Cycling UK tackles Highway Code misinformation; Lizzie Deignan announces pregnancy — will miss 2022 season; How to beat Filippo Ganna in a TT? Ride 9km in 10 minutes; Bucket list ride; I bet that UAE look good on the dancefloor + more on the live blog

The Bicycle Association (BA) has released its 2021 cycling impact report, driven by market data service numbers gathered from retailers across the country.

The numbers show double-digit growth across all categories, although the total number of bicycles sold was down on 2019. The full report is available to purchase from the BA, with the association's executive director Steve Garidis saying: "Our data proves that if you remove half the cars, vans and lorries from our roads, there is a very significant nascent demand for cycling.

"It also proves that without significant policy intervention to correct the car-centric, heavy traffic status quo, cycling growth will be held back in the UK."

Mark Cavendish has done an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca off the back of his nomination for the Laureus World Sports Awards' Comeback of the Year title, talking about his comeback to the top table of the sport.

"This nomination is an incredible recognition. Records are not my goal; every victory is simply the result of hard work," Cav said.

"I went from being the best in the world to one of the worst overnight. I was misdiagnosed and mismanaged by people I trusted in an old team and it pretty much wiped out everything physically that I had worked for, and along with that came mental health issues.

"As an athlete, I can cry about my hard times, but that's what a comeback does, when you've had hard times. I'm fortunate to have been able to come back like this. A lot of people are in a position where they are still struggling. All I can say is don't give up."

The winners of the Laureus World Sport Awards will be announced in April. Cavendish is up against fellow pro rider Annemiek van Vleuten, Tom Daley, Simone Biles, Sky Brown and Marc Marquez.

Galway councillors have reported "vitriolic attacks" and "toxic" debate around a controversial new cycleway in Salthill, which was rejected by the council recently. The proposed route, which was voted against by councillors, featured sections of one-way vehicle traffic and would have provided a major segregated route for cyclists.

It was rejected after a lengthy debate, with a report showing 63 per cent of locals opposed the plans. Now, Cllr Colette Connolly, who is the city's mayor, said she was on the receiving end of "vitriolic attacks" from those who opposed it, while those supporting measures were "denigrated as crazy cyclists" who did not work or pay taxes.

"I got abusive phone calls, mostly [from] women . . . launching into vitriolic attacks," the councillor said.

The Irish Times reports the politician was "completely disappointed by the recent council vote which has "set this project back by a year or many years".

Meanwhile, colleague and fellow independent councillor Mike Cubbard said he received voice messages from an individual saying he had "failed as a parent" for not supporting the proposal.

Tadej Pogačar was on fire 🔥

Stunning numbers from the Slovenian on @uae_tour first uphill finish 🇦🇪🏔

______#UAETour pic.twitter.com/OrMevQSQe7

— Velon CC (@VelonCC) February 23, 2022

 It's hardly going to win 'shock of the year' but Tadej Pogačar won this lunchtime's summit finish at the UAE Tour, outsprinting Adam Yates, Aleksandr Vlasov and *checks notes* Filippo Ganna atop Jebel Jais.

Relative underdogs Ruben Guerreiro and Damien Howsen also earned top five finishes, but it was Ganna's 11th place on the 19km summit finish that had us all wondering where his ceiling lies?

Admittedly, Jebel Jais is a fairly shallow climb on a smooth surface, averaging less than 6 per cent, where drafting is very helpful and we often see a large group contest the finish. But 80kg+ powerhouses? 

Ganna missed out on taking the race lead by just two seconds as Pog pulled on the red jersey by virtue of his stage win bonus seconds. Tomorrow and Friday should give Cav and the other sprinters their final chance for stage wins, before the week-long stage race concludes with a tougher summit finish atop Jebel Hafeet on Saturday.

The #HighwayCode doesn't advise cycling in the centre of the road.

It advises cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane in some situations - not to deliberately slow drivers, but to boost visibility and ensure cars can only pass when safe to do so.

👉 https://t.co/BXWOQbD6ji pic.twitter.com/J0XiLKBOev

— Cycling UK (@WeAreCyclingUK) February 22, 2022

Since and prior to the Highway Code changes coming into effect a few weeks ago, much has been made about the revised code in the media and on social media, with misinformation or misunderstanding a common theme.

> Press misrepresents Highway Code changes – just days before they come into force

Days before the changes, two major newspapers, the Evening Standard and Express, ran stories incorrectly suggesting motorists face being fined under a new law regarding the 'Dutch Reach' technique for opening a car door so not to hit passing cyclists...

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail published an "error-strewn" Richard Littlejohn column attacking cyclists and the changes.

We've also heard from various figures, both pro and against the revised Highway Code, that changes have not been properly communicated to the public. An AA poll found one in three of its members are still unaware of the new rules.

> Government slammed for not informing public of Highway Code changes aimed at protecting cyclists and pedestrians just days before they come into effect

UK charity Cycling UK aims to offer "clear, accurate and memorable messaging" of the new changes to make more road users aware of, firstly, what they are, and secondly, how and why they will "make our roads significantly safer for people walking and cycling".

In the video, Cycling UK address four key changes, including the Hierarchy of Road Users, passing cyclists, junction priority and the Dutch Reach. The charity has also been spreading the message with social media posts, like the one at the top of this update...

Yes but 'centre of the road' is a far more inflammatory term for the tabloids.

— Gary James Ⓥ (@Tradescant) February 22, 2022

Ale has unveiled its new 2022 Spring-Summer line up with the focus being on aerodynamics, sustainability and new colours.

Part of Ale’s R-EV1 top-end line, the Velocity Jersey uses high-tech graphene materials. "The closed circuit of graphene (graphite nanoparticles), in direct contact with the cyclist’s skin, equalises the body temperature, facilitating heat dissipation," Ale claims. Bacteriostatic properties are also said to improve hygiene and prevent unpleasant odours. 

To help reduce injuries in the event of a crash, the Pro Race Strong shorts feature strategically placed panels made of Dyneema which is a lightweight abrasion-resistant fabric.

Moving over to the PR-R collection, the Green Speed jersey uses 90% GRS (Global Recycle Standard) approved fabrics and includes a fourth eco-pocket on the side to store empty packs of energy bars and gels as well as any other small waste.

To match it, the Green Speed shorts are said to provide some muscle compression thanks to their multidirectional stretch. The new GREEN 4H pad features a green fabric for the upper layer, and offers a 100 kg/m3 density for support. 

The Stones Cargo bibshorts in the Gravel range use the durable Sapphire fabric and feature side pockets to carry essentials.

Ale’s Scottish jersey is said to combine the comfort of a T-shirt with the technicality of a standard bike jersey, and comes in a tartan finish - what do you think of this look? 

pic.twitter.com/wMlWQcbegu

— Cycling out of context (@OutOfCycling) February 22, 2022

Not that I'm wishing my life away, but it's now just 100 days until I set off on an epic two month cycling and camping trip round the Baltic coast. It's an adventure that's been in the pipeline since 2019. Twelve countries, eight capital cities, innumerable beaches- can't wait! pic.twitter.com/v5XTOh6crw

— Tim McKenna (@TimMcKenna5) February 22, 2022

Any big summer plans? They don't have to be as continent-crossing as Tim's, but what's your number one ride in 2022? Admittedly, there might be something going on at certain parts of that route that requires a slight change of plan...

Now, I'm sure after the past couple of years you need no further encouragement for a two-wheeled getaway, but if you do?

> Six reasons to go on a cycling holiday

In hindsight, we could probably list six thousand reasons, but hey, that would be a tough read...

Land's End to John O'Groats is the classic UK must-do endurance challenge, but is London to Barcelona a better option? Andrew Dalton made the case to us for chasing the sun, saying: "a similar distance, but with better roads, better weather, better food and a more fun destination."

You're telling me a night out in John O'Groats isn't fun?

> Cycling from London to Barcelona: a more enjoyable LEJOG alternative?

Get in the comments with your cycling holiday/big ride/bikepacking plans for 2022...