"I f****** hate cyclists": Charming date shows why he's single; Cav fanboys Women's Tour; Cycling infra graph...where does your council rank?; Police deflection after shocking bike-jacking; Astana Qazaqstan; New kit; Gravel trainer + more on the live blog

One poor woman was asked out on a date, only to find out her cycling hobby was a non-negotiable line in the sand for the delightful singleton sat opposite..."He said I fckn hate cyclists & told me to fuck off & left me to pay for the drinks." 

Two drinks for the price of...two, i guess...

In fairness, she dealt with the situation as well as you could expect..."Having some chips and maybe a dessert," she reported from the front line. In our book, chips and dessert is always the answer.

Her amused (and slightly concerned) Twitter audience was left to speculate if the man's name was Chad and/or if he's still stuck angrily waving his fist at traffic lights 12 hours on.

It's bizarre, but not the first ridiculous cycling-related dating story featured here on the live blog. Back in June, a Hinge profile popped up with pictures of none other than Remco Evenepoel. 'Ollie' was either an extremely talented bike rider masquerading as a 22-year-old from Warwick or, more likely, just a massive catfish...

It doesn't always end badly...remember the RideLondon wedding?

🏆 @lorenawiebes (@TeamDSM) wins stage five of the @AJBell Women’s Tour in Clacton-on-Sea!#WomensTour #UCIWWT pic.twitter.com/SXhlXTiqrw

— AJ Bell Women's Tour (@thewomenstour) October 8, 2021

Lorena Wiebes made it back to back stage wins at the Women's Tour. The Dutch sprinter led home the bunch kick for the second day in a row to give her nation their fourth win of the week. Compatriot Demi Vollering was once again untroubled on the GC front and will wear the jersey for tomorrow's final stage.

World champ Elisa Balsamo almost took her first win in the rainbow bands, but couldn't overhaul Wiebes' power in the final metres. With another sprint stage on the cards for tomorrow it seems unlikely we'll see anyone other than Vollering on the top step of the podium.

If you think you had a bad day... pic.twitter.com/kj47dXhbme

— Cycling out of context (@OutOfCycling) October 7, 2021

Terrible to see this level of disregard for the rules...oh, he's lost his saddle. Fair enough. Imagine trying to perch on your seatpost for any length of time. Someone here must have suffered that misfortune?

Chad Tavernia would probably tell you to toughen up and just ride home out the saddle. 

After months of testing on the dirt and through the grit, MAAP has revealed its new all-terrain cycling apparel and accessories as an sustainable option for those who prefer to to take alternative paths. “The days are gone where riders are loyal to one discipline,” MAAP acknowledges. “The product reflects the needs of our athletes and riders around the world, engineered to perform at an elite level, whatever the road surface.”

MAAP says the new collection is durable and hardwearing, and consists of the following products with men’s and women’s cuts: Jersey (€165), Long Sleeve Jersey (€185), Cargo Bibs (€265), Thermal Jacket (€240), Thermal Vest (€155), Tee (€75), Tee Long Sleeve (€80), Gloves (€70), Merino Sock (€28) and MAAP x Apidura Frame Pack (€135).

The new Alt Road jerseys, for example, are made with Naturalmatch wool technology which is a blend of natural and high performance synthetic fibres. “This soft to touch, renewable fibre source, extra-fine merino wool provides supreme temperature regulation, takes you from chilled mornings to searing mid-afternoon heat,” says MAAP. “Combined with anti-microbial and anti-odour properties, the materials can perform in extreme conditions for multi-day rides even with repeated use.”

Hi, we are aware of this incident and an investigation will take place. Here is a link to our advice: https://t.co/3momu1NNoU

— Royal Parks Police (@MPSRoyal_Parks) October 7, 2021

 A few questions have been asked about how these top tips for protecting yourself against crime would help when confronted by a machete-wielding gang intent on taking your bike. Anyway, the force said it is investigating, so we'll see what comes from it.

One reply to the police advice said it's "insane to think this is about prevention by victims. Is London safe or not?" Another added, "are you kidding me? You read this story and your reaction is 'protection advice'."

> Professional cyclist robbed of bike by Richmond Park machete gang

Are you a Newcastle fan who may switch to Sunderland as a result of the #sauditakeover? If so please get in touch@NUFC @sunderlandfc @Kevin_Maguire

— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) October 8, 2021

It's quite nice to be able to watch the replies roll in knowing it's not about cycling for once...

I'd say this is the football equivalent of saying all cab drivers should be forced to switch to bicycles with trailers. 

Yesterday, Vine made the live blog headline by asking critics to "stop with the empty lanes thing" and have more patience while infrastructure attracts new people to cycling. He compared the empty lane argument to saying you need to wait until planes are in the air to build airports.