Local paper accuses British Cycling of “censoring” village named Three Cocks; Never ask ‘why is Tadej Pogačar going so slow?’; Down the Koppenberg at 70km/h; Jockey wheels have left the chat; Vuelta S6; 20-year wait for cycle path + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Amateur cyclist wonders why Tadej Pogačar "is going so slow"... only to get dropped instantly when world champion launched monster sprint 30 seconds later
Imagine for a second you’re riding a bike in the hills above Monaco when suddenly ahead you see what must be a mirage. A rainbow jersey-wearing Tadej Pogačar is in the distance, gently pedalling up the Col d’Èze as you easily close the distance and catch up with the world champion.
No, it’s not a mirage, it’s really the four-time Tour winner. You probably start to wonder if you should go straight home, hand in your notice and start planning how you’re going to get on the startline for the 2026 Tour de France, if this is how easy it is. Then, bang. You’re snapped out of your daydreaming as those rainbow bands are now a disappearing blur of colour and watts as Pogačar thrashes off on an interval and you’re left wondering if the last 20 seconds even happened, or if you should be concerned about the contents of your bottle.
Anyway, at least you got a funny TikTok out of it…
We are ready for the final part of the season. 🌈🖤
🎥: samu_actis pic.twitter.com/O7TcKdKmH7
— Lukáš Ronald Lukács (@lucasaganronald) August 27, 2025
Some monstrous uphill sprints were on the menu as Tadej returns to training following his post-Tour holidays, a defence of his World Championships crown looking fairly inevitable on the 5,000m of climbing Rwandan course this time next month, even more so now Jonas Vingegaard has gone back on the idea of making his debut at the race. A fifth consecutive Il Lombardia win looks likely too and would crown (once again) one of the most impressively dominant seasons ever seen in pro cycling.
So, no, if you do happen to stumble across Mr Pogačar soft pedalling and sipping his water, don’t get your hopes up. Like everyone else on planet earth, you’ll get dropped soon enough.
"Israel – Premier Tech respects everyone's right to freedom of speech, which includes the right to protest peacefully, but we absolutely condemn the dangerous acts of the protesters on stage 5 of the Vuelta a España"
Following on from yesterday’s protest during the Vuelta team time trial, a spokesperson for Israel-Premier Tech told us the team respects “the right to protest peacefully”, but Wednesday’s mid-stage demonstration compromised the safety of their riders, people on the race, and the protesters themselves.
Israel – Premier Tech respects everyone’s right to freedom of speech, which includes the right to protest peacefully, but we absolutely condemn the dangerous acts of the protesters on stage 5 of the Vuelta a España which not only compromised the safety of our riders, race personnel, but the protesters themselves.
The team continues to work with race organisers and relevant authorities to ensure our safety at the Vuelta a España and all races and ensure any protests do not impact our safety, nor our right to race.
The team had 15 seconds taken off their finishing time, bumping them up from 19th to 14th on the stage, Vuelta boss Javier Guillén clear that the race organisers want to file a complaint with the authorities over the protesters’ actions.
"Definitely don't try this": Descending the Koppenberg at 70km/h
Thankfully this appears to have been part of an event with a road closure in place. Poor bike…
"The term has stuck because Lime is highly visible, not because their bikes are uniquely dangerous": Google searches for 'Lime bike leg' are up 388 per cent
Personal injury lawyers Simpson Millar have been in touch to tell us Google searches for ‘Lime bike leg’ are up 388 per cent in the past three months and up 159 per cent in the past week.
The seven-day jump follows a London-based doctor last week telling The Telegraph they see “at least one patient a week” with leg issues related to electric hire bike use, ranging from fractured shins to serious knee injuries.
Unlike experienced cyclists, who consultant orthopaedic surgeon Alex Liddle said are more likely to suffer “high energy” trauma such as head, chest, or multiple limb fractures after collisions with drivers, Lime-related incidents are usually “low energy” — people losing balance or having the bike fall on them while stationary, the bikes’ heavier weight often cited as a factor.
“It’s almost always the lower limbs, from ankle fractures to tibia [shinbone] fractures, and soft tissue injuries around the knee — we don’t see many injuries from the knee upwards, but we’ve had the odd cracked pelvis,” he said. “However, it’s normally fractures either at the top of or in the middle of the tibia.”
Commenting on the spike in searches, Mark Howarth from Simpson Millar was keen to point out Lime bikes and other electric hire bikes “aren’t inherently unsafe” and the number of injuries remains extremely small, as a proportion of total rides.
“The term ‘Lime bike leg’ has stuck, but these kinds of injuries could happen on any heavy e-bike,” he said. “Reports suggest that accidents involving e-bikes can result in serious leg injuries, similar to the kind of injury you might see in a motorbike accident. Lime bikes aren’t inherently unsafe — they meet the same safety standards as other shared e-bikes. But their weight and design, combined with the fact that they operate one of the largest fleets in cities like London, could mean these injuries show up more frequently in their case.
“The term has stuck because Lime is highly visible, not because their bikes are uniquely dangerous. Riders should be aware that heavy e-bikes in general carry a higher risk of serious leg injuries in a fall. Using them carefully, wearing protective gear and following road safety guidance is essential.
“We are seeing growing concerns about serious injuries linked to hire bikes, particularly e-bikes that are heavier and faster than standard cycles. First-time users often receive little to no safety instruction before riding, which can contribute to misuse or loss of control, especially in busy urban environments.
“As shared mobility schemes continue to expand, it is essential that safety keeps pace. Operators have a legal responsibility to ensure their bikes are fit for use, well-maintained and clearly labelled with guidance for safe riding. If someone is injured, it is important to seek medical attention and report the incident as soon as possible, as this can be crucial not only for recovery but also for establishing the facts if legal action is needed.
“The UK is making progress, but the gap between recorded risk and perceived safety remains wide. Until cyclists can ride without fear of injury or intimidation, we must continue pushing for accountability, legal protection and better public infrastructure.”
Thoughts?
KLite's latest (very small) dynamo
Driver claims cyclist punched him in face and threw bike at car, causing £1,000 worth of damage, after motorist hit him "at about 2mph"
Chris Froome seriously injured in training crash, suffering five broken ribs, a back fracture, and a collapsed lung
Major bike manufacturer which owns brands such as Raleigh, Lapierre and Ghost moves production from Netherlands to Hungary
Some industry news from the Netherlands where DutchNews reports major bike manufacturer Accell Group is closing a factory in Heerenveen and moving that facility’s production to Hungary.
The factory currently produces around 20 per cent of the company’s bikes, Accell looking to streamline production after several challenging years and inventory woes.
> Brighter days ahead for bike industry? Raleigh owner reports inventory levels back to normal
Raleigh and Lapierre are two of Accell’s brands, the factory move set to see 160 jobs lost in Heerenveen.
“Decisions that lead to redundancies are never easy, and we recognise the impact this has on our people,” CEO Jonas Nilsson commented. “We will do our utmost to inform and assist affected employees in the best possible way. In our new set-up, we will be able to better leverage our scale and capabilities across production, logistics and operations, supporting our full portfolio of iconic brands.”
"Fans insult and spit at them": Israel – Premier Tech manager claims rider "cried for half an hour" after pro-Palestine protest at Vuelta, as race director says "violent" course intrusion "ceases to be a just cause"
Jockey wheels have left the chat
That looks like a stiff link to me, although a hell of a lot of maintenance and replacing of drivetrain parts should probably follow too.
Will the breakaway make it? Stage six of La Vuelta crosses ANOTHER border
Stage six and the Vuelta peloton is about to enter its fourth country of the week. Four countries, Jeremy… that’s insane. It’s possible that the breakaway will get to fight out the stage victory, 10 riders currently five and a half minutes clear with 38km to go. Naturally, with a finish in Andorra, there’s plenty of climbing before the finish, Jay Vine and Lorenzo Fortunato licking their lips at the way today is playing out.
EF have British rider James Shaw and Irish teammate Archie Ryan up there too, several others in the break, such as Torstein Træen, Bruno Armirail and Louis Vervaeke likely eyeing up Jonas Vingegaard’s red jersey too. It’s unlikely the Dane will be too bothered about keeping that (and all the post-stage responsibilities that come with it), so we may well get a stage win and new race leader from this breakaway.
Andorra is calling, prepare for tax-free booze and ciggies, and shots of empty ski chalets. it’ll be a ‘home’ stage for many in the peloton today, who’s going to make it a victorious one?
Rapha Cycling Club? Nah mate, this is the Rapha Cycling Cliub
When you buy fake kit from China or an embarrassing mistake? Fingers crossed someone from Rapha will get back to us on this interesting photo doing the rounds on Facebook.
"Cyclists face serious hazards such as fast-moving vehicles and sharp bends, and there are no pavements to protect pedestrians": Campaigners say community has waited for safe active travel route for 20 years
A campaign is urging East Lothian Council in Scotland to finally deliver for active travel after two decades of waiting. The B1345 between Drem railway station and Gullane has no pavement, nor cycling infrastructure, the Drem-Gullane Path Campaign urging local politicians to finally provide a safe walking and cycling route.
“The B1345 is a danger zone — cyclists face serious hazards such as fast-moving vehicles and sharp bends, and there are no pavements to protect pedestrians,” campaign spokesperson Iain V. Monk told us this morning. “Our message to Councillor Hampshire is simple: the council has the power to act, and we are calling on it to do so — now.”
The campaign points out the need for a safe walking and cycling route was first identified way back in 2005 during early consultations for East Lothian Council’s Core Paths Plan. However, now two decades on, the council and local MSP is still calling on a key landowner to negotiate a solution to make the path a priority. Urging the council to finally act decisively, Mr Monk has written to the council’s leader to demand action.
“20 years is far too long to wait for something of such clear and undeniable public value,” he explained. “From schoolchildren to commuters, everyone stands to gain from a safe route between Drem and Gullane.”
Cycling a couple of miles to work enough to boost heart health by as much as 30%, new study finds
> Cycling a couple of miles to work enough to boost heart health by as much as 30%, new study finds
Jay Vine wins Vuelta stage from the break, as Torstein Træen takes red jersey
There’s nothing sweeter than a win on home roads 🇦🇩
It’s a special stage win for Jay Vine at the Vuelta as Stage 6 is clinched in Andorra 🌟 pic.twitter.com/j4p3NvmaRN
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) August 28, 2025
Andorra resident Jay Vine got a home win of sorts, proving his class from the breakaway to take the third Vuelta stage victory of his career. On a mixed day for UAE Team Emirates, Vine’s success was the high point, Juan Ayuso losing contact, shipping 11 minutes and almost certainly seeing his GC hopes over before the first rest day. João Almeida will be undisputed leader from here on in.
Jonas Vingegaard has ceded the red jersey, something he won’t be too upset about. It’s a long three weeks and fewer interviews and podiums, with more time recovering, will surely be a plus in the long run.
Norwegian climber Torstein Træen has claimed red and now leads the GC ahead of his breakaway companions Bruno Armirail, Lorenzo Fortunato and Louis Vervaeke. Træen has a 2:33 advantage to Vingegaard and is 31 seconds ahead of second-placed Armirail.
There was another demonstration during today’s stage, this time by Assemblea Nacional Catalana calling for an independent Catalonia. It had no impact on the riders.
⬛️⬜️❌ CATALUNYA NO ÉS ESPANYA
Els ho hem deixat clar a Olot, al bell mig de la carretera, just abans del pas dels ciclistes de La Vuelta.
No podran amagar ni silenciar el nostre clam: INDEPENDÈNCIA! pic.twitter.com/2MWw2AMIFR
— Assemblea Nacional Catalana (@assemblea) August 28, 2025
Local paper accuses British Cycling of "censoring" village named Three Cocks
Another normal Thursday on the live blog.
According to the local newspaper Brecon and Radnor Express the all-powerful dictators at British Cycling have “censored” their lovely local village named Three Cocks.
The amusing article notes the event listing for Ras Ieuenctid De Cymru – Junior Race of South Wales says the opening two stages are based out of Three C**** in Powys. No word if there’s a petition we can sign or a campaign to support, although we’re going to get in touch with British Cycling (mainly so we can put in the most surreally ridiculous request for comment).
There’s a chance it’s actually the organiser who has done it, so we would want to give British Cycling the chance to defend itself amid such serious cockblocking allegations. We’ll bring you more on gonadgate later…
EDIT: British Cycling never got back to us. What could they possibly be up to that’s more important than responding to our question about Three Cocks?
We’ll leave you with stonojnr from the comments section… “Well ToB are going through Cockfield on Wednesday and have a KOM planned in Semer (which means to sow, but not necessarily one’s own oats), planned up the wrong hill mind, but that’s for another mass debate.”
28 August 2025, 08:07
28 August 2025, 08:07
28 August 2025, 08:07
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Latest Comments
" ... noticeably easier to pedal." Really? How noticeable? I've seen a thing at point of sale in a major bike shop near Kingston which had two identical chainsets connected to two different bottom brackets, inviting the customer to try spinning each one and go "ooh, this one spins much longer when there's no grease in it or load on it, it must be better", but from what I've read, the real-world difference between tuned ceramic and out-of-the box decent steel is about one watt, at best?
@imajez Most people would have walked, but we take your point. I've never had a problem with riding on stoned tracks, designated as footpaths, but I'm not ripping up the surface on downhill footpaths. 0:-)
'Rather than using cups that cartridge bearings sit within, the MAXhit is the bearings, if you catch my drift' Still none the wiser - stick with dub and a ceramic Chinese affair at that which are brilliant for cost & durability in my experience!
@tomlew Will check Neco, cheers.
I’m not sure it’s a knee jerk reaction from Adam Hansen’s point. I think it’s more the media, as per usual, having a full statement in front of them about everything that was wrong with the tragic incident on Friday, and running with the headline that will get the most attention and clicks. No doubt this very publication will be the same come Monday. My sincere condolences to Finlay’s family and friends.
@mdavidford Always worth remembering with these spending outcries as well that a fatal road incident costs us as taxpayers £2.7M, and a serious injury incident £325,000. So if just one fatal road incident, or a small handful of serious injury ones, has been prevented across the whole of Oxfordshire by 20mph limits in the last four years, the taxpayer is actually in profit.
For reference, annual highways spend is about £80m (out of a total spend of £999m). Less than 0.013% is an interesting definition of 'high'.
Maybe the problem is the bikes are too good to make the trails challenging. Hence the growth of trail centres. Most MTBs are ludicrously competent now, particularly e-MTBs. Want a challenge? Change the bikes to something less competent.
Didn't move with the times, consequently it failed. Sad for the employees, but the real Raleigh died years ago.
"If there wasn’t enough parking the car-owning residents would be up in arms organising and petitioning the council" There isn't enough parking, in pretty much every neighbourhood. There a street in my town, where just about every house has off road parking for at least 2 cars, but somebody still saw fit to paint lots of parking bays along it. In addition to just encouraging even more car ownership, it causes regular incidents where people simply can't wait for a gap in the traffic and overtake the parked cars into oncoming traffic. (Said road is on a bus route, and a short walk from a well connected railway station, a large supermarket and not too far from town, but people still feel the need for multiple car households. It's a strange mindset that we've got ourselves into.
25 thoughts on “Local paper accuses British Cycling of “censoring” village named Three Cocks; Never ask ‘why is Tadej Pogačar going so slow?’; Down the Koppenberg at 70km/h; Jockey wheels have left the chat; Vuelta S6; 20-year wait for cycle path + more on the live blog”
I think if I were to
I think if I were to participate in that Koppenberg rattle-fest, I’d want to wear padded bibs rather than the budgie smugglers worn in the video!
Ouch!
Sitting at Reading station
Sitting at Reading station this morning, my service was unexpectably cancelled (note, metal seats are getting a bit too cold in the mornings…), I heard an announcement about the banning of ebikes, I initially thought it was applying to the Lizzy Line, as Reading is the western terminal, but then they gave a date, strange, and finished the message with GWR. I don’t often have to wait that long at Reading, and I haven’t heard it at North Camp yet, I spend a lot more time waiting there. It would appear that the ban is expanding from that there London…
I think non folding ebikes
I think non folding ebikes are banned on alot of train lines thesedays, not all for sure yet but with a mix of escooter bans too I can see them all adopting the same rules when they’re nationalised again as its just confusing for passengers and staff to deal with
Though I did check GWR
Though I did check GWR bicycle policy, 1st Sept 2025, and they said fully road legal ebikes are permitted, no modifications. Providing existing bike rules are abided by. I will keep a listen out. I wasn’t giving it my full attention.
Though they seem to have something agaist tyres wider than 70mm, grrr…
Legal EAPC are still welcome
Legal EAPC are still welcome on ScotRail trains.
No use to you…
No EAPC for me, but I am
No EAPC for me, but I am concerned that my rohloff may be misidentified.
I have that happen with my
I have that happen with my Alfine. Not on trains though.
I’d say “point out the lack of power cables” but there the two for the shifter box which might confuse…
Nice problem to have!
Full nokons, and strangely
Full nokons, and strangely enough most lekky cables are not covered in metal, but I don’t wish to be arguing with guards or gate staff, even overenthusiastic ones. Smiles and friendlyness at all times.
“Israel – Premier Tech
“Israel – Premier Tech respects everyone’s right to freedom of speech, which includes the right to protest peacefully”
When Gazans peacefully protested in 2018 and 2019 (see “2018–2019 Gaza border protests” on Wikipedia, e.g.), by just walking *inside Gaza* near (near, not even right at!) the Israeli border, the ITF repeatedly opened fire on them. They killed hundreds and wounded over 9000.
I’m not sure what the actions
I’m not sure what the actions of the Israeli defence forces in 2018 has to do with the privately-owned cycling team in 2025.
I don’t think that putting UAE riders in danger would do anything to help the plight of detained dissidents, or the thousands of people killed in Yemen or Sudan, but that team is at least owned by the same authorities responsible for that nation’s war crimes.
Right, so what does that have
Right, so what does that have to do with a company from Isreal or do they secretly dictate government policy in Israel.
What is it about Isreal and Palestine that makes people lose any sense of nuance and common sense. Its like you hear Israel and suddenly its got to be bad or you are endorsing the regimes behaviour. Its about as stupid as attributing any anti-Israel sentiment to anti-semitism. Like the two are the same thing.
The team deliberately
The team deliberately promotes the colonial-terrorist entity. It’s there in the name! The actions of said colonial-terrorist entity therefore reflect on the team that is named to promote it.
Edit: Oh, and it has received money from the Israeli government (tourism ministry), as part of this promotional activity.
Paul J wrote:
UAE?
Bahrain?
IDF for Israel Defense Forces
IDF for Israel Defense Forces. Protesters can disrupt a cycling race thousands of miles away from Gaza. Yet this action has no impact on the Gazan population.
MaxiMinimalist wrote:
They are not defence forces. Bombing civilians, sniping women and children, blowing up and bulldozing schools, hospitals, homes is never self-defence. It is genocide. They are the armed wing of a colonial-terrorist entity: ITF, Israeli Terrorist Forces.
Israel delenda est.
Road.cc missed this news item
Road.cc missed this news item:
Ex Police Officer and 13 year old son violently attacked by six attackers, leaving him with several injuries including a broken rib, in another London bikejacking.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/police-officer-attacked-mopeds-bikejacking-incident-b1239794.html
Hi, we’re currently in
Hi, we’re currently in contact with one of the cyclists and will hopefully have an article on the website at some point this week. Thanks
Re. Grimsby’s PSPOs –
Re. Grimsby’s PSPOs – Ultimately, only a challenge in Court will prove the original PSPO was incorrectly worded. I’m sure NELinc Council will tell you they are 100% certain both versions are enforceable.
Mr Anderson wrote:
On a personal note, I’m particularly worried about this line
“In Croydon, there have been reports of two assaults on riders on Shirley Church Road.”
as we’re currently exploring moving my dad into a care home on that road, so I will be cycling there frequently in future.
The BBC offered to televised
The BBC offered to televised the Junior Race Of S Wales, but only if the course was diverted through the nearby village of Three Fannys.
Well they’re going through
Well ToB are going through Cockfield on Wednesday and have a KOM planned in Semer (which means to sow, but not necessarily ones own oats), planned up the wrong hill mind, but that’s for another mass debate.
One thing that Pog video didn
One thing that Pog video didn’t need was that ghastly muzak
Censor a village named ‘Three
Censor a village named ‘Three Cocks’… what about Scunthorpe?
Penistone?
Penistone?
This looks kind of fun
This looks kind of fun
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/aug/26/saddle-up-wheel-world-is-a-leisurely-lycra-less-feelgood-hit
And I really rate lonely mountain downhill.