Baanfietsryer

Hi, I've got previews of the 2008 models. The Perfecta Pista is 100% carbon and the Vigor 100% alloy. I've pasted the photos on http://www.TrackCyclingSA.co.za Let's have some comments. Ciao ciao Jaco

Club 100 really came to the party with hosting this event. It will be a great one to support. Ciao Jaco

I've heard of the following of Bottelary road (Stellenbosch - Kuils River): 1) Marlo Carstens killed by hit & run 2) 1 x jogger (friend of my sister) run over by car whilst jogging on gravel part on the inside of the road shoulder. Legs crushed - fortunate to retain them. 3) 1 x cyclist hit by hit and run (My sponsors employee witnessed it and tried to chase him on scooter. I've witnessed this today (11 Jan): 1 x dead commuter & 1 x mountain bike with twisted back wheel. Lots of police at scene. No cars or trucks at scene. I'd much rather risk riding on the Eersterivier road that is guarded by speed cameras and ride through the so-called "hood" than cringe evertime a truck comes speeding past me. What can cyclists and joggers do to reclaim our right of safe usage of the Bottelary road.

Sleep is important for recovery. Any remedies out there for getting to sleep after an evening of hard racing? My body is still wide awake after riding 5 races on the track this afternoon and evening. Ciao ciao

Morne Blignaut got a pair of compression thights from one of his sponsors, M-Kem pharmacy. I always see him in these after an exercise session. I'm sorely (yes sorely!) in need of some more post ride remedies after finishing the evening with an open 100 lap points race with sprints every five laps from lap 10 onwards. Better run off to M-kem - they are open 24 hours a night (Just of the N1 - Tyger Valley turn off Bellville).

...and the debate continues. Like one of my team mates said: "Italian bikes are like Italian women, much sought after". We all know that Campagnolo is reknowned for wheelbuilding. They have even accomodated the Shimano tifosi by building the Fulcrum range of wheels that can be used without the owner having to defend why he/she mixes Campy and Shimano. Check out this full blood Italian beauty complemented by Campag wheels and gruppo. My brand of choice. I ride the Epicus compact with Campag Chorus and on the track I ride the Fire with another Italian gruppo, Miche. Recently saw the track Record set. Might want to upgrade soon...it's so beautiful:

THE NEXT SALVO IS FIRED: Campagnolo is art. Campagnolo embodies the spirit and creativity that Tullio Campagnolo displayed when he invented the quick release skewer. From the Eddy Merckx biography: (Eddy Merckx , the greatest cyclist of the 20th century by Rik Vanwalleghem). Freddy Maertens & Walter Godefroot were in a car familiarising themselves with the course for the 1973 world championships in Montjuich, when a car containing Tullio Campagnolo came alongside. Campagnolo asked who is going to win the world championship. Godefroot pointed to Maertens and said "This one". Campagnolo said: "Oh God, no. Not him. He rides with Shimano parts". Gimondi, using Campagnolo parts, won that day. Find out more about the wonderful world of Campagnolo by joining their fanclub. More Campagnolo sites: Tutto Campagnolo

What about a team reunion? How about Chunky, Moolies and Robbie in an exhibition team sprint at The Outriders Maximum Velocity track challenge on Sat. 10 Feb.? Just drop me an e-mail if any one is interested.

Colonel / Kilo - Is there Wednesday Killarney this week?

Io capisco. Non problemo. After only a couple of Wednesday sessions you'll make mince meat out of most of them. The saying in Afrikaans goes: "Pyn maak sterk" and I can assure you that the pain of a few weeks of riding at the Wednesday Killarney sessions pays of in the end. Ciao ciao CD

The best one I've heared in a long time.

0k... I will go on for a bit more. These top sa roadies all raced track Alan van Heerden, Willie Engelbrecht, Gary Beneke, Malcolm Lange. Hope that answers your question Buddah.

To answer your question Bradley McGee (olympic pursuit gold medallist), Eric Zabel (multiple tour de France green jersey winner), Mario Cippollini (record stage wins in Giro d'Italia), Robbie Hunter (first SA cyclist to complete TdF), Chris Boardman (ex TdF pro & ex world 1h record holder) and the list could go on, but I don't have the time...

I just re-read the press release of the SA cyclist of the year awards twice. I could not believe that they missed one of obvious categories. We have nominations for road, MTB, BMX & even triathlon, but alas no track category. Very sad Is the press release complete? I can't believe that this category does not exist.

The "Phonak" rider got his national colours for representing SA at the world deaf champs on road, track & MTB. His name is Juan Duvenage and he is from the Outriders. He usually wears a sign "deaf cyclist" number in events where the guys where numbers.

Golden oldies: Metallica & NIN Modern Rock: Seether Trance: Excellant for those long hours on the indoor trainer World music: The best Italian album ever. Progressive house: When the team celebrates Ciao

Che bellezza! In the midst of a market saturated with cheap carbon bikes I will take this baby any time. The whole metal look is beautiful and cool. Ciao

Ciao Steve, I guess because most people do not want to go to the expense of purchasing a track bike without ever having ridden on the track before. Little do they realize that most provinces have Lotto track bikes and basic coaching that are provided for free. The idea is to learn the basics on the Lotto bike and then you can get your own when you are hooked. Ciao PS Still can't see the pic you posted.

Maybe SwissVan could join me for a power session at the velodrome one day. Just make sure that you've banked your miles in advance.