2011 archive

Supporting the US Bicycle Route System fund-raising campaign

Last week, Winona Bateman at the Adventure Cycling Association asked me for a quote about why I support the US Bicycle Route System fund-raising campaign.

As usual in those circumstances, I couldn't think of anything too profound to say.

Essentially, I said it “tickles me” to think about future bicyclists being able to follow bicycle-route signs as they travel some 50,000 miles of bike-friendly road. I added:

“And just as intriguing is the idea of mom and pop businesses — bike shops, campgrounds, hostels — sprouting up to cater to these bicyclists who have taken to the long road.” ….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/24/supporting-the-us-bicycle-route-system-fund-raising-campaign/

Little doubt for Giro championship

The unrelenting force of Alberto Contador in the mountains continued to widen the margin over his rivals at the Giro d'Italia on Tuesday.

The Spaniard won the uphill Stage 16 individual time trial by 34 seconds with five stages left, all but assuring himself the championship on Sunday.

The battle now appears to be who will share the podium with Contador …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/24/little-doubt-for-giro-championship/

Time trial profile for Tuesday's Stage 16 at Giro d'Italia

The organizers weren't kidding when they said the 2011 Giro d'Italia would be one of the toughest in memory.

Tuesday's Stage 16 is an individual time trial — a mere 12.7km (7.9 miles) from Belluno to Nevegal. The difficulty comes from the fact that it is all uphill, with sections at 10% to 14% gradient.

Here's a profile and 3D tour supplied by CyclingtheAlps.com …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/24/time-trial-profile-for-tuesdays-stage-16-at-giro-ditalia/

Washington state leads bicycle-friendly list in 2011; where states rank

Washington state leads the list of “bicycle friendly states” for the fourth year in a row in 2011.

Thank goodness the League of American Bicyclists doesn't count the weather in considering bicycle-friendliness..

The League announced the rankings on Monday, noting that Maine has been steadily moving up the ranks over the past few years for a No. 2 finish in 2011.

At the bottom end of the list, West Virginia ranked the least bicycle friendly, swapping places with Alabama which now occupies 47th place …..

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/24/washington-state-leads-bicycle-friendly-list-in-2011-where-states-rank/

That “60 Minutes” investigation of Lance Armstrong

The biggest story in cycling — perhaps all of sports — right now is the “60 Minutes” report on the investigation of whether Lance Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs, such as EPO, during his career.

It's an allegation that has dogged him since his first Tour de France victory in 1999, but it gained renewed vigor last year when former teammate Floyd Landis admitted to doping and charged that Armstrong did too.

A federal grand jury has been empaneled in Los Angeles to look into the accusations, primarily as they relate to Armstrong's tenure on the US Postal Service team.

Prosecutors have called a number of witnesses, including former teammates Tyler Hamilton and George Hincapie.”60 Minutes” interviewer Scott Palley said they've been investigating the issue themselves for six months.

Except for the one-on-one interview with Hamilton, much of the information in the report comes from leaked documents and secret grand jury testimony.

In case you didn't see the show, here are the two segments. (Part 2 on jump)….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/23/that-60-minutes-investigation-of-lance-armstrong/

2011 Tour of California is one for the record books

After the Amgen Tour of California started with some big surprises, the 6th edition of the week-long race ended Sunday pretty much as expected.

The 82-mile Stage 8 bike race from Santa Clarita to Thousand Oaks ended in a mass sprint — won by Matthew Goss of HTC Columbia.

And yellow jersey leader Chris Horner (RadioShack) protected his gap to take the championship …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/23/2011-tour-of-california-is-one-for-the-record-books/

Horner on podium

Chris Horner, Team RadioShack

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/22/horner-on-podium/

Breakaway cyclist wins 5-climb stage at Giro d'Italia

You have to wonder how many cyclists in the 19-man breakaway that developed early on Stage 15 actually thought they had a chance to win on Sunday. The 229km (143-mile) Giro d'Italia bike race over 4 mountain passes ended in a summit finish.

Spain's Mikel Nieve (Eukaltel Euskadi) must have believed. Even after being dropped by Italy's Stephano Garzelli over the last two high passes, Nieve fought back to win the stage atop Val di Fassa.

Race leader Alberto Contador finished in third, just behind Garzelli. Contador continued to add to his margin over his rivals, posting a 4:20 gap over second-place Michele Scarponi (Lampre) at the end of the day …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/22/breakaway-cyclist-wins-5-climb-stage-at-giro-ditalia/

Mikel Nieve cycling

Heading up the final climb

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/22/mikel-nieve-cycling/

Mikel Nieve

Mikel Nieve, Spanish cyclist for Euskaltel Euskadi

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/22/mikel-nieve/