Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

The new Astana kit design by Johan Bruyneel to show his dissatisfaction with the non-payment of salaries reminds me of this clip from Family Guy.

Columbia Highrroad gets back-to-back stage wins with Kanstantin Siutsou. This is one day after Edvald Boasson Hagen. What is the connection other than unpronounceable names and young talent?
Stage 8

Stage 7

Weird prank that involves a regular cyclist being in the middle of a bike race.

(Lance Armstrong crash)

2009 seems to be the year of the crash. Not only in the pro ranks but in the Weekend Warriors ranks of lowly Cat 3, 4 and 5. Look at top pro racers such as Lance Armstrong, Scott Nydam, Cameron Evans and David Impey crashing and sustaining injuries from severe to usually collarbone. Even twitter cycling heartthrob Liz Hatch suffered a tough crash in a training ride.

(Adam Zimmerman)

In my local scene my Maxpowercycling teammate Adam Zimmerman crashed at Tour of Battenkill. A crash that was captured in Bicycling magazine’s videos.

(watch 3 minutes into the video)

Read more about the race at NY Velocity.com

Another teammate crashed twice last week in Binghamton and now needs a new frame. This weekend at Hollenbecks Jason Van Staveren had to be airlifted from the top of Parker Rd. after a tough crash.

This is a tough and dangerous sport, but I cannot remember so many crashes happening at all levels of the sport at such a concentrated time. What could be the cause of all these mishaps? Are we racing to aggressively? Are there so many noobs out on the road with poor handling skills that cause these crashes? Is the sport of triathlon with these strong but not technically astute racers a cause for concern. I’ve ridden with many triathletes who have the speed, but not the skill to ride in a fast moving group. Riding next to some of these riders was a scary situation. I would try to keep far away from some triathletes turned road racers.

Perhaps people are getting into cycling today without learning the proper pack riding techniques. Or it could be a bunch of bad luck culminating into one concentrated time. Whatever the cause, keep it sane when riding out there and always keep the rubber side down.

Bikes are popular in Rwanda. After the horrifying genocide, the country is recovering with the help of bicycles. Take lots of large hills and very fit athletes and you get a great foundations for cyclist of the future. Just like the Astana team looks to present a better image of a little-known or maligned country, Rwanda is looking to give people around the world a new view on the African country. Though this team will be comprised of mostly Rwandan riders.

Photograph: Riccardo Gangale

Guradian.co.uk

Conan O’Brien is enjoying the LA lifestyle and is taking to the roads on his Seven cycles bike. Conan is a tall man, so his bike is equally gargantuan. Checkout the size of the head-tube, which could be the length of some folks top-tube. Conan’s hairy white legs are another story.

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