“We don’t even have half a field”: Another British bike race cancelled due to “big downturn” in entries – as local cyclists blame early payment system and rising fees; Coach AI Alex Dowsett; Belgian NIMBYism; Cobbles and rain! + more on the live blog
When the bull sees red: Fuming Arnaud De Lie rages at team car after race-ending crash in Le Samyn race convoyFrom secretive Shimano’s special shoes and “the toughest road tyre for the harshest road conditions” to a bottle cage designed to hold a can of Coke , here’s what we spotted at this week’s iceBike showVittoria Guazzini powers to breakaway win at Le Samyn after tense finale
The road racing season may only be underway, but it seems like every new week ushers in another piece of bad news for the domestic British domestic scene. below that elite level races are continuing to struggle in the face of some pretty desperate financial and logistical headwinds. “It’s a difficult decision and not one that any event organiser wants to make. I’ve had conversation with BC race officials, NEG, and Reg Pharoah, whose late wife the race is in memory of. Sadly we’re all in agreement that this is the right call.
“Payment leaving the riders bank the day they enter and getting a refund if they don’t get in rather than the money leaving if they get selected,” the organiser reportedly told the site, who noted that the change “means that riders are forced to enter races late as they cannot afford to enter multiple races in advance, which in turn creates huge uncertainty and worry for organisers”.
Meanwhile, two weeks ago Team Spectra Racing general manager Gina Ball noted on Twitter that the rising entry fees of National A races – with some hitting £50 plus admin fees – were hindering cycling’s accessibility in the UK.I understand there are costs involved for organisers, but it's hardly making cycling financially accessibleLast week, road.
> "As always, my Dutch is not always well understood": Patrick Lefevere claims Alaphilippe criticism was misunderstood “You do cycling for yourself,” he told Thomas. “You don’t do it for the expectation of the public. I am also realistic about my capacities, so I just try to do the best version of myself.