http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/features/adios-alberto-the-pez-crew-looks-back-at-his-best/#.Wc1hCkyZPdQ

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/il-lombardia-returns-to-the-muro-di-sormano-and-como-finish/

Ok, ok. I’m a bit busy at work and don’t have time to pen an article on this. While Froome’s Tour-Vuelta double is amazing, it pales into comparison to Giovanni Battaglin’s 1981 Vuelta-Giro double. Fortunately, the good old “comic” Cycling Weekly has done the honors.

http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/grand-tour-doubles-giovanni-battaglin-825

Impressive or what?

0

super impressive.  also impressive, this year’s Il Lombardia route:  http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/il-lombardia-returns-to-the-muro-di-sormano-and-como-finish/

if it’s a dry race, this will be one for the ages.

http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/grand-tour-doubles-giovanni-battaglin-825

Impressive or what?

@wiscot

@KogaLover

@Cary

Re-reading the Hardmen and wonder whether Froome will make it to the next one. When Sky mentioned he wanted to take the double, I thought, OK that will happen and soon he was already leading the GC as if it was effortless. I think a bit more drama and showing of a bit more suffering would improve his image.He’s a good cyclist for sure.

0

Froome is a champion, of that there’s no doubt. One of the great GT riders? Certainly, and a Giro win would cement that. Hardman? Hmmmm . . . not so sure. Age will catch up with Froome and as dominant as he has been, he’s not getting younger and the competition seems to be stiffening.

I’m still very meh about him though. He doesn’t get me as emotionally engaged as say Dumoulin, Bardet, and a host of other riders.,

0

I found it hard to like him but he’s been chipping away; attacking over summits and with Sagan last year, letting Aru know who was boss at the tour this year and not being content enough with the double that he had to get stuck into the sprinters going for the points jersey. I can’t help but like that.

0

Agreed. I think this year, in both the Tour and Vuelta, the victories didn’t come quite so easily. I think if he wins a GT with a scrappier, come-from-behind performance, that’ll win over a lot of folks.

@KogaLover

@Cary

Re-reading the Hardmen and wonder whether Froome will make it to the next one. When Sky mentioned he wanted to take the double, I thought, OK that will happen and soon he was already leading the GC as if it was effortless. I think a bit more drama and showing of a bit more suffering would improve his image.He’s a good cyclist for sure.

0

Froome is a champion, of that there’s no doubt. One of the great GT riders? Certainly, and a Giro win would cement that. Hardman? Hmmmm . . . not so sure. Age will catch up with Froome and as dominant as he has been, he’s not getting younger and the competition seems to be stiffening.

I’m still very meh about him though. He doesn’t get me as emotionally engaged as say Dumoulin, Bardet, and a host of other riders.,

0

I found it hard to like him but he’s been chipping away; attacking over summits and with Sagan last year, letting Aru know who was boss at the tour this year and not being content enough with the double that he had to get stuck into the sprinters going for the points jersey. I can’t help but like that.

@Cary

Re-reading the Hardmen and wonder whether Froome will make it to the next one. When Sky mentioned he wanted to take the double, I thought, OK that will happen and soon he was already leading the GC as if it was effortless. I think a bit more drama and showing of a bit more suffering would improve his image.He’s a good cyclist for sure.

0

Froome is a champion, of that there’s no doubt. One of the great GT riders? Certainly, and a Giro win would cement that. Hardman? Hmmmm . . . not so sure. Age will catch up with Froome and as dominant as he has been, he’s not getting younger and the competition seems to be stiffening.

I’m still very meh about him though. He doesn’t get me as emotionally engaged as say Dumoulin, Bardet, and a host of other riders.,

Re-reading the Hardmen and wonder whether Froome will make it to the next one. When Sky mentioned he wanted to take the double, I thought, OK that will happen and soon he was already leading the GC as if it was effortless. I think a bit more drama and showing of a bit more suffering would improve his image.He’s a good cyclist for sure.

i mean look at the guy.  he looks like a survivor of some POW camp.  he’s walking the walk, in terms of what it means to be a Tour champion.  maybe he’s even redefining the term.  he, Bardet, and Contador have made this a very interesting summer.

@Rick

@RobSandy

@Rick

Chapeau, Senor Contador.

0

Hear, hear.

Also, if VSP gets scored, I have the top three in the right order.

0

Congrats to you, Sir. I had the first two in order and Zakarin in fourth. His attack yesterday sunk my chances.

0

Nice. I had Contador correct in fourth, NITRO’d Froome and Nibbles.

Summing up the Vuelta, I’m still not a big Froome fan, but the man deserves respect. Got the sprinter’s jersey in the end, too. Contador was fun to watch as he went out fighting. I keep thinking how the race would have gone if he hadn’t had such a bad day on Stage 3.

0

I agree regarding Froome. He is a bike racer, period.

@RobSandy

@Rick

Chapeau, Senor Contador.

0

Hear, hear.

Also, if VSP gets scored, I have the top three in the right order.

0

Congrats to you, Sir. I had the first two in order and Zakarin in fourth. His attack yesterday sunk my chances.

0

Nice.  I had Contador correct in fourth, NITRO’d Froome and Nibbles.

Summing up the Vuelta, I’m still not a big Froome fan, but the man deserves respect.  Got the sprinter’s jersey in the end, too.  Contador was fun to watch as he went out fighting.  I keep thinking how the race would have gone if he hadn’t had such a bad day on Stage 3.

@davidlhill

@Cary

for me, excessive focus on hr and power has sucked a bit of the joy out of some group riding, and even watching certain races. i know people that cannot talk about anything else on a group ride. i have seen SO many crashes and other avoidable blunders on local rides due to lack of proper awareness and focus. indeed, the idea that made the Velominati rules, and this community so attractive to me initially, was the embrace of the ride, and the awareness and soft focus necessary to fully EXPERIENCE it. cycling on many levels, has turned into a live action SIMS game

Agreed. I for one have removed my bike computer. I let my phone record my ride so after I’ve finished I can see how far, how hard, how fast I went. During the ride I go with feel.

0

Uh, as someone who still loves the size, simplicity, and durability of plain old Nokia “brick” phones, how does this work? Do you need a sensor on the bike or can the phone do it alone?

I like to know distance and total time, for fun and for charting parts-life, and would LOVE to get even my basic computers off the bike. Please enlighten me.

0

Teocalli is right – I have a smartphone. My newer one is far better on battery life, especially as the screen isn’t on. I start the ride, start the app, turn off the screen and put the phone in my back pocket and forget about it. I also take a small external battery as the law of states that the one time it does kill the battery is the one time I need the phone to work as a phone!

@Rick

Chapeau, Senor Contador.

0

Hear, hear.

Also, if VSP gets scored, I have the top three in the right order.

0

Congrats to you, Sir. I had the first two in order and Zakarin in fourth. His attack yesterday sunk my chances.

Chapeau, Senor Contador.

0

Hear, hear.

Also, if VSP gets scored, I have the top three in the right order.

 

0

That is my point. No one races anymore.

0

Not sure that’s true. Zakarin and Kelderman have a pretty good low-key battle going on. But the only one’s racing to win are Froome and Nibali, for sure. And Contador is racing everyone.

They need to have a good long look at Rule #70.

@Rick

@Cary

@Rick

This is the attitude that is ruining Grand Tours. If Lemond would have had this attitude he The Professor would have another Tour win.

I am not trying to pick on Kelderman, many riders seem to have this attitude these days.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-i-will-fight-for-the-vuelta-a-espana-podium/

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-nibali-and-zakarin-are-my-vuelta-a-espana-rivals-not-froome/

0

i blame the rise of data-driven cycling for this, and many other ills. data clearly works, though. Kelderman is likely correct in his assessment.

0

It is not just Kelderman. It is Uran sucking wheels the entire Tour, happy to finish second by less than a minute. Data isn’t it is the riding to finish second or third or tenth that is ruining the sport. I blame the everyone gets a trophy culture.

0

I guess the value of a result, any result, to the team and the rider also contributes. These guys will get a big paycheck for finishing top 5 or top 10 -why risk that trying to challenge the race leader?

If you get it wrong you can really fall from contention – see Adam Yates and Chaves.

0

That is my point. No one races anymore.

Nice effort by Bertie today. A lot to play for on the Angliru tomorrow. The final classification isn’t set yet – although my VSP was doomed from the start.

You just need a smart phone and run something like Strava on it.  Smartphones have GPS inbuilt.  Only potential downside is log rides as it does tend to chew the battery vs the capacity of a dedicated GPS.  Might be better on newer phones though.

@Cary

for me, excessive focus on hr and power has sucked a bit of the joy out of some group riding, and even watching certain races. i know people that cannot talk about anything else on a group ride. i have seen SO many crashes and other avoidable blunders on local rides due to lack of proper awareness and focus. indeed, the idea that made the Velominati rules, and this community so attractive to me initially, was the embrace of the ride, and the awareness and soft focus necessary to fully EXPERIENCE it. cycling on many levels, has turned into a live action SIMS game

Agreed. I for one have removed my bike computer. I let my phone record my ride so after I’ve finished I can see how far, how hard, how fast I went. During the ride I go with feel.

0

 

Uh, as someone who still loves the size, simplicity, and durability of plain old Nokia “brick” phones, how does this work? Do you need a sensor on the bike or can the phone do it alone?

I like to know distance and total time, for fun and for charting parts-life, and would LOVE to get even my basic computers off the bike. Please enlighten me.

@Cary

@Rick

This is the attitude that is ruining Grand Tours. If Lemond would have had this attitude he The Professor would have another Tour win.

I am not trying to pick on Kelderman, many riders seem to have this attitude these days.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-i-will-fight-for-the-vuelta-a-espana-podium/

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-nibali-and-zakarin-are-my-vuelta-a-espana-rivals-not-froome/

0

i blame the rise of data-driven cycling for this, and many other ills. data clearly works, though. Kelderman is likely correct in his assessment.

0

It is not just Kelderman. It is Uran sucking wheels the entire Tour, happy to finish second by less than a minute. Data isn’t it is the riding to finish second or third or tenth that is ruining the sport. I blame the everyone gets a trophy culture.

0

I guess the value of a result, any result, to the team and the rider also contributes. These guys will get a big paycheck for finishing top 5 or top 10 -why risk that trying to challenge the race leader?

If you get it wrong you can really fall from contention – see Adam Yates and Chaves.

@Rick

This is the attitude that is ruining Grand Tours. If Lemond would have had this attitude he The Professor would have another Tour win.

I am not trying to pick on Kelderman, many riders seem to have this attitude these days.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-i-will-fight-for-the-vuelta-a-espana-podium/

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-nibali-and-zakarin-are-my-vuelta-a-espana-rivals-not-froome/

0

i blame the rise of data-driven cycling for this, and many other ills. data clearly works, though. Kelderman is likely correct in his assessment.

0

It is not just Kelderman. It is Uran sucking wheels the entire Tour, happy to finish second by less than a minute. Data isn’t it is the riding to finish second or third or tenth that is ruining the sport. I blame the everyone gets a trophy culture.

This is the attitude that is ruining Grand Tours. If Lemond would have had this attitude he The Professor would have another Tour win.

I am not trying to pick on Kelderman, many riders seem to have this attitude these days.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-i-will-fight-for-the-vuelta-a-espana-podium/

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-nibali-and-zakarin-are-my-vuelta-a-espana-rivals-not-froome/

0

i blame the rise of data-driven cycling for this, and many other ills.  data clearly works, though.  Kelderman is likely correct in his assessment.

This is the attitude that is ruining Grand Tours. If Lemond would have had this attitude he The Professor would have another Tour win.

I am not trying to pick on Kelderman, many riders seem to have this attitude these days.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-i-will-fight-for-the-vuelta-a-espana-podium/

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kelderman-nibali-and-zakarin-are-my-vuelta-a-espana-rivals-not-froome/

So sore can barely move my right arm and my right knee is swollen as hell. Very sore, but I don’t think it’s anything long-term.

It all happened so fast, as crashes usually do. Went down hard though, one of those where you get a weird taste in your mouth from the impact (not blood).

Dropping a boat on yourself? Ouch!

Unrelated to the Vuelta, but want to out myself for a stupid move. Riding to the library last night, heading down this big hill leading out of my neighborhood. For some reason, the world-class university has decided to not light this part of campus at all. I lean down to turn on a light mounted on my fork. The mount slips and goes down the fork, with the light pinging into the spokes. So leaning forward, half off the bike, I grab my left (front) brake way too hard. It’s a v-brake and works great, but modulation is difficult as it’s so smooth.

I go (insert what ass over tea kettle phrase you like here) head first over the bike, landing on my shoulder and elbow. Surprisingly, I only drew a few scrapes and blood. But today, my entire right torso is sore as heck, as is my right elbow and knee. Oh, and neck. I commuted to work today, but couldn’t imagine a 200k + stage. Those bastards are HardMen.

On a brighter note, I zip tied the mount in place. Getting old sucks. I used to take an impact like that in contact sports daily and not even notice. Not today, not today my friends.

0

Lucky man! Could have been much worse! Hope you feel better soon.

I had a narrow one myself on Monday helping a pal get a duck hunting boat out of a lake in southern Indiana. I was carrying the front of the boat up the metal trailer ramp and my legs slipped out from under me. The bow of the boat came down hard on the upper inside of my right kneecap. Small scrape and some pain, but all seems to be ok. Just as well: I’m riding the Door County century this weekend.

Aqua Blue Sport. Worst jersey ever? No sponsor name on the front. What genius designed that? Discuss.

 

On a brighter note, I zip tied the mount in place. Getting old sucks. I used to take an impact like that in contact sports daily and not even notice. Not today, not today my friends.

0

I hope the guys who used to tackle you weren’t made of tarmac. Crashing hurts, heal up quick.

I’m sure I’ve told you this before but you are not old my friend.  Plenty of time left before that!

I go (insert what ass over tea kettle phrase you like here) head first over the bike, landing on my shoulder and elbow. Surprisingly, I only drew a few scrapes and blood. But today, my entire right torso is sore as heck, as is my right elbow and knee. Oh, and neck. I commuted to work today, but couldn’t imagine a 200k + stage. Those bastards are HardMen.

On a brighter note, I zip tied the mount in place. Getting old sucks. I used to take an impact like that in contact sports daily and not even notice. Not today, not today my friends.

@chris

@RobSandy

So who’s going to win the TT today, and how many minutes will Froome’s lead be by the end?

0

Are the organisers taking the V-line by placing the TT and hardest climbs after the second rest day swaps?

Not that it matters to me having Delgado’ due rose induced lethargy.

0

Frank seems to have removed rest day swaps this year. Accident or design, it’s fine by me.

Did you notice that Froome was talking about how the GC favourite wouldn’t be going full gas in the TT to save themselves for the mountain days to come…then went full gas and smashed it.

0

Yes I saw that… mind games !

@RobSandy

So who’s going to win the TT today, and how many minutes will Froome’s lead be by the end?

0

Are the organisers taking the V-line by placing the TT and hardest climbs after the second rest day swaps?

Not that it matters to me having Delgado’ due rose induced lethargy.

0

Frank seems to have removed rest day swaps this year. Accident or design, it’s fine by me.

Did you notice that Froome was talking about how the GC favourite wouldn’t be going full gas in the TT to save themselves for the mountain days to come…then went full gas and smashed it.

So who’s going to win the TT today, and how many minutes will Froome’s lead be by the end?

0

Are the organisers taking the V-line by placing the TT and hardest climbs after the second rest day swaps?

Not that it matters to me having Delgado’ due rose induced lethargy.

@RobSandy

Yeah did see that re Phinney. He said it was a split second decision – I guess he did not know the Highway Code re the flashing lights. I guess in the US they just keep crossing when the bells are ringing. Maybe he does not realise how fast some of our trains run over here compared to a 5 mile freight train in the US…….

0

I think he was completely aware – but he was out the back in the cars so I imagine he thought he might not get back on again. Feel for him actually.

Yeah did see that re Phinney.  He said it was a split second decision – I guess he did not know the Highway Code re the flashing lights.  I guess in the US they just keep crossing when the bells are ringing.  Maybe he does not realise how fast some of our trains run over here compared to a 5 mile freight train in the US…….

Didn’t Bardet get done for it last year? Seems AG2R don’t learn.

Did you also see Taylor Phinney got DQ’d from the Tour of Britain?

Should this be termed “Taking a Nibble”?

in the “thoroughly unrelated to the Vuelta” dept:   Jobst Brandt made it onto a Clif Bar.  i am a little surprised he hasn’t had a writeup on this site.  surely a cycling icon, maybe in no small part due to this image of him on the Gavia.

@Rick

I watched today’s stage courtesy of Steephill. I was hoping for some fireworks on the 28k climb to the summit finish. In the end, the GC contenders finished mostly together. Zakarin attacked and gained time to move into third place overall (which screwed my VSP picks).

It seems these days everyone in Grand Tours rides to preserve their podium place rather than to win.

0

Suits me – I’ve now got the top 3 in the right order. Wont last.

I guess the reason no one launches attacks against Froome and Sky is simply that they can’t. The pace is so high that to attack from it is just too much.

Unless you’re Lopez and can ride away from everyone, at altitude, and cross the line on your own without seemingly needing to breathe. Hmm….

0

 

I have Zakarin in 4th, along with the first two in order on the GC. I am hoping he finishes just off the podium.

Lopez certainly did make that climb look easy while everyone else struggled. Although that shouldn’t be suspicious at all since he rides for Astana. Lopez was too far down the standings to register on the Sky radar so he was allowed to go. What I wouldn’t give to see some good old fashioned

What I wouldn’t give to see some good old fashioned attacks and responses on summit finishes. Some good old fashioned LeMond and Hinault drama would be great.

@Cary

for me, excessive focus on hr and power has sucked a bit of the joy out of some group riding, and even watching certain races. i know people that cannot talk about anything else on a group ride. i have seen SO many crashes and other avoidable blunders on local rides due to lack of proper awareness and focus. indeed, the idea that made the Velominati rules, and this community so attractive to me initially, was the embrace of the ride, and the awareness and soft focus necessary to fully EXPERIENCE it. cycling on many levels, has turned into a live action SIMS game

Agreed. I for one have removed my bike computer. I let my phone record my ride so after I’ve finished I can see how far, how hard, how fast I went. During the ride I go with feel.

0

i do the same.  i turn on Strava, and shove the phone in a jersey pocket.  i must say that many of the data-driven riders i know are FAR fitter than i am.

for me, excessive focus on hr and power has sucked a bit of the joy out of some group riding, and even watching certain races. i know people that cannot talk about anything else on a group ride. i have seen SO many crashes and other avoidable blunders on local rides due to lack of proper awareness and focus. indeed, the idea that made the Velominati rules, and this community so attractive to me initially, was the embrace of the ride, and the awareness and soft focus necessary to fully EXPERIENCE it. cycling on many levels, has turned into a live action SIMS game

Agreed. I for one have removed my bike computer. I let my phone record my ride so after I’ve finished I can see how far, how hard, how fast I went. During the ride I go with feel.

I watched today’s stage courtesy of Steephill. I was hoping for some fireworks on the 28k climb to the summit finish. In the end, the GC contenders finished mostly together. Zakarin attacked and gained time to move into third place overall (which screwed my VSP picks).

It seems these days everyone in Grand Tours rides to preserve their podium place rather than to win.

0

Suits me – I’ve now got the top 3 in the right order. Wont last.

I guess the reason no one launches attacks against Froome and Sky is simply that they can’t. The pace is so high that to attack from it is just too much.

Unless you’re Lopez and can ride away from everyone, at altitude, and cross the line on your own without seemingly needing to breathe. Hmm….

@Randy C

@Rick

I watched today’s stage courtesy of Steephill. I was hoping for some fireworks on the 28k climb to the summit finish. In the end, the GC contenders finished mostly together. Zakarin attacked and gained time to move into third place overall (which screwed my VSP picks).

It seems these days everyone in Grand Tours rides to preserve their podium place rather than to win.

Maybe that’s it… But dang, the Sky train and Froome have mastered the tempo and power meter. Attacks get out ahead and as they come back out of the red, they slowly get reeled back in with steady Sky tempo that’s gotta be just near the limit. Nibali today got out front and then was pegged right at 10 sec and allowed to dangle out there. Wout Poels leads tempo in front and still finishes with lead group at end today ?!? So strong. More than a few attacks today were gobbled up and dropped out the back yes ? Lopez has looked super strong these past couple of days for sure. Cheers

0

I agree that Sky has become very skilled at riding to power numbers. I was surprised that no one attacked in the last kilometer, or 500 meters. They all just rode to the finish with Froome.

0

for me, excessive focus on hr and power has sucked a bit of the joy out of some group riding, and even watching certain races.  i know people that cannot talk about anything else on a group ride.  i have seen SO many crashes and other avoidable blunders on local rides due to lack of proper awareness and focus.  indeed, the idea that made the Velominati rules, and this community so attractive to me initially, was the embrace of the ride, and the awareness and soft focus necessary to fully EXPERIENCE it.  cycling on many levels, has turned into a live action SIMS game.

@Rick

I watched today’s stage courtesy of Steephill. I was hoping for some fireworks on the 28k climb to the summit finish. In the end, the GC contenders finished mostly together. Zakarin attacked and gained time to move into third place overall (which screwed my VSP picks).

It seems these days everyone in Grand Tours rides to preserve their podium place rather than to win.

Maybe that’s it… But dang, the Sky train and Froome have mastered the tempo and power meter. Attacks get out ahead and as they come back out of the red, they slowly get reeled back in with steady Sky tempo that’s gotta be just near the limit. Nibali today got out front and then was pegged right at 10 sec and allowed to dangle out there. Wout Poels leads tempo in front and still finishes with lead group at end today ?!? So strong. More than a few attacks today were gobbled up and dropped out the back yes ? Lopez has looked super strong these past couple of days for sure. Cheers

0

I agree that Sky has become very skilled at riding to power numbers. I was surprised that no one attacked in the last kilometer, or 500 meters. They all just rode to the finish with Froome.

I watched today’s stage courtesy of Steephill. I was hoping for some fireworks on the 28k climb to the summit finish. In the end, the GC contenders finished mostly together. Zakarin attacked and gained time to move into third place overall (which screwed my VSP picks).

It seems these days everyone in Grand Tours rides to preserve their podium place rather than to win.

It seems these days everyone in Grand Tours rides to preserve their podium place rather than to win.

@Teocalli

i just took my new Masi out for a 30k hellfest. while i was suffering like a stray dog in a gutter, i kept looking at my chrome luggs, and was duly fortified by the visage. the communication from the road, provided by Reynolds steel, an appreciated bonus. road cycling is so much more than heart rate and wattage. a GREAT day in my life, among many, provided by a finely crafted and properly equipped machine.

0

Nice

i just took my new Masi out for a 30k hellfest.  while i was suffering like a stray dog in a gutter, i kept looking at my chrome luggs, and was duly fortified by the visage.  the communication from the road, provided by Reynolds steel, an appreciated bonus.  road cycling is so much more than heart rate and wattage.  a GREAT day in my life, among many, provided by a finely crafted and properly equipped machine.

Alessandro De Marchi (BMC), Alexis Gougeard (AG2R-La Mondiale), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Arnaud Courteille (FDJ) have maintained an average speed of 42.8km/h in the first two hours of racing.

That’s my average speed for my 10 mile PB. And look at the parcours they have done that on?

Animals.

0

That’s why they get paid to ride, and we don’t!

That’s my average speed for my 10 mile PB. And look at the parcours they have done that on?

Animals.

And that looks like fun ! Cheers

@Cary

1

though this forum seems to be on an, at least temporary, hiatus, it would be just great if the remaining contributors could make the best of what’s left. i really appreciate this.

We’re still here, chatting about bikes and rides and riders.

0

for sure, cycling is LIFE!  as a fan, and a rider, i’m not going anywhere.

 

1

 

though this forum seems to be on an, at least temporary, hiatus, it would be just great if the remaining contributors could make the best of what’s left. i really appreciate this.

We’re still here, chatting about bikes and rides and riders.

@RobSandy

@Cary

@Cary

@Teocalli

You do like lots of short, very steep climbs don’t you?

1

yeah. actually, that’s exactly my game!

0

This is what it’s like round here.

https://www.strava.com/activities/707430920

0

that looks outstanding, i wish i had terrain like this locally, but it’s pan-flat, and windy here. i have to go out of town for even moderate hills, though the hilly rides just outside my metro area are SUPER nice. heaven on earth, really. nice ride, by the way.

0

It was brutal. Some of the gradients are silly – 30% ish. Funny thing is, you could do a similar ride up the valley floors and miss out nearly all the hills. It’s a great place to live for a road cyclist round here. And the mountain biking is good too. There’s a reason we churn out loads and loads of pros.

@Cary

@Cary

@Teocalli

You do like lots of short, very steep climbs don’t you?

1

 

yeah. actually, that’s exactly my game!

0

 

This is what it’s like round here.

https://www.strava.com/activities/707430920

0

that looks outstanding, i wish i had terrain like this locally, but it’s pan-flat, and windy here.  i have to go out of town for even moderate hills, though the hilly rides just outside my metro area are SUPER nice.  heaven on earth, really.  nice ride, by the way.

@Cary

@Teocalli

@RobSandy

Any chance you might get a pass for the Surrey Soup Cogal on the 16th?

0

 

i wanna do a cogal in England. i’ve been all over the world, but the closest i’ve been to Europe is Rota, Spain. i’ll leave the coffee at home, even.

0

 

You’d always be welcome to come and stay here.

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though this forum seems to be on an, at least temporary, hiatus, it would be just great if the remaining contributors could make the best of what’s left.  i really appreciate this.

 

@Cary

@Teocalli

 

You do like lots of short, very steep climbs don’t you?

1

yeah. actually, that’s exactly my game!

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This is what it’s like round here.

https://www.strava.com/activities/707430920

@Cary

@Teocalli

@RobSandy

Any chance you might get a pass for the Surrey Soup Cogal on the 16th?

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i wanna do a cogal in England. i’ve been all over the world, but the closest i’ve been to Europe is Rota, Spain. i’ll leave the coffee at home, even.

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Let me know if you’re ever in South Wales and I’ll take you out. I even know where to get good coffee.

You do like lots of short, very steep climbs don’t you?

1

yeah. actually, that’s exactly my game!

@Teocalli

@RobSandy

Any chance you might get a pass for the Surrey Soup Cogal on the 16th?

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If it transpired we were down at the in-laws that weekend, probably a good chance.

I’ve broached the subject and I’ll let you know.

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Fingers crossed.

Re short steep climbs – that’s kinda the Surrey Hills for you – and I live on the top of one.  In fact I think it’s about the second highest.  Pretty hard to find a flat ride from here.  I do often yearn for one.  Though it does mean that grabbing a quick hour to hour and a half from work can give a decent workout.

@Teocalli

@RobSandy

Any chance you might get a pass for the Surrey Soup Cogal on the 16th?

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i wanna do a cogal in England. i’ve been all over the world, but the closest i’ve been to Europe is Rota, Spain. i’ll leave the coffee at home, even.

0

You’d always be welcome to come and stay here.

@Teocalli

@RobSandy

Any chance you might get a pass for the Surrey Soup Cogal on the 16th?

0

i wanna do a cogal in England. i’ve been all over the world, but the closest i’ve been to Europe is Rota, Spain. i’ll leave the coffee at home, even.

0

Let me know if you’re ever in South Wales and I’ll take you out. I even know where to get good coffee.

You do like lots of short, very steep climbs don’t you?

@RobSandy

Any chance you might get a pass for the Surrey Soup Cogal on the 16th?

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If it transpired we were down at the in-laws that weekend, probably a good chance.

I’ve broached the subject and I’ll let you know.

@Cary

Yeh, I like him. He’s a battler and looks fucking good on a bike.

I’d like think he could win the Tour one day, although he might have to wait for Froome to retire!

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he kindareminds me of Robert Millar in his heyday.

@RobSandy

Any chance you might get a pass for the Surrey Soup Cogal on the 16th?

0

i wanna do a cogal in England.  i’ve been all over the world, but the closest i’ve been to Europe is Rota, Spain.  i’ll leave the coffee at home, even.

Any chance you might get a pass for the Surrey Soup Cogal on the 16th?

Yeh, I like him. He’s a battler and looks fucking good on a bike.

I’d like think he could win the Tour one day, although he might have to wait for Froome to retire!

@Cary

@RobSandy

@Cary

a) i excluded Bardet from my list based on his final TdF TT, but included Cotador out of sentimentality and well wishes. one good decision cancels a bad one. story of my life.

…and I took Bardet out based on your comments. Who’s the bigger fool? The fool, or the fool who follows the fool?

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i’ve been trying to figure that out since i was in the Marine Corps. no answers yet.

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Turns out we were right about Bardet after all.

Typical that the year I might win the VSP the points aren’t being calculated and there doesn’t seem to be any prizes!

Doesn’t matter, I didn’t enter for the prizes. Like I don’t race for points..

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chapeau to Bardet on a very well contested grand tour season.  don’t we kinda have to look at this as proof of clean racing?  ten years ago, you wouldn’t see a rider of Bardet’s caliber dying like he has.  i’ll not forget that final TdF TT, he looked thoroughly eviscerated.

@RobSandy

@Cary

a) i excluded Bardet from my list based on his final TdF TT, but included Cotador out of sentimentality and well wishes. one good decision cancels a bad one. story of my life.

…and I took Bardet out based on your comments. Who’s the bigger fool? The fool, or the fool who follows the fool?

0

i’ve been trying to figure that out since i was in the Marine Corps. no answers yet.

0

Turns out we were right about Bardet after all.

Typical that the year I might win the VSP the points aren’t being calculated and there doesn’t seem to be any prizes!

Doesn’t matter, I didn’t enter for the prizes. Like I don’t race for points..

http://www.steephill.tv/players/youtube3/?title=18+km+to+go:+tricky+descent+-+Stage+10&dashboard=vuelta-a-espana&id=d19KhhpJNQg&end=20&yr=2017

@KogaLover

@Rick

Barguil refused to bring Kelderman back to the peloton after the latter suffered a puncture. Correct decision I think.

0

I concur.

0

Agreed. I read a quote from Barguil to the effect that he didn’t want to ride for GC and was prepared to lose time to put himself in that situation. Sounds like Sunweb have a talented prima donna on their hands (for a while longer, at any rate.) One things for sure, Hinault never intimated and such sentiments and except for races such as the Tour where he was undisputed leader, he was known to be a very loyal teammate.

I doubt Tom Dumoulin will be sorry to see Barguil go if that’s his attitude and actions.

@Rick

Barguil refused to bring Kelderman back to the peloton after the latter suffered a puncture. Correct decision I think.

0

I concur.

Barguil refused to bring Kelderman back to the peloton after the latter suffered a puncture. Correct decision I think.

@Rick

@Cary

@Teocalli

Barguil thrown out by Sunweb for not following team orders http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sunweb-send-barguil-home-from-vuelta-after-disagreements-over-tactics/

0

complete asininity. sending Barguil home with a parcours this hilly is folly.

0

Barguil is a short timer with Sunweb. He is signed with a new team next year so Sunweb owes him nothing. His personal results will benefit another team next year. Why keep him in the race if he is not going to be a team player?

I would bet money that the decision to send him home had something to do with team morale.

0

nothing’s better for morale than results, and Barguil was their best shot at that. has to be more to the story than that.

0

There was more to the story. It was all in the article: Barguil wanted to ride for himself instead of the team. This created “several disagreements within the squad.” As a result, they sent him home.

This is part of team sports. If a participant in a team sport doesn’t work toward team goals the participant is not allowed to play. Apparently, the team had tabbed Kelderman as its GC hope.

@Cary

@Teocalli

Barguil thrown out by Sunweb for not following team orders http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sunweb-send-barguil-home-from-vuelta-after-disagreements-over-tactics/

0

complete asininity. sending Barguil home with a parcours this hilly is folly.

0

Barguil is a short timer with Sunweb. He is signed with a new team next year so Sunweb owes him nothing. His personal results will benefit another team next year. Why keep him in the race if he is not going to be a team player?

I would bet money that the decision to send him home had something to do with team morale.

0

nothing’s better for morale than results, and Barguil was their best shot at that.  has to be more to the story than that.

@Teocalli

Barguil thrown out by Sunweb for not following team orders http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sunweb-send-barguil-home-from-vuelta-after-disagreements-over-tactics/

0

complete asininity. sending Barguil home with a parcours this hilly is folly.

0

Barguil is a short timer with Sunweb. He is signed with a new team next year so Sunweb owes him nothing. His personal results will benefit another team next year. Why keep him in the race if he is not going to be a team player?

I would bet money that the decision to send him home had something to do with team morale.

Barguil thrown out by Sunweb for not following team orders http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sunweb-send-barguil-home-from-vuelta-after-disagreements-over-tactics/

0

complete asininity.  sending Barguil home with a parcours this hilly is folly.

Commuted to my office today on my white bike! Everyone needs a white bike. Simple, clean, sexy! As much as I like my flashy Tommasini paint job, I love having a white/black bike and wearing white/black kit. A moving Peugeot jersey!!

0

Photos please. (or it didn’t happen!)

Is there a most combative rider award at the Vuelta? We all know Thomas DeGendt was robbed of that award at the Tour, but here he is again at the Vuelta doing the same thing. Kicking ass and taking names every day in breakaways. Chapeau!

Managed to avoid him so far – thanks to the ITV4 schedulers p*ssing around with the time so that whenever I get chance to watch there is womens rubgy or some scousers playing football instead, and la Vuelta is on way past my bedtime!

WFH with Eurosport on the Mac in the background.  Well maybe work in the background actually.

I believe Dave is correct. I don’t think you need a TV subscription to NBC Sports. As long as you have access to the internet, you can buy the NBC Sports Gold cycling package app. I watch it on my laptop and on my smartphone.

I believe Dave is correct. As long as you have internet access, I think you can purchase the NBC Sports Gold cycling app. I don’t think you need a TV subscription through cable, etc.

@dancollins

@wiscot

The NBC Sports Gold cycling package (I think I paid $29.00 for 6 months) is broadcasting the Vuelta live on its website. Well worth it for those of us in the USA.

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I’m in the US but get my TV “over the air” these days. Cut the cable a few years back. That’s not too bad a price though . . .

0

I only get “over the air”, too.  But the NBC Sports Gold is something that you can get through your computer, tablet or (maybe) a smart TV app.  I put the app on my tablet so I can watch from anywhere.  Well, except from my place of employment – they would frown at that.

@wiscot

The NBC Sports Gold cycling package (I think I paid $29.00 for 6 months) is broadcasting the Vuelta live on its website. Well worth it for those of us in the USA.

0

I’m in the US but get my TV “over the air” these days. Cut the cable a few years back. That’s not too bad a price though . . .

The NBC Sports Gold cycling package (I think I paid $29.00 for 6 months) is broadcasting the Vuelta live on its website. Well worth it for those of us in the USA.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vuelta-a-espana-froome-advocates-three-second-rule-for-flat-stages/

@Joe Bloggs

Never mind the brackets (as the Sex Pistols didn’t say) my spelling and punctuation in that post were shit!

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I got your jist and appreciate the informed comment. Yeah, Bertie should have retired a while back, but I guess when teams throw big $$ at you it’s hard to turn down.

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Robbie McEwen had a very interesting observation regarding this upon his own retirement years ago.  as i recall, it was something like “a rider must compete until they are done racing.”  meaning, if a rider retires too soon, before the spirit and willingness to compete at the pro level is exhausted, they will struggle to adjust to life after cycling.  as a fan, i always liked McEwen.  nobody in his day had his race savvy and killer instinct.  that he’s articulated the dynamics of racing at the top levels so as to be better understood by punters like me is a big plus, too.

Never mind the brackets (as the Sex Pistols didn’t say) my spelling and punctuation in that post were shit!

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I got your jist and appreciate the informed comment. Yeah, Bertie should have retired a while back, but I guess when teams throw big $$ at you it’s hard to turn down.

I finally paid to watch cycling this years (cycling.tv) and now the Vuelta is blacked out in the U.S. Great!

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Ron,

I watched the Sporza feed on Steephill.tv yesterday – live! Ok, it’s in Dutch, but hey, you can’t have it all!

I would have preferred Bertie to have retired last year. I always hate to see someone go on too long (although I saw James Brown live well after his prime.)

(By the way do I use too many parentheses) (?)

Clenbuterol is banned for use in livestock in Europe and the United States. Although the drug has been used to encourage muscle growth in animals like cows and pigs, European and American regulators cracked down on the practice about 10 years ago after several clenbuterol-poisoning cases in Spain, France and Italy.

In most of those cases, the victims fell ill after eating the animals’ liver, where clenbuterol is known to accumulate.

Fernando Ramos, a professor at the University of Coimbra in Portugal who has studied clenbuterol contamination in meat for 20 years, said it was highly unlikely that Contador tested positive from eating meat other than liver, noting that the concentration would have to be so high that the animal would have died before being slaughtered.

When asked what the chances were that Contador’s positive test, even at such low levels, was a result of the meat he ate, Ramos said, “I can say 99 percent, it’s impossible.”