Well it has been quite a week in the world of cycling, Bobridge broke the unbeatable, 2011 Pro team kits have started arriving and news of Contador’s likely suspension has had time to be digested and the potential ramifications explored. Here in the office we have also been enjoying some cracking biscuits including ginger snaps and jammy dodgers. So without further ado, grab a cuppa, crack open a packet of your biscuits of choice and lets take a look at the week that’s been.
News:
Blistering Bobridge.
On Wednesday, it emerged that Australian Jack Bobridge had broken Chris Boardman’s 4km individual pursuit world record of 4:11.114 at Australia’s elite track championships. While previously coming close, many believed Boardman’s record would remain elusive, considering that such a record was set using the now outlawed ‘superman’ position.
Bobridge breaking through the pain cave (which we've heard he loves) and the 4km individual pursuit world record.
Nevertheless, Bobridge’s record breaking time came after his old record was broken by fellow countryman Rohan Dennis. Dennis’ time of 4:13.399, set during the heats of the same event, became the second fastest in history until Bobridge was able to pull out all the stops:
“I really controlled that third kilometre and tried to stay comfortable and then really let everything out over the last four laps.”
After seeing Rohan overtake his previous time of 4:14.427, Bobridge admitted that he was definitely running scared. By the looks of the time he subsequently set, maybe this competition was all the incentive he needed to step it up a notch.
After overcoming the initial shock of seeing the record breaking time on the board as he completed his 4000m, Bobridge was pleased that he was able to retain his previously held records and even set a new one.
All in all, a pretty good day for Bobridge, topped off with a gold medal later in the evening. What more could you ask for?
Menchov: Riis’ messiah?
Troubling times for Riis.
Since news emerged that Alberto Contador is likely to receive a suspension of 1 year for his positive test result during the 2010 TdF, rumours have been spreading about who is likely to lead the Saxo Bank team in 2011.
Richie Porte was quick to state he’d be more than willing to take on the role left vacant by Contador, although Riis appears to have had other ideas. For instance, it’s been revealed that Omega Pharma-Lotto’s Jurgen Van den Broech had been sought out by Riis as a potential replacement for his big star.
No move for Menchov... yet.
However, following the Russian’s strong showing at last year’s TdF, Denis Menchov certainly seems like a safe bet and a good short-term option since Contador will likely be back on the bike in time for the Vuelta later this year.
However, later in the week, Menchov reiterated that he was keen remain with Geox-TMC, despite failing to secure an invitation to this year’s TdF. What seems to be ‘make or break’ for Menchov is an invitation to the Giro d’Italia, but we’ll have to wait until March to discover which teams are invited and which haven’t quite made the cut.
Whether Riis can wait until then to secure a new leader is another story…
One item of racing news that has been catching Chris’ attention is the 2011 Ladies Tour of Qatar.
Preceding the men’s event which starts on the 6th, the ladies have got off to a fine start. As always it was hot and while the road surface on the whole was magic carpet smooth the drains and potholes at junctions remain causing numerous punctures and bike woes.
Stage 1 results:
1. Rochelle Gilmore (Aus) Lotto Honda Team
2. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Italy
3. Chloe Hosking (Aus) HTC Highroad WomenChris' Winner came in 49th.
Today’s stage starts north of Doha and runs into the city with just 92km to complete. Hopefully this will lead to lots of attacking and perhaps a number of riders from one team getting a jump on the peloton and taking the win – we shall see!
As said, the men’s race starts on Sunday the 6th with a weeks worth of racing. Jack Bobridge, mentioned earlier is supposed to be racing as is Tom Boonen and Mark Cavendish. Anyone got any tips for the race?
Video of the Week:
This is pretty amazing…
Picture of the Week:
A great Knog diorama, name the film...
HTC stretching it out, they've just done over a 1000 one-legged squats you know, it's hard to find time to work the artillery.
Tweet of the Week:
Our tweet of the week comes this week from @dimspace:
@dimspace Tour of Qatar route profiles released. Stage 1 (S)_______________________________________________(F)
Quite funny we think! Only thing it is missing is the wind!
Pick of this week’s new product:
The big news this week is the arrival of Reynolds wheels and the team kit, check out the Reynolds Product Focus blog but in the meantime here are some of our highlights:
The Reynolds Assault wheelset offers carbon lightness and performance at an incredible price, it also has Reynolds CTg braking system helping make sure your brakes don’t overheat.
The Sixty Six and Forty Six wheelset provides an amazing combination with a mid-profile front and a deep profile rear for perhaps the ultimate, flexible aero advantage.
The Forty Six and Sixty Six combination wheelset
Finally this week has seen the start of the 2011 team kit, check out the HTC Highroad kit below it’s very smart! Go to www.probikekit.com for all the rest of the 2011 kit from the likes of Astana, HTC Highroad, FDJ, Movistar and more.
The 2011 HTC Highroad team kit, we like it!
Deals and Promo’s at PBK:
- Excellent (yes, excellent) PBK Mitts all 40% for a limited time.
- Michelin Lithion tyres with over 20% off.
- All pedals and accessories discounted offer ends Tuesday 8th Feb don’t miss out!
- Over 70% off PBK tools, bag a bargain on these essential tools to keep your bike running smoothly.
- Campag Athena components all on offer. Massive savings with up to 40% off RRP!
- Gore Bike Wear 2011 Spring/Summer coming next week…
What are we up to this weekend?
- Chris is going to the football – up the mighty toon – and having a flying lesson!
- John is going to have a few ‘quiet’ drinks on Friday night, getting in at about 4/5am Saturday morning. He will then attempt play rugby.
- Grant is helping down the allotment on Saturday and getting his hair cut – rock and/or roll.
- Anthony is having some catch up drinks with his friend who is back from Afghanistan, going to the cinema and possibly a ride interspersed with some quality sitting.
