Superb racing in Spain

The racing in this year's Vuelta has been absolutely superb.
Despite Chris Froome inability to make an impression on the GC, the duel between Bertie and Joaquim Rodriguez has been fascinating.
Regardless of what you think of Bertie, you have to admire his racing style.  Yesterday's stage was a faultless  example of cycling strategy bearing fruit.
Battering over the 180km course at an average of 48kph, he not only managed to get the jump on his rivals, he swatted them aside to take the leader's red jersey.
Rodriguez's view that he expected Contador to beat him turned out to be prophetic.  He must be wondering how it happened after not allowing Contador any breathing space in the high mountains, he goes and blows it  on a stage with Cat 3 climbs.

Expecting the worse

There may still be more twists and turns to come but it'd be a brave person to bet against Bertie now.
This year's Tour was superb to watch with Bradley dominating proceedings, but it lacked the excitement that's been shown in the Vuelta.

New arrival

Following recent fork disasters, these little beauties have just arrived from the wonderful people at Brick Lane Bikes.

They are so shiny as to appear blue in the picture - they're actually chrome.  That's tomorrow night sorted then!
Interesting but useless, the forks chime in a perfect D when you tap them.

Signs of autumn for Manchester cyclists

There's no doubt that autumn is on its way.  Despite the fact that 'summer' has been indecipherable from winter at times this year, the coming of autumn brings a new set of challenges to the cyclist. 

Not quite here yet, but it wont be long...

If the last couple of years are anything to go by September and October should be months to look forward to.  There was a balmy week last September when the mercury rose to a scorching 33 degrees and autumn has generally been much dryer than summer for the past five years. Add to this the beautiful natural colour palette and autumn is my favourite season.
On the flip side, there was a distinct chill in the air this morning on the daily commute and for the first time I could see my breath at the lights.  The other major difference is that the schools are back in force and therefore, so are the cars. The difference is really noticeable.
We have the squelchy mulch of fallen leaves and the low sunrises to come and with the sun now setting before 8pm, it wont be long until it's time to put the lights back on...
If I could choose my perfect cycling weather it would be like those all too rare halcyon autumnal days of clear blue skies, bright sunshine and chilly temperatures.  Bliss.

New DfT minister is...

MP for Derbyshire Dales Patrick McLoughlin is the new department for Transport minister following Justine Greening getting the bullet
This is the bloke who is now in charge of cycling policy - you can read more about him here.

A what? A bicycle you say?

Let's give him an opportunity to show leadership and enlightened approach to transport matters including cycling.  Here's hoping...

Pastel pedallers

The announcement last week that Team Sky is to be kitted out in Rapha togs next season signals another significant moment for cycling in the UK.
Dropping the Adidas kit in favour of Rapha's more style-concious threads will, in my humble view, result in a huge growth of replica cycling jerseys being seen around town.

Looking good? How will Team Sky look next year?

Rapha's gear is always very nice: a bit retro and undoubtedly stylish compared to much cycling kit you see out there. I have to say their colour choices are always a little neopolitan ice cream for me - or dare I say it, a bit effeminate.

The Rapha colour reference chart (possibly)

However, what do I know? I reckon the Sky gear will be superb when its issued and sell by the broom wagon load.  It'll be launched to a colossal fanfare too.
It should be really interesting to see what they come up with.

27 reasons to be cheerful

The track cycling at the London Paralympics finished yesterday with another flurry of medals for the British team which is based at the Manchester velodrome.
The final tally of five golds, seven silvers and three bronze medals was enough to place Team GB atop the medals table and with a bit more luck, it could have been more.
Mechanical issues aside, the overall performance has built on the achievements of Beijing four years ago but increased competition, particularly from China, has led to serious competition for medals - and the sport is all the better for it.

Paralympics 2012 track cycling medal table

Add these medals to the nine track and three road race medals won at the Olympic games, and Team GB's total haul of 27 medals represents a superb return.  
It's quite fitting that the team is based at the aesthetically functional Manchester track rather than the beautiful London version, after all churning out medals which inspire people to ride is what it's all about.
Less good news in Northern Spain for British riders where Chris Froome is being put to the sword in the Vuelta. 
Despite last week's Cycling Weekly claiming that Froome basically had the ride in the bag, under the baking Spanish sun Froome looks tired and just cant live with the bursts of acceleration from the Spanish trio of Bertie, Joaquim Rodriguez and Alejandro Valverde.
It looks like Froome has left too much of himself on French tarmac and that we'll have to wait until next year's Tour form Britain's next stab and a GC winner.
Still, we have the World Championships to look forward to in a couple of weeks.
Ride safe

Manchester sportive weekend

It's quite a big weekend in Manchester for the amateur sportive rider and the charity fund raise with two big cycling events going on. The Manchester 100 and the 55 mile Bruntwood Ellipse both take place tomorrow afternoon.

Route of the Manchester 100

I've never done the Ellipse but I've ridden the whole route in sections on different rides.
I've done the Manchester 100 and it's quite forgiving for a 100 miler. It's pretty flat with just a couple of lumps at Norley and Kelsall as I recall.
Still, these things are all relative.
I've got my miles in today for this weekend as I build my strength after recent enforced lay offs.
So, good luck to everyone taking part in both events, hope it goes well for you!