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"No one cares if you've won three, four, five Vueltas": Geraint Thomas weighs in on Jumbo-Visma leadership debate; "Always been there": CyclingMikey rubbishes claim that camera cyclists cause more hatred + more on the live blog

One more stage — sorry, I've been watching too much cycling — one more day until the weekend, Dan Alexander on live blog duty for your Friday round-up of everything going on in the cycling world...
15 September 2023, 11:40
"Spain's for holidays, not riding a bike": Geraint Thomas weighs in on Roglič leadership debate, says "no one cares if you've won three, four, five Vueltas"
2023 Vuelta Geraint Thomas (Luis Angel Gomez/SprintCyclingAgency©2023/ASO)

[Luis Angel Gomez/SprintCyclingAgency©2023]

Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe discussed Jumbo-Visma's leadership struggle on the latest edition of their Watts Occurring' podcast, Thomas taking aim at Primož Roglič's apparent ambition to ride his own race, leaving Sepp Kuss behind on the Angliru stage earlier this week.

Jumbo-Visma have since settled on a whole team strategy of course, Kuss getting the help of Jonas Vingegaard and Roglič after something of a PR meltdown on Wednesday evening. Summing up the situation, Thomas joked: "Spain's for holidays, not riding a bike" and said Vingegaard has more to gain from winning a maiden Vuelta than his Slovenian teammate adding a fourth red jersey to his collection.

Thomas yesterday said he thought Kuss "deserves more respect" from the teammates he has helped on so many occasions and, during the podcast, added that Roglič "got nothing" out of pushing on and leaving Kuss.

"[On the Angliru] he continues to ride, maybe he was hoping to drop Jonas as well. He would have won the stage if he had backed off 10 watts and let Sepp stay in the wheel," Thomas said. "I'd say Jonas has more to achieve, as in, by winning the Vuelta he'd get more from it than Primož winning a fourth. Let's be honest, no one really cares if you've won three, four, five Vueltas. Spain's for holidays, not riding a bike..."

What about riding your bike while on holiday in Spain, G? That's a question we need answered...

15 September 2023, 15:27
Alberto Dainese wins Vuelta a España sprint

So close for that Filippo Ganna sprint win, just pippo-ed (see what I did there?) on the line by compatriot Alberto Dainese who in turn secured a very underrated achievement of a third consecutive Grand Tour where he's won a stage. That despite most of his dsm-firmenich teammates ending up in the crash that ended Kaden Groves' chances.

Tomorrow we go climbing one final time before Sunday's sprint procession in Madrid.

15 September 2023, 14:43
Almost a third of Glaswegians estimated to have watched UCI Cycling World Championships
Women’s elite road race, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Glasgow (Zac Williams/SWpix.com)

Glasgow SNP councillor Chris Cunningham has called the World Championships a "huge success", and estimated that 190,000 Glaswegians watched the event in their home city, Glasgow Live reports.

"If you look the numbers for the elite men's race on the Sunday, it was estimated that 190,000 Glaswegians came out on the streets and watched that event," he said. "It confirms the extent to which the event was a huge success for the city."

A pre-event survey had suggested that just 18 per cent of residents intended to go watch the road race events, the same survey showing that 43 percent knew Glasgow was hosting the event, and 74 per cent saying they believed it would have a positive effect on the city.

15 September 2023, 14:00
Conservative MP claims cycling routes has turned city into a "ghost town"
15 September 2023, 12:22
New bikes from... Specialized, Giant, Liv, Wilier, Bianchi, Trek and Ridley

It's International New Bike Release Week' apparently. As much so I can keep up as informing you lot, here's everything that's been launched in the past seven days... *deep breath*...

2024 Giant Defy Advanced SL 0.jpg

> Giant launches "lighter, smoother and more efficient" Defy endurance road bike: first ride

2024 Bianchi Specialissima  - 7

> Bianchi combines light weight and aero credentials with updated Specialissima road bike

2024 Wilier Filante SL 99

> Wilier introduces cheaper versions of Filante aero road bike

2023 Specialized Roubaix SL 8 riding 8

> All new Roubaix SL8 is the "smoothest" and fastest endurance road bike ever, claims Specialized

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0_action_Liv Cycling

> New Liv Avail Advanced endurance bike has 38mm tyre clearance, goes more aero and sheds some weight

2024 Trek Domane AL 4 - 1.jpeg

Trek lightens entry-level Domane AL road bikes

2023 Ridley Falcn RS - 1

> Ridley combines light weight and aerodynamics on new Falcn RS road bike

And breathe... for a 'fun' Friday night drinking game, take a sip every time a bike brand says its new release is lighter, faster or stiffer. road.cc cannot take responsibility for any hangover that results from playing this game...

15 September 2023, 12:07
Councillors slam "ludicrous" and "cockamamie" idea of cycling path next to elderly people's club and children's park
15 September 2023, 09:43
"The hatred has always been there": CyclingMikey rubbishes claim that camera cyclists cause more hatred towards bicycle riders

It's been another week where Jeremy Vine's cycling videos have attracted millions of views and prompted thousands upon thousands of comments and replies in the never-ending social media discussion about camera cyclists.

Jeremy Vine video 13/09/2023 (Twitter)

> Jeremy Vine's lucky escape as bike run over by reversing driver who turned onto cycle lane

Perhaps the most famous sharer of cycling camera footage CyclingMikey has spoken about perhaps the most often heard accusation about those who record dangerous driving and road offences on their rides — 'it just increases hatred of cyclists'...

Last night Mikey, real name Mike van Erp, who has reported thousands of drivers using his GoPro footage, replied to the accusation, saying the "hatred has always been there" towards cyclists.

> Here's what to do if you capture a near miss, close pass or collision on camera while cycling

"All the people thinking that camera cyclists cause hatred. No, friend. You haven't cycled in the days before cameras. The hatred has always been there. Now at least cameras tame drivers to some degree. They don't fix everything, but they certainly don't make it worse. Unless you're the convicted driver. Then it's worse for you only."

What do you think?

15 September 2023, 10:14
The drama continued long into the night at La Vuelta
15 September 2023, 10:01
"I don't think I've ever seen this before?": 'Cyclists dismount' gets an upgrade

Ironically, spotted in Bath, where on Wednesday we reported a councillor had taken issue with the council's 'safety' decision to install 'cyclists dismount' signs on a National Cycle Route while works are undertaken. Saskia Heijltjes pointed out the road is a "major route for cycling east to west in a low-traffic environment" and "not every person on a cycle can dismount".

> Questions asked of 'cyclists dismount' signs on national cycle route during works

Earlier this month, a campaign group for disabled cyclists called upon North East Lincolnshire Council to implement clearer signage for a town centre cycling ban. Wheels for Wellbeing said the "just get off an walk" attitude, that one councillor told local cyclists, "only works for people who can" walk their bikes.

"If you can't walk without pain or risk to your health, it's not as simple as 'just get off your bike and walk'," they said, highlighting signage seen in Wandsworth in London that instead states: 'Cyclists dismount unless a mobility aid'.

Cyclists dismount unless mobility aid (Wheels for Wellbeing)

What was that? You wanted to read a feature about all the different types of cycling-related signs? Your wish is our command...

> Signs for cyclists – from 'No cycling' to 'Except cycles' here's everything to look out for when riding on the road

15 September 2023, 08:23
"It's an honour to have two such champions working for you": More reaction to Jumbo-Visma's civil war ceasefire

When I say 'ceasefire' I mean with each other, not the authorities, anyway, we got some quick reaction from the big three immediately after yesterday's stage, but here's what they had to say a bit later...

Sepp Kuss 2023 Vuelta (Rafa Gomez/SprintCyclingAgency©2023)

Sepp Kuss: "It's an honour to have two such champions working for you. They have both won some big races in the recent past. So this is a great honour. I'm glad that I was strong enough to stay at the front. I always try to stay focused, have confidence in myself and ride to the finish as fast as possible. I'm grateful for the work that Jonas and Primož did for me today. It means a lot to me. Although it might be difficult to see from the outside, we have a clear plan."

Jonas Vingegaard: "That plan was to defend Sepp's leading position. As a team, we have done that with flying colours. We are in an excellent position, but we are not there yet. Saturday's stage is treacherous. It's fantastic to be able to do something for Sepp in this way. I will always remember what he has done for me. So, I wanted to give something back. Hopefully, we can bring his red jersey to the finish line."

Jonas Vingegaard 2023 Vuelta (Rafa Gomez/SprintCyclingAgency©2023)

Primož Roglič: "I'm happy with the way things are going. Today's stage was mainly about defending our positions in the general classification. Sepp is still wearing the red jersey, which puts us in a good position. In the next few days, we still have some tests that will require us to stay focused. Winning the Vuelta would be amazing."

Dare I say a slightly more polished line from Roglič than what was heard when he was asked by the TV cameras if it has been difficult to not go for the win... "Definitely," he replied. "I have my own thoughts about it but for sure I will try to make sure it [the GC] stays the way it is."

[Images: Rafa Gomez/SprintCyclingAgency©2023]

15 September 2023, 08:21
Thomas De Gendt takes notes
15 September 2023, 07:49
Bizarre Vuelta scenes as Jumbo-Visma staffer grappled to the ground by Spanish police

The drama just keeps coming for Jumbo-Visma at this Vuelta a España. As good teammates (how quickly things change) Jonas Vingegaard and Primož Roglič took Sepp Kuss' thanks for their new-found loyalty, the aftermath of yesterday's stage saw a bizarre scene unfold, captured on video by Marcelo La Gattina...

A member of Jumbo-Visma staff ending up on the floor, kicking out at three Policía Nacional officers. La Gattina reported: "The police, trying to establish order, pushed a Jumbo assistant while he was assisting the riders. The situation became tense and they ended up on the ground. The assistant was not arrested, but there was an unpleasant moment."

Another angle here:

So not an investigation into crimes against Sepp...

Anyway, the scene was similar to what was seen at the finish of stage 11, on our live blog from that day, a Cofidis soigneur perhaps overzealously willing stage winner Jesús Herrada to the line... and getting tackled by police for his troubles.

Cycling once again being a completely serious and normal sport. 

Today should hopefully be, for someone working for a cycling website at the end of a long week, relatively straightforward and uneventful, the peloton getting a rare flat stage for the sprinters (or perhaps even one of those breakaway days that annoy the fast men when everyone's tired at the end of a tough three weeks?)

Dan is the road.cc news editor and has spent the past four years writing stories and features, as well as (hopefully) keeping you entertained on the live blog. Having previously written about nearly every other sport under the sun for the Express, and the weird and wonderful world of non-league football for the Non-League Paper, Dan joined road.cc in 2020. Come the weekend you'll find him labouring up a hill, probably with a mouth full of jelly babies, or making a bonk-induced trip to a south of England petrol station... in search of more jelly babies.

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85 comments

Avatar
giff77 | 8 months ago
7 likes

Well I must say that leftie is being particularly antagonising today.

Avatar
Left_is_for_Losers replied to giff77 | 8 months ago
0 likes

Oh I'm terribly sorry 

What an incredible amount of frothing going on here btw over one person's posts. It's laughable in fact - no wonder there are never any new users here. 

(other than the more thick-skinned) 

Avatar
Hirsute | 8 months ago
3 likes

Paging Rendel Harris

"On September 30, Mr Jones will take on a virtual bike ride where he will be completing an Everesting - a challenge which sees the participant cycle the height of their chosen mountain, in continuous repetitions, in one single activity.

Admirably, Owen is taking on the Alpe d'huez and will not be stopping until he hits the total height of 29,000ft.

The cyclist says the challenge will take 18 hours to complete and more than 9,000 calories will be needed - he is also not permitted to sleep for the duration. "

 

Can you join him Rendel !

(page is normally pay walled

https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/23787845.harwich-man-fundraising-eas...)

 

Avatar
Rendel Harris replied to Hirsute | 8 months ago
4 likes

Wow, fair play to Owen! Unfortunately I've not been enjoying the best of health for a while which limits my virtual idiocy but I'll certainly be cheering him on in spirit and chucking a couple of bob his way - I know three people who wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for the air ambulance services in various parts of the country so a great cause.

Avatar
Hirsute | 8 months ago
7 likes

I assume this is a parody account but who knows these days

//pbs.twimg.com/media/F5-EYbzXQAAaluX?format=jpg&name=900x900)

 

“We can’t have bike lanes, roads were made for ca—Roman centurions!”

Avatar
Hirsute | 8 months ago
11 likes

30 mph coming up, large van coming the other way, 41mph, cyclist

Mikey Made Me Do It

Avatar
Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
1 like

Meanwhile in the Tour de Romandie...a perfect example of "it's never over till it's over" and "don't celebrate too early/before you're won" 

P.s. before the trolls say it, yes they are both fabulous band names

Avatar
Clem Fandango replied to Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
4 likes

Dreadful band names.  I've seen both in fortune cookies though.

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Left_is_for_Losers replied to Clem Fandango | 8 months ago
0 likes

Go away you ridiculous little troll before I call a policeman. And your mum.

Avatar
Clem Fandango replied to Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
5 likes

Still a believer.  Hilarious.  You utter halfwit (just bantz obvs)

Avatar
Left_is_for_Losers replied to Clem Fandango | 8 months ago
0 likes

Lol yes very funny you complete dope (also just bantz)

Avatar
Clem Fandango replied to Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
5 likes

When does this become cyber bullying?

Avatar
Left_is_for_Losers replied to Clem Fandango | 8 months ago
0 likes

Well...quite. 

I just copied and pasted comments you have previously written. 

Or are you just commenting on my comments for the bantz still?

Avatar
Clem Fandango replied to Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
3 likes

When did I write that comment about trolls & policemen then?

Comments for the Bantz the Detroit based gangster rap outfit you mean?  My kids love them.

Avatar
Clem Fandango replied to Clem Fandango | 8 months ago
1 like

Still waiting....

Avatar
Clem Fandango replied to Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
3 likes

Still waiting.
Do I really need to spell it out for you again?

Avatar
perce replied to Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
6 likes

Calm down dear you'll give yourself a stroke.

Avatar
chrisonabike replied to Clem Fandango | 8 months ago
3 likes

True that - there's some scary revelations therein. In the past they've told me I was not for human consumption.

Avatar
Paul J | 8 months ago
10 likes

Even more stupid to build roads for high-energy motor vehicles anywhere near parks, schools, etc., then surely?

Avatar
IanMK replied to Paul J | 8 months ago
16 likes

It seems a cockamamie idea to build roads next to pavements. Seriously, all cars driving next to designated pedestrian facilities, used by both the young and the old, should be limited to 20mph or even less.

Avatar
Paul J replied to IanMK | 8 months ago
7 likes

That actually makes sense. Unlike banning bicycles from near pedestrians.

Avatar
perce | 8 months ago
13 likes

I think the hatred towards cyclists has always been there. When I started cycling to work in the seventies I couldn't believe the amount of abuse I received on a daily basis. It nearly put me off cycling for good. I honestly thought I was doing something wrong.

Avatar
Left_is_for_Losers replied to perce | 8 months ago
0 likes

perce wrote:

I think the hatred towards cyclists has always been there. When I started cycling to work in the seventies I couldn't believe the amount of abuse I received on a daily basis. It nearly put me off cycling for good. I honestly thought I was doing something wrong.

Ahh don't worry, we've all got our tiny violins out for you  1 

Avatar
Rendel Harris replied to Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
12 likes

Left_is_for_Losers wrote:

Ahh don't worry, we've all got our tiny violins out for you  1 

"We all" being you, Flintshire Boy and...? All the other members of your sad little bullygroup have been banned, I believe, as you were.

Avatar
perce replied to Rendel Harris | 8 months ago
9 likes

I think they were all part of a band called Facile Comment. The lead singer was the ''would like to be notorious'' Insignificant Nobody.

Avatar
Clem Fandango replied to perce | 8 months ago
6 likes

Didn't Facile Comment have a violinist at one stage?  "Tiny" Dick Poster I think it was?

 

Avatar
perce replied to Clem Fandango | 8 months ago
6 likes

Yes you're right I think they did. How could I forget him?

Avatar
Left_is_for_Losers replied to Rendel Harris | 8 months ago
0 likes

Rendel Harris wrote:

"We all" being you, Flintshire Boy and...? All the other members of your sad little bullygroup have been banned, I believe, as you were.

Haha, was it you who mentioned about the song "Creepy Obsession" 

Kindly stop following me around. 

Avatar
belugabob replied to Left_is_for_Losers | 8 months ago
10 likes
Left_is_for_Losers wrote:

perce wrote:

I think the hatred towards cyclists has always been there. When I started cycling to work in the seventies I couldn't believe the amount of abuse I received on a daily basis. It nearly put me off cycling for good. I honestly thought I was doing something wrong.

Ahh don't worry, we've all got our tiny violins out for you  1 

That's not a violin, so stop fiddling with it.

Avatar
chrisonabike replied to belugabob | 8 months ago
7 likes

belugabob wrote:

That's not a violin, so stop fiddling with it.

Take a bow!

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