lechatnoir

Ilnur Zakarin is another that comes to mind. His descending was sketchy at best. In terms of eyesight, you'd imagine that a rider getting to the pro peloton would have worked that out - else they'd not be there but in a ditch somewhere...

you'd think this curse would have been evident way before this... He used to be a ski-jumper you know... 🤣

I was just contemplating that. It certainly seems that he hits the deck more often than most. From what I see, it doesn't seem to be too many risks. Possibly concentration and poor positioning. Wednesday's crash just seemed to be bike handling - others went through there ahead of him faster and safer. But we only see what we get shown. There's a myriad of other possibilities. But I suspect it's owing to the soft squishy stuff that sits on the saddle and holds the bars. It's a bummer because after his missing out on the tour in that ITT, we all want more for the guy

Where do you think his best chances are for a stage win? Keeping in mind, he's very much a team player and does a great leadout job for JP. He's always struck me as very much aligned with team goals, but at least that's what I've come across. Perhaps the team sees the chances of a win being the best when VDP leads out JP in a bunch sprint. On the flip side, if VDP has eyes on the Olympics, then take all of the above, and throw it in the bin. He did that in '21, and that didn't end too well. A waste of talent? I'm not sure... VDP knows himself best and has his own goals and objectives. Who's to say, I would concede that seeing the rainbow jersey being shown off a bit more would be more better-er

and now he's with Philipsen being nudged by the broom wagon. Likely he dropped back to help and be conversation

You know you're just being greedy now?! 😂

now THAT would be something I can enjoy! But as has been said, those hills may be a bridge too far for him. But... perhaps he'll get into the break, and hope he can last far enough before getting caught, then hope (again) he can keep up and then pip the rest to the line. For this and all the other reasons, today's stage looks to be a fun one to watch...

very true, he 'won' the TdF with Armstrong and Clenbutador

you saw all the replays? you can come back and comment here when you have... Philipsen was going straight, saw the barriers bending in from the right and didn't figure Bini would be trying to sneak up. It really didn't look intentional (like it did last time) I think Bini would have waved his hands at least once if he thought he'd been hard done by...

well, JB knows what it takes to win the TdF, doesn't he? 🤪

so, sort of like NFL? then relegate the whole lot? That'd be effective, but only when a team mate was placing well. Without there being a proper punishment that is felt properly, things won't change. make them all sleep in a tent in a field! ride the next three transfers or make their feed zone a roadside cafe. Jokes aside, there must be a proper solution.

I think your team-wide relegation would only be effective if the sprinter doing naughty things was in a team where there were GC aspirations. The point being, if the whole team's relegated, then would they really care? They're there for stage wins, and nothing to do with time or anything else.Look at Alpecin... would they care? Would Intermache care? Maincheese is in GC, so if Bini pulled a 'dirty', perhaps they'd be impacted? You are onto something though... currently the penalties are far too lenient and they need to hit the team where it will effect a change in behaviour. What about if they can't get help from their team car the next stage and have to rely on neutral service?

seems that Philipsen's positioning wasn't that great as he seemed to merge in from the right. Cav was positioned a bit better, slipped in in front and managed to thread the gaps more efficiently. By the time Philipsen got through, Cav was gone. The race was over at that point. Good job Cav. I reckon he'd have gotten to 35 way sooner if it weren't for his early stage crash when the Tour started in the UK and when he tangled with Sagan (when Sags got booted). Better late than never I guess.

Flat stages today and tomorrow before TT, a flat Sat(urday) and a hilly Sunday. I reckon the sprinters will be wanting to get on the board sooner than later—grab what they can while they can—so today's break will likely be for the sponsors' flattery and then some heavy-duty sprinting by the big guns to make for a thrilling last 5mins after a yawn-fest for 4 hours. Not to take anything out of Biniam's win, I think the main sprinters will see that stage as a lost opportunity, and amends are on the menu this afternoon... Last year's TdF first week was a cracker and we marveled at how those first few stages made for a fascinating race. This year's has been equally engaging for different reasons. OK, only 4 stages in so far, but it bodes well.

I can't help with fixing, but the approach here would be to swap out part by part to find the fault, then just replace that faulty one. But this is a pretty old groupset, so that may be a tricky proposition. Worst case scenario, see if you can't find an 11speed Di2 upgrade groupset? So, shifters, cables, battery and front and rear mechs. then just fit an 11 speed cassette and you're literally off to the races. I scanned the classifieds here, and there is an 11sp Durace gruppo that may suit. Else check abroad? Good luck anyway. My guess is that even a replacement Di2 groupset will be cheaper than a whole new bike of the quality you already have.

I see Bauke Mollema is not one of the TdF SRAM riders... Is that good or bad, I wonder?

could you please share some of these studies? Though, I'm not sure how this relates to Wiggo.

Pretty much all illnesses have existed always, but because they weren't known or studied, they were never a thing. Now these things are studied and known about, and so there's a consciousness around them. Mental health is hugely stigmatised - 'ag man, just cheer up' is perhaps one such thing we've heard or even said. Many things are easier said than done, and that's one of them. We take our physical health extremely seriously> At least we should and an extremely lucrative healthcare industry is testimony to that. But how seriously do we take mental health? It can be just as debilitating. And for those doubting that statement, count yourself as lucky. Empathy, kindness, and acceptance are good tenets to follow where mental health issues are concerned. I wish more people kept that in mind, myself included. That Wiggins divided fans seems reasonable, due almost certainly to his very nature, the same nature that probably took him to the top. But remember this: Wiggins is in the news because of his stardom and exploits, but countless others are going through exactly the same, yet we don't know about them. Does change how we feel about those souls? My God, I hope not I;ll leave this here. I think it's been on the hub before, but here it is again

This will log rides I've not even done yet!!! 😄

This is interesting. Could you provide more substantive information behind your opinion. I saw no comic sans or italics, so I'm genuinely curious

It's my LBS (200km round trip), so when I'm passing past and I need something, I drop in. It's worth doing so, making a connection with a sales person. Perhaps use that to leverage a better service offering when dealing with Bike Addict thereafter?

Cycling News works just fine - the first 5 stories in a month are free, Thereafter, I simply use an incognito window and it works just fine. Another good place to get info is Cycling Mole. He's moved to a subscription model too, but David Hunter knows his stuff

Hi, after my last Swartland galivant with @Mamil, my neck/shoulder/back has a spasm that's taking too long to settle. and has pinched a nerve in the process I've had a few physio sessions, and made little progress. The resulting broken sleep night after night for 2 months needs sorting. Can anyone recommend a Cape Town-based neuro or an ortho that is more sports-focused? Muchos!

I laughed so hard, I used up all my body battery.

I'll definitely bring my out-front Garmin mount then...