The Cycle Show wouldn’t be the Cycle Show without Wilier in attendance. Here is the Wilier Cento 1 SL (frameset £4299 SRP) and Cento 1 SLR (frameset £8999 SRP). Beautiful racing machines! Nothing more needs to be said:
Front view of the Cento 1 SL
Rear view
Integrated seatpost
Cento 1 SLR
I love the carbon weave on the Wilier. Looks similar to their logo
For those of who have been keeping tabs on this blog would have seen that The Prostate Cancer Charity in the UK are trying to become the charity name behind cycling. Just the same as running is for breast cancer, they would like to make cycling the sport for prostate cancer. A natural association if you like.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and as a result, one man dies every hour from this horrid disease, not to mention the 35000 men that are diagnosed with it every year. So it’s not something to shy away from. But rather a disease that we need to fight against.
With that, the Charity has teamed up with The Tour of Britain to offer cyclists of all abilities the chance to ride a stage of The Tour, in The Tour Rides. Taking place in September, cyclists can try out the same routes that the pro’s get to race on in the Tour.
The same attention to detail and event planning is put into delivering a Tour Ride as staging The Tour of Britain. With extensive route signage, marshals, motorcycle support, official cars on route and neutral service, the Tour Rides offer a unique full-support experience.
Plus, there are carefully located and well stocked feed and drink stations along the route as well as hot drinks and sandwiches. I’ve been informed that this year’s Tour Rides will also incorporate timing splits and timed King of the Mountains sections (Pro Tour Ride).
The neutral service is being provided by the team at Saddleback Ltd who bring to the UK market those awesome racing machines, FELT – as currently used by the Garmin Transitions cycling team the Tour de France, as well as Lance’s groupset of choice, SRAM.
So on Tuesday 22 June, I was lucky enough to be invited by the Charity to go and try out the Stoke route of the Tour Ride. This route forms as Stage 2 of The 2010 Tour of Britain. It was a clear hot day – 22 degrees celcius. A perfect day to go out for the ride – as you will see from the pictures below. I had been looking forward to doing the ride for a whole week running up to it, especially as it was time out of the hectic schedule we were on for The Tour Series, plus I got to have my last ride on the Felt FC.
As it was a media ride, we weren’t going to do the full day’s worth of riding (ie. Pro Ride). We were only aiming to do 60+ km’s. However, we were going to take in the hilliest part of the route. Our day started off in Rocester, the home of JCB. From there we made our way to Leek taking in the stunning views of the Staffordshire Moorlands. On the ride we took a short break in the village of Longnor, where we were welcomed with open arms by the owner of the local coffee shop called Cobbles. A true cycling fan, he offered us teas, coffees and sandwiches on the house. How could we say no to that? So if you ever in the village, make sure you stop by Cobbles.
From Longnor we made our way towards Leek, not before taking in plenty of 10% climbs and the well known, Gun Hill. I felt great at the start of the ride but the climbs were relentless and they began taking their toll. I have to say that Gun Hill was not easy at all and I can see why people gather along it when the Tour races over. There were some great downhills too (not too many of these unfortunately), but did manage to get up to speeds of 80km/h.
It was a great day out and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. If you’re on the fence about whether to take part, I would urge you to go for it. Sign up for The Tour Rides, you will not be sorry. And feel good in knowing that you are also putting money to a good cause.
I would also like to say a HUGE thanks to Andrew and team at Saddleback for providing me with the Felt FC to use on the ride! I loved riding it so much, I am now looking to buy it.
And last but not least, below are pictures taken on the day of our ride. These were taken by Joolze Dymond who is also the official photographer for The Tour of Britain and The Tour Series. If you get a chance, make sure you check out her website: www.joolzedymond.com
Remember, there are three routes to choose from and three rides at each, for the exception of London, which offers only one ride. For more details on all the Rides on offer (dates, distances, etc) in The Tour Rides, check out my previous posting on The Tour Rides.
Enjoy the pics and sign up!
Starting out in Rocester where our ride began
A beautiful day to be out riding the bike
Making the most of my last day on the Felt FC
The start of many many climbs to come
Easy for some, others not
The scenery was just spectacular
Riding on roads that were virtually clear of traffic. Made for a superb day out
You can almost see the heat come off the road
Some more uphills
Working the Felt. Plus, enjoyed the SRAM groupset. Definitely a convert to its style
How can you say no to that?
Peter and Liz helping us out on the ride, a day after the Chester round of The Tour Series
Some more ups
Peter trying the typical 'fan with water bottle' you see in the Tour de France
He was loving it
...and the fact that I was getting wet
Mind you, afterwards it did feel quite refreshing
Then just for the camera decided to do a typical rider 'response' to getting wet
Maybe over doing it a little 🙂
Watch out for the BIG hand! Getting a fresh bottle from Liz
Seriously enjoying my day out on the Felt. I think I should keep it!!
And there were some downhills too
But what goes down must go up
Liz and Peter enjoying their day out of the office
Quiet roads
Coffee stop in the village of Longnor. Check out Cobbles if you are ever there
Making our way towards Gun Hill
But before we get there, a few more clims to negotiate
Boy it was hot out there
There were loads of these too - 10 per cent climbs
Doing some close ups for the Charity
Taking the mick out of Joolze who's sitting in the boot of the CRV
Suffering on the first killer section of Gun Hill
Really thankful that Paul was there to encourage me along
My legs were hurting big time
Finished the second killer section
Enjoying the fact that Gun Hill levels out towards the top
Almost there
Joolze making us sprint for the top. She loves to see us suffer
Freewheeling into Leek
Enjoying the post ride chat with Paul...
...and laugh
The 2010 Endura Racing Team
Last week Friday I attended the launch of the Endura Racing cycling team, which took place at the Porsche Human Performance Centre located at the Silverstone race circuit.
My day started off quite early considering I had a two drive to get there. But I had good reason to get there early too – thanks to both Endura and Cyclevox, I was given the opportunity to drive as passenger inside a Porsche 911 Turbo. The drifting around the low friction circuit as well as super fast straights (and the drifting around) on the handling circuit, it was an awesome experience.
The Porsche 911 Turbo
Anyway, back to the launch itself. It was a slick event which in my view, made a big impression on the gathered audience. The day started with MC Anthony McCrossan introducing the Endura brand and Endura Racing history, to a backdrop of SRAM equipped LOOK race and TT bikes. Endura director, Jim McFarlane, then addressed the audience expressing his ‘pride’ at what had been assembled in the impressive Porsche centre’s foyer.
Team captain Rob Hayles being interviewed by Anthony McCrossan (check out the red trainers!)
A suprise announcement on the day was that of Alexandre Blain. A former ProTour rider with Cofidis, 28 year-old Blain is a continental rider whose pedigree extends to podium rides in races such as the Etoile de Besseges. His arrival on the squad is yet another statement of intent from this very ambitious team.
Former ProTour rider Alexandre Blain interviewed by Anthony McCrossan
Another announcement on the day saw the team reveal a key partnership with the Porsche Human Performance Centre (PHPC) at Silverstone. Acccording to press release, the PHPC will provide rider physiological testing and support over the season and will be the bedrock of performance measurement as the Endura riders progress through their season of domestic and continental racing.
Prior to the team riders being unveiled the Endura Racing promo film was shown to the crowd gathered, a video-diary of visits to the Endura offices, team sponsors Fisher Outdoor Leisure (LOOK, SRAM, MET and Tacx) and the house of Rob Hayles, for an insight into his thoughts and expectations for 2010.
Look Team Bike, kitted out in Zipp wheels and SRAM components
Look 596 Team Time Trial Bike
The launch finale saw the team riders being introduced and interviewed, followed by team photos with riders, guests and sponsors.
The Endura Racing team for 2010 are:
All in all, a really good launch. So, watch this space. This team is on the cusp of something big!
The Tour of Britain and The Prostate Cancer Charity have today revealed three new amateur cycle rides for 2010 – The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides. According to the press release, cyclists of all levels will have the opportunity to measure themselves against the pro riders from The Tour of Britain, by taking on the same full stages from Britain’s national cycle tour event.
The events – scheduled to take place in September – are:
For the exception of London, both South West and Stoke events will also offer challenge routes of 70km and family routes of 20km. This is great as now people of all ages and abilities can take part, allowing more people to spend their day out on the bicycle.
According to the Tour Ride website, the rides will cost £40 for the full stage distances, £30 for the 70km distances and £20 for a family of four to do the 20km Family Rides, in both Stoke-on-Trent and the South West.
Entries close on 1 September 2010 but as places are limited and expected to fill up fast, riders are being encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.
So, if this tickles your fancy and you’d like to spend a day out on the bike experiencing what life as a pro taking part in The Tour of Britain is like, then make sure to sign up for the event as soon as possible.
Last but not least, here are some pictures from the 2009 Tour Ride event in Stoke-on-Trent:
The Tour of Britain lead vehicle getting ready to lead out the riders for the Tour Ride
British Road Race Champion Kristian House and the team from Sharp4Prostate
Neutral service on The Tour Ride provided by Saddleback, distributors of SRAM, Felt and ZIPP
Free food and drinks at all the food stops on The Tour Ride
Less than half a day to go before the start of Cycle 2008 and I’m looking forward to it. To be honest, I’ve never been to a bicycle exhibition in all the time that I have been riding a bicycle. Am glad I have the opportunity to attend tomorrow so will be making the most of it.
So having a read through the press release section of the Cycle 2008 website, there are quite a few tidbits that seem of interest. One in particular is about cycling stars and the actual bikes they have been riding that will be available to see at the exhibition.
For cycling enthusiasts, this includes:
Tour de France Winner Carlos Sastre’s Cervelo R3-SL will on exhibit at the Sigma Sport stand.
Magnus Backstedt’s Felt AR Team issue bike from Tour de France and Tour of Britain can be seen on the Saddleback stand. Magnus himself will also be at the show every day on the stand.
The Giant belonging to the fastest sprinter in the world, Mark Cavendish, will be there for all to see on the Shimano stand.
For the mountain bikers:
Madison will proudly be hosting the Commencal World Championship winning bike of Gee Atherton. Gee will also be on the stand throughout the show.
On the Dirt Magazine Stand they’ll be showing off the bikes that normally carry Steve Peat, Dan Atherton, Tracy Moseley and Matt Simmonds, hopefully they’ll be clean, otherwise the Dirt stand will certainly live up to its name.
BMXers:
Shanaze Reade, who spectacularly crashed out of the final of the BMX event at the Beijing Olympics, will have her bike at the Shimano stand, alongside Mark’s Giant.
Trekkies (not of the ‘Star Trek’ kind):
The last bike to ever beat the flying Scotsman, Chris Hoy, which was ridden by Theo Bos will also be on the Shimano stand throughout the show.
So, not sure what to do this weekend? Get yourself over to Cycle 2008 at Earl’s Court in London. Sounds like heaven to me.
Scott Bicycles
On Wednesday Scott Bicycles announced that it is going to discontinue the sponsorship of the Scott-American Beef cycling team for the 2009 season.
Scott became title sponsor of the Saunier-Duval team, after the Spanish company withdrew from the world of pro cycling following the expulsion of Italian star Riccardo Riccò before Stage 12 of the Tour de France for doping offences.
Whether or not Scott is withdrawing as a direct cause of Riccò’s actions, it is still a sad loss for the sport.
Cervélo
Then yesterday, Canadian bike maker Cervélo announced that it will own and sponsor a new European pro road team next season. Tentatively titled the Cervélo TestTeam, although the company may announce a title sponsor in the next few weeks.
According to some news reports, the company’s future with Team CSC-Saxo Bank, which it has supplied since 2002, is uncertain.
The new team will seek a UCI Pro Continental registration and will be managed by Cycling United Racing, a Swiss group that manages Cervelo-Lifeforce.
The team also is sponsored by Zipp, Speedplay, Vittoria and 3T. Cervelo co-founder Gerard Vroomen said the team will serve as a product research & development arm for the companies.
Well, I’m hoping that my wife will read this blog and see what I am adding to my xmas wish list. Look have unveiled their new 2009 range and wow, do these bikes just look incredible!
And to my darling wife, if I could make a single wish for xmas this year, it would be for the Look 595 (in Red).
The new Look 596
The unchanged Look 586
Look 586: The new 'Pro Team' paint job is the same one used by Crédit Agricole.
Look 585
The new Look 576
Look 566
For a more technical outlook on these gorgeous machines, take a read of this review by James Huang, technical editor of Bikeradar.com.
I love it when it’s Tour de France time. Bike, clothing, safety and equipment manufacturers use the event as the launch pad for their new bits and pieces and boy does it look good. And even if the riders don’t have new gear to ride on, they sure know how to make their rides look good.
David Millar (Garmin-Chipotle) - British Time Trial Champion
Cadel Evans' Ridley Dean time trial machine
Valverde's new Pinarello
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) has a new Wilier Cento Uno in black and white
Pippo Pozzato (Liquigas) and his two-tone metallic green Cannondale SuperSix
Fabian Cancellara (CSC-Saxo Bank) special edition Prologo Scratch TR
Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto)
David Millar (Garmin-Chipotle) and his British pair from Specialized
There are a few pro riders that do care about their bike's paintwork.
Sweat 'n Gears 