Girls of Toyota United Pro Cycling Team

The Girls from the Toyota United Pro Cycling Team (Thanks to Pez Cycling and their Daily Distractions for this pic)

Over the course of December, as my workload quietened down at The Tour and I had some time to read through the various cycling news sites from around the world, I came across the Toyota United Pro Cycling Team and the team girls.  Just as with my post of the Rock Racing Girls, I thought it only fair that I post pictures of the Toyota Girls.

Who knows, now that Nissan is sponsoring Team Radioshack and Jaguar is sponsoring Team Sky, maybe in time we will see each team bring out their own ‘eye candy’ supporters at the major events of 2010?

(Again - Thanks to Pez Cycling News for this one)

Apparently this model's name is Elizabeth (from the Tour of Georgia 2006)

And apparently this model's name is Nicola (from the Tour of Georgia 2006)

Another one of Nicola

Nice!

Even famous American woman’s cyclist, Liz Hatch, has been seen wearing the Team United team kit. Apparently she was dating a guy from the team and decided to wear his top…

Liz Hatch

Have you come across any cycling teams that have their own female groupies? If so, please feel free to send me the links to them. I’ll be happy to post them up here.

Is the writing on the wall for Rock Racing?

Rock Racing

Well, I certainly hope not! Not too long ago there were rumours that the American cycling team was in a spot of bother, following the impact of the financial crisis on the world. The team down-played these rumours and things then went quiet.

Until now that is. Today an article appeared in VeloNews where Baden Cooke, a Tour de France stage winner who raced for Barloworld last year, spills the beans on Rock Racing not fulfilling their promises. Although it’s Baden’s word against that of team boss Michael Ball, it’s not a good sign for Rock Racing.

Michael Ball had the following to say in a statement:

“Rumors of Rock Racing’s untimely demise have been greatly exaggerated. The team is proceeding with a full racing schedule of domestic racing in 2009 and is actively pursuing any and all opportunities related to racing outside the United States. I am committed to my team and my riders are committed to making Rock Racing one of the most exciting teams in the pro peloton. Our key riders will all be returning and will be ready to compete against the world’s best. We thank our fans for their continued support of Rock Racing.”

I certainly hope that the team doesn’t suffer from the crisis and disappear from the professional cycling world. We’ve had too many companies leave the sport in the past year. Rock Racing has brought some glamour back to the world of cycling, namely its striking outfits and its very own groupies, the sexy Rock Racing Girls. Only time will reveal the real impact of it all.

The Rock Racing Girls

Ride with style

Wheeltags 53x11 Coffee

It’s been a few days since I’ve actively been on twitter. Especially as yesterday was my last day in the office for this year – thank goodness! So, I decided to check out my Twitter contacts, 1) to see what the world of Twitter is up to, and 2) to see who’s who.  While there I came across a few cool names but one that really caught my eyes was Wheeltags. I clicked on their profile and decided to check out their website.

Now Wheeltags are ‘stylized wheel signatures’ that allow you to express your own personality with bold colours and some wickedly cool designs. According to the site “Wheeltags allow you to challenge the nameless rim masses and breakaway from the pack. Tag your ride with the ultimate statement of individuality and roll with style.”

Now this is quite a novel concept and one I could see myself getting hooked into. Basically, as you can see from the picture above (and below), you get these large stickers (or tags as they are referred to) in a large can (or two or four – depending on your needs) and you then stick them onto your rims. Thus allowing you to differentiate yourself amongst your friends and peers.

My favourite design - Skullz

For all you time trial freeks, no need to worry! Wheeltags have developed some tags for disc wheels too so you won’t feel left out.

Wheeltags size chart, including tags for disc wheels

Come to think of it, here’s one for you Lance: Since you are keen to promote your Livestrong brand to the world, why not get yourself a custom set of tags for your training bike? It makes so much sense!

Or if anyone from the Rock Racing management team is reading this, I suggest you get in touch with the guys at  Wheeltags and get some custom tags made for your team. You’ve got the collest looking clothing range on the pro circuit, now you just need the wheels to match.

For more pics on these cool wheel tags and the bikes they’ve been used on, click here.

Not a bad idea for a xmas pressie either?

Girls of Rock Racing

I’ve been looking at the search terms used on WordPress that have helped direct people to my blog and found that Rock Racing comes up quite a lot. Especially the ones about the Rock Racing girls. So for all you Rock Racing fans, sit back and enjoy the more glamourous side to the world of professional cycling.

The perks of pro cycling

Looking at these, I think it’s time to start convincing some of our UK teams to adopt this PR/advertising strategy

Why Sevilla, Botero and Hamilton must not start in the Tour of Britain

 

Just seen an interesting posting or comment I should say on Cycling Weekly. It seems the publication is not happy with the three riders being allowed to partake in next week’s Tour of Britain. This all comes about as the three riders have been linked to Operacion Puerto:

 

“These three have evaded justice because their individual federations – the USA Cycling Federation, the Colombian Cycling Federation and the Spanish Cycling Federation – have decided not to open proceedings. What is unfair is that Operacion Puerto has become a postcode lottery – a rider’s fate is seemingly decided by their nationality. Jan Ullrich, Ivan Basso and the others whose careers have been (quite rightly) ended or put on hold can nevertheless feel aggrieved that others implicated to the same extent have got away with it and continue to race.”

“Cycling Weekly is not attempting to be judge and jury either, it is simply expressing an opinion that Rock Racing should not bring Hamilton, Sevilla and Botero to the Tour of Britain.”

” They should have been investigated, but instead they have been free to race on. Surely that is not right.” 

 

Now I am in two minds about this. Having the big names in the sport of cycling partake in our own national tour is a good thing. But as CW points out, this could bring a huge a mount of negative issues should either of these take the leaders jersey during the race or even win a stage.

 

Right now Britain is riding a huge wave thanks to its cycling achievements. But can these three dirsupt this wave?

 

I’m not so sure. But if we are to rid ourselves of the drugs in this sport, it’s time to be firm and keep those out that have been implicated in taking drugs or caught doping. Do you agree with this or do you feel this is unfair to those riders? I’d be keen to hear your thoughts on this.

 

 

 

London readies for Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain begins this weekend (Sunday 7th) with its start in the 2012 Olympic host city, London and will form part of the Mayor’s Summer of Cycling.

The event will have many of Britain’s top cycling stars taking part, including the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Chris Newton and Mark Cavendish, racing against each other on the streets of London.

According to the event organisers, the London 1st stage will see 96 pro cyclists race 86km on a 8.6km circuit (that’s 10 laps) that takes in some of London’s most iconic sites – including Big Ben, Cleopatra’s Needle, Somerset House and the Tower of London.

Now in addition to the racing, Transport for London will also be hosting BikeJam (at Tower Hill), which is supposed to be a family-friendly, celebration of all things cycling related. BikeJam promises a cycling-themed day of activities and experiences including cycle-stunt performers, bike maintenance and pedal-powered food stalls.

Well, I’m looking forward to the second stage finish in Newbury. I’ll be there and am hoping to get some good pictures of the riders coming in. Who knows, Cavendish might even take the stage..?

Rock Racing to launch gear at Harrods

Rock Racing

According to BikeRadar today, the Rock Racing professional cycling team will be staying on in London following the Tour of Britain to launch their clothing and sports gear.

The US cycling team will extend their stay in London for a fan meet and greet and autograph signing at Harrods on Monday 15 September.

To commemorate the team’s first ever race in the UK, Rock Racing is creating both a ‘London Rocks’ team kit as well as a unique Rock Racing Tour of Britain team kit that the riders will wear during the seven-stage race.

In addition, a limited edition Harrods Team Kit has been designed specifically for the London store in their signature green and gold colors, and a brand new line of Rock Racing ‘London Rocks’ sports apparel for men, women and children will also be available.

If the cycling kit is only available at Harrods, I expect it to be pretty pricey. As such, I don’t expect to see many people riding around in it.

I wonder of the Rock Racing Girls will be joining them too on the trip?

The Rock Racing Podium Girls

Rock Racing makes Tour of Britain debut

Rock Racing

 

 

 

 

 

 

It looks like American Rock Racing cycle team will be making their debut at this year’s Tour of Britain. Although the final list of riders for the team has not been confirmed, the provisional line-up are double American champion and top sprinter Fred Rodriguez, past Tour de France yellow jersey Victor Hugo Pena and former Lance Armstrong lieutenant, Tyler Hamilton. Supporting them will be former World and Olympic Team Pursuit champion Peter Dawson and Rahsaan Bahati.

I wonder if the team’s ghoulish racing kit will make an impression upon the British fans?

Other big name teams confirmed to take part in this ear’s tour include Barloworld and Team Columbia.

The Tour of Britain will at the very heart of London on Sunday 7th September. The 2008 race has been extended to eight days, and will finish in the 2008 European Capital of Culture, Liverpool, on Sunday 14th September.

Fashion rocks!

Casual Chicness

Well this is my first blog posting – so best make the most of it.

I came across a story about Danish cycle blogger, Mikael Colville-Andersen. He is the owner of the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog. In his blog he includes many images of Copenhagen girls riding around in short skirts and heels. It’s interesting to see his take on cycling in that it should not be seen as just a sport or hobby. It should be seen as a way of life. I have to agree with this. You don’t need all the ‘proper’ cycling gear to be considered a cyclist.

Although one thing I am a strong advocate of is the use of a helmet. Whether you choose to ride around in short skirts and heels or in tight lycra, a helmet is always needed. The last time I came off my bike (I was on my way to work, so dressed in suit and all), I landed up with concussion that ruled me off the bike and out of work for 5 days.

On the point of fashion and cycling, US pro team – Rock Racing – have got a wicked kit too. The striking green and black with the skull and fire coming out of the top. Very nice! Pity cycling’s #1 fashion boy Mario Cipollini is no longer with the team as they seemed to suit each other.