Skip to content
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • ebiketips
  • Shop
  • About us
  • Subscribe to the road.cc newsletter here
Log In Register
preferred-google-button

Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.
Subscribe
  • News
  • Reviews

    Bike

    Components

    Accessories

    Clothing

    Health, fitness and nutrition

    Tools and workshop

    Miscellaneous

    Road bikes

    Sportive and endurance bikes

    Gravel and adventure bikes

    Urban and hybrid bikes

    Touring bikes

    Cyclocross bikes

    Electric bikes

    Folding bikes

    Fixed & singlespeed bikes

    Children’s bikes

    Tandems

    Frames

    Accessories – misc

    Computer mounts

    Bags

    Bar ends

    Bike bags & cases

    Bottle cages

    Bottle

    Cameras

    Car racks

    Child seats

    Computers

    Glasses

    GPS units

    Helmets

    Lights – front

    Lights – rear

    Light – sets

    Locks

    Mirrors

    Mudguards

    Racks

    Pumps & CO2 inflators

    Puncture kits

    Reflectives

    Smart watches

    Stands and racks

    Trailers

    Arm & leg warmers

    Base layers

    Gilets

    Gloves – full finger

    Gloves – mitts

    Headwear

    Jackets

    Jerseys – casual

    Jerseys – long sleeve

    Jerseys – short sleeve

    Overshoes

    Shoes

    Shorts & 3/4s

    Skin suits

    Socks

    Tights & longs

    Underwear

    Trousers

    Bar tape & grips

    Bottom brackets

    Brake & gear cables

    Brake & STI levers

    Brake pads & spares

    Brakes

    Cassettes & freewheels

    Chains

    Chainsets & chainrings

    Derailleurs – front

    Derailleurs – rear

    Forks

    Gear levers & shifters

    Groupsets

    Handlebars & extensions

    Headsets

    Hubs

    Inner tubes

    Pedals

    Quick releases & skewers

    Saddles

    Seatposts

    Stems

    Wheels

    Tyres

    Energy & recovery bars

    Energy & recovery drinks

    Energy & recovery gels

    Heart rate monitors

    Hydration products

    Hydration systems

    Indoor trainers

    Power measurement

    Skincare & embrocation

    Sun care

    Training – misc

    Cleaning products

    Lubrication

    Tools – multitools

    Tools – Portable

    Tools – workshop

    Workstands

    Apps

    Books, Maps & DVDs

    Camping and outdoor equipment

    Family

    Gifts & misc

  • Buyers Guides
    Bike
    Components
    Accessories

    Clothing

    Health, fitness and nutrition

    Tools and workshop

    Miscellaneous

    Road bikes

    Sportive and endurance bikes

    Gravel and adventure bikes

    Urban and hybrid bikes

    Touring bikes

    Cyclocross bikes

    Electric bikes

    Folding bikes

    Fixed & singlespeed bikes

    Children’s bikes

    Tandems

    Frames

    Accessories – misc

    Bags

    Bike bags & cases

    Cameras

    Car racks

    Child seats

    Computers

    Glasses

    GPS units

    Helmets

    Lights – front

    Lights – rear

    Locks

    Mudguards

    Racks

    Pumps & CO2 inflators

    Puncture kits

    Reflectives

    Stands and racks

    Trailers

    Arm & leg warmers

    Base layers

    Gilets

    Gloves – full finger

    Gloves – mitts

    Headwear

    Jackets

    Jerseys – casual

    Jerseys – long sleeve

    Jerseys – short sleeve

    Overshoes

    Shoes

    Shorts & 3/4s

    Socks

    Tights & longs

    Trousers

    Bar tape & grips

    Brake & STI levers

    Brakes

    Chainsets & chainrings

    Derailleurs – front

    Derailleurs – rear

    Groupsets

    Handlebars & extensions

    Inner tubes

    Pedals

    Saddles

    Seatposts

    Wheels

    Tyres

    Heart rate monitors

    Indoor trainers

    Power measurement

    Skincare & embrocation

    Training – misc

    Lubrication

    Tools – multitools

    Tools – workshop

    Tools – Portable

    Books, Maps & DVDs

    Gifts & misc

  • Features

    All

    How To

    Tech

    Fitness

    Travel

  • Forum

    Bike Forum

    Tea Stop

  • Recommends
  • Podcast
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Log InRegister
  • News
  • Reviews

    Back

    Bikes

    Accessories

    Clothing

    Components

    Health, fitness and nutrition

    Tools and workshop

    Miscellaneous

    Back

    Road bikes

    Sportive and endurance bikes

    Gravel and adventure bikes

    Urban and hybrid bikes

    Touring bikes

    Cyclocross bikes

    Electric bikes

    Folding bikes

    Fixed & singlespeed bikes

    Children’s bikes

    Time trial bikes

    Tandems

    Frames

    Back

    Accessories – misc

    Computer mounts

    Bags

    Bar ends

    Bike bags & cases

    Bottle cages

    Bottles

    Cameras

    Car racks

    Child seats

    Computers

    Glasses

    GPS units

    Helmets

    Lights – front
    Lights – rear
    Light – sets
    Locks
    Mirrors
    Mudguards
    Racks
    Pumps & CO2 inflators

    Puncture kits

    Reflectives
    Smart watches
    Stands and racks
    Trailers

    Back

    Arm & leg warmers
    Base layers
    Gilets
    Gloves – full finger
    Gloves – mitts

    Headwear

    Jackets
    Jerseys – casual
    Jerseys – long sleeve
    Jerseys – long sleeve
    Overshoes
    Shoes
    Shorts & 3/4s
    Skin
    Socks
    Tights & longs
    Underwear
    Trousers

    Back

    Bar tape & grips
    Bottom brackets
    Brake & gear cables
    Brake & STI levers
    Brake pads & spares
    Brakes
    Cassettes & freewheels
    Chains
    Chainsets & chainrings
    Derailleurs – front

    Derailleurs – rear

    Forks
    Gear levers & shifters
    Groupsets
    Handlebars & extensions
    Headsets
    Hubs
    Inner tubes
    Pedals
    Quick releases & skewers
    Saddles
    Seatposts
    Stems
    Wheels
    Tyres

    Back

    Energy & recovery bars
    Energy & recovery drinks
    Energy & recovery gels
    Heart rate monitors
    Hydration products
    Hydration systems
    Indoor trainers
    Power measurement
    Skincare & embrocation
    Sun care
    Training – misc

    Back

    Cleaning products
    Lubrication
    Tools – multitools
    Tools – Portable
    Tools – workshop

    Workstands

    Back

    Apps
    Books, Maps & DVDs
    Camping and outdoor equipment
    Family
    Gifts & misc
  • Buyers Guides

    Back

    Bikes

    Accessories

    Clothing

    Components

    Health, fitness and nutrition

    Tools and workshop

    Miscellaneous

    Cross country mountain bikes

    Tubeless valves

    Back

    Road bikes

    Sportive and endurance bikes

    Gravel and adventure bikes

    Urban and hybrid bikes

    Touring bikes

    Cyclocross bikes

    Electric bikes

    Folding bikes

    Fixed & singlespeed bikes

    Children’s bikes

    Time trial bikes

    Tandems

    Frames

    Back

    Accessories – misc

    Computer mounts

    Bags

    Bar ends

    Bike bags & cases

    Bottle cages

    Bottles

    Cameras

    Car racks

    Child seats

    Computers

    Glasses

    GPS units

    Helmets

    Lights – front
    Lights – rear
    Light – sets
    Locks
    Mirrors
    Mudguards
    Racks
    Pumps & CO2 inflators

    Puncture kits

    Reflectives
    Smart watches
    Stands and racks
    Trailers

    Back

    Arm & leg warmers
    Base layers
    Gilets
    Gloves – full finger
    Gloves – mitts

    Headwear

    Jackets
    Jerseys – casual
    Jerseys – long sleeve
    Jerseys – long sleeve
    Overshoes
    Shoes
    Shorts & 3/4s
    Skin
    Socks
    Tights & longs
    Underwear
    Trousers

    Back

    Energy & recovery bars
    Energy & recovery drinks
    Energy & recovery gels
    Heart rate monitors
    Hydration products
    Hydration systems
    Indoor trainers
    Power measurement
    Skincare & embrocation
    Sun care
    Training – misc

    Back

    Cleaning products
    Lubrication
    Tools – multitools
    Tools – Portable
    Tools – workshop

    Workstands

    Back

    Apps
    Books, Maps & DVDs
    Camping and outdoor equipment
    Family
    Gifts & misc
  • Features

    Back

    All

    How To

    Tech

    Fitness

    Travel

  • Forum

    Back

    Bike Forum
    Tea Stop

    Fantasy Cycling

  • Recommends
  • Podcast
  • Off.road.cc
  • Ebiketips
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Subscribe to the road.cc newsletter here
Subscribe
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • ebiketips
  • Shop
  • Subscribe to the ebiketips newsletter here
Log In Register
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Buying
  • Blogs
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Buying
  • Blogs
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Buying
  • Blogs
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • ebiketips
  • Shop
  • About us
  • Subscribe to the off.road.cc weekly newsletter
Log In Register
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
    • Bikes
    • Accessories
    • Clothing
    • Components
    • Health and fitness
    • Tools and workshop
    • Hardtail Mountain bikes
    • XC Mountain bikes
    • Trail Mountain bikes
    • All-Mountain bikes
    • Enduro Mountain bikes
    • Electric Mountain bikes
    • Gravel and Adventure bikes
    • Pumps and CO2 inflators
    • Racks
    • Movie cameras
    • Mudguards
    • Bags
    • Lights - front
    • GPS units
    • Computers
    • Car racks
    • Bike bags and cases
    • Accessories - misc
    • Jerseys
    • Shoes
    • Shorts and 3/4s
    • Socks
    • Underwear
    • Jackets
    • Body armour
    • Arm and leg warmers
    • Base layers
    • Helmets
    • Gilets
    • Gloves
    • Glasses
    • Cassettes
    • Chainsets and chainrings
    • Derailleurs - rear
    • Forks
    • Gear levers and shifters
    • Groupsets
    • Handlebars
    • Headsets
    • Brakes
    • Inner tubes
    • Pedals
    • Rear shocks
    • Rotors
    • Saddles
    • Bar tape and grips
    • Bottom brackets
    • Seatposts
    • Brake pads and spares
    • Wheels
    • Tyres
    • Stems
    • Energy and recovery bars
    • Energy and recovery drinks
    • Energy and recovery gels
    • Skincare and embrocation
    • Hydration products
    • Power measurement
    • Cleaning products
    • Lubrication
    • Tools - multitools
    • Tools - portable
  • Buying
  • Features
  • Trail Guides
  • About us
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
    • Bikes
      • Hardtail Mountain bikes
      • XC Mountain bikes
      • Trail Mountain bikes
      • All-Mountain bikes
      • Enduro Mountain bikes
      • Electric Mountain bikes
      • Gravel and Adventure bikes
    • Accessories
      • Pumps and CO2 inflators
      • Racks
      • Movie cameras
      • Mudguards
      • Bags
      • Lights – front
      • GPS units
      • Computers
      • Car racks
      • Bike bags and cases
      • Accessories – misc
    • Clothing
      • Jerseys
      • Shoes
      • Shorts and 3/4s
      • Socks
      • Underwear
      • Jackets
      • Body armour
      • Arm and leg warmers
      • Base layers
      • Helmets
      • Gilets
      • Gloves
      • Glasses
    • Components
      • Cassettes
      • Chainsets and chainrings
      • Derailleurs – rear
      • Forks
      • Gear levers and shifters
      • Groupsets
      • Handlebars
      • Headsets
      • Brakes
      • Inner tubes
      • Pedals
      • Rear shocks
      • Rotors
      • Saddles
      • Bar tape and grips
      • Bottom brackets
      • Seatposts
      • Brake pads and spares
      • Wheels
      • Tyres
      • Stems
    • Health and fitness
      • Energy and recovery bars
      • Energy and recovery drinks
      • Energy and recovery gels
      • Skincare and embrocation
      • Hydration products
      • Power measurement
    • Tools and workshop
      • Cleaning products
      • Lubrication
      • Tools – multitools
      • Tools – portable
  • Buying
  • Features
  • Trail Guides
  • About Us
  • road.cc
  • Ebiketips
log in
register

Back to News

  • News
Christopher Hall
Filippo Zana Jayco AlUla team car (GCN) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Sticky bottle controversy hits the Giro d’Italia as fans question stage winner Filippo Zana’s team car help; Reaction to British Cycling transgender policy update; Giro queen stage; Paris taken over by waves of cycling commuters + more on the live blog

One more mountain day slog before the live blog retires for another glorious three-day weekend, Dan Alexander is on duty this Friday
  • by Dan Alexander
Fri, May 26, 2023 08:09
55

SUMMARY

  • Queen stage mountain showdown — warning for any sprinters left to look away now
  • Hugh Carthy will not start stage 19, leaves the race with stomach issues
  • Incredible scenes of Paris taken over by waves of cycling commuters
  • Madis Mihkels putting the circus in Intermarché-Circus-Wanty
  • WIRELESS Super Record leaked! Is Campagnolo about to shake up the groupset market?
  • BREAKING: British Cycling updates transgender policy, introduces open category
  • Reaction to British Cycling transgender policy update
  • What has British Cycling changed?
  • RideLondon weekend
  • Stopping the sticky bottle... your suggestions
  • AG2R Citroën team car kicked off Giro d'Italia after Carlos Verona collision
  • Charlotte Kool wins opening stage of RideLondon Classique, Lizzie Deignan third
  • Santiago Buitrago wins stage 19 of the Giro d'Italia — Roglič takes three seconds on G
  • Sticky bottle controversy hits the Giro d'Italia as fans question stage winner Filippo Zana's team car help
Christopher Hall
Filippo Zana Jayco AlUla team car (GCN) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Google icon
Add as a preferred source on Google
26 May 2023, 08:09

Queen stage mountain showdown — warning for any sprinters left to look away now

A look ahead to today. Drumroll please…

The admin posting the stage profile on twitter 🔥#Giro #GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/NIF3yhLuhI

— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) May 26, 2023

  • Passo Campolongo: 4km at 7%
  • Passo Valparola: 2,194m 13.9km at 5.7%
  • Passo Giau: 2,227m 9.8km at 9.3%
  • Passo Tre Coci: 1,802m 8km at 7.3%
  • Tre Cime di Lavaredo: 2,307m 7.1km at 7.8%

Ridiculous office today pic.twitter.com/3qckTULXBD

— Ned Boulting 🏳️‍⚧️ (@nedboulting) May 26, 2023

26 May 2023, 08:09

Hugh Carthy will not start stage 19, leaves the race with stomach issues

2023 Giro d'Italia Hugh Carthy (SWpix.com/Zac Williams)
Zac Williams) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
2023 Giro d'Italia Hugh Carthy (SWpix.com/Zac Williams)
Zac Williams) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Hugh Carthy’s Giro is over, the climber from Preston abandoning the race ahead of the queen stage, his team citing stomach problems that he has been struggling with for a few days. Carthy, who has twice finished in the top ten of the Italian Grand Tour, lost more than four minutes on maglia rosa Geraint Thomas after being dropped early on the penultimate climb.

2023 Giro d'Italia Hugh Carthy (SWpix.com/Zac Williams)
Zac Williams) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
2023 Giro d'Italia Hugh Carthy (SWpix.com/Zac Williams)
Zac Williams) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

His team announced: “Hugh Carthy won’t be able to start today’s stage of the Giro d’Italia. He has been struggling with stomach issues for a few days so he’ll return home to rest and recover. Great effort, Hugh.”

26 May 2023, 08:09

Incredible scenes of Paris taken over by waves of cycling commuters

Things we like to see…

Paris – 25 mai 2023, 20:43 ☀️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/lPG10cAIJj

— Fouad Khayat (@Khayat_Fouad) May 25, 2023

26 May 2023, 08:09

Madis Mihkels putting the circus in Intermarché-Circus-Wanty

Who needs police escort when you have Madis Mihkels? 🚨 #TourOfNorway pic.twitter.com/c8TA4Ys5yG

— Intermarché-Circus-Wanty (@IntermarcheCW) May 25, 2023

26 May 2023, 08:09

WIRELESS Super Record leaked! Is Campagnolo about to shake up the groupset market?

26 May 2023, 08:09

BREAKING: British Cycling updates transgender policy, introduces open category

Some big news just landed…

British Cycling logo
British Cycling logo (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
British Cycling logo
British Cycling logo (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

> Emily Bridges calls British Cycling “failed organisation”, says trans woman have been “banned” as new “Open” category announced

26 May 2023, 08:09

Reaction to British Cycling transgender policy update

The big news this morning…

“…all you do is take money from petrochemical companies and engage in culture wars”

Emily Bridges calls British Cycling a “failed organisation”, says trans woman have been “banned” as new “Open” category announcedhttps://t.co/fUn7fkBc4i #cycling

— road.cc (@roadcc) May 26, 2023

Bridges’ mother Sandy shared her daughter’s statement, adding that “British Cycling were due to lift their press embargo at 11am this morning. Everybody knew the outcome by close of play yesterday. Except the people this policy impacts the most.”

Obviously we can only speak for ourselves, but we received our press release at 10:31am, prompting some urgent flapping as the 11am embargo neared, but talk of the announcement had been doing the rounds on social media for most of this week.

The news has swept around the UK media, it’s currently the top story on BBC News, and high up on just about every other news outlets’ websites. Something tells us the weekend column writers are sharpening their pencils as we speak.

Here, new British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton spoke with BBC Sport’s Dan Roan…

NEW | British Cycling to ban transgender women from competing in female category of competitive events under new participation policy “predicated on fairness”.
My interview with new CEO Jon Dutton here ⬇️ https://t.co/E7Oh2GDMTf pic.twitter.com/QSWn4Vp7b2

— Dan Roan (@danroan) May 26, 2023

26 May 2023, 08:09

What has British Cycling changed?

British Cycling Kalas Sportswear (image credit SWPix.jpg)
British Cycling Kalas Sportswear (image credit SWPix (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
British Cycling Kalas Sportswear (image credit SWPix.jpg)
British Cycling Kalas Sportswear (image credit SWPix (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

> British Cycling updates transgender policy, introduces new “Open” category

26 May 2023, 08:09

RideLondon weekend

More than 25,000 cyclists are set to take part in RideLondon’s closed-road routes on Sunday, with a similar number expected for the Free Cycle, an eight-mile family bike ride around some of the English capital’s most iconic roads, completely closed to traffic.

There’s the women’s professional race too, taking in two stages in Essex before Sunday’s central London finale. Some unfortunate news from the opening day of the race, former world champion Elisa Balsamo forced to abandon having suffered two crashes in the opening 100km.

Plenty out in the sun enjoying the action…

🎥 They’re rolling!
Stage 1 at #RideLondon is underway!

Follow our liveticker:https://t.co/6JpdfgrFhb pic.twitter.com/fJskQDXU9T

— UCI_WWT (@UCI_WWT) May 26, 2023

Any plans for the weekend? Family getting involved in the Free Cycle? Taking on the sportive? Watching the racing?  

26 May 2023, 08:09

Stopping the sticky bottle... your suggestions

Filippo Zana Jayco AlUla team car (GCN)
Filippo Zana Jayco AlUla team car (GCN) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Filippo Zana Jayco AlUla team car (GCN)
Filippo Zana Jayco AlUla team car (GCN) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Patrick9-32: “They need to implement (if they havent already) strict and specific rules for bottle handover. i.e. ‘Items must be handed end to end with contact for a maximum of one full second. Hands of rider and team car passenger must not touch.’

“They could then implement consistent punishment for violations based on severity of going over the limits set. Leaving it open to interpretation makes the teams push the envelope for the advantage and ends up discrediting the sport.”  

Rendel Harris: “A pedant writes: the second time wasn’t “sticky bottle”, it was “sticky glasses” — I thought it was outrageous when I was watching and it hasn’t improved on the second viewing, the sticky bottle was naughty but not far away from what seems to have become the accepted norm, with the glasses the driver and rider were pretty much holding hands with the glasses between them, the driver then accelerated towards the group and gave Zana a slingshot back to them. Not sure he should be deprived of the win but he’s certainly very lucky to get away with such a low sanction.”

Clem Fandango: “I’m sure I heard Sean Kelly on commentary wonder aloud if maybe an Italian Commissaire had been involved.”

26 May 2023, 08:09

AG2R Citroën team car kicked off Giro d'Italia after Carlos Verona collision

🤕🙈 @Carlos_Verona | #Giro

Seguimos adelante con @jjrojillas y el madrileño. Más de 8’ de margen, menos de 70 km al final.pic.twitter.com/BR7aSo38yi

— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) May 26, 2023

One that happened away from the TV cameras, but Italian broadcaster RAI quickly reported that one of the AG2R Citroën team cars had been ejected from the race. The reports suggest the directeur sportif struck the Movistar rider while driving behind the breakaway.

Just one team car left for the French outfit. With riders in the break, and Aurélien Paret-Peintre riding a decent GC, that creates a bit of a headache… although admittedly not quite the pain of Verona’s literal wounds…

26 May 2023, 08:09

Charlotte Kool wins opening stage of RideLondon Classique, Lizzie Deignan third

Top lead-out duties from Georgi Pfeiffer to set up Charlotte Kool for stage one victory in Colchester…

🥵 A tough sprint
😎 A Kool finish@charlotte_kool takes Stage One 🔥#RideLondon pic.twitter.com/jALRUaRwLc

— Ford RideLondon (@RideLondon) May 26, 2023

Got to admit part of me begrudges these pros coming over here and getting to ride British roads with three glorious days of sunshine. Where were they all grim winter? Anyway, ranting aside, Lizzie Deignan took third, just behind Clara Copponi, while Georgi had enough work already done to drift back for 10th. 

Tomorrow, it’s Maldon’s turn…

26 May 2023, 08:09

Santiago Buitrago wins stage 19 of the Giro d'Italia — Roglič takes three seconds on G

One of those Grand Tour days with two battles within the day — for stage victory and then, minutes later, for GC. Santiago Buitrago, the Colombian climber, became the fourth rider of this Giro to beat Derek Gee to a stage as the Canadian finished second again (that’s SIX top fives for Gee)…

Santiago’s MOMENT 🇨🇴

Santiago Buitrago wins Stage 19 of the Giro d’Italia! ☝️@SantiagoBS26 | @BHRVictorious pic.twitter.com/J0fCYhaA3n

— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 26, 2023

Behind, after a day that in many ways summed up this entire Giro — a slow burn, tension building, the promise of action further up the road — Primož Roglič took three seconds back on Thomas.

For a few hundred metres it looked as though it might be the Welshman stealing a further advantage but Roglič, on his changed bike with 1x 10-44t gravel gearing, came past to tighten the maglia rosa battle further, ahead of tomorrow’s decisive TT.

Giro stage 20 2023
Giro stage 20 2023 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Giro stage 20 2023
Giro stage 20 2023 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

26 seconds between G and Roglič, Almeida at 59 seconds. Who will be wearing pink in Rome?

26 May 2023, 08:09

Sticky bottle controversy hits the Giro d'Italia as fans question stage winner Filippo Zana's team car help

There’s been a bit of discussion about this since yesterday’s stage…

I love the aspect of a national champion winning on his home roads, whether it’s ahead of Thibaut or not.

But at some point, you may wonder if the team car should get the win too, after all it helped Zana massively, especially the second time round… @UCI_cycling#Giro pic.twitter.com/NWLbh1IoqZ

— Guillaume (@GuillaumeWatt) May 25, 2023

The two incidents showing, an admittedly pretty normal sight in professional bike racing — a rider, having dropped back to the team car, holding onto a bottle while the driver of said car accelerates, bringing them back to breakaway with minimal effort — the famous sticky bottle… (or in the second case ‘sticky glasses’ as pointed out by one eagle-eyed commenter)…

I dare say you could go back and find a similar incident from every single stage of the Giro so far however, naturally, when the rider involved goes on to win the stage, beating a very popular rider looking for their final Grand Tour stage win before retirement, the scrutiny is always going to be a touch more intense.

But did Zana/Jaco AlUla do anything wrong?

The commissaires thought so, Zana and his team director David McPartland appearing on the jury’s end-of-stage fines list for “Irregular feeding (sticky bottle for short distance)” and will pay 200 CHF (£179) each…

Giro fines
Giro fines (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Giro fines
Giro fines (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Some have suggested the punishment doesn’t go far enough, arguing Zana should lose his stage win, the claim being that in the second video he was being dropped, although the languid nature of his dropping back to the team car, plus the fact that once back on the Italian champion stuck with Pinot’s attacks on the remaining two climbs before beating him in the sprint, suggests this was hardly a rider pedalling squares…

Anyway, you didn’t come here to hear my ramblings, here’s what the fans made of it…

He was dropped with Pronskiy and calls his car

I wouldn’t tweet this if it was just a case of going back to the car, otherwise I’d make 1000 of them each race

— Guillaume (@GuillaumeWatt) May 25, 2023

Well yeah but strategically cheating, is still cheating

If you do it because you’ve gone to your car to get water, that’s fine

But he was dropped. That’s my issue here

— Guillaume (@GuillaumeWatt) May 25, 2023

At this point Zana’s teammate, and fellow breakaway extraordinaire, Alessandro De Marchi got involved… “How could he be dropped and then be one of the strongest with Pinot? I went back to the car intentionally. Please! This are not the bidoncollè that make you win a stage, believe me! 

Of course it helps but it’s not changing anything of the race guys! Not in this way and this moment of the race. This comments just show that (probably) you never experienced proper bike racing. And I’m saying this without criticism or offensively

— Alessandro De Marchi (@ADM_RossodiBuja) May 26, 2023

26 May 2023, 08:09

“They’re essentially locking down”: Residents angry at “ridiculous” traffic restrictions ahead of UCI Cycling World Championships

“They’re essentially locking down”: Residents angry at “ridiculous” traffic restrictions ahead of UCI Cycling World Championships

Concerns about gridlock and other disruption have been raised as Dumfries hosts the Para-Cycling event in August

26 May 2023, 08:09

Jeremy Vine called a “terrible person” by London bus driver for not cycling on the left and giving way

Jeremy Vine called a “terrible person” by London bus driver for not cycling on the left and giving way

“You guys are very provoking human beings and I don’t know why you do it”, the London bus driver told Vine…

Help us to bring you the best cycling content

If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.

Subscribe
  • cycling live blog, live blog, road.cc live blog
Dan Alexander
twitter
Dan is the road.cc news editor and joined in 2020 having previously written about nearly every other sport under the sun for the Express, and the weird and wonderful world of non-league football for The Non-League Paper. Dan has been at road.cc for four years and mainly writes news and tech articles as well as the occasional feature. He has hopefully kept you entertained on the live blog too. Never fast enough to take things on the bike too seriously, when he’s not working you’ll find him exploring the south of England by two wheels at a leisurely weekend pace, or enjoying his favourite Scottish roads when visiting family. Sometimes he’ll even load up the bags and ride up the whole way, he’s a bit strange like that.  

55 Comments

55 thoughts on “Sticky bottle controversy hits the Giro d’Italia as fans question stage winner Filippo Zana’s team car help; Reaction to British Cycling transgender policy update; Giro queen stage; Paris taken over by waves of cycling commuters + more on the live blog”

  1. Rendel Harris
    May 26, 2023 at 8:26 am
    0

    A pedant writes: the second

    A pedant writes: the second time wasn’t “sticky bottle”, it was “sticky glasses” – I thought it was outrageous when I was watching and it hasn’t improved on the second viewing, the sticky bottle was naughty but not far away from what seems to have become the accepted norm, with the glasses the driver and rider were pretty much holding hands with the glasses between them, the driver then accelerated towards the group and gave Zana a slingshot back to them. Not sure he should be deprived of the win but he’s certainly very lucky to get away with such a low sanction.

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • bobbinogs
      May 26, 2023 at 8:43 am
      0

      mmm, an Italian champion wins

      mmm, an Italian champion wins prestigious stage in the Giro…he’s never gonna get anything more than a minor sanction for the sticky bottle incidents.

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • Clem Fandango
        May 26, 2023 at 10:11 am
        0

        I’m sure I heard Sean Kelly

        I’m sure I heard Sean Kelly on commentary wonder aloud if maybe an Italian Commissaire had been involved

        Log In or Register to post comments
  2. Patrick9-32
    May 26, 2023 at 9:15 am
    0

    They need to implement (if

    They need to implement (if they havent already) strict and specific rules for bottle handover. i.e. “Items must be handed end to end with contact for a maximum of one full second. Hands of rider and team car passenger must not touch.”

    They could then implement consistent punishment for violations based on severity of going over the limits set. 

    Leaving it open to interpretation makes the teams push the envelope for the advantage and ends up discrediting the sport.  

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • Rendel Harris
      May 26, 2023 at 10:18 am
      0

      Probably wouldn’t be

      Probably wouldn’t be practical but I have sometimes wondered if it would be possible for the team car to have a tray fitted over the window, rather like the ones people put their food on at drive-in cinemas, so anything the rider wants is placed on there and then they ride up and take it off without any chance of getting a tow.

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • Matthew Acton-Varian
        May 26, 2023 at 11:01 am
        0

        Good idea in principle

        Good idea in principle however considering that a race service vehicle is travelling at speed, and the driver may need to react quickly in the event of an incident (harsh braking/direction change) it might not be feasable in practice.

        Log In or Register to post comments
  3. Owd Big 'Ead
    May 26, 2023 at 9:28 am
    0

    Paris looks fantastic.
    Paris looks fantastic.
    Noteworthy that there’s no lycra on show, take note UK cyclists.

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • TheBillder
      May 26, 2023 at 10:10 am
      0

      Owd Big 'Ead wrote:

      Paris looks fantastic.
      Noteworthy that there’s no lycra on show, take note UK cyclists.

      — Owd Big 'Ead

      Wear lycra if you want, it’s your commute and (I hope) your clothes.

      Just follow your arrow wherever it points* as long as it adversely affects no one.

      *There’s a song about this.

      Log In or Register to post comments
    • HoldingOn
      May 26, 2023 at 10:16 am
      0

      I’ve seen a few comments

      I’ve seen a few comments about wearing lycra – I feel like I have missed something?

      I wear lycra shorts/leggings under some running shorts. My work clothes would end up soaked in sweat if I wore them and tracksuit bottoms end up falling down cause they are wet or getting caught in the gears.
      Am I making a cycling faux pas?

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • NotNigel
        May 26, 2023 at 10:49 am
        0

        Wear what ever makes the ride

        Wear what ever makes the ride comfortable and enjoyable and f**k what anyone thinks.

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • HoldingOn
          May 26, 2023 at 11:21 am
          0

          That’s a shame – I was really

          That’s a shame – I was really hoping someone would have come on with
          “well actually, if you do x,y,z your cycling life will be much better”

          Log In or Register to post comments
    • EddyBerckx
      May 26, 2023 at 10:22 am
      0

      Owd Big ‘Ead wrote:

      Paris looks fantastic. Noteworthy that there’s no lycra on show, take note UK cyclists.

      — Owd Big 'Ead

      Give me a million to move back to where I was born and brought up and gentrified out of and yes, I will ditch the lycra on my commute…in the meantime I will wear lycra on my almost 40 mile round trip.

      I understand what you are trying to say but honestly, very few people choose to go through all the faff on putting on cycle specific clothes that society often mocks unless there is a valid reason and/or need. In the 11 years I’ve been cycling / commuting very few utility cyclist champions have ever actually thought about this. They have just moaned and mocked. Not helpful.

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • Clem Fandango
        May 26, 2023 at 11:06 am
        0

        I too have a relatively

        I too have a relatively significant commute round trip(can’t top yours – mine only comes in at 35 miles).  There’s no f*cking way I’m doing it in work clothes (and getting there in a reasonable amount of time).  I might turn up to a Board meeting having tried it one day though, I’m sure it’d be a good look 

        I do wear baggy MTB shorts on occasion, but then again usually paired with bibshorts – is stealth lycra acceptable to the fashion police do you think?

         

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • HoldingOn
          May 26, 2023 at 11:57 am
          0

          Wow! Those are amazing

          Wow! Those are amazing distances! People are surprised when I tell them I cycle 14 miles round trip – they won’t believe me when I tell them people cycle 35+ miles!

          I remember reading about a person walking down the street, minding their own business, when suddenly – BAM – dressed head to toe in skin tight clothing. Another victim of Stealth Lycra.

          Log In or Register to post comments
      • brooksby
        May 26, 2023 at 11:21 am
        0

        EddyBerckx wrote:

        in the meantime I will wear lycra on my almost 40 mile round trip.

        — EddyBerckx

        Isn’t that the point:?  Nobody is expecting you to wear your normal clothes on a forty mile round trip.  They’re just saying that you don’t need to wear lycra for a two mile trip to the shops and back.  I think.

        Log In or Register to post comments
    • hawkinspeter
      May 26, 2023 at 10:27 am
      0

      Owd Big ‘Ead wrote:

      Paris looks fantastic. Noteworthy that there’s no lycra on show, take note UK cyclists.

      — Owd Big 'Ead

      So we have to wear lycra or we’ll be shipped over to France?

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • chrisonabike
        May 26, 2023 at 11:12 am
        0

        hawkinspeter wrote:

        Paris looks fantastic. Noteworthy that there’s no lycra on show, take note UK cyclists.

        — hawkinspeter

        So we have to wear lycra or we’ll be shipped over to France?— Owd Big 'Ead
        Wait – is this the latest measure to deter migrants on boats?

        Or is this while thing a bit “no true Scotsman…”?

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • hawkinspeter
          May 26, 2023 at 12:07 pm
          0

          chrisonatrike wrote:

          Wait – is this the latest measure to deter migrants on boats? Or is this while thing a bit “no true Scotsman…”?

          — chrisonatrike

          Lycra kilts? Surely they’re not going to be comfortable for cycling in.

          Log In or Register to post comments
      • Kapelmuur
        May 26, 2023 at 12:06 pm
        0

        I wear Lycra because I look

        I wear Lycra because I look so good in it.

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • brooksby
          May 26, 2023 at 1:33 pm
          0

          Kapelmuur wrote:

          I wear Lycra because I look so good in it.

          — Kapelmuur

          Log In or Register to post comments
    • chrisonabike
      May 26, 2023 at 11:31 am
      0

      Owd Big 'Ead wrote:

      Paris looks fantastic.
      Noteworthy that there’s no lycra on show, take note UK cyclists.

      — Owd Big 'Ead

      Wear what works for you – anything’s good if it helps you get cycling. Well, maybe not mankinis.

      I think it’s more an observation that where mass cycling *does* exist (cycling as transport, for anyone) most people appear to dress for the destination. And a push-back against a stereotype (MAMILS / sporty lycra louts etc).

      Probably at least as much lycra in eg. NL (and still a fair bit of PPE-wearing in Scandinavia) but it’s less noticeable in the mass of humanity on bikes wearing “normal” clothes.

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • andystow
        May 26, 2023 at 3:34 pm
        0

        My commute is 9 miles each

        My commute is 9 miles each way. I never wear lycra/spandex. I have a selection of synthetic trousers, some cycling specific but some not, which are passable in the “business casual” environment I work in. Some can be pulled up above the calf to use like knickerbockers. In warm weather, I’m wearing just a base layer like this Pearl Izumi one on top. When I get to work, once I’m cooled off (sometimes using a small desk fan) I put a collared shirt on top of the base layer. No shower, no need to go somewhere private to change.

        Log In or Register to post comments
    • Oldfatgit
      May 26, 2023 at 12:38 pm
      0

      My commute is around 52 miles
      My commute is around 52 miles, with 12 miles in the morning shared between train and bike, and the 40 miles home in the evening.

      I’ve experimented with trousers, chinos, and jeans all with and without additional pads on the morning leg … and it’s just not comfortable.
      The trousers move wrong on the leg – not to mention the rather uncomfortable seam that is right where you don’t want it to be; shirts are horrible to cycle any distance in as they offer zero protection from anything.

      So, for both the 12 mile leg and the 40 mile leg, I wear cycling bibs with a part of MTB shorts on over the top, and a proper jersey with pockets in the back and everything.

      I get to work, get changed in the disabled loo (which being disabled I can use anyway), and repeat the process home.

      I wear what I want to wear to be comfortable and safe

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • Paul J
        May 26, 2023 at 1:19 pm
        0

        Vulpine have (least use to
        Vulpine have (least use to have – hopefully still do) jeans and shorts with diamond gussets, specifically so that you weren’t sitting on a middle seam on your saddle.

        One problem is that any kind of serious cycling will cause wear, especially on looser clothing.

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • Oldfatgit
          May 26, 2023 at 3:21 pm
          0

          In an ideal world, I’d do the
          In an ideal world, I’d do the 9 miles from the station to the office in office clothes and then change for the 40miles home.

          But … I quickly found that a shirt is useless, so I wore a jersey… which still meant having to get changed.
          It doesn’t take many seconds longer to strip off and do a full change as to just change half… so I bit the bullet and went back to cycling shorts.

          One of these days, I’m going to find out that I’ve not fully locked the cubicle door, and someone is going to walk in at exactly the wrong moment … should that happen, hopefully HR will be understanding …???

          Log In or Register to post comments
  4. HoldingOn
    May 26, 2023 at 9:35 am
    0

    I could do with a car helping

    I could do with a car helping me up some hills.
    You know, instead of trying to kill me….

    Log In or Register to post comments
  5. Legin
    May 26, 2023 at 10:10 am
    0

    I await all the clap trap

    I await all the clap trap (some arrived already) about the “sticky bottle”. Yes this was a minor offence hence the fine.

    • Did it give him some huge advantage over others; no.
    • Was it an obvious attempt at cheating: no.
    • Did it affect the outcome of the race: no

    It was a team car giving the rider a short tow to get him back to the group after he’d picked up a bottle.

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • Rendel Harris
      May 26, 2023 at 10:16 am
      0

      Legin wrote:

      • Was it an obvious attempt at cheating: no.

      It was a team car giving the rider a short tow to get him back to the group after he’d picked up a bottle.

      — Legin

      Which is, um, obviously cheating.

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • Legin
        May 26, 2023 at 2:19 pm
        0

        Rendel Harris wrote:

        • Was it an obvious attempt at cheating: no.

        It was a team car giving the rider a short tow to get him back to the group after he’d picked up a bottle.

        — Rendel Harris

        Which is, um, obviously cheating.

        — Legin

        As you wish…..

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • Flintshire Boy
          May 26, 2023 at 4:42 pm
          0

          .

          .

          No, no – as the LAWS wish.

          .

          No need to personalise things.

          .

           

          Log In or Register to post comments
    • Patrick9-32
      May 26, 2023 at 3:23 pm
      0

      Did it give him some huge

      Did it give him some huge advantage over others; yes, none of them got pulled along completely free of effort for 5 seconds.
      Was it an obvious attempt at cheating: yes.
      Did it affect the outcome of the race: Impossible to know for sure butits possible.

      Log In or Register to post comments
  6. hawkinspeter
    May 26, 2023 at 10:21 am
    0

    I propose a new rule to foil

    I propose a new rule to foil the sticky bottlers.

    Don’t allow the bottle provider to hold the bottle directly, but uses a weak stick that will break when too much force is applied (e.g. Ultegra cranks).

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • Matthew Acton-Varian
      May 26, 2023 at 10:50 am
      0

       would be a good usage for

       would be a good usage for all the cranks left in circulation.

      Log In or Register to post comments
  7. NickSprink
    May 26, 2023 at 12:07 pm
    0

    For all you lycrist

    For all you lycrist infiltraitors with you LTNs, protected bike lanes and 15 minute cities, this is what you are missing https://youtu.be/8nZh7A7qTPo

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • andystow
      May 26, 2023 at 3:15 pm
      0

      Seriously, watch this. This

      Seriously, watch this. This is probably the channel’s second best video!

       

      Log In or Register to post comments
  8. Ashadi
    May 26, 2023 at 1:34 pm
    0

    Just to be clear those are
    Just to be clear those are not commuters in Paris but there is a bike ride event every thursday evening. The event name is Okami. Here is the link of the event 😉
    https://instagram.com/okami.riding?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    Log In or Register to post comments
  9. brooksby
    May 26, 2023 at 1:54 pm
    0

    https://metro.co.uk/2023/05

    Jeremy Vine branded ‘terrible person’ for ‘provoking human beings’ by bus driver over his cycling

    Stopping at a red light, he [Jeremy Vine] signals to the driver [of a bus], unclear of why they hooted.

    According to him, she signalled back that he ‘should have been further over to the left’.

    ‘What did I do wrong? Am I supposed to be over here?’ he questions, before taking the opportunity to approach the driver.

    ‘I’m so sorry, I couldn’t hear you,’ Vine begins, before she replies: ‘I said, you’re a terrible person.’

    ‘Why?’ a baffled Vine replies.

    She says: ‘You knew what you was doing. You guys are very provoking human beings. and I don’t know why you do it.’

    “very provoking human beings” – so: is that a new version of bl00dy cyclists?

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • hawkinspeter
      May 26, 2023 at 2:19 pm
      0

      brooksby wrote:

      https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/25/jeremy-vine-called-terrible-person-by-bus-driver-over-his-cycling-18845692/

      “very provoking human beings” – so: is that a new version of bl00dy cyclists?

      — brooksby

      The cognitive dissonance is amazing with this kind of drivist.

      They use their horn to tell a cyclist that they obviously know better than the cyclist how to cycle, and when the cyclist is puzzled and asks as to the meaning of the horn, they accuse the cyclist of being provocative. Why don’t they just follow at a safe distance or overtake when safe – there’s literally no benefit in using their horn to indicate some disagreement and it’s probably not even legal.

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • chrisonabike
        May 26, 2023 at 2:28 pm
        0

        I’d embrace the opportunity.
        I’d embrace the opportunity. Someone’s taking time out of their busy life / working day to engage in some discussion of the appropriate use of the road – what’s not to like? And a “friendly toot” also!

        Devil’s advocate here, but it’s possible the driver was correct about some issue and was genuinely horning correctly (to let Vine know they were there). (I know…) How’s that different from if the roles were reversed?

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • hawkinspeter
          May 26, 2023 at 2:48 pm
          0

          chrisonatrike wrote:

          I’d embrace the opportunity. Someone’s taking time out of their busy life / working day to engage in some discussion of the appropriate use of the road – what’s not to like? And a “friendly toot” also! Devil’s advocate here, but it’s possible the driver was correct about some issue and was genuinely horning correctly (to let Vine know they were there). (I know…) How’s that different from if the roles were reversed?

          — chrisonatrike

          We’re back in the territory of needing two different horns. One for the official use of warning other road users of your presence (seems unnecessary if you’re in a big bus just following another road user) and maybe a softer sound (tambourine?) to indicate that you’d like a friendly discussion with someone or you’ve seen a friend walking along the pavement etc.

          It’s technically possible for a driver to use their horn to get the attention of a cyclist to then impart some sage advice, but it seems about as likely as Rishi using public transport to go visit his millionaire buddies.

          Log In or Register to post comments
          • chrisonabike
            May 26, 2023 at 2:49 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            ….and maybe a softer sound (tambourine?) to indicate that you’d like a friendly discussion with someone or you’ve seen a friend walking along the pavement etc.

            — hawkinspeter

            A tambourine is a bit harsh – more of a noise. Possibly some kind of metallic tuned idiophone though? Hmm…

          • mark1a
            May 26, 2023 at 2:58 pm
            0

            I’ve been toying with the

            I’ve been toying with the idea of putting a Fiamm Tour Horn as an additional horn in my van for greeting purposes. 

          • chrisonabike
            May 26, 2023 at 3:37 pm
            0

            Would the Orthodox position
            Would the Orthodox position be to use a shofar?

          • hawkinspeter
            May 26, 2023 at 3:02 pm
            0

            chrisonatrike wrote:

            A tambourine is a bit harsh – more of a noise. Possibly some kind of metallic tuned idiophone though? Hmm…

            — chrisonatrike

            Now that Rolf Harris has passed away, maybe it’s time for a resurgence of the Stylophone?

          • chrisonabike
            May 26, 2023 at 3:38 pm
            0

            Thank goodness! Thought that
            Thank goodness! Thought that was going to be “my other horn is a didgeridoo”.

          • hawkinspeter
            May 26, 2023 at 5:09 pm
            0

            chrisonatrike wrote:

            Thank goodness! Thought that was going to be “my other horn is a didgeridoo”.

            — chrisonatrike

            I once saw a busker playing Dancing Queen on a didgeridoo.

            I thought that’s aboriginal

          • HoldingOn
            May 26, 2023 at 2:51 pm
            0

            I always thought a short

            I always thought a short “toot” of the horn was a “thanks/take care” and a double toot being “hello my friend”
            a longer “blast” of the horn was “watch out for my death machine”

            I would say the bus does a short “toot” – so not aggressive, but then the driver doesn’t help by refusing to talk with Mr Vine. They may have been taken aback by the cameras (I think he uses several?) but “you know what you did” isn’t helpful – clearly he doesn’t or he wouldn’t, politely, ask.

            I don’t think he comes off as rude or aggressive. If the driver felt threatened in any way, they could simply close their window. They are in a box designed to protect them, after all.

          • Sriracha
            May 26, 2023 at 2:59 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            We’re back in the territory of needing two different horns…

            — hawkinspeter

            So that presents a dilemma of the horns.

          • eburtthebike
            May 26, 2023 at 5:45 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            but it seems about as likely as Rishi using public transport to go visit his millionaire buddies.

            — hawkinspeterAccording to Conservative HQ, helicopters are public transport.

          • marmotte27
            May 27, 2023 at 5:39 am
            0

            French buses have a bell.
            French buses have a bell.

  10. brooksby
    May 26, 2023 at 3:36 pm
    0

    Nothing at all to do with

    Nothing at all to do with cycling, but it made me laugh:

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/26/jeff-bezos-money-lauren-sanchez-europe

    Giving money away is hard, says Lauren Sanchez, who is currently touring Europe with Bezos on his 417ft yacht

    Log In or Register to post comments
  11. andystow
    May 26, 2023 at 4:17 pm
    0

    Caught on video in Tunbridge

    Caught on video in Tunbridge Wells, cyclist thrown off by pot hole.

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • quiff
      May 26, 2023 at 4:56 pm
      0

      Driver did well to stop and

      Driver did well to stop and check on him, but not the most sympathetic treatment of the bike! 

      Log In or Register to post comments
    • chrisonabike
      May 26, 2023 at 5:27 pm
      0

      “Upended of Tunbridge Wells”
      “Upended of Tunbridge Wells” – looks unpleasant but good response by driver!

      Log In or Register to post comments
    • eburtthebike
      May 26, 2023 at 5:43 pm
      0

      Glad he is recovering, but

      Glad he is recovering, but why didn’t he see the pothole?

      Usual claims of helmet saving his life.

      Log In or Register to post comments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

 

 

Read more...

Muc-Off Collapsible Silicone Funnel
Muc-Off Collapsible Silicone Funnel
Works perfectly in the eco-friendly Muc-Off drivetrain and bike cleaner refill system
review
6
LIVE BLOG
“Diolch!” Live free-to-air 2026 Tour de France coverage confirmed on S4C and iPlayer; “Left-hooking” driver spared police action after driver doesn’t report incident; Men’s Tour of Britain route + more on the live blog
“Diolch!” Live free-to-air 2026 Tour de France coverage confirmed on S4C and iPlayer; “Left-hooking” driver spared police action after driver doesn’t report incident; Men’s Tour of Britain route + more on the live blog
news
24
Le Col enters administration months after takeover by tennis giant Head
Le Col enters administration months after takeover by tennis giant Head
It's unclear if the filing is part of an effort to restructure the business or the first step towards liquidation
news
3
Cannondale Factory Racing pulls the plug, marking the end of a glorious era
Cannondale Factory Racing pulls the plug, marking the end of a glorious era
A few days ago Cannondale announced that this would be their last season of sponsoring an MTB factory racing team, after 30 plus years at the top table of racing. Steve looks back at their top dog teams from over the years
feature
1
Cyclists are “greedy” for taking up more space than pedestrians, claims leading architect who feels “guilty” when riding bike
Cyclists are “greedy” for taking up more space than pedestrians, claims leading architect who feels “guilty” when riding bike
Other active travel campaigners say the focus should be on taking space from cars and "not another vulnerable category"
news
20
Giant updates Revolt from the ground up for the ‘professional purist’
Giant updates Revolt from the ground up for the ‘professional purist’
Aero gains and weight savings are the order of the day for Giant's racy Revolt and Liv's Devote
tech news
2
Specialized Tarmac SL9 vs Tarmac SL8 – Which is Better in 2026?
Specialized Tarmac SL9 vs Tarmac SL8 – Which is Better in 2026?
Liam puts Specialized's latest road racer up against what is probably its greatest threat
feature
0
Zipp launches new 404 S carbon road wheels promising “industry-leading aero performance” for under £1,000
Zipp launches new 404 S carbon road wheels promising “industry-leading aero performance” for under £1,000
The new 50mm-deep hookless wheelset brings Firecrest-inspired aerodynamics, a claimed weight of 1,585g and lifetime warranty to the Zipp’s S Series
tech news
4

Read more...

Cannondale Factory Racing pulls the plug, marking the end of a glorious era
Cannondale Factory Racing pulls the plug, marking the end of a glorious era
feature
1
Abus Targon Mips
Abus Targon Mips
Super easy chinguard fettling, if heavy in open-face mode and narrow for its size
review
0
Giant updates Revolt from the ground up for the ‘professional purist’
Giant updates Revolt from the ground up for the ‘professional purist’
Aero gains and weight savings are the order of the day for Giant's racy Revolt and Liv's Devote
tech news
2
OneUp Components enters the wheel game, and at £549, its Aluminium Wheels are pretty affordable!
OneUp Components enters the wheel game, and at £549, its Aluminium Wheels are pretty affordable!
Simple in name, simple in intention, OneUp's new wheelset is built to be strong, stiff and lightweight at a reasonable price
tech news
0
Aerodynamic 32-inch gravel wheels are here: Meet the 9th Wave SandStone SL32 wheelset
Aerodynamic 32-inch gravel wheels are here: Meet the 9th Wave SandStone SL32 wheelset
32-inch wheels are here for gravel, and yep, they're aero
tech news
0
Smaller, quieter but still full of surprises: The top tech of Eurobike 2026
Smaller, quieter but still full of surprises: The top tech of Eurobike 2026
Plenty of fresh Chinese offerings an electric advancements graced the hall of 2026's Eurobike show. Here's Andi's collection of the incoming tech you should know about
feature
0
Continental Dubnital 50mm gravel tyre
Continental Dubnital 50mm gravel tyre
Exceptionally quick gravel race tyre with mountain bike roots, though best kept for dry and fast rides
review
0
Manitou’s attempt at long travel perfection and more from Shimano, Cotic and Gloria
Manitou’s attempt at long travel perfection and more from Shimano, Cotic and Gloria
This week's helping of cool things and the top stories
feature
0

Read more...

Is this the electric cargo bike of the future, now? A first ride on the Tarran L1s that may just revolutionise carrying stuff by bike
Is this the electric cargo bike of the future, now? A first ride on the Tarran L1s that may just revolutionise carrying stuff by bike
feature
1
Avinox-powered Nukeproof Kilowatt launches in time for Eurobike… and prices start at just £3,999
Avinox-powered Nukeproof Kilowatt launches in time for Eurobike… and prices start at just £3,999
tech news
0
A new do-it-all e-bike from Amflow, Halfords profits soar, New Jersey latest to attempt bike licensing and registration system + more
A new do-it-all e-bike from Amflow, Halfords profits soar, New Jersey latest to attempt bike licensing and registration system + more
This week we're looking at three intriguing new e-bikes, poring over Halfords' healthy profit margins, and heading stateside for some disappointing yet typical bike licensing news (will they ever learn?)
feature
1
Avinox’s MG Concept brings CVT-style gears to an e-MTB motor
Avinox’s MG Concept brings CVT-style gears to an e-MTB motor
Avinox is at it again, but its concept motor looks like quite the leap compared to current models
tech news
0
Megamo’s RYAL e-MTB is set to bring Avinox motors to a friendlier price point with models starting at £3,999
Megamo’s RYAL e-MTB is set to bring Avinox motors to a friendlier price point with models starting at £3,999
It's not just an accessible price as Megamo aims to bring a more accessible geometry and sizing to its Avinox-powered e-MTB range
tech news
0
The “world’s first AI solar e-bike” is coming to Kickstarter, with double-disc wheels featuring integrated solar panels for extra range
The “world’s first AI solar e-bike” is coming to Kickstarter, with double-disc wheels featuring integrated solar panels for extra range
17 miles of extra range that is, with a claimed range of up to 120 miles a day utilising the Samsung battery cells and solar power - reservations for the Phosgo City or Hybrid will start from $1,499 on Kickstarter in late July
tech news
7
Bosch unveils its first hub motor, semi-pro wins Voi Bike Challenge at Nocturne crit race, Florida sets close pass law + more
Bosch unveils its first hub motor, semi-pro wins Voi Bike Challenge at Nocturne crit race, Florida sets close pass law + more
Bosch's first-ever hub-based motor, Voi crit, and e-bike-related updates from Oxfordshire and Florida feature in this week's round-up
feature
0

Latest Comments

chrisonabike 2 hours ago

@Smoggysteve "Most would happily ride on the roads and be treated with respect by drivers". But people aren't - and as far as I can see they won't be. Not until there is a lot less driving and it's slower around cyclists, and far more people driving have "skin in the game" eg. they sometimes cycle and their friends and family do also. That's what leads to the model - which is perhaps most advanced in NL - where cycling, walking and driving are all seen as separate normal transport modes. Their needs, vulnerabilities and any dangers to others are considered. And *that* leads to "mix / share when possible, separate when necessary". But "possible" is "where your 10-year old would be safe to cycle unsupervised" - so very few motor vehicles, going slow! And AFAICS everybody - even "existing cyclists" - is happy with the result. (I dunno about a few pro cyclists - but don't they tend to have training camps in different counties anyway?)

in: Cyclists are “greedy” for taking up more space than pedestrians, claims leading architect who feels “guilty” when riding bike
chrisonabike 2 hours ago

@quiff as an Edinburgh resident I can confidently say he's speaking without moving his lips in one sense: - while as I noted in a separate comment there *is* now some real separated cycle infra, all the examples i can think of have *at least as much space* for pedestrians. The rest of the "cycle infra" is essentially similar to the situation in the rest of the UK: eg. bus lanes*, cycle lanes and shared use paths (eg. "build" infra by sticking up a sign). Edinburgh is one of the places with a moderately extensive network of former railways which have been converted to "shared use" paths (completely motor traffic few). However though shared they are not narrow by UK standards. And this is all effectively a "free extra" for all non- motorised users, not like the "sign a cycle path" where pedestrians do lose space. I think this all comes from the "popular understanding" of cycling in which ultimately cyclists are the "other". They don't fit "motor vehicle" or "pedestrian" (including wheelchairs on the very rare occasions people think about that). Thus "cyclists are cheating" in multiple ways! They shouldn't get their own space as "there aren't enough" of them. And "they can just use the road / path". But being able to *choose* "on the road" or "on the footway" (shared use path) is clearly unfair - nobody else gets to do that! BUT of course even if they did pick just one of road OR pedestrian space it's still not fair anyway because they're "too slow" for the road (don't pay "road tax" etc...) and "far too fast" for pedestrians... * Though some existing cyclists may appreciate them when there are few buses, buses and bikes are a very poor mix for several reasons.

in: Cyclists are “greedy” for taking up more space than pedestrians, claims leading architect who feels “guilty” when riding bike
mikecassie 2 hours ago

Whilst a shame for any employees, their bib shorts had the worst chamois pad I’d ever encountered, utter waste of my money. Even though they were Strava challenge discount purchases, still a waste of money.

in: Le Col enters administration months after takeover by tennis giant Head
ktache 3 hours ago

Thanks, just going to have to suck it up. Got next week off and will take the easy, if expensive option...

in: “Diolch!” Live free-to-air 2026 Tour de France coverage confirmed on S4C and iPlayer; “Left-hooking” driver spared police action after driver doesn’t report incident; Men’s Tour of Britain route + more on the live blog
Rendel Harris 3 hours ago

@ktache Just go for the TNT Sports only package, £30.99 for a month. Alternatively have you considered experimenting with a VPN for a few pounds, allowing you to sign up for a free stream abroad, e.g. SBS Australia which streams the Tour live? If I didn't have a kind mate's login that's what I'd do!

in: “Diolch!” Live free-to-air 2026 Tour de France coverage confirmed on S4C and iPlayer; “Left-hooking” driver spared police action after driver doesn’t report incident; Men’s Tour of Britain route + more on the live blog
wtjs 4 hours ago

@mitsky Roger. Thanks

in: “Diolch!” Live free-to-air 2026 Tour de France coverage confirmed on S4C and iPlayer; “Left-hooking” driver spared police action after driver doesn’t report incident; Men’s Tour of Britain route + more on the live blog
ktache 4 hours ago

So, it's now the month of July and I'm going to have to pay to watch the TdF, for one month only. On a tablet unfortunately, as I didn't manage to get a laptop to rig up to the TV, grrr. Just wondering, what package will I have to fork out for? Not wanting to pay for the wrong one...

in: “Diolch!” Live free-to-air 2026 Tour de France coverage confirmed on S4C and iPlayer; “Left-hooking” driver spared police action after driver doesn’t report incident; Men’s Tour of Britain route + more on the live blog
Rendel Harris 5 hours ago

Not that it sounds like a dealbreaker given the other faults you've identified, but that cable isn't really a "proprietary" cable, four pin magnetic cables like that are quite common on bone-conducting headphones and other devices (my inexpensive smartwatch uses one) and they can be had for £4.99 on UK Amazon.

in: H2O Audio TRI Run open-ear bone conduction headphones
mctrials23 5 hours ago

There was never really anything to say about le col kit. Most of it was alright. Some of it was poorly designed/made. Trying to position yourself as a Rapha competitor whilst always offering 40% or more off doesn't scream premium though.

in: Le Col enters administration months after takeover by tennis giant Head
ROOTminus1 5 hours ago

Up next in the MucOff product line; for when the cassette won't budge, (chain)whip-it!

in: Muc-Off Collapsible Silicone Funnel

Most Popular News

1. Le Col enters administration months after takeover by tennis giant Head

2. “Diolch!” Live free-to-air 2026 Tour de France coverage confirmed on S4C and iPlayer; “Left-hooking” driver spared police action after driver doesn’t report incident; Men’s Tour of Britain route + more on the live blog

3. Cyclists are “greedy” for taking up more space than pedestrians, claims leading architect who feels “guilty” when riding bike

4. Nine years in jail for drug driver 16 times over limit who killed oncoming cyclist; Suspended sentence for killing cyclist whilst attempting 3-point turn; Driving ban for 84-year old for injuring cyclist but no retest required: road.cc sentencing round-up

5. Decathlon announce investment in Brompton with eye on expanding business into China

6. Fuming cyclist rages at hire bike rider on “machine of death with no safety equipment or road knowledge required” for failing to look before turning; Pogačar’s million dollar watch; Colnago on sale for £145; Remco inspects new SL9 + more on the live blog

7. Hundreds of cyclists ignore road closure to “mass trespass” on notorious Westway and tell government to “stop spending money on car roads”

8. “The Saturday lad or lass is under threat”: Bike shops say minimum wage increases and better sick pay prevent them taking on part-time staff

Award-winning cycling news, reviews and buying advice

QUICK LINKS

  • About us
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Buyers Guides
  • Features
  • Tech
  • Forum
  • Opinion
  • Podcast
  • Recommends
  • Shop
  • Bicycle Insurance

FOLLOW US ON

preferred-google-button
rcc-facebook
rcc-youtube
rcc-insta
rcc-threads
rcc-bluesky
rcc-whatsapp
rcc-rss

Our Websites

GET IN TOUCH

Editorial, general: info@road.cc
Tech, reviews: tech@road.cc
Advertising, commercial: sales@fat.digital
View our media pack

Privacy policy

Support us

Subscribe

All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use

offroad_logo
Mountain bike and gravel cycling reviews, news and advice

QUICK LINKS

  • About us
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Buyers Guides
  • Features
  • Trail Guides
  • Blog

FOLLOW US ON

rcc-facebook
rcc-youtube
rcc-insta
rcc-threads
rcc-bluesky
rcc-rss

Our Websites

roadcc-logo

GET IN TOUCH

Editorial, tech and reviews: info@off.road.cc
Advertising, commercial: sales@fat.digital
View our media pack

Privacy policy

Support us

Subscribe

All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use

Electric bike reviews, news and advice

QUICK LINKS

  • About us
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Buyers Guides
  • Features
  • Blog

FOLLOW US ON

rcc-facebook
rcc-youtube
rcc-insta
rcc-threads
rcc-bluesky
rcc-rss

Our Websites

roadcc-logo

GET IN TOUCH

Editorial, tech and reviews: info@ebiketips.road.cc
Advertising, commercial: sales@fat.digital
View our media pack

Privacy policy

Support us

Subscribe

All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use