Round up 25/02/2010

With no specific theme for my latest blog, I thought I would round up some of the recent goings on in my world and planet cycling.

Thankfully after singing their praises, Decathlon came good with their delivery and I am now proudly donning a Bell Crossfire helmet, just in time for the upcoming trip to Girona for a bit of pre-wedding cycling action in the mountains.

The first thing I did was check whether my Oakley Radars fitted into the vents on the helmet and thankfully they do. I just need to make sure I wear plenty of long necklaces now on the 6mile ascent of "Els Angels" and I can get my jersey zip down and start looking like a Schleck... or chump... one of the two.

The weather has meant that miles have been at a premium but I am hoping that turbo training, running and a bit of mountain biking will keep me from the bottom sprocket for the two days of riding on the triip. Having been moderating the booze I am more worried about the three evenings drinking to be honest... I might not be up to it.

In more significant cycling news I see that Washington D.C is looking to start the Giro off in a couple of years time.

What a complete load of nonsense. European grand tours should at least stay on that continent. I accept that sometimes the races cross borders (although to the casual cycling fan that is even deemed wierd) but how many of the top riders will want to take on that amount of travelling at the start of a three week race? 

Cadel Evans probably will, as his desperation to win one of the big three might still be growing by the time the riders roll down the start ramp outside the White House.

Team Sky seem to be about as popular as Manchester United amongst their peers in the peloton. I can understand why to an extent. The hype has been massive the equipment and presenation perfect and the results strong.

What's not to be jealous about? If I were Team Principal David Brailsford I would only start to worry when people stop talking about them in derogatory terms. And that will hopefully be a while yet.

I am not going to properly slag them off until I see the price of their jersey. If I can't afford one they will get a slating from me in this column... Be warned Team Sky.

Bradley Wiggins has kept that feeling going with his second place in the Tour of Andalucia time trial. It was a good result for him but how speedy does that Saxo Bank rider Rasmussen look?

In amongst the results of that race I see that my hero steadily improved with some top 30 then top 20 finishes.

Timmer is slowy starting his season of domination. Come on young Albert!