by Anna Magrath | May 4, 2014
CycloFemme aims for 500 rides, in 50 countries on May 11, 2014 As the May 11, 2014 CycloFemme celebration of Women in Cycling nears, the bar has been set at 500 rides, in 50 countries, and all 50 US states. With last year’s 229 rides in 31 countries, CycloFemme continues to gain traction, celebrating the bicycle as a tool for empowering women and positive social change. BOULDER, CO, USA (March 19, 2013) — As registration gets under way for CycloFemme – May 11, 2014 Global Women’s Cycling Day, many riders are coming together to plan celebrations worldwide. With the third annual ride approaching, CycloFemme organisers are calling on the global community to plan rides with the goal of 500 rides in 50 countries, and all 50 US states. Among those standing behind CycloFemme is the US national cycling organization League of American Bicyclists.
“Cyclofemme is a unique catalyst and universal call to action for individual riders and organized efforts around women and cycling.” says Carolyn Szczepanski of the League of American Bicyclists. “This one day has already become an incredible unifying force for women around the world. The League couldn’t be more honored to promote and celebrate this event as a part of National Bike Month,” she said.
Unified primarily through social media and word of mouth, in 2013, the grassroots movement was celebrated from Kyoto, Japan to Alaska, USA and from Orebro, Sweden to Yida, South Sudan where two women learned to ride a bike in a MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) camp in preparation for the big day, held in May.
“There is great momentum in the women’s empowerment movement, we see the bicycle as a tool for realizing positive social change. We believe that strong communities are built by strong women. As Susan B. Anthony said, about the bicycle, ‘I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.’” said CycloFemme co-founder Sarai Snyder. “The bicycle provides access, connectivity, and mobility, essential tools for economic, community, and personal development. We see CycloFemme as an opportunity to celebrate these ideas and encourage more women to lead a healthy lifestyle.” With the statement “We Ride Together,” the goal of CycloFemme is to create a unified voice for women’s cycling by building a tribe of riders who recognize the need to empower one another and build a supportive community.
CycloFemme is celebrated annually on the US Mother’s Day, the spirit of the day continues to live on year round. Many cyclists still find opportunities to adorn themselves with the CycloFemme mark, in the form of a temporary tattoo, showing support for the global movement at local cycling events and rides.
Knowing that exponential change begins with the simple maths of 1+1, many have also made a personal commitment by signing the CycloFemme Pledge to “inspire one more woman to ride a bike.” Images of pledge signings can be found on cyclofemme.com/pledge along with pdf versions to print, sign and share. Currently available in English, Spanish, and Chinese with more languages being introduced weekly.
A creative initiative of Girl Bike Love + Language Dept., CycloFemme is global celebration to Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Empower the Future of Women in Cycling. The mission states “Teach women to ride, and they will change the world.”
For more information download the CycloFemme PDF below: [wpdm_file id=1]
by Lawrence Bywater | May 3, 2014
Ah the time of year when I dust down the coffee machine, plump the cushions and try to avoid doing absolutely anything between the hours of 13.00 and 16.30. Yes, its Grand Tour silly season in the world of professional road cycling. Whilst the general classification contenders have been preparing on some hors categorie climbs, I have been gorging myself on the Hors d’oeuvre’s of cycling’s seasonal menu. One day classics and short stage races have been a relative amuse bouche ahead of the full 21 course tasting menu of a grand tour.
There is nothing in the world of sport that is longer or warrants such investment than the Giro, Tour or Vuelta. As a result I, like you, I hope, have numerous ‘jours sans’. This usually involves a perfectly concocted TV montage set on repeat. The breakaway going hell for leather, the delightful landscape, an ambling peloton, the faint noise of the helicopter or motorbike engine… riders’ legs going up, and down, up, and down, up, and down….. Suddenly it’s the end of the stage and the top 10 for the day flashes up on the TV – I’ve missed the whole stage!!! Like a Bardiani-CSF rider aiming to get in the breakaway, I shall try again tomorrow!
Route
So we come to the first of grand tour of the year the Giro d’Italia, perhaps confusingly for the uninitiated, starting in Ireland! The spaces and landscapes of the Giro never disappoint and the dash through the Emerald Isle will certainly match the vistas of Italy. It may even be capable of halting my usual mid stage slumber mentioned above! Judging by the stages planned the racing shouldn’t fail to satisfy either. The route starts with a team time trial around Belfast and finishes with a stage to Dublin, after which comes the 1st rest day for travel to Italy.
Giro d’Italia Route 2014
Ultimately the route this year is one primed for climbers – yet unlike recent years the profiles tend to build gradually rather than shoot for the hills right away. Stage 8 in the Apennines mountain range should bring the first shake up for the general classification. The Carpegna climb is back loaded towards the end of the stage and final climb at 13% should be a treat. A nasty trio, the Passo Gavio, Stelvio and the Monte Zoncolan are all attempted in the final week and the final mountain time trial will ultimately destroy some riders hopes.
Contenders
Four previous Giro winners line up this year and the smart money suggests none of them will be in contention come Trieste. Ivan Basso and Michele Scarponi are the wrong side of 35, whilst Ryder Hesjedal and Damiano Cunego have not shown anything to date to suggest they can repeat their victories of 2004 and 2012 respectively. Of the old guard perhaps only Cadel Evans has a right to warrant a contender badge after a productive spring cumulating in GC victory at the recent Giro del Trentino.
So, roll up roll up how about a brand new grand tour winner? The bookies favourite, Nairo Quintana, looks a good bet to at least match his podium finish from last year’s tour. He has had a solid preparation in the run up, landing the win at the Tour de San Luis, second at Tirenno and 5th in Catalunya. This combined with his eminent climbing ability, solid time trialling and a world class Movistar line up ensures he certainly warrants favouritism.
Rigoberto Uran, 2nd last year has a good chance too. He has kept his powder dry this season with only a 3rd in GC at the Tour of Oman the only result of note. The Omega-Pharma quickstep team is built around him with no Mark Cavendish. If Thomas De Gent and Wout Poels and can provide suitable domestique support in the mountains he may have a shot. Joaquim Rodriguez, the Raymond Poulidor of our times, could at last win the general classification at a grand tour. This may be his last chance as he enters the last few golden years of his career and he probably missed his best chance in 2012. The time trial on stage 12 does him no favours. Daniel Martin, Domenico Pozzovivo, Rafal Majka, Nicholas Roche and Wilco Kelderman could all make a step up this year after showing glimpses of what might be. All must ride their luck and have the best of legs to usurp Quintana et al.
My Giro d’Italia Top 5:-
- Nairo Quintana
- Cadel Evans
- Rafal Majka
- Nicholas Roche
- Daniel Martin
Stage Win – Tim Wellens (Lotto Belisol)
by Chris Maher | Apr 29, 2014
All images ©www.chrismaher.co.uk
Heather Bamforth switched her bike for a mic and was reporting on the event, you might spot her carrying out the interviews at the end of the race.
Women’s Results
1 – 13 Katie Archibald Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International 2:30:20
2 – 15 Hayley Jones Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International @ 1:31
3 – 42 Laura Trott Wiggle Honda @ 1:45
4 – 16 Nicola Juniper Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International @ 1:47
5 – 46 Lowri Devey Abergavenny Road Club st
6 – 81 Lydia Gurley Merlin Cycles st
7 – 17 Gabriella Shaw Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International st
8 – 20 Katie Curtis Starley Primal Pro Cycling st
9 – 5 Molly Weaver Epic Cycles – Scott WRT st
10 – 2 Anna Christian Epic Cycles – Scott WRT st
11 – 19 Jane Barr Starley Primal Pro Cycling st
12 – 12 Jessie Walker Matrix Fitness – Vulpine st
13 – 32 Clemence Copie Team Mulebar Girl – Sigma Sport st
14 – 66 Elizabeth Holden RST Racing Team st
15 – 26 Natalie Grinczer Fusion Racing Team st
16 – 56 Lydia Boylan Velosport – Pasta Montegrappa st
17 – 83 Rebecca Womersley WyndyMilla – Reynolds st
18 – 10 Penny Rowson Matrix Fitness – Vulpine st
19 – 67 Eve Dixon Team 22 st
20 – 3 Alexie Shaw Epic Cycles – Scott WRT st
21 – 44 Tamina Oliver Endura Lady Force – WV Zeeuws Vlaanderen st
22 – 36 Tamiko Butler WyndyMilla – Reynolds st
23 – 78 Alice Cobb Squadra Donne st
24 – 11 Jo Tindley Matrix Fitness – Vulpine st
25 – 73 Alice Barnes T-Mo Racing st
26 – 58 Jennifer Hudson VC St Raphael st
27 – 60 Vanessa Whitfield VC St Raphael st
28 – 54 Helen Ralston Les Filles Racing Team st
29 – 45 Lucy Chittenden East St Cycles / WyndyMilla-Reynolds st
30 – 28 Mathilde Pauls Fusion Racing Team st
31 – 24 Jennifer Taylor Starley Primal Pro Cycling st
32 – 25 George Schwiening Fusion Racing Team st
33 – 33 Natalie Creswick Team Mulebar Girl – Sigma Sport st
34 – 14 Lauren Creamer Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International st
35 – 1 Karla Boddy Epic Cycles – Scott WRT @ 2:01
36 – 47 Joanne Blakeley GB Cycles.co.uk st
37 – 72 Maryka Sennema Kingston Whls CC st
38 – 43 Emma Trott Boels Dolmans @ 2:12
39 – 18 Dame Sarah Storey Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International st
40 – 8 Corrine Hall Matrix Fitness – Vulpine @ 2:34
41 – 34 Louise Mahe Team Mulebar Girl – Sigma Sport OTL
42 – 7 Louise Borthwick Matrix Fitness – Vulpine OTL
43 – 48 Iona Sewell GB Cycles.co.uk OTL
44 – 6 Hannah Walker Epic Cycles – Scott WRT OTL
45 – 4 Emily Kay Epic Cycles – Scott WRT OTL
46 – 80 Gina Riley Chester RC OTL
47 – 71 Elanor Cadzow Bonito Squadra Corse OTL
48 – 65 Annasley Park RST Racing Team OTL
49 – 30 Amy Hill Fusion Racing Team OTL
50 – 86 Victoria Grimmer Paramount CRT OTL
51 – 52 Nikki Engelbach Les Filles Racing Team OTL
52 – 79 Ruth Taylor Manchester Whlrs Club OTL
53 – 35 Adel Tyson-Bloor Team Mulebar Girl – Sigma Sport OTL
54 – 27 Elizabeth Malins Fusion Racing Team OTL
55 – 64 Lauren O’Brien RST Racing Team OTL
56 – 57 Hayley Simmonds Velosport – Pasta Montegrappa OTL
57 – 53 Nicole Oh Les Filles Racing Team OTL
58 – 59 Eleanor Jones VC St Raphael OTL
59 – 38 Cassie McGoldrick WyndyMilla – Reynolds OTL
DNF – 74 Flora Gillies Speg – Project 51 DNF
DNF – 62 Lucy Harper Bike Pure-LeMond-Aspire Velotech DNF
DNF – 61 Sophie Black Bike Pure-LeMond-Aspire Velotech DNF
DNF – 82 Frances White Team Jadan DNF
DNF – 75 Anda-Jay Burgess Rock And Road Cycles DNF
DNF – 49 Nicola Soden GB Cycles.co.uk DNF
DNF – 76 Rachel Przybylski WyndyMilla DNF
DNF – 63 Paige Milward Bike Pure-LeMond-Aspire Velotech DNF
DNF – 39 Keira McVitty WyndyMilla – Reynolds DNF
DNF – 31 Emily Barnes Team Mulebar Girl – Sigma Sport DNF
DNF – 29 Gillian Taylor Fusion Racing Team DNF
DNF – 37 Mary Costello WyndyMilla – Reynolds DNF
DNF – 21 Lyndsey Glazier Starley Primal Pro Cycling DNF
DNF – 69 Lauren Brown Team Jadan DNF
DQ – 40 Hannah Payton WyndyMilla – Reynolds DQ
DNS – 9 Harriet Owen Matrix Fitness – Vulpine DNS
DNS – 22 Anneliese Heard Starley Primal Pro Cycling DNS
DNS – 23 Eileen Roe Starley Primal Pro Cycling DNS
DNS – 41 Joanna Rowsell Wiggle Honda DNS
DNS – 50 Brit Tate GB Cycles.co.uk DNS
DNS – 51 Delia Beddis Les Filles Racing Team DNS
DNS – 55 Bryony Board Velosport – Pasta Montegrappa DNS
DNS – 68 Jennifer Edwards Team 22 DNS
DNS – 70 Kayleigh Brogan Team Thomsons Cycles DNS
DNS – 77 Laura Wasley Isle Of Man Cycling Association DNS
Highest 2nd Cat: Nicola Juniper (Pearl Izumi)
Intermediate Sprint: Katie Archibald (Pearl Izumi)
La Bataille Prize (Most aggressive rider): Hayley Jones (Pearl Izumi)
Team: Pearl Izumi-Sports Tours International.
by Nancy Arreola | Apr 28, 2014
Girona has long been known for the quality of its riding, its labyrinth of twisty medieval streets with hidden restaurants and bars and now comes the chance to enjoy a Gran Fondo in the greatest cycling city in the world.
Organised by Club Ciclista Bike Breaks supported by The Girona Cycle Centre the event promises a week long cycling extravaganza.
With a Nocturne lap ride through the medieval old city, a timed hill climb of nearby mountain Els angels and culminating with a 125km loop into the volcanic region to the north of the city, and plenty of après bike and partying in between this is THE Gran Fondo of 2014.
The event starts on June 16th, the organisers have a bike shop and they’re running the week long cycling festival with daily “shop rides” on the most exciting roads of Girona, they also offer a once in a life time opportunity to do a “nocturne ride”. There will be social events including a “catalán evening” in Sant Daniel with the amazing gastronomy that this city has to offer, a pre-race party and then things get a little more serious with an uphill time trial to “Els Angels” it’s a 10.4km long climb with pretty views the whole week will culminate with the gran fondo itself on 21st June which will be 125km long.
The Girona Gran Fondo will be an unforgettable week in Girona and a long overdue showcase for this theme park for cycling.
https://www.facebook.com/gironagranfondo?fref=ts
http://www.gironagranfondo.com/
https://twitter.com/BikeBreaks
by Anna Magrath | Apr 27, 2014
Katie Archibald – Ready to Race
Press Release:
FOUR WEEKS TO GO UNTIL THE MILK RACE!
This weekend marks four weeks until the return of the legendary Milk Race event to Nottingham City Centre on Sunday 25 May.
Following the successful resurrection of the event in 2013, a number of elite cyclists have entered this year’s races. They include Dame Sarah Storey, who last week won two gold medals in the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Mexico, World and European cycling champion Katie Archibald, and Olympic gold medalist Ed Clancy.
As well as the elite races, the Milk Race will offer a unique opportunity for the whole family to take part. Three categories of public rides are open for registration – a family ride (suitable for all ages and abilities, including young children), a community ride (for children and adults 8 years plus of all abilities) and an advanced ride (12 years plus, suitable for club riders, experienced cyclists and regular commuters).
Families and individuals can register for the public rides via the website at http://www.themilkrace.com/register-now.
The event’s return to Nottingham has been made possible by The Dairy Council and Nottingham City Council who are hosting a day of family activities in Old Market Square on the Saturday before the Milk Race.
Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure at Nottingham City Council, said: “With activities for the whole family, plus the cream of British elite cycling taking to Nottingham’s roads, this year’s Milk Race looks set to be even bigger than in 2013.”
Dairy Council Chairman Sandy Wilkie said: “With one month to go, it’s fantastic to see the excitement building for this year’s event. The standard of the elite cyclists is set to be even higher than in 2013 and with the public rides on offer once again, the Milk Race will have something for everyone.”
The Nottingham Building Society has sponsored the Family Ride in this year’s Milk Race. On being a local sponsor, Partnership and Sponsorships Manager Vicky Hall said: “We are delighted to sponsor the 2014 Family Ride. The Milk Race is a prestigious event that originated in the heartland of Nottingham so it’s great to be able to offer families across the whole community a chance to take part.”
Further information about the 2014 Milk Race can be found at www.themilkrace.com.
About The Milk Race
- Between 1958 and 1993, The Milk Race was the most prestigious cycling event in the British calendar, and the (now disbanded) Milk Marketing Board’s sponsorship remains the longest association that the sport has ever had.
- The multistage race of old was conducted over a number of day races – across a number of locations – and was contested by some of the most successful ever road cyclists.
- Previous Milk Race winners include Shane Sutton – a current part of British Cycling’s coaching set-up – and Malcolm Elliott, the team manager of the Node4-Giordana professional team.
- In 2013, The Milk Race returned after 20 years and was held in Nottingham city centre – attended by over 60,000 people. Dani King and Felix English won the women’s elite race and the men’s elite race respectively.
- The Milk Race is a registered trademark of The Dairy Council and the event is funded by members of the Milk Marketing Forum (comprised of Arla Foods UK, Dairy Crest Limited, First Milk and Müller Wiseman Dairies).
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