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Cyclists accused of "panting viruses" through Cambridgeshire village, + more locals imposing their own lockdown laws; UCI celebrates 120 years; British Cycling against exercise ban; Supermarket logos as bike jerseys + more on the live blog

Welcome to Monday's live blog. Jack Sexty is your blogger-in-chief today, with Simon MacMichael taking over later this evening. ...
Tue, Apr 14, 2020 09:24
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Cyclists accused of "panting viruses" through Cambridgeshire village, + more locals imposing their own lockdown laws; UCI celebrates 120 years; British Cycling against exercise ban; Supermarket logos as bike jerseys + more on the live blogcyclists are you 30 minutes from home - roadcc comments section 14 april.PNG
14 April 2020, 15:00
Geraint Thomas' 12 hour 'Zwift shifts' begin tomorrow

The Tour de France champ will be doing three 12 hour shifts on Zwift on three consecutive days to mirror typical NHS hospital shifts, and the 'action' will all be live streamed via his own and Team Ineos' social media feeds. G's NHS Zwift Shifts has already raised over £25,000 of the £100,000 target for the Association of NHS Charities on GoFundMe - you can donate and find out more here. 

14 April 2020, 14:58
UCI celebrates 120th anniversary

The organisation has been around since 1900, and has rounded up some highlights in the video above. 

14 April 2020, 11:30
Locals impose their own lockdown laws: your views and observations
cyclists protect the nhs harrogate - via sjp lake in comments 14 april

We've had a fair bit of reaction to the image posted on Gordon Hollingworth's Twitter page this morning, telling cyclists to stop "panting viruses" through the village of Coveney... and it turns out locals elsewhere are also attempting to impose their own interpretation of the lockdown recommendations on others. 

The photo above courtesy of sjplake in the comments is reportedly from Harrogate, rhetorically asking cyclists if they are 30 minutes from home with the obligatory "protect the NHS" underneath... presumably they've interpreted the government's restrictions to mean that outdoor exercise has to be limited to one hour, when no such law or recommendation exists. 

Members of the Bristol Cyclists Facebook page also claim that some residents in the village of Pill are threatening to blockade part of a route from Bristol to Portishead to stock cyclists from using the route. 

kil0ran also spotted a sign saying 'road closed' with 'residents only' scrawled on with a sharpie pen; most likely an unofficial (therefore illegal) effort to keep cyclists away from the road. 

In the comments section on this blog, we're drawn to this concise summary of the matters in question from srchar:

"One of the many negative social aspects of lockdown is that it has given every curtain-twitching Walter Mitty type an excuse to vent their misplaced hatred for people who do things they just don't like. It's actually quite worrying how readily this has happened and how quick people in positions of authority have been to encourage it.

"...The common theme is that they just hate people who do something that they enjoy and which makes them happy."

14 April 2020, 14:52
Chris Froome's pre-bike workout
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pre-bike workout (and yes I did more than a single rep of each 😂)

A post shared by Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) on

It's not all just pedalling, as Froome lets us into his gym routine... of which he claims to have definitely done more than one rep of each exercise. 

14 April 2020, 14:48
Movistar's next jersey to be fan-designed
movistar design jersey competiton april 2020

Fans have to download the template on the Ale Cycling website, draw it out with whichever digital technique they prefer (no sponsors permitted) and then post the design to Instagram. A panel will then select a shortlist of six and decide the winneer from April 24th - more info on how to enter here. 

14 April 2020, 14:08
Today's COVID-19 good deeds round-up

There's been numerous reports of key workers having their bikes stolen since the pandemic began; and numerous brands, retailers and individuals from Chris Boardman, to Halfords to Luke Rowe have stepped in to provide replacements. The Gloucestershire Bike Project tell road.cc they've already gifted 50 bikes to key workers, sadly a number of those went to people who had theirs stolen - their crowdfunder to raise cash to give more bikes to key workers during the pandemic has already raised over £9,000 with a £50,000 target - you can donate here. 

specialized coronavirus campaign 2020.PNG

Meanwhile across the pond, Specialized are giving new bikes to essential workers either from recommendations or personal applications - they will be gathering submissions on 22nd April and giving out bikes on a first-come-first-served basis to successful applicants, find out more here. 

14 April 2020, 13:39
What if supermarket logos were turned into cycling jerseys?

Phill Brown Design has brought the idea to life, creating Aldi, Asda, Iceland, John Lewis, Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose, Sainbury's Co-Op and Lidl jerseys. We  think we've seen the latter somewhere before... 

Quick Step team. Copyright Quick Step Floors

 

14 April 2020, 13:07
Reports that all three Grand Tours could take place between August and October
Egan Bernal and Geraint Thomas

Marca claim that a new calendar has been decided by the organisers of the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España. They say that the Tour de France will take place from 2nd-25th August, the Vuelta will be in September and the Giro is set for October. The Giro's race director Mauro Vegni is reported to have 'confirmed' there are no plans to shorten any of the Tours, with all three set to take place over three weeks as before. 

Chances of this happening?

14 April 2020, 13:00
Francis Cade completes double everesting attempt
francis cade double everest

Cade took 27 hours to achieve the feat, climbing 17,696 virtual metres in 27 hours and 28 minutes and stopping only for two hours of sleep and some comfort breaks. Fellow cyclists Alex Hill also began the ride, but had to pull out after 11 hours wit injury. They raised £13,400 NHS Charities Together, which is providing support to staff and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Cade commented at the end: “I’m really tired, a little sore, but feeling good. It’s weird, it hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

“I can’t believe how much we’ve managed to raise. I want to thank everyone who tuned in and donated, it just goes to show how much the National Health Service means to all of us and how valuable it is.

“I’m looking forward to having some recovery time now - having a shower, a long nap and maybe some pizza.”

If you have 27 hours to spare, you can relive it all on the live stream when it's finished processing... 

14 April 2020, 14:55
14 April 2020, 12:54
Ian Stones on Facebook suggests that Zwift create a "birthday suit" option so the ride can take place online...
14 April 2020, 12:43
In case you didn't spot it, the winner of our #FullKitRanker was...
full kit ranker winner jersey la vie claire.JPG

The Piet Mondrian-inspired La Vie Claire jersey a worn by Bernard Hinault and Greg Lemond has been officially crowned road.cc readers' greatest jersey of all time. We'll be following up with an article paying homage to this classic maillot later in the week. 

14 April 2020, 11:13
Dame Sarah Story launches her own Black Circle Coffee blend

We missed this one last week, but Britain's most successful Paralympian has teamed up with Black Circle Coffee for her own special blend: 

"With cafe rides a thing of the past, we decided to team up with Black Circle Coffee so you could bring your coffee shop coffee to your house", says Storey. 

A 1kg pouch costs £34, which you can buy here. 

14 April 2020, 11:02
Still no turbo trainers for sale?

It appears our buyer's guide to the best home trainers needs a temporary headline edit. On another note, if anyone else has moved house recently and genuinely needed to buy a freezer for reasons that extend beyond stockpiling chicken dippers, you'll feel this author's pain... 

14 April 2020, 09:47
Callum Skinner "can't confirm or deny" if he kept GB skinsuit from Olympics

Spotting our article on Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish discussing their displeasure at being told to return their skinsuits and bikes from the Olympics, the 2016 team sprint gold medallist may be hinting that he might have a GB suit or two lying around in his draw too. 

14 April 2020, 09:26
British Cycling against ban on outdoor exercise, and reiterate that cyclists should stay 'at least' two metres apart

Despite numerous researchers and articles claiming that a greater distance should be left to cyclists around you - including an academic white paper widely shared on social media and our own investigation into the matter - British Cycling are recommending "at least 2m apart" in their latest social media posts. They also quote Professor John Edmunds of London School of Hygiene who says that banning outdoor exercise would do little to curve the pandemic, but would have "a marked impact on people's health and wellbeing."

14 April 2020, 08:32
Sign in Cambridgeshire accuses cyclists of "panting viruses" through village

Gordon Hollingworth was out getting his daily exercise yesterday, when he happened across the rather unwelcoming sign in the village of Coveney. In what could have made a nice little Haiku with some rearrangement, the sign says:

"Cyclists
"Stop panting viruses through our village
"Stay away".

According to Cambridgeshire Live one person was responsible for the sign, and it was branded "the most ridiculous sign I have ever seen" by a person commenting on the Coveney village Facebook page. Their Parish Council chairman Councillor Barry Matthews said it was put up without permission on a public highway and would be removed; he said no one had come forward to claim ownership of the sign or 'air' their grievances with the council. 

It appears this is a local village for local people, and non-local cyclists aren't welcome according to this local sign made by a local person, which didn't go unnoticed in the comments underneath Mr Hollingworth's Twitter post... 

If you want some tips on how to ride responsibly during the pandemic and avoid spluttering deadly viruses all over quaint Cambridgeshire villages, check out our comprehensive guide. 

14 April 2020, 09:06
The sign as a Haiku

 

panting cyclists haiku.PNG

Feel free to have a go yourself in the comments of course. 

 

14 April 2020, 08:25
Trek Madone valued at £8,500 recovered by Dover Police before it left UK

The Port of Dover Police smelt a rat just before the superbike left UK shores to be sold on the black market, with the owner "overjoyed" that his pride and joy was recovered; it just so happened to be a Trek Madone aero road machine with Ultegra Di2 and Bontrager deep rims, worth somewhere in the region of £8.5k. 

Since posting the news, the owner met his bike's saviours and collected it over the weekend... 

14 April 2020, 08:18
Tour de France heading towards inevitable postponement, as France bans festivals and large gatherings until mid-July
Champs Elysees (CC licensed by Andrew Sides via Flickr)

President Macron said that restrictions on public events and large gatherings would continue until mid-July in France due to the coronavirus pandemic, making it virtually impossible for Le Tour to happen as it usually does. 

The Tour de France race organisers ASO are yet to comment. 

 

Jack Sexty

Jack has been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of the website including tech, news and video, and also contributed to eBikeTips before being named Editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master's degree in print journalism and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it's a long story). 

Add new comment

40 comments

Avatar
Shake | 4 years ago
3 likes

More people trying to force rules that don't exist onto people. https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18380007.letter-editor-stop-cycli...

Avatar
Sriracha replied to Shake | 4 years ago
3 likes

The burk can't spell - but I think could be on to something with the "duel carriageway". I guess that is where cyclists are put to the sword.

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Rik Mayals unde... replied to Sriracha | 4 years ago
0 likes

Ha ha ha! Pot, kettle? It's berk! 

Avatar
brooksby replied to Shake | 4 years ago
3 likes

I think the problem is people are scared, they can't do anything about most of the stuff they're sdcared about, so they fixate on something that they think they can do something about.

Problem is, half the time it seems people (and I include the police in this) are basing it all on their own personal interpretation of "common sense" or on some random thing that a junior minister said in an interview rather than what the law actually says.

(Edit) Also, there seem to be a lot of people out there who think that just by looking at someone they can tell how far they've travelled or whether they have a valid excuse for being out, or whether a group of people form a single household, etc.

Avatar
Hirsute replied to Shake | 4 years ago
0 likes

The voice of reason !

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Philh68 | 4 years ago
3 likes

Haven’t seen any such signs in my neck of the woods, but if there were they’re having no effect. Was in Newcastle (AUS) this morning and I’ve never seen so many people out riding, easily 3x the number on a normal weekend no doubt helped by the glorious autumn weather (28°C) but considering the social distancing restrictions and being unable to stop anywhere, it was amazing to see so many out just enjoying a ride let alone mid morning on a workday.

 

Avatar
NZ Vegan Rider | 4 years ago
0 likes

Chris Froome home weight training; good on him but STOP

doing the leg extensions!!

They kill the knee joint and cyclists don't use that action so (apparently) strengthening it doesn't help.

Avatar
Rome73 | 4 years ago
12 likes

I have just seen three professionally printed signs in a road in Highgate, North London from the Fitzroy Resident's Association telling cyclist to - ride in singe file, ride two metres apart, do not go above 10 mph, no spitting. This is to protect other road users and the NHS. If you don't like it, the sign continued, go elsewhere. I was fuckin shocked. I can't believe the animosity and hatred. I had cycled up the steep hill  on a fully laden cargo bike (I have just been in my central London workshop servicing bikes for the NHS) and seen three children and their mum cycling plus dozens of pedestrian walking two and three abreast. And then these large, hideous signs inferring that people on bikes are a threat to the NHS. I feel very sad and angry by this. 

Avatar
Bob's Bikes | 4 years ago
6 likes

I think this chap said it best and this was a long time ago!

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marke | 4 years ago
0 likes

As a slow coach who missed out on buying a turbo, is there any news on when retailers will likely get new stock in? I'd rather wait for new stock, than join in the fight for overpriced second hand stuff on eBay.

Thanks!

Avatar
Cupov | 4 years ago
1 like

34 quid a kilo........or have i been living in yorkshire too long. £9 at saino's for 1 kg, plus that's a large looking kg bag she's holding

Avatar
Jack Sexty replied to Cupov | 4 years ago
0 likes

Certainly seen cheaper coffee but that price is correct I believe! To be fair the bag of beans I bought for £2.50 from a German supermarket that I'll refrain from naming aren't really doing it, but you get what you pay for... 

Avatar
captain_slog replied to Jack Sexty | 4 years ago
3 likes

That's not a bad price for speciality coffee, although for that money I'd be tempted to shop around for a single-origin. It's odd they don't offer a smaller quantity. I wouldn't risk buying a kilo, even with Dame Sarah's imprimatur. For anyone interested in sourcing quality coffee online, there's a list of roasters here, including discount codes.

Note that Black Circle also offer other blends.

 

Avatar
Jack Sexty replied to captain_slog | 4 years ago
2 likes

captain_slog wrote:

That's not a bad price for speciality coffee, although for that money I'd be tempted to shop around for a single-origin. It's odd they don't offer a smaller quantity. I wouldn't risk buying a kilo, even with Dame Sarah's imprimatur. For anyone interested in sourcing quality coffee online, there's a list of roasters here, including discount codes.

Note that Black Circle also offer other blends.

Yep I was on Grumpy Mule Guatemalan before which I think is about £5.50 for 200g, which I shall be going back to after this pouch. 

Hope Mr hawkinspeter is aware of that other blend!

Avatar
hawkinspeter replied to Jack Sexty | 4 years ago
0 likes

Jack Sexty wrote:

captain_slog wrote:

That's not a bad price for speciality coffee, although for that money I'd be tempted to shop around for a single-origin. It's odd they don't offer a smaller quantity. I wouldn't risk buying a kilo, even with Dame Sarah's imprimatur. For anyone interested in sourcing quality coffee online, there's a list of roasters here, including discount codes.

Note that Black Circle also offer other blends.

Yep I was on Grumpy Mule Guatemalan before which I think is about £5.50 for 200g, which I shall be going back to after this pouch. 

Hope Mr hawkinspeter is aware of that other blend!

Well, I am now!

I normally buy green beans, so I don't think I'll be getting any of that. I usually get my beans from hasbean.co.uk and their most expensive blend is *only* £24.70 for a kilo (they do smaller sizes too). I got my last supply from https://www.pennineteaandcoffee.co.uk/ - they've got a good range of green beans at reasonable prices.

Avatar
kil0ran | 4 years ago
9 likes

Spotted something similar this morning on a road that's effectively a dead-end heading out on to forest tracks. Yellow "Road Closed" rectangular sign with sharpied "Residents Only" addendum. Clearly not an official sign and illegally closing a road that's part of the public highway. Unfortunately I was out on the road bike so couldn't take the red rag to a bull approach and ride past it. It's right by an equestrian centre and I guarantee it won't apply to Tabitha hacking around on Dobbin.

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brooksby | 4 years ago
1 like

Similar thing going on around Bristol.  The Bristol Cyclists FB group at

https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/bristolcyclists/

reckons that the good burghers of Pill are threatening blockades to stop cyclists using the NCN route from Bristol to Portishead.

That would be the riverside path which is barely wide enough for anyone to safely pass even when there isn't a global viral pandemic... 

Avatar
Captain Badger replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
4 likes

Blockaded NCN routes are already being reported - there was some old Farmer Palmer who had done it according to this very esteemed organ (sorry, couldn't find the page), and the Police were "negotiating"(? FFS!) to get it reopened

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Hirsute replied to Captain Badger | 4 years ago
0 likes

That was

https://road.cc/content/news/farmer-blocks-cornish-cycle-trail-stop-coro...

 

 

I pay £30 a kilo for coffee at the local grocer (but I'm happy to pay a bit more becasue of the all the things he stocks). He also has some at £150 a kilo ! (not sure I could taste the premium in the small sample I got once).

 

Avatar
ride2smile | 4 years ago
3 likes

Spotted this one in Weeton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire yesterday. Says CYCLISTS. ARE YOU YOU 30 MINUTES FROM HOME? PROTECT THE NHS.

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Sriracha replied to ride2smile | 4 years ago
7 likes
sjplake wrote:

Spotted this one in Weeton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire yesterday. Says CYCLISTS. ARE YOU YOU 30 MINUTES FROM HOME? PROTECT THE NHS.

Don't take exercise, vegetate at home - Protect the NHS.
Morons!

And, why "cyclists"? What does it add to this person's already distorted logic? Walkers, joggers, motorists - no, only cyclists are somehow a threat to the NHS by virtue of being 30 minutes from home. Bizarre

Avatar
crazy-legs replied to Sriracha | 4 years ago
3 likes

Depends how fast I cycle! Or if you're measuring in a direct line.

Yes, I could be home in 30 minutes but actually I'm going to go along this road, up that ridge over there, down the track, around the reservoir then maybe over a second climb before heading home. Thanks for asking!

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60kg lean keen ... replied to Sriracha | 4 years ago
24 likes

I am front line NHS (comuntiy care) and this easter weekend I took one for the the team,  I can confirm Covid-19 is a evil monster as I tested postive on Sat.  It you get a good dose as I seem to have then you will need all the fitness that you have to get over this.  So do not veg at home keep fit protect the NHS, yes do not overdo it as you can immunized suppres yourself so be sensibile. Ingnore the bigots, as soon as I get my lungs back I will be out and on my bike enjoying the sun.  We will beat this keep well and strong!!!!

 

Avatar
Captain Badger replied to 60kg lean keen climbing machine | 4 years ago
3 likes

Nice one 60! keep strong, get better, see you when you're back.

Thanks from all of us for putting yourself in harm's way to help us

Avatar
hawkinspeter replied to 60kg lean keen climbing machine | 4 years ago
10 likes

60kg lean keen climbing machine wrote:

I am front line NHS (comuntiy care) and this easter weekend I took one for the the team,  I can confirm Covid-19 is a evil monster as I tested postive on Sat.  It you get a good dose as I seem to have then you will need all the fitness that you have to get over this.  So do not veg at home keep fit protect the NHS, yes do not overdo it as you can immunized suppres yourself so be sensibile. Ingnore the bigots, as soon as I get my lungs back I will be out and on my bike enjoying the sun.  We will beat this keep well and strong!!!!

Good luck with the recovery and a big thank you from everyone!

Avatar
sparrowlegs replied to 60kg lean keen climbing machine | 4 years ago
1 like

Nice one 60kg. This is what I've been telling people when they tell me not to go on my bike. Without a gym and cycling my only hard physical outlet I've found my mental health taking a hit. I just don't know how some people can sit in day after day doing nothing. Probably the kind of people that do that no matter if there's a pandemic on or not. 
 

I wonder just how many of these idiots putting these signs up or agreeing with them are smokers, drinkers or don't do any form of exercise at all. 

Avatar
Hirsute replied to sparrowlegs | 4 years ago
0 likes

Can't you do a bit of DIY gym stuff?
I noticed the outdoor gym near me isn't roped off, but I'm not sure I'd want to use it - I haven't got many disposal gloves left.

Avatar
sparrowlegs replied to Hirsute | 4 years ago
0 likes

I've got a home gym but before I could buy some big weights everything just WENT. The downside of actually being one of the "essential workers".  I like lifting heavy too. My body responds better to it. I'm adapting and doing lots of reps, a case of having to rather than wanting too. 
 

I can't believe the prices being charged for gym stuff. Same as what's happened to trainers I guess. 

Avatar
HLaB replied to 60kg lean keen climbing machine | 4 years ago
1 like

Well said 60kg and I hope you are back to full health soon !

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ktache replied to ride2smile | 4 years ago
7 likes

Now, was the person who put up that sign making an "essential" journey with a "reasonable excuse" as defined in the emergency legislation?

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