While England kicked off their Autumn Internationals last week with a win against Australia, it is this weekend which sees all the top teams in rugby in action.
For their second game England welcome Argentina to Twickenham, while Australia head over to Rome. A repeat of the 2011 World Cup sees France hosting the All Blacks while Wales host South Africa at the Millennium Stadium.
Ireland v Samoa, Scotland v Japan, Romania v Tonga, Portugal v Fiji and Georgia v Canada and USA v New Zealand Maori complete the fixtures list.
Friday, 8 November 2013
Monday, 11 February 2013
Andy Schleck: Born to cycle, failing to thrive.
Cycling, a world crippled by recent scandals of doping, where the content of your blood is tweaked, manipulated to threshold limits, to find the numbers capable of winning. Where haematocrit is just as important as hours on the bike, and testosterone comes in small red pills to give a much needed boost. It is as much a part of cycling as arguably a pair of correctly fitting shoes, or even a domestique bringing you new water bottles from the team car; without paying attention to it, you can still race, but it will hurt a lot more!
Andy Schleck, in some ways was destined to race bikes. At 6ft 1” and weighing just 150Ib, he’s got the body of a cyclist, capable of effortlessly ascending the switchback climbs of the high Alps and Pyrenees. Schleck was born with cycling pedigree in his blood, both his grandfather and father raced bikes for a living and his brother Fränk Schleck rides alongside him for the same professional team; Radioshack-Leopard. Gustav Schleck, his grandfather, rode in the 1930s and his father Johny Schleck was a professional from 1965-1974, helping Jan Jansson and Luis Ocaña to their Tour de France victories, as well taking his own stage win in the 1970’s Vuelta a España and winning the Luxembourg National Championships.
Andy Schleck, in some ways was destined to race bikes. At 6ft 1” and weighing just 150Ib, he’s got the body of a cyclist, capable of effortlessly ascending the switchback climbs of the high Alps and Pyrenees. Schleck was born with cycling pedigree in his blood, both his grandfather and father raced bikes for a living and his brother Fränk Schleck rides alongside him for the same professional team; Radioshack-Leopard. Gustav Schleck, his grandfather, rode in the 1930s and his father Johny Schleck was a professional from 1965-1974, helping Jan Jansson and Luis Ocaña to their Tour de France victories, as well taking his own stage win in the 1970’s Vuelta a España and winning the Luxembourg National Championships.
Sunday, 10 February 2013
Review: RBS Six Nations- Round 2
Scotland 34 - 10 Italy
Man of the Match Greig Laidlaw played a fundamental part in Scotland’s victory over Italy kicking four from four conversions and two penalties. Scotland secured their first Six Nations win in the tournament for two years, whilst at the same time recording a record win, their previous record being 32 -10, again against the Italians.
Italy had the first chance to put points on the board after Scotland conceded a penalty, unfortunately Luciano Orquera’s attempt hit the post. Laidlaw is successful with his first kick ten minutes later giving Scotland the lead.
Another penalty in the 24th minute allowed Scotland to extend their lead, minutes before Tim Visser goes over for the first try of the game. Laidlaw adds the extras and suddenly Scotland are 13-0 up. Italy’s only compensation is a penalty in the 39th minute which see’s them finally on the scoreboard.
Two minutes after the restart Matt Scott finds a gaps and sprints across the line, Laidlaw once again converts extending the Scots lead. Stuart Hogg then scored a spectacular solo try in the 47th minute. He intercepts a pass from Orquera and finds his way through the Azzurri defence before sprinting 60m to touch down.
Sean Lamont makes it four tries for the home side in the 68th minute; Lamont kicked a loose ball through a ruck and then ran 50m unchallenged to put the ball down between the posts. Laidlaw makes it four conversions from four.
Alessandro Zanni scored a consolation try for Italy seven minutes from the end after a clever pass from Sergio but it was too little too late for the visitors.
Scotland
Tries: Visser, Scott, Hogg, Lamont
Conversions: Laidlaw (4)
Penalties: Laidlaw (2)
Italy
Try: Zanni
Conversions: Burton
Penalties: Orquera
Man of the Match: Greig Laidlaw
Man of the Match Greig Laidlaw played a fundamental part in Scotland’s victory over Italy kicking four from four conversions and two penalties. Scotland secured their first Six Nations win in the tournament for two years, whilst at the same time recording a record win, their previous record being 32 -10, again against the Italians.
Italy had the first chance to put points on the board after Scotland conceded a penalty, unfortunately Luciano Orquera’s attempt hit the post. Laidlaw is successful with his first kick ten minutes later giving Scotland the lead.
Another penalty in the 24th minute allowed Scotland to extend their lead, minutes before Tim Visser goes over for the first try of the game. Laidlaw adds the extras and suddenly Scotland are 13-0 up. Italy’s only compensation is a penalty in the 39th minute which see’s them finally on the scoreboard.
Two minutes after the restart Matt Scott finds a gaps and sprints across the line, Laidlaw once again converts extending the Scots lead. Stuart Hogg then scored a spectacular solo try in the 47th minute. He intercepts a pass from Orquera and finds his way through the Azzurri defence before sprinting 60m to touch down.
Sean Lamont makes it four tries for the home side in the 68th minute; Lamont kicked a loose ball through a ruck and then ran 50m unchallenged to put the ball down between the posts. Laidlaw makes it four conversions from four.
Alessandro Zanni scored a consolation try for Italy seven minutes from the end after a clever pass from Sergio but it was too little too late for the visitors.
Scotland
Tries: Visser, Scott, Hogg, Lamont
Conversions: Laidlaw (4)
Penalties: Laidlaw (2)
Italy
Try: Zanni
Conversions: Burton
Penalties: Orquera
Man of the Match: Greig Laidlaw
Friday, 8 February 2013
Review: Tour of Qatar- Stage 6
Mark Cavendish conquers in Qatar, taking his fourth straight win, dominating in the overall and points classification. Yauheni Hutarovich (AG2R) claimed second, once again fractions of a second off Cav, whilst Barry Markus (Vaconsoleil-DCM) returned to his top ten form, securing third.
Cavendish thanked the peloton publicly via Twitter post race, “Amazing to have a race full of real gentlemen today, who neutralised a close race so I could rejoin the group after crashing. Thanks to all”. This came in response to the peloton easing off after only 15kms of racing when Cav went down due to an accident on the approach to a roundabout.
This is his second GC win of his career following his win in the Netherlands last year at Ster ZLM. He also matched Tom Boonen’s feat of four stage wins at Qatar back in 2006. Cavendish was “a little nervous” with the pressure of defending Boonen’s title, but is thriving at his new team Omega Pharma-QuickStep, with five wins already this season.
Cavendish thanked the peloton publicly via Twitter post race, “Amazing to have a race full of real gentlemen today, who neutralised a close race so I could rejoin the group after crashing. Thanks to all”. This came in response to the peloton easing off after only 15kms of racing when Cav went down due to an accident on the approach to a roundabout.
This is his second GC win of his career following his win in the Netherlands last year at Ster ZLM. He also matched Tom Boonen’s feat of four stage wins at Qatar back in 2006. Cavendish was “a little nervous” with the pressure of defending Boonen’s title, but is thriving at his new team Omega Pharma-QuickStep, with five wins already this season.
Preview: RBS Six Nations - Round 2
With the excitement of the first weekend really setting the mood for the 2013 Six Nations, Bike.Rugby.Tennis look at what is in store for us in week two.
Saturday 9th February 2013
Scotland v Italy, 14:30
With Italy looking more like contenders for championship than the wooden spoon it is no surprise that they are going into this weekend as favourites against Scotland. Their first ever away win in the Six Nations was at Murrayfield back in 2007 and the Auzzuri will be looking to make it two out of two this weekend after their shock win against Les Blues last Sunday.
Head coach Jacques Brunel has made only one change from last Sunday’s winning team with Gonzalo Canale coming into the centre for the injured Alberto Sgarbi. He will be hoping that momentum will see them easily through into the third weekend of the Six Nations with two wins under their belt.
However, Scotland, to their advantage, have three home games in a row coming up and interim head coach Scott Johnson will be hoping to end the current losing streak that Scotland are experiencing. Flanker David Denton believes that Scotland have improved in their recent matches and the signs are there for all to see.
Prediction: Italy by 7
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Review: Tour of Qatar- Stage 5
The Manx Missile fires again, taking his third win at the Tour of Qatar in as many stages, extending his lead in the overall and points competition. The win virtually assures Mark Cavendish the Gold jersey on arrival at Doha Corniche in the final stage at Qatar, with a 15second lead over BMC’s Brent Bookwalter. Yauheni Hutarovich (AG2R) took second today, Aidis Kruopis (Orica-Greenedge) continued his strong form in the tour finishing third, and Brits filled the final top five places with Adam Blythe (BMC) and Luke Rowe (Sky) in fourth and fifth respectively.
Cavendish had already extended his lead, taking maximum bonus points in the second intermediate sprint, ahead of ex-wingman and friend Bernie Eisel (Sky). Eisel then went on the attack with Taylor Phinney (BMC) in a bid to hold off the peloton and take valuable seconds back on Cavendish. Omega Pharma-QuickStep rider Nikki Terpstra joined the breakaway, keeping an eye on the pair challenging the overall classification. Phinney, eight seconds back on Cavendish at the start of Stage 5 posed the biggest threat, with a stage win and 10 bonus seconds likely to take the lead.
OPQS with the imminent threat, set about their role of defending their Gold jersey and drove the peloton forward. With 10kms to race, the breakaway was reeled in and again the sprinters team began organising themselves for a bunch sprint. High tempo riding from OPQS, into a headwind at 55kph, kept any last minute attacks from taking the stage and for the first time at the tour, gave Cav a substantial lead out. Terpstra was the final lead out man, Cavendish sticking close till late in the sprint, before kicking for the line and holding off a late charge from Hutarovich who came within a wheel length of the win.
If Cavendish can avoid any mishaps in tomorrow’s 116km stage from Sealine Beach Resort to Doha Corniche, it is hard to see the OPQS rider not wining the overall classification, which would be six out of the last eight for OPQS. Tom Boonen OPQS, recovering from an elbow operation, missed this years race and the chance to defend his 2012 title, but will be happy to see the title remain within the team.
Cavendish had already extended his lead, taking maximum bonus points in the second intermediate sprint, ahead of ex-wingman and friend Bernie Eisel (Sky). Eisel then went on the attack with Taylor Phinney (BMC) in a bid to hold off the peloton and take valuable seconds back on Cavendish. Omega Pharma-QuickStep rider Nikki Terpstra joined the breakaway, keeping an eye on the pair challenging the overall classification. Phinney, eight seconds back on Cavendish at the start of Stage 5 posed the biggest threat, with a stage win and 10 bonus seconds likely to take the lead.
OPQS with the imminent threat, set about their role of defending their Gold jersey and drove the peloton forward. With 10kms to race, the breakaway was reeled in and again the sprinters team began organising themselves for a bunch sprint. High tempo riding from OPQS, into a headwind at 55kph, kept any last minute attacks from taking the stage and for the first time at the tour, gave Cav a substantial lead out. Terpstra was the final lead out man, Cavendish sticking close till late in the sprint, before kicking for the line and holding off a late charge from Hutarovich who came within a wheel length of the win.
If Cavendish can avoid any mishaps in tomorrow’s 116km stage from Sealine Beach Resort to Doha Corniche, it is hard to see the OPQS rider not wining the overall classification, which would be six out of the last eight for OPQS. Tom Boonen OPQS, recovering from an elbow operation, missed this years race and the chance to defend his 2012 title, but will be happy to see the title remain within the team.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Review: Tour of Qatar- Stage 4
Cavendish sees Gold on Stage 4 of the Tour of Qatar, out sprinting Barry Markus (Vaconsoleil-DCM) and Andrea Guardini (Astana) to take his second stage win in as many days. The win in Al Khor Corniche boosts the Manx man into first place, two seconds clear of Bookwalter who’d led the race after a stage 1 breakaway win, and increased his lead to 13 points in the overall points competition.
A three man breakaway featuring Pirmin Lang (IAM Cycling), Andriy Grivko (Astana) and Gatis Smukulis (Katusha) built up a five minute lead, which remained high until 23kms out. Sensing the potential for another breakaway succeeding in what is renowned as a sprinters race, several teams stepped up, contributing riders to bring the trio back. With 8kms to go, the peloton had closed the gap, the pace eased as the sprinters teams began to organise themselves for a bunch sprint.
Cavendish has won two years running at Al Khor Corniche, and his experience of the finish gave him the edge needed for the win. On entering the final right hand bend, the wind comes in from the right, and naturally they hugged the corner for the shortest route. Cavendish took a different tactic, staying a little wider, he took the longer route but was sheltered from the wind giving him the “perfect position and acceleration into the sprint”
With only two stages left, and Cavendish firing on all cylinders, you wouldn’t blame him for eyeing the overall prize when the peloton roles into Doha Corniche. Currently two seconds clear, Cavendish isn’t thinking of his GC chances, instead is focusing on the stage wins with tomorrows stage, 154km from Al Zubara Fort to Madinat Al Shamal, being “the main stage of the tour”.
A three man breakaway featuring Pirmin Lang (IAM Cycling), Andriy Grivko (Astana) and Gatis Smukulis (Katusha) built up a five minute lead, which remained high until 23kms out. Sensing the potential for another breakaway succeeding in what is renowned as a sprinters race, several teams stepped up, contributing riders to bring the trio back. With 8kms to go, the peloton had closed the gap, the pace eased as the sprinters teams began to organise themselves for a bunch sprint.
Cavendish has won two years running at Al Khor Corniche, and his experience of the finish gave him the edge needed for the win. On entering the final right hand bend, the wind comes in from the right, and naturally they hugged the corner for the shortest route. Cavendish took a different tactic, staying a little wider, he took the longer route but was sheltered from the wind giving him the “perfect position and acceleration into the sprint”
With only two stages left, and Cavendish firing on all cylinders, you wouldn’t blame him for eyeing the overall prize when the peloton roles into Doha Corniche. Currently two seconds clear, Cavendish isn’t thinking of his GC chances, instead is focusing on the stage wins with tomorrows stage, 154km from Al Zubara Fort to Madinat Al Shamal, being “the main stage of the tour”.
Up from the Ashes
I know it’s unusual in a sports blog to start with a quote from a musical film, but there is one that sums up Harlequins’ recent form, one from the much loved film, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. In the film the grandfather is taken from the comfort of his shed to a fictional land, where he is instructed to build a flying car, just like the one his son has built. Here he meets a group of scientists to assist him and the song, ‘The Roses of Success’ is sung, in it the line, ‘Up from the Ashes, Grow the Roses of Success’. This sums up how Quins have grown, and it is a fairy tale worthy of Dick van Dyke bursting into song at every opportunity.
Harlequins are currently top of the Premiership, top seeds in the Heineken Cup Quarters and LV Cup semi finals. Conor O’Shea has named the LV Cup team for the remainder of the tournament, leaving the rest of the squad to focus on the Premiership and Heineken Cup, in a bid to challenge on all three fronts. Quins are aiming to retain the Premiership title and claim their first Heineken Cup trophy. With the duo of O’Shea and Chris Robshaw, there’s nothing to say they can’t go on and surpass the records of the great Leicester teams.
It all began when Mark Evans took over as CEO from Saracens in 2000. Rather than doing what a lot of modern teams do when they get a cash injection, he instigated a process of long term gain. He built an infrastructure around the club, which he used in order to win titles. Even the strongest infrastructure still needs stars to succeed, names such as Zinzan Brooke and Nick Evans spring to mind. What followed was a rollercoaster ride taking in the highs of what is now the Challenge Cup, and the lows of relegation. However, this has culminated in the most incredible couple of seasons.
Harlequins are currently top of the Premiership, top seeds in the Heineken Cup Quarters and LV Cup semi finals. Conor O’Shea has named the LV Cup team for the remainder of the tournament, leaving the rest of the squad to focus on the Premiership and Heineken Cup, in a bid to challenge on all three fronts. Quins are aiming to retain the Premiership title and claim their first Heineken Cup trophy. With the duo of O’Shea and Chris Robshaw, there’s nothing to say they can’t go on and surpass the records of the great Leicester teams.
It all began when Mark Evans took over as CEO from Saracens in 2000. Rather than doing what a lot of modern teams do when they get a cash injection, he instigated a process of long term gain. He built an infrastructure around the club, which he used in order to win titles. Even the strongest infrastructure still needs stars to succeed, names such as Zinzan Brooke and Nick Evans spring to mind. What followed was a rollercoaster ride taking in the highs of what is now the Challenge Cup, and the lows of relegation. However, this has culminated in the most incredible couple of seasons.
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Review: Tour of Qatar- Stage 3
The manx missile Mark Cavendish takes the win in a frantic finish on the third Stage in the Tour of Qatar. The Omega Pharma rider hit the line, hands in the air, huge grin on his face as he claimed his second stage win since joining OPQS, his first in Qatar. Cavendish held off Markus Barry (Vaconsoleil-DCM) and Aidis Kruopis (Orica-Greenedge) who took second and third respectively.
Orica-Greenedge held prime position, as they passed under the flamme rouge with Argos Shimano fighting to set up John Degenkolb. At 850m, Cavendish latched onto the remnants of Sky’s train for Boasson Hagen, and at 350m “had to go”. His sprint was timed to perfection, holding off the late finish from Barry. Although his teammate’s weren’t there to lead him out, one due to a blown spoke, Cavendish only had high praise for the OPQS riders, “I was sheltered and one of the front guys around every corner. We didn’t quite catch the group the other day so it was nice to get the win under the belt today. I’m very happy.”
Orica-Greenedge held prime position, as they passed under the flamme rouge with Argos Shimano fighting to set up John Degenkolb. At 850m, Cavendish latched onto the remnants of Sky’s train for Boasson Hagen, and at 350m “had to go”. His sprint was timed to perfection, holding off the late finish from Barry. Although his teammate’s weren’t there to lead him out, one due to a blown spoke, Cavendish only had high praise for the OPQS riders, “I was sheltered and one of the front guys around every corner. We didn’t quite catch the group the other day so it was nice to get the win under the belt today. I’m very happy.”
Monday, 4 February 2013
Review: Tour of Qatar- Stage 2
Brent Bookwalter and his team BMC teamates took to the 14km Team Time Trial course last today to defend the Golden jersey that he secured in yesterday’s opening stage in Qatar. An impressive team performance saw BMC take the stage win five seconds clear of Team Sky in 16minutes and seven seconds.
Team Sky, the penultimate team to ride the course had taken the lead from the Team Trial World Champions, Omega Pharma-QuickStep who’s time was 10 seconds back on BMC. The table was rounded off by team Japan who came in one minute 48 seconds behind BMC.
Today’s result puts BMC in the top five positions in the general classification and extends Taylor Phinney’s lead in the Youth jersey. Phinney lies second and GB’s Adam Blythe takes third. Team Sky take the next five, led by fourth place finisher in stage 1, Bernhard Eisel. Mark Cavendish currently sits 11th, 20 seconds back.
Tomorrow’s stage will test BMC’s control of the race. A 143km flat stage will be one for the sprinters, but with crosswinds likely to effect the peloton, BMC will have to work hard to keep Bookwalter up with the lead group. Will a breakaway succeed again, or will OPQS ensure their man Cavendish is there in contention for the sprint?
Team Sky, the penultimate team to ride the course had taken the lead from the Team Trial World Champions, Omega Pharma-QuickStep who’s time was 10 seconds back on BMC. The table was rounded off by team Japan who came in one minute 48 seconds behind BMC.
Today’s result puts BMC in the top five positions in the general classification and extends Taylor Phinney’s lead in the Youth jersey. Phinney lies second and GB’s Adam Blythe takes third. Team Sky take the next five, led by fourth place finisher in stage 1, Bernhard Eisel. Mark Cavendish currently sits 11th, 20 seconds back.
Tomorrow’s stage will test BMC’s control of the race. A 143km flat stage will be one for the sprinters, but with crosswinds likely to effect the peloton, BMC will have to work hard to keep Bookwalter up with the lead group. Will a breakaway succeed again, or will OPQS ensure their man Cavendish is there in contention for the sprint?
Review: RBS Six Nations- Round 1
Wales 22 - 30 Ireland
Wales’ hopes of defending their Grand Slam crown were dashed after a first half surge from Ireland took the game out of reach. Man of the match Brian O’Driscoll assisted Simon Zebo, 10mins, while Cian Healy, 23mins, went over for a second. Jonathan Sexton added the extras as well as popping over three penalties which gave Ireland a tidy lead into half time. Wales’ only riposte was a Leigh Halfpenny penalty. HT 3-23.
O’Driscoll went over for Ireland’s third try two minutes after the restart with Sexton knocking over the conversion. Wales however weren’t outdone on the try front with Alex Cuthbert, 47mins, Leigh Halfpenny, 58mins, and Craig Mitchell, 75mins, all going over for the home side. Halfpenny added the extras for two.
Wales dominated for the majority of the second half but were unable to make up the deficit they succumbed to in the first 45 minutes of the match and went on to lose their fifth consecutive home game, while interim coach Rob Howley is yet to win a test match.
Ireland took advantage of Wales’ sloppy mistakes in the first half, and defended superbly in the second to hold off a dominant Welsh attacking team. A great start for Ireland in their opening game of the RBS 2013 Six Nations.
Wales
Tries: Cuthbert, Halfpenny, Mitchell
Conversions: Halfpenny (2)
Penalties: Halfpenny
Ireland
Tries: Zebo, Healy, O’Driscoll
Conversions: Sexton (3)
Penalties: Sexton (3)
Man of the Match: Brian O’Driscoll
Wales’ hopes of defending their Grand Slam crown were dashed after a first half surge from Ireland took the game out of reach. Man of the match Brian O’Driscoll assisted Simon Zebo, 10mins, while Cian Healy, 23mins, went over for a second. Jonathan Sexton added the extras as well as popping over three penalties which gave Ireland a tidy lead into half time. Wales’ only riposte was a Leigh Halfpenny penalty. HT 3-23.
O’Driscoll went over for Ireland’s third try two minutes after the restart with Sexton knocking over the conversion. Wales however weren’t outdone on the try front with Alex Cuthbert, 47mins, Leigh Halfpenny, 58mins, and Craig Mitchell, 75mins, all going over for the home side. Halfpenny added the extras for two.
Wales dominated for the majority of the second half but were unable to make up the deficit they succumbed to in the first 45 minutes of the match and went on to lose their fifth consecutive home game, while interim coach Rob Howley is yet to win a test match.
Ireland took advantage of Wales’ sloppy mistakes in the first half, and defended superbly in the second to hold off a dominant Welsh attacking team. A great start for Ireland in their opening game of the RBS 2013 Six Nations.
Wales
Tries: Cuthbert, Halfpenny, Mitchell
Conversions: Halfpenny (2)
Penalties: Halfpenny
Ireland
Tries: Zebo, Healy, O’Driscoll
Conversions: Sexton (3)
Penalties: Sexton (3)
Man of the Match: Brian O’Driscoll
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Review: Tour of Qatar- Stage 1
In a hectic finish of the Stage 1 in Qatar, Brent Bookwalter (BMC) held off a late burst from the peloton to take the stage win. The 28-year-old team domestique formed a three man break away with two Swiss riders, Gregory Rast (RSN) and Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling) and took the win by half a bike length.
Today’s stage, a 145.2-kilometre course from Katara Cultural Village to Dukhan beach proved why the Tour of Qatar has a reputation as a tough race. With 50kph crosswinds battering the riders, turns in direction saw the peloton blown apart. With a four man breakaway out front including the Sky man Bernhard Eisel, a 28-man group formed behind 30seconds back and a further group at one minute 20, included Mark Cavendish and many of his Omega Pharma-QuickStep colleagues.
Battling the ferocious wind, OPQS rode hard to bring Cavendish back into contention and at 12km to go everything had come back together. The peloton swung from one side of the road to the other as riders made attempts to break clear and at 10km out Elmiger broke away. Bookwalter and Rast joined and opened up a 45second gap on the peloton.
Today’s stage, a 145.2-kilometre course from Katara Cultural Village to Dukhan beach proved why the Tour of Qatar has a reputation as a tough race. With 50kph crosswinds battering the riders, turns in direction saw the peloton blown apart. With a four man breakaway out front including the Sky man Bernhard Eisel, a 28-man group formed behind 30seconds back and a further group at one minute 20, included Mark Cavendish and many of his Omega Pharma-QuickStep colleagues.
Battling the ferocious wind, OPQS rode hard to bring Cavendish back into contention and at 12km to go everything had come back together. The peloton swung from one side of the road to the other as riders made attempts to break clear and at 10km out Elmiger broke away. Bookwalter and Rast joined and opened up a 45second gap on the peloton.
Battling the bike
Regardless of your love for the bike, when winter rolls in, the roads seem far less attractive. The days shorten, the temperature drops, rides become less enjoyable and the unreliable weather leaves you short changed in the clothing department. All of this before you think of the effects on your bike! The grit, salt, rain and spray of winter months wear away at your precious bike leaving it battered and beat up by the time spring arrives.
The above, coupled with the warmth of inside, maybe a fire lit, a comfy sofa, hot food and drink and a warm car commute to work, leave a trip out on the bike less and less attractive. Gradually, that addictive feeling, the excitement you get thinking about a long ride, disappears. Does it matter? A few months off, time to enjoy yourself, get back on when the weather warms... well ultimately no. The bike will still be there, the roads laiden with pot holes will welcome you back and once again you’ll get addicted.
That however, is not the point. Regardless of your level, come the end of the summer your legs have form. Rides that earlier in the year left you mentally and physically shattered and hating yourself and bike, instead leave you with joy. That long headwind flat, the sprint climb and even those never ending climbs, still hurt, but the pain is now embraced and there is a sense of achievement. You fall in love with the bike, making it an extension of yourself, together you do great things.
The above, coupled with the warmth of inside, maybe a fire lit, a comfy sofa, hot food and drink and a warm car commute to work, leave a trip out on the bike less and less attractive. Gradually, that addictive feeling, the excitement you get thinking about a long ride, disappears. Does it matter? A few months off, time to enjoy yourself, get back on when the weather warms... well ultimately no. The bike will still be there, the roads laiden with pot holes will welcome you back and once again you’ll get addicted.
That however, is not the point. Regardless of your level, come the end of the summer your legs have form. Rides that earlier in the year left you mentally and physically shattered and hating yourself and bike, instead leave you with joy. That long headwind flat, the sprint climb and even those never ending climbs, still hurt, but the pain is now embraced and there is a sense of achievement. You fall in love with the bike, making it an extension of yourself, together you do great things.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Preview: RBS Six Nations
England
Coach: Stuart Lancaster
Captain: Chris Robshaw
Key players: Owen Farrell/Chris Ashton
Last season: 2nd
Odds: 15/8
Our 2013 Prediction: 2nd
England have the potential to secure their first Grand Slam since 2003, but with a young team, France looking impressive and Ireland and Wales away, there may be a slip up along the way. Strong contenders, most likely top two finish.
Coach: Stuart Lancaster
Captain: Chris Robshaw
Key players: Owen Farrell/Chris Ashton
Last season: 2nd
Odds: 15/8
Our 2013 Prediction: 2nd
- A solid finish to the 2012 season, with narrow defeats to Australia and South Africa before an emphatic victory over New Zealand leaves England the bookies favourites.
- Three home games, including France, give England a real advantage.
- Lancaster's coaching team has had a year together and seem like a group striving toward the same goals, with restoring sound attitudes and pride in the jersey reaping rewards so far.
- England have two tough away games in Dublin and Cardiff, with a relatively new team, is there potential to crack under the Grand Slam pressure?
England have the potential to secure their first Grand Slam since 2003, but with a young team, France looking impressive and Ireland and Wales away, there may be a slip up along the way. Strong contenders, most likely top two finish.
Review: Tour Down Under
Tom-Jelte Slagter, the 23 year old ex speed skater riding for Blanco, won the season-opener UCI WorldTour Tour Down Under. The six stage race was preluded by a 51km closed circuit classic on Sunday 20th January in Adelaide. The next seven days presented the 133 riders competing a chance to test their pre-season training on the flats and medium-mountains.
The Key players
Lotto-Belisol demonstrated a dynamic and improved lead out train, safely depositing their sprinter Andre Greipel at the finish line, to secure three stage wins. Greipel himself, now holds a record 14 stage wins at the TDU and took his 100th professional career victory.
Team Sky Procycling looked to carry their form from 2012 into the new year. With many of their riders, including the infamous duo Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, at a training camp in Mallorca, and with the loss of their sprinter Mark Cavendish, Edvald Boasson Hagen lead the team down under. Although the Welsh ex-track rider Geraint Thomas had the teams backing in the GC after he took the Ochre jersey on Stage 2.
Team Blanco ProCycling, formerly Rabobank, instigated the main surprise of the tour. Whilst their sprinter, Mark Renshaw, albeit in vain aimed for stage wins, their young main, Slagter took the first professional win of his career on Stage 3 and moved into the Ochre jersey after coming second on Stage 5.
Orica Greenedge, the Australian team, hoped to please the home crowd on the flat sprints with Australian, Matthew Goss and claim the overall GC with fellow Australian, Simon Gerrans, 2012’s winner. Goss however, never hit form and Gerrans was ruled out of GC contention after being separated from the main group, due to a crash on Stage 2. Gerrans then focused on winning Stage 5 up Old Willunga Hill, a climb he finished second on last year.
The Key players
Lotto-Belisol demonstrated a dynamic and improved lead out train, safely depositing their sprinter Andre Greipel at the finish line, to secure three stage wins. Greipel himself, now holds a record 14 stage wins at the TDU and took his 100th professional career victory.
Team Sky Procycling looked to carry their form from 2012 into the new year. With many of their riders, including the infamous duo Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, at a training camp in Mallorca, and with the loss of their sprinter Mark Cavendish, Edvald Boasson Hagen lead the team down under. Although the Welsh ex-track rider Geraint Thomas had the teams backing in the GC after he took the Ochre jersey on Stage 2.
Team Blanco ProCycling, formerly Rabobank, instigated the main surprise of the tour. Whilst their sprinter, Mark Renshaw, albeit in vain aimed for stage wins, their young main, Slagter took the first professional win of his career on Stage 3 and moved into the Ochre jersey after coming second on Stage 5.
Orica Greenedge, the Australian team, hoped to please the home crowd on the flat sprints with Australian, Matthew Goss and claim the overall GC with fellow Australian, Simon Gerrans, 2012’s winner. Goss however, never hit form and Gerrans was ruled out of GC contention after being separated from the main group, due to a crash on Stage 2. Gerrans then focused on winning Stage 5 up Old Willunga Hill, a climb he finished second on last year.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Murray: from Scottish outlaw, to British hero
June 2012, Andy Murray wasn’t held in the highest regards by the British public, he was just ‘that Scottish git’ who played tennis but alway seemed to choke at the final hurdle. Fast forward seven months and it is a completely different story.
So what caused the public opinion of Murray to change?
Murray’s tears at Wimbledon after his defeat in the final to Roger Federer, his joy at winning gold and silver for his country at London 2012 and his triumph in the US Open, have earned him a place in public hearts.
After losing out to Federer in the Wimbledon final, the British public saw, many for the first time, that Murray really was passionate. The tears that rolled down his face as he took the microphone from Sue Barker and spoke to everyone watching in Centre Court and at home, showed his desperation to win a major tournament. He wanted to win a Grand Slam, he wanted to win Wimbledon, he felt like he had let the British public down.
So what caused the public opinion of Murray to change?
Murray’s tears at Wimbledon after his defeat in the final to Roger Federer, his joy at winning gold and silver for his country at London 2012 and his triumph in the US Open, have earned him a place in public hearts.
After losing out to Federer in the Wimbledon final, the British public saw, many for the first time, that Murray really was passionate. The tears that rolled down his face as he took the microphone from Sue Barker and spoke to everyone watching in Centre Court and at home, showed his desperation to win a major tournament. He wanted to win a Grand Slam, he wanted to win Wimbledon, he felt like he had let the British public down.
Saturday, 26 January 2013
British cycling; a multi-coloured future?
In the last two years British cycling has hit the road running. Even in the wet, grim and recently snowy British winter, cyclists clad in brightly coloured waterproofs and their new christmas ‘bootsies’ are still putting in the kilometres. It was a joy to see more than the usual ‘Sunday cyclist’ out on the roads this summer, with pain trains, leisurely group rides and the lone sufferer taking on Box Hill in Surrey.
Cycling has always been popular in Europe; Denmark has over 10,000km of dedicated cycle routes, while 27% of all journeys in the Netherlands are by bike. Whereas, Britain has always seen it as a ‘midlife crisis sport’. Men with a few extra pounds, both in their wallet and on the scales, going all out on expensive equipment and making the odd ride, in the process coining the term ‘middle-aged men in lycra’. Recently however, there seems to be a gradual shift in the British state of mind.
Cycling has always been popular in Europe; Denmark has over 10,000km of dedicated cycle routes, while 27% of all journeys in the Netherlands are by bike. Whereas, Britain has always seen it as a ‘midlife crisis sport’. Men with a few extra pounds, both in their wallet and on the scales, going all out on expensive equipment and making the odd ride, in the process coining the term ‘middle-aged men in lycra’. Recently however, there seems to be a gradual shift in the British state of mind.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)