Cyclists raise alarm over "some of the most inexplicable cycle infrastructure we've ever seen"; Julian Alaphilippe raced classics with fractured knee; Camp-egg-nolo fans? Family of starlings builds nest in bike basket + more on the live blog

> Key cycle route reopens – a month after being closed for two years due to construction work and cyclists diverted onto "accident black spot"

In a career of astounding victories, Mathieu van der Poel's jaw-dropping 2019 Amstel Gold Race comeback remains right up there. The race looked gone, Julian Alaphilippe and Jakob Fuglsang surely heading for a two-up sprint, but Van der Poel had other ideas. Launching a one-man effort, the Dutchman led a train of top-level pros simply clinging on as he powered the final kilometres, never asking anyone for a turn, he reeled in the escapees, lead out the sprint... and, of course, won it. To this day, still one of the most ridiculous performances I can remember watching.

Well, he's back for another shot at the Dutch one day race... and he's pretty confident...

"Who I consider my main rivals? As you know, I'm not very concerned with that. Neither have I looked at the participants list yet. It may sound cliché, but I mainly go by my own strength and that of our team," he said today ahead of Sunday's race.

[Zac Williams/SWpix.com]

"My victory in 2019 is one I will never forget. The spectacular outcome still appeals to the imagination, besides it was also my first really big win on the road. Those are moments you cherish. That I finished fourth there in 2022 proves that the course in Dutch Limburg suits me particularly well. It's a bit like a mini Tour of Flanders, with lots of turns and steep hills, but without cobblestones.

"The past few weeks everything went exceptionally well, with wins in E3 Harelbeke, Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. It's great to win these monuments, especially in the rainbow jersey. It's now a matter of keeping up that high form for another ten days."

Ineos Grenadiers owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has penned a letter to the UCI calling for "real action" after "yet another horrific crash" at a pro race. Comparing the sport's situation to Formula 1, where "the governing body set out to transform safety regulations" following the death of Ayrton Senna 30 years ago, Ratcliffe says "very few changes" have been made in cycling.

"As recently as last week, we had yet another horrific crash involving three of the world's top cyclists," Ratcliffe continued, referencing the crash that has put Jonas Vingegaard's Tour de France defence into question and also saw Remco Evenpoel and Primož Roglič injured.

"Even whilst training, top riders are at serious risk, indeed Ineos Grenadiers have had two horrendous accidents in recent years both involving Tour de France winners," Ratcliffe explained. "Chris Froome experienced a compound fracture of his femur on a recon ride and Egan Bernal broke his neck and many other bones on a training ride. Both were lucky to be able to even get back on a bike.

"Cyclists are always going to push things to the limit as they are elite sportsmen and that is why action is so important. In June, the UCI announced the formation of SafeR, a specialist entity to oversee all aspects of cycling safety. For the first time, the sport will have a dedicated safety body whose sole concern is to make the sport safer, reducing risks to riders and spectators whilst losing none of the thrill of racing. This is what Formula 1 has done so well over the past 30 years and I would hope that we now see the same in cycling.

"I applaud the UCI for taking the issues on board and agreeing to support the establishment of SafeR. We now need to see real action to ensure the safety of the sport."

This bike lane's a bit too Grand National for our liking... but I guess it gives you somewhere to lock your bike while you wait for an ambulance...

This is rather terrifying in Causewayside. At least there’s a cone now. The day before it was just a metal death trap in the cycle lane. Why doesn’t the cycle path go all the way from Summerhall to Kings Buildings? @law_cycle @LivingStreetsEd @Edinburgh_CC @edi_dot_bike pic.twitter.com/u2Xm8kGU9S

— Lincoln Rozelle (@LincolnRozelle) April 12, 2024

 It's fair to say it's not getting great reviews, the specialist personal injury service for cyclists, Cycle Law Scotland, calling it "unforgivable".

Evans Cycles and bike insurance provider Sundays have announced that customers getting an in-store service or buying a bicycle from the cycling retailer will now get 30 days complimentary insurance. As always, have a read of the T&Cs, but Sundays says it will offer Evans customers accidental damage cover, malicious damage cover, replacement bicycle hire reimbursement and theft cover.

Kyle Baird, UK Head of Distribution at Sundays, said: "The Sundays team is immensely excited to be partnering with one of the longest standing and most iconic names in the cycling industry. By offering a period of free insurance, we're able to provide peace of mind for their new bike customers and help riders get back on their bikes as quickly as possible after an incident. 

"Our partnership with Evans Cycles represents a significant step forwards in our commitment to providing comprehensive protection and support to cyclists nationwide."

[Zac Williams/SWpix]

Julian Alaphilippe has revealed that he completed his classics campaign with a fracture in his left knee. Speaking to Le Parisien, the two-time world champion said he hadn't spoken about it publicly sooner because he's "tired of people talking about me through problems".

The injury was sustained in a crash at Strade Bianche in March, Alaphilippe going on to complete Tirreno-Adriatico, finish ninth at Milan-San Remo, and race E3 Saxo Classic, Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders.

The Frenchman has been omitted from Soudal Quick-Step's Amstel Gold Race line-up.

"I should have taken care of myself," he said. "I didn't want to say it because I didn't want people to think I was making something up. I suffered a lot from that fall in Strade Bianche. My morale was damaged because I had good legs before and because it is a competition that I really enjoy. This fall was a big blow to me, and I had pain in my left knee."