Matthias Brändle attempting the world hour record- live coverage.

Matthias Brändle has done it!  He's the new hour record holder for now. 

Watch his ride here. 

2015 Tour de France Map

Who's your pick for the race this year?  Leave your favorite in the comments section below.

How many calories do you burn while cycling?

Estimates vary widely.   While not perfect, our calorie counter can give you a pretty good estimate of how many calories you burn on your rides.  Information can be entered into your training diary or used to keep a food diary.  

Giro d' Italia 2015 Map and Route

2014 Giro Winner Nairo Quintana Photo via Gazzeta.it

On Monday, October 6th, 2014 the Giro d' Italia race directors presented the 2015 route.  The route features 3,481.8 Km (2163.5 miles) The first stage starts in San Lorenzo de Mare on May 9th and the last stage finishes in Milan on May 31st.

The stages-
1 individual time trial
1 team time trial
7 stages for sprinters
5 medium mountain
3 medium mountain with summit finish
4 high mountain with summit finish

The 2015 Giro d' Italia Map.  Map courtesy Gazetta.it (Click to enlarge)

Do you wear underwear with bike shorts?

NEVER!  

Never ever wear underwear with bike shorts!  
Share your story below in the comments section- did you learn the hard way?  Do you still wear underwear under cycling shorts?

See Bicyclinghub.com's Full line of cycling shorts here

Szymon Godziek performs the first ever Tsnami flip

Watch in amazement as Polish MTB rider Szymon Godziek performs the first ever Tsunami flip.  Godziek, 22, performed the trick September 6 in Nuremberg, Germany at The Red Bull District Ride.

Don't try this at home unless you're made of rubber!  

Castelli Alpha Jacket- Their Biggest Innovation For 2014

We will probably never know how many ideas Castelli has that never make it to the pages of Bicyclinghub.com.  From the Gabba to the Body Paint bib shorts, the company from Italy is always coming up with new ideas to make cycling clothing better than what we are used to.

The Alpha jacket from Castelli is the piece in their line that we are most excited about for this year.  Unlike most cycling jacket, the insulation layer and the windproof layer are not attached to one another in the front.   Opening the front zipper when you are riding hard allows rapid evaporation of sweat without excessive cooling. Zip up at the top of the climb to keep the wind out and the warmth in for the descent.

The video below is excellent at pointing out many of the highlights of this jacket.

The Alpha jacket features 5 pockets including a zippered back pocket for security.   There's plenty of storage space for carrying your cycling essentials including tubes, tools, keys and your cell phone. Reflect strips help you stay safe on the bike.

The Alpha features Gore Windstopper 150 fabric that is both windproof and water-resistant.   It has a 4 way stretch so the garment stretches and moves with your body.  The collar of the jacket is also articulated to match the bends of your body.  Wether your sitting upright climbing a hill or in the drops on the descent, the collar forms to your neck so you don't feel a draft down your back.



The Castelli Alpha is a simple solution to an age old problem of ventilation when you're on the bike.  We are excited to try this jacket out in our testing ground of Portland, Oregon.  This jacket will resist rain and wind but will also be more breathable  In 1977 Castelli had release the first Lycra cycling short.  Since then, they have never stopped innovating and now produce some of the best cycling clothing in the world.

See the Castelli Alpha Jacket here.

Doug Duguay Doug has been cycling since he learned to ride at age 4.  In 1984 a friend gave him a Bicycling Magazine  and that launched a love affair with cycling and the sport that remains undiminished to this day.  He remembers watching the 1984 Olympics, the 1984 Tour de France and 1985 Paris Roubaix.   After selling jerseys on eBay to pay his mortgage, Doug Duguay launched BicyclingHub from his home in 2002 after a productive six-hour coding session. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Doug’s passion for cycling already had plenty of momentum when he moved to Portland, the town that inspired him to take up all manner of racing, from cyclocross and track to road and stage races. He considers starting BicyclingHub a lucky accident, and while running a business has cut into some of his training time, he’s chasing the idea of a race comeback--something he contemplates while climbing Portland’s west hills. Doug is BicyclingHub’s resident bibshort expert.

New Colors Make Castelli's Gabba 2 Jersey Standout From the Pack

New colors for the Gabba 2

Castelli Gabba- Drive Blue

One of the best products we have ever tested is Castelli Gabba jersey!  Not only is the jersey extremely water resistant, it's also very breathable, keeping us comfortable on the bike.   There wasn't a lot to be improved upon but Castelli has made some slight upgrades to the product.

For 2014 there is one new color, drive blue, joins yellow fluorescent and black in the line.  Castelli has also improved the zipper of the Gabba including a flap above the zipper for additional waterproofing.  Other improvements include a mesh drain in the back which is improved over last years metal drain.

Castelli Gabba Convertible with zip off sleeves.

As of August 21st, 2014 Castelli has not shipped the Gabba 2 to retailers but we are anxiously awaiting the release of this fantastic jersey.  In men's, they come in three


different styles.  A short, long sleeve and the convertible with removable sleeves (pictured left.)  The convertible covers a larger range of temperatures with the zip off sleeve option.

For more information on the shorts sleeve go here.  Long sleeves are here and the convertible is here

Castelli Women's Convertible 2 Long Sleeve Jersey

Castelli Women's Gabba 2 Long Sleeve 
In other exciting news about the Gabba, Castelli has made a women's Gabba jersey for the first time
ever!  It comes in three colors including purple and coral.   In the past, women had to make due with men's sizes.  Like most Castelli women's items, they typically sell out quickly.   The women's sizes will fit small like most Castelli items for women.  If you need help with sizing call our experts at 888-817-8060.  Find out more about Castelli's Gabba for women here.

We know Gabba

I bought my Gabba in 2011.  Since then it's been my main, go to piece of winter cycling kit.   I wear the short sleeve version of the jersey paired with arm warmers.  It's enough for me in most situations.  I wear it in cool and rain.  In Portland it doesn't usually get much bellow freezing so I can get away with less.  On really cold and rainy days I turn to another Gore Windstopper jacket.

Doug Duguay Doug has been cycling since he learned to ride at age 4.  In 1984 a friend gave him a Bicycling Magazine  and that launched a love affair with cycling that remains undiminished to this day.  After selling jerseys on eBay to pay his mortgage, Doug Duguay launched BicyclingHub from his home in 2002 after a productive six-hour coding session. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Doug’s passion for cycling already had plenty of momentum when he moved to Portland, the town that inspired him to take up all manner of racing, from cyclocross and track to road and stage races. He considers starting BicyclingHub a lucky accident, and while running a business has cut into some of his training time, he’s chasing the idea of a race comeback--something he contemplates while climbing Portland’s west hills. Doug is BicyclingHub’s resident bibshort expert.

Vincenzo Nibali- Pane and Acqua

"It will take more than that to make him a hero to me. I think he is redefining the term "pharmaceuticals." I mean, look who his DS is.."  -Bob, from Facebook

Photo from Astana

Vincenzo Nibali is the 2014 Tour de France champion, winning four stages in 21 days of competition, with an advantage of nearly eight minutes over his second place rival - Now he has to start defending himself.   Bradley Wiggins had to do it and so did Chris Froome.  It seems like every year the champion of the Tour de France has to defend himself against the insinuations and accusations that he's doping and that he won the race on everything but bread and water.  Understandably, fans of the sport are very skeptical.   The graphic below from the New York times illustrates the top 10 riders who have implicated for doping or have admitted it since 1998.

Photo from the NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/08/24/sports/top-finishers-of-the-tour-de-france-tainted-by-doping.html

The blank spaces represent riders that haven't had their names tarnished.  From 1998 to 2013 that's only 4 winners!!!! 

As a fan, I really want to believe that this race was clean.  I've been following the Tour de France since I was 14 years old in 1984.  To me, there are many compelling reasons to believe in Nibali.  First, he has quietly won both the Tours of Spain and Italy without any controversy.  He's never had a negative test.  Indeed, drug testing has come along way with more out of competition tests and tougher procedures.  Vincenzo is quoted as saying, "Steps have been taken and great progress has been made, and with it my results have arrived," said the Italian. "I have to thank (the UCI) because without these controls, maybe I wouldn't be here today."

  

Racing with intelligence

Nothing could stop him during this years Tour de France (not even fans stepping in the road with cell phones.) Mostly, he won this race because he raced intelligently and was always attentive at the front from start to finish. Chris Froome probably wasn't his best after crashing two weeks before the start of the Tour in England. Nibali also rode a much smarter race in stage 5 than Alberto Contador.   The Spaniard lost 2:37 on the cobble stone stage before crashing out with a broken leg on stage 10.   Vincenzo also used measured attacks to gain time on his rivals.  In his stage wins he won by 2, 15, 10 and 70 seconds.  Not huge gaps by any measure and well within the means of reasonable human performance.  He was seldom under pressure and perfectly used his team to win the race. 

Believe

There will be those that will always be skeptical of cycling.  It's understandable.  As fans we've had our hearts broken too many times by Delgado, Riis, Landis, Armstrong, Ulrich, Contador and et al.   Despite the large margin of his victory, this was always a fun and exciting Tour de France.  Vincenzo Nibali perfectly used a measured approach to this race and seemed to be at the right place at the right time.  His victory is a credit to hard work, obsessive preparation and lots of luck.  I really enjoyed this race.   Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.  

Doug Duguay Doug has been cycling since he learned to ride at age 4.  In 1984 a friend gave him a Bicycling Magazine after he broke his ankle and that launched a love affair with cycling and the sport that remains undiminished to this day.  He remembers watching the 1984 Olympics, the 1984 Tour de France and 1985 Paris Roubaix.   After selling jerseys on eBay to pay his mortgage, Doug Duguay launched BicyclingHub from his home in 2002 after a productive six-hour coding session. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Doug’s passion for cycling already had plenty of momentum when he moved to Portland, the town that inspired him to take up all manner of racing, from cyclocross and track to road and stage races. He considers starting BicyclingHub a lucky accident, and while running a business has cut into some of his training time, he’s chasing the idea of a race comeback--something he contemplates while climbing Portland’s west hills. Doug is BicyclingHub’s resident bibshort expert.

Rider rams into a spectator at the Tour de France.

The talk of this year's Tour de France is the selfie and the race.  Like in years past, cyclists are running into spectators along the route.  This is one of the more spectacular examples of a rider potentially hurting of both himself and someone at the side of the road.   What do you think?  Should spectators be more careful or should the organization do more to protect the riders.  Leave your comments below.  

Photo via gyfcat.com

4 Cyclists That Look Great Without Clothing

Not all cyclists are built like Denmark's Michael Rasmussen.  In fact, many are quite lovely and are not afraid to show some skin.  We chose these photos high lighting some of the best cyclists in the world.

Victoria Pendleton is a World and Olympic Champion.  What nice form on the bike:  A nice flat back.5

Everything Lance has done on the bike has an asterisk next to it.  There's no denying that his body looks good.  

Liz Hatch was an instant sensation for her looks earlier in her career.  Liz raced for Vanderkitten racing and now she's now making a comeback currently with CyclelivePlus-Zannata.

Mario Cipollini won 191 races in all during his career and practiced excellent form all the way.

The most amazing 26:57 ever in cycling! Greg LeMond vs Laurent Fignon 1989 Tour de France Time Trial

25 years ago this July, Greg LeMond shocked the cycling world with his final time trial in Paris.  LeMond started the day 50 seconds down on Laurent Fignon and pulled off one of the greatest moments in the history of the Tour de France, winning by just 8 seconds!   His average speed over 15.2 miles was an outstanding 34 miles per hour.  

8 Riders to watch for Paris Roubaix

Fabian Cancellara- the name on everyone's lips this week?   Fabian Cancellara is definitely the favorite after his commanding victory in The Tour of Flanders last week.  He also won last years race as well as Paris Roubaix in 2006 and 2010.  The only possible problem?  His team wasn't there to help him at the end of the race.  With strong teams from BMC and Omega, Fabian could find himself isolated at the end of the race. 

Tom Boonen- Always a favorite for Roubaix, Boonen has won the race 4 times and is going for a record 5 wins.  Unfortunately, he has had some personal issues he's been dealing with and he's crashed a couple of times this spring.  Last week in Flanders he struggled.  His Omega Pharma Quick Step team are always strong for this race. 
  
Sep Vanmarcke- The young Belgian has had some great results in the classics.  Last week he finished 3rd at the Tour of Flanders and the year before he finished 2nd in the Paris Roubaix.  He's young and would love to win his first cobbled trophy.   He's in excellent form this year! 
 
Greg Van Avermaet- Last week he finished 2nd at the Tour of Flanders after being off the front for a large part of the race.  His BMC team is strong for a race like Roubaix. 

Taylor Phinney- The young American had a great week last week.  He was away in a long break for much of the race.  In a strong team like BMC, he might be able to sneak away while the others watch Greg Van Avermaet.  He's won the U23 version of Roubaix 2 times!  

Peter Sagan-  Peter has struggled in major races this year.  His Cannondale team is often not present in the final moments of a race and the Slovak rider has been either tired or has started his sprint late.  Sagan's first ride at Roubaix was 2011 and he hasn't rode as well in this race as he has in others.  

Alexander Kristoff- After winning Milan San Remo three weeks ago, Kristoff's confidence seems to have grown.  He's been finishing well in other races and he seems to be in very good shape.  It's hard to imagine him winning the race this year but he could finish on the podium.  

Zdeněk Štybar- Last year Stybar crashed into a spectator's camera when he was in a good position to win Roubaix last year.  He lost precious momentum after the crash and eventually finished 6th in the race.  He's also the 2014 World Champion in Cyclocross.  He definitely has the bike handling skills for this race.

Others to watch- Evald Boasson Hagen is Norway's other favorite for the race.  He's expected to lead the Sky team. 
Niki Terpstra- Another strong rider from Omega, he could sneak away with a victory if the team plays it's cards right.
Johan Van Summeren- After a horrific crash last week, it would be hard to expect great things from Van Summeren, but he's won Roubaix before and is allegedly riding the race. 
Thor Hushovd- Thor has had some great results in Roubaix but his form has been lacking due to illness.
Bradley Wiggins- Never count a motivated Tour de France winner out of a race when they target it.
Sebastian Langeveld- Another strong rider for the Garmin team.  He's on great form this year.

I have been watching Paris Roubaix since 1985 when Marc Madiot won the race.  I thought it was weird that people would ride on cobbles.  I still think Roubaix is weird and I also love watching it.  
by Doug Duguay 

Dave Campbell's Race Trivia- March 2014, Trofeo Laiguelglia

March 2014

Trofeo Laigueglia

The 2014 Trofeo Laigueglia was won by Filippo Pozzato

This early season Italian Road Race has been held annually since 1964 in Liguria, Italy. Having just been held last weekend (won by Colombian Jose Serpa), this UCI 1.1 race has quite a list of Campiones and Campionissimos in its relatively short history. As the European Road Season begins now in earnest in March, lets look at this great little rolling race that draws quality fields every year to its relatively warm roads.

Q1. Two Americans have won this event, neither being Greg Lemond! Can you name them? Even better, can you name the years they won?

Q2. Who holds the record for the most wins at the Trophy of Laigueglia?

Q3. All of the following great champions triumphed here EXCEPT one: Eddy Merckx, Giuseppe Saronni, Francesco Moser, Freddy Maertens, Paolo Salvodelli, and Roger DeVlaeminck.

Answers will be posted March 7th, 2014

8 Tips For Preventing Saddle Sores on Your Bike

Miles of riding is possible with the right equipment

Nothing is worse than riding or racing with a saddle sore or "chafing" skin.  Your seat, shorts, and salt crystals from sweat can feel like 40 grit sand paper on your private parts.  Trust me, a pleasant, fun ride can quickly become an ordeal quickly, but these 8 tips will  help you stay happy and  comfortable on the bike.  

1. Keep it clean down below.  Make sure you shower frequently while riding often. 
2. Don't wear underwear or anything else that can cause friction.  Also avoid cotton shorts, as they tend to hold sweat.
3. Reduce friction by not having your seat so high that your hips rock when you pedal.  If you haven't done it already, be sure to get your bike fitted properly by an expert. 
4. Use good cycling shorts with a quality pad.  Good shorts don't have to be really expensive.  We stock pairs under $100.  
5. Take off those shorts as soon as you done with your riding to reduce the chance of infection from sitting around in sweat soaked bike shorts.
6. Use a clean pair of bike shorts every day.
7. Use a lubricant on your chamois. Chamois Butt'r is good and available at several bike shops. Other quality brands include Assos Chamois Creme, while others swear by Udderly Smooth.  In the old days, we used to use Vasoline on synthetic or natural chamois, but I find it too heavy.  Newer chamois pads tend to be less abrasive. 



Stay comfortable in the saddle




8. Experiment with other products if you develop sores.  You may want to opt for a trip to the doctor and prescription antibiotics if the problem persists.  I have also found Teatree oil, diluted, to be very good at removing the infection.  Be careful as it may cause an allergic reaction.  There's no one solution for everyone. 

Did we miss anything?  Be sure to leave your tips in the comment section below. 

 

by Doug Duguay After selling jerseys on eBay to pay his mortgage, Doug Duguay launched BicyclingHub from his home in 2001 after a productive six-hour coding session. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Doug’s passion for cycling already had plenty of momentum when he moved to Portland, the town that inspired him to take up all manner of racing, from cyclocross and track to road and stage races. He considers starting BicyclingHub a lucky accident, and while running a business has cut into some of his training time, he’s chasing the idea of a race comeback--something he contemplates while climbing Portland’s west hills. Doug is BicyclingHub’s resident bibshort expert.

2014 Tour de France Map

Starting on Saturday July 5^th  in Yorkshire in the United Kingdom and ending on Sunday July 27^th 2014 in Paris, the 101^th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,656 kilometers (or 2,271 miles)

These stages have the following profiles:

• 9 flat stages
• 5 hill stages
• 6 mountain stages with 5 altitude finishes
• 1 individual time-trial stage
• 2 rest days

102 Year Old Robert Marchand Sets A New Hour Record

Photo via AFP.

Besting his own record, Robert Marchand covered 26.952 km (or 16.747 miles) in 60 minutes on January 31st, 2014 at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome in Montigny-le-Bretoneux.  Encouraged by 300 supporters playing the accordion and chanting "Go Robert!," the 102 year old beat his previous record of 24.25 km, set two years ago.  "It was good but in the end it started to get hard," he told reporters.  "I'm happy as a fish in water," he continued.