Cal Naughton Jr.

I’d like to hop on this comment to distract from the Suits binge-watchers. That’s a wonderful sentiment, Robin. I applaud those two girls for their courage and bravery which has spared more potential victims (and all the associated collateral damage to families). Bear in mind that in addition to the offenses, the victims and their families have been dealing with the fallout of reporting it since February of last year. We won’t ever know if there are other victims, but may all involved see justice and healing. Secondary to this, it’s commendable that CSA’s whistleblowing and disciplinary structures worked.

Stolen: Swift Neurogen (TT) 2015 When: 21/08/2023Where: Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, Western CapeTT bike Size XS (52cm) SRAM Red 10sp groupset Reynolds discGet further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section.

SARS

Posting on behalf a friend, Devin Shortt, who has spent the past seasons racing in Europe. He is doing the Zwift Pro Academy where the winning rider is awarded a professional contract. He's looking to rent a smart trainer for the month of September. The trainer needs to be a direct drive trainer (Wahoo Kickr or similar). Obviously, he is happy to pay a negotiable rate to rent the trainer as well as a cash deposit. If you are willing to help out (or know of someone) please send Devin a Whatsapp on 071 402 0731.

You're correct. Initially, I was of the opinion that one doesn't accidentally ingest heptaminol. The more digging I did, the more plausible it seems. Actually a lot of stuff that contains it. Fact remains that he satisfied the anti-doping tribunal. That does count for something.

Heptaminol has seen previous high profile positives. Fofonov and Georges. The drug is easily available in France and I'd assume other European countries too. It is sold over the counter as a "specified substance". Heptaminol is mostly used to treat low blood pressure. It is also found in Kynoselen (anabolic steroid). I suspect his given a defense of accidental ingestion. It is a very weird substance to ingest accidentally, but the defense has satisfied the anti-doping tribunal it seems. Of course, the court of public opinion will have their say too. It is plausible that there was some accident - possibly a clueless doctor with a prescription. But blood pressure meds is one hell of an accident.

That's strange. Could've sworn I saw a Team ASG rider in the elite bunch using disc breaks on every stage (except the final stage). And might I add, he did so without penalty.

The climb all the way to the top is 3km. Climb to amphitheatre is 1,6km. So that's halfway (or 53,3% of the way to the top). It was cool last year to cross the finish line with the monument and valley view in the backdrop. Kinda defies the point of finishing up a climb if you only go halfway up. Old finish: http://image.prntscr.com/image/25090aad67ef4aa5bd893118000161cd.png New finish: http://image.prntscr.com/image/0bc24a75ee9f42b7a007833ce8d7f001.png The coolest had to be a few years back when the elites did a circuit with the dirt road and had the finish line at the top. Always hoped they would open that up to other categories too.

Let's look at Damean's results: SA TT - 5th (36min, 15 sec) SA Road Champs - 2nd (3hr, 10 min) Selection Criterium - 2nd (31min, 29sec) Selection TT - 2nd (35min, 6sec) Selection Road - 2nd (2hr, 11min) If you compare the average of all the juniors' placings throughout the above 5 events, Damean ranks 2nd (after Greg de Vink). Greg averaged 2,5; Damean averaged 3. However, if you compare all the times of the juniors' throughout the 5 events, Damean ranks 1st. On paper and with simple statistics, you can objectively measure and compare performance - especially in terms of consistency. The argument that Damean wasn't selected based on how he raced works doesn't appear to be valid. Did he get lucky 2nd places in 4/5 events? Surely there can't be much of a fault in your racing style with results such as these? FYI, I don't know Damean personally. I do think the fact that he was left out is a travesty.

They even selected someone who wasn't at the "selection" race.

Seems like another selection farce. What's new? Uhm, no?

Okay, well, an 18.3km descent to Prince Albert then. And are you not familiar with the Caves road and Ullrich then? It's not exactly a flat run-in to the (Strava segment) beginning of the climb.

I don't really have much evidence for the prior.

I think you should be fine with that provided your tank isn't empty at the foot of the pass. Seeing that guys are saying its regraded, it should make those steep kicks hurt a little less. If it makes you feel better I'm running a 53/39 and 11/28.

Entered and ordered my 28mm from CRC. Just hope my frame has enough clearance. Used to live in George so I know Swartberg all too well - probably the coolest pass in the country. Hats off to the organisers for having the balls to start this event (the first for SA). I can see this becoming as popular as an Attakwas/Karoo2Coast for its unique format. I've been taking my road bike on the gravel roads of George for the past 2 years to spice up training and rode the Flemish cobbles last year - trust me, cobbles are way worse. Being said, I'm yet to be made aware of a 20km cobble climb or descent. Will be hairy down Swartberg with anything less than a CX bike/knobblies.