Cycling live blog 27 February 2024
“We don’t even have half a field”: Another British bike race cancelled due to “big downturn” in entries – as local cyclists blame early payment system and rising fees; Coach AI Alex Dowsett; Belgian NIMBYism; Cobbles and rain! + more on the live blog
When the bull sees red: Fuming Arnaud De Lie rages at team car after race-ending crash in Le Samyn race convoyFrom secretive Shimano’s special shoes and “the toughest road tyre for the harshest road conditions” to a bottle cage designed to hold a can of Coke , here’s what we spotted at this week’s iceBike showVittoria Guazzini powers to breakaway win at Le Samyn after tense finale
The road racing season may only be underway, but it seems like every new week ushers in another piece of bad news for the domestic British domestic scene. below that elite level races are continuing to struggle in the face of some pretty desperate financial and logistical headwinds. “It’s a difficult decision and not one that any event organiser wants to make. I’ve had conversation with BC race officials, NEG, and Reg Pharoah, whose late wife the race is in memory of. Sadly we’re all in agreement that this is the right call.
“Payment leaving the riders bank the day they enter and getting a refund if they don’t get in rather than the money leaving if they get selected,” the organiser reportedly told the site, who noted that the change “means that riders are forced to enter races late as they cannot afford to enter multiple races in advance, which in turn creates huge uncertainty and worry for organisers”.
Meanwhile, two weeks ago Team Spectra Racing general manager Gina Ball noted on Twitter that the rising entry fees of National A races – with some hitting £50 plus admin fees – were hindering cycling’s accessibility in the UK.I understand there are costs involved for organisers, but it's hardly making cycling financially accessibleLast week, road.
> "As always, my Dutch is not always well understood": Patrick Lefevere claims Alaphilippe criticism was misunderstood “You do cycling for yourself,” he told Thomas. “You don’t do it for the expectation of the public. I am also realistic about my capacities, so I just try to do the best version of myself.
“It’s your fault I didn’t win that Tour,” Thomas said. “If I’d won the TT, Egan would’ve had to work for me.
I’m just not sure he’ll be hanging the photo of his debut pro win in his house, however. He won’t be doing that again, anyway…Police force that prosecuted one driver from 286 close pass reports now taking action in 97% of cyclist submissions I suppose he’s not called ‘the Bull of Lescheret’ for nothing, as Arnaud De Lie, the hot favourite at Le Samyn, launched a blistering verbal attack at his Lotto Dstny DS after a bizarre crash ended any realistic hopes of victory at the Belgian semi-classic.The 21-year-old was chasing back on through the convoy of race vehicles after suffering a mechanical with around 30km to go when, after fidgeting with his race computer, he slid out on a corner, hitting the deck hard.
Anyone looking to support the race can also buy some high-quality photographs taken at the race in recent years, highlighting its “vibrancy and stripped back nature”.From secretive Shimano’s special shoes and “the toughest road tyre for the harshest road conditions” to a bottle cage designed to hold a can of Coke , here’s what we spotted at this week’s iceBike show
A new report from the Welsh branch of Sustrans has highlighted the mental and physical benefits, as well as the economic ones, of the country’s National Cycle Network, as the charity’s director called on the Welsh government and local authorities to be “proactive” and invest in protecting the network of cycle and shared-use routes for future generations., almost 60 per cent of Wales’ population lives within a mile of the NCN, which runs through all 22 of the country’s local authority areas.
The ever-increasing impact of extreme weather, for example, can potentially lead to some routes shutting down completely, with flood and landslips “severing” communities and leading to high repair costs. “We’re working positively with Welsh Government and local authorities across the country to protect, improve, and ensure the National Cycle Network continues to serve the people of Wales, but there’s an urgency here to make sure we don’t lose what it provides.
“You can’t see what is underneath,” one local cyclist said. “It could be that there is glass there, it could be that there is a pothole there, it could be that there is a brick there that causes you to fall off, and for particularly elderly cyclists and children it could cause significant injuries. They are a safety issue.”
“Liège-Bastogne-Liège is a classic that is known all over the world and in which everyone dreams of one day participating,” Belgian Cycling’s chair Tom Van Damme “I understand that parents are afraid and therefore register their child for another sport. Cycling is a very demanding sport that can quickly become daunting. The solution involves creating safe closed courses.
‘What, the six-time British time trial champion, former Hour record holder, two-time Giro d’Italia stage winner Alex Dowsett?’Now, I’m not sure you’ll ever hear that exact conversation floating around your local National B race over the next few months, but Alex Dowsett certainly hopes you will, after the former Sky and Movistar rider’s> Rouvy revamped! Now with AI, new routes and easier navigation, we take a look at what's...
“I’d coach everyone for free if I could, but I simply cannot give the care I expect from myself to everyone all the time. This is why the cost of a personal coach is high in any walk of life; because it’s ultimately the cost of having someone, an expert's time. More likely, is the sheer cost. We charge £27, and for that, I need at least 70 riders just to cover the costs. NEG are fantastic, they barely charge us, but once we add in Accredited Marshalls, which can be £500 in mileage, British Cycling Levies, first aid, hall hire, prize money and misc we are reaching £1,500.
"..This formula is a hit in Australia and Scandinavia because it is the expression of freedom, fun, and safety.” During the first lockdown, I got used to racing on Zwift, cos there were no races, really fell in love with it. All my outdoor riding was just that, again I loved it. Just nice bike rides. A reminder of why I started cycling all those years ago. Now I race all through winter on Zwift , in team events , the solo Zwift monthly racing series and solo time trials. In the summer I just enjoy riding my bike. It's brilliant.