4 Years on the Trot

Specialized must be delighted, four years on the trot for the win in Flanders and now two back to back for both Zipp and Sram. Congratulations guys.

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Race Moment of the Year ...

TDWSport.com

Could there be any other moment this year which over shadowed the race itself? Well it has to go to Fabian Cancellara passed Tom Boonen on the Muur. I've watched it countless times and it still leaves me stunned to see the ease in which he moves past, almost like the hill wasn't there. I'm not for a minute casting any doubts on his perfromance, no batteries required I think.

This short portion of the film captures the moment and stops before all the show boating begins. I think if there hadn't been all of that going on it would have probably won Race of the Year.

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Cav's Tour of Flanders Set Up

Short little video today, Cav being a little bit of a bike geek. This makes me like him a little bit more, and it also makes me realise that he loves riding his bike, and I think that translates well into his riding.

TDW Sport

 

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FMB Paris Roubaix, Pave King

 I mentioned recently that it was Specialized's third straight victory in a row. I'm not sure if another manufacturer has managed this feat before, and currently I don't have the time to research it more fully. But the point of the article today is not to marvel in the big American Super Power Bike Brand, but it is to revel in the little guy who also has become the first name in quality tubulars.

Francois Marie Boyeaux is the man behind the the tubulars that bare his initials. Like many artists it acts both as a signature and a brand. It seems fitting that a French tyre should be the one that should be used to tame the pave. Boonen used the Paris Roubaix Pro tyre to great effect. You can't really hide the manufacturer as it screams FMB, even with no logo's on them. Tom used the 25mm version which is made with a cotton carcuss with added protection coming from a 0.2mm thick latex covering. This is a process used by a lot of Pro mechanics to help protect and speed up the ageing process of maturing tubs, plus it adds some welcome protection from side impacts when applied to that area. For those who have ridden a matured tub and a latex treated one say that the performance and feel is the same. The big benefit is the time gain, you no longer have to wait 3-5 years for some bombproof tyres.

What was different was this year many Teams choose to use the regular Roubaix version, albeit in the 27mm version. If you take a look on Fabian's bike it may be rebranded as Specialized, but it is clearly an FMB (the base tape and block style printing are giveaways). Roubaix requires special equipment, and as the major element in reducing the effects of the cobbles is a well made tubular is crucial. This isn't the first time SAXO Bank have used them, as they turned up to Roubaix last year with these on, minus the logos. To be honest FMB where a bit off the radar, but with Teams like SKY and SAXO being a little more open about the equipment they use it has shed a spotlight upon the brand.

T

These tyres really are handmade. The photo shows the Team SKY ones being made.

Between the Pro and the Regular version it's only the latex strip that is the obvious difference, tread appears to be the same. There is no mention of what inner tube is in the respective versions, but if I where to hazzard a guess it would be that the Pro version also uses a latex tube while the Regular version has a butyl tube (but maybe a trick ultralite one). Looking at the other versions of the tyres in the range it looks like the treads are taken from some of the best brands around, Continental, Veloflex and Vittoria all look to be represented. Construction is by hand and I think the attention to detail is what the vetran mechanics look for. The backing tape (where the glue mounts the tyre to the rim) is thicker than average allowing more glue to be soaked up, while at the same tyre allowing the mechanic to straighten them on the rim with more ease.

The first win of the year went to SKY using them. Frankly they look so Pro on the bikes it is ridiculas. There is something about a black tyre with an amber wall that just shouts class. I was impressed with the choice of these tyres by SKY, and although I am sure that Vittoria (SKY's official tyre sponsor) was a little miffed I have to say that in the pursuit of the win to gain that little bit extra they where prepared to ruffle a few feathers. If Vittoria are sensible they will build a tyre as good for next season for the Team.

Fabian has a bit of a reputation for having an eye for detail, and maybe it's that subtle 'look at me' he was after, rather than the 'LOOK AT ME' that the Pro tyre screams. The whole look of the Stealth Black bike was really finished off nicely with the tyres. FMB seems to have taken over from Dugast as the Pros (not so) secret weapon. The price of the Regular Roubaix isn't that bad, not considering it's pedigree. Lets not forget Fabian didn't puncture once, ok he bust a Zipp, but the tyre and wheel where intact long enough to get to a more sensible section to change bikes.

For those riders taking part in the Paris-Roubaix Randonee in June it may be a sensible idea to consider tubs. The better puncture resistance it offers could be very welcome for us budding amateurs, and maybe for one minute or so flying across the pave you too can pretend you are the King of the Pave.

 

thanks to C3 Products for the FMB images

George Hincapie, and the Cobbles

 
I'm not sure that any American racer has displayed the passion and love for the Pave like George has. He's made it cool for a whole generation of young (American) cyclists to aspire to being more than a Grand Tour rider, and frankly in my books that is no bad thing.

The question is, and a one frequently asked, will George ever win Roubaix or the Ronde? He has had some close calls, his best possible chances have been in Roubaix, and there have been a few. I still think that 2002 could rightly claim the spot for the ride where he could have won. Museeuw was away, George was chasing with a team mate who was a similar height and this made identification difficult for the commentators. Slowly they where clawing back kilometres and time towards the lone escapee. Suddenly on a cobbled section George fell into a ditch, apparently suffering with 'the knock'. It was pretty cold and damp that day and obviously the effects of chasing hard to get back to him had taken there toll. Oh and the Team mate was a 22 year old Tom Boonen who started the race as another promising Belgian talent, but ended up with him becoming one of the Cobble masters, winning Roubaix three times. A move to Quick Step soon followed and the rest is recent history. On that day Boonen finished third and Hincapie sixth.

George's best placing in Roubaix was a second in 2005, when Tom won his first of three (so far) Roubaix victories. Tom did the double having won Flanders the weekend before and was on fine form. It finished in a sprint which there was only ever going to be one winner.




Watching this small clip from this years Ronde van Vlaanderen shows how much he is at ease on the stones.



But George's palmares are not blank when it comes to winning on the pave. Winning Gent-Wevelgem in 2001 and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne in 2005 would rank highly on many professionals lists, but you get the sense with Hincapie these, although important, are not the reasons he gets up in the morning to train.

George's highest placing in Flanders came in 2006 when he bagged a third behind Boonen (yep him again) in first and Leif Hoste in second. From the consistent placings over the years George knows he has the right stuff to be a winner, he's just had some bad luck (think 06 with the broken fork in Roubaix a week later) which has been the difference between the second step and first.



I'd like for George to win it once, and if it could be awarded for the never give up mantra, he should get it. This year both at Roubaix and Flanders he didn't have a chance against Cancellara as he was truly stunning. So back to the question, 'Will George ever win Flanders or the Roubaix' well I'd have to say No as the other guys around him are stronger and younger, but you can never really say never until he hangs up his wheels. George has that ability to make adults believe in Father Christmas again, but I fear that the cold reality that its not going to happen is creeping up on any die hard Hincapie fan. George comes over as a nice guy, and for once it'd be great to see the nice guy not finish last (well 2nd 3rd or whatever, but you get my point), but to see him aloft the top step.

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. 

Monday Musings - The Hope of a Good Ride

It's just over 8 weeks to Flanders and with 7 weeks less training in my legs I feel that the next 6 weeks are going to be brutal. I sent a confessional email to my Coach last night telling my woes and asking what I should do. I only sent it last night so I've not had his view on what I should be doing. A Coach you may say well let me explain.

Without something to aim for on a regular basis I'd probably just plod round the Lanes, and to be honest I'd probably enjoy myself nicely. But there is a competitive spirit that lies dormant within me for most of my working week, but put me on a bike and I like sprinting for signs like anyone does. My competive activities these days are confined to Sportives and Fondo's but I am being goaded into riding some Crits, which could be interesting! Having a Coach allows me to obtain some discipline and focus to my cycling, and in many ways backs up things I have read. It's a bit like cyclings version of having a priest to tell your sins to as you feel obliged to get out and do it, if not your excuse better be a good solid one.

So I'll be setting the turbo back up tonight with the hope that doing a session will not only sort the body out but the head also. Fear can be a good motivator but knowing that your legs have the ammo to carry you round is a friend I am looking to catch up with soon, and is much more of a welcome partner than knowing you haven't done enough. Well if it all goes wrong at least there will be Duvel in the evening :-)

The Ride, or how we remain inspired

Today I've been out on the bike. That in itself is nothing special, except for the fact that this was my first ride for pleasure since I got Swine Flu. The Flu itself was grim at times, but I think the after effects where probably worse. Lacking energy and any hunger to enter the pain cave the weeks rolled by and six weeks came since the dreaded virus.

The downside is that the 3th of April is looming and I have massive gaps to make up on the fitness level. The exercises I posted come from my Coach, Yes Coach. Why, well I'm crap (desperate to be better) and any help makes me a better rider and I love having something to focus towards. Otherwise all of my rides on my own would end up being a pootle (or bimble) round the lanes and I wouldn't progress.

Progression as a cyclist is what we crave, even if the process of getting better is just small steps. To see the progress is easy if you keep a log of rides/training. It doesn't have to be a bind and reduce you to a mess of noting how many times you've been to loo or weighing food for instance.

So the uphill challenge is on, my route to Flanders has been tougher than I was planning. I'll be in contact with my coach to see what he suggests on geting me ride fit by time end of March. I guess it maybe be even more painful than my comeback sessions in November. But the perverse thing is that I know come the Sportive all the suffering, pain and sweat will be worth it when I beat my own targets, and that is surely the great attraction of any Sportive.

King Kelly

Sean Kelly is one of the few PRO's that I have ever got star struck over (along with Eddy Merckx). I met him a few years ago and like a star struck groupie I managed to say hello and that's about it. Irony is that he's one of the more approachable guys out there, according to those who know him well.

As a PRO he rode through three decades and saw many changes in both the technology of bikes (and equipment) and how racing changed. I bet 1/2 a hour with him would provide many useful soundbites and thoughts on racing then and today. It's difficult not to like Kelly, as a rider we won many of the important races, and some more than once. I like him because he's earthy, hard working and even today still loves to ride his bike.

AN Post may not be the biggest of Teams but you have to respect a guy who is busy with commentating and charity duties while at the same time being involved in the team. On the subject of the Team, they will be using CRAFT baselayers (or underwear if we are thinking Euro speak) for next season. The CRAFT kit is excellent and are currently my favorite for moisture management.

Some of the UK magazines have been talking about Cavendish as the greatest Sprinter of all time. This maybe true, but it is difficult to compare generations to one another, although we can't help ourselves. Is he the fastest, probably Yes, but this season will see many of the famous lead out train on different teams and this will no doubt influence the speed he is delivered to the last 250m.

Kelly is harder to pigeon hole. It would be easy to call him a Sprinter, winning the Green jersey four times (and the Vueltas Blue jersey 4 times as well) and Milan San Remo twice. But is Kelly the last of the 'Great Ones', able to win Classics (Paris Roubaix, L-B-L and Tour de Lombardi), Grand Tours (Vuelta) and short stage races (Paris-Nice and Tour de Suisse). I am unsure if we'll see this kind of rider again. For me this is a shame as the true all-rounder is what lifts riders such as Merckx, Hinault and Kelly into that 'Great arena'.

I'm not going to waffle on about his results but these great clips shows more than I can say in words. Hopefully at some point I'd like to interview him, then I'll have something to write about.

The Calendar

Like any important date on the calendar the expectation that comes before Christmas can surpass the event itself sometimes. Maybe this is why before racing people get so nervous & need to pee a lot, & in some cases puke.

It's difficult not to apply the same build up while approaching a major event cycling wise as you can to Christmas; be it Flanders, the Etapé or the club 10. As important & special these events are would they benefit from a slighty more relaxed build up, and allowing the day to unfold?

Nerves & anticipation produce one positive side effect, adrenalin. The fight or flight instinct kicks in & the first part of any race/ride could be run on this alone. But like a sugar spike the loss of adrenalin in the system feels harsh & cruel once depleted. Caffeine & any energy product helps feed the system ready for the next attack and the bodies next fix of natural highs.

I'm looking forward to not only my first time on the bike in over three weeks but next year. Already I will be facing new challenges & old. New sportives, some enduro Mtb and Crit racing seemed to have crept onto the calendar for next year. I'm looking forward to the challenges and the Highs & Lows that come with it.

Philippe Gilbert and Silence Lotto

I have long been a fan of Gilbert and have admired his gustsy riding style which is reminestant of days before power metres and HRM's. So often he has shot his bolt to early and shown all of his cards and not won a race that he should have. Many, including I, wondered how the move to Silence Lotto would pan out. On FDJ he was King and sat alone on top of the castle. Going to Silence he would have to share that lofty spot with other riders that could also dominate in the same races he enjoys. On balance it has proved to be a good move and when others have not been able to step up to the plate he has been there or there abouts to show the Team colours.



In the last two weeks he has won four races, in itself no big deal, Cavendish does this on demand. What is impressive is the range of races he has won, showing his all round class that has always been there, but now he has delivered the goods. Silence Lotto had a tough Spring Classics season. Coming close at Flanders, where Philippe finished 3rd, and although having two riders in the decisive breakaway in Roubaix, it ended up with nothing but dissapointment and heartache for the Team. The Ardennes Classics showed glimpes of what may have been, but again failed to deliver a podium spot for the Team, so close but no champagne. The TdF came and went and Evans was unable to explain his lack of form after being a major contendor in the last two years.



Time to regroup and a new focus came over them, Evans new he had a chance at the Worlds course. In some ways Evans makes a better short stage race/hilly Classics rider than an all out GC rider. The years of racing solo as a mountian bike rider translate better to these races and in my mind is where he should concentrate. Maybe it's the UCI's fault in removing the old World Cup competition is a reson that many don't want to pin their colours to the mast as there is nothing to aim for. The Pro Tour Series leader jersey has failed to capture the riders imagination in the same way as the outgoing competition. Winners of the World Cup read like a who's who of cycling and in my oinion was a better measure of the best rider that season.



So Evans went on to win a great World Champion's jersey, in a style which showed to me the Evans pre road cycling. The guy who believed in him self and made all of his rivals fear the explosive power and surge of speed he has (last seen, ergh let me think, that's it while at Mapei). I hope that he breaks the curse that seems to fall on the jersey holder. Because this is only a recent thing, in years gone past the holder of the jersey would go onto win some great victories wearing the most coverted of all jerseys.



Evans is now basking in the respect given to the World Champion, and this has given birth to a new man. Unlike many he has become a 'star and water carrier' and Gilbert's victories over the last two weeks owe some debt to Evan's performance for the cause. Having the World Champion in your Team lifts you beyond and above any doubts of the previous months nearlys and almost ran situations.



I am pleased for the Silence Lotto outfit. Unlike Quick Step who attain rock star status whenever they show up (especially in Belgium), Silence are a little more B list in comparison. This won't be the case next year as the weight of expectation will be heavy on their shoulders. I hope that they are able to cast them off and soar to new heights. Marc Sergeant will go into the winter being to plan for next year filled with optimism and hope for good results, happy days.

Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX 320 Tpi - IMO

Testing tyres in many ways is one of the easier things you can test. Take off the old ones, discard old tubes (if you are being really good), fit new ones inflate and ride. Damn sounds really easy. The hard bit comes in trying to find different types of surfaces to try them on and in varied weather conditions. Over the period of the test neither have been a problem.



Okay to the first ride. This also happened to be my last epic ride in Hertfordshire so it has clear and fond memories. I left the house early, the weather was gently simmering away, not hot but at the same time not cold, ideal conditions in my books. Not bothering with knee warmers I ensured the legs had some embrocation on them, just in case. Jacket stuffed into the back pocket I was off.

Ten kilometres into the ride I had to stop, bollocks I thought I have a puncture. Getting off the bike and giving the tyre a knowing squeeze I was surprised to find that the tyre was solid. Great I thought, but I thought wow this tyre is supple. Concerned I may be too heavy (this tyre is very light at 210g) for it I was conscious of the road terrain so not to tempt fate.



The ride turned out to be an epic 100km one, which hadn't been planned but just ended up being a great first ride test. I had encountered the rough lanes of Herts plus some unplanned off road section of around 3km. So that was the varied terrain covered. Weather wise as I have already mentioned was a nice Spring day, warm at 16 degrees but towards the last 25km it started to rain. It was the nice warm rain that is surprisingly refreshing to tired legs.

Onto the performance. As I mentioned above this tyre is very supple. I think that this is the closest I have ridden to a tubular performance on a clincher. If you wanted to go for the ultimate experience you could try fitting a latex tube as this would narrow the gap. Dry weather performance is awesome with the herringbone and file treads combined with the tyre's compound offering bags of grip. Rolling resistance, or the lack of it, is awesome even at 120-130 psi. I put this down to one thing the 320tpi casing of the tyre, which although is only 30tpi higher than the original has transformed a great tyre into a "must have' one.



I have ridden these tyres in rides where it has started off dry and ended up being wet and greasy, Unlike some top end tyres that require some adjustment to your riding style once the conditions turn the Open CX just kept on offering bags of grip time and time again. Railing around corners in the wet or dry was awesome and never once did I have one of those moments when you think 'oh shit'.

I have ridden around a 1000km on this tyre on a multitude of roads and two different countries and I have to say that this is a 5 star tyre, truly is a real performance enhancer for your bike. In the test period I never suffered a single puncture and small cuts are to a minimum, which considering the price is welcome as it enables you to buy with confidence. Some of this has to be down to the 320tpi casing and the new PRB 2.0 Aramidic protective belt, it's light and it works better than the previous version.



Now the big question Would I Ride it at Flanders (WIRIAF), that would be a resounding yes, especially as they have a 25mm tyre which would offer more comfort and grip over the cobbles. I'll be buying some more once these wear out, I'd advise you to do the same they are brilliant.

Tour of Flanders 09

Over the winter it was tough to train at times as the great British Weather did it's best to make it as difficult as possible to venture out on a bike. What with freezing temperatures that wouldn't be out of place in Russia, and then more snow than the transport system could deal with. It is a winter I would best forget. So this year I arrived in Belgium 6.5 kg heavier than last year and with very few kilometers in my legs.

So, I've made my excuses, now onto my synopsis of the weekend. Being in one of cycling’s great heartlands seems to feed the soul and lifts the spirits like a double espresso on a cold day. Getting off the train in Brussels you know you are in Europe, the sites and smells are all different, and I like it. I would be staying in a very nice hotel in the town of Denize where Ghent Wevelgem starts, so I couldn't be more in the Flemish hinterland. Feeling spoilt by my hosts I unpacked my bags and got ready for dinner.



Much is made of Belgian beer and chocolate, but you never hear of the great cuisine that they have. I liked the food a lot, cordon bleu but without the fluff, don't get me wrong it was incredibly well put together but you get the feeling that taste is king in Belgium. Unfortunately there wasn’t much in the way of heavy carbs on the menu, so I would have to make do with the excellent food before me and cram a few more bread rolls into to fuel the furnace for tomorrow.

On a cold(ish) foggy morning we reached our meeting point, running a little late we would have no time to get to start to sign on if we wanted to start the ride with Museeuw. So with a swift greeting we were off. The parcours for the randonnee changed dramatically from last year with a new section of flat cobbles thrown in before the Molenberg. At first this threw me as I had a moment where I was wondering if we'd ridden these last year, only in the evening did I know they where new. Foolishly I hadn't bothered to look at the route.



As it turned out it wouldn't be the only change to the route. Open Motorway sections were replaced by a series of bike paths that ran parallel to the road from last year. In many ways this was better as the new paths were on a whole traffic free and the biggest hazard was the concrete bollards that stopped cars from using them.

The lack of fitness showed as I had lost the Museeuw group. I was firmly on my own now and my only riding partner was Northern grit. Conscious that I had only ridden half that distance this year I was concerned about blowing if I went to hard. Settling into a rhythm I seemed to play cat and mouse with a group off 30 riders most of the day. At least it was some familiar, if unknown, faces in the ride. Last year it rained most of the day and this year had a damp tinge to the air, so far I am to experience a hot day like 2007. If the same weather faced me next year I will forgo any leg or knee warmers and opt for some embrofication and don a set Belgium Knee Warmers. As the day progressed the weather improved allowing me to pack away my gilet for the rest of the ride.



As we had missed the official sign on to ride with Johan we did not have the number board, which allowed you to access the feeding stations. Thankfully our hosts Morgan Blue would meet at predetermined spots to allow us to refuel some bottles. I met Kurt outside the second feed, grabbed a coke and mixed it with some water (old school energy drink!) and a couple of these fantastic little fruit bars. They resembled a big fig roll, very delicious indeed.



Andrea Tafi famously said, "if you don't turn up to Flanders fit, it is then the way of the cross". With that quote lurking in the back of my mind I knew half way in he was right. I now know that the training for Flanders has to start no later than November (maybe October!). The ride shared similar elements of toughness as last year but for different reasons. In ’08 the weather and my crash on a descent would prove to make the ride tougher than I was expecting. This year lack of fitness would equal that feeling.



Having ridden the climbs before it prepares the mind and body for how tough they are. You can see the importance of such riders as Andreas Kiler to a team like Cervelo. These guys know every inch of the course, how the wind moves and where to place you on the climbs. Experience of riding Flanders and having a Team captain who knows it inside out is like having another rider or two in the Team.



Riding the cobbles once before it prepares your body and brain for the vibrations and lines to look for. I have tried to replicate this in the UK and have found it (so far) impossible. I think it'll take a while before I'll master my technique on them. Maybe this is part of the appeal that draws you into the Flemish bossom. I have done a lot of mountain biking in my past and I thought that I could pick a line, but trying to do this on cobbles with a 24 mm tyre requires a deft hand, which I am still to master.



Riding the course with so many people riding adds to the experience and coupled with the hundreds of people that line the climbs on the Sportive make for a very special atmosphere. You can see why this is the most important day in cycling in Belgium, whether you are a Flandrian or a Walloone.

I am not going to lament on my lack of fitness any more as I am the only one that can be held responsible for that but I'll focus on the positives:
1. This year I didn't crash. After last year it was important that I made it round the course without any major disasters.
2. I got up all the climbs I didn't last year (but ironically I didn't make it up three that I did last year!)
3. I am officially hooked. I think that this is a truly great event, and should be on everyone’s list to do at least once, no matter how long you have been riding. Let's face it can 20,000 people be that wrong.



I can see myself going back at least twice more. Once to do all the climbs (without having to stop), it'd be great to nail that. Then I think at least once I will need to do the full 260 km version. But realistically I doubt it'll end there, as the Flemish passion and spirit has spread into my blood and the only cure is more cobbles. Many thanks to both Wiggle and Morgan Blue for the trip.

Rouleur to Puncheur

The French manage to capture words that describe so much better in their language than English, and for me none so more than in the world of cycling. Rouleur, a roller, someone that can push a large gear over flat or rolling terrain. These powers translate well to anyone who would want to spend evenings & weekends racing critriums. Although these riders can turn their hand to any terrain it is another branch of riders that maybe more inspirational to us normal folk.



The Puncheur, as a rider is one that for both UK road racing & sportive riders should aspire to. Puncheurs' typically are as strong as Rouleurs', but have the added weapon of being able to transfer that power to short steep gradients and on their day can keep up with the Grimpeur.



If you currently not a Puncheur, you can increase the likelihood of being so through specific training. This would be tailored around hitting the turbo to do sessions to increase Vo2 Max. This will build upon the base fitness that has been established over years of riding. It will allow you to go deeper & harder on the short steep climbs, without hitting your max heart rate.



As the cobbles are my main passion, this will be my training focus to get ready for Flanders. It may seem crazy to be thinking about the first week in April now; but I am determined to turn up fit & ready to break my own records. I'm going to enjoy the rest of the summer, hope you do to.