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Clip of Jeremy Clarkson berating pro cyclist for riding in lockdown surfaces; 'Road tax' debacle; Reaction to 'unpuncturable' inner tube; Pogacar sandwiches; Tacks discovered on London 'cycling bottleneck'; The dog ate my GPS + more on the live blog

It's Tuesday, and Jack Sexty will be live blogging you through the day before normal service/Dan Alexander resumes again tomorrow. Phew...
15 June 2021, 16:22
Clip of Jeremy Clarkson filming new show in lockdown shows him berating cyclist for making non-essential journey... who happens to ride for Trek-Segafredo

Remember that time that began in March 2020, and then again a bit more between roughly January-March of this year when some people thought recreational cycling was against the lockdown rules? Well it turns out that the motoring journalist and notable morality specialist Jeremy Clarkson was one of them, moaning that the cyclist in this clip - filmed in the Cotswolds during lockdown for the new Amazon Prime series 'Clarkson's Farm' - was making a non-essential journey: 

"Everyone's told to stay at home unless their journey's essential. That doesn't apply to cyclists, obviously!", says Clarkson. 

Even if Clarkson was correct, unfortunately for him the man riding past happened to be Charlie Quarterman, a professional cyclist from Oxford who rides for Trek-Segafredo. One follower added: "...not sure what’s more awkward, him owning himself while being a smart-arse as per or the fact he’s pretty much in cardiac arrest putting up a small sign." 

The eight-episode first series of Clarkson's Farm sees Clarkson trying to run a 1000 acre farm, hitting various hurdles along the way. Reviews have been mixed so far... 

15 June 2021, 15:27
Derbyshire Police slammed for focussing on cyclists' helmets in tweet about collision

More from Derbyshire, this time it's the county's Road Policing Unit that has attracted a lot of criticism for the post above about a collision between a driver and a cyclist. 

One said: "What? That's your take? How about 'drivers, please double check for vulnerable road users, and drive with care'", while another added: "It would be more useful to know what action was taken against the driver for their selfish and reckless behaviour than blame the innocent party. Expected better of a police RPU, very disappointed."

Not everyone thought the tweet was problematic, with one saying: "It prevented more injury than necessary for the type of collision, glass embedded in the cyclists head, cuts and bleeding etc…… which is what they are designed for so yes they should recommend wearing a helmet." 

In its defence, Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit added: "It goes without saying that drivers must ensure their path is clear before proceeding. That's the law and we are dealing with the driver as such. But this is a road safety tweet highlighting how helmets can prevent a serious injury should a cyclist be involved in a crash.

"The cyclist suffered a minor injury. His helmet will require replacement as it took the impact." 

15 June 2021, 14:53
Supercar problems: when there's nowhere sensible to rack your bike

With no space inside the Lamborghini and a soft top roof, it looks like this supercar owner had no choice but to rack their mountain bike on the car's windscreen... well I suppose the other choice would be to avoid being stupid and not do this, but it is what it is. 

Cervelo R5 x Lamborghini 2

A safer option would have been to combine the two by purchasing one of these Cervelo x Lamborghini R5 road bikes. We're sure the culprit wouldn't have any problems affording the £18,468 price tag, unless the impending legal troubles clear their account... 

15 June 2021, 12:44
Tacks found on 'cycling bottleneck' in London's Hammersmith

Leo Murray discovered the pins on what is described as a 'narrow corridor' next to the A4, with some suggesting that the act is a warped protest against the narrow width of the pavement that is meant to be shared by pedestrians and cyclists. 

Mr Murray added: "While I was picking them up I was passed by a flower delivery cargo cyclist, mum and small kids in bucket bike, dad and larger kids on bikes and a disabled cyclist on a trike, all funnelled through this busy narrow corridor where this kind of sabotage is easy." 

Another said: "Imagine hating cyclists so much you can't remember that dogs exist."

15 June 2021, 12:42
Froome confirmed for Tour de France

Israel Start-Up Nation has confirmed the four-time champ will go as the team's road captain, supporting Michael Woods as the team leader. 

15 June 2021, 11:20
Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van driver dies
Police tape (CC licensed by freefotouk on Flickr)

Police say that the incident occurred at 8.15pm on 13th June on a dual carriageway section of the A4130 between Lower Assendon and Bix, near Henley-on-Thames. Both the cyclist and van driver were travelling westbound, and following the collision the cyclist, a 45-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The van driver, a 57-year-old man from Wallingford, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs, and has since been released under investigation.

Investigating officer PC Julia Stroud of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has very sadly died.

“I am appealing for any witnesses to this collision, or who saw the van or cyclist before or at the time of the collision to please get in touch.

“I am especially keen to hear from anybody who has dash-cam footage to please check this and contact police if it has captured anything that can assist this investigation.

“You can do so by making a report online or by calling the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43210259113.

“For 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

15 June 2021, 10:46
The Wahoo Clagr?
clag-o-gone

Every now and then, a solid gold archive excerpt from Viz - self-proclaimed as 'Britain's third or fourth funniest magazine. Possibly fifth' - does the rounds... and when it's cycling-related we're particularly interested, of course. 

This stationary bike is for "when wiping simply isn't enough', allowing the rider to get a workout while giving their behind a more thorough clean than traditional methods. Some folks on the Zwift Riders Facebook group think it's a little reminiscent of the Wahoo Kickr Bike, with name suggestions including the Wahoo CLAGR and the Wahoo SHITR. 

Another couldn't help but norice some flaws with the workings of the contraption, noting: "I'm most bothered by the fact that the back wheel is somehow spinning the wrong way... It doesn't appear to be a fixie, and appears to have a derailleur... so it should be flinging those winnits and dangleberries at his feet." 

viz.co.uk

15 June 2021, 09:05
Slovenians can now eat Tadej Pogacar sandwiches

The 22-year-old is obviously a hero in his homeland after that Tour de France victory last year... and now if his fellow Slovenians want to grab a quick lunch on the go, they can stare at a very quick cyclist before tucking into their tasty sub rolls. 

There appears to be turkey, ham and cheese options, and according to our translations the text on photo number two says something along the lines of: "Now Pogacar can overcome hunger." 

Any Slovenian natives able to translate, and confirm or deny if these are tasty? For the rest of us who won't get to see Pogacar on our sandwich packaging, we'll definitely be seeing him on the 26th June when he will begin the defence of his Tour de France yellow jersey. 

15 June 2021, 08:23
"Farmers in September cutting hedges be like..... hold my beer": reaction round-up to Tubolito's 'unpuncturable' inner tube claim
2021 Tubolito X-Tubo City-Tour inner tube - 3.jpeg

Tubolito, who previously made specialist inner tubes with a focus on weight saving, has launched what it claims is an 'unpuncturable' inner tube, with a one year warranty just in case you don't believe it. Priced at £22.99 each, they're only suitable for tyres between 30mm-50mm in width and fit 700c wheels. 

tubolito comments 1.PNG
tubolito comments 4.PNG

Still, plenty of our readers on the site and across social media are having a hard time believing that an inner tube can be completely indestructible. 

Velophaart_95 commented: "I'd like to know where they tested them..... it seems far too good to be true. However, I may be tempted to buy a pair later in the year." 

Bruce Laidlaw appeared to be concerned about the business model, adding: "Great idea if you are in the business of making and selling inner tubes! What happens once we all own one (or two) = no sales & no business!"

Not forgetting some inner tube-related puns, Declan Mcgee observed: "I think they are just blowing it out of all proportion", while Matt Attonic says: "You forgot to mention the inflated price."

What do you reckon? Of course road.cc will be testing as soon as we can get our hands on some, so watch out for a full review soon. Well, perhaps in a few months and a few rides through some thorny country lanes to really put those claims to the test...

15 June 2021, 08:18
The dog ate my GPS
chewed up wahoo

That's the situation road.cc Brad was faced with before heading out for a ride yesterday evening, leaving him computer-less. Irritating as this was, Brad says it's difficult to be too angry at the culprit...

brad dog.PNG

If you have a dog, has it ever chewed up an expensive cycling accessory and can you beat this? Let us know in the comments as always. 

15 June 2021, 08:10
Prendas receive "unprecedented" volume of orders following announcement retro specialists will stop selling jerseys
prendas forgotten jerseys

In our full story yesterday, we reported that Prendas' founder Andy Storey has announced the business will be greatly scaled back due to the impact of Brexit on the business - the company will only sell cycling caps and some accessories going forward. 

Since the announcement, Prendas says it is working through an unprecedented volume of orders as retro cycling fans scramble to get hold of their favourite replica jerseys. If you want to see what's left, the Prendas Ciclismo website is here

Arriving at road.cc in 2017 via 220 Triathlon Magazine, Jack dipped his toe in most jobs on the site and over at eBikeTips before being named the new editor of road.cc in 2020, much to his surprise. His cycling life began during his students days, when he cobbled together a few hundred quid off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story) and bought his first road bike - a Trek 1.1 that was quickly relegated to winter steed, before it was sadly pinched a few years later. Creatively replacing it with a Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bike around local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive his preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story.  

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71 comments

Avatar
wycombewheeler | 2 years ago
0 likes

Quote:

With no space inside the Lamborghini and a soft top roof, it looks like this supercar owner had no choice but to rack their mountain bike on the car's windscreen... well I suppose the other choice would be to avoid being stupid and not do this, but it is what it is.

Do Lamborghini not offer a tow bar option? Nice thule tow back rack would be perfect. Should be within budget for someone who can afford a Lamborghini too.

Avatar
eburtthebike | 2 years ago
1 like

"In its defence, Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit added: "It goes without saying that drivers must ensure their path is clear before proceeding. That's the law and we are dealing with the driver as such. But this is a road safety tweet highlighting how helmets can prevent a serious injury should a cyclist be involved in a crash."

OMG, where to start?  OK, let's start at the beginning

"In its defence, Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit added: "It goes without saying that drivers must ensure their path is clear before proceeding."  That's why they didn't say it, it goes without saying.  Saying that the victims should wear armour however, that they did say, even though the driver committed a crime and they are supposed to prevent crime and arrest the perpetrators when they commit a crime, they still blame the victims.

"That's the law and we are dealing with the driver as such."  Even though it goes without saying that, because we'd rather blame the victim, and they didn't bother mentioning that because they're focussed on blaming the victim and telling people to wear magic hats.

"But this is a road safety tweet highlighting how helmets can prevent a serious injury should a cyclist be involved in a crash."  No, it isn't a road safety tweet, it is pure, unadulterated, 100% victim blaming; nothing to do with road safety whatsoever.  The evidence that helmets prevent serious injury is, to say the least, questionable, but you prefer to ignore that and focus on what you think might have happened if the cyclist hadn't been wearing a helmet.  Not on what might have happened if the driver had carried out their legal obligations and actually looked where the fuck they were going.

Sorry for the length of that, and I feel better now, but it is clear that the Derbyshire Road Policing Unit is not fit for purpose, and should be immediately reassigned to directing traffic or helping old ladies across the road, duties I feel sure are within their capabilities.  Well probably, anyway.

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Muddy Ford replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
6 likes

It would have been better if they had urged drivers to consider parking in the same direction as traffic so that they have better visibility before pulling out of a parking space (Rule 248 applies anyway if they park at night). This could have been a bus that hit the car, and none of the passengers would have been wearing crash helmets. Perhaps they could have advised bus passengers to wear helmets incase some pr!ck pulls out of a parking space without indicating and checking it is clear. True that the helmet protected the rider from a more serious injury, and most regular cyclists wear one even if only to keep their head warmer during winter because that's all that it can acheive when the collision involves a vehicle moving faster than 5mph.

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Nick T | 2 years ago
5 likes

Stunned that a clip of clarkson being classic clarkson happens to surface just when he has a new show to plug 

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to Nick T | 2 years ago
0 likes

Well as Will watched the show, saw his mate and tweeted about it, it isn't a surprise that a show that is already out is clipped and tweeted about.  

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Legin | 2 years ago
8 likes

Brexit... what a ****up!

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STiG911 | 2 years ago
12 likes

Even that far back you were still allowed out to excercise, so Clarkson is just shouting at something he doesn't understand.

Again.

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SaintClarence27 replied to STiG911 | 2 years ago
4 likes

Note that he considers filming his Amazon Prime show "essential," though.

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eburtthebike | 2 years ago
3 likes

Is it just coincidence that the proposal to register cyclists raises it's head just before the release of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy 2 kicks off?

Must renew the tinfoil lining in my non-existent helmet.

Avatar
eburtthebike | 2 years ago
16 likes

Grossly unfair of Clarkson to start his own farm when he can undercut everyone else because he doesn't need to buy fertiliser.

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RoubaixCube replied to eburtthebike | 2 years ago
5 likes

eburtthebike wrote:

Grossly unfair of Clarkson to start his own farm when he can undercut everyone else because he doesn't need to buy fertiliser.

Truth be told.

He does talk a lot of shit.

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Hirsute | 2 years ago
0 likes

I can't find s picture of these lime scooters with a reg no. Looking at the photos of the ones I can see it is hard to see where one would go that would be visible and safe.

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to Hirsute | 2 years ago
2 likes

A very small 3cm by 3cm (might be oversizing it) plate above the rear light on the Birmingham ones. Useful for finding which one you have hired in a pack of 10 dumped together, not really useful for bystanders or CCTV though.

edit: actually below the light

https://www.itsinternational.com/sites/ropl-its/files/2020-09/dreamstime...

Avatar
anagallis_arvensis | 2 years ago
12 likes

"Cyclist killed between Lower Assendon and Bix" so tragic for family, my friend was struck from behind by a van and killed there about 15 years ago. Low sun was blamed because obviously if you can't see when driving you keep going at 70mph.....

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ktache replied to anagallis_arvensis | 2 years ago
3 likes

The area around Lower Assendeon and Bix is a wonderful part of countryside, mostly quiet roads, rolling hills.

My thoughts are with the family and friends of the poor cyclist.

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eburtthebike | 2 years ago
3 likes

Tacks on shared use paths:

""Imagine hating cyclists so much you can't remember that dogs exist."

And children, and adults and any other people at all.

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nikkispoke replied to eburtthebike | 2 years ago
0 likes

Very sadly alogside a local shared use cycle track that allowed access points for pedestrians to several fields along the route, local youths often spread tacks at the access points with the only purpose being to hurt dogs who would be allowed to run into the fields.  

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Carior | 2 years ago
10 likes

Woah woah woah woah woah - back it up a minute?  Guy is driving while unfit through drugs and kills somebody but only gets a causing death through careless driving charge?  So getting high and driving isn't actually dangerous driving? Really? Our system is FUBAR!

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to Carior | 2 years ago
0 likes

He won't even get that potentially if which is why they want witnesses on his driving beforehand. We have seen people get away with no charges of careless driving on hit and runs. And, although it is more of a case of who it was, but we have also seen a drugged up driver get away with manslaughter of two pedestrians as the Police decided the accident would have happened even if he was sober. 

edit: and the last incident was also TVP. 

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dnewton76 replied to Carior | 2 years ago
0 likes

exactly, if gets a driving ban longer than a year i'd be surprised. disgusting behaviour by our "justice" system.

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ibgarrow | 2 years ago
0 likes

my puppy stole my Wahoo Bolt, putting just one tiny tooth on the display, producing a black line down the right. The Bolt was still usable, but Wahoo generously gave me a huge discount on a new one. They recouped this because they'd produced Generation 2 Bolt, at a higher price, by the time I got to replace it! Still good of them.

Avatar
Jenova20 | 2 years ago
1 like

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van driver dies"

Shouldn't this be:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van dies"?

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Sriracha replied to Jenova20 | 2 years ago
2 likes

The van driver hit the cyclist with his van.

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wycombewheeler replied to Jenova20 | 2 years ago
2 likes

Jenova20 wrote:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van driver dies"

Shouldn't this be:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van"?

not unless it was an autonomous vehicle

Avatar
Jenova20 replied to wycombewheeler | 2 years ago
0 likes

wycombewheeler wrote:

Jenova20 wrote:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van driver dies"

Shouldn't this be:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van"?

not unless it was an autonomous vehicle

Found it strange, since the van didn't operate on it's own, but the van driver hitting the cyclist sounds like a punch, or assault, etc.

Avatar
hawkinspeter replied to Jenova20 | 2 years ago
4 likes

Jenova20 wrote:

wycombewheeler wrote:

Jenova20 wrote:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van driver dies"

Shouldn't this be:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van"?

not unless it was an autonomous vehicle

Found it strange, since the van didn't operate on it's own, but the van driver hitting the cyclist sounds like a punch, or assault, etc.

Probably following the guidelines here: https://road.cc/content/news/road-traffic-collision-reporting-guidelines-launched-283429

Stating that the "van" hit the cyclist is misleading as it implies that no driver was responsible, but by stating "van driver" rather than "man" (or "woman") it is implied that the vehicle is relevant to the assault.

Avatar
Jenova20 replied to hawkinspeter | 2 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for the clarification.

Avatar
ChrisB200SX replied to Jenova20 | 2 years ago
2 likes

Jenova20 wrote:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van driver dies"

Shouldn't this be:

"Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist hit by van"?

Found it strange, since the van didn't operate on it's own, but the van driver hitting the cyclist sounds like a punch, or assault, etc.

If I hit you with a baseball bat would you expect people to say you got hit by a baseball bat? Or you got hit by someone swinging a baseball bat?

Avatar
Captain Badger replied to Jenova20 | 2 years ago
0 likes

Jenova20]</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>[quote=Jenova20

wrote:

.....

Found it strange, since the van didn't operate on it's own, but the van driver hitting the cyclist sounds like a punch, or assault, etc.

And your point?

Sorry, being flippant. However if I rode my bike into a pedestrian, the headline would be unlikely to read "pedestrian hit by push-bike". It would probably be "Ped hit by cyclist" whether I meant to do it or not.

Avatar
Philh68 replied to Jenova20 | 2 years ago
0 likes

It is assault with a deadly weapon. If you're stabbed you don't blame the knife do you?

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