The Pro Road Cycling Thread

[johnnytapia]

I know it’s not Road, but World gravel championships mens race on this afternoon (now).

Looks fantastic on the tv, and a lot more relatable to kind of routes that many people do for leisure or MTB rides I think. Makes you realise how boring road racing can look sometimes.

Anyway, I’m guessing MvdP is gonna be favourite here.

When I saw this thread had updated I was having shivers and thinking I’d missed La Classica delle Foglie Morte. Get thee away from me with thy gravel nonsense!

 

[chesterbells]

When I saw this thread had updated I was having shivers and thinking I’d missed La Classica delle Foglie Morte. Get thee away from me with thy gravel nonsense!

The Giro dell Emilia road race yesterday in and around Bologna was excellent, though low cloud conditions spoiled the coverage for the viewer.

 

[johnnytapia]

He really is something else.

 

[Bettys Bell]

Still the international break for me .

 

[chesterbells]

Still the international break for me .

It certainly is now.
Game over for another year. I know there is the Tour Down Under in January, but that’s it till March for me.

Been another great season :-)

 

[uweuweuwe]

Just reading that it looks like itv have lost the rights to the tour de france and it will be on discovery channel in the uk.

pretty gutting as its the one thing me and my dad look forward to together ever since its channel 4 days. wont be paying extra
to fill warner bros pockets would rather give the money to the donkey sanctuaries

 

[chesterbells]

Just reading that it looks like itv have lost the rights to the tour de france and it will be on discovery channel in the uk.

pretty gutting as its the one thing me and my dad look forward to together ever since its channel 4 days. wont be paying extra
to fill warner bros pockets would rather give the money to the donkey sanctuaries

Yes, was reading about this yesterday too. It’s different for each of us, but personally I loved the itv highlights package but prefer the WBD live coverage, as I got cheesed off with a 5 min ad break for the donkey sanctuaries, funeral plans and stairlifts every 15 mins.

I also actually think at £7 a month, when you compare it to the cost of other sports subscription packages, is really good value to watch advert-free coverage of virtually every bike race across the year.

But I will be sad to see the demise of Gary and the team :-(
Like you say, it’s been a part of our growing up for so many of us. Remember watching it first time years ago with my grandad and I’m sure it was just 30 mins highlights then with Phil Liggett on comms!

I wonder if itv actually did bid to keep the rights, or it wasn’t enough.

 

[eric pode of croydon]

Just reading that it looks like itv have lost the rights to the tour de france and it will be on discovery channel in the uk.

pretty gutting as its the one thing me and my dad look forward to together ever since its channel 4 days. wont be paying extra
to fill warner bros pockets would rather give the money to the donkey sanctuaries

I'll just have to watch the lovely Orla Chennaoui on Eurosport. Oh dear what a shame never mind.

 

[chesterbells]

I'll just have to watch the lovely Orla Chennaoui on Eurosport. Oh dear what a shame never mind.

We get Laura reporting too ;-)

 

[chesterbells]

Get holiday planning started…

 

[eric pode of croydon]

Do you reckon they let Cavendish win his final sprint today? I do, not too bothered though, it's the equivalent of a testimonial or pre-season friendly. Good on him.

 

[chesterbells]

Do you reckon they let Cavendish win his final sprint today? I do, not too bothered though, it's the equivalent of a testimonial or pre-season friendly. Good on him.

I’d say a Yes, but then I agree with the rest of your post too!

(Btw, controversial I know, and I’ll say it quietly, but I’ve heard something similar said about his 1 stage win this last summer ;-)

 

[eric pode of croydon]

I’d say a Yes, but then I agree with the rest of your post too!

(Btw, controversial I know, and I’ll say it quietly, but I’ve heard something similar said about his 1 stage win this last summer ;-)

Not sure about the TdF stage win. If the Singapore Criterium is a testimonial the TdF is the Champions League final. I wouldn’t rule anything out though.

 

[chesterbells]

Not sure about the TdF stage win. If the Singapore Criterium is a testimonial the TdF is the Champions League final. I wouldn’t rule anything out though.

Yeah, I like to believe buddy, I like to believe.

 

[chesterbells]

Get holiday planning started…

Was expecting Giro route announcement on 15th Nov, but just reading it’s now been put back to 13th January! Multiple issues apparently, including financial. They are teasing that part of the delay is an attempt to secure all the top names to take part, but I’d be amazed if that turns out to be the case.

Anyway, at this rate, we’ll be getting the Vuelta route before that, so when it comes to holiday plans for next year, it’s looking like it might be France or Spain rather than Italy.

 

[KS55]

Cavendish duly won his last race after a fine send off by the field. A great cyclist and a wonderful sprinter.
Well done Cav.

 

[big gaz]

Lizzy D calling it a day at the end of 2025 season, wish her all the best she loves the Rainbow win but for me Paris Roubaix win will always stand out for me.
Enjoy you're last season and have some fun / mischief !

 

[johnnytapia]

Lizzy D calling it a day at the end of 2025 season, wish her all the best she loves the Rainbow win but for me Paris Roubaix win will always stand out for me.
Enjoy you're last season and have some fun / mischief !

Hopefully she remembers to put her phone on and not miss any calls.

 

[chesterbells]

Hopefully she remembers to put her phone on and not miss any calls.

Quite!

 

[eric pode of croydon]

Just watched Van Der Poel destroy the field at the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Belgium on Eurosport.

Not quite the same level but looking forward to next week's NWCCA Round 10 in Macclesfield next Sunday.