The Nearly New Cyclist Diary 2016: Revolution / Inspiration

January 04, 2016 0 Comments

Visitors to the site over the last couple of days will be aware that Conquista was present at the Manchester round of the UK's Revolution Series. Even the buzz of the National Cycling Centre couldn't completely remove the whiff of the school sports day that always seems to hang over Revolution events, but I still had a great time, and even took some photos. This was a great learning experience, as long as you think it's great to learn that velodrome light sucks. At least I have a better idea what I'll be dealing with next time (if there is a next time).

The event was also noteworthy for a few other things.

1. This was Cav's first outing since inking a new contract with Dimension Data. After all those years with Specialized, it was strange to see him warming up on a Cervélo . . .

2. I also discovered my favourite cycling sponsor of all time. How can a business fail with a name like "SPORT GRUB"?

3. Other media outlets invariably bring you photos of Robert Förstemann's preposterous thighs. Yawn. However, readers may be interested to know that they (and indeed all the other parts of his extraordinary anatomy - he's basically 5'6" cubed) are so vast that he regularly snaps seat posts, explaining this unusual little extra bit of support . . .

All this is tremendously inspiring, so I've been living the dream myself - that is, I've been on the turbo in the garage. The scene this evening:

The bike's under there somewhere. Still, I don't care: it may be a long way from the National Cycling Centre to my garage, but at least Cav and I have this in common: neither of us has mastered the rollers yet . . .

Also in Blog

Known Unknowns: Part 10

April 30, 2021 0 Comments

The difficulties of Cav To The Tour

Mark Cavendish’s welcome return to victory has led to calls for the Briton to be selected for the Tour de France, including the #CavToTheTour push on Twitter. There is a considerable emotional appeal to him taking part, but is it practical?

Known Unknowns: Part 9

April 23, 2021 0 Comments

Will Roglič’s race-free preparation secure Tour de France victory?

Earlier this week l’Equipe reported that last year’s Tour runner-up Primož Roglič would have a two month break from racing prior to the French event. That approach goes against the trend of all recent Tour winners, yet Jumbo-Visma believes that this route is the best one to take. Is the team right?

Known Unknowns: Part 8

April 16, 2021 0 Comments

What will WADA find in British Cycling investigation?

The Richard Freeman investigation may have concluded, but there is a sense that questions about British Cycling may only be multiplying. As WADA begins to delve into the federation’s past, Conquista speaks to one whistleblower about his ongoing concerns and where he believes previous enquiries have fallen short.

Follow

Join us with a FREE Tier One membership now...