tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31041410938380090822024-03-19T02:57:20.612+00:00Sprinting for SignsThis is my journal of the beautiful and hard world of cycling. From the Northern Classics of Flanders to my ramblings of life on a bike.Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.comBlogger308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-70162008769136617902011-11-25T17:52:00.000+00:002011-11-25T17:52:15.551+00:00What, no Posts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgApEI26eeZNrGs5dkomYmAr3Omyy15mUMF2hzivhrgJshHCniQy7hsMBLCS3xmHDe9vigxnPwBrArgGrt6yN4hdRUTSnpcmZsokc6zIPZ300DnlFkIYB60BANkaSff4iy2EOuNzHIokX/s1600/S4S.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgApEI26eeZNrGs5dkomYmAr3Omyy15mUMF2hzivhrgJshHCniQy7hsMBLCS3xmHDe9vigxnPwBrArgGrt6yN4hdRUTSnpcmZsokc6zIPZ300DnlFkIYB60BANkaSff4iy2EOuNzHIokX/s320/S4S.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>For some people they prefer the Blogger platform to offers, for me as life has become busy I needed a way to update and quickly. So I've moved it to here<br />
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but you can find it also by typing <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">www.sprintingforsigns.com</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Cheers</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Rich</span><br />
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</span>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-40553320057520662422011-07-04T20:25:00.001+01:002011-07-04T20:25:50.738+01:00Tyler Farrar - Tour de France, press conference<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/slipstreamsports/5887266927/" title="Tyler Farrar - Tour de France, press conference"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5887266927_77507780eb.jpg" alt="Tyler Farrar - Tour de France, press conference by Team Garmin-Cervélo" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/slipstreamsports/5887266927/">Tyler Farrar - Tour de France, press conference</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/slipstreamsports/">Team Garmin-Cervélo</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>I really like the TdF version of the Team kit. It seems to have really lifted the Team from the dark cloud of loads of pressure and not much success.<br /><br />The Team looks happier, in my books keep the jersey JV, or at least make this the jersey for next year as it's more Garmin than Cervelo and I think that's really cool.</p>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-91126095425177918562011-06-02T20:33:00.001+01:002011-06-02T20:33:34.395+01:00Signatures required<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/ppfqAewwxouakbyJJzsrpCwBabccbvAAoCuHCcAEFtcavjihkktIcaIhfDre/p3260.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3260" height="331" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/ppfqAewwxouakbyJJzsrpCwBabccbvAAoCuHCcAEFtcavjihkktIcaIhfDre/p3260.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/rdeiAHoekHrqwEFruxstgnoFufahFhgCnHzewizflbjebwElgAjdhFiJoyrj/p3262.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3262" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/rdeiAHoekHrqwEFruxstgnoFufahFhgCnHzewizflbjebwElgAjdhFiJoyrj/p3262.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/mumkehhArmbrIlhjqycyFdckydGHvvHDurwihJxbnfbzqiDoemezBvzCmaCj/p3264.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3264" height="500" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/mumkehhArmbrIlhjqycyFdckydGHvvHDurwihJxbnfbzqiDoemezBvzCmaCj/p3264.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/uCHysmgcDtuAvkzDIHfkCnHcGmnDCkhakBGdGjvnjpHlbJbHzcfvdAeCGtmp/p3266.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3266" height="346" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/uCHysmgcDtuAvkzDIHfkCnHcGmnDCkhakBGdGjvnjpHlbJbHzcfvdAeCGtmp/p3266.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/signatures-required">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p>Two of the big signatures that are up for grabs this year are Tom Boonen and Mark Cavendish (not forgetting that current Belgian favourite Gilbert us up for grabs too). Both are big stars, one just really starting his career, and the other looking for a new lease of life beyond the age of 30. <p>So where will Tom go. This I think is a pretty tough one to call and not many teams scream out as being obvious. Quick Step will have first dibs and his relationship with key members of staff could signal a return signature. The likelihood if he does is that he'd finish his career there. BMC have been rumoured, but they seem to be connected to everyone at the moment. Boonen is reported to like Americans and American Teams (he was a Neo Pro at USPS) & would rejoin him with Hincapie (after 10 years). My gut reaction is that if he doesn't stay at Quick Step my punt would be Saxo. Since the depart of Fabian (& many others) to LEOPARD Trek they are lacking a real Classics leader. I know Nuyens had a great Flanders, but adding more firepower would offer a repeat chance of victory for the Team. Also Riis is renowned for reigniting riders careers when the embers are still flickering. </p><p>So to Cavendish and who will vie for his signature. Many will think that the SKY gig is a done deal, whereas I think it's the least likely destination for the Manx Missile. Staying at HTC would require some bridge building to make sure their star rider stays. I reckon it'll be a challenge as there is a lot of stuff that needs to be resolved. My top tip would go to BMC who seem to have a large cheque book. They were in the running for Fabian Cancellara's signature last year, supposedly offering a crazy amount of money (double LEOPARD) but he opted to stay with his 'band of brothers'. So cash won't be a problem for them. Instrumental in making the switch maybe the decision to reunite with old team makes, and especially Hincapie who has a key figure in Cavendish taking the San Remo win as he was Shepherded to the Poggio by the veteran rider. I do agree with certain commentators that he'd take Renshaw 'the fastest leadout man in the peloton' with him as a package deal </p><p>I'm sure that Cav would like the Impec technology, although from what I hear from the Specialized camp is that if he does go they'd better make a good aero bike (& quickly) as Mark has fallen for the Venge in a big way. </p><p>Wherever these riders go I'm sure it will be a busy period around the Tour de France, as officially they can't speak to Teams outside of their own until then. If you've any thoughts on where they, and the likes of other stars like Gilbert, Pozatto and others pop your response in the comments section below.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/signatures-required">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-32089777614602053582011-05-28T15:16:00.001+01:002011-05-28T15:16:57.431+01:00Giro Peekaboo<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/owhkjsFeIEzecBehqpvJHAuzxhCtmyaHgAhhkxGiufDckhihpoluzfGvGJEH/p3248.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3248" height="440" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/owhkjsFeIEzecBehqpvJHAuzxhCtmyaHgAhhkxGiufDckhihpoluzfGvGJEH/p3248.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/kfznBhchDItiIkrDAyrbaEbvmfHmbgnaxfxHyfBbeABoFHAfCcEwhyuvacuE/p3250.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3250" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/kfznBhchDItiIkrDAyrbaEbvmfHmbgnaxfxHyfBbeABoFHAfCcEwhyuvacuE/p3250.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/bCogGivjpECIoxsgrAHradFGHgHkqjIqJshgGHGgCdFocImxyorlmyheynDc/p3252.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3252" height="235" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/bCogGivjpECIoxsgrAHradFGHgHkqjIqJshgGHGgCdFocImxyorlmyheynDc/p3252.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/giro-peekaboo">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p>To be honest I wasn't expecting to see many of these as the Grand Tour doesn't differ much from that offered by the Teams suppliers, unlike Flanders and (especially) Roubaix. <p>But spotted on the Garmin Team cars I spotted that all the spare bikes had Continental tyres fitted. I didn't get close enough to the actual riders bikes as I was talking to the HTC riders to see if they had been fitted to them.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/giro-peekaboo">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-72265218447689797542011-05-26T22:47:00.001+01:002011-05-26T22:47:30.381+01:00HTC at the start of Stage 17<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/upHdlhqsbCHgajJvtvgxHtazBgJrxqAnAhkvAhIzzzfBDyCCguDowxtClApk/p3220.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3220" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/upHdlhqsbCHgajJvtvgxHtazBgJrxqAnAhkvAhIzzzfBDyCCguDowxtClApk/p3220.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/iqtFccpqiCqoxbpjlEEwxbhmphcAlhopAEsifcxjwtydiiIonmyFFolbgcHq/p3236.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3236" height="693" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/iqtFccpqiCqoxbpjlEEwxbhmphcAlhopAEsifcxjwtydiiIonmyFFolbgcHq/p3236.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/IkprJBaFcjmqpHkxxfEtjqhFumHgclnwCrmyCAfqnxEAEBiDJjJtqDrflICl/p3234.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3234" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/IkprJBaFcjmqpHkxxfEtjqhFumHgclnwCrmyCAfqnxEAEBiDJjJtqDrflICl/p3234.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/rpGauuIfBapuumcfpHnItwqDyiEqeDlHxhIAabFugnjjqDDzwuoqHmhIBeEf/p3232.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3232" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/rpGauuIfBapuumcfpHnItwqDyiEqeDlHxhIAabFugnjjqDDzwuoqHmhIBeEf/p3232.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/GmroGdBxHEiHIICHExkDiElGuEpECInjbvkJCxzixnwvqCbewcmCviJsmdxq/p3230.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3230" height="582" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/GmroGdBxHEiHIICHExkDiElGuEpECInjbvkJCxzixnwvqCbewcmCviJsmdxq/p3230.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/FimgcmqEnDnGzJhpfvoxEaBEmhdnfCzhCxgzitfhqtyIykeAbtkGrtagwdGE/p3228.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3228" height="646" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/FimgcmqEnDnGzJhpfvoxEaBEmhdnfCzhCxgzitfhqtyIykeAbtkGrtagwdGE/p3228.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/syrJHwwwuIFlDwpmsqyzhJuAiFhcfHBmkanfmowborBjCefrettEFapyfmnh/p3226.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3226" height="575" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/syrJHwwwuIFlDwpmsqyzhJuAiFhcfHBmkanfmowborBjCefrettEFapyfmnh/p3226.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/rnyqxIvJmumscrzjJmskrngBBrplDeDhAthFpvexqqpFjicjvdfEtgittnnk/p3224.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3224" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/rnyqxIvJmumscrzjJmskrngBBrplDeDhAthFpvexqqpFjicjvdfEtgittnnk/p3224.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/gEJEoBnrvgaImkbFmhqphiIsvbxAFuysazAnwrGGFehBFnFdgrCmgwCBwrcF/p3242.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3242" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/gEJEoBnrvgaImkbFmhqphiIsvbxAFuysazAnwrGGFehBFnFdgrCmgwCBwrcF/p3242.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/kuJDJAiwEIyDzsIxhjtGdwdlpFHelcwaoJlBlswzvkndbuBvaBBaiAlbaeae/p3240.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3240" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/kuJDJAiwEIyDzsIxhjtGdwdlpFHelcwaoJlBlswzvkndbuBvaBBaiAlbaeae/p3240.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/zCJHHhlFCvqaqzvaECJIqmyAEdBcdnAcowFkepCkzeAdAkDqxxhowdburxwv/p3222.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3222" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/zCJHHhlFCvqaqzvaECJIqmyAEdBcdnAcowFkepCkzeAdAkDqxxhowdburxwv/p3222.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/CxnmbyeullnwFJdqnnrBFtiyquzIBtlhfsgbikdjnweDtqyoCndhHoseFCIA/p3238.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3238" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/CxnmbyeullnwFJdqnnrBFtiyquzIBtlhfsgbikdjnweDtqyoCndhHoseFCIA/p3238.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/htc-at-the-start-of-stage-17">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p>May 25, Stage 17: Feltre - Tirano 230km, Giro d'Italia. <p>Before the days work had started I had the chance to take a look over the HTC bikes, and as a bonus managed to speak to Marco Pinotti & exchanged a few words with Lars Bak. </p><p>What was interesting is that this year the Team is using more HED wheels, albeit with a low key set of graphics. My guess is that they supply the Team but don't financially contribute in a way that warrants big graphics (please HED or HTC put me right is I'm wrong). What was really interesting is that the Teams bikes that where there all were fitted with 25mm Conti Competition tyres. I presume that due to the wider rim track these just work better. I'm sure that the lower resistance is welcome, as well as a little more comfort. </p><p>It's not the first time the Team gave used a larger volume tyre for 'normal' racing. Previously they'd used 25mm on their TT bikes, in 2010 at the Tour if California. </p><p>From a saddle point if view the riders seem to be able to rude whatever they want from either Fi'zi:k's or Specialized's catalog. This must be great from a riders point of view as they able to find a saddle that will work for them. </p><p>The riders spared a few words, which was very kind considering they where just about to have another long day in the saddle. The way that they conduct themselves makes me a bigger fan of the Team, even though they must have been tired after this long and difficult Giro. </p><p>Oh, for the record Diego Ulissi (Ita) Lampre - ISD won in a controversial finish, but for me that wasn't the story of the day.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/htc-at-the-start-of-stage-17">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-38494158113377379672011-05-22T18:05:00.001+01:002011-05-22T18:05:36.008+01:00Unbelievable<div class='posterous_autopost'><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">As much as the next fan I enjoy watching these epic stages in the Giro, but and there's a but sometimes they are a little unbelievable. Spain seems to have produced a bunch of riders that currently are smashing the Giro to bits, but happen to make it look like a regular Sunday Club run.<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 10px;"> </span></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Emf0" height="264" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-22/aIykhBDglFIfgbyEhlcytgGdqJbrwFwFdbbyCytmrkxjjqbFAdJybizyiwnB/emf0.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="341" /> </div> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 10px;">Euskaltel-Euskadi have won two stages back to back with riders who to me have popped out of nowhere. hold my hand up as</span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 10px;"><strong> A</strong></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 10px;">. I am no expert and </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 10px;"><strong>B.</strong></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 10px;"> I don't really follow the exploits of Grand Tour riders that closely. Well I hope that this Giro doesn't finish under a cloud of questions, but with a rainbow of hope.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">un·be·liev·a·ble</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><span class="pg" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: bold; display: inline; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">–adjective</span></span></span> <div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 3px; background-color: #ffffff; display: block; margin: 0px;"><span class="dnindex" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #7b7b7b; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; display: block; float: left; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">1.</span></span></span> <div class="dndata" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">too</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">dubious</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">or</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">improbable</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">to</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">be</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">believed:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; display: inline; font-style: italic; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">an</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">unbelievable</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">excuse.</span></span></span></div> </div> <div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 3px; background-color: #ffffff; display: block; margin: 0px;"><span class="dnindex" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #7b7b7b; line-height: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; display: block; float: left; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">2.</span></span></span> <div class="dndata" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">so</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">remarkable</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">as</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">to</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">strain</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">credulity;</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">extraordinary:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; display: inline; font-style: italic; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">the</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">unbelievable</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">fury</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">of</span> </span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/the" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">the</a> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/storm" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">storm</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">; <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">an</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; cursor: default; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">unbelievable</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.25em; background-color: transparent; cursor: default; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">athlete.</span></span></span></div> </div> </span></span></p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/unbelievable">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-40227307821098248742011-05-21T10:29:00.001+01:002011-05-21T10:29:56.855+01:00George, Lance & what next<div class='posterous_autopost'>We've had a few interesting days with first Tyler, and the George talking about the EPO use in USPS while they were both there riding. There are many camps in cycling, Pro Lance, Anti Lance, Anti Drugs and finally the Omertà camp. <p>I had an interesting discussion with a friend over dinner and we debated at length trying to put the cycling world to right. He argued that racing would be boring and viewers would switch off. My repost was that I thought it'd be more exciting as the collapses could be greater as we are asking the body to do more than it's possible of doing. This was his argument that PED's were not going away as the demands are high on their bodies. The omertà culture lures riders into the belief that they need to do it. I can't imagine the pressures and stresses on the body & mind as I've never raced at that level, many have families and the pressure to perform so that they can provide must be great. I think as fans all we are looking for is belief in their performance rather than the best medical help. </p><p>With Contador dominating the Giro and making the hardest stages look easy it promotes more questions than answers. His technique is amazing to watch, so smooth and fluid, a bit like Lance; but I watch it with a sick feeling in my stomach, rather than with jaw dropping awe. </p><p>If we come to the table with a child like belief and take Teams like Sky, Garmin Cervélo and HTC on face value what are these Teams doing to enable their riders to even compete in the same races. This isn't something often asked or talked about, but how close to the WADA banned list line do these Teams skirt. They may not want to disclose this as it would give other teams an edge, but in the spirit of openness I think it'd be a big positive to declare how, why and what the Teams are using/doing to help their riders. </p><p>Many commentators over the years have said that an amnesty is the only way forward. But I think that's the tip of the ice berg as there seems to be corruption at all levels, and I'm afraid that in the human psyche many will do everything to win, while thankfully there are those that won't and will hold a flag of ethics to ask the questions others dare not. </p><p>Having kids changes you, and for me they ask hard questions about the Sport I love All I ask is as they grow is that they have heroes to believe in.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/george-lance-what-next-0">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-89771587791206052682011-05-21T09:44:00.001+01:002011-05-21T09:44:24.597+01:00George, Lance & what next<div class='posterous_autopost'>We've had a few interesting days with first Tyler, and the George talking about the EPO use in USPS while they were both there riding. There are many camps in cycling, Pro Lance, Anti Lance, Anti Drugs and finally the Omertà camp. <p>I had an interesting discussion with a friend over dinner and we debated at length trying to put the cycling world to right. He argued that racing would be boring and viewers would switch off. My repost was that I thought it'd be more exciting as the collapses could be greater as we are asking the body to do more than it's possible of doing. This was his argument that PED's were not going away as the demands are high on their bodies. The omertà culture lures riders into the belief that they need to do it. I can't imagine the pressures and stresses on the body & mind as I've never raced at that level, many have families and the pressure to perform so that they can provide must be great. I think as fans all we are looking for is belief in their performance rather than the best medical help. </p><p>With Contador dominating the Giro and making the hardest stages look easy it promotes more questions than answers. His technique is amazing to watch, so smooth and fluid, a bit like Lance; but I watch it with a sick feeling in my stomach, rather than with jaw dropping awe. </p><p>If we come to the table with a child like belief and take Teams like Sky, Garmin Cervélo and HTC on face value what are these Teams doing to enable their riders to even compete in the same races. This isn't something often asked or talked about, but how close to the WADA banned list line do these Teams skirt. They may not want to disclose this as it would give other teams an edge, but in the spirit of openness I think it'd be a big positive to declare how, why and what the Teams are using/doing to help their riders. </p><p>Many commentators over the years have said that an amnesty is the only way forward. But I think that's the tip of the ice berg as there seems to be corruption at all levels, and I'm afraid that in the human psyche many will do everything to win, while thankfully there are those that won't and will hold a flag of ethics to ask the questions others dare not. </p><p>Having kids changes you, and for me they ask hard questions about the Sport I love All I ask is as they grow is that they have heroes to believe in.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/george-lance-what-next">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-21669297859519098662011-05-18T21:46:00.001+01:002011-05-18T21:46:51.735+01:00Paris Roubaix - the kit Part 2 ~ Shorts<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/odGqoijbAECnFIqGvvrjedrboCcfmsrwyIBbhapsbCtulIGxeFaJDGrwIhrC/p3196.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3196" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/odGqoijbAECnFIqGvvrjedrboCcfmsrwyIBbhapsbCtulIGxeFaJDGrwIhrC/p3196.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/likshAEhhBlJjgmbcyvybkpFqmkaHumlHeFBoIqkjvdBonJpIzkvkJiihoIb/p3198.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3198" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/likshAEhhBlJjgmbcyvybkpFqmkaHumlHeFBoIqkjvdBonJpIzkvkJiihoIb/p3198.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/beghmdbbGpqgdJsCGtmmjHGlvtwsnheumkpIDmnzlkvIjAFnnawFliprcvfv/p3200.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3200" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/beghmdbbGpqgdJsCGtmmjHGlvtwsnheumkpIDmnzlkvIjAFnnawFliprcvfv/p3200.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/sDDkIhdCGCmkAlesqDGcGHrFCboruJuwmaHuEzIwAkvtcftgaGyGdvxBFlex/p3202.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3202" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/sDDkIhdCGCmkAlesqDGcGHrFCboruJuwmaHuEzIwAkvtcftgaGyGdvxBFlex/p3202.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/zppJGCxcEqclluBGJbokAfxrbDzapioIvoipHiysspdefeaFAshvjHvknBgD/p3204.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3204" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/zppJGCxcEqclluBGJbokAfxrbDzapioIvoipHiysspdefeaFAshvjHvknBgD/p3204.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/paris-roubaix-the-kit-part-2-shorts">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p>As anyone who has read any of my posts they will have realised that I'm a big fan of a few brands so I had to think about which shorts I was going to use. From Castelli I'd been using the Sopasso tight in winter with the excellent Progetto X2 pad, which for me is the best two piece pad on the Market. The problem was I hadn't had the the chance to pick up a pair of the Free (it's a model type) bibs as yet (but have since the ride). <p>So I went down the tried and tested route of Assos. I've ridden various versions of their shorts and I've never felt short changed in the comfort department. So out I pulled my S13 shorts (S5 pad). It would be the first time I'd have ridden Assos over the pavé as I've tended to use a Roubaix (brushed) short for the extra warmth on those cold April days. This year with projected temperatures of 22*c I went for a summer weight option and would have to man up for when it was colder at the start.</p><p>So as a well used product I was really impressed that I had no bruising or sores afterwards. It felt like a normal ride, the excellent Assos/Cytec pad doing it's job without missing a beat. These are the reasons you pay more for your shorts, an average of 85 revolutions a minute, 5,100 in a hour and a total of 28,050 across the duration of the ride means the fabric and pad needs to be of a high quality, and thankfully it is. </p><p>The downer I normally ride with a really small seatpack, enough for 1 tube, tyre levers and a micro tool. But as part of the start list I had to use a larger Velcro mounted pack to hold the four recommended tubes. I was gutted to find out at one of the stops that it'd worn a hole in one side of my shorts!! In disgust I emptied my pack and packed my pockets and threw away the offending seatpack, never to be seen again. Gutted to ruin an expensive pair of shorts I'm hoping that Assos may be able to fix them, we'll see but I'm sure it's worth asking & I hope the cost isn't too much.</p><p>But all in all the legendary comfort prevailed again and apart from the incident mentioned I couldn't be any happier.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/paris-roubaix-the-kit-part-2-shorts">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-79423912590921786312011-05-18T21:22:00.001+01:002011-05-18T21:22:31.484+01:00Words from friends from Woulter's Funeral<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><iframe allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jmlXX3whJQI" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>Beautiful words from two friends. Speaking to people and listening to everything that has been said about Wouter over the last week NOBODY has a bad word for him. I met him very briefly once at the Quick Step Team launch in 2010. He was the embodiment of 'EURO'. I've been touched by Jon Cannings words about his friend on the work blog and in private. The loss felt by his friends is a massive void that will never be filled. RIP Wouter Weylandt, I'm proud to be part of the community that has shown you deep respect, but like all we wish you where here.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/words-from-friends-from-woulters-funeral">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-9701443443687871352011-05-14T08:43:00.001+01:002011-05-14T08:43:44.248+01:00Velogames - After Week one.<div class='posterous_autopost'><table style="font-family: Verdana; border-collapse: collapse; color: #ffffff; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" width="95%"> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><strong>Rank</strong></td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><strong> </strong></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><strong>Team</strong></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><strong>Directeur</strong></td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><strong>Score</strong></td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">1</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/GBR.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dbe97b2e3748791" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">la luce solare</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Snedz2</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">1410</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">2</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/BRO.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dbaba11b875a725" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">Tricolour Express</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Sprinting4Signs</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">1363</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">3</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/GRM.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4db9849c4eb16699" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">team pedalphil</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">mary (bootyhouse)</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">1342</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">4</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/VIE.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dc38e5bdfa2a841" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">funknbikes</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">chris duncan</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">1301</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">5</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/WCH.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dbf19b3678f5988" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">Giro Dream Team</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Pedalingtheroad</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">1095</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">6</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/MOL.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dc408452d2ec174" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">GREYHOUNDS</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Erik Krueger</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">1035</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">7</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/VEL.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4db9c5e952bf1654" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">AC Milho</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Ricardo Martins</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">923</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">8</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/VEL.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dbfaef19c6f2142" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">SQUADRA</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Notorius BIG Ears</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">907</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">9</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/GAZ.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dc2ca13dc716296" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">Pompom-tastic</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">@CleoPompom</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">822</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">10</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/VEL.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dbae18361a07374" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">Undy Wheelers</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">David Lewis</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">739</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">11</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/REN.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dc1480421a77859" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">galactichitchhikers</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">ata</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">716</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">12</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/SAL.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dbabf5b95a0f690" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">Not sure why I`m here really</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">The Monuments</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">705</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">13</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/VIE.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dc4f0b65dc93149" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">Clean-ish</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Dreamer</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">673</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">14</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/TSF.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4dc13c7842461324" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">Teamskyfans</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Dave Marsdin</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">670</td> </tr> <tr style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #000000; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 4px;"> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">15</td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><img src="http://velogames.com/images/logos/GAZ.png" height="52" alt="" style="display: inline; background-color: #cccccc; color: #303030; padding: 1px; border: 4px solid #f0f0f0;" width="51" /></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;"><a href="http://velogames.com/gdi11teamroster.php?st=overall&tid=4db9b001464de653" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000fff; background-color: inherit; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: #c6c8cb;">TBags Bitches</a></td> <td class="evenleft" style="text-align: left; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">Teresa</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 2.5px;">645</td> </tr> </table> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Somehow I'm up to second in my own league, but I think it may be short lived. With </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Snedz2 (not sure that is) and </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">mary (bootyhouse) in third these are the standings at the close of week 1.</span></p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/velogames-after-week-one">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-15190249596260721462011-05-09T19:26:00.001+01:002011-05-09T19:26:39.918+01:00Wouter Weylandt RIP.<div class='posterous_autopost'>It's difficult to describe the numbness of hearing about a cyclist dying in a tragic accident. I struggle to find any words today to convey what I'm feeling. <p>I feel deep sorrow for his family & friends. </p><p>As a mark of respect I'd suggest that on your big ride this weekend you wear some White over socks. It's just a simple way to show we care, no matter if we knew him or not.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/wouter-weylandt-rip">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-9528551184169513082011-05-07T10:12:00.001+01:002011-05-07T10:12:55.638+01:00The Giro, 2011<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>The first of the Grand Tours starts today and it looks set to be a batle of riders, Teams and shady Dr's. What with the shadow over Contador still not resolved, plus recent doping investigations in Italy we are faced with many questions about the legitimate performances of some riders.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-07/ntGIHozwArIworGbsnfgCdfuCrxvrFxkHAeBHnlrBqIulbaqiFpBqrxDayIj/Giro_2011_2685562_155359--620x300.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Giro_2011_2685562_155359--620x300" height="242" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-07/ntGIHozwArIworGbsnfgCdfuCrxvrFxkHAeBHnlrBqIulbaqiFpBqrxDayIj/Giro_2011_2685562_155359--620x300.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><object height="270" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=931038383001&playerID=651099025001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAlxGPE3k~,Rdv-EhUb8sHuQyxyDmK_rSgrkHyz9Iqg&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed name="flashObj" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="270" flashvars="videoId=931038383001&playerID=651099025001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAlxGPE3k~,Rdv-EhUb8sHuQyxyDmK_rSgrkHyz9Iqg&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" width="480" base="http://admin.brightcove.com"></embed></object></p> <p>LeMond said that with clean riding we would see dramatic racing, collaspes and the Jerseys change hands on many occasions (<em>parapharsed</em>). When this happens in a race it creates tension, drama and the belief amongst the riders <em><strong>that their day may come</strong></em>. It's going to be difficult to call on who will win, but you'd be a fool to rule out Bert as he's so consistent, and even if he's not on special orange juice or Spanish beef I suspect he is still above the rest. Looking at recent research it seems that the efects of doping last much longer than the window originally thought. A rider training prepared, but racing clean would have a major advantage as he's been able to go deeper and the muscles have been trained to go further into the red. Muscle memory seems to last for a long time, take a look at people who haven't ridden for 10-20 years then start again. I don't confess to being an expert, but the body is a very complicated thing and we seem to find out more and more as time goes by.</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theroaddiaries/5680317103/" title="Peter Stetina - Garmin's quiver is full! (photo GWatson) by The Road Diaries, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5680317103_07d481138e.jpg" height="427" alt="Peter Stetina - Garmin's quiver is full! (photo GWatson)" width="500" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="3253-big_thumbnail" height="132" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-07/msqazIBuidvmHpgvopcCinplchJBbqFjhEtqnwrnBdfHchhxFJjJvakHuCJx/3253-big_thumbnail.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="155" /> <img alt="3316-big_thumbnail" height="132" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-07/gtEcgjddjnAokAdjtDwGImrFHuqIfymyDktqcDgdihhImqbsyGEwqAtfceIe/3316-big_thumbnail.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="155" /> <img alt="3291-big_thumbnail" height="132" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-07/uyrGmjmCJlfvohdrCEarggzqnvvJBavreCjttcioblsghyhhwgmkypbjEbFf/3291-big_thumbnail.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="155" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/the-giro-2011">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Recent editions have been more exciting than the Tour, with the lead changing hands many times and the introduction of slightly crazy stages making the TV spectacle something to behold. The Tour organisers picked up on this last year by adding parts of the Liegé and Roubaix routes. It created drama, changed the race and some riders cast out names to the organisers like it was the 1920's all over again.</p> <p>I think that of recent that Grand Tours have lost their focus as it seems to be about the best climber that wins. In years gone past the riders who won Grand Tours would be the Best All Rounders, I miss those days. I expect a 'Questionable' rider to win, I don't think that this Grand Tour is a great advocate for clean cycling, but like drivers rubber necking a car crash no doubt we will all tune in each day to watch the drama unfold.</p> <p><object height="270" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=930092541001&playerID=651099025001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAlxGPE3k~,Rdv-EhUb8sHuQyxyDmK_rSgrkHyz9Iqg&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed name="flashObj" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="270" flashvars="videoId=930092541001&playerID=651099025001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAlxGPE3k~,Rdv-EhUb8sHuQyxyDmK_rSgrkHyz9Iqg&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" width="480" base="http://admin.brightcove.com"></embed></object></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-07/IsmcDAIuCdBpnCouBfiewuvFistumFwHCFErpJrJsFcbhhpdDCuwAgejurrG/275-PIC110431428.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="275-pic110431428" height="331" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-07/IsmcDAIuCdBpnCouBfiewuvFistumFwHCFErpJrJsFcbhhpdDCuwAgejurrG/275-PIC110431428.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/slipstreamsports/5675628937/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/slipstreamsports/5675628937/</a></p> <p> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/the-giro-2011">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-89068396292064727872011-05-05T22:33:00.001+01:002011-05-05T22:33:36.709+01:00Sportique Shaving Oil<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/JnjkzszDIdmjobuFjFBkHjAaEJGoFmqyAyEghFgfwiJBAqEsgbvppbqHsnvC/p3182.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3182" height="724" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/JnjkzszDIdmjobuFjFBkHjAaEJGoFmqyAyEghFgfwiJBAqEsgbvppbqHsnvC/p3182.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Last Eurobike I was lucky enough to bump into Jan who is the founder of the company. After exchanging greetings I waxed lyrical about the Century Ride Cream and a few other products. He asked me to wait a second and then came back with a bag of products from their wider range to try. <p>So it's only recently I've started to use this as I've been using another product from their range. I tried the oil on the face and found it good on it's own. Much better results were obtained when combined with Sportique shaving cream. A really close shave indeed. </p><p>But the place I love using it is when I'm shaving my legs. Smooth legs are a dead Cert, with the only negative compared to foam or cream is that it isn't as easily seen to where you've been. The oil leaves the skin conditioned and not dry. It's a great product and much better than oils that I've used in the past like King of Shaves. Why, well the formula doesn't clog the razor blades, but the hairs pass through with each area shaved. </p><p>I'm not sure if C3 Products bring this into the country, how much it is or anything. Seeing how little you need & how much others cost I reckon it could be £10, but it'd be well spent if you shave a lot, and in particular your legs. </p><p><a href="http://www.c3products.com">www.c3products.com</a></p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/sportique-shaving-oil">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-43290915275536342852011-05-03T06:20:00.001+01:002011-05-03T06:20:41.393+01:00This Week's Peekaboo<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/DebxpxycxkvluJvduEiDjFogtjsetGcJevdikqkidJlcEFtvrwzJDksCDqFk/p3173.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3173" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/DebxpxycxkvluJvduEiDjFogtjsetGcJevdikqkidJlcEFtvrwzJDksCDqFk/p3173.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/IarmpcsAukGGjyqGIlJeFCgoiztHCuGbwGzpvnicxilmbdjdjjbItcnyCzeC/p3175.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3175" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/IarmpcsAukGGjyqGIlJeFCgoiztHCuGbwGzpvnicxilmbdjdjjbItcnyCzeC/p3175.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/aykdbqqiEGvHDbzqmtDFGHsxevpiDlrmiAaIbmevGxHsAJaGqlmlICueknos/p3177.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3177" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/aykdbqqiEGvHDbzqmtDFGHsxevpiDlrmiAaIbmevGxHsAJaGqlmlICueknos/p3177.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/this-weeks-peekaboo-0">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p>So this weeks peekaboo comes from my time at Paris Roubaix. So often we see tyres switched out and for good reason as many brands don't produce a dedicated tyre and generally nothing bigger than a 25mm (notable exceptions go to Continental & Vittoria). <p>So this spot is connected to the tyres in that its a pair of hubs from French wheel manufacturer Corima. They look like a well disguised set of Shimano hubs from the end cap which seals off the bearings. Hey I could be wrong, but it looks like the Osaka boys got the nod when extra toughness was required for the big stones on the Astana machines.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/this-weeks-peekaboo-0">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-73850761971620393522011-05-01T20:18:00.001+01:002011-05-01T20:18:06.761+01:00April km total<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/cwceffwmuvEgueanapvycmjgmyjojktesstGccyfnsrvlqluzDpAHAdnBjyI/p3167.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3167" height="669" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/cwceffwmuvEgueanapvycmjgmyjojktesstGccyfnsrvlqluzDpAHAdnBjyI/p3167.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>So another consistent month with a final total of 795 km ridden. This month I took a week off and spent many days watching the bike gather dust. It was ok though as I spent some quality time with the family. <p>I'm going to start keeping a more detailed notes of the rides with Average Speed, Top Speed and Average Cadence all being recorded as it'll give me a good gauge of improving fitness over different distances. </p><p>So as I've built a new commuter bike I'm going to be adding a computer so I can keep my data up to date no matter what I'm riding. </p><p>So here's to more kilometres in May and the ongoing pursuit of better fitness and improved tan lines.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/april-km-total">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-26098000353163816792011-04-30T10:43:00.001+01:002011-04-30T10:43:15.486+01:00Pro Rider Secrets - Part one<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><span style="color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">This is not a drugs <em>expose</em> and will have no reference to dogs, wifes or dentists magic sweets. I am going to try and bring to light things that make the 'Supermen' of the peloton seem a little more human. I don't know how many of these I'll be able to do in a series but this one is about <strong><em>shorts</em></strong>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Compactroad" height="242" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/iGFglrArbwCGJthHDywkzqvIslbcveEzHqlwmlakffcDitFccIGFqDrgFpgH/compactroad.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="260" /> </div> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">PRO Teams always have a a clothing sponsor who will provide the Team with all their togs for the season. Unlike many sports, cycling is open to all elements from snow to the crazy heat of the Alpine slopes. Contrary to popular belief <em>'<strong>the one short for all seasons'</strong></em> does not exist.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">Slowly we are seeing the emergence of the Roubaix bib short. I am aware of three Brands that are selling this product at the moment, Hincapie Sports, Northwave and Santini (although I couldn't find it on their website but I have seen them). I am sure there are a few more companies producing them for sale, but nearly all make these shorts for the Teams.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">I have had chance to test some recently, and frankly they are nothing short of a revelation. It is rare that a full tight or a 3/4 can offer the fit of a good pair of bib shorts paired with either knee or leg warmers. Of course there are some exceptions to the rule but generalisations exist for a reason. Many people will never quite get the concept, but trust me when I say this, they are incredibly useful in conditions from 12-0 degrees.</p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/suHbcoEFzsyBCfkdqfatdsBfoDqCIoiwxrufIdelFHjonjqaikADCJkGmxqd/IMG_0094.img_assist_custom.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_0094" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/suHbcoEFzsyBCfkdqfatdsBfoDqCIoiwxrufIdelFHjonjqaikADCJkGmxqd/IMG_0094.img_assist_custom.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </div> <p /> <div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">My three favourite short brands don't make a pair of these shorts, probably insisting that the 3/4 bib or a pair of bib tights would fit the bill. In my experience (and of course that can change with new products) I am yet to receive a truly excellent fit.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">What it offers the racer or sportive rider is a pair of shorts that can tackle the coldest mornings before a ride or competition starts. Pair them with a good pair of Belgium Knee Warmers and you are onto a winner (don't know what they are <a href="http://www.belgiumkneewarmers.com/?s=embrocation" title="see here" style="color: #3030a0; text-decoration: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: #505050;">see here</a>).</p> </div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="29-1871064553-2008-04-07_0" height="275" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/EyljArjjlGqIlaDIAuAAkkarxFddEuBphzmympippbAhhCsvIrpgfDzmezem/29-1871064553-2008-04-07_0.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="350" /> </div> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">I tried getting some responses from PRO riders and the best I could get was 'that they used them in training', but hey that is better than nothing. It seems that on many subjects that surround the life of a professional rider this is still to remain a <em><strong>secret of the peloton</strong></em>.</span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/FEvlcdsjpBpkDmxfbmJhiJwjpzArpigJvAAIdsIGyCocEqGmJBbvAgpuujBg/SPTDW159.jpg.h513.jpg.767.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Sptdw159" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/FEvlcdsjpBpkDmxfbmJhiJwjpzArpigJvAAIdsIGyCocEqGmJBbvAgpuujBg/SPTDW159.jpg.h513.jpg.767.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <br /></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/pro-rider-secrets-part-one">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-90155525629623621602011-04-30T09:49:00.001+01:002011-04-30T09:49:49.718+01:00Guilt, friend or foe<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><span style="color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Guilt, a five lettered word that extends it's influence beyond the dictionary definition. In my time as a cyclist is has been a friend and and foe, but thankfully never my master. </span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Currently I stand at the threshold of Autumn and soon Winter. But in the days of the falling leaves the decisions that we all make now will shape the Spring and Summer that comes. We can do very little to influence the weather, friends or the financial climate. We can, thankfully, plan a course of action which will leave the rider with breath in your lungs rather than struggling up Toys Hill like a 40 a day smoker.</span></p> <p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/cnIAnvjdjvzuJknEaECdapDanslkxJrsIFqDhozfnrDkjvHzevovtImgzddI/Picture_549.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Picture_549" height="500" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/cnIAnvjdjvzuJknEaECdapDanslkxJrsIFqDhozfnrDkjvHzevovtImgzddI/Picture_549.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Guilt can inspire you to do more, the flipside of that coin is that it can pin you down <em>like a rabbit in the headlights</em>, the blessed irony that this is a fate you can decide. For me this will lead to using a Training Plan I received from a Coach last year. It helped, giving me focus when I saw little of the sun and the warmth of Spring seemed far off.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/prputjvjspAyhazrkHAswoJxkCsmfuGfByuGhwpIpbFkkmJearnzzuvtesDC/51_amstel_gold_4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="51_amstel_gold_4" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-30/prputjvjspAyhazrkHAswoJxkCsmfuGfByuGhwpIpbFkkmJearnzzuvtesDC/51_amstel_gold_4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Like many of you I enjoy being fit, the feeling that you get when you have that little bit extra zip in your legs, is worth the winter sweat earned in the garage. If you have ever seen that great footage of Merckx on the rollers, hammering out the miles, it gives me great cause for inspiration. If you haven't watch it below, and then watch it again.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F7K4O7YTLQQ" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe></span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; color: #303030; font-family: tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <div class="node" style="line-height: normal;"> <div class="content"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">My goals for next year are not set, but come November the 1st my training is back in action. Life will try to throw some spanners in the works, but with a mapped out plan it is easy to pull yourself back as the guilt draws you back if you have missed more than one session.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">So guilt can be both a positive motivator and it can also inhibit you, it depends on how you react to it.</p> <p /> </div> <div class="links"> <ul class="links inline" style="display: inline; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </ul> </div> </div> </p> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/guilt-friend-or-foe">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-41568050710281295702011-04-28T14:05:00.001+01:002011-04-28T14:05:00.222+01:00HTC - The Paris Roubaix Experience Video - Words and Photo's by Me.<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/ApdAjvnvDAtiCDokAimbmwiIDmmAFHsoHiesyoyacicIHtHdIyCxwgygDeeI/IMG_2666.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2666" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/ApdAjvnvDAtiCDokAimbmwiIDmmAFHsoHiesyoyacicIHtHdIyCxwgygDeeI/IMG_2666.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <iframe allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R5PBdALhdFw" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>This is a really nice film of the HTC boys in action at this years Paris - Roubaix race. I got to see the bikes and some of the riders at the start and they where all super relaxed and focused on the day. Having watched fellow amateurs riding their roubaix's and now seeing the close up footage of the Teams bikes here I have to testify to being a little jealous as they just worked so well over the Pavé. While Specialized may lack some of the sex appeal of other more well established marques you can't argue about it's status as a tool for the job. Look at the results it's gained over the last 3-5 years, it's pretty impressive.</p> <p>The Pro machine differs from the one that is commercially available to punters in that it recieves a different geometry so that they don't have to resort to crazy -17* stems for the riders to achieve their desired position. Even for us regular Joe's the shorter headtube makes sense as looking at their bikes I'd probably require a 40mm stack compared to the slammed and negative combination which would get me close(ish) to my desired position. As the popularity grows in this types of Sportive with the Tour of Flanders version regularly attracting over 17,000 riders to me there seems to be some commercial sense in making this available. The success of bikes like the Cervélo R3 tells me that the people who ride would probably buy what in effect would be the posistion of a stock Tarmac with a Roubaix's comfort.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/jCozDmyarjifzjzeIoGmEygfGxafptqiGHdJHDqxklhfixhHiuBDxvcjnjec/IMG_2631.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2631" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/jCozDmyarjifzjzeIoGmEygfGxafptqiGHdJHDqxklhfixhHiuBDxvcjnjec/IMG_2631.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/mFHyqskfHnvediomwAsnthgxImgplmsHcCisHCAkvDAmCAksvIoCsrgffguH/IMG_2632.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2632" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/mFHyqskfHnvediomwAsnthgxImgplmsHcCisHCAkvDAmCAksvIoCsrgffguH/IMG_2632.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/vvkzvxgtqbgDrJoqtExJbCCxvdzqqxkdtlJsewkyImxjeAtIDyuqlqnpidgw/IMG_2633.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2633" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/vvkzvxgtqbgDrJoqtExJbCCxvdzqqxkdtlJsewkyImxjeAtIDyuqlqnpidgw/IMG_2633.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/xuqukqiaegIHffezAnBewtegIGHpkhkkihGFwbDlxwedsBihagvDcJGiFaGb/IMG_2640.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2640" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/xuqukqiaegIHffezAnBewtegIGHpkhkkihGFwbDlxwedsBihagvDcJGiFaGb/IMG_2640.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/daADDbuHIwxjBhFGgEJgdjsvlBbyaIpgrdIHjiEJwivnnmIJtDpjfguuqJpt/IMG_2634.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2634" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/daADDbuHIwxjBhFGgEJgdjsvlBbyaIpgrdIHjiEJwivnnmIJtDpjfguuqJpt/IMG_2634.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/hzpcjIBzBneBkxackvsEnzfDxzxleDqhmzgIIykdEuzIAwjdlcgGEzzveBab/IMG_2635.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2635" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/hzpcjIBzBneBkxackvsEnzfDxzxleDqhmzgIIykdEuzIAwjdlcgGEzzveBab/IMG_2635.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/cjopHoJgEAbhfgGHirqhgtDkbDBvuyoyAreqInjAwsFefqcChmuBmkknDuDo/IMG_2637.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2637" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/cjopHoJgEAbhfgGHirqhgtDkbDBvuyoyAreqInjAwsFefqcChmuBmkknDuDo/IMG_2637.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/rsAnbwJgitmegjguAwuwHDtccJgoFvBafyEvJkemqosHzaDdeknylnHbucEl/IMG_2636.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2636" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/rsAnbwJgitmegjguAwuwHDtccJgoFvBafyEvJkemqosHzaDdeknylnHbucEl/IMG_2636.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/onIHitHFbktngABHycArrshuxqrAyGmlCgcDbyEacdFzlDyimciIucnpruzb/IMG_2638.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2638" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/onIHitHFbktngABHycArrshuxqrAyGmlCgcDbyEacdFzlDyimciIucnpruzb/IMG_2638.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/tasHntadcAGzcexJhpftDtaEkhBIptBxbcjooJDgoaCDjlAfxnzzfGiymuxo/IMG_2639.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2639" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-28/tasHntadcAGzcexJhpftDtaEkhBIptBxbcjooJDgoaCDjlAfxnzzfGiymuxo/IMG_2639.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/htc-the-paris-roubaix-experience-video-words">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/htc-the-paris-roubaix-experience-video-words">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-87285466323070620322011-04-22T22:03:00.001+01:002011-04-22T22:03:30.756+01:00The Smile List, April<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>These are a few things that are making me smile at the moment. Some of these are cycling related, but not completely. So here's whats made the list.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-22/czAhsvbaomcipnmjAArkbrvHbnkjmbHJomgdbmxGFiayoakzEbJCHvjnBtiu/castelli-velocissimo-bib-11-zoom.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Castelli-velocissimo-bib-11-zoom" height="500" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-22/czAhsvbaomcipnmjAArkbrvHbnkjmbHJomgdbmxGFiayoakzEbJCHvjnBtiu/castelli-velocissimo-bib-11-zoom.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> The <span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><strong>Velocissimo Bibshort</strong> sits in the middle of Castelli's range, but by no means does this reflect in the comfort or quality of the short. The <strong>Giro++ </strong>leg grippers and just heavenly due to how thin the material is. Stretchy let supportive they offer hours of comfort and seem able to cope with a wide range of thigh sizes. Because of the width of the band it doesn't dig in, which is a bonus. The pad is the Kiss 3 which is super comfy as I first used this at the Castelli 24 last year. It's pretty minimal but don't let that fool you, it's supportive were you need it to be. The Fabric, just works and transfers moisture really well and i find it difficult not to stroke it while I'm wearing it, it's so soft and smooth. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Organic_oat_cakes" height="236" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-22/DsjfaieguEnCvrxprCimJCoeouhjqcxciAaCokhrfeJHpdlovlnlpoJBHizu/organic_oat_cakes.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="150" /> </div> I've been a big fan of oatcakes for years and this is the brand (<strong>Nairns</strong>) I trust. I like the fact they have some options like the Cheese or Pumpkin and Herb ones as I tend to eat these plain at my desk in the week while drinking water. I've carried them on long rides also, just to break up the sweet fest of Gels, bars and drinks.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="051731" height="164" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-22/HhxfHJbjrbcqEIvirEouftCybAgkFqnEDjkyIyfgJwskAFjrIHEriCvegIGz/051731.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="270" /> </div> Spring has sprung and with the constant temperatures it feels like early summer. I suppose May is just round the corner, it just feels a little unexpected that's all. I love this time of the year as it's the first chance of getting my beloved <strong>Birkenstock's</strong> on. I always forget how comfy they are comapred to 'normal' shoes. I keep meaning to buy a set of London's as they'd be perfect for when I need to be smart but still want to leave my feet in comfy heaven.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="066191" height="159" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-22/ihqsmjcyGamHcddadHqwFpHApfhhqkntGensyEeBGAykscgGBBIdguiGeIjf/066191.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="270" /> </div> </span></p> <p>I got to ride the Pave of Roubaix. I'm not going to say loads as I really need to get round to writing up my thoughts from the weekend. It was pretty special so I won't go on about it here apart from it was a great weekend and it made me smile.</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sprintingforsigns/5612725181/"><img class="posterous_download_image" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5612725181_29df9e4abd.jpg" border="0" height="500" width="375" /></a></p> <p>And finally, the product which has lifted me out of exhaustion is the <strong>Torq Ribose</strong> product. You can read more about it <a href="http://www.torqfitness.co.uk/nutrition/torq-raw" title="here">http://www.torqfitness.co.uk/nutrition/torq-raw</a> . I know it works for me, I've used it before, and sometimes with trying lots of stuff I forget how good certain things are.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Ribose_200" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-04-22/cwbrzogdJpgCdcnoGJqoEjwjrxjlbeGbDvpAmzEbkGEgpnvwCnuvAjcJdouf/Ribose_200.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="200" /> </div> As I need to shift some kilo's I'm going to try some of the Carnitine as it's meant to help with reducing body fat, prolong endurance and increase aerobic power. Of course this doesn't come cheap but I've been impressed how efective the raw products work. Reading through the bumf on the various products I could see myself buying more of these. If you bought all four you'd have a highly effective recovery product which is Vegan, anyhow I digress.</p> <p> </p> <p>So these are the things that have made me smile in April.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/the-smile-list">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-37970301385681420282011-04-21T14:40:00.001+01:002011-04-21T14:40:51.274+01:00Eighteen Bergs<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="P3137" height="164" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/jjrpAxHcDIHIpgdkcddsmyanDwqczuummlAqpDjdajyaCfvrEfdrjEhdjwmm/p3137.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="236" /> </div> </p>What they lack in height they make up in percentage gain. These climbs aren't for the grimpeurs, but suits the rouleurs and puncheurs. These are this years climbs. <p>1 Tiegemberg 70 km</p><p>2 Nokereberg 80 km</p><p>3 Rekelberg 127 km</p><p>4 Kaperij 139 km</p><p>5 Kruisberg 154 km</p><p>6 Knokteberg 164 km</p><p>7 Oude-Kwaremont 171 km</p><p>8 Paterberg 175 km</p><p>9 Koppenberg 181 km</p><p>10 Steenbeekdries 187 km</p><p>11 Taaienberg 190 km</p><p>12 Eikenberg 194 km</p><p>13 Molenberg 209 km</p><p>14 Leberg 216 km</p><p>15 Valkenberg 225 km</p><p>16 Tenbosse 232 km</p><p>17 Muur – Kapelmuur 242 km</p><p>18 Bosberg 246 km</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/eighteen-bergs">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-12190657165815721802011-04-20T15:47:00.001+01:002011-04-20T15:47:42.616+01:00Movistar @ Paris Roubaix<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/knpfxJqtxHgajGJoacCrogxpHxhezsjxHqyjejGxFtJvDzhiGsfviklehIEJ/p3109.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3109" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/knpfxJqtxHgajGJoacCrogxpHxhezsjxHqyjejGxFtJvDzhiGsfviklehIEJ/p3109.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/tuIfkByAzDnCfpcrFCCcqAjdvAqvfAJtgmrgpoyiIywvyyEytngDxAajmbuI/p3127.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3127" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/tuIfkByAzDnCfpcrFCCcqAjdvAqvfAJtgmrgpoyiIywvyyEytngDxAajmbuI/p3127.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/dEoifjEvkCsFbIBfrrwBFzhlJzdiHmAGyaniChrgJpyvyFgFugBglmilAJge/p3125.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3125" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/dEoifjEvkCsFbIBfrrwBFzhlJzdiHmAGyaniChrgJpyvyFgFugBglmilAJge/p3125.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/FBkhyoDzkBzqnivwsGFsoqniGpffbEJAvtCkDnEByesFbhqiDfgpcccaDagf/p3123.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3123" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/FBkhyoDzkBzqnivwsGFsoqniGpffbEJAvtCkDnEByesFbhqiDfgpcccaDagf/p3123.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/FFHuEiwpAdBuhjwHErBBkbmgxufgyFGjtBewwGDEhdnJiyjkupzomrtjItuz/p3121.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3121" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/FFHuEiwpAdBuhjwHErBBkbmgxufgyFGjtBewwGDEhdnJiyjkupzomrtjItuz/p3121.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/kitDAFyioBhCcFaqlvkFJmhFdGqBDAcIglwFDmDfDFEhxqckeiibjytCvopg/p3119.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3119" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/kitDAFyioBhCcFaqlvkFJmhFdGqBDAcIglwFDmDfDFEhxqckeiibjytCvopg/p3119.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/CexGeyIFIarAsiytziudmhpHDHzFvigyBBEyvqABmexatcEByplexlpdoAIq/p3117.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3117" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/CexGeyIFIarAsiytziudmhpHDHzFvigyBBEyvqABmexatcEByplexlpdoAIq/p3117.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/fAIIngyptgCdqdrDdGyxhHdnHFjwBJBtdjmiJtctgrhCnsHewgEJbFHrvqnz/p3115.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3115" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/fAIIngyptgCdqdrDdGyxhHdnHFjwBJBtdjmiJtctgrhCnsHewgEJbFHrvqnz/p3115.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/AgwABtgEhDBlwmwmJCviChftpBBEFBIdgwhHlnkpCoByJyuwxGrjjkobmtIq/p3133.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3133" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/AgwABtgEhDBlwmwmJCviChftpBBEFBIdgwhHlnkpCoByJyuwxGrjjkobmtIq/p3133.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/kdGreBivmAFyIyJhFshddezFdgbpcgyJIkouFtgGvcDHuupFtwcnqncrDyix/p3131.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3131" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/kdGreBivmAFyIyJhFshddezFdgbpcgyJIkouFtgGvcDHuupFtwcnqncrDyix/p3131.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/yusdIFHxptzzzrdohaBikhflaeHlJhgzsuesvGDmzAGzbpuIjHvokzEEGIFt/p3113.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3113" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/yusdIFHxptzzzrdohaBikhflaeHlJhgzsuesvGDmzAGzbpuIjHvokzEEGIFt/p3113.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/ndDdjjsrAxvAImbDlwgcFGDBGrJwccxDdBvAkrtnFsCnAssehyuznyzzqizh/p3129.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3129" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/ndDdjjsrAxvAImbDlwgcFGDBGrJwccxDdBvAkrtnFsCnAssehyuznyzzqizh/p3129.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/movistar-paris-roubaix">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p>This is the craziness of the Pro/World Tour that a team that has no interest in this race has to ride it. Surely they should be able to opt out & we could see a team who has a passion for this race to be there. Maybe one of the Pro Continental outfits would animate the race. <p>So the team was using the new Electronic Campag which looks nice, but still looks like it's far from a finished version. The team used the Dogmas (mainly) with some riders opting to go for the KOBH (probably those riders who wanted to attempt to get to the velodrome) </p><p>I like the Movistar colours, on a bike they look stunning. Old school Campag rims have been pulled out of a cellar somewhere clad with 25mm Conti Competition tyres. Not a massive concession to comfort when many teams have settled on 27/28mm tyres. I didn't notice many riders opting for double wrapped bars either.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/movistar-paris-roubaix">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-73447411224004704822011-04-20T07:01:00.001+01:002011-04-20T07:01:57.549+01:00Cicle Classic<div class='posterous_autopost'><object height="300" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oS-ZgDyD2RE&hl=en&fs=1&hd=1" /></param><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oS-ZgDyD2RE&hl=en&fs=1&hd=1" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="opaque" height="300" width="500"></embed></object><p /> A short film from Geoff Waugh. It's a shame there was no major coverage on TV this year as I like this race. I rode the Sportive many years ago and was shocked at how rolling it was. The English passion for all things Flemish continues to grow. All we need is 20 or 30 more of these races which will help develop a whole new bunch of riders as we see racing on the road becoming a more difficult task to operate. <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/cicle-classic">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-10659571634087362842011-04-19T10:11:00.001+01:002011-04-19T10:11:33.848+01:00Smelling the flowers<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/oEIBAzwprJsDmgewlsppuerhpHadqjhqqBvctcrAAwsxjvfBptfABdbDDnvH/p3089.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3089" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/oEIBAzwprJsDmgewlsppuerhpHadqjhqqBvctcrAAwsxjvfBptfABdbDDnvH/p3089.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/elFokigyvwHigjJndhkefedJwkrhvmbxDqElyAIIfcqimBIJeFireAbquACy/p3091.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3091" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/elFokigyvwHigjJndhkefedJwkrhvmbxDqElyAIIfcqimBIJeFireAbquACy/p3091.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/yukCGFGGbiHBrjdBuEJyuHFbboJsFxAwHyeabCBzEbdwxiupBEHBaseefgfE/p3093.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3093" height="603" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/yukCGFGGbiHBrjdBuEJyuHFbboJsFxAwHyeabCBzEbdwxiupBEHBaseefgfE/p3093.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/JxkfereDFkdymnhfbbrcJcyukuEBCkxsadDgkHIFrlHIHvouiEdoprtlGadb/p3095.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3095" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/JxkfereDFkdymnhfbbrcJcyukuEBCkxsadDgkHIFrlHIHvouiEdoprtlGadb/p3095.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/idqakGbwAronFfnpChhfssjsiEixhCgqBGhADkxJhEunIBogHzuJewuimEHg/p3097.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3097" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/idqakGbwAronFfnpChhfssjsiEixhCgqBGhADkxJhEunIBogHzuJewuimEHg/p3097.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/HegxbyHJFdBiJluazxgAlyrwDfhoDyCvgseGgofIwAAverzxnackBpltkEJq/p3099.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3099" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/HegxbyHJFdBiJluazxgAlyrwDfhoDyCvgseGgofIwAAverzxnackBpltkEJq/p3099.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/xexIqCnwrfvyDgGCoDAxuEbjIEDJyBfIJFdCdFgeIcazDrwFDCwdbDybbHeI/p3101.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P3101" height="661" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/xexIqCnwrfvyDgGCoDAxuEbjIEDJyBfIJFdCdFgeIcazDrwFDCwdbDybbHeI/p3101.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/smelling-the-flowers">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p>… or it could have easily been called 'Long live short Rides'. So often we never tell tales of the short rides we do, but this morning may have lacked the 'Epic' factor but it was high on the smile one. <p>I've been back 40 minutes or so since I've got back and I've had my breakfast now. It's a nice way to start the day and sometimes it's good to remember to squeeze every last drop out of it. I really enjoyed the swooping lanes and looking at all the beautiful flowers that the spring carpet is rolling out. Here's to a good day for everyone. </p><p>p.s. I was trying out some new items from Castelli today. Rosso Corsa Gloves, Free Bibs and the new GPM jersey. I'll get back to you with some thoughts soon.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/smelling-the-flowers">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104141093838009082.post-16610326593106268892011-04-17T20:44:00.001+01:002011-04-17T20:44:22.241+01:00Saxo Bank-SunGard - Baden Cooke Before Paris-Roubaix<div class='posterous_autopost'><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/TQYSC4hKRdWjEh6DfHYeNaNP3XO9DYmgXYSGZMWPdjSk3MJT88P62xVjYH77/image.jpeg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Image" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/sprintingforsigns/cju9wHaicjQ7ZQ3M40Sgah6tuQxKTullSAewD6gvUt0hc8z1oEFv2iX8TXJg/image.jpeg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <p><object height="300" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Py820QTJXFc&hl=en&fs=1&hd=1" /></param><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Py820QTJXFc&hl=en&fs=1&hd=1" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="opaque" height="300" width="500"></embed></object><p /> It's interesting what Baden says about a longer wheel base making a huge difference. When you think about it this makes a lot of sense as the wheels are further apart so creating natural flex and absorption through the frame. The longer wheel base also allows for a larger volume tyre to be used, and most of the serious contenders have settled on 27/28mm to be the optimum. For many a Roubaix bike is the perfect bike for all of the riding. Comfort and more stable handling are traits which new and seasoned riders can all enjoy, so no wonder this category continues to grow.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://sprintingforsigns.posterous.com/saxo-bank-sungard-baden-cooke-before-paris-ro">Sprinting for Signs's posterous</a> </p> </div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12908487925521637028noreply@blogger.com0