BBC under fire for reporting three children 'hit by car'; Cav back on the track; Want to train as a bike mechanic?; Bid for a slice of signed G memorabilia; Ned Boulting joins cycle path news fan club; Philip Hindes retires + more on the live blog

✍️+1 year @MatthewHolmes51
✍️+1 year @SteffCras

Read what the 25-year-old Belgian and 27-year-old Brit had to say after extending their contract 📝https://t.co/wpcECftQJY

— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) October 28, 2021

Yesterday we brought you the news that James Shaw had earned another shot at the WorldTour and has signed for EF Education-Nippo. Well today we've got more good news for fans of British racing. Matthew Holmes is staying with Lotto-Soudal for another year, having signed a contract extension until the end of 2022.

Holmes got his breakthrough win at the Tour Down Under last year, when coronavirus was just a headline from a far away land. Since then he's finished third on a stage of the Giro, and sixth at a stage of the Vuelta this year. Holmes says a Grand Tour stage win is his big ambition for next season.

"It feels really nice to go into my third year with Lotto Soudal. I can’t wait for next year. After two seasons of getting to know everyone and making friends, Lotto Soudal really feels like ‘my’ team," he said.

"Maybe this year has not fully gone to plan, but I still won a WorldTour race during my first pro contract. It’s an achievement which I’m still really proud of. On a couple of occasions, I’ve also been close to a Grand Tour stage win, which really gave me confidence to go and try to win one next year. In my head, I know it’s doable."

This headline though 👎 ⛔ https://t.co/AZcArUcnkX

— Road Safe Zimbabwe (@RoadSafeZim) October 28, 2021

Mark Cavendish could be forgiven for taking it easy this winter, putting his feet up after a triumphant return to the top of the sport. Instead, he's off to Belgium next month to return to the track scene at the Gent Six Day. He'll be teaming up with Deceuninck-Quick-Step teammate Iljo Keisse during the competition from November 16-21.

He'll be up against his super teammate and reigning Olympic and world madison champion Michael Mørkøv, who pairs up with Lasse Norman Hansen. It'll be Cav's first time at the race since winning it alongside Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2016.

With the clocks switching back on Sunday and the days shortening, it’s certainly time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear once the sun drops down.

Chrome Industries has just launched its new Night Series collection with a fully reflective jacket, merino socks and some cap choices.

The Wind Cobra 2.0 Reflective Jacket (£137) is Chrome’s lightweight windproof and water-resistant layer with 360 degree Hi-Viz reflectivity for visibility in low light conditions. “This shell was made to transcend through all four seasons, day or night, making it ideal for whatever the city streets bring your way,” says the apparel brand. 

Chrome’s new merino crew-length socks feature a wide reflective stripe on the rear upper. The brand also has its new Cycling cap (£26) and 5 Panel Hat (£26) that are built from 360 degree reflective material; the former has a elastic band back, while the latter has an adjustable fit with a buckle closure. 

Buzzbike's Bike Lab Academy is hoping to fill the demand for bike mechanics during the bike boom by training up talented school leavers who might otherwise find it difficult to find employment. The academy is backed by the government's apprenticeship scheme and trains up new mechanics on all the skills required to service and maintain bikes.

Places for 2021 are full, but applications for next year's January intake are open now. After 18 months of training, apprentices leave with an externally-assessed and internationally-recognised level 3 Cytech accreditation as well as real-world workshop experience. The Bike Lab apprentices are also paid an hourly wage, enabling them to earn as they learn.

Should they wish, Bike Lab Academy graduates will also be able to remain within the company after graduation.

Ede Harrison, Head Bike Professor said: “Our aim with this programme is to not only provide our Bike Lab apprentices with the practical skills for a successful career as a mechanic but also helps to build confidence in themselves and their abilities — a foundation that will serve them far beyond the world of work."

Hit by a car @BBC news - surely someone was driving it ?

Woman and three children hit by car in South Lanarkshire. https://t.co/Bg4fh22I3X

— RoadPeace (@RoadPeace) October 27, 2021

People are questioning the BBC's reporting of an incident in South Lanarkshire this morning after the news outlet shared a story headlined: 'Woman and three children hit by car in South Lanarkshire'. A mother in her 20s and three children were struck by a driver in Carluke, shortly after 3pm yesterday. The Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched 10 crews to the scene and all four were taken to hospital in Glasgow, no details about their condition have been released.

The BBC has been criticised for referring to a 'car' and not a driver. The recently compiled road collision reporting guidelines, aimed at informing UK media on how to report on road traffic collisions, suggests always referring to a driver, not their vehicle.

At the time the guidelines were published, Professor Rachel Aldred explained its importance: "The research tells us that language matters, as it helps shape how we see and treat others. So for instance referring to drivers rather than only their vehicles helps remind us that behind every vehicle – be it a car, an HGV, a cycle or a motorcycle – is a person making decisions that affect the safety of others."

Steve Maloret responded to the story, making the point: "Imagine saying someone was 'shot by a gun' or 'stabbed by a knife'."

Simon Warren added: "Never anyone behind the wheel."

It wasn't just the BBC either. Sky News, The Independent, The Sun and Evening Standard all referred to the woman and children being hit or struck by a car, not a driver.