BikeRadar.com Road News

Halfords website now offering premium cycling brands

Sam Dansie — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:20:00 GMT

Halfords have launched an ambitious strategy to corner the market for cycle clothing, accessories and spares with the arrival of 185 new brands including Adidas, Lezyne and Sportful.

Today, a day after the company reported a 25 percent fall in profits to the March year end on the year before, they outlined a fight-back plan to capitalise on the buoyant cycling market.

An overhauled website selling 15,000 product lines went live earlier this week. The company also said they would increase investment in their stores and spend millions of pounds improving customer service.

The aim is to capture a section of the enthusiasts’ market – characterised by sportive riders and commuters using cycle to work schemes – while maintaining their focus on providing family bikes.

Karen Bellairs, head of cycling at Halfords, told BikeRadar that the company’s network of 460 stores gives them a unique advantage over competitors. Customers will now be able to buy online and pick up the product in store the next day, as well as having items posted to them or ordering in store and getting them delivered, she said.

“We’ve gone live with 15,000 parts accessories and clothing from over 185 brands, so we’re really excited,” she said. “Our key point of difference is using our store network to try and grow this business.” She said more than 90 percent of the UK population live with 25 minutes of a Halfords shop.

Bellairs admitted the company currently have a small share of the parts, accessories and clothing market, and have lost ground to dedicated specialists such as CycleSurgery and Evans Cycles. Halfords' success with brands such as Boardman (a new range is expected in 2014) has already helped entice many enthusiasts to shop with them, she said.

Bellairs also said it was a company goal to improve in-store service and repairs, but that the plan would take time to bring into action. The cycling market is estimated to be worth more than £700m a year and is growing at around five percent.

The revamped, more user-friendly Halfords website is now live.

Learner drivers to be taught cycling awareness

Sam Dansie — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Two of the UK’s biggest motoring schools, the AA and BSM, will give learner drivers dedicated instruction on how to drive safely around cyclists.

AA president Edmund King said today that instructors in both schools would take a module to standardise and improve teaching learner drivers about cyclist safety. Learners will also be taken through a worksheet to help them drive more carefully and considerately near riders.

“I am personally committed to breaking down the ‘two tribes’ attitude displayed between some drivers and cyclists. Often we are the same people,” King said. “This new module means we now have a standardised approach to teaching learners how to drive safely around cyclists from two of the country’s leading driving schools. I am convinced that this initiative will change attitudes and save lives.”

The AA and BSM instructor module covers dos and don’ts for driving around cyclists, and includes guidance for teachers to help get the message across. The pupil worksheet sets out facts about cyclists on the roads, and encourages learners to think about the care, courtesy and consideration they should afford riders.

In September last year, Red Driving School surveyed its instructors and found that 75 percent favoured the introduction of a cyclist awareness module into the driving test.

The news comes in the same week that young driver Emma Way hit a cyclist and later boasted about it on Twitter, saying she had right of way because she paid road tax. She apologised yesterday.

The AA and BSM are part of AA Driving Services.

Danilo Di Luca positive for EPO

Barry Ryan and Stephen Farrand — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:25:00 GMT

This article was originally published on Cyclingnews.com.

Danilo Di Luca has returned a positive test for EPO in an out-of-competition control carried out on April 29, the Monday before the Giro d’Italia began.

The veteran Italian had belatedly signed for Vini Fantini-Selle Italia the previous week after being left without a team when Acqua & Sapone folded at the end of the 2012. He made his return to racing on April 27 at the GP Larciano, finishing in 10th place.

Vini Fantini directeur sportif Luca Scinto confirmed the news of Di Luca's positive for EPO to Cyclingnews.

"It's true," Scinto said in a quiet, sad voice. "He's mad, he's a cretino, he needs treatment. There's nothing else to say. We gave him a second chance and the sponsors put their faith in him and this is how he pays us back. It's crazy that a rider thinks they can get away with it like that."

Di Luca did not answer his phone when contacted by Cyclingnews.

Di Luca previously tested positive for CERA at the 2009 Giro d’Italia and was handed a two-year suspension, subsequently reduced to 15 months after he apparently provided information on doping methodologies to the Italian Olympic Committee.

The 37-year-old Italian also served a three-month suspension in 2007 for his implication in the Oil for Drugs doping investigation centred around Dr. Carlo Santuccione. He had also been prevented from riding the 2004 Tour de France for the same reason.

Di Luca’s 2007 Giro d’Italia victory was also mired in controversy when he returned a suspect sample after the Zoncolan stage – the so-called “pipì degli angeli” – although he subsequently escaped sanction.

In spite of the fact that he had only two days of racing in his legs before this year’s Giro, Di Luca put in a series of eyebrow-raising performances at the race. He came close to stage victory after a late attack on the road to Serra San Bruno on stage 4 and was also aggressive in the finale to Vicenza.

Di Luca had also put in a startling bout of pace-making on the Jafferau in support of teammate Mauro Santambrogio on stage 14.

Speaking to Cyclingnews earlier in the Giro, Di Luca insisted that his strong performances were explicable by “training well all winter” and said that he hoped to continue racing for two more years.

In recent days, reports in the Italian media had linked Di Luca with a move to Astana for the 2014 season.

In further race news stage 19 of this year’s Giro d’Italia has been cancelled due to snow.

On Thursday night organisers RCS Sport announced that the peloton would race a modified route in order to avoid the riders racing in the snow and the risk of ice on the descents.

"Due to adverse weather conditions and, in particular, snow on the stage route in its entirety, stage 19 of the Giro d’Italia, from Ponte di Legno to Val Martello/Martelltal, has been cancelled," race officials confirmed in a press release.

The original race route included the Passo Gavia (2618m high), where Andy Hampsten attacked in the snow to set up victory in the 1988 Giro d'Italia, the Passo dello Stelvio (2758m) with the 139km stage finishing at Val Martello.

The modified route of160km was set to start in Ponte di Legno but was then set to race the descends east to Ponte Mostizzolo in order to tackle the Passo Castrin (1706m) and then climb to the original finish at Val Martello (2059m). However even the conditions on the modified route proved too dangerous.

There has not been any word as to whether stage 20, which was also at risk, will go ahead

A tech office for endurance athletes

Ben Delaney — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Hybris, a digital commerce platform provider, is planning a new kind of office space in Boulder, Colorado, that would cater heavily to endurance sports athletes, offering on-site CompuTrainers, treadmills, massage therapists, coaches and more.

With its office slated to open this summer, hybris is hoping to recruit people who like to train hard and work hard. Boulder has been ranked by many magazines as a great place to be an amateur or professional endurance athlete. Outside Magazine dubbed it one of its 'Best Towns,' National Geographic called it one of America’s' Best Adventure Towns' and Inside Triathlon dubbed the city at 5,430ft elevation its 'Top Triathlon Town.'

“At hybris, we recognize the value of great people and the characteristics that make great employees,” said Marc Graveline, vice president of R&D at hybris. “By nature, endurance sports attract a type of person who strives to work hard, have passion and determination, and a desire to be their best. In Boulder, we hope to bring together two ideals under one roof: high-performance software development and endurance training.”

Hybris is hiring software engineers, quality assurance professionals and technical writers.

Hybris does not yet have a location picked out for its new office

Emma Way apologises for #bloodycyclists tweet

Sam Dansie — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:04:00 GMT

Emma Way, the trainee accountant who knocked a Norwich sportive rider off his bike and then boasted about it on Twitter, has apologised. “It was a spur of the moment, stupid tweet,” the 21-year-old told ITV. “I didn’t realise it would ever escalate to this.”

On Sunday, after knocking Toby Hockley into a hedge during the Boudicca Sportive, Way tweeted: “Definitely knocked a cyclist off his bike earlier – I have right of way he doesn’t even pay road tax! #bloodycyclists”

Asked what she would say to Hockley if he were in front of her, she said: “If I did cause any damage to him I would obviously apologise but I didn’t feel him even touch my car … If I knew that he was hurt I would never have driven off. If I could take back doing that tweet I would, you know my whole career is at risk now, and any damage caused to the cyclist.”

The firm where she works have suspended her, she said, the contract “now possibly over”.

Hockley, although he laughed off the incident with friends in the immediate aftermath, said he was lucky to be alive after Way’s tweet attracted national attention. Norfolk Police are still investigating the incident.

Olympic golden girls headline Prudential RideLondon criterium

BikeRadar — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:18:00 GMT

Olympic team pursuit track cyclists Laura Trott, Dani King and Joanna Rowsell will wow crowds at the Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix in August.

The trio will headline the city centre criterium – the first time elite women will race among London’s iconic landmarks. They’ll be accompanied by rising star Elinor Barker, who took gold in the team pursuit at the world track championships in February, alongside King and Trott.

The GP will be held on 3 August in a spectacular – and fast – 2km (1.3m) loop around St James’ Park. The circuit starts and finishes on The Mall, heads towards Buckingham Palace, turns left and joins Birdcage Walk before a 90-degree corner onto Horse Guards, where it once again hits The Mall.

The Prudential RideLondon GP course

Trott said: “This is a fantastic course. It’s the perfect way to celebrate one year on from the Olympic Games in an amazing weekend of cycling in London and Surrey. I can’t wait to be part of it. Bring it on!”

The women’s Grand Prix, featuring up to 100 of the world’s best riders, will be preceded by a handcycle race and a junior event. Organisers are currently accepting entries for the junior event on the British Cycling website.

The Prudential RideLondon weekend, over 3-4 August, will also feature a free mass participation family ride of up to 50,000 people, a 160km (100-mile) sportive centred on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and a men’s pro road race. The festival of cycling aims to recapture the atmosphere of the London 2012 Games.

Ahead of the sportive, BikeRadar Active are offering a bespoke training plan to help sportive riders train for and maximise their performance on the tough route out into the Surrey Hills before its swings back to the start/finish.

UVEX helmet and eyewear ranges expanded

James Huang — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:22:00 GMT

UVEX continues to grow its expansive range of eyewear and helmets for the coming season – and if we're to believe reports from its US distributor, Magura USA, the brand is gaining steam stateside as well, boosted by its solid reputation, reasonable pricing, and the fact that much of the collection is still made in Germany.

New eyewear bolstered with photochromic options

The new sunglasses range features three key highlights: the US$199/£119.99 SGL 104 Vario, the US$159/£89.99 SGL 202 Race Vario, and the US$149/£69.99 Active Vario Shield. All three models come with photochromic Variomatic Smoke lenses and impressive broad transmission ranges from 9 to 78 percent depending on tint, meaning users shouldn't need to swap lenses with changing conditions.

The SGL 104 Vario is the most sport-oriented of the three, with a traditional shield-type, single-piece lens. This is secured to a continuous upper frame with a novel retractable pin to lock the interchangeable lens in place and bendable ear- and nosepieces for a customizable fit. Available frame colors include white/black, white/green, and all black.

UVEX SGL 104 Vario

The SGL 202 Race Vario is a slightly modified version of UVEX's ultralight standard SGL 202 Vario, adding bendable, stiffer earpieces to go along with the existing bendable nosepiece for a more secure fit when riding off-road. In contrast to the SGL 104 Vario, the 202 is a frameless design for a wider field of view. Frame color choices include black/white, white/black, and green/white.

UVEX SGL 202 Race Vario

Finally, the Active Vario Shield looks similar to the existing Active Vario model but with a new single shield-type lens and no upper frame to block your view. Magura USA will offer this model in black, white/brown, and orange frame colors.

UVEX Active Vario Shield

New helmet models for both on-road and off

UVEX's road helmet range is topped by the new US$239/£139.99 Race 5 model, which is currently being used by the Ag2r-La Mondiale and Argos-Shimano teams. Features include a competitive 225g claimed weight, 23 vents, antibacterial carbon-infused pads, and double in-molded construction with upper and lower microshells for durability.

UVEX Race 5

The easy-to-use, single-dial retention system is also padded for comfort and height adjustable, the ratcheting buckle makes for quicker on-the-bike adjustments, and the entire strap system can be removed from the helmet for washing. Designed in Germany, made in Asia.

Interestingly, UVEX chose to skip the internal reinforcement skeleton used in the previous Race 3 flagship. While that system allowed for bigger and more deeply channeled vents, the company says it's also responsible for that helmet's so-so 270g claimed weight. Magura says that model is still quite popular, though, so it remains in the range for US$199/€169.95.

Topping the MTB range is the US$149/£99.99, made-in-Germany Ultrasonic CC. Like the Race 5, this model features a double in-molded construction with upper and lower shells as well as the same retention system and ratcheting buckle.

UVEX Ultrasonic CC

The Ultrasonic offers a little more coverage on the rear of your head, however. There's a fixed-position visor included, and vent count dips to 19 although the forward-facing ones are augmented with molded-in bug netting. Claimed weight is 235g.

Other popular models such as the made-in-Germany US$119/£74.99 Supersonic and US$99/£59.99 XP CC carry over with updated colors.

For more information see the UVEX website.

Video: Sir Chris Hoy on his cycling career

BikeRadar — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy, who announced his retirement in April, said daily road rides reminded him cycling could be fun after tortuous track and weight sessions during his stellar career.

Hoy recently visited the BikeRadar offices to take us through his new aluminium bike range, which is being produced in conjunction with Evans Cycles. But we also took the opportunity to sit down with the track star – who holds six gold medals and 11 world titles in sprint, team sprint, keirin and the 1km time trial disciplines – to revisit his cycling career.

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In this, the first of five videos, the 37-year-old Scot talks about life as a pro athlete and how recovery rides helped remind him that cycling could still be enjoyable even after the deep burn in his legs following heavy repetitions of track training and weight sessions.

“We did a fair amount of road mileage too,” he said. “I always did road recovery rides every day, for at least one hour, and that kind of allowed me to associate cycling with pleasure and not just with pain. You can actually enjoy riding your bike even through the tough times when you’re really struggling.”

When his career stretched ahead of him, Hoy remembered training up to 20 hours a week on the road. In homage to time spent on Majorcan roads, one of his new bikes is named the Sa Colobra – a famous, snaking climb on the Spanish Balearic island.

“It’s a really tough climb – it’s beautiful but it’s a pretty grim place to be for the last couple of kilometres when you’re struggling, especially when you’re a big sprinter like myself,” Hoy explained.

Reviewing a career that stretches back to his first world championship medal – a bronze in the team sprint in 1999 – Hoy said natural disappointments along the way spurred him to greater effort and training.

“When I look back at my career I don’t have any regrets,” he said. “There were times that were very disappointing and frustrating – you have crashes, you have losses of form, you have races you feel you could have done better in, but they all kind of serve to inspire you to work harder.”

Driver jailed for 10 years for killing Bristol tandem couple

BikeRadar — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:34:00 GMT

A hit and run driver who killed a couple riding a tandem in Bristol in January has been jailed for more than 10 years and handed a lifetime driving ban.

Nicholas Lovell, 38, of West Street, Oldland Common, admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving at Bristol Crown Court last month after killing Ross Simon, 34, and his wife Clare, 30 in Hanham, Bristol. He fled the scene and will now serve a prison sentence of 10 years and six months.

Lovell’s partner, Louise Cox, 35, also of Oldham Common, was sentenced to a year in prison after admitting to perverting the course of justice by providing police with false details about who was driving the Citroen Picasso at the time of the crash.

Audax to harness sportive popularity

Sam Dansie — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:14:00 GMT

Audax UK (AUK), the country’s premier long distance cycling club, want to shake off their “old fashioned” image and attract new members keen to test themselves on rides up to 1,400km long.

The club are planning to launch a new website, among other measures, to attract more riders. They also want to increase the number and quality of 600km-plus events put on annually.

The exploding popularity of sportives could offer AUK thousands of keen entrants eager to test themselves over longer distances, and for a fraction of the costs associated with commercially organised mass participation events.

AUK’s south east regional events organiser, Paul Stewart, told BikeRadar: “It’s almost true to say the sportive boom has really passed us by. We definitely want to see Audax grow, and there’s been a certain amount of discussion on how to take things forward. Most sportive riders have never heard of Audax, it’s as simple as that.

“AUK have a slightly old fashioned image – mudguards and map reading. We have lots of guys riding titanium and carbon, and equally a large chunk of us use GPS – I’ve used GPS for 10 years.”

Stewart said plans are afoot to revamp the website and improve the volunteer-led organisation’s ability to market and promote rides.

“Events tend to be put on by the committed few,” he said. “One of the things the AUK are going to be working on really hard over the next year or so is to look at things like revamping our website and giving Audax UK much more of a modern image [that would] make it easier to market events and support organisers to put events on.”

Two events this year will provide useful test beds for the club’s plans. In July they’ll be tying in with the Orbital Cycling Festival to put on a 200km through-the-night ride dubbed the Lezyne Look Mum No Sleep – a reference to fashionable London cycling café Look Mum No Hands, who will host the start.

And in August the club hold their mammoth 1,400km London-Edinburgh-London, put on every four years. Stewart said the club had dedicated a team to their preparation, to increase the professionalism of the organisation.

“I think this is quite new – it’s new for all of us,” Stewart said. “It is going to be an interesting experience to see whether there’s room for new types of event organisers to start running events that we would recognise as Audaxes.”

Audax routes aren’t marked and entrants are expected to find their own way between control points, where they check in to ensure the distance is completed. The old maximum-speed rule is still in place but is not always enforced. Pit stops are usually at roadside cafés, not manned feed stations. Rides are non-competitve and the aim is simply to complete the course.

Stewart explained the appeal: “What you find as you get into them more is that you can ride further and faster than you could ever imagine riding before. It’s incredibly empowering and, to a certain extent, a little bit addictive.”

According to an Audax strategic plan published last year, event participation dipped slightly in 2012, to 20,500. The club aim to boost participation by 1,500 riders in the next two years.

Improve your fitness in eight weeks with BikeRadar Active

BikeRadar Active — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:44:00 GMT

Whether you're an aspiring road racer, want to tackle longer sportives or are looking to improve your time trial results, you can get help with your training with our exclusive BikeRadar Active plans.

The new eight-week early season training plans have been designed exclusively for us by Koolstof Coaching, are now online and are available to purchase for £9.99/US$15. All plans come with a 30-page Cyclist’s Guide to Training. View previews of the plans below and follow the links for further information.

Sportive plans

Sportive riders can choose between beginner, intermediate or experienced Sportive Power Build plans. They have you riding five days a week, and progressively build you so that your weekend outings get a little longer and the workouts a little harder in the run-up to the event. View plan preview.

Road plans

Novice and 4th, 3rd and 2nd cat road racers can all benefit from the Road Race Early Season Power Build plans. With varying schedules designed to progressively build your stamina and power, the workouts get harder and longer as you progress. View plan preview.

Time trial plans

Our TT plans cater for both the novice and intermediate rider, with workout difficulty varying accordingly. View plan previews.

BikeRadar Active is a free online resource for you to record and analyse all aspects of your training, log your training routes,add photos, get yourself tailored training plans, take part in challenges, join training groups, see how you're doing on our leaderboards, set goals and plan your season with a comprehensive events guide.

Video: 3D titanium printing of bicycle components

Oli Woodman — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:22:00 GMT

3D printing is often in the headlines, in fact the technology looks set to start an industrial revolution of its own. Yet the use of 3D printing is still limited within the bike industry, so when Charge bikes released a video showing the world's first 3D printed titanium frame component we knew it'd get people talking.

After collaborating with corporate research centre of EADS innovation works (The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) Charge used a process developed for the aerospace industry to produced a batch of intricate dropouts for use in the frameset of the Freezer Ti custom cross bike.

Watch below as Charge’s Nick Larsen talks to Andy Hawkins from EADS about the process of 3D printing and its benefits over traditional fabrication methods.

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Video: Frenchman rides rocket bike to 263km/h

Sam Dansie — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:30:00 GMT

François Gissy piloted a home-made rocket-powered bike to 263km/h on a disused air force runway on Sunday.

Gissy developed the bike with help from Swiss company Exotic Thermo Engineering who made the hydrogen peroxide powered propulsion unit. Speed was measured with a GPS unit on the hydrogen peroxide powered mountain bike, reported French news agency AFP.

In the understandably short video, Gissy holds on for dear life as the rocket powered bike – blasts past a car on the runway.

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The unverified 263km/h (163mph) – other sources suggest lower speeds of 180km/h and 163km/h – would still shy of the 268km/h achieved by Fred Rompelberg, who was motor-paced to the absolute bike speed world record in 1995 on salt flats in Utah, America.

Cycling, football and horse racing plagued by cheating: UK survey

Sam Dansie — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:50:00 GMT

Nearly half the UK public polled in a recent survey say cycling is blighted by ‘a lack of fair play or cheating’. That’s according to a survey commissioned by Middlesex University London which ranked football and horse racing as more dishonest – but only just.

According to the YouGov survey of almost 1,750 UK adults, 47 per cent said there was a lack of fair play in cycling, which has been dogged by doping stories. The biggest of these has been the downfall of Lance Armstrong in autumn 2012, said by the US Anti Doping Agency to have been at the centre of the “most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen.”

Other major scandals involve the disqualification of Alberto Contador from winning the 2010 Tour de France after clenbuterol was found in his urine, and the Operacion Puerto trial in Spain. At the end of April this year, Eufemiano Fuentes, the dodgy Spanish doctor at the centre of the investigation was given a one year suspended prison sentence for offences linked to blood-doping numerous cyclists. It is believed he helped athletes from other sports cheat too.

In the survey, football topped the league of sports with an honesty deficit. 50 percent said the game was beset by cheating. Horse racing polled 49 percent, perhaps spurred by recent revelations of widespread anaerobic steroid use at the Godolphin stables, one of the world’s biggest racing outfits.

Just six percent of the survey group said none of the nine sports were unaffected by dishonesty or cheating – the same proportion as swimming.

The survey coincides with the launch of the university’s Fairness Conference, which starts today.

Full results to the question: "Which, if any, of the following sports do you think has been negatively affected by a lack of fair play or cheating?"

· Football - 50%

· Horse racing - 49%

· Cycling - 47%

· Cricket - 28%

· Athletics - 25%

· Boxing - 14%

· Snooker - 10%

· Rugby - 7%

Panaracer Race Evo 2 tyre and R-Air lightweight inner tube - just in

Oli Woodman — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:30:00 GMT

Japanese tyre manufacturer Panaracer have sent across a couple of their latest products to BikeRadar towers. We take a closer look at the new Race Evo 2 road tyre and light weight R-Air inner tube.

First up is an all new version of their Race A clincher tyre. Now referred to as the Race A Evolution 2, the new model gets a new ZSG dual compound rubber, a new cord material for the body of the tyre along with a revised bead design. These changes add up to what Panaracer claim to be a 20 percent increase in both puncture protection and durability over the last generation Race Evo.

Rolling resistance is also supposedly down 15 percent on the previous tyre whilst a new bead design is also said to make installation easier. Available in 23 and 25mm sizes, these retail for £39.99/$54.99.

Panaracer Race A Evo 2 road tyre

Panaracer also sent across a few samples of their new R-Air lightweight butyl inner tubes. The 32mm short valve version weighs just 65g, even a 60mm valve example tipped our scales at just 68g. The butyl compound used is said to be twice as flexible as a standard tube, providing better shock absorption, lower rolling resistance and increased durability. If you're looking to lose a little weight without breaking the bank then these could be a good bet. Suitable for 18-23mm tyres these are £9.99 each.

Look out for reviews of both these products coming soon to BikeRadar.

Interestingly, Panracer are now proudly displaying their parent firm Panasonic's logo on both their packaging and products.

Cyclist recovering after being hit by driver who tweeted #bloodycyclists

Sam Dansie — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:39:00 GMT

A sportive rider knocked off his bike by a motorist who allegedly went on Twitter to say she had right of way because she pays 'road tax’ says he is lucky to be alive.

Toby Hockley was knocked of his bike during the Boudicca Sportive in Norfolk on Sunday, allegedly by Emma Way who didn’t stop and later tweeted: ‘Definitely knocked a cyclist off his bike earlier – I have right of way he doesn’t even pay road tax! #bloodycyclists’. Her account was later deleted.

Hockley, aged 29 and a freelance chef from Norwich today told BBC Norfolk: “A car came tearing round the blind corner and narrowly missed a cyclist in front of me.

“She came on to my side of the road, I took the wing mirror off and I went flying off my bike into a hedge. She hit me hard, really hard. I am lucky to be alive. But I managed to get out of the hedge and stand up.”

Hockley escaped with a nettle rash and bruising. He added: “I'm not angry, I would just like it known that her stupid comment that I don't pay road tax is not an excuse to treat cyclists like second-class citizens.”

The assertion Way pays ‘road tax’ is wrong. The government website states the tax disc is Vehicle Excise Duty, and rates are based on the car’s engine size, fuel type and carbon dioxide emissions. The website I Pay Road Tax debunks the road tax argument even further.

The incident happened on a narrow lane five miles from the end of the sportive, in a village called Snetterton.

Norfolk Police say they have identified the parties involved and are investigating.

Cyclist recovering after being hit by motorist who later tweeted #bloodycyclists

Sam Dansie — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:39:00 GMT

A sportive rider knocked off his bike by a motorist who allegedly went on Twitter to say she had right of way because she pays 'road tax’ says he is lucky to be alive.

Hockley, aged 29 and a freelance chef from Norwich today told BBC Norfolk: “A car came tearing round the blind corner and narrowly missed a cyclist in front of me.

The incident happened on a narrow lane five miles from the end of the sportive, in a village called Snetterton.

Norfolk Police say they have identified the parties involved and are investigating.

Orbea Orca Bronze 2013 – just in

Warren Rossiter — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Spain's biggest bike brand, Orbea, have a uniquely simple approach to their road range. Consisting of just three models, it starts with the aluminium Aqua, steps up to the Onix, and stops at the Orca. There are 21 variants of the Orca, starting with the Bronze (£1,889/US$2,499) and rising up to the Gold level GDi2 at £8,199/US$9,999.

The Orca Bronze 105 (£1,979/US$2,499) has an overall weight of 8.5kg (18.7lb), suggesting a reasonably light frame. The chassis itself blends bold structural lines and neatly crafted touches; the seat tube junction is angular, while the box-section angular seatstays create an unusual look. In contrast to the futuristic styling, straight external cable routing is in place of the current fashion for hiding wiring wherever possible.

The Orca's dimensions are straight-down-the-middle, parallel 73-degree angles and it has a wheelbase of less than a metre. We expect the straight blades of the carbon fork to keep the steering precise.

Gearing is taken care of by Shimano 105 kit, and Orbea Pro brakes have been tasked with bringing things to a halt. This particular bike is equipped with a Shimano R500 wheelset and Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres, but there are different options available through the Orbea website.

Orbea have opted for a 3T cockpit, including the brilliant Ergonova bar

There will be a full review of the Orbea Orca Bronze 105 in Cycling Plus issue 277, on sale 25 June.

Giant AnyRoad availability expands to the US and beyond

James Huang — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:26:00 GMT

Remember our recent rant on road riding vs. road racing bikes? In select Asian markets, Giant has been testing the concept of a widely available and highly versatile adventure road bike range called the AnyRoad. Thanks to the very favorable sales figures, the company is now expanding the availability to the United States and a few European countries, but not the United Kingdom.

The swoopy, aluminum-framed AnyRoad doesn't resemble conventional road bikes – and for riders who might be new to riding on the road, that may very well be a good thing. Present and accounted for are the typical drop bars, 700c wheels and double cranksets. But there's more than ample room for high-volume 32mm tires through the rear stays and carbon fork, the wide-range gearing is better suited to casual riders, and the ultra-tall head tube offers positioning even more upright than typical 'endurance' bikes.

AnyRoad's head tube is even taller than most upright endurance bikes

Handling definitely sticks to the more stable end of the spectrum with rangy 429mm chain stays, head tube angles between 70.5 and 72 degrees depending on size, and long wheelbases that span from 1003-1062mm.

Standard front and rear disc brakes provide more confident all-weather stopping performance than typical rim calipers, too, while supplemental top-mount levers should ease fears of not having the hands on the brakes all the time.

Despite the bike's humble intentions, Giant also looks to have done a good job of injecting some style into the AnyRoad frame. The very low-slung frame looks sleek and offers heaps of standover clearance, it still looks reasonably high-tech to general consumers without being intimidating, and there are also neat details like the hidden seatpost binder bolt.

Giant is putting the AnyRoad on the road to the United States and other markets

Giant USA is still finalizing details for the AnyRoad debut but Andrew Juskaitis, Giaint's global senior product marketing manager, confirmed to BikeRadar that it's definitely coming – and soon. Giant will also sell the AnyRoad in Australia, Benelux, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Poland and Taiwan.

"We are going to take in one model of AnyRoad (not 100 percent sure which model) as a 'test' of the North American market," Juskaitis said. "So yes, the United States will see this bike in the fall of 2013."

Man rides off waterfall, plus other best bits from BikeRadar videos

BikeRadar — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:36:00 GMT

The BikeRadar video team have been hard at it for two years, and today they’re celebrating the upload of their 500th YouTube vid with a collection of snippets from the annals.

Watch the video below if you want to have a snoop around the Cervélos in the Garmin-Sharp mechanics’ area, drool over some super-cool bike tech and see someone ride a mountain bike off a waterfall…

Please install Adobe Flash player to view this content

The gear testing, rider interviewing, trail blazing, product explaining videos – uploaded to the dedicated BikeRadar YouTube channel (almost) every day – have attracted more than 10m views and nearly 40,000 subscribers.

So to be kept up to date with the best bike product news, analysis and star interviews with the likes of Chris Hoy, Chris Boardman and athletes of the Tour de France, subscribe now.

BikeRadar Deals of the Week – Road Bikes

BikeRadar — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

BikeRadar's weekly round-up of great online deals from our recommended retailers could save you both time and money.

If you just want to get to the bargains, skip to the end of the article to see the deals listed as Quick Links.

Otherwise, read on for more details including pictures, BikeRadar reviews and your opinions wherever possible – so you can make sure you're fully in the picture before parting with your hard-earned cash.

Some of these offers won't last forever though, so be quick if you want to bag yourself a bargain.

1. Raleigh Avanti Carbon Comp Bike (2010) – Buy Now from Winstanleys Bikes for £999.99 and save 44 percent

What the manufacturer says:

"The Raleigh Avanti Carbon Comp is a popluar bike riders who relish the challenge of road riding and testing their fitness. Get the advantages in performance from the Avanti custom designed carbon frame without the expense of a top-level groupset. Coupled with the carbon frame are the Avanti custom designed direct response carbon forks ensuring a balanced ride. Quality is maintained throughout with the inclusion of Shimano CN-500 chainset, Shimano FC-5600 cranks, Xero CXR-330 wheelset and Continental Ultra Race tyres."

2. Pinarello FP2 105 (2011) – Buy Now from Wiggle for £1,299.35 and save 35 percent

What the manufacturer says:

"The full-carbon frame is powerful, the down tube is massive and the bottom bracket, heart and fulcrum of this triangle, is unyielding to the power you'll unleash when you stand on the pedals. The distinctive features are all there: the Onda fork will guide you safely through the most demanding curves. 24HM carbon with 12K finish. The frame is available in six colours and seven sizes. Components include a Shimano 105 groupset, Shimano WH500 wheelset and MOST Ewiva tyres."

3. Ghost EBS Lector Race (2011) – Buy Now from Chain Reaction for £1,235.00 and save 35 percent

"Comfort and quality of ride underpin the Ghost Race Lector. Built on the Race HM carbon frame and matched with CG carbon front forks results in a cycle that offers a lightweight and smooth ride. Gearing is provided by Shimano Ultegra chainset that utilises a Shimano Ultegra compact crankset set. The bike rolls on an Easton Aero wheelset wrapped up in Schwalbe Ultremo tyres. Brakes are Tektro R 741. A bike perfectly suited for beginner to intermediate cyclists."

Quick Links:

Raleigh Avanti Carbon Comp Bike (2010) – Buy Now from Winstanleys Bikes for £999.99 and save 44 percent
Pinarello FP2 105 (2011) – Buy Now from Wiggle for £1,299.35 and save 35 percent
Ghost EBS Lector Race (2011) – Buy Now from Chain Reaction for £1235.00 and save 35 percent

Offers courtesy of: Wiggle, Chain Reaction Cycles and Winstanleys Bikes

Subscription Offer:

Cycling Plus – Buy Now from myfavouritemagazines.co.uk for as little as £45.99 (£3.54/issue) and save 21 percent

Cycling Plus is for anyone who appreciates the all-out effort of racing, the freedom of touring or the cut-and-thrust of commuting. Read more & subscribe.

Compression clothing could affect perceived recovery

Sam Dansie — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:09:00 GMT

New research published in the latest European Journal of Applied Physiology casts doubts on the physiological benefits of compression clothing – often used by cyclists to aid training – but has found an improvement in athletes’ perceived recovery.

Researchers in Australia tested eight highly trained field hockey players and measured blood lactate, inflammation levels and perceived recovery. The athletes were put through two match simulations, four weeks apart. After one simulation the players wore compression shorts, and after the other loose trousers, for 24 hours post exercise.

The researchers regularly blood tested the athletes for lactate and inflammation indictors, and noted that levels were “signifacantly elevated” after both matches. However, the compression shorts appeared to make little difference relative to the loose trousers.

Researchers also questioned the athletes on perceived recovery and noted a significant improvement, and reduced muscle soreness.

Compression clothing such as socks and shorts is a favourite of athletes because it's believed to aid recovery by boosting blood flow and flushing toxins out of hard-working muscles. Its physiological effectiveness has always been subject to debate.

Earlier this year, researchers from the Department of Sport Science at the University of Wuppertal, Germany, conducted a review of original academic research papers and found little improvement in athletic performance related to compression wear.

Campagnolo launches Bora Ultra 35 tubulars

Ben Delaney — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

At the Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York this weekend, Campagnolo launched the Bora Ultra 35, a new 1,230g wheelset that fills a hole in the Italian company's racing tubular line between the Hyperon climbing wheels and the 50mm aero wheels for flat courses.

Weighing a mere 530g for the front and 700g for the rear yet offering some aerodynamic advantages, Campagnolo claims this is the best all-around wheel for racing.

The Bora Ultra 35 features a diamond-sanded brake track

With a new carbon fiber layup, Campagnolo claims this wheel is stiffer than the Hyperon.

Pricing was not immediately available.

Perhaps most interesting about the new wheels is the braking arrangement. In addition to new, internally designed and produced carbon-specific pads, Campagnolo has a treatment for the carbon brake track that it calls 3Diamont Surface. In its Italian factory, Campagnolo uses a diamond-tipped tool that scrapes off resin, leaving a bare carbon surface for braking. The company claims that this process eliminates impurities that can result from sanding the surface to remove resin. The goal is to improve braking in the dry and wet, not only to make it more positive, but also smoother and more linear.

There are three Bora Ultra 35 models. The top Bora Ultra 35 features CULT ceramic bearings. The Bora Utrra One 35 features USB bearings. And the Bora One 35 CX is for cyclocross. All three use the same rim and all three are tubular only.

The Bora Ultra 35 slots between the Hyperon climbing tubular and the Bora and Bullet 50mm wheels

The rims have what Campagnolo calls 'Rim Dynamic Balance', meaning extra carbon is placed opposite the valve hole to balance out the wheel.

Keen-eyed race fans may have seen these wheels pop up in recent races under the Lampre-Merida pro squad with Campagnolo's Fulcrum label.

Campagnolo already has a 35mm wheel in the line, the Scirocco H35. But that is clincher with an aluminum brake track. The Scirocco weighs a claimed 788g and 937g, front and rear.

At 1,230g for the pair, the Bora Ultra 35 is nearly as hyper-light as Campagnolo's Hyperon Ultra Two tubular, at 536g and 695g front and rear. But this new wheel is stiffer and considerably more aero, said Campagnolo PR manager Joshua Riddle.

The top-level wheel gets CULT ceramic hub bearings

"This is something that our professional riders requested, and it really is the most versatile race wheel in the line-up," Riddle said.

Campagnolo also now has an 11-27 cassette.

Check back soon for a first ride review of the Bora Ultra 35.

New K-Edge Garmin and SRM mounts debut at Tour of California

James Huang — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

AceCo debuted a flurry of new K-Edge computer mounts just before the start of the time trial at the Tour of California. Included in the upcoming crop are a new standard Garmin Edge mount, a new TT-specific Garmin Edge mount, and two TT-specific mounts for SRM’s PowerControl heads – all of which will be available around mid-July.

The new standard K-Edge Garmin mount looks to be a significant improvement over the original one. Gone is the complex three-piece machined aluminum layout in favor of a simpler and sleeker two-piece configuration with bottom-entry bolts, a more rounded shape, and an extension that angles more sharply inward so as to almost disappear when a computer is mounted.

AceCo is keeping the old K-Edge mount's standard quarter-turn interface but instead of machining that from aluminum as well, there will now be a bolt-in injection molded plastic insert that yields both a smoother and lighter feel as well as a 'clickier' lock for improved security. In addition, the modular design will allow AceCo to more quickly develop mounts for other computer brands such as CycleOps and CatEye.

"What we've done is gone with a more of a platform concept," said AceCo principal Joe Savola.

Claimed weight is 32g and suggested retail price will be US$49.99. As before, several anodized colors will be available.

AceCo is also nearing completion of its long-awaited time trial/triathlon-specific K-Edge Garmin mount. Time trial and triathlon setups present unique problems in that there's often not enough space in between the extensions for the standard quarter-turn interface to work. AceCo has cleverly gotten around the issue, however.

Instead of rotating the computer head to lock it into place on a stationary mount, the new TT-specific K-Edge Garmin mount uses rotating tabs – simply place the computer head on the mount, reach underneath the mount, and rotate the cradle. Savola admits that side-mounted buttons can be tough to access given the low and tight confines but in fairness, time trial racers and triathletes aren't likely to be flipping through a bunch of menu pages during an event, anyway.

AceCo's prototype was mostly built using a 3D printer but the production version will use a mix of machined aluminum, Delrin, and injection-molded plastic – all of which will be produced in the United States.

Retail price will be rather expensive at US$59 but Savola says it's an unavoidable consequence of the mount's complexity and domestic manufacturing.

Finally, AceCo unveiled two TT-specific mounts for SRM's range of PowerControl computers. The machined aluminum mounts will be offered to fit both standard 22mm-diameter round and Shimano-standard oval extensions. While SRM's newest mounts include a locking tab, AceCo's K-Edge models stick to the older ball-and-spring setup, although Savola insists it's very secure given the tight precision fit.

Savola said the SRM mounts will “tentatively” retail us $59.99.

Giro 2013 stage 14: Santambrogio takes sprint win from Nibali

Cyclingnews.com — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:16:00 GMT

This story originally appeared on Cyclingnews.com

Mauro Santambrogio (Vini Fantini-Selle Italia) won the 14^th stage of the Giro d'Italia, finishing first atop the Jafferau in horrid weather conditions which forced organisers remove the Col di Sestriere from the stage. He finished just ahead of maglia rosa Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), who didn't contest the win. Carlos Betancur (AG2R-La Mondiale) was third, eight seconds later.

The real winner of the day, however, was the weather. It started raining heavily shortly after the stage started, and that was just a harbinger of things to come. Only an hour before the start, organisers announced that the Sestriere was being taken out due to bad weather, and that the riders would ride through the Val di Susa for an additional 12 kilometers on the day. There were variously heavy fog and even snowfall at the finish during the stage.

A break got away early and built up a lead of up to 10 minutes and Astana gave up interest in pursuing early on. Several teams combined in the final climb to catch the remaining two riders who were away, and Nibali jumped late on the Jafferau to further cement his overall lead.

Nibali once again increased his lead, as Cadel Evans (BMC) finished 33 seconds later. That dropped the second-placed Australian to 1:26 down. Sky's Rigoberto Uran stayed in third at 2:46, with Santambrogio directly behind him at 2:47. Robert Gesink (Blanco) lost enough time on the final climb to drop him from the top ten.

How it happened

Four riders didn't take to the start: Daniele Bennati and Karsten Kroon (both Saxo-Tinkoff), Gert Steegmans (OPQS) and Jack Bobridge (Blanco).

As has so often been the case in this Giro, heavy rainfall started shortly after the start of the stage. That didn't stop a group from forming after about 14 kilometers. Egoi Martinez (Euskaltel), Pieter Weening (Orica-GreenEdge), Luca Paolini (Katusha), Peter Stetina (Garmin-Sharp), Daniele Pietropolli (Lampre), Sonny Colbrelli (Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox) and Matteo Trentin (OPQS) started off together.

However, in an odd coincidence, the three non-Italians all soon crashed apparently due to the wet roads, and fell back, leaving Italians Paolini, Pietropolli, Colbrelli and Trentin in the lead. The foursome proved to be speedy, building up a 7:10 lead by kilometre 50.

A "brutal" crash, as the Gazzetta dello Sport called it, took down Alessandro Vanotti (Astana), Enrico Battaglin (Bardiani Valvole-CSF-Inox) and Robinson Chalapud (Colombia). The first two were forced to leave the race.

The gap only increased, as Astana showed little interest in giving serious chase. After 100km, and with 80km left to go, the time difference was nine minutes.

As the gap grew to nearly 10 minutes, Cannondale, Androni Giacattoli and Sky moved to the head of the field. Their work helped the gap come down only slowly, though. Their efforts finally showed effect on the final climb, as the gap had dropped to 5:35 with 25km remaining.

Trentin suffered on the climb but was able to hold on. However, a puncture at 20km to go, put an end to his slim hold on the group.

Sky led the charge from behind, apparently hoping to launch their new leader Uran to make up time on maglia rosa Nibali.

The closer the finish line climb, the smaller the gap became. A greatly reduced field of 30-40 riders was giving furious chase, with Sky setting a blistering pace. It started getting nip-and-tuck for the three leaders, as the gap hovered around four minutes with 5km to go.

It was not Uran but Henao who was sent up the road for Sky. He was marked by Androni's Diego Rosa, whose teammate Franco Pellizotti had earlier attacked but was unable to sustain his lead.

The fog and mist which had left the finish line returned, of course, in time for the finish. Colbreli was dropped as the finish line – and the maglia rosa group - approached.

The first rider to emerge from the fog with 400 meters to go was Santambrogio, followed closely by Nibali, who had obviously jumped from the chase group. Behind them, a handful of riders including Cadel Evans made their slow way up.

Brief Results

Result
1	Mauro Santambrogio (Ita) Vini Fantini-Selle Italia	4:42:55
2	Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana Pro Team
3	Carlos Alberto Betancur Gomez (Col) AG2R La Mondiale	0:00:09
4	Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi	0:00:26
5	Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling	0:00:30
6	Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team	0:00:33
7	Domenico Pozzovivo (Ita) AG2R La Mondiale
8	Robert Kiserlovski (Cro) RadioShack Leopard
9	Sonny Colbrelli (Ita) Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox	0:00:55
10	Damiano Caruso (Ita) Cannondale Pro Cycling	0:00:58