Coming the day before a fearsome mountain stage, the riders could only hope that the peloton would take it easy to allow some recovery. This being the 2017 Tour of California though, there was no way this was going to be allowed to happen. While the sprinters were confident they’d be able to catch the day’s break, the escapees had other ideas, and as the peloton tore itself apart trying to make the catch, the five plucky riders took the stage, leaving BORA-hansgrohe’s Peter Sagan the first of the chasers to cross the line, adding to his points tally and retaining his green jersey, while Rafał Majka (pictured above) arrived safely, keeping hold of his GC leader’s yellow jersey for another day.
For the rest of the Amgen Tour of California story from BORA-hansgrohe’s perspective, please follow the jump.
Near the end of stage 2 of the 2017 Amgen Tour of California (May 15, 2017), while riding in a five-man break, Toms Skujiņš apparently got caught up in a crack in the pavement that pulled his front wheel out from under him causing him to go down hard. Clearly knocked silly, he should never have been allowed to get back on his bike. We always knew Toms was a machine, we just didn’t know that his programming was so dedicated to getting on down the road. We will miss him on the rest of the tour, but mostly we’re glad he’s still alive.
Finally, the week has come. If you’re aren’t ready for the world famous 6th Annual Cervélo Belgian Waffle Ride now, you’ll never get ready in one week. But not to worry,we have all the details on the May 21, 2017 Hell of the North County right here. Follow the jump and get it all including links to all the important Strava segments.
On the eve of the Amgen Tour of CaliforniaPeto Sagan and Race Reporter Ruby face off in an awkward, accent-fueled battle of cuteness. Who is the winner? We’re guessing it’s Specialized.
In cycling many (if not most) of those racing every weekend have little understanding of the single most important piece of their cycling equipment: their hearts. Most don’t think twice until something goes wrong: a flutter in the chest, or a racing heart that just won’t slow down at the end of a ride. The truth is, heart issues like these happen far more often than any of us would like to admit. Especially, for those over 35 who are chasing the dream of winning their next masters race.
“This book is the most comprehensive guide to the subject of endurance sports and heart health. It is filled with sound, practical advice. But it isn’t meant to frighten you into becoming a full-time spectator. We present the information as it is known at this time. What you do with it is up to you, though we certainly encourage caution and thoughtfulness.”
It may not have been meant to frighten anyone, but after reading all the studies, data, and hard evidence provided in The Haywire Heart it’s difficult to look at a 250 mile training week with the same kind of rabid enthusiasm we once did. The authors list a series of research studies that show that far from being rare, heart rhythm issues actually increase with age, with increased training, and with improved fitness. Some even suggest that the fitter you are, the higher your chances are of suffering from some type of heart rhythm disorder.
The Haywire Heart is intensely readable, informative, and necessary reading for anyone who races bicycles. Seriously. Click the link and buy it now.
TAG Heuer rolled out their jerseys for the Amgen Tour of California’s best young riders and they have to be the ugliest jerseys we’ve ever seen for a world tour event. Designed by “art provocateur Alec Monopoly” the jerseys feature a chaotic spattering of spray can squirts and TAG logos that looks like, well high viz scribbling. Here’s how TAG explains it:
Though cycling and art are seemingly dissimilar, these pursuits have universal appeal as movement and creation are both fundamental instincts, regardless of country, background or age. TAG Heuer specializes in uniting divergent worlds, creating disruptive moments that highlight the avant-garde nature of the brand.
We can say one thing: it’s no real surprise that the jersey’s designer wears a mask. For the official word from the Tour of California, please follow the jump.
We’ve no doubt that Oleg Tinkov asked two-time world champion Peto Sagan to do a lot of insane stuff during his time on the team, but we’re not sure that any of it was worse that what Hansgrohe USA is making Peto do in support of their self-proclaimed “cleverly named” Shower With Like A Pro sweepstakes.
We were hoping that one of the prizes would be showering with Peto, or at least getting one of his sweaty kits, but no, the prizes are a shower head and/or a trip to Sacramento, California for stage one of the Amgen Tour of California. Damn!
If a winning a trip to SacTown is something that you’re interested in, then by all means click this link and visit Hansgrohe’s Facebook page while we kick back and laugh a little longer at super sexy Peto in the shower. . .
In a new book titled How Cycling Can Save the WorldGuardian writer Peter Walker discusses the ways in which getting more people on bicycles can make the world a better place. Reducing smog and traffic and improving health are obvious, but Walker goes much deeper into the subtle ways cycling can improve nearly everything about urban life.
In a world dominated . . . by bikes, people can amble, children can play, fresh air can be breathed, conversations can be heard, all without our omniscient, noisy, smelly, lethal modern-day plague,” Walker says. “Cyclists are recognizably human, traveling at human-scaled speeds. As a benefits to urban living, that can hardly be overstated.
On May 7, 2017 the TD Five Boro Bike Tour rolls though New York City for the 40th time to raise funds for bike education.
As New York City continues its efforts to make transportation safer, healthier, more sustainable, more equitable, and otherwise more sensible for residents and visitors alike, the nonprofit organization Bike New York is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its landmark achievement in cycling advocacy and education: the TD Five Boro Bike Tour Presented by REI, taking place May 7th.
This year 32,000 cyclists will roll the closed streets of New York City in what has become the largest bike ride in America. For the official word please follow the jump or click here.
We know what you’re thinking: hasn’t Patagonia been made sleeping bags for years? We thought that too, but in fact they haven’t. . . until now with the 800 Down Sleeping Bag.
“After years and years of making one-off sleeping bags for ourselves and people heading out on select trips, we wanted to share what we’ve learned with the greater outdoor community,” said Jenna Johnson, Patagonia’s sr. director, technical outdoor. “Our team built on a deep knowledge of insulation design and thought through every aspect of these sleeping bags, offering our customers a highly crafted, super functional bag option. Sleeping bags are such a crux part of our kit, and they become like a partner as we go out to explore and see new places. I’m very proud of our work and excited to offer these products to our customers.”
Nothing makes sleeping in your car more comfortable than a good mummy bag. For all the official details, please follow the jump.
In cycling many (if not most) of those racing every weekend have little understanding of the single most important piece of their cycling equipment: their hearts. Most don’t think twice until something goes wrong: a flutter in the chest, or a racing heart that just won’t slow down at the end of a ride. The truth is, heart issues like these happen far more often than any of us would like to admit. Especially, for those over 35 who are chasing the dream of winning their next masters race.
In a new book titled 
On May 7, 2017 the 
