The Bicycle Club

Tour Stage 19 Report: The stage finish in Cahors was expected to be a bunch sprint, but first the break and then Christophe Latour had different ideas. As the escape was being reeled in, Laporte jumped past them and carried on for the much wanted French stage win. Nothing changed on the overall, Jonas Vingegaard still in the lead before Saturday’s time trial. The final kilometre of stage 19Christophe Laporte of Jumbo-Visma won the nineteenth stage of the Tour de France. In the stage from Castelnau-Magnoac to Cahors, the Frenchman jumped past a leading group of three in the last kilometre to take the victory. This was the first French stage victory in the 2022 Tour.The jerseys at the start,…

Cycling is well known to provide physical and mental health benefits. Overall wellbeing is helped by a positive boost to your mind, body and soul. Focusing on the body workout part, cycling is an aerobic, resistance activity which tones your core and lower muscles. Your arms get a workout too. What Muscles Are Worked While Cycling?  The main muscles activated while cycling are below the waist, but we also derive some benefit to the core and arms. Our power comes mainly from the glutes, the quadriceps, the calves, the hamstrings and the hip flexors. Balance and stability to deliver the power works the biceps, triceps and abs. No two people are the same but this guide puts forward a template…

Rest Day Round Up: We are now in the most important part of any Grand Tour, the third and final week. It could all be turned upside down in one stage. First Ed Hood looks back at week 3 and all the stories that caught his Tour de France eye. Stage 10 through to stage 15.# You can see the ‘Rest Day #1’ HERE and ‘Rest Day #2’ HERE. #STAGE 10:He can out climb most people who are quicker than him but it wasnt science or watts that won him the stage, it was racing pedigree, he was dropped in the last kilometre but fought back and didnt stop fighting until hed crossed the line. The words of EF Education…

Although cycling is a fantastic pastime, a way to keep fit and mode of transport many people will find at some point, they develop pain in their nether regions due to their saddle and the many issues they can unfortunately cause you. Butt (apologies I just couldn’t help myself) we no longer live in the olden times when saddles were just made from leather and metal without much variation: these days there’s a lot on the market regarding saddles and other products to help ease any issues that may arise.  Saddle Soreness: Bike Seat Hurts Butt Many of you, if not all reading this, will at some point have experienced soreness from being on a bike saddle. This soreness can…

Tour Stage 12 Report: The finish of stage 12 up the Alpe d’Huez didn’t disappoint with a stunning attack from Tom Pidcock at the base of the climb to win the stage from Louis Meintjes and Chris Froome. Behind them, Tadej Pogaar attacked the favourite’s group, but Jonas Vingegaard had him covered. Stage 12 last KTom Pidcock won the Queen Stage of the Tour de France. The British rider of the INEOS Grenadiers team attacked from the leading group 10 kilometres from the finish on Alpe d’Huez and held all the others at bay. Louis Meintjes and Chris Froome took second and third. Tadej Pogaar bombarded yellow jersey wearer Jonas Vingegaard with two strong attacks, but the Dane was able…

Cycling to work is positive in so many ways. It’s free, healthy, sustainable, and we know that exercise is also great for lowering stress levels and improving mental health. If you’re new to it, be rest assured that cycling to work does get easier over time. Soon you’ll be fitter, healthier, and your route will feel like second nature. But doing the same journey every day at the same time can, for some, become repetitive. According to statistics there are still only around 4% of commuting trips being made by bike in the UK. While some cyclists are completely content with their own thoughts during their commute, others may want something else to entertain, stimulate or relax them. And if…

Tour Stage 9 Report: At the end of a mountainous stage from Switzerland back into France, there was a cat and mouse chase between Bob Jungels and Thibaut Pinot. At the finish it was the Luxemburger who took the win as Jonathan Castroviejo and Carlos Verona swooped past Pinot. Tadej Pogaar won the sprint from the bunch to consolidate his overall lead. The final K of stage 9Solo stage win for Bob JungelsBob Jungels won the ninth stage of the 2022 Tour de France after an impressive solo of 60 kilometres. The 29-year-old Luxembourger of AG2R Citron was the best from a large group in the Swiss-French mountain stage between Aigle and the ski resort of Chtel. In the final…

Bicycle frames are hollow thanks to the genius of design, the intelligence of science and the power of engineering. The iconic ‘double diamond’ frame shape hasn’t really changed in over 125 years. However, the components and materials used to manufacture frames have altered over time. A key principle, however, is that a frame should retain as much of its original shape under load (frame stiffness) when you turn the pedals, corner, or brake. Different materials of frame design achieve this to differing degrees. Other design principles are the frame’s ability to withstand crashes, and the frame’s resistance to repeated strain over time (frame fatigue). Designers, of course, also consider how the frame materials affect the comfort of your ride.  What…