Squier

Big up Burry! Peaking at the right time! Olympics is going to be a cracker! Nino is super strong, but it seems as if Jeroen is timing Burry's peak just right! Gold a realistic possibility! Definitely a medal, at least!

Actually, the short answer is; if you can get in you take whatever you can get.

Nice! I heard Paul Sherwen say yesterday that the carbon fibre used in the RSNT Trek TT bikes have been patented so that it can only be used by Trek USA and the US military. Sounds pretty cool!

You lucky fish! Awesome snaps!

The "Race" is called that for a reason, however, having said that; there are racing snakes and slow riders in all three events. All three events use batch starts and have people racing hard in the A bunch. The pro's ride the Race though, so the pace is "a bit" higher.

Gerald, I sent you a PM. You didn't give my any points for Cancellara for the prologue...

Reports floating around that Tony Martin is out with a broken collarbone.

Really enjoyed it! Was nice to see some of the behind the scene stuff like the team chats in the bus. And yes, Jens Voight is a legend! He was, and still is, the best part of that team. It was clear that when they made the documentary they were really convinced they were going to win. It was supposed to be a documentary on their 2011 triumph and then Cadel came and screwed it all up! Still not a Schleck fan, but still really enjoyed what was a different point of view of the Tour and Pro tour teams.Nice insert on Wouter Weylandt as well.

Oh, and team sent!

I'm expecting quite a bit of early withdrawals due to Olympics. So this rule only applies to crashes and not any other type of exit from the Tour?

@UCI_Overlord - One of those synical views on the cycling world, but quite a bit of interesting (quite often doping related) stuff. @jfriel - Joe Friel @kelvintrautman - Photographer at MTB, Trailrunning, etc events, e.g. sani2c. Some nice snaps from time to time. @TheRaceRadio - Interesting inside scoop kinda stuff. Similar to UCI_Overlord. and off course... @thehubsa

Oh goody! Was wondering when this would come up again! This year should be a cracker! Thanks Frosty Gerald!

Now there's a quote of the week.

Depends how much work he has to do for whoever the team leader is going to be. Without a real chance at GC (and JB will know this) he might be given some freedom to go for stage wins. Last year Tony Martin whipped him in the TTs but he had to do a lot of work for the Schleck sisters in the mountains so was naturally more fatigued than Martin. My gutt still says Martin will be the one to beat in the TTs (despite his lack of form leading up, I'm sure he'll be ready). Really hoping for stage wins from Spartacus.

I have a great Chiro up here in Ptown. He did his thesis on cycling injuries (or something to that effect) and really knows his stuff. He even fixed my riding partner's ITB. Bottom line: if he knows what he's doing, he can work magic. I had massive lower back pain on the bike, now it's all sorted. I'm there every three months for an alignment. No back problems. PM me for details.

That's pretty much it! It's all budget dependent. If you run SLX you'll be fine. Decent mid-range groupset that won't let you down.

Snake skin or nothing. Had the non-snake skins and won't ever ride Scwhalbe again. Sidewall cuts galore!

Will it? Or will it eventually be given to some guy who finished 84th?

I haven't read the whole letter, but you almost get the feeling that USADA seems pIssed off that LA didn't want to cooperate and now decided to nail him. Almost like a "Screw you! We'll show you!" type of attitude. It's bordering on way past being ridiculous now. How many more investigations are they going to launch. At some point you have to let it go.

Wonder who wrote that. bclark, any ideas?

Wow! What a read! Anyway... Man, this is getting tiresome. At some point he has to end, right?

Man, I wish I could ride this trail every day! The drop into the Umkomaas Valley is absolutely spectacular. Over 20 km of meticulously groomed smooth and flowing downhill singletrack coupled with breathtaking views of the mighty Umkomaas river as it snakes its way accross the valley floor. Think I left my soul somewhere in that valley...

Bruyneel said on facebook that Horner was not selected because he is struggling with a back injury.

Bruyneel said on facebook that Horner was not selected because he is strugglinh with a back injury.

Was a good one last year so I'm in again! Looking forward!