Why does asking drivers to not close pass cyclists cause so much anger?; Storm Eunice: KOM hunting or indoor training?; Pidcock's in demand; RideLondon route details; Virtual gravel; New kit; Bizarre bike racing + more on the live blog

It's supposed to be common sense.. But NO, some motorists feel it violates their rights or something, or they think all cyclists are a menace.

I've had cars brush past me at a distance of more or less 1 foot. And I was even on the bike lane. https://t.co/bkI15Iz0NN

— The Wasted Wanderer (@_wastedwanderer) February 18, 2022

Let's take a timeout from the memes to look at some of the tidal wave of reaction, responses and comments to our main live blog topic of the day (no, not tailwind KOM hunting)...why some seem to become uncontrolably triggered by being asked to not close pass cyclists...

On Facebook, Lis Parsons reckons: "Considering most cyclists also drive, or ride in cars, it makes no sense. I think some people just get violently irrational whenever they encounter 'unconventional' behaviour, even when it doesn't negatively affect them at all." 

Chris Hill got 40 likes for his thought about the role of the media..."Media representation of cyclists is not helping matters. Most 'cyclists' do follow the rules of the road, but there some idiots out there that do jump lights etc… and need to be held to account. But to that end there are way more drivers out there that do the same. The car driver (in my experience driving a German manufacture vehicle) can cause a lot of damage to the more vulnerable road user and they need to accept it. The Highway Code changes are not much in the way of change but clarification of what what already there."

Ben Peach simplified the point..."Simple rule that a lot don't understand, 'don't be a git'."

Graham Black commented: "Cyclists have an equal right to use the road? Many drivers either don't know this, or worse, disagree with it. This is where the problem lies."

I think the reason is the fact there is an entire half a car between them and us (passenger seat) I think in their minds that is actually included in the recommendation?🤷‍♂️ So even when they close pass there is still space between us and them so why the big deal yanno?

— CillDara Cyclist 🇮🇪 (@swrdz) February 18, 2022

Here on the blog, Mungecrundle commented: "I'm pretty sure that no-one likes being told by a stranger that they are rubbish at a task that they think they are actually quite good at. 90 per cent of drivers rate themselves above average or some such statistic?

"Trying to explain intricacies of road traffic law or quoting HC rules isn't going to get you anywhere, especially when your protagonist is blind certain that the made up rule they have in their head is incontrovertibly correct."

brooksby agreed: "I suspect it is because many motorists really don't like anyone telling them what they can or can't do: 'How DARE you advise me on my driving techniques!? I have been driving for years, and have never killed anyone yet'.

"And of course another reason is that so many think that because they saw a cyclist run a red light, this one time, eighteen months ago (while being blind to all the motorists who did the same during that period) then clearly all tax-dodging cyclists riding their toys on the road are Evil Rogues with no respect for the law and who deserve no respect from good law-abiding citizens. Or something like that..."

UK Twitter right now pic.twitter.com/RMS3HHkfKw

— Peter Campbell (@Petercampbell1) February 18, 2022

At this point I'm just chucking memes at you...right, focus, shut the live stream and get on with some 'journalism'...

#A11 Southbound between #Elveden and #Mildenhall fiveways lane 1 closure due to bicycles falling off a roof rack. Lane 2 open caution on approach #1815 pic.twitter.com/LE5InwAuRq

— Norfolk & Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team (@NSRAPT) February 18, 2022

The East Anglian Daily Times is reporting that all lanes of the A11 have now reopened after this morning's excitement. Two bikes were blown off a vehicle's roof rack, causing a southbound lane between Elveden and Mildenhall Fiveways to be closed.

The Norfolk & Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team urged people to be cautious if travelling during the 90mph storm.

Right, time to reload that Heathrow live stream...

pic.twitter.com/4d2J2nsZ2s

— mensrea (@HaSeongsRim) February 16, 2022

How to make a nice pic? 😅
Ask to @MichaelMorkov and @MarkCavendish 😎@qst_alphavinyl 🐺 pic.twitter.com/8oXaoh0WIi

— Fausto Masnada (@masnada_fausto) February 18, 2022

Even when it comes to Instagram, Michael Mørkøv helps Mark Cavendish...

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mark Cavendish (@markcavendish)

The duo are in the UAE for the start of the WorldTour calendar this Sunday as the UAE Tour kicks off proceedings. Seven stages: four sprints, two summit finishes and one pan-flat TT. 

The sprints should be pretty interesting, though, Cav, Sam Bennett, Elia Viviani, Arnaud Démare, Cees Bol, Pascal Ackermann, Dylan Groenewegen, Jasper Philipsen, David Dekker and Mads Pedersen are all down to start Sunday's opener...

On the GC front, all eyes will be on defending champion and 'home' rider Tadej Pogačar. 

The Needles on the Isle of Wight recorded a wind gust of 122 mph this morning

This is provisionally the highest gust ever recorded in England#StormEunice ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/aNYMnFbMvT

— Met Office (@metoffice) February 18, 2022

Don't try this at home, and all that...but if ever there was a day to strip James Pett of his Needles KOM, it's today...if you don't end up in hospital first...

Alternatively, you could stay indoors and watch the Heathrow planespotter's live stream on YouTube like us...terrific entertainment.

With 100 days to go until the 2022 RideLondon on Sunday 29 May, full details of the event have been announced, including three mass-participation challenges and an eight-mile closed road FreeCycle.

As part of the new partnership with Essex County Council, RideLondon 2022 will include three mass-participation routes starting on Victoria Embankment. The 100-mile option enters Essex via Epping Forest where it will follow a section of stage three of the 2014 Tour de France before returning to the capital for a finish at Tower Bridge.

The 60-mile option follows the 100 for the first 32 miles before heading back to Tower Bridge. Entries cost £50 and will open this afternoon. The 30-mile option costs £25 and also opens this afternoon.

FreeCycle is the other part of the day, and will allow cyclists eight miles of traffic-free roads in central London. It is billed as the "perfect way for a family to see some of London's most famous landmarks on two wheels. FreeCycle registration will open in March, when the event start times will be revealed.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of RideLondon, said: "We’re incredibly excited to be bringing RideLondon back in 2022 after the last two editions were cancelled due to the pandemic. We return with exciting new routes into Essex thanks to a new partnership with Essex County Council and an increased ambition for RideLondon to be genuinely for all."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gravel Epic (@gravelepic)

Gravel Epic has launched an Off-Road series on the FulGaz virtual training platform, featuring six stages which cover a total distance of 143.67km with 3276m of elevation gain. 

The free virtual gravel event starts tomorrow and runs until 6 March, and allows riders to virtually explore gravel trails across the world through the FulGaz app, from the mountainous Austrian Alpenvereinshütte to the Gloucester Spring ride in Maine countryside.

Open to riders of all levels, you can complete the stages at your own pace and at any time - it’s a personal challenge and so there’s no prize for coming first. 

In one stage riders can join World Champion mountain biker Paul van der Ploeg on a ride through some of the remote Australian gravel roads hidden out the back of Falls Creek.

Participants also have the chance to win a one-year subscription to FulGaz, as well as entry to Gravel Epic Switzerland, a three-day staged race among the giant snowy peaks of Valais.

You can sign up for free here and also find out more information about each of the stages.

Good luck to everyone biking to work tomorrow 🤣 #StormEunice pic.twitter.com/4nXzRPjlnJ

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) February 17, 2022

It's a bit blustery out there...

> Cycling in the wind? Get these 11 secrets to beating the gusts 

Secret number one? Stay at home and hit the indoor trainer...

Unless you're training for the Dutch Headwind Champs, of course...