“Did they cut through the bike to steal the lock?”: Bike frame snapped in half after years of use; World bicycle day favourites; Mountain battle at the Giro + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
“Did they cut through the bike to steal the lock?”: bike frame snapped in half after years of use
Posting on Reddit, user Katolobo explained that his “Specialized bike frame broke in half after years of use as a food delivery” bike.
The failure was not the result of a major crash. Instead, fellow Redditor ImUsingThisToSellYou suggested it was likely caused by years of wear and tear.
“The break in the down tube is where I usually see buckling from crash damage, but I bet it’s just untold miles of riding and thousands of curbs,” they wrote.
Katolobo said he had owned the bike for between eight and nine years and confirmed he was riding it when the frame failed.
Fortunately, the incident did not result in any serious injuries.
The image prompted astonished reactions from other Reddit users. One commenter wrote: “That is truly impressive – wow and yikes!”, while another joked: “Goddam, did they cut through the bike to steal the lock?”
When asked, “How are your teeth, though?”, Katolobo replied simply: “Good”, suggesting the bike took most of the damage.
The discussion also prompted reminders about the importance of regularly inspecting bikes for signs of fatigue or damage.
“It’s not gonna last forever,” wrote Reddit user PickerPilgrim.
“Sure, maybe you’ll get more life out of it if you never hop a curb, keep the tyre pressure minimum, never carry anything, lose weight, and only ride on freshly paved roads…
“But unless you have some extenuating circumstance where you’ll only get one bike frame in your lifetime, you might as well live a little.
“Ride your bike how you want… but if you do want to avoid catastrophic failure, inspect the frame for cracks once in a while.
“This frame probably showed signs of damage before it fully failed. Sometimes you’ll hear a creak before you see the crack. Usually, you’re not going from solid bike to spit in two instantly, though.”
Giro: First Giro stage win for Demi Vollering
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Demi Vollering has taken a strong stage victory and her first-ever win at the Giro, with a perfectly timed finish and securing a crucial 10 bonus seconds.
She made the decisive move after Isabella Holmgrén launched a late attack. Vollering went on to claim the stage ahead of Anna van der Breggen, with Holmgrén finishing fourth.
Vollering said she was very happy to take the victory: “My first stage in the Giro, so it’s a nice one. It was a really long and hard day; we started racing very early.”
She said that her teammates played a key role. “On the last climb I still had Laura in front of me, she did amazing work.”
She added that “Maybe I went a little bit too early, but it was a really nice day, we really raced with everything we had.”
In the chasing group behind, Elisa Balsamo and Neve Fisher-Black limited their losses well, finishing just 15 seconds down.
Marlen Reusser was distanced and finished just under a minute down, meaning she will slip in the general classification. However, she managed to limit her losses after dropping companions on the final descent.
Are you riding the wrong bike? Ribble thinks so as it launches Ultra-Road and Allroad Carbon
The Ultra-Road combines race-bike technology with a higher-stack, shorter-reach geometry aimed at delivering better real-world performance, while the Allroad Carbon targets riders seeking one bike for everything from smooth tarmac to rough country lanes.
> Are you riding the wrong bike? Ribble thinks so as it launches Ultra-Road and Allroad Carbon
Giro: Custom pink handlebar tape from Anna van der Breggen
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Might get some for my bike…
“Bicycles deliver the freedom that auto ads promise”…
Bicycles Deliver the Freedom that Auto Ads Promise
— Peter Cheung (@bostonaruban.bsky.social) 3 June 2026 at 12:50
Giro: Technical descents and tough climbs
Marion Bunel has reached the summit of Passo di Sant’Antonio, the second major climb of the day. Dickson claimed the maximum points in the Queen of the Mountains classification.
Despite their efforts, the breakaway holds less than a minute over the peloton, and it is looking increasingly likely that they will be caught.
The group has also started to fragment on the descent, with Cavallar and Gontova losing contact slightly as the riders negotiate a challenging 9km downhill section.
The descent is steep and highly technical, featuring a series of tight hairpins and a short plateau midway down, making it difficult for the breakaway to stay together.
The results of the Queen of the Mountains sprint on the first climb of the stage, the category-one Passo Tre Croci, were:
- Caroline Andersson (Liv AlUla Jayco) – 20pts
- Valentina Cavallar (SD Worx-Protime) – 12pts
- Kristen Faulkner (EF Education-Oatly) – 7pts
- Erica Magnaldi (UAE Team ADQ) – 4pts
- Emilie Morier (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93) – 2pts
- Nadia Gontova (Liv AlUla Jayco) – 1pt
Around the world record attempt from Lael Wilcox
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Lael Wilcox is attempting to break the world record for the fastest overall time around the world.
Her goal is to complete the 18,000+ miles in under 78.5 days, attempting to break the world record which set in 2024. She cycled around the world in 108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes, travelling 18,125 miles with 630,000 feet of elevation.
On the previous attempt, she said: “I had so much fun – felt like I could’ve just kept riding forever.”
Before the event, she even shaved off her hair in preparation for the ride. Not for marginal gains like WorldTour time trial, but for practicality.
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She posted on Instagram that she went to Specialized HQ for wind tunnel testing, to see if aerodynamics would play a major factor.
She said: “It turns out that it all matters. We are looking to save minutes wherever we can. A mile an hour faster saves me a whole hour every day. 10 minutes a day is 13 hours in the end. Another way to look at it is that we have 24 hours in the day, and I want to sleep a minimum of 6.
“For hair, a bun is faster than a ponytail. Then, I started thinking, if I buzzed my hair, I’d probably save 10 minutes a day not having to wash it, brush it or put it up. And it’s more aero. I know my mom’s not going to like it, but I kind of do. Full commitment.”
Maybe I should consider copying her, I’d save on my water and electricity bills as well…
“A serious risk of injuries”: recall for Specialized Turbo Como SL e-bikes announced in the UK due to failing fork steerer tubes – months after US recall notice
The Office for Product Safety and Standards says affected Turbo Como SL bikes pose a serious injury risk after a fault was identified that could cause the fork to fail; Specialized first announced a problem in January.
Big bike energy
You like larger sizes… 🚲 #bikesky
— ᴄʏᴄʟᴏᴢ (@cyclozparis.bsky.social) 2 June 2026 at 13:24
Disgraced former SNP chief Peter Murrell's taste in bicycle tools is rather more modest than his taste in motorhomes
We’re always looking for new and interesting ways to tenuously shoehorn cycling into the top stories of the hour, and we’ve found another in amongst disgraced former SNP chief Peter Murrell’s lengthy and often extravagant list of embezzled purchases – all credit to the BBC for creating a handy interactive tool to browse every single item bought by Murrell in his 12-year shopping spree.
For all the very expensive coffee machines, cars, motorhomes and luxury toiletries he helped himself to, Murrell’s taste in bicycle tools is a little less lavish, opting for the rather basic Victorinox 3.0303 6-bit hex set, costing the SNP donors he stole from just £22.41 in 2019. Disappointing, we had him down as more of a Silca guy…
Buy Peter Murrell’s embezzled bike repair tool of choice here for £27.49
To comply with ASA guidelines, we have to point out that we may earn affiliate commission if you purchase/embezzle the funds to purchase the Victorinox 3.0303 Replacement Bit Wrench set via the link above
Stage 5 Giro d’Italia Women's: Longarone to Santo Sefano di Cadore preview
This 146-km route packs more than 3,300 metres of climbing, marking the first true mountain battle of the race. The riders will have little opportunity to recover, with four categorised climbs on the route.
Following Anna van der Breggen’s impressive performance in the stage 4 time trial, where she won by over a minute, this stage should provide a clearer picture of the fight for the maglia rosa. Demi Vollering remains a leading favourite for the Giro, but with so much climbing on offer, her rivals will see this as a key opportunity to claw back time.
The decisive part of the stage comes in the second half, where the route becomes significantly more demanding. It begins with the climb over Passo Tre Croci, followed by Passo di Sant’Antonio. These two longer ascents are likely to sap the peloton’s energy and set up bigger moves later on.
After that, riders face the steep Costa da San Nicolò twice, a short but sharp climb averaging around nine per cent with tight switchbacks. The final ascent is crested with just over 16 kilometres remaining, after which a fast descent leads into a predominantly downhill run to the finish.
Music, priests and cyclothons: my favourite posts from World Bicycle Day
There has been a steady stream of World Bicycle Day posts on my social media feeds from across the world this morning. These are some of my favourites:
First off, this song by Dan Abrahams ‘Amsterdam’, which I don’t think I will be able to get out of my head all day. It was filmed on a vintage Raleigh, using TERN cargo bikes for the cameramen, and funded by Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign and Transport Scotland
(A disappointing lack of helmet from Dan at some points).
🚲 Happy World Bicycle Day! 🚲
This is my ode to the cycling paradise that is AMSTERDAM! Let’s get more cities to make cycling easier and safer, just like they have.
Enjoy! And please share with others who love cycling in their city!
#cycling #worldbicycleday #amsterdam
— danabrahamsmusic.bsky.social (@danabrahamsmusic.bsky.social) 3 June 2026 at 07:54
Another pro-cycling post from Graeme, a priest in the Church of England. He calls himself a “long-distance cyclist, analytical chemist, juggler and priest in the Church of England,” and has used the hashtag ClergyWhoCycle.
In the comments, he also calls for decent cycle infrastructure. He said: “I loved my European cycle holiday. Seeing ancient and creaky folk breezing along on eBikes was a revelation.”
He added that “decent active travel infrastructure really is a social justice issue for everyone.”
Cycle campaigns have also been quick to post their support. I appreciate the Miss Piggy and Kermit meme from Haringey Cycling Campaign.
World Bicycle Day is on Wednesday 3rd June – a great excuse to pop out for a quick ride. Happy cycling! #worldbicycleday🚴🏻♂️🌎 #haringey #londoncycling @londoncycling.bsky.social
— Haringey Cycling Campaign (@haringeycyclists.bsky.social) 1 June 2026 at 21:45
In Srinagar, India, hundreds of cyclists ride through the streets in a cyclothon organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.
In Photos | Participants ride through the streets of Srinagar during a cyclothon organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on the occasion of World Bicycle Day, observed on Wednesday, 03 June 2026. Recognised by the United Nations, World Bicycle Day highlights cycling as… pic.twitter.com/963Jcb1tVq
— Kashmir Observer® (@kashmirobserver) June 3, 2026
ActiveTraveltt is working towards bicycle commuting in Trinidad and Tobago. They ask that “we don’t expect everyone to ride a bicycle for transport, but we would like the population to have a viable alternative when it comes to travelling around a tiny place.”
They added that “The children are being deprived of the sheer joy and a lifetime of freedom by being held captive in car dependency!”
Working towards the dawning of a new era for bicycle commuting in tiny Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹!
#WorldBicycleDay #PoliticalWill #MobilityIsEquity— Active Travel Please! #MobilityIsEquity (@activetraveltt.bsky.social) 3 June 2026 at 10:14
If you have some more time to spare, here is an interesting and thorough piece on how North Edinburgh Path came about, a result of direct action by “spade-wielding and wheelbarrow-pushing volunteers.”
🚴♀️ Happy World Bicycle Day! 🚴♀️
Although everyday is bicycle day for me, on the lovely cycle paths we have. Here’s the fascinating history from @threadinburgh.scot
#edinburgh #cycling #worldbicycleday
threadinburgh.scot/2026/06/01/r…— Tracy Griffen (@tracygriffen.bsky.social) 3 June 2026 at 09:03
Note to self...
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Review ordered into “too wide cycle lane” accused of causing danger and confusion for passing drivers
Residents accuse the council of creating a “dog leg junction” that causes congestion, whilst others say the new layout confuses drivers.
“The real miracle isn’t the Dutch cyclist. It’s the built environment that allows ordinary people to do extraordinary things.”
A video like this is often framed as proof the Dutch are somehow superhuman. They’re not.
The real miracle isn’t the Dutch cyclist. It’s the built environment that allows ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Build the infrastructure, and you’ll find your city is full of capable cyclists too.
— Melissa & Chris Bruntlett (@modacitylife.com) 2 June 2026 at 20:58
Former world cycling champion bikes children to school
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A former world champion mountain biker led a bike bus at her local primary school, where her son is a pupil.
Tracy Mosely, who lives near Malvern in Worcestershire, led the children on a two-mile route through the Herefordshire countryside.
“We try and let the kids have as much fun as they can,” she told the BBC. “We try and make sure that they’re engaged with us, chatting rather than sitting in the car or being on a screen.”
“We can talk about nature, we can talk about the weather, we can have skids and wheelies and just have fun on bikes.”
She spoke in support of the schemes, saying that they were important for picking up important navigational and road sense skills.
“I think for children it is this first step to their freedom,” she said.
“Some of these children when they first started, didn’t know where they were. It’s bringing back all of those skills that I think sadly we’ve lost in the last couple of generations of kids.”
The kids also enjoyed the ride. Nine-year-old Monty said, “It feels great to have the wind in your face and just to get out in nature in the mornings. Not just sitting in a big metal tin on wheels.”
He added: “Most mornings I’ll just be really sleepy. But now I’m in a really great mood because I have done the bike bus.”
Toby agreed, saying: “It energises me and sets me up for school a little bit. It makes me feel better in the morning when I get up.”
Netcompany-Ineos CEO’s exit confirmed, as Dave Brailsford resumes control of the team
Dave Brailsford has formally returned to the hierarchy of the cycling team now known as Netcompany-Ineos, taking on the role of Team Principal and Director of Sport for Ineos.
> Netcompany-Ineos CEO’s exit confirmed, as Dave Brailsford resumes control of the team
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Given how rubbish Wandsworth Council is for active travel they actually did surprisingly well on the Healthy Streets Scorecard: https://www.healthystreetsscorecard.london/results/your_borough/wandsworth/ but this score seems to be mainly based on the roll out of (widely ignored) 20 mph speed limits. I suspect this is a temporary lull and the score will shortly plummet as even other similarly apathetic car-centric boroughs will start to outperform WBC. And the Blade Mews debacle is just ridiculous institutional anti-cyclist bias.
In my 5th year with a pair of their Roubaix gloves. They are starting to look a bit tatty not but have outlasted, by 2 my Castelli winter gloves.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8l5gme7lyo Judge wants to avoid banning motorcyclist from driving cars... why???
I am the Harold Lepper of the BMW story, I don't remember the accident nor the next 5 hours I have little flashes of memory in that time like snapshots. I was unconscious for a minute or two after I had wound up lying on the wrong side of the road after bouncing off the car. I would never ride on the wrong side of the road nor cut a corner it is not the way I ride a bike. I would use my lanes width if safe to do so. I can only guess what happened, I have a flash of memory of checking behind just before the corner to check no car behind as I would be moving to primary thought he corner, another flash of memory going I need full brakes and it won't be enough. I think I would have adjusted my line to the middle of the road hoping they would stop just over the give way line. They actually stopped right across my lane and about 2 feet into the opposite carriage way and the back of their car was just still in the side road. If I had stayed to the far left I would still have hit them. As the Judge said to Miss Sim if he was on the wrong side of the road why did he not cycle round your car? Surely where he hit you suggests he was veering away from your emerging car. Prosecution pointed out that I was braking so hard my back wheel was off the ground, she said she didn't think I had braked. Prosecution asked if she would pull out in the same situation again she said yes 4 times then the 5th time said perhaps not. Prosecution said that it looks like the cyclist was passing this sign on the CCTV about 8m from the accident on the left side of the road, she said it did but it was deceptive the cyclist was nearer the middle of the road. Prosecution paused then said so you deliberately pulled out into the path of oncoming traffic. They tried to muddy the water because they said I overtook another cyclist before the junction, which I believe is correct I have a vague recollection that it was moving very slowly and was more of a moped looking machine. It bumbles into view several seconds after the collision. Navigates round her BMW and was never heard of again! The verdict was reported to me just now that she has been found guilty has been banned from driving for 12 months and has been given a community order of 100 hours work. I think she saw me behind the moped as she approached the junction and before the junction had decided she had time to get out of the junction if the way was clear to the left, so she pulled out thinking she had time when she had given me about 10 yards to stop.
Surprised there's no mention of The Texan's crossfield detour in 2003, say what you like about him (and who doesn't?), the man could handle a bike…
For an increasing number of Southern French drivers* turn signals are becoming optional. *plate numbers showing 13, 31 and 84
You are absolutely determined to bait a certain Home Counties cyclist, aren't you!
@mctrials23 On the country roads here (Kent) people are usually good at not close passing me but the consistently overtake me on blind corners etc. Ah! good- you seem to be the ideal person to tell us about the Kent Police policy that videos of offences against cyclists will not be looked at unless there's a collision. Is it true, or just a rumour?
@mctrials23 As anyone that submits footage to the police knows, its a crapshoot and certain police forces are anti-cyclist... I don't know anything about 'shooting craps' but the implication is that it's down to chance. Not very much it isn't- I know how hostile Lancashire police are to cyclists, and Kent (I'm told- if this policy has changed, can a cam-equipped Kent cyclist let us know?) has even declared that videos without a collision with a cyclist will not be viewed or acted upon. I think that many police statements that action will be taken are false and that enquiries about that action will be ignored because there was either no action at all, or the joke letter was sent. They're pretty much all 'anti-cyclist'.
I'm now writing my Christmas gifts list to Santa. No doubt the bearded shrewd old man will be able to negotiate goods deals before brands release RRPs.
6 thoughts on ““Did they cut through the bike to steal the lock?”: Bike frame snapped in half after years of use; World bicycle day favourites; Mountain battle at the Giro + more on the live blog”
Can you imagine how much we dangerous riding that Specialized would have been without those internally routed cables holding everything together? I always new they were more than a merely aesthetic feature.
….or even ‘how much more’. Please, please, please bring back the edit function
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g8nm5ey70o
“Bloody cyclists and their infrastructure, getting trees cut down and blocking fire hydrants”
I’m glad the tree excuse for NIMBYism was overruled, and proven hollow as parking spaces have somehow been incorporated in favour of spaces for trees, but the careless construction of infrastructure to tarmac over a hydrant cover is the kind of tripping-on-the-last-hurdle which sours the overall perception of these improvements.
@ROOTminus1
https://road.cc/content/news/campaigners-take-cycle-lane-plans-high-court-312881
Don’t think the snippet on Lael Wilcox fully explains her ambition.
Lael is already the current women’s World Record holder for the around the world cycle*, having completed it in 108 days 12 hours in 2024.
She has just announced she plans to do it again and claim the overall World Record – aiming to beat Mark Beaumont’s time of 78 days 14 hours (set in 2017).
*There are various rules about what counts as an “around the world cycle” but that’s a discussion for another time.
@OnYerBike Beaumont and his team nailed the planning, delivered top-notch execution, managed intercontinental transfers and logistics without a glitch. One may assume that Wilcox has picked an entourage of seasoned professionals who will help her break Beaumont’s record. It isn’t all about the bike.