The Bicycle Club

Tour Stage 5 Report: At the end of a chaotic day on the cobbles of northern France, the early break fought for the stage win. Simon Clarke took the stage honours as Wout van Aert held the yellow jersey by 13 seconds as the Jumbo-Visma team had its worst day on the 2022 Tour de France. Stage 5 finalSimon Clarke beat Taco van der Hoorn in a chaotic and busy cobblestone stage in the Tour de France. After a dusty stage of 157 kilometres between Lille and Wallers-Arenberg, with almost 20 kilometres of cobblestones. Jumbo-Visma had a bad day; Jonas Vingegaard and especially Primo Rogli lost time on a strong Tadej Pogaar.Van der Poel not on form?Tour Boss, Christian Prudhomme:…

Cycling in the Netherlands is, quite simply, part of the culture. But it hasn’t always been so. There was a time when cars dominated Dutch streets, and by the early 1970s there were thousands of deaths each year from traffic accidents. But the Dutch fought for change, and they won. For decades now, the Netherlands has been a forerunner in the cycling revolution. Amsterdam has long been known around the world as the “Cycling Capital”. This shows in the statistics. Although Copenhagen is the city with the most actual cyclists (closely followed by Amsterdam), the Netherlands as a whole still has the highest numbers of cyclists per capita in the world. What Bikes Do Dutch People Use? The distinctive bikes…

Tour Stage 2 Report: Fabio Jakobsen gave Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl their second stage win out of two with a chaotic sprint in Nyborg. The predicted split on the big bridge on the run-in didn’t materialise and the bunch thundered into the final. Wout van Aert was second on the stage to move into the yellow jersey. Stage 2 highlightsStage win No.2 for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl and Fabio JakobsenFabio Jakobsen won the bunch sprint of the second stage of the 2022 Tour de France. The Dutchman of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl crossed the line first, after a windy stage of more than 202 kilometres with the 18 kilometre Storeblts bridge. Wout van Aert was second and grabbed 6 bonus seconds to take…

Brooks saddles are universally regarded as some of the best saddles available anywhere in the world. That makes them an attractive proposition for most cyclists, even more so if you use your bicycle for the daily commute. Finding the right saddle for everyday use is hugely important. Read on as we break down the best Brooks saddles for commuting. How Do I Choose a Brooks Saddle? Brooks saddles have earned a reputation for being top of their class. The company has a storied history and has been building saddles since 1886! Choosing the right Brooks saddle comes down to a range of factors including riding style, usage and personal preference. Making the right decision with a Brooks saddle is especially…

In 2003 I went to cover my first Tour de France as part of the press. PEZ had almost no readers and even less money, so I rented the cheapest car I could find. I drove it for 2 weeks and 2500km across France from Lyon east to the Alps, across the south and into the Pyrenees via Andorra, dodging and weaving as far west as Lourdes, and then all the way back to Lyon. It was one of the hottest summers on record in France – when the mercury tickled 40C degrees every day for weeks.Click the video to watch, and see more at the PEZ Youtube channel here.The car was tiny and had no a/c, but I managed…

E-bikes are here to stay. They’re more popular than ever and some forecasters even suggest that sales will eventually outstrip traditional bikes. E-bikes are all about nimbleness, ease of use, and effortless cycling, so it pays to keep things minimalist. As more people invest in electric bikes, the number on sale increases. With more competition than ever, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re looking to buy your first e-bike, or upgrade to a leaner, meaner model, read on as we break down the best minimalist options on the market. What Does an E-Bike Really Need? Although they might seem complicated, the fundamentals of an e-bike are quite simple. They come with a battery-powered motor that’s…

Gear Break: Sportful’s new Checkmate jersey, Colnago x Tod’s, an exclusive Made in Italy collaboration, KANSEPT1: Limited edition premium performance and lifestyle cycling apparel + gear designed in Portland Oregon USA, Brooks England invite riders to chart their own course with the latest Cambium saddle C17 – Special Lab, La Passione Striver Ultralight, even lighter for the warmer months, ORTLIEB launches Seat-Pack QR, bikepacking keeps getting easier and Enduro Bearings to host Bearings & Brews Speakeasy June 29 at Raphas San Francisco Clubhouse.Sportful Checkmate Jersey – $ 110 US / $ 140 CdnPEZ Sez: This one jumped out at me because of the cool burnt orange color, Sportful calls it “Chili Red Mauve”. It’s not orange, and it’s not red…

Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable ways to travel. It also offers numerous health benefits, both physical and mental. And the popularity of cycling continues to grow. It’s estimated that around 6.5 million people cycle each year in England alone, for work, leisure or sport. But whatever your reason for opting for two wheels, it’s impossible nowadays not to be aware that it’s a green activity. With growing consciousness around the climate emergency, at least some manufacturers of cycling accessories are responding. It’s possible now to own a sustainable helmet – traditional bike helmets being difficult to recycle. You can even clean your bike with eco-friendly cleaning products. In spite of all this, the production of most…