J Wakefield

There were some unhappy parties over that but typically shimano don’t give free product if you want to use it believe it or not you pay for the team but it’s at a very reduced cost or a split deal. I don’t know the inner workings on that but I know that 1 part was happy the other wasn’t at all.

You are only allowed to use team sponsored equipment, with that being said you are free to use whichever model helmet, tyres etc you feel is good for you. So for example we sponsored by Met helmets and they do 2 different TT helmets - a rider can choose which he feels best works for him per TT. There is r&d with technical and performance etc. However sometimes it is dictated to a point on a frame if there is say 4 frames available depending on the rider a frame will be designated to them. For Strada for example I highly doubt any rider would of wanted a Diverge the frame isn’t aggressive enough at all and by running 30mm tyres this is more than adequate for the gravel sections. Disc or not - this is alittle different off you look the top 2 bikes were not discs. If a manufacture brings out discs they want to sell the bike so have the teams ride them. But you can have that option as we do now going forward. Hope this answered your question?

New S-Works with some adjustments for the day. remember that the gravel sections are short in comparison to the overall route and tar sections. A normal road bike is better overall.

Some notes that had a big effect on the day: Month of the race - typically this is held in winter so the rain comes down and the tractors that use that road and gravel daily actually impact the surface making it alot smoother and manageable. It was now in summer and there hadn't been rain there for I think about 2 months, the tractors damaged the dry roads (expected) and it was a mess. It was also 40'c - many riders or teams didn't do heat acclimation protocols leading to event as they were coming from cooler temps like in the teens. Big effect physiologically. The last factor is and you can speak to any rider there, the race was FULL GAS from the gun. Even Formolo, Pogacar when they came back here to Sestriere said it was just FULL GAS all day. Add in the heat and very bad roads and all hell is going to break loose. However the racing was so good, well done to all who finished.

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Correct, if you buy it in UK its Sage, if you buy in Germany its Breville.

I have these 2 machines at home and both are great, the Sage is really incredible though a significant step up from units ive had before in terms of making coffee and the feel of it.

Ligther isnt always faster, testing we have done with a heavier overall bike has been faster in some cases on the climbs due to aero dynamics. Same with tyres and tubes, the lighter the tube and tyre combo doesn't always result in a better rolling resistance.

By pure chance yesterday I got to see this bike upfront. Tom Skujins lives in the road behind me and was riding home. Ive never been a massive Trek fan but this bike is awesome in face value.

This was me today, starting to like this thread and see where they ride.

I have to agree with this, I still prefer non disc bikes.

Not from me on the campy......

UAE (not the team, the country) have probably some of, if not the best Carbon fibre available to them. They have been wanting to "build" a bike for some time now and its no secret Colnago have not made any changes to their TT bike interms of aerodynamics etc for a long time. The VR3 is a incredible good frame but other models need a service.

Your list is good, I've been to most and that is really a great list. Not sure you have Morzine on there but I would go there also.... Mallorca I really enjoyed, Pyrenees is a very special place for me, Dolomites fit a 48 rear....

Yes it is. the 1st and last pictures are the East or West options I have home everyday by road. Neither are pretty for me.

Thanks all for the info on how to upload. Here are mine from the last 3 days:

Random question - how do I post a picture here?

Saved me a bunch of typing - thanks.

and this https://www.ft.com/content/6bd88b7d-3386-4543-b2e9-0d5c6fac846c

Yes but the Peak for Spain/Italy and France has been hit. I dont believe SA has been close their peak yet due to the short time. SA's trend is inclining, Spain is declining.

SA hasnt hit their peak yet, Spain / Italy / France have started to settle post peak.

Today is day 49 of lockdown for myself and have until the 10 May to go, however, Spain announced 2 May we can excercise but waiting on what that entails but Pros are allowed to go train. The difference is those 3 countries are 2 months ahead of SA in terms of virus. I dont see anyone in SA riding outdoors this weekend or during Level 4. I would like to be proved wrong and people can enjoy themselves but I cant see it for so many reasons. PPA / CSA have a noble effort but have no say in who cycles and who doesn't during this period. I think many have read what they want to happen vs what is possibly going to happen. My .003c

Just as a possible forewarning, make sure you have alot of reruns of races per month they were raced to compensate, doesn't look like there is any racing for a good few months to come in Europe.

In SA it seems that most races are second to a goodie bag when entering.

If someone had sponsored me the entry and I would 100% return whatever comes from the issue to them. If that is cash or a rolled over entry, it is theirs to do with what they please.