Ramblings of a retiree in France
This week I should be in the Spanish Basque Country enjoying its cycling tour, Itzulia, which takes place from 4-9 April. As usual, the route for the 2022 edition showcases some of its finest riding locations. The race is renowned for its enthusiastic fans,… Continue Reading “On the road with Itzulia: Part I”
Sadly once again we’re not down in the Basque Country enjoying bike racing though at least I get to watch this year’s race on the television. Indeed, thanks to my beloved’s broken, hip, pressure of work and Covid, the last edition we saw was… Continue Reading “One from the Vaults: Postcard from Pais Vasco”
One of my favourite bike stage races takes place in the Spanish Basque Country, usually after Easter, sandwiched between two great Classics’ races, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. I saw the latter live in 2011, but for five years in succession (2012 –… Continue Reading “Itzulia: I should be there!”
In its heyday (1998-2013), Euskaltel-Euskadi was a legendary team of mountain goats guaranteed to animate uphill stages in any bike race. Nicknamed the #Carrots because of their bright orange jerseys, the team provided social media with plenty of ammunition and before its demise at… Continue Reading “Hurrah – Return of the Carrots!”