‘Friends for (Almost) a Day’: The Economics of a Breakaway

Toolbox: A breakaway in a cycling race is a hotbed of intrigue, with friends working together for the common good while also plotting their betrayal of the group as a whole. What are the factors that actually enhance the odds that the early breakaway takes it all the way to the line?Van Vleuten tore up not just the Worlds, but also all economic models.Efforts like Annemiek van Vleuten at Yorkshire Worlds is an extreme outlier, with a solo long-range breakaway from 105km out succeeding. Outside of that, most professional mens WorldTour racing follows a relatively predictable pattern, with an early breakaway establishing itself. There then follows a prolonged period leading up to the finish, where the break may or may…

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New Bike vs Used Bike: Which is Best Value?

Buying a bicycle, whether a used bike or new, should be a considered decision, with time taken to make the right choices. Whether novice or expert, you want to take time to weigh up the pros and cons. We’ve given some guidance on how much you should spend on a bicycle here. New versus used is a conscious decision being made more and more by consumers, as we consider the impact and availability of the product we would like. There are bicycle frames made to last a lifetime. Many component parts must be replaced as you use them. Stores in the UK are now selling second-hand bicycles, and new businesses have been set up offering a range of used rides…

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Gear Break: Wahoo Open the Road, Qhubeka Apparel, Wega/Eroica, Muc-Off, UDOG & Rapha EF Kit

Gear Break: Wahoo Open the Road Ep. 1 – Foundations, Team Qhubeka announces ‘Hand Up apparel collaboration with The Vandal, Wega coffee machines and Paolo Bettini: An Eroica partnership, Muc-Off: Pause. Stop. Rewind. Which UDOG is the best for you? Elite-level racewear as worn in the WorldTour peloton by EF Education-TIBCO-SVB and EF Education-Easypost now available.Wahoo Open the Road Ep. 1 – FoundationsTrailblazers. Pioneers. Outcasts. We appreciate them because they show us new perspectives. They go against the grain, question the status quo, and lead by example. Team EF is different than most World Tour Teams because they think differently. They take the road less traveled.Pro athletes are often put on a pedestal, surrounded by cameras, followed by reporters, revered…

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How Long Do Bike Helmets Last? [When to Replace Helmet]

The wearing of bicycle helmets is one of the most divisive hot takes of cycling in the 21st century. Academic studies, motoring safety surveys and urban cycling gurus offer a spectrum of analyses as to the reasons why we do or do not wear them. Everyone agrees that they reduce the chances of head-injury. Once you reach adulthood, your head stops growing, and you get round to making a long-term choice of your lid. Some are aerodynamic, some are packed with additional technology like the MIPS system (which we discuss here), some can have a novelty twist, or be foldable to suit your needs. They all generally have a core feature of a moulded block of polystyrene foam (EPS), with…

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EUROTRASH News Round Up Monday!

Another exciting weekend of cycle sport with Lige-Bastogne-Lige, men’s and women’s, and the Tour of the Alps – Reports, results and video. Mathieu van der Poel says he’s fresher – TOP STORY. Rider news: Everyone wants Dylan Teuns, hope for Milan Vader, Tim Merlier uncertain for the Giro and Per Strand Hagenes turns pro. Team news from the Tour of Romandie, injuries at AG2R Citron, DSM 2022 Giro dItalia roster and Remco Evenepoel supports Ardennes flood victims. Race news: Stelvio for the 2025 Giro dItalia, TransRockies Gravel Royale registration and teams for the Eschborn-Frankfurt. Plus UCI’s David Lappartient talks Netflix series and Egan Bernal’s best day of his life video. *** Stop the war in Ukraine. ***TOP STORY: Mathieu van…

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Eco Friendly Bike Helmets – Non Plastic/Toxic Bike Helmets

We’re living in an age where our relationship with the environment is under scrutiny. More than ever before, we’re aware of how our behaviour (in terms of what we produce and what we consume) has a direct impact on the planet. A growing number of people will happily do their bit in response to pollution and climate change. There are few who still feel comfortable adding to the mound of toxic waste ending up in landfill, and in the oceans. But although we may want to recycle everything, some things are far easier than others to dispose of. Popping a milk carton into the bin on the driveway may be a cinch, but recycling bike parts and accessories is a…

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EUROTRASH News Round Up Thursday!

All the reports, results and interviews from La Flche Wallonne, men’s and women’s races, and the Tour of the Alps with video. Patrick Lefevere disappointed after Lampaerts crash – TOP STORY. Rider news: UAE Team Emirates want Dylan van Baarle, Bradley Wiggins was groomed by coach as a teenager, Tim Merlier managed to finish Paris-Roubaix, Tom Devriendt most underestimated rider in Belgium, Nicola Conci not happy with the UCI and Giulio Ciccone misses Ardennes Classics looking to the Giro dItalia. Race news: Teams for Lige-Bastogne-Lige and Maryland Cycling Classic. Team news: Lennert Van Eetvelt signs with Lotto Soudal and The Wolfpack Insider: Paris-Roubaix video. *** Stop the war in Ukraine. ***TOP STORY: Patrick Lefevere Disappointed After Lampaert’s CrashYves Lampaert was…

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Stylish Cycling Backpacks [Top 12 Rucksacks for Bike Commuters]

Finding the right cycling backpack is a tough job – especially when you have an eye on style! Cycling backpacks need to be many things; robust yet comfortable, spacious but lightweight, waterproof while easy to access in a hurry. Getting all of these features on a backpack that’s also stylish is no mean feat, leaving many cyclists feeling disappointed. Designer backpacks usually lack features, while more functional designs aren’t always suitable for a smart work event. Read More: The Best Reflective Backpack for Cycling to Work Best Waterproof Cycling Backpack Rucksacks If you’re searching for a backpack that combines the best of functionality with a stylish aesthetic, read on for a rundown of our top picks. Bike Commuter Backpacks: Key…

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