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UCI suspends racing until 1 June, Dauphiné postponed; Ruby Isaac recreates Giro TT ... in garden; Cameron Jeffers aims to 'Everest' on Zwift; April Fool round-up; "Unauthorised cyclists" still riding in Richmond Park + more on the live blog

Wednesday's live blog is served to you by Jack Sexty this morning and through the afternoon, with Simon MacMichael rustling up your evening course later on...
Wed, Apr 01, 2020 09:30
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UCI suspends racing until 1 June, Dauphiné postponed; Ruby Isaac recreates Giro TT ... in garden; Cameron Jeffers aims to 'Everest' on Zwift; April Fool round-up; "Unauthorised cyclists" still riding in Richmond Park + more on the live blogruby isaacs giro ride in back garden - via strava.PNG
01 April 2020, 20:40
UCI suspends racing until 1 June, Critérium du Dauphiné postponed

The UCI has extended its suspension of racing until 1 May due to the coronavirus pandemic, following consultation with representatives of teams, professional cyclists and race organisers.

The decision, announced today, will apply across all cycling disciplines and all categories of riders.

World cycling’s governing body said that the end of the road racing season could be pushed back until November, and that if it is possible to resume racing priority will be given to making space on the calendar for the three Grand Tours and five Monuments.

It has also been confirmed today that key Tour de France warm-up race, the Critérium du Dauphiné, due to have been held from 31 May to 7 June, has been postponed indefinitely.

01 April 2020, 16:22
Ruby 'Rollers' Isaac recreates a Giro d'italia Time Trial... in her back garden

Ruby - who is known for performing tricks and multitasking while riding the rollers including juggling, hair brushing and skipping - has ridden a whole 16.5km on a micro course in her back garden to raise vital funds to buy protective masks for the NHS. Taking three hours and averaging a speed of 5.3km/h, Ruby admitted this was without a doubt "the slowest Giro d'Italia time trial in history". 

If you want to donate to get vital Personal Protective Equipment to NHS staff, you can do so here. 

01 April 2020, 16:00
Coronavirus: UK government announcement taking place now
bbc screenshot 1 april.PNG

The latest briefing is now going ahead - will even greater restrictions be put in place that could even mean our once daily outdoor exercise is stopped for the time being?

01 April 2020, 15:57
Movistar Team are donating protective glasses to health workers in Spain

Shown here on former world champ Alejandro Valverde, the glasses are being donated in partnership with Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus in Barcelona. 

01 April 2020, 15:53
Chirs Boardman in bullet points

In case you couldn't tell, we're big fans here at road.cc. Scroll down the page to read about his latest act of kindness. 

01 April 2020, 15:41
Mark Cavendish hosting first in Bahrain McLaren's Zwift series

Cav will also be answering fan's questions and streaming it all live via Instagram, taking place tomorrow at 4pm. Usually you'd have to bunk off work early to make it but now it's just a case of popping into the garage... 

01 April 2020, 14:24
Cameron Jeffers is attempting to 'Everest' on Zwift

The YouTube personality is currently live-streaming an attempt to virtually ascend Mount Everest. He's been going for over 7 hours 30 minutes at the time of writing, and has climbed over 7,000m of Everest's 8,848m official elevation. 

Jeffers previously hit the headlines back in October when he was stripped of his British Cycling eRacing title, fined and banned because the bike he rode in the final had only been earned through simulated efforts. Jeffers accepted that using software to get access to the bike was “unethical and unsporting” but said his physical performance in the final was still superior to those he beat. He's now un-banned and back competing on Zwift once more. 

01 April 2020, 15:28
Chris Boardman steps in to lend NHS nurse an e-bike

Facing a long trip to work and back and doing a 12 hour shift, David Agnew-White asked Twitter if anyone could lend him an e-bike to do his 26 mile round journey - and Manchester's cycling and walking commissioner stepped in. Chapeau Mr Boardman. 

01 April 2020, 15:38
Yesterday on social media we asked you how your riding habits had changed in response to the new rules – here’s what you told us...
01 April 2020, 15:37
Our April's Fool's article is now updated posing a genuinely serious question!
01 April 2020, 14:10
This year marks the 10th anniversary of 30 Days of Biking, the global movement that aims to get people riding their bike at least once a day throughout the month of April
01 April 2020, 12:19
"When you know you should train but you don't want to"...
01 April 2020, 11:01
It's past midday now...
PMP cranks 2.jpg

...so it's now time to reveal that the April 1st news round-up below is, unfortunately, all a load of codswallop. Enjoy the rest of your day!

01 April 2020, 09:32
It's April 1st - here's your news round-up
zwift geraint thomas fun is fast

Leading the way is the news that the Tour de France is to be held on Zwift - our reporter Liam Cahill got this scoop, with organisers saying that the event will be live streamed with daily weigh-ins and height measurements taken; meanwhile, mortals have instead took up virtual bikepacking. 

velo kicks crocs april fools.PNG

Velo Kicks announced via their Instagram that they've teamed up with Crocs, inviting us to "slip on and clip on" with a BOA-dialled version of the flip flop everyone loves to hate. 

ribble famdem april fool.PNG

Ribble have launched the Fam Dem, a tandem for all the family. They say of the new contraption: "Thanks to its aero credentials, its no slouch either! An aerodynamically-designed seating arrangement places the adults at the front and rear, whilst the mid-section is reserved for the kids. Inspired by the way that whales swim with their young, tucked into their slipstream, and the way kangaroos aerodynamically shield their babies in their pouches, you'll get all the benefit of the extra pairs of legs, with none of the drag."

bikemonger panniers april fools

Bikemonger have launched an innovative range of Bikepacking equipment, including these stunning lightweight waterproof panniers (£270), Co Op-inspired waterproof overshoes (£64) and a 'gilet noir' (£107), ideal for keeping you dry and then using for disposing of rubbish later in the day. 

parcours indoor wheels.PNG

Parcours have launched indoor-specific wheels, built for the demands of the turbo and weighing 500 virtual grams. Founder Dov Tate says: “We have already seen various cycling brands launching their own indoor training-specific products, so we simply thought, why don’t we? For too long, the turbo has been where old wheels go to die, so it’s time we applied our aero know-how to really help virtual riders maximise their aerodynamics whilst still stationary.”

01 April 2020, 08:49
'Crowding at the gates' feared due to Richmond Park cycling ban
01 April 2020, 08:17
Richmond Park police report "dozens of unauthorised cyclists" as controversial ban begins

The Royal Parks decided to ban cycling outright after reports of cyclists not adhering to social distancing rules; and last night they reported that some "had travelled from the other side of London" to ride in the park, urging people to exercise close to where they live. 

After the ban was announced on Friday numerous cyclists expressed their opposition, claiming that reports of cyclists flouting the ban was exaggerated. There is also confusion about the interpretation of the rules by police, with nothing specifically stating that exercise 'has' to be close to home, and that the policy from The Royal Parks could instead force people who live in the area to exercise in even more cramped spaces.

Police have also come in for criticism for enforcing guidelines from the government rather than enforcing the law, with Lord Sumption calling the actions of Derbyshire Police "disgraceful after they used drones to 'catch' walkers using the Peak District. The body representing senior police officers in the UK has now clarified that enforcement of government rules regarding restrictions on movement during the coronavirus pandemic should only be undertaken as “a last resort.”

Jack Sexty

Jack has 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 the website 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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19 comments

Avatar
Pantster | 4 years ago
0 likes

Jeez this is lazy 'journalism'. Write a segment about Cameron Jeffers and spend twice as many words on old news than the actual story.

 

beginning to look like you have some personal issue with him. We all know that whole 'national champs' was ridiculous, who comes up with a race where all don't ride the same bike, it's like having a real race with one team on a 10kg bike and another on 6.8kg. How many people who competed have had their realism previously set  to the default 50%. I bet most people using it (& earning the from bike in the process) won't have changed the default setting

 

do you mention Merckx missing post race testing every time he's mentioned, or David Millar past every time Chpt3 launch a new t shirt? (Btw I think he's brilliant so no finger pointing from me there)

Avatar
mdavidford replied to Pantster | 4 years ago
1 like

Pantster wrote:

spend twice as many words on old news than the actual story.

Something of an irony in posting this on a two week old 'Live blog'.

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Moist von Lipwig | 4 years ago
1 like

That entire bikemonger page is a work of art. 😄

Avatar
nickW1 | 4 years ago
1 like

do you ever the feeling that if someone put up signs on the edge of beachy head saying " do not cycle over the edge " someone on here would bang on about it being unfair or the wrong sign or something else and I am sure you could find someone to ride over the edge just to prove a point 

Avatar
ktache replied to nickW1 | 4 years ago
3 likes

I was trying to figure out what such an appropriate sign might look like.

Is there a problem with cyclists riding off Beachy Head?

There does seem to be a sign that would suggest motorists might have a problem with edges and water.

Avatar
roubaixcobbles replied to nickW1 | 4 years ago
2 likes

nickW1 wrote:

do you ever the feeling that if someone put up signs on the edge of beachy head saying " do not cycle over the edge " someone on here would bang on about it being unfair or the wrong sign or something else and I am sure you could find someone to ride over the edge just to prove a point 

There's just a teensy difference: cycling over the edge of Beachy Head would be stupid and harmful. There's no evidence that cycling in Richmond Park does any harm at all. I haven't been there since the lockdown but (walking) friends report that joggers and dog walkers are toddling along in substantial groups, no social distancing at all, and not being bothered by the Parks Police at all. Royal Parks as an organization and particularly those responsible for Richmond Park have always hated cyclists and are using this crisis as an excuse to impose spiteful unnecessary restrictions instead of having a sensible dialogue (I make no excuse for the twats who were still riding round in chaingangs). When this crisis is over and we all come to review our actions, when the NHS heroes tell us how many lives they saved, when countless volunteers tell us how they helped their elderly neighbours, I hope the Parks Police will be proud to say their contribution to national wellbeing was stopping people riding bicycles. Well done lads!

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Hirsute replied to nickW1 | 4 years ago
1 like

No

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Bentrider | 4 years ago
0 likes

You can get SPD sandals so why not crocs

https://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/6360120204/bsd500.jpg

Avatar
ktache | 4 years ago
3 likes

I have just opened my newly delivered copy of Cycle, (then washed my hands), the magazine of CycleUK.

Cover and main article-

BETTER TOGETHER - THE JOY OF GROUP RIDING

Ahhh, the simplicity of the Before Times...

Avatar
ktache replied to ktache | 4 years ago
0 likes

Inside there is a Bike Hacks that may actually be useful.

Quicklink Removal.

Special Pliers aren't required. Fit the chain on the chainring so that the quicklink points up in an inverted V. (It's fiddlier with a barrow-wide chainring, pictured [perhaps not...]).  Give the chain a sharp tap with a multitool, spanner or rock.  To refit, loosly fasten the quicklink, loosly fasten the quicklink, then carefully rotate the cranks so it's situated in the top run of chain.  Apply the brakes and tread down firmly on the lead pedal.

 

Now I have a Park tool remover in my toolbox, so this could be a useful Top-Tips if I need to do it when out and about, and it is an early itteration so does not do the installation and I have done the fastening thing with some tight links, though running it around the big ring did mange to pop some into place.

I do still desire the Wolf Tooth Components Master Link Combo Pliers for my carry round tool kit, which does much more than both fitting and removing quicklinks and is just so nice, but I need a great deal more disposable.

Ooh, you can get them in nickel plated, sold out now of course.

Avatar
nniff | 4 years ago
0 likes

Richmond Park -closed by order of the Secretary of State DCMS - the devil makes work for idle, hands - no sport, little culture, media mostly mono-culture, not much for the Department to do.....

Avatar
peted76 | 4 years ago
1 like

I'd buy those crocs.

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.

.

Avatar
mdavidford | 4 years ago
2 likes

Surely someone with a bike can pass through the gate at least as quickly as (if walking it), if not faster than (if riding it), someone without? So why aren't pedestrians 'causing congestion' and being banned too?

Avatar
ktache | 4 years ago
4 likes

Now the Pedestrians Only signs are perfectly clear, but why is the Royal Park declaring No No Cycling?

You'd think they were a sort of professional outfit and not some bunch of amateurs who might know a few traffic signs, many of course having passed their driving test with requirements to have knowledge of the highway code, and as responsible motorists to keep themselves updated on it.

The No No Cycling sign has become a great deal more prevalent lately.

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OldRidgeback replied to ktache | 4 years ago
3 likes

No no cycling is a double negative. Does that mean cycling is allowed?

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ktache replied to OldRidgeback | 4 years ago
7 likes

I actually think it means you MUST cycle.

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OldRidgeback replied to ktache | 4 years ago
0 likes

Yeah, that's what I thought. I think I'll pass on trying to explain that to a cop though. 

I haven't cycled in Richmond Park for too long. But I guess it'll be a while before I do again.

Avatar
StuInNorway replied to ktache | 4 years ago
1 like

Oddly though the UK have a mit of a mix on the "No (whatever) signs.
No vehicles, no motor vehicles, and no cycling are all simply a red circle, white background and logo (or nothing in case of no vehicles), however no left/right turn or no u-turns have a diagonal line, top left to bottom right, but on the park signs it's top right to bottom left.
As the symbol part of the sign is the vital part, as it's intended to be seen in passing, rather than stopping to read it, their signage does not comply with the road traffic act and would I hope be kicked out should a lawyer be stopped who decided to take it to court. 
Norway had a case recently where 24 fines for driving the wrong way up a one way street had to be cancelled as the signs were 40cm diameter not 60cm, despite a 30km/h speed limit, and people having driven past several signs.

Avatar
StuInNorway | 4 years ago
7 likes

So this ban is due to "reports" rather than "actual facts", did they actually go and look for themselves and see problems, or did they just take the word of entitled locals who dislike bikes ?
What facts are they basing the closure on ? Did they consider opening an extra gate usually used for cars, and allow cyclists through that ?

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