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Ramblings of a retiree in France
Tag: Geraint Thomas
One from the Vaults: Postcard from [Paris-]Nice
Typically at this time of year, the weekend is spent watching the final two stages of the Paris to Nice cycle race. But this year I’m spending the weekend in Monaco where we’re attending a Gala dinner for the Monaco Bentley Owners’ Club –… Continue Reading “One from the Vaults: Postcard from [Paris-]Nice”
Postcard from Nice
Yeah, I know it’s just up the road but it occurred to me that I don’t bang the drum enough about my home region and, this year, the final two stages of Paris-NeigeNice were both around Nice and the Niçois hinterland, and it WAS… Continue Reading “Postcard from Nice”
Cards from Copenhagen III
Eshewing the race start in downtown Copenhagen, I went directly to the finish at Rudersdal to claim my spot on the 50m to go marker. The Danes were expecting crowds of 400,000 tall Scandinavians. I needed to be in the front row, against the barriers. I could watch… Continue Reading “Cards from Copenhagen III”
Endurance
In preparation for next week’s hills, I’ve been doing endurance intervals. Basically, riding in a higher gear than I would normally to replicate effort on a steeper ascent. I don’t mind these exercises as my natural inclination is to churn a higher gear, and lower… Continue Reading “Endurance”
Men on a mission
The fabulous weather is continuing and this morning I rode with my coach. I always look forward to our rides together. Not only do we have an enjoyable discussion as we’re rolling along but I always have a few take-aways to help improve my riding skills.… Continue Reading “Men on a mission”
Independence Day
Yes, it’s the day that Americans hold so dear. It was therefore only fitting that Tyler Farrar, led out by the maillot jaune, won today’s stage which he dedicated to his late-best-buddy, Wouter Weylandt. Garmin Cervelo rack up two wins in a row proving that nice guys do… Continue Reading “Independence Day”
Three faves don’t fare well
An afternoon lazing on the sofa watching those cute boys in lycra has to be earned. We’ve now reached that time of year when Sunday club rides extend beyond 100kms, so that means a 07:30 start. I left home at 07:10 and reached the rdv point with… Continue Reading “Three faves don’t fare well”
Gripping stuff
My beloved left for yesterday’s pointage in the early morning fog. I rolled over for another hour’s sleep. Eschewing the ride up Ste Agnes to see one of my favourite one day races, the Tour of Flanders, where Belgian television coverage was starting at midday.… Continue Reading “Gripping stuff”
All shook up
We set off yesterday lunchtime for Aix-en-Provence. I let my beloved drive Tom III, largely because I was feeling lousy with my head cold. We arrived, easily parked and went to stand at the finish, within sight of the big tv screen. The team… Continue Reading “All shook up”
In the bag
While I spend a lot of time cycling on my own, I am equally at home riding with my clubmates. Even so there are certain wheels I would prefer not to follow as their owners either have a propensity to kiss the tarmac with alarming… Continue Reading “In the bag”
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