Nails scattered on controversial cycleway; Jonathan Shubert rides 100 miles…in under three hours; “The worst thing I have ever encountered in my life”: Vuelta peloton suffer on brutal Angliru; Cycling’s toughest climb? + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
A tough day in the saddle
“The worst thing I’ve ever encountered in my life.”@Harrytanfield94 summing up the brutal Angliru 🏔👀#LaVuelta20 pic.twitter.com/KQfUYHX7Hd
— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) November 1, 2020
Widely regarded as the hardest climb in the sport, the Angliru is a brutal test even for the professional peloton. The climb hosted yesterday’s summit finish at the Vuelta which was won by EF Pro Cycling’s Hugh Carthy ahead of Alexandr Vlasov and Enric Mas. Before a downhill run to the line, the climb ascends for 6.2km at 13% with gradients closer to 25% in places.
Chris Froome described the Angliru as “savage”.
“When you say Angliru I just think of relentless pitches. Especially in some of the corners it’s over 25% – the TV cameras really don’t do it justice,” he explained to ITV.
British rider Harry Tanfield was the last man home, almost 39 minutes behind stage winner Carthy and stated afterwards that the climb was “the worst thing I’ve ever encountered in my life”.
Of the riders who uploaded their rides to Strava Jumbo-Visma climber Sepp Kuss posted the fastest time, taking the KOM with a 44 minute ascent. By contrast, Tanfield spent one hour seven minutes grinding his way to the finish line.
Here’s where we are heading to! The Alto de l’Angliru is here! ⛰
IT. IS. STEEP! 😯 pic.twitter.com/iQscniUqau
— Mitchelton-SCOTT (@MitcheltonSCOTT) November 1, 2020
What is the toughest climb in the world?
Yesterday’s Vuelta stage featured the climb most often named as the toughest climb in the sport – the Angliru. Officially 13.2km at 9.4% but with the final 6.2km at 13.7% and regular pitches to nearer 25% suggests the Angliru certainly has a strong claim to the title of toughest climb in the world.
Monte Zoncolan, a regular feature in the Giro d’Italia, has some calf-shredding slopes too and boasts an average gradient of 12.4% for 9.5km, with five kilometres north of 14%.
Back in 2017 we covered another Italian climb with some incredible percentages.10.2km at 18% sounds horrible but that’s exactly what the Pozza San Glisente offers.
Nails scattered on Sunrise Cycleway
The Sunrise Cycleway has gained a great deal of attention in recent weeks with the segregated bike lane, that was introduced earlier this year, set to be scrapped by North Tyneside Council. This morning, Alison Stenning highlighted that the cycleway had been targeted by vandals – who scattered nails across the road surface.
She said: “Making the most of the last hours of Sunrise Cycleway
and found these scattered on the path. Whatever your feelings about cyclists and the cycleway, this is violent and dangerous.”
Last week North Tyneside Council received criticism for promoting their new fleet of electric cargo bikes on the cycleway.
122 tacks collected on @SunriseCycleway between the Grand Hotel and Cullercoats, plus some that others took. There were children cycling, people jogging in the cycle lane, dogs crossing it, and lots of people like me just trying to get somewhere or get some exercise. pic.twitter.com/Zb1W2QQg7r
— Alison Stenning #2metres #givespace (@alisonstenning) November 2, 2020
An unnecessary solution to a non-existent problem?
There’s a new Kickstarter going round hoping to make cycling safer. The Weelight vest claims to be the smartest safety vest on the market and has indicators, brake lights and LED lights. However, as many cyclists have pointed out the safety features of the entire £135 vest could be achieved simply by having lights and using hand signals.
Whilst I appreciate that some cyclists can have problems indicating with their arm as it involves taking a hand off the bars. This isn’t a product that most people will need.
The solution to their original problem is clear, buy some bike lights, indicate with your arm.— CycleGaz™ (@cyclegaz) November 1, 2020
It starts off with the guy saying how vulnerable he feels when cycling at night.
It might be because you don’t have any lights! pic.twitter.com/9Qbq99f6Cg— CycleGaz™ (@cyclegaz) November 1, 2020
It’s not the first time we’ve seen some questionable cycling tech claiming to improve rider safety. These indicator lights received £45,000 worth of investment from Nick Jenkins on Dragons’ Den.
This isn't the first time we've seen cyclists targeted with disgusting nail traps
Sadly today’s incident in the north-east isn’t the first instance of cyclists being targeted with traps. Back in May these nail traps were hidden under soil on a trail in East Cleveland in the north-east. On the same day we reported that pins and nails had been deliberately spread in Regents’ Park.
The first lockdown earlier this year saw a spike in vigilante attacks against cyclists with two pensioners in North Yorkshire spoken to by the police after rocks and branches were found blocking a path to stop cyclist using it.
Vote in our poll on lockdown cycling
A second lockdown is coming this week with widespread restrictions coming into play on Thursday. This is how the new National Restrictions will impact cycling. Let us know your thoughts in the poll below…
Hugh Carthy has been perfecting his pain face for years
He was laying the foundations way back in 2005 when I met him first, by chance, while doing a photoshoot on Mont Ventoux. pic.twitter.com/C8YqDwzkOB
— Chris Sidwells (@ChrisSidwells) May 29, 2019
A stunning win at the Vuelta for 26-year-old Hugh Carthy on Angliru yesterday but it seems he’s been practising that trademark gurn since a young age. Here he is scaling another of Europe’s great climbs with no helmet and overshoes aged 11.
Garmin-Tacx to supply all trainers for inaugural UCI Zwift Cycling Esports World Championshipss
Garmin-Tacx will provide all trainers for the inaugural UCI Zwift Cycling Esports World Championships. The partnership will see Tacx supply all participants with the Tacx NEO 2T Smart trainer. All participants will be competing on standardised equipment to create the fairest possible competition.
Jonathan Shubert breaks RRA Straight out 100-mile record in under three hours
Jonathan Shubert broke the RRA Straight out 100 mile record in a provisional time of 2 hours 57 minutes 58 seconds giving him a staggering average speed of over 53km/h for the 100 miles. The course ran from Milton Keynes to Norwich, Shubert beat his own existing record of 3 hours 8 minutes 14 seconds with today’s effort. During the attempt Shubert was supported by Michael Broadwidth following in the car to track his pace. Broadwith also holds an outstanding endurance cycling record of his own having set the Land’s End to John O’Groats record in 2018.
A person riding unfeasibly quickly on a bicycle pic.twitter.com/L80tA4zmrH
— Mr Broadwith (@24HourMaths) November 2, 2020
Cycling infrastructure improvements in Chiswick
Lots of great changes in my neighborhood. A safe cycle lane being built, and today the new @ChiswickFlowers Market. Everyone friendly, socially distanced and wore masks (apart from the person in the yellow anorak with the placard saying the improvements are DESTROYING CHISWICK) pic.twitter.com/H1ZWG5OOlC
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) November 1, 2020
Family cycling past the Flower Market. No silly queues along the pavement this time. pic.twitter.com/ZFL1Re6Adr
— Chiswick Flower Market (@ChiswickFlowers) November 1, 2020
Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini extend stay with Trek-Segafredo until 2022
Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini have committed to Trek-Segafredo until at least 2022. Deignan, who won La Course by Le Tour de France and Liege-Bastogne-Liege this year has been riding for the American team since 2019 and put off plans to retire at the end of 2020.
Deignan said: “It was a really easy decision for me to sign with Trek-Segafredo. I found myself to be really happy in the team, very comfortable. I know I’m very lucky to be in the position to re-sign with the team. I had always envisioned retiring after the 2020 Olympic Games, but I think the fact that I’m enjoying my job so much and experiencing such an enjoyable team environment means that I feel motivated to continue further and not just draw a line on my career next year. I don’t see a reason to stop when everything is going so well.”
More nails found on Sunrise Cycleway
Just picked up those now. @NTCouncilTeam pic.twitter.com/8uWP6unoh2
— claire prospert (@claireprospert) November 2, 2020
After the disturbing news this morning that more than 100 nails had been found scattered across the Sunrise Cycleway, another cyclist has found nails elsewhere on the route. Claire Prospert tweeted the picture above which shows more nails collected from the cycleway near Tynemouth. Vigilante targeting of cyclists became concerningly common during the lockdown earlier this year with several instances reported of tacks being put down in Regent’s Park and other popular cycle routes. In North Yorkshire, two pensioners were talked to by the Police after admitting to have deliberately moved rocks and branches to block a path.
Laka announces crowdfunding campaign
Cycling insurance company Laka have announced a crowdfuning campaign to allow people to invest in the business. Laka’s collective-based business model has attracted praise from customers and the wider public alike with it winning the ‘Best cycle insurance provider for three years running’.
Laka CEO Tobias Taupitz explained the move: “Following years of growth, we want to grow faster and bring the collective along with us. Laka has loads of potential – that’s why we’re crowdfunding.”
More bad news for Sunrise Cycleway users
Bike markings being removed from the road @SunriseCycleway… pic.twitter.com/ejq7XqR5Lz
— Paul G (@PaulGmedia) November 2, 2020
As announced by North Tyneside Council the Sunrise Cycleway, which they insisted was always a temporary measure, is being removed to make way for the resumption of two-way traffic. The decision is not without controversy with many local users lamenting the decision as a backwards step in the campiagn for more active travel infrastructure. Last week the council plugged their new fleet of electric cargo bikes on the cycleway without mentioning that they were keen to scrap the the project a week later. The council were also accused of misleading the public by changing their website to call the cycleway a temporary project. North Tyneside Council refuted these claims saying the word ‘temporary’ was added due to members of the public asking for clarification about the future of the scheme.
2 November 2020, 09:05
2 November 2020, 09:05
2 November 2020, 09:05
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Latest Comments
@Rendel Harris you've painted a rather alluring picture of social harmony there, but unfortunately you've got my name wrong. I'm Jack, not Nigel. However, to return the compliment, I must think of a story for you. I imagine you sat outside a pub, real ale and pipe propped on the adjacent table, in a similar fashion to Nigel Farage at his populist best. You turn to your wife. "You know what dear? I think I've been a bit harsh in my time. I've shunned the politeness and wisdom of others for too long and want to change my ways.* "There there Rendel", says Mrs Harris. "You're not a bad old stick, it's just living in London that's emptied your soul of kindness and compassion. I've found a lovely new place where we can settle down in our later years. It's on a leafy cul de sac, surrounded by friendly neighbours and smiling faces. There's a guy a couple of doors down, a remarkable man. As well as his towering intellect and rapier wit, he's also a keen cyclist, holding severa local KOMs. Don't be perturbed dear - he'll ride with anyone provided they show other road users the kindness and courtesy they deserve." Rendel turned emotionally, voice shaking. "Oh my dear, thank you for this second chance", and with that the rest of the pub goers turned and applauded the couple, throwing garlands of petals in their wake. The end.
As a Councillor, Edward needs to be paying some attention to all that parking obstructing visibility and manoeuvres at the junction, and sorting out those radii.
Ed Hill was chucked out by Reform in 2025, though TBF to him it was about how to run it rather than ideology I think. He is now reportedly closer to Advance UK, which is distinctly more extreme than Reform. I'd call this Alan Amos style attention seeking.
Emily, thank you for such an insightful piece. I’m a man, but I enjoy watching the women’s races, possibly more than the men’s. The racing is so much closer, we rarely know who’s going to win. You painted a wonderful picture of how a true champion is able to ‘rise above’ setbacks and distractions, and focus their energy on the task in hand. ‘All’s fair in live and war -and sport, but always good to hear riders expressing their admiration for their competitors
@Nigel Garage ...and then everyone applauded my courtesy and I waved courteously to all the people who were courteously throwing flowers and cheering and courteously waving flags that said "Nigel is the best!"
The picture from street view clearly shows give way lines from the roads to the green painted cycle/pedestrian lane. The road user should give way (or must...) to the user of the green lane. This would of course apply to any cyclist on the roadway.
If I recall there is a cave or two along the route - perhaps they were sheltering from the heat in one of those having taken it for a Golf bunker?
“So if there’s a cyclist travelling down the cycle path at the moment, from this position I can’t see them because my blind spots are too big on the left hand side of the vehicle”, claims Hill. Well, there's your problem, right there...🙄
First impression from the headline that he's likely a twit. Then the detail he was expelled from Reform makes you suspect that failing even their low bar requirements he really is. Then he clearly explains his vehicle is unsafe for the highway because he can't see to give way when turning. Any collision he now has should have that video run out explaining he drove a vehicle he knew to be unsafe. Advice for motorists; instead of thinking that pedestrians and cyclists are low risk 100kg objects, imagine them as a 300 Tonne trains that will crush you and your vehicle if you cross into their paths. You'd give way to the train, so you equally can to the others.
I've had a brief look on Facebook, and Ed Hill (who now appears to be affiliated with Advance UK) seems to have taken some useful road safety improvements under his remit, including an initiative to help local pedestrians on unpaved roads, where the wider council won't help due to planning failures. Regarding the cycle path, I think this is linked to a wider misunderstanding about giving way at junctions and I'm afraid I cannot agree with Mr Hill's conclusion. Regardless of the suitability of the cycle path, vehicles should give way at the junction to both pedestrians crossing and cyclists. It seems to be a poorly understood rule among motorists where some believe they have priority at junctions like this, where they certainly do not. I once had a similar issue myself, while leisurely walking to Waitrose to buy some lunchtime fripperies. A driver beeped their horn as I crossed the junction, despite me having priority, and was shocked and apologetic when I explained I had priority. A polite conversation later, the driver departed, educated and updated on the rules of the road.
20 thoughts on “Nails scattered on controversial cycleway; Jonathan Shubert rides 100 miles…in under three hours; “The worst thing I have ever encountered in my life”: Vuelta peloton suffer on brutal Angliru; Cycling’s toughest climb? + more on the live blog”
Interesting on Harry Tanfield
Interesting on Harry Tanfield’s gear choice (36:34) – I don’t feel so bad about running with 34:34 has my smallest gear now!
And I don’t feel so bad about
And I don’t feel so bad about having to stop for a pee!
ChasP wrote:
If I stopped on a gradient like that, I’d never be able to get going again.
Steve K wrote:
It’s easy; just point the bike the other way.
53km/h – chapeau, amazed not
53km/h – chapeau, amazed not arrested for wanton and furious cycling.
I love the horrific use of
I love the horrific use of mixed units in this statement”
“100 mile time trial in a provisional time of 2 hours 57 minutes 58 seconds giving him a staggering average speed of over 53km/h”
What was wrong with saying over 33 mph? (33.7 to be a little more exact)
Re 100 mile TT under 3 hours.
Re 100 mile TT under 3 hours.
I wouldn’t be capable of 100km in 3 hours…on an e bike…
You wanna borrow a Deliveroo
You wanna borrow a Deliveroo riders ebike
Oh man, look at the road he
Oh man, look at the road he was on… that’s no fun, that’s risking your life for a dubious accolade.
I’d also question the legitamy of a following car on such a busy road, you are creating a traffic block that will help ensure a constant stream of overtaking traffic to help reduce your wind resistance.
All that aside though… fair play to the guy!
Jimmy Ray Will wrote:
Other vehicles would have to overtake the cyclist anyway, so the car behind makes zero difference other than making sure the overtaking is done safely.
100miles sub 3hours.. that
100miles sub 3hours.. that must have felt great to be just chugging along at that speed for so long! Bit of a tailwind.. one big straightish road.. your mate behind you acting as rearguard.. awesome!!
Don’t forget, downhill as
Don’t forget, downhill as well.
Sunrise Cycleway; the
Sunrise Cycleway; the anti-cycling minority isn’t just vociferous, they are physically endangering innocent people. Time the police, CPS and courts took these assaults seriously.
EDIT: “Vigilante targeting of cyclists……” These are not vigilantes, they are thoroughly nasty criminals without a shred of empathy or compassion. Please stop making them appear to have reasonable grounds for their actions by calling them vigilantes, they aren’t under attack and defending themselves, they are cowards attacking innocent people.
2nd EDIT: “North Tyneside Council refuted these claims saying the word ‘temporary’ was added due to members of the public asking for clarification about the future of the scheme.” No future, and weasel words. I’ve never known a council not to make it absolutely clear at installation that a facility is temporary.
I found the comment Whatever
I found the comment Whatever your feelings about cyclists and the cycleway... a bit unneccessary too, despite it being well-intentioned and coming from someone supportive of cycling. I tend to think that this sort of placatory language feeds into normalising or accepting an irrational hatred.
The last record was done when
The last record was done when traffic was heaviest to allow the maximum drafting possible in the “no drafting” record and this time, with two vehicles sitting behind to force traffic out and around him, so as to maximise tailwind. It’s selfish twats like this who help stir up the divide and hate of cyclists on dual carriageways.
This is NOT how you take roundabouts and if a car did this, you’d be all over it, calling it out as dangerous, but because it’s a cyclist it’s ok? TWAT https://twitter.com/Retro1702/status/1323250702953652224
Whilst I would take that kind
Whilst I would take that kind of line on a totally clear R/bout, I wonder if it was clear to the rear because one of his following cars was “blocking” the outside lane so that he didn’t have to do a shoulder check
Gkam84 wrote:
Yes it’s perfectly fine. No cars were harmed in the negotiation of that roundabout.
I thought I recognised that
I thought I recognised that roundabout. To be fair, he negotiated it better than this chap: https://youtu.be/byQyE-Qew3o
https://goo.gl/maps/KfZX3vspFYWeXQAu6
Haha, I’ve seen that one
Haha, I’ve seen that one before, didn’t realise it was the same place, but I thought the police wrote that one off as a fake?
i saw this guy on my way to
i saw this guy on my way to work earlier, guessing he was holding over 25. To hold an average of 33/34 mph, i can’t imagine how hard that was. Over three hours as well! There was no issue as such, as i just changed lane to pass him, but i can imagine the anger from many drivers who come across us on dual carriageways. Especially ones with massive trucks on them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTeeWFnISgw