Backlash over triathlete's 200 mile ride during lockdown; “Absolutely amazing”: Transport Sec’s active travel admission; No Hope as track bike creators suspend production; Halfords offer free bike servicing for NHS workers + more on the live blog

The Dutch Jumbo-Visma rider said in response to the suggestion of a Tour behind closed doors as suggested by the French Minister for Sports: 

" Is that a solution that justifies going on a tour? Call your shot... At least we’ll have something to show on television, but is it realistic?”

“Then everything must be safe and there must be no more health risks. Then it would be possible. But even then there shouldn’t be a risk that we, as a Tour, will be able to get the distribution going again. Because without a crowd you’re still talking about a travelling circus of more than 1000 people. And that’s still a lot of people together.”

Kruijswijk has been training exlusively indoors on Zwift - which he is said to dislike - and last rode outside on 17th March. He continued: “I now realise even better how hard it is for my wife to give the children enough attention when I’m away. The kids now don’t even understand why they can’t go outside. That doesn’t alter the fact that I can enjoy all those moments together, but I would have preferred to do it under different circumstances.”

BC guidance is "only ride on routes you know well, that are close to home and that are well within your ability level - this is a time for calm recreation, not for challenging yourself." Also 10 hours on the bike like this will suppress the immune system putting you at more risk.

— Elisabeth Anderson (@velobetty) March 26, 2020

Skipper says that he is following government guidelines and has got advice from his partner - who is a doctor - that his long ride is permissible; however the triathlete is continuing to be criticised for allegedly stretching the limits of the latest government guidelines that state one 'form' of exercise per day is allowed. Others have defended Skipper, while also bemoaning Norfolk's apparent lack of decent elevation...

2700 feet of climb is not a challenge.

— Pompey Cyclist (@PompeyCyclist) March 27, 2020

As noted by the BBC, the De-Carbonising Transport consultation was quietly published by the government this week; and active travel campaigners are astounded at the tone of voice and apparent change of tact from the top. 

Transport secretary Grant Shapps says: "Public transport and active travel will be the natural first choice for our daily activities. We will use our cars less and be able to rely on a convenient, cost-effective and coherent public transport network."

Stephen Joseph of Hertfordshire University said the document was "utterly gob-smacking", while Cycling UK's Roger Geffen told the BBC: "It’s absolutely amazing.

"This makes Grant Shapps the first government minister in the UK to talk about traffic reduction since John Prescott tried (and failed) to achieve this aim in the late 1990s.

“There are some holes in the document, but it suggests that the government really does seem to be taking climate change seriously."

Are the government really taking taking this climate thing by the scruff of the neck now? We'll wait and see... 

Santini will begin to make protective face masks in the next few days after their factory announced they were switching production last week; and the organisers of the famous vintage bike race L'Eroica - who carry Santini as a headline sponsor - are launching a fundraising campaign to help finance the move. 

L'Eroica's founder Giancarlo Brocci said: “As you all know, my mode of communication is very down to earth, familiar, in the style of Berruti (another foundind father of L'Eroica) and with his kind of passion.

"The first time I went to the Santini factory – they were already partners of Eroica – I remember how the owners, Monica and Paola, were delighted to introduce me to their father and founder of the business, Pietro. And I remember the pride with which they insisted on keeping the old knitting machines, the ones that were there when they started their quality work, along their fortunate entrepreneurial path. 

"Santini is a partner of Eroica, and the factory started recreating those amazing wool jerseys that can now be found all over the world. Today, in the middle of this national emergency, the company has decided to start producing the masks that are increasingly difficult to find. What a heroic way to lend a hand and keep the light of passion and pride alive, in that proud heart of Italy that resists and will bounce back stronger and more conscientious than ever."

L'Eroica's campaign to raise funds is called 'STOPCORONA', with crowdfunding pages and links coming soon. Numerous bike brands have altered production in order to manufacture goods to help combat the spread of coronavirus - read off.road.cc's round-up here. 

Thank you @Halfords_uk for still managing next day delivery despite everything that's going on in the UK/world. It has made my little girl's 3rd birthday special even after we've had to postpone her birthday party and can't see any of her extended family or friends. pic.twitter.com/LpSJpYgBcn

— Becky Green (@BeckyGr96127220) March 27, 2020

After announcing free services for NHS staff and emergency workers earlier today, Halfords are still staying on top of their deliveries to cheer up their customers. There's another large bike shop chain owned by an even larger sportswear chain who could perhaps take note...

For more examples of local bike shops and businesses doing great things during the pandemic, see our growing pinned Facebook thread giving shout-outs to cycling businesses and our supporting article. 

On their Twitter account, the brains behind the Hope/Lotus track bike that would have been used by Team GB at the 2020 Olympics say they've temporarily suspended production on safety grounds. The closure will initially be for three weeks, and Hope won't be taking any new orders during that time. 

While some were questioning if Halfords was an 'essential retailer' earlier this week (there was even a petition demanding they stay closed) they've backed up their stance by offering free bike servicing and ten point car checks to all NHS and emergency workers during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The free bike service offered is usually worth £30, and workers will be able to claim it at 'most' Halfords stores starting form today. The Halfords Bronze Bike Service includes brake and gear adjustment/alignment and drivetrain lubrication. 

Halfords CEO Graham Stapleton said: “Now more than ever the NHS and emergency workers need our help and support. Our research shows how vital their cars and bikes are in getting to and from work, so we want to do our bit and help the extraordinary people who are doing an incredibly trying job at the most difficult of times.”

All NHS and emergency staff have to do to redeem the offer is show their staff ID card to a Halfords employee.