15 years ago, Chris Smith was officially classified as legally blind. To honor this milestone, he's currently taking on the Tour Divide, and has been uploading videos along the way. Learn more about Chris, make a donation, and watch his Tour Divide videos here...The post Legally Blind and Racing the Tour Divide (Videos) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The cycle rack outside the supermarket giants Stalham branch was first reported as cracked and broken in March 2023, with one local cyclist claiming that the shops management refused to fix it

Cyclist5 of the best Romain Bardet momentsRomain Bardet will retire from road racing at the end of the 2025 Critrium du Dauphin. The 33-year-old has given us so many great moments throughout his career, including podiums in Grand Tours and Monuments.The ongoing 2024 Tour de France is his final time participating in his home race, a race that has brought him both joy and heartbreak over the years. Perhaps its no surprise, then, that the Tour features so prominently in our list of his five greatest career moments. After all, it would be hard to look past Stage 1 of the 2024 Tour, when Bardet finally achieved his dream of wearing the coveted yellow jersey and he did so in some style, leading a 1-2 ahead of teammate Frank van den Broek. But before we get into that one Related Posts Can France find a Grand Tour GC winner? Romains road: Romain Bardet profile Once in a lifetime: Romain Bardet dreams of Tour de France glory Mens Tour de France 2024: Route, how to watch and all you need to know History of the Tour de France jerseys and how they got their colours #5: A quiet moment of reflection at the 2022 Tour de France@LeTourThe mythical Col du Granon. An hors categorie climb that stands at 11.3km in length with a 9.2% average gradient appearing on the Tour route for the first time since 1986. On a historic day that saw Jumbo-Visma throwing sustained punches at maillot jaune Tadej Pogaar, Bardet took off in the last five kilometres. He was soon joined but then overtaken by Jonas Vingegaard.It was a stage for the ages, but what happened afterwards with Bardet was just as memorable. He crossed the line in third on the day though second place Nairo Quintana of Arka-Samsic would later be disqualified and after 152km in the saddle, spit drooling from his mouth as he arrived at the top of the brutal mountain, he took himself away to recover on his own on the grass near the summit, sitting on the ground with his back to everyone. Alone. It is perhaps the most peaceful place he could find himself that day.What he was possibly thinking in that moment, if anything, we can only imagine. But his display saw him climb to second place overall, leaping over Pogaar in the standings and sitting behind only Vingegaard in a remarkable display of climbing.#4: Bouncing back at the 2021 Vuelta a EspaaPhotogomezsportIt couldve been easy to insert another Tour de France moment here, but this list is already packed with them. In 2021, Bardet moved from AG2R-La Mondiale to Team DSM and skipped the Tour for the Vuelta a Espaa as a reset. DSM were struggling that season, with only five total wins by the time the Vuelta came around. Yet Michael Storer kicked off a big turnaround for the team by winning Stages 7 and 10.Bardet didnt have quite the same fortune to begin with though. He was one of many riders who hit the ground in a large crash on Stage 5 and lost over 12 minutes that day. He crossed the line with teammate Chris Hamilton as half of a four-man group that finished dead last on the road.On Stage 14 he slotted into a large breakaway and swept up mountains classification points to top the standings for the polka dot jersey. The last test on this final day of the second week came in the form of a new climb for the Vuelta, the Category 1 Pico Villuercas. Bardet looked to be in his element, and although he thought about dropping back from the uncooperative group, he pushed on solo instead. And it was a wise decision as he was soon punching his fist in the air as he crossed the line for his first stage victory at the Vuelta a Espaa.A new team, a fresh start, a first at the Vuelta.#3: Second overall at the 2016 Tour de FranceGraham Watson/BettiniPhotoHolding the hopes of a nation is a concept intertwined with so many of Bardets greatest moments, with most of them coming at the Tour de France. Like Thibaut Pinot, he once bore the heavy responsibility of being the French hope in the race, which a Frenchman had not won since Bernard Hinault in 1985.His victory on a mountainous 146km Stage 19 came on a day with four climbs in close succession, the HC Monte de Bisanne preceding the summit finish on the Category 1 Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc. Bardet broke away at the base of the final ascent and stayed away, winning the stage and hopping from 5th to 2nd overall. And there he would stay.With the sun setting on Paris after the finale of Stage 21, Bardet stepped onto the podium for his second place trophy. French flags lined the Champs-Elysees, the Arc du Triomphe standing tall in the distance. This was his best result not just at the Tour de France, but in any Grand Tour.#2: A phenomenal 2018 season, from Classics to WorldsTim de Waele/Getty ImagesBardet kicked off one of his best seasons in style. Usually a race renowned for its beauty, taking riders through the white gravel roads of Tuscany, the heavens opened at Strade Bianche. Bardet bridged the gap from the chasers to the leaders solo, his AG2R La Mondiale jersey and brown bib shorts doing little to camouflage the caked mud, and quickly launched a two-man breakaway with Wout van Aert, riding at the time for Verandas Willems-Crelan-Charles. Tiesj Benoot (Lotto-Soudal) clawed his way to the pair in the final 15km before leaving them behind for victory. Bardet finished in second, just over half a minute behind. Bardet & WVA on very steep Via Santa Caterina in 2018 Strade Bianche (mud festival). Benoot took his 1st pro win at #StradeBianche 6 years ago.pic.twitter.com/VcgTK7HRxj ammattipyrily (@ammattipyoraily) February 29, 2024 At Lige-Bastogne-Lige, the leading group let an attack from Bob Jungels (Quick-Step Floors) go, with an unwillingness to chase ultimately leaving two podium places up for grabs. Bardet already had two sixth place finishes in the race in 2015 and 2017, and got a small gap heading into the final turn with EF Education First-Drapacs Michael Woods. The duo launched into what sprint they could still manage with such depleted legs as Jungels teammate Julian Alaphilippe threatened to pass the pair in the final hundred metres. Bardet clung on.We couldnt talk about Lige-Bastogne-Lige without giving an honourable mention to his performance there in 2024. UAE Team Emirates Tadej Pogaar had broken away to win, but Bardet distanced the group behind on his own. In the last kilometre, the Frenchman was in tears and gave a thumbs up towards the camera with a grin on his face; he proved hes still got it, coming away with a career-best Monument result. Back to 2018. The Road Race World Championships course was a punishing, hilly 265km around Innsbruck and Bardet once again linked up with Canadas Woods towards the end of the race. While their efforts dropped Italys Gianni Moscon, nothing could shake off eventual winner Alejandro Valverde. At the finish they were joined by the Netherlands Tom Dumoulin for a four-man sprint and Bardet sprinted to second behind the Spaniard.When its rainbow jersey or bust, second is the most painful place to finish, especially by such a small margin after a brutal day of racing. Afterwards, Bardet said, We were so close to victory so we cant be satisfied with second place in the biggest race in the world. He has so often held the hopes of his nation, and while the stop step has been elusive, he always rode hard and never let them down.#1: Finally stepping into the maillot jauneA.S.O./Charly Lopez196 stages. Over a decade in professional cycling. When Bardet clipped in for Stage 1 of the Tour de France in Florence, he probably couldnt have dreamed of the magic that would unfold on the road to Rimini. He had tried to get in the breakaway himself, but ended up having to escape from the peloton late in the day, with his neo-pro teammate Frank van den Broek waiting for him so they could work together. The duo wound through the streets into the final straight traversing the coast. They couldnt celebrate yet, the sprinters were coming. It couldnt have been much closer but they just about managed to evade their clutches and a few metres from the line they could revel in their achievements. A 1-2 and the yellow jersey.A.S.O./Charly LopezThe maillot jaune is the boldest signifier of a riders status. Its a symbol that transcends the sport, even many who dont follow cycling know the Tour and the yellow jersey. Its an honour to wear it, for some its the height of their career. Its an opportunity that not many accomplish and it took Bardet a long time to do it, but he finally did it at his final Tour de France.After the stage, Bardet said, Its certainly one of the goals I set for my career. Ive been really close before, within touching distance, but I was never able to do it. Today I had a great teammate with me. I think when I reflect on this victory, I will look back on it and remember how special it was.Thank you for the memories Romain Bardet, lets hope theres still some more to come. Related Posts Can France find a Grand Tour GC winner? Romains road: Romain Bardet profile Once in a lifetime: Romain Bardet dreams of Tour de France glory Mens Tour de France 2024: Route, how to watch and all you need to know History of the Tour de France jerseys and how they got their colours The post 5 of the best Romain Bardet moments appeared first on Cyclist.

Jasper Philipsen's bad luck at the 2024 Tour de France continued on stage 6 in Dijon. Having initially narrowly missed out on the stage win to Dylan Groenewegen in a photo finish, the Belgian was then relegated by the race jury for a dangerous sprint.Although this isn't the first time that Philipse...

Unless you're a Tour de France pro, these 10 items are must-haves!

After his dominant sprint performances at the 2023 Tour de France, winning four stages and the Green Jersey, Jasper Philipsen is finding things a lot tougher in 2024. Three sprints down, the Belgian is still waiting for a win and to make matters worse, he was also relegated from 2nd on stage 6.In t...

A Gravaa KAPS (Kinetic Air Pressure System) automatic tyre inflator system for gravel riding has been spotted at Eurobike 2024.The system made headlines in 2023 after it was spotted on pro rider Edoardo Affinis Dwar Doors Vlaanderen road race bike.Now, Gravaa is working with Reserve and DT Swiss to bring complete gravel wheelsets to market. Loek Luijbregts, Gravaa's chief marketing officer, told BikeRadar an MTB-specific version is also in development, alongside an updated road-going system.The system has been updated with smaller, sleeker sprint shifter-style controls and a new mobile app.Were also told that at least two bike brands have bought units from Gravaa, suggesting that the system will appear on OEM bikes in the not-so-distant future.From trial to realisationThe system was first spotted in 2023. - Jack Luke / Our MediaWe saw Team Jumbo-Visma (now Visma Lease-a-Bike) rider Edoardo Affini sporting a prototype Gravaa KAPS hub at the 2023 Dwars Door Vlaanderen spring classics race.This enabled Affini to adjust his tyre pressures on the move, via remote switches on the handlebar.In theory, reducing pressures on rougher terrain for example, up cobbled climbs could increase traction and minimise fatigue. Increasing tyre pressure for tarmac sections of the course would reduce rolling resistance.The system works using a clutch mechanism housed within the KAPS hub. With the clutch engaged, the system pumps up the tyre using the rotational movement of the hub via a tube attached to the spokes. KAPS feeds air to the tyre via a tube. - Jack Luke / Our MediaWhen the clutch is disengaged, Gravaa says the system adds zero watts of friction. In theory, the only penalty will be the weight of the system fitted to the bike.Now spotted at Eurobike 2024 rigged up to a Reserve 40/44 gravel wheelset fitted with 700 x 38c Vittoria Terreno Dry gravel tyres, Gravaa says it's been hard at work to develop a system for gravel.Luijbregts said the gravel version of the KAPS system can inflate a gravel tyre by around 1.2 BAR / 17.5 PSI per kilometre of riding, although the specific test conditions (such as tyre size) werent confirmed.The system can inflate a gravel tyre by around 17.5 psi per kilometre of riding. - Jack Luke / Our MediaAccording to testing, Luijbregts claims riders pay a 2-5 watt penalty as the system engages [to inflate the tyre].Over a 200-mile gravel course (such as Unbound), Gravaa claims a 72kg rider would see a 21w normalised power benefit, and finish 28 minutes faster having carried out an estimated 80-100 tyre pressure changes en route.The system we have spy shots of isnt the finished article. Were told that the system consumers will receive will look very similar, but carry a few changes to help optimise the design.Whats changing?The hubs use special disc brakes produced by Galfer. - Jack Luke / Our MediaThe previous systems hub used seven bolts to mount a disc rotor. The new version is set to use five to save internal space inside the hub. Gravaa says consumer units will also have potted electronics inside, whereby the electronics are set into an epoxy resin. This, its claimed, will improve protection from moisture, dust and temperature fluctuations.Production models will use Classified shifters. - Jack Luke / Our MediaAffini used prototype remote controls when he tested the system 2023. Production models will use Classified shifters, the brand behind the Powershift hub system. Luijbregts also says that Gravaa has been hard at work developing a new app for the KAPS device, designed to make setup easier and to provide greater customisation of the inflation and deflation intervals.Luijbregts suggested high-level and professional riders may prefer to set up the system with smaller jumps in pressure, while others may benefit from larger intervals.The valve is patented. - Jack Luke / Our MediaA new valve has also been developed something Gravaa admits couldnt be achieved without calling in specific expertise. The patented design uses a hydrophobic seal which allows air in and out, but keeps sealant in the tyre and prevents it from congealing around the inlet or entering the KAPS system.Connectivity is also set to spread to Garmin and Wahoo bike computers, opening the theoretical possibility of GPS-driven automatic tyre pressure adjustment although Gravaa says thats not on the cards for now, describing it as an unfair advantage, presumably given the UCIs regulations governing rider controls.Availability in 2024 and 2025The gravel KAPS system is set to be available later this year. - Jack Luke / Our MediaWhile exact timings are unclear, Gravaa says that gravel KAPS is set to be available later in 2024. A road version (like the one Affini tested) should come to market in early 2025.When the gravel system launches, were told that Reserve will be a lead partner of the system on its wheels, while DT Swiss is also set to feature KAPS on one of its wheelsets.Reserve wheelsets with KAPS are set to cost around 4,000, while the DT Swiss wheelset is likely to cost in the region of 3,300-3,400.Theres no word on how much complete bikes with KAPS will cost, but we were informed they would be towards the top end of price ranges.

Sprinter receives 200CHF sanction and points deduction after stage six

The overall classification contenders at the Tour de France face a new and very important test. We preview stage 7 of the Tour, the first time-trial of the race and in all honesty the one where the biggest differences may be made. It's one of the most important stages of the first week.The first ti...

World Bicycle Reliefs Buffalo Utility S2 bike uses a two-speed two-chain drivetrain to help people cover more distance with less effort.World Bicycle Relief is the worlds leading non-profit social enterprise focused on bicycle utility. It aims to empower individuals. Creating a bike that means people can conquer challenging terrain aids that goal. Its previous Buffalo bike was singlespeed. The new AK2 drivetrain provides riders with an extra gear while keeping the bike free of cables and derailleurs, which add complexity and can break.World Bicycle Relief worked with SRAM to develop the new system and the bike is on display at SRAMs Eurobike stand.Two chains, two speedsWorld Bicycle Relief says the Buffalo Utility S2 bike will help people conquer challenging terrain. - Stan Portus / Our MediaCherie Redecker, product manager at World Bicycle Relief, says the non-profit wanted to find a way to provide more gears to people in rural areas to access education, healthcare and economic empowerment.The engineers were really trying to see how they could create something simple without cables, without any external derailleurs breaking, says Redecker. She adds that if a chain breaks you can still ride the bike.The multispeed drivetrain consists of two freewheels, cogs, front chainrings and singlespeed chains.Engineers at Worlrd Bicycle Relief worked with SRAM to create the patented shifting mechanism.Redecker mentions one SRAM engineer in particular, Christine Raymor, who was involved in the development of eTap, but now assists World Bicycle Relief.She helped guide the team to make the product a reality, says Redecker.The AK2 drivetrain uses two single-speed freewheels to determine which cog and chainring combination drives the rear wheel.You pedal backwards to change from one gear to the other.The previous Buffalo bikes backpedal brake has been repurposed for the new drivetrain. Redecker says: To shift between the two gears you simply backpedal around half a turn. Then you pedal forward again and the bike shifts between gears.Shifting is accomplished by a shift ring. This engages or disengages the pawls of the cogs freewheels when backpedaling.The Buffalo Utility S2s low gear, which pairs an 18-tooth sprocket and 27-tooth chainring, disengages the outboard pawls so the pawls of the inboard cog are driving the wheel.The high gear, which uses a 19-tooth sprocket and 45-tooth chainring, engages the pawls of the outboard cog. World Bicycle Relief says because of the difference in gear ratios, the outboard cog rotates faster than the inboard cog, overdriving the inboard pawls.New brakes and other changesRepurposing the coaster brake meant World Bicycle Relief had to add brakes to the bike. - Stan Portus / Our MediaThe AK2 drivetrain meant World Bicycle Relief had to add new brakes to the Buffalo bike.Because we changed the backpedalling [coaster brake] to shifting, we needed to create caliper brakes, says Redecker.Redecker says the bike has been tested for two-and-a-half years, with great feedback about the brakes. The new brakes make stopping the bike easy, especially with heavy loads.World Bicycle Relief has also updated the Buffalo bikes wheels.Weve changed from steel to aluminium rims, which makes the bike a little bit lighter.We used to have a four-cross spoke system, but were now going onto a three-cross system that helps make lacing the wheel easier. It creates less spoke breakage, and has been quite successful, says Redecker.The new bike sticks to one frame size and still uses the Buffalo saddle, pedals, kickstand and tyres made in conjunction with Kenda.The pedals, saddle and tyres arent just bought by people who own Buffalo bikes, says Redecker, explaining that people know Buffalo products are durable and will last longer and they wont have to service it.The Buffalo bike is popular in Zambia and Zimbabwe. - Stan Portus / Our MediaRedecker says the Buffalo bike also has a good name in Zambia and Zimbabwe and people in better income groups will buy the bike, where it costs around $210 to $230. The Buffalo bikes frame, fork and rack comes with a five-year warranty even if the bikes tend to last longer.Redecker says World Bicycle Relief is looking to improve the bikes bearings to lengthen the bikes lifetime.Beyond the bikeWorld Bicycle Relief see the Buffalo bike as part of a broader cycling ecosystem. - Stan Portus / Our MediaWorld Bicycle Relief looks beyond the Buffalo bike to achieve its goal of enabling people to access education, healthcare, economic opportunities and vital services.The non-profit, founded in 2005 after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami by SRAM co-founder F.K. Day and his wife documentary photographer Leah Missbach Day, ensures there are distribution facilities, spare part supply chains and trained local mechanics, in areas where people ride its bikes.Redecker says: Our main goal is really to create this amazing bicycle ecosystem where we have the product development, but also training, mechanics, and our program in the countries. Its really trying to empower more people so they can thrive and reach their dreams.World Bicycle Relief has warehouses in Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and Colombia. But it also works with the UN and other organisations to provide bikes via their own programs.Redecker says for its programmes, World Bicycle Relief considers who needs a bike. This includes children who live more than 3km from their school, healthcare workers and others.Women face cultural barriers to accessing education, healthcare and employment, where World Bicycle Relief operates. Consequently, the organisation prioritises women and girls.World Bicycle Relief supports communities by working with them to establish where there is a need for bicycles, how it can get mechanics and what training is required.Redecker sums it up as listening: Its not just coming in and saying, This is what youre doing. Its hearing their voice and what they need.