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Footage of Thomas crash emerges; Deadline Day - Which cyclists would be good footballers? Not Chris Froome...; *THAT* EF kit goes on sale; Sunday's racing was brilliant; Sagan catches a lift with fans after wrong turn; Weekend Roundup

Welcome to Monday's live blog, with Liam Cahill providing your updates throughout the day...
05 October 2020, 15:37
Cobbled patch in the road causes dropped bottles

The footage that you never like to see of Geraint Thomas' crash in the neutralised section before the start of stage 3 of the Giro d'Italia has surfaced showing that the Ineos GC hope was taken down by a stray water bottle.

From what we can make out in the video, a cobbled section of road caused numerous bottles to be dropped, though we're not sure whether these were dropped from riders' hands or jettisoned from bottle cages. 

Thomas, who was towards the back of the peloton seems to be the only rider to have hit a bottle, causing him to crash heavily on his left side. As we mentioned earlier, Thomas is off to the hospital for an x-ray and will hopefully be able to continue tomorrow.

05 October 2020, 15:18
X-Ray for Thomas after Giro Crash

We really hope it isn't, but this could be the end of the Giro and Thomas' season...

05 October 2020, 14:00
Sounds like there was no second crash for Thomas

It seems like Thomas is simply struggling from his crash in the neutral zone. Whatever happened, Thomas seems to be in a lot of pain. Combine that with a strong pace at the front and Thomas is well and truly out of the GC race.

05 October 2020, 13:42
It looks like the Giro is gone for Thomas

Geraint Thomas has crashed again and now has several rips to his left side. Trek Segafredo were pushing the pace and now Thomas is off the back of the peloton, his hopes of an overall win disappearing up the road.

It's bad luck once again for the former winner of the Tour de France and also more bad luck for Ineos in 2020 grand tours. Thier hopes will now turn towards young British rider Tao Geoganhart who sits 2'40" down.

05 October 2020, 12:31
Win £1159.90 worth of absoluteBLACK PVD 1x Oval Chainrings - 10 to be Won!
AbsoluteBlackCompoORCC-2020-01

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Those mountain bikers over at off.road.cc have got a very colourful competition running with ten lucky winners each getting either a £109.99 Sram Boost or a £115.99 Shimano 12spd Hyperglide+ ​chainring.

You can head this way to enter

05 October 2020, 10:37
Thomas hits the deck in the neutral zone

Racing hasn't even started and Geraint Thomas has hit the deck on the third stage of the Giro d'Italia. 

Thankfully he was up quickly and as the race hadn't yet started, he was allowed to rejoin the peloton in his own time.

Today's stage is the first test for the GC contenders with a summit finish at Mount Etna.

05 October 2020, 09:36
New bikes added to the UCI's list from Liv
2022 Liv Langma UCI List

Liv appears to be close to launching an update to its Langma range with Advanced SL Disc, Advanced Pro Disc and Advanced Disc models all approved by the UCI on the 14th September. The models all carry the code 'MY22', suggesting that this is one of the first 2022 bike models that we've seen.

Let me just check. Yes, it is still 2020.

Following Liv's usual naming structure, the Langma Advanced SL Disc should be the range-topping model with an integrated seatpost design. We would expect this to only be available with electronic shifting as was the case with the 2019 Advanced SL model and the whole range is set to be disc-brake only with 2019's rim-brake model not included on the UCI's list.

The Lagma Disc range started at £1,949 for 2020 so we're hoping to see a Shimano 105 model sticking below the two grand mark. We'll be keeping an eye out for details and pictures to see if the lightweight race bike gets any more aero featuress

05 October 2020, 09:23
Cooly combining the cycling school run, live TV and peeling an orange

Exceptional juggling of the to-do list from the BBC's foreign correspondent Anna Holligan here.

You can catch her programme, Europe's Cycling Revolution on BBC World News at 11:30 AM on Wednesday. The news special asks "if the surge in cycling is the start of a much bigger change in the way we travel," so it should be a very interesting one to watch.

05 October 2020, 09:23
Language and history lesson of the day

I still don't really understand...

05 October 2020, 07:46
Deadline day - which cyclists would make good footballers?

A tendency for terrible haircuts and supercars aren't the only things that make footballers so expensive. They are quite good at football too.

But seeing as it is 'deadline day' (lots of transfers happen) in the world of football, we want to know which cyclists would make good footballers and why. The obvious one is Peter Sagan. He has the flair, he has the questionable haircuts. But who else? Suggestions in the comments, please.

We're thinking that Chris Froome wouldn't have so much success on the footie pitch...

05 October 2020, 07:09
So much happened at Liege-Bastogne-Liege yesterday

One day provided all of the answers to the question of "why do you watch bike racing?"

Firstly, Lizzie Deignan attacks on the iconic La Redoute climb and holds on to win. Her attack was vicious and the ensuing 30km ride into the finish looked incredibly controlled. Brilliant.

Then in the men's race a small group, containing the winner of the Tour (Pogacar), the World Champion (Alaphillippe), the breakout rider of the Tour (Hirshi) and the unluckiest rider in the Tour (Roglic), went away in the final 10km.

LBL 2020 photo finish

Alaphillippe opens up the sprint, but swings from right to left, hitting Hirshi and forcing the Swiss rider to unclip which also hampers Pogacar's sprint. Alaphllippe continues and celebrates his first win in the rainbow bands. But wait, he hadn't spotted Roglic sneaking up on his right. As Alaphillippe holds his hands in the air the Slovenian steals the win, going a little way to improving his year after losing the Tour on the penultimate day.

In the end, Alaphillippe was relegated for his dodgy sprinting, capping what was a dramatic day of racing.

05 October 2020, 07:04
Sagan hitches a ride with a fan after post-race wrong turn

The former 3 x world champion got a bit lost on his way back to the Bora team bus after yesterday's stage of the Giro d'Italia. Thankfully, these fans were on hand to point him in the right direction.

But when you're riding a three-week race, one doesn't simply pedal unnecessarily. No no. Sagan hitched a ride on the side of their car, saving precious energy for the coming weeks.

05 October 2020, 07:01
*THAT* EF Pro Cycling team kit goes on sale today
Rapha EF x Palace clothing CREDIT S J HOCKETT 4

We're absolutely in love and the general consensus seems to be that it's either good or simply so bad that it's good.

What do you think? Will you be buying what could become an iconic jersey? It goes on sale at 11 AM...

Rapha.cc

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28 comments

Avatar
Jetmans Dad | 3 years ago
0 likes

I always find this a really weird discussion. 

I have never particularly been a football fan, but have a long standing love of ice hockey and the many incarnations of my local team, and in both those sports you are considered, to some extent, "not a real fan" if you don't wear the shirt. 

By contrast, in cycling, wearing the shirt seems to mark you out as not a real fan. 

I will just carry on wearing my replica Molteni shirt and hang the consequences ...

Avatar
Simon E replied to Jetmans Dad | 3 years ago
0 likes

Jetmans Dad wrote:

I always find this a really weird discussion. 

I have never particularly been a football fan, but have a long standing love of ice hockey and the many incarnations of my local team, and in both those sports you are considered, to some extent, "not a real fan" if you don't wear the shirt. 

By contrast, in cycling, wearing the shirt seems to mark you out as not a real fan. 

I will just carry on wearing my replica Molteni shirt and hang the consequences ...

Cycling has traditionally attracted a different kind of fandom, where individual riders are admired, even revered, rather than undying loyalty to a team as an entity.

The 'full pro kit wanker' thing is (I think) a relatively recent expression of snobbery. In the UK at least it may be a reaction to the success of Team Sky and an explosion of interest in pro cycling and the growth of MAMILs in the UK cycling scene (which is why leisure cycling has been described as "the new golf"). Previously, only weirdos rode bikes after they turned 18 and only serious weirdos wore lycra.

Perhaps the popularity of The Velominati 'rules', which started as comedy, has given some snobby types an excuse to claim some form of higher ground.

My view is, simply: wear what you like. If it's Molteni, EF, Decathlon or an obscure French club you discovered while on holiday is really no-one else's business. But one recommendation: no white shorts.

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BIRMINGHAMisaDUMP | 3 years ago
0 likes

Anna Holligan - looks like an Urban Arrow she's riding. Brilliant. 

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Hirsute | 3 years ago
1 like

Anna Hooligan ?!

Is the sub ed job still open ?

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Liam Cahill replied to Hirsute | 3 years ago
3 likes

It hasn't been my best day for typos...

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Secret_squirrel | 3 years ago
1 like

Thats not the worst crash I have seen by a long way but plently of potential for him to have hit that curb and broke something.

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to Secret_squirrel | 3 years ago
1 like

The second video shows no curb but just starigth down. The wobble didn't help as it turned some of the forward momentum into sideways momentum so a bit more force directly to the hip. I suspect a small fracture or just badly bruised bone but awful for a cyclist about to start 3 weeks racing. 

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Sniffer replied to AlsoSomniloquism | 3 years ago
1 like

He certainly went down hard enough to injure himself.

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wilbo666 | 3 years ago
5 likes

Ben Foster is a cyclist who'd make a good footballer!

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Karbon Kev | 3 years ago
2 likes

That EF kit, it's fucking awful!

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Kadinkski | 3 years ago
2 likes

That EF Palace kit is the only pro team kit that I find interesting and would buy. Doesn't look like its on sale until the 9th though.  

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MoutonDeMontagne replied to Kadinkski | 3 years ago
0 likes

Available exclusively to rapha CC members today, general punters on friday

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Kendalred replied to MoutonDeMontagne | 3 years ago
0 likes

MoutonDeMontagne wrote:

Available exclusively to rapha CC members today, general punters on friday

According to the Rapha website, not available until friday for members:

"To give our members the best possible chance of securing a piece of the switch-out kit, the Rapha Cycling Club has managed to secure a very limited run of team edition race clothing and casualwear. Members will have exclusive early access from Friday, 9th October. Stay tuned for more information."

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MoutonDeMontagne replied to Kendalred | 3 years ago
0 likes

Oops, my bad, didn't read it properly! 

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MoutonDeMontagne | 3 years ago
5 likes

I love that EF Palace Kit, I want that EF Palace kit. The problem is I've scoffed at full pro-kit w@*kers, and Central London Rapha w@*kers before. Wearing it would involve being both (minus the Central London bit). 

Maybe I'll just frame it and hang it on the wall instead! 

Avatar
EddyBerckx replied to MoutonDeMontagne | 3 years ago
3 likes
MoutonDeMontagne wrote:

I love that EF Palace Kit, I want that EF Palace kit. The problem is I've scoffed at full pro-kit w@*kers, and Central London Rapha w@*kers before. Wearing it would involve being both (minus the Central London bit). 

Maybe I'll just frame it and hang it on the wall instead! 

You judge people on what they choose to wear? Are you 12?

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MoutonDeMontagne replied to EddyBerckx | 3 years ago
6 likes

Seriously? No. Bit of light hearted joking about 'the rules'? Occasionally. Do I actually care in the slightest? No. 

 

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EddyBerckx replied to MoutonDeMontagne | 3 years ago
5 likes

MoutonDeMontagne wrote:

Seriously? No. Bit of light hearted joking about 'the rules'? Occasionally. Do I actually care in the slightest? No. 

light hearted joking about 'the rules' is fair play and should be encouraged, apologies

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MoutonDeMontagne replied to EddyBerckx | 3 years ago
3 likes

No worries

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Steve K | 3 years ago
5 likes

Generally, team kit is one of the few of the 'rules' I agree with, but I do find myself surprisingly tempted by the EF kit.  (Mainly, I confess, because I'm a Crystal Palace fan.)  I suspect the price will make me see sense, though.

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Liam Cahill replied to Steve K | 3 years ago
3 likes

Steve are you going to be Palace's biggest signing today?

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Steve K replied to Liam Cahill | 3 years ago
2 likes
Liam Cahill wrote:

Steve are you going to be Palace's biggest signing today?

Big Sam signed me back in 2017

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Kapelmuur replied to Steve K | 3 years ago
3 likes

Is there a statute of limitations?   I have several team jerseys from the 1960s/70s which was when I first started following pro cycling.

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Organon replied to Kapelmuur | 3 years ago
2 likes

Nope, it's all bollox. My last team kit bought was the Aqua Blue Sport. Lucky golden shamrock and all. Very smart.

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Steve K replied to Kapelmuur | 3 years ago
1 like

Vintage is fine, obviously 👍

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MoutonDeMontagne replied to Steve K | 3 years ago
0 likes

Whats the cut off for 'vintage'? If I were to wear it after the Giro when EF have gone back to the usual pink, does that make it not current and the acceptable? 

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Steve K replied to MoutonDeMontagne | 3 years ago
0 likes

I fear that what was supposed to just be a light hearted comment is at risk of dragging me into the murky world of internet debate, so I shall withdraw gracefully 😉

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jollygoodvelo replied to Kapelmuur | 3 years ago
0 likes

Kapelmuur wrote:

Is there a statute of limitations?   I have several team jerseys from the 1960s/70s which was when I first started following pro cycling.

As soon as it's no longer 'current' kit then you can wear it within the rules IMO.

In fact, I think we should all get over that rule and start buying more kit to support our favourite riders/teams.

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