A Repsonse to The Service Course - a blog you should visit

I posted this in repsonse to and Ryan's post on Friday, April 09, 2010, 10 Things About Paris-Roubaix. If you haven't read this blog take a look, it's worth a read and a good daily distraction.

My response:

I've been routing for Tyler Farrar all season. I agree with a recent interview that Robbie Mcewan gave. He said that Farrar isn't a pure sprinter, but that he can see him becoming a great Classic's rider.
I'd agree, being a pure Sprinter like Cavendish isn't really his bag. Don't get me wrong, he's quick, but he seems to be developing a passion for the Cobbles. I can see him winning de Ronde and maybe Roubaix one day.

photo by kristof ramon

Today I think he may bag another top 10 finish, but if it comes down to a bunch sprint he's got a good a chance as any of the top contendors. Maybe we'll have a finish like in 1981 when Hinault won the sprint, and nobody was expecting that.

Roubaix Video Teasers

Compared to last year there seems to be much more in the way of Previews of the Teams on the cobbles this year. Here are a few to get you in the mood for tomorrow. Looks like it may be hot like 2007, but I was secretly hoping that it'd be like 2001. So enjoy. Oh for the record I am going for:

1.Flecha - SKY
2. Cancellara - SAXO Bank
3. Boonen - Quick-Step








2001, what a race. Tough conditions and an inform Domo Team. George is left exposed with no Team mates.



and a little bit from the film that has started a million passions for this race.

The Cycling Year 1990

This post is inspired by a book called The Cycling Year. It chronicles the events of the 1990 cycling season. The words come courtesy of Phil Liggett, John Wilcockson and Rupert Guinness and are equally matched by the stunning photos, captured by Graham Watson and Cor Vos.

It is only when you stare long and hard at a photograph that you see the details, the little things that while not making the photo a point of interest, do at least get your mind wondering.

Whilst the smaller things are some what lost in the hazy images attached, I can at least add a few words to my favourites, which will hopefully jog memories of riders, victories and bikes...

The front cover shows Greg LeMond on the Champs-Elysees, on the verge of capturing his third tour victory. Whilst this is a historic sporting moment, there two things I can't stop thinking about.

His track mit's, have the initials R.P, on the leather palm, inked with a permanent marker pen. It always instills the same image in my mind, one where Ronan Pensec is scrambling around, pre stage, looking for the one set of gloves that haven't been soiled and made grimey from a grand tour...

Secondly are his shoes, the Brancale logo's, the bright neon branding hide a set of shoes that aren't just broken in but just plain broken. My thoughts are then transfered to the stories of LeMond getting his personal soigneur / helper Otto to put the shoes in an oven to dry them out, on a particularly wet Giro . A long day and other duties for Otto meant the shoes were left to cook slightly longer than was required, leaving the shoes whilst dry, also mildly singed and smouldering.

The next image is that of Erik Van Lanker on his way to Victory in L-B-L. This is a favourite on a few fronts. Firstly the Panasonic - Sportlife team kit is one of my favourites and its the only time neon has been put to good effect. Once again my eyes are drawn to other details within the picture. This is 1990, Edvig Van Hooydonk hasn't thought about chopping up his tights to make 3/4's and convential knee warmers have yet to catch on. Erik has medical wrap style bandages, around both knees to protect him from the cold. This is a point of interest in itself but its the safety pins which are holding the things up, that make me smile. Silicon grippers found on today's "warmers" should be appreciated if only for Erik and his safety pins.

The Avocet 30 computer on his bars. Perhaps it is this tiny detail that ages this image, the technical features extented only to that of a top speed. When compared to SRM, Power Tap the unit seems somewhat lacking. But for me cycling has never been about watts / power and every time I see an Avocet, it makes me want to dig out my old computer from the garage drawer and put it on my bike. Top speed is the figure that makes you smile, so why do you need anything else?

The final image is that of Giles Delion, a huge talent, winning the Tour of Lombardy. It is the pure joy on his face that makes this photo. Captured just as he's about to lift his arms up, in victory salute. It is that pause, pre salute that captures the finest moment of Delion's career, that makes this shot. I have no doubt, the feeling has lasted and the memory is as strong as ever for Dellion. The Suntour Superbe Pro groupo, TVT frameset, Time Equipe pedals are the things that have been cast into history. Whatever happened to TVT?

Team members

Unlike many blogs I decided not to name it after myself. The name Sprinting for Signs came from an activity that exists in any group or club ride no matter what level you ride at. The thrill of beating your peers to a marker off in the distance is for many the start of the racing bug, or just an added way to keep fit. Often I have been pipped at the post, but occasionally I have managed to get a first (but not very often).

Another reason I never wanted my site to bear my name was that someday I'd hoped to gather a few more like minded bike people who'd like to pen a few words and muse over the Cycle World at large. I always enjoy sites where there is more than one voice, but with a shared passion. So with this in mind I present a new writer on SfS, Paulo Fonzaso. I hope you enjoy his words, thoughts and passion for the world of bikes.

Cycling is very much a Team Sport and not just the riders, but all the background staff, mechanics and DS's. I'm hoping that as the Sprinting for Signs Team grows it will continue to be a source of joy and escape. Thanks for reading and get out and have a great ride.

Tour of Flanders 2010, Video coverage

Maybe only in America could you add more drama to the MOST important race in the Belgian calendar. It's nice and the footage looks very nice in black and white. When will somebody do a Road to Roubaix style pic on Flanders?



I've added this after having it brought to my attention, action on the Paterberg



Having a camera mounted roadside really shows how steep these climbs are.

 

At 27km, with the voice of a legend, Sean Kelly



This was the second time that Cancellara put the hammer down. Losing a reported 5kg in weight seems to have given him the edge that he required to make the difference. Can't find footage of the first time on the Molenberg.



Great footage just showing the damage been done. I like the fact you can see the massive time gaps between the riders and how the cameraman (or maybe a friend) gets excited when his favourite riders go past. Isn't it great to be a fan.




This piece of coverage shows the final 10km. The damage has been done, the red hammer has been struck. Fabian goes into TT mode, impressive stuff.

Fabian at Flanders, in his own words

The Ronde van Vlaanderen in Fabian's own words. 

Flanders is Looming, my kit list

I was hoping to do a really cool post with lots of nice photos of the kit I will be taking. But alas work has been really busy and has left me completely knackered! So I thought I'd do a bit more of a list and pull some images off at some point, probably after the event.


Okay here is my list of clothes:
Jacket I'll take my dhb Event. It has a little more room round the mid section, no point in fooling anybody at the moment.

Shorts, well brushed shorts to be exact. I'll be taking my Craft ones as the pad is good and it's comfy for long periods.

Knee Warmers - the best ones I have for fit, warmth and mental well being are my Gore Bikewear Thermos.

They are proper PRO in length. Think Paris Nice if you need an image.

Leg Warmers - in this instance I'll take my Assos ones, enough said.

Arm Warmers - Likely to be Assos again or dhb.

Baselayer - I'll take a couple, mainly from CRAFT, but I have a secret squirrel one that I am testing if the weather conditions permitt.

Shoes - Northwave SBS. Stiff comfy and a relaible friend. As much as I love my new Lake CX401, I don't want to get the new shoes messed up on the Bergs.

Gloves - again I'll take a couple of options but I reckon it'll be the Castelli Nano that I use. I have some dhb Neoprene ones that I will take also.

Socks - both winter and 5" Cuff SockGuy Ronde van Vlaanderen specials will be packed.

Jerseys - I'll opt for a summer jersey of some description, not really decided except for that it'll need good pockets.

Gilet - I have a couple of Gore ones. In case the weather brightens up and the jacket can be stashed away, it's likely that I'll keep the core protected.

Cotton Cap - essential for shit windy weather.

Other kit:
Sportique Centuary Riding Cream - Hours of protection while in the saddle. This is my current favourite Chamois Creme.

Warming Oil. Getting old and well it helps with the old muscles and aches and pains. Either Morgan Blue or Sportique.

Elements Cream - shit this stuff is bloody amazing. It really stops you getting that wind chaffed look all over your face and legs, due to the ingredients it works it hot or cold weather. It works and if it's cheating I'm all for it.

Rudy Project Genetyk Glasses with photochromatic lenses, essential for Sportive riding in my books.

Bell Volt Helmet, oh so comfy but not the greatest for ventilation, which is no bad thing at this time of the year.

I'll be riding a Felt FC this year. That will be a change as this isn't my bike but a loaner. The bike itself is a revelation, stiff comfortable and a great direct ride. I'm looking forward to seeing how the bike copes with the cobbles.

So apologies for that lack of pictures, but I thought I'd at least give an idea of the kit I'll be using.