Bike Racing

[Graham Breeze]

I should have noted the number plate, but as I'd just photographed one of their cars it might have been a step too far.

I noticed POW11ER parked in Ilkley this morning. It was on a Lamborghini Huracan V10. Well it would be.

Subtly understated in bright orange and to emphasise the owner's modesty the car was lacking a front number plate. And it didn't look as though it had ever had one.

[bigfella]

Interesting

Screenshot 2023-06-04 at 14.42.38.jpg

[Graham Breeze]

Interesting

Screenshot 2023-06-04 at 14.42.38.jpg

Mmmh. We didn't notice a paid parking ticket on the dash board either.

[brett]

Damn, that's where I left it

Might have to cycle over later to collect.

Not on the Cinelli (wouldn't fit in the boot) but the Brompton perhaps...

[Witton Park]

Dauphine was a bit of a procession.
Not sure if we learnt anything from it other than Vingegaard is in decent nick for the TdF and the rest will be lucky to make a podium position.
It looked a decent field, but so many fell by the wayside.
Mas 17th, Landa 22nd, Gaudu 30th, Carapaz 36th. This lot need to get in breakaways if they're going to get anything from the race.

Young Max Poole looks a prospect.

[mr brightside]

Someone died in a stage race today I heard, went up to join the guy who lost his life at the TT no doubt. I like the way the fallen comrade's fellow competition always race on; everyone knows the risk and accept it willingly, with no shows of forced grief for the hungry media or unexpected cancellations of racing. After Andy Caldecott's death on the Dakar, the year Charley Boorman did it, the riders interviewed said that in these circumstances they just say, "c'est Dakar". This to me is pure wisdom, and I take inspiration from the way that death is treated as a natural part of life.

[PeteS]

Someone died in a stage race today I heard, went up to join the guy who lost his life at the TT no doubt. I like the way the fallen comrade's fellow competition always race on; everyone knows the risk and accept it willingly, with no shows of forced grief for the hungry media or unexpected cancellations of racing. After Andy Caldecott's death on the Dakar, the year Charley Boorman did it, the riders interviewed said that in these circumstances they just say, "c'est Dakar". This to me is pure wisdom, and I take inspiration from the way that death is treated as a natural part of life.

I generally agree with the sentiment and also being a lifelong TT fan, I can see the comparison. However, the TT is at the extreme end of the scale. Most cycling crashes you could expect to survive and severe injuries and deaths are thankfully rare. With speeds of 200mph in places on what are basically A roads, death or very serious injury is practically inevitable at the TT but as you say the riders know and accept the risk. Yes cyclists do too but the risk is surely less an probably easier to accept?

Gino Mäder was the cyclist who lost his life as a result of his injuries on stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse. Magnus Sheffield also crashed out in the same corner of a long steep descent.
i agree that descending is an integral part of the sport and an art that only a few can master (see various Tom Pidcock videos on YouTube) but I do wonder if at times more emphasis is put on the inclusion of certain iconic and testing climbs rather than a safe way to get off them.
Some of the road surfaces, width of the road and weather make for treacherous racing with few willing to gamble to gain a few seconds. Great tele but at what cost?

[Graham Breeze]

I generally agree with the sentiment and also being a lifelong TT fan, I can see the comparison. However, the TT is at the extreme end of the scale. Most cycling crashes you could expect to survive and severe injuries and deaths are thankfully rare. With speeds of 200mph in places on what are basically A roads, death or very serious injury is practically inevitable at the TT but as you say the riders know and accept the risk. Yes cyclists do too but the risk is surely less an probably easier to accept?

Gino Mäder was the cyclist who lost his life as a result of his injuries on stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse. Magnus Sheffield also crashed out in the same corner of a long steep descent.
i agree that descending is an integral part of the sport and an art that only a few can master (see various Tom Pidcock videos on YouTube) but I do wonder if at times more emphasis is put on the inclusion of certain iconic and testing climbs rather than a safe way to get off them.
Some of the road surfaces, width of the road and weather make for treacherous racing with few willing to gamble to gain a few seconds. Great tele but at what cost?

That descent has been used in previous Tours.

Interestingly:

Fury as cyclist killed at "dangerous" Swiss race

The D Telegraph 6 pictures 1 1/2 pages

Mader, 26, dies after crashing into ravine at Tour de Suisse

The Times, one picture of Mader, less than 1/4 page.

Compare and contrast?

The DT is technically bankrupt and is now owned by its bankers so is desperate for sales.

It shows.

[PeteS]

That descent has been used in previous Tours.

Yes - it's not a bad descent but there have been some shockers over the years.

[Graham Breeze]

Yes - it's not a bad descent but there have been some shockers over the years.

Yes.

It seems to me undeniable that a rider will take more risks on a descent directly leading to the finish and at 100 kph if they come off they may never get up again. One notable Monument excepted I don't think RO should include fast/long/"dangerous" descents close to the finish.

It will be interesting to see what the Tour de Suisse does in future