Reece_Rower

Not if you are Simon Clarke or Richie Porte in the Giro..

Don't worry, the massive fire which has been going for 4 days has already covered the "implications".

Why would they bring Renshaw along if they weren't to race?

Amen brother.

He may not be a climber but he can still make it over the bumps in the Argus, being classified as "not a climber" means he's not a twig and cant hold over 6w/kg for an alpine climb. Will be interesting to see how the race goes this year, if he races elites other teams will have to do a lot to get a split before the finish. May be a more punchy winner this year and not a bunch sprint.

what do you ride?

You're a champ. thanks!

Riding a Specialized Allez Elite. Quite a decent frame IMO, Carbon fork but not carbon frame. @Barend - I have been riding for a year now, so at the moment its to finish as I'm just starting to race elites. Later on the goal will be to race.

Thanks for the replies. I tried looking into getting an 11 tooth cassette or a 52 tooth big ring, but its hard to find a 9spd 11 tooth cassette, and the 11 cassette would give me a better ratio than a 52 - 12. I am quite a numbers geek (studying BSc in Human phys and Biochem) and read quite a bit on training techniques and how to analyse power, so I don't think that the analysis etc. using the power meter would be too much of a problem. I won a free program at Cadence Cycling centre in Durbanville and have been using the Cycleops there, which is the first time I have ever ridden with power. I find it much better than just heart rate, especially when doing intervals and knowing what w/kg you need to sustain for certain events/races. Also monitoring actual training improvement based on outputs at heart rate vs just feeling better. Some days i feel bad but still produce good numbers while others i don't produce so well but feel good. It just seems like a much better investment. Does anybody know someone who can get hold of a 9spd 11 tooth cassette please? @Thomo - roughly 14k if i save up until November.

no it works pretty well.. But on descents and fast flats i spin out the bottom easily.

Just need some advice. I can either buy a power meter or new groupset. This may sound like an obvious answer, but my current groupset is old and a compact tiagra, which isn't ideal for wanting to start racing. On the other hand a power meter will definately improve my cycling, but then i have the crappy tiagra. What would you do?

Of course they know exactly what they are injesting. Something like that doesn't just 'appear'. I agree with what you are saying. He is a cheat and deserves whatever punishment is handed his way.. disgrace!

Hi guys, My girlfriend was driving passed Blue Route and saw a very run down character riding on a Giant racing road bike with aero wheels going pretty fast and looking in a hurry, and said it didn't look like he could afford it or own it at all. Has anyone's bike been stolen at all lately in this area or know of a Giant which has been stolen? Just thought I would mention in case it could help. Cheers

And the jimmies will forever be rustled.. the troll has succeeded looking at the aftermath conversation

Pity about the tarring as I believe that dirt roads should stay dirt roads and we should try to preserve the mountainous areas as much as possible. On the other hand I am a roadie and would definately be training there, would even make the mission from the Cape for it! The potential it has in terms of a stage finish for say the Mzansi Tour could attract a host of well known teams when the Mzansi Tour eventually grows in stature. Other negative is the massive cost of 887m!! seems like a waste.