“Some things just shouldn’t go together”: Cyclist panned on social media for decking out “crappy bike with one of the most powerful brakes in the world”; “He’d have crashed it”: Roglič catches strays from fans in Red Bull video + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
“No chance, he’d have crashed it”: Primož Roglič catches strays after Red Bull’s F1 car doughnuts at Giro d’Italia
Red Bull’s cycling outfit may not be finding the same highs as its Formula 1 counterpart, but that didn’t stop the energy drink company from bringing a 2013 F1 car to Rome and hoisting an SL8 on top of it — and then having a driver perform doughnuts.
Honestly, that’s the tamest marketing thing I’ve seen Red Bull do in a while.
But in the midst of it all, Primož Roglič — the team leader and pre-race favourite to win the maglia rosa, who had to abandon the Giro on stage 16, after a brutal three weeks without a single stage win, which saw the Slovenian and 2023 Giro d’Italia winner crash four times — has been catching strays from fans.
Under Red Bull’s video, when one person asked who the driver was, someone replied: “Primož”, which led to another person commenting: “No chance he would have crashed it.”
Other social media posts also had several comments along the same lines, with fans repeating the same jokes about Roglič crashing the car… Ouch.
“Important victory in view of the Tour”: Could Simon Yates’ Giro triumph set the stage for crucial role in Vingegaard’s Tour de France tilt?
Simon Yates’ pink jersey win in Rome wasn’t just a sign of Visma-Lease a Bike’s resurgence after a rocky few months – it was also a powerful indicator of the team’s strength heading into Jonas Vingegaard’s yellow jersey campaign at the Tour de France.
Former key domestique Nathan Van Hooydonck, Yates’ told Het Nieuwsblad: “It means that the culture is still there. This was also a very important victory in view of the Tour. Jonas [Vingegaard] will have been pleased to see how well Yates rode uphill.”
Since their flawless 2023 season, Visma-Lease a Bike has faced challenges, but Van Hooydonck believes the team’s scientific approach has remained rock solid.
“We try to measure everything that can be measured,” he said. “Our food coach in particular has made the difference, certainly in 2022 and 2023. If you eat and drink correctly for three weeks and you don’t miss anything, you can make a difference in the third week.
“Our chef also has to cook well for three weeks, the masseur has to massage well for three weeks. That is the strength of the team, that is our DNA. With Wout [van Aert] as the great example. If the leader is prepared to sacrifice himself for the whole, then the other riders cannot do otherwise.”
The 29-year-old Belgian added: “Richard [Plugge] and Merijn [Zeeman] have created a cohesive and strong group. That cohesion is very important, especially when you are on the road together for three weeks. Our statement ‘Winning Together’ is therefore much more than an empty slogan. For example, we insist that, in the event of a final victory, everyone comes to the podium ceremony, including the staff.”
What’s the best trophy in cycling?
The iconic pavé of Paris-Roubaix, the metre-long trident of Tirreno-Adriatico, Giro’s Trofeo Senza Fine, or the copper wheels from Strade Bianche — what do you think is the best trophy in cycling?
For me, it’s got to be between the beautiful spiral-y Giro prize or the Roubaix memento… but what’s your pick? Let us know in the comments!
"If you build it, they will come": Protected cycle lanes encourage significantly more people to cycle than painted routes, study finds
Can duct tape really fix everything?
“Two Grand Tours… not many people have done that”: Adam Yates says brother Simon isn’t a “bad bike rider”, and defends UAE Team Emirates’ Giro d’Italia tactics
If anyone had mixed feelings at the finish line in Rome, it was Adam Yates. While he beamed with pride at seeing his twin brother Simon finally win the Giro d’Italia – a dream realised after years of close calls — it also marked the bitter end to UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s ambitions of winning the race with Isaac del Toro.
“In the end, we did a good race, and I think we can be proud of how we rode. Isaac [Del Toro] is still young, he’s 21. I even forget sometimes how young he is,” Adam told Cyclingnews. “I think he’s got a big future ahead of him and for sure many chances like this to come.”
Adam himself hasn’t had the best legs this season and looks likely to slip into a more supporting role at the Tour de France, especially with new team leaders emerging at UAE. But that didn’t stop him from enjoying the moment with his brother.
“I’m super happy for him. All those years ago, when he lost the jersey in the last couple of stages, I think it’s been in his memory for a long time now. He’s tried many times and come up short, but he finally managed to pull it off, so chapeau.”
The Yates twins have shared plenty of memorable moments over the years, most notably when Simon won the Vuelta a España with Adam as his Mitchelton-Scott teammate in 2018. This time, though, the dynamic was different – Simon’s win meant heartbreak for Adam’s team. The brothers will reunite on the roads again soon, both set to ride the Tour de France in support of the two main maillot jaune protagonists: Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard.
But with his second Grand Tour now in the bag, Simon has edged ahead in the family palmarès, something Adam was quick to acknowledge with a wry smile. “To be fair, he’s won a lot of races in his career already. It’s not easy. He’s won a Vuelta, he’s won all these races, I don’t know how many Giro stages he’s got already,” he said.
“He’s not a bad bike rider! Two Grand Tours… not many people have done that, I guess. I need to find one first of all, never mind catching up.”
Police investigate viral video of adult cyclist carrying child and riding wrong way around roundabout, narrowly avoiding collision
“I dreamt of being like my heroes”: Sir Mark Cavendish’s legacy celebrated with Isle of Man raceway renaming
The Isle of Man’s iconic raceway at the National Sports Centre is set to be renamed in honour of Sir Mark Cavendish later this month, the government has confirmed.
The site holds deep significance for Cavendish, who first raced competitively as a child on the 0.6-mile (1km) circuit.
“It’s where it all began for me, so it’s a very special place,” Cavendish said ahead of the event. Now 39, the Manx Missile became the most successful stage winner in Tour de France history last year when he notched his 35th victory, capping a glittering career that has seen him claim 135 wins.
On 27 June, Cavendish will complete a timed hot lap of the newly renamed raceway before joining school children and members of his former cycling club for a celebratory ride-out lap. The event will also feature the unveiling of a mural that incorporates a powerful quote from Cavendish’s early racing days: “I dreamt of being like my heroes.”
Cav said the raceway was where he “fell in love with cycling” and was “deeply moved by the thought and detail that has gone into every element” of the new mural, which features the names of hundreds of pupils. The project also includes a new podium, finish lines and updated signage, all of which will be revealed during the launch event.
Daphne Caine, Education, Sport and Culture Minister, hailed the impact of Cavendish’s achievements. “Young people are truly at the heart of this,” she said. “Sir Mark is a fantastic role model, and this project shows how his legacy can inspire the next generation.”
As part of the celebration, children have nominated their own heroes, designed banners and prepared questions for Cavendish. A few lucky students will also have the chance to interview the sprint legend about his life and career.
“Only one way to beat the road closures”: English cricket team arrives at the ground in style (on Lime bikes)
If Timothée Chalamet can show up at the London premiere of his Bob Dylan movie ‘A Complete Unknown’ on a Lime bike, well, one could say the Three Lions are just following in on the trend!
Arriving at the ground in style 😎
Only one way to beat the road closures in London 😂 pic.twitter.com/2xrSPypnQD
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 3, 2025
A stark contrast from the footy team who were at the Barcelona Grand Prix over the weekend…
“It says replace me three years ago”: Cyclist shocks everyone with so much wear on tyre that it’s worn out the tread and revealed the inner rubber casing
Another scorcher from Reddit, the platform that never fails to disappoint — this time it’s a cyclist who’s put their bike through so much use (hey, no complaints there) that the rubber tyre’s completely worn out to reveal the inner flat protection rubber casing.
It left the rider wondering if it was “red paint” at first, only for a host of kind social media users to inform them that it *might* be time to get a fresh pair of rubber.
Question: What’s this red strip on my tyre?
byu/sits79 inbikewrench
“That is indeed your tyre screaming in agony to be retired,” wrote one person. “That red stripe is your puncture safety layer, and it’s not intended to be visible. Your tyre will have a bad grip and is dangerous to ride, especially in wet conditions. Please replace it immediately.”
Another person said: “It’s the ‘please for the love of God change the God damn thing’ indicator. For real, change that thing asap,” while yet another commented: “It says replace me three years ago.”
Lib Dems embrace MAGA... by calling for cycle lanes to "Make (the) A556 Great Again"
> Lib Dems embrace MAGA… by calling for cycle lanes to “Make (the) A556 Great Again”
“Some things just shouldn’t go together”: Cyclist panned on social media for decking out “kinda crappy bike with one of the most powerful brakes in the world”
Cyclists, we are a weird bunch, that I know. But sometimes someone goes and does something that just leaves me speechless.
The latest instance of that passed by me thanks to an equally perplexed bike mechanic, who shared the image of a modest-looking bike, paired with SRAM’s “most powerful” downhill brakes, Maven Ultimate — not just any version, but a limited edition ‘Teal Splatter Expert’ kit that retails for £585 (although it appears to be out of stock on most websites).
Some things just shouldn’t go together…
byu/Minechaser05 inBikeMechanics
Other users on social media weren’t too impressed either, or rather, baffled by the choice to install brakes with 18 and 19.5-millimeter pistons with four piston callipers and titanium hardware, which according to SRAM deliver “best-in-class power” and are “worthy of any modern super bike” — on a bike with £15 Specialized Fast Trak tyres, an entry-level Rockshox fork, a rigid seatpost… and a Delta mobile phone mount.
“It gets worse the longer you look,” wrote one person, while another said: “Looks like a kinda crappy bike with one of the most powerful brakes in the world on it. SRAM Mavens are crazy powerful.”
Another person said: “They’re also so strong that it will be impossible to modulate at all with those tyres. They’ll be either off, or skidding out of control, nothing in between.”
Yet another user wrote: “I spent 3 hours on Mavens last fall, and I thought they were borderline unrideable, they were so strong, and I have 6,000ft descents out my door.”
Honestly, I am more worried about the orientation of the quick-release axle…
Finally, there was one person who seemed to catch on to what the cyclist was up to: “Very nice upgrade parts on a s***house bike — classic. Everyone that has been into MTB has done this at some point before they smartened up.”
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@FionaJJ These officers deployed next-level stupidity, and it must be difficult for the police to find people this dim. It doesn't even need rolling-roads or whatever, just a reputable bike computer on a quickly changed mount for the difficult cases where a proper EAPC has been modded, although you would need to look hard in Lancashire to find a police officer who knows how to make a pedal cycle go. Most illegal electric motorbikes are immediately obvious, not least because the crim is wearing a face mask. I saw an obvious one tonight coming out of Garstang Sainsbury's, not pedalling but without a face mask because everybody knows that the police only come into the town to hide away in the police station 200 yards away.
Gustav Gullholm.. that's not a good look mate
@Chris RideFar I think what you meant to say was "REMOVE this and put it on PODCAST CC".
As Mary Whitehouse never said - one doesn't have to read the article if one doesn't want to read about an off-road bicycle.
@FionaJJ In London they're allowed to stop on single and double yellows to deliver packages or empty pillar boxes; in practice they take this as carte blanche to park wherever and whenever they want, such as this chap on the Brixton Road who pulled into the bus/cycle/motorcycle lane without indicating, as I approached at 20mph, to park on a red route, response to a remonstrance, "I suppose you never get post delivered do ya?"
@Rendel Harris We have a pavement parking ban, but around here at least, royal mail vans are already exempt, subject to certain caveats, such as allowing at least 1.5m, and only being stopped to do their work.
It was already embarrassing for the police that they made such a mess of their attempt to determine whether a bike was legal or not, but I had assumed it was a group of well intentioned, but under-trained officers acting on their own initiative, having spotted something they thought looked not quite right. I'm now discovering this was a planned activity, something sufficiently organised to have been given a name - Operation FRISLEN, designed specifically to identify and remove illegal e-bikes and scooters. It's apparent that the officers were sent out without adequate training, never mind the kind of equipment that should be used for this sort of work. I'm not saying they always need specialist equipment to spot all illegal bikes, but at least if they'd been given a demonstration with that equipment, they'd have realised why their approach was not going to end well.
Have put drop bars on a 2001 B1 mtb, a 2007 stumpy hardtail and a 2010 stumpy full suss. In all cases fairly basic conversións leaving gearing and wheels broadly the same and concentrating on correct positioning of bars and fit. Oddly, with all 3 I was happy with the result when recently done, but after a few months found that the extra speed on easy trails was more than offset by the lack of ability (probably mine) on tougher routes and finally preferred flat bar with slammed and inverted stem as best overall compromise. Good fun playing around, though.
The photos in this review look they are for a different bag?
This is a strange reactionary knee jerk overall. But what is this "are essentially motorbikes in disguise" waffle? "One letter claimed that high-powered electric ‘e-bikes’ were “essentially motorbikes” in disguise, with many being used without lights, helmets, or any hi-vis clothing." Surely, they simply ARE motorbikes?
24 thoughts on ““Some things just shouldn’t go together”: Cyclist panned on social media for decking out “crappy bike with one of the most powerful brakes in the world”; “He’d have crashed it”: Roglič catches strays from fans in Red Bull video + more on the live blog”
Surely the combination of QR
Surely the combination of QR and incredibly powerful brakes risks ripping the wheel from the dropouts?
Unlikely as most of the force
Unlikely as most of the force is pulling the wheel deeper (up) into the QR channel. It will be fine unless it snaps the QR mount clean off. Which is also unlikely. Before marketing got involved with Thru Axels QR’s worked fine with disc’s for at least a decade – almost 2.
Sorry, incorrect analysis Mr
Sorry, incorrect analysis Mr Squirrel, AidanR is right. If you consider the caliper exerting a strong braking force acting on the brake disc at a point behind the fork, there will be a reaction force felt at the dropout, on the wheel axis, and that force will be in the downward direction. Which does risk ripping the wheel out of an open dropout slot.
In the early days of hydro disc brakes coming into MTBs, when wheels were still QR and dropouts were open slots, this was a real concern that caused some heated discussion. The move to thru-axle designs solved this issue.
errrm nope. There were no
errrm nope. There were no major concerns from that. I was there. First discs on MTB’s was around 91/92, I have 3 sets of original Hope Mechanical calipers in the shed from that era, before Hope went hydralic. QR’s didnt start fading out until early 2000’s.
Early versions of Thru Axels started apearing for Downhill bikes around 97 like the Pace RC150’s on the limited run RC500.
Good pics here. https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/pace-rc500-the-finished-project.90883/
The concern about QR’s was never about jumping out of the slot but them bending on landing from jumps, which they did fairly frequently on DH/Gravity bikes. XC and Trail bikes (the vast majority) continued on with QR’s until the mid 2000’s.
There was certainly debate in
There was certainly debate in some quarters about the risk of disk brakes pulling out wheels. If you Google “Disk Brake Wheel Ejection” you can find a bunch of old discussion. It isn’t clear how much of this was a theoretical worry rather than a regular occurrence, however. I remember a few bikes(? Early Cotic Road Rat?) putting the disk brake on the front of the right fork blade to reverse the “pulling out” effect.
I have a recent (2020s) bike with QR and a front disk and the dropout gaps are angled slightly forwards, rather than straight down, so I wonder if that simple change (+ lawyer lips maybe) was enough to turn a small risk into a non-existent one.
My memory of this is that it
My memory of this is that it was claimed that through axles would guarantee that the wheel went back in exactly the same place to avoid brake rub through misalignment although I’ve never noticed this on my own QR equipped disk brake bikes.
Ah, so those Maven ‘Teal
Ah, so those Maven ‘Teal Splatter Expert’ calipers are the bright green things I noticed at the weekend when I watched some coverage of the UCI downhill from Loudenvielle. Very distinctive on a few of those downhill bikes. I can imagine just WANTING them.
How do you use Hemel
How do you use Hemel Hempstead’s ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout? (BBC)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgnr3l21nvo
It’s unique but it is the fourth such roundabout (??)
“if your mode of transport has more power, it comes with more responsibility” – so, like on any other road (according to the HC)?
Gearing up? They need to
Gearing up? They need to gear down. Unless they’re “braving” some “how fast can we drive through it” challenge?
“Don’t run people over, don’t nearly run people over, don’t cut people up or block their passage. If they’re smaller / more vulnerable / slower than you don’t barge past or bully them out of the way – might isn’t right. Basically don’t be an antisocial idiot. Oh, and don’t run people over”. That should more than cover it?
Maybe I’m cynical, but I
Maybe I’m cynical, but I would have to question the provenance of those brakes. Bought cheap, lightly used?
Any news on world bike day ?
Any news on world bike day ?
I did see a photo of a well known lady cycling to her wedding but alas she was dumped at the altar for turning up sweaty.
Well Suffolk Police have
Well Suffolk Police have launched a two week long campaign led by the National police chief council to make the road safer for two wheeled users.
Apparently they’ll be targeting illegal modifications, anti-social behaviour, and unsafe riding, particularly in town centres and educating riders of the dangers of the incorrect personal protective equipment and reducing the knowledge and skill gap.
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/25208745.campaign-launched-make-roads-safer-bikers-cyclists/
So nothing aimed at drivers ?
So nothing aimed at drivers ??
Well they mention the highway
Well they mention the highway code in passing, but doesn’t seem like it’s targeted at the real dangers on the road.
RE: kinda crappy bike with
RE: kinda crappy bike with one of the most powerful brakes in the world
Was expecting to see that someone had jammed a bollard in the front wheel spokes…
At the oval
At the oval
The match has been delayed because West Indies were stuck in heavy traffic en route to the ground from their hotel 3.5 miles away.
meanwhile England:
Are they the spinners?
Are they the spinners? (Probably not with Lime bike gearing…)
But did they park them
But did they park them appropriately…?
That’s for tomorrow’s story
That’s for tomorrow’s story when it turns out they were fined for leaving them in the ground all day.
You Brits. I get the gist of
You Brits. I get the gist of what this means: “has been catching strays from fans”. But strays? Is this a common phrase?
It might be a common phrase
It might be a common phrase in a youthful hyper-online digital media context but I had to reach for the meaning just as I presume you did.
Daniel Elvebak wrote:
I believe it’s actually a phrase coming from your fair country (assuming you are in the US), a person “catching strays” originally being somebody hit by a stray bullet, i.e. an innocent bystander in a drive-by shooting, something that happens a lot more on your side of the pond. In this sense, Roglic has become collateral damage from an incident in which he was not actually involved.
I think it may have gained
I think it may have gained currency from gaming. Not new though (at least not to me, and I don’t think anyone would call me ‘youthful’). See also ‘catching flak’, for when it’s more directed at you, rather than incidental.
England cricketers arriving
England cricketers arriving at the Oval beating the traffic & road closures
https://x.com/englandcricket/status/1929870462223294545