary of the first road race held in Britain – a route from Llangollen to Wolverhampton.  

Always a friendly face and a kind word. He will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace Poupou pic.twitter.com/e23GPTuK4b

— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) November 13, 2019

Heureux d’avoir croisé ton chemin
Au revoir Raymond, au revoir Champion
pic.twitter.com/NrIE6nhY2p

— Julian Alaphilippe Officiel (@alafpolak1) November 13, 2019

Most of us will recall the late great Raymond Poulidor as as a slightly bumbling but suave old man signing autographs by the dozen. That’s why I like this pic of him as an angry bike racer desperate for a wheel in Paris-Roubaix pic.twitter.com/6RjLLLXipc

— William Fotheringham (@willfoth) November 13, 2019

It is with deep sadness to hear that cycling legend Raymond Poulidor has passed away. On behalf of the UCI, I extend my sincere sympathy to Raymond’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/AAG0An5MEp

— David Lappartient (@DLappartient) November 13, 2019

On yesterday’s live blog, we reported that Natural England – the government’s adviser for the natural environment – okayed applications to destroy 4,500 duck eggs, because apparently ducks gathering on pathways could pose “a threat to cyclists.” 

We’ve since had plenty of very thoughtful and insightful reactions to the news. Here are some of our favourites… 

We checked out some of the latest bikes from the British brand this morning, here are some of our faves… 

Many many thanks to @OfficialTfGM!

I emailed saying this junction didn’t pick up bikes properly, and the bike lights took way too long (90sec+) to come on. Now look at it!

I’ve had this same experience for the last week or so.

Fantastic! pic.twitter.com/3j5uxI62bS

— P O S I T I V E (@MCRCycleSam) November 13, 2019

Chapeau to Transport to Greater Manchester for sorting out these lights. Their Cycling and Walking Commissioner would be happy, no doubt. 

Breaking: Ex British Cycling head coach Shane Sutton will NOT be returning to give evidence at the Dr Freeman medical tribunal tomorrow.
Key witness Sutton stormed out of the hearing y’day mid-evidence after being labelled a “liar, doper and bully” by Mary O’Rourke QC… pic.twitter.com/eBvixKf19c

— Dan Roan (@danroan) November 13, 2019

In an interview with the BBC’s Dan Roan after his appearance yesterday, Sutton said he would speak to his family about returning to give further evidence – and he’s now decided not to. It’s now unclear whether any of Sutton’s evidence will be considered, but it’s been reported that the tribunal will now turn to Steve Peters – the sports psychiatrist who worked full-time for British Cycling between 2005-2014 – to give evidence instead. 

Sutton expressed his anger at many of the accusations levelled against him and the line of questioning from Freeman’s lawyer on numerous occasions during the hearing, in a succession of explosive outbursts – read the full round-up of an extraordinary day at the hearing here. 

Sean Ingle of The Guardian says the GMC will be calling Dr Steve Peters – we’ve asked the MPTS for a full statement confirming the news and how the tribunal will proceed. 

“As the winter months kick in – why not slow yourself down and get the extra training benefit, whilst still staying hydrated?” ask Aerocoach, who say their ‘Round bottles aren’t aero’ bottles will cost you 2 watts, thus extending your ride by about 20 seconds. 

You can buy them here for £6.50 a pop. 

Our article on putting your bike upside down caused quite a stir last week… so here’s road.cc Dave either breaking a golden rule or doing something completely fine and acceptable, depending on your stance. 

Hey @PatKennyNT Speaking of cyclists I have just driven through Terenure and guess what 4 cyclists & one motor cyclists broke a red light and weaved in and out of traffic in order to continue their journey. Rules must apply to all road users.

— Senator G Craughwell (@GCraughwell) November 11, 2019

It all started when Senator Craughwell – a Dublin-based Irish Independent politician – tried to reach out to a radio host to complain about cyclists breaking red lights. Presumably he was prompted to say this while Ireland’s new close-passing law is a hot topic. It means an automatic 120 euro fine and three penalty points for dangerous close-passing of cyclists.  

Anway, someone replied challenging Craughwell to a ride through Dublin… 

Might just do this.

— Senator G Craughwell (@GCraughwell) November 11, 2019

…and he actually accepted! Craughwell says he hasn’t ridden a bike for 50 years yet is “always willing to engage & learn from others”. 

I warn you cyclists I am scared out of my wits with this challenge. I’ve not sat on a bike for so very long. I want one or two with me but not a crowd. Also want the plan set out. What have we to lose.

— Senator G Craughwell (@GCraughwell) November 12, 2019

We’ve reached out to Senator Craughwell to see if he will tell us what happened on his bike ride, and when exactly he will be doing it – but hats off to the man for accepting the challenge and being willing to change his views if he does go through with it, we have to say! 

There’s two days left of BBC’s The One Show’s annual Rickshaw Challenge which since 2011 has raised millions of pounds for Children In Need – and big crowds were out in pork pie capital Melton Mowbray as the team of six teenagers and host Matt Baker rolled into the Leicestershire town tonight.

‘This is one of the biggest crowds we’ve ever had for the #RickshawChallenge !” – Matt Baker live on air in #Melton tonight.@BBCCiN @BBCTheOneShow #ChildrenInNeed pic.twitter.com/saC0FAqjNr

— Melton Times (@meltontimes) November 13, 2019

This year’s challenge started in Holyhead last Friday, with overnight stops in Portmeirion, Machynlleth, Oswestry, Crewe and Matlock. Just two more legs remain – tomorrow’s goes from Melton Mowbray to Bedford, from where the final day will see the crew head to Borehamwood and Elstree Studios for the main event.

You can find out full details, including a link to donate, here. 

Hi everyone…. I haven’t done a trick for a while so I thought I would do another #rollertricktuesday. So here goes…..Ruby X pic.twitter.com/hKH3ZN8w4D

— Ruby Isaac (@RubyWIsaac) November 12, 2019

Former track sprinter Jess Varnish, whose allegations of sexism and bullying led to the departure of Shane Sutton as technical director of British Cycling in 2016, has drawn comparisons between her own appearance at an employment tribunal just under a year ago when she lost her case alleging unfair dismissal by British Cycling, with Sutton’s own appearance at the Richard Freeman hearing yesterday. She makes an interesting point.

Me: 6-hour cross examination at 7-months pregnant, answered every question and left with head held high
Yesterday: 1.5-hour cross examination, loses temper, hurls insults, storms out and quits trial
Lesson: Bullies never like a taste of their own medicine #AntiBullyingWeek

— Jessica Varnish (@JessVarnish) November 13, 2019