Live blog: Video: Wout van Aert on his recovery as he prepares to leave Pau hospital; UCI launch Ride and smile campaign; Wiggins back on moto at TdF in his inimitable style; Specialized launch new tubeless tyre at Tour + more

While most cycling fans’ eyes were on the Tour de France this weekend, over in the Far East there was a taster of next year’s Olympic road race in Tokyo as 96 riders took part in the test event.

At 180.22 kilometres, the course from Musashino-no-mori Park to Fuji International Speedway os shorter than the 243 kilometres where the battle for Olympic gold will be fought next year.

The race was won by Italy’s Diego Ulisse, with his compatriot Davide Formolo second and Frances Nans Peters third – with Great Britain’s Matt Holmes finishing just off the podium, the Madison-Genesis rider finishing fourth.

Organisers designed a course they hope will suit the puncheurs – though we’ll have to wait till next year to see the likes of current Olympic champion Greg van Avermaet and Peter Sagan tackle it.

UCI president David Lappartient said: “The challenging and spectacular road race courses at Tokyo 2020 will provide a true test for the best cyclists in the world.

“Taking in iconic tourist attractions such as the Fuji Five Lakes region, the routes will also guarantee an exciting spectacle for fans lining the roadside and spectators worldwide watching the breathtaking images on television.”

The UCI want us to be much cheerier than Alaphilippe was in the mountains yesterday, with the gist of the campaign's message being that cycling is positive in every way, for sport, leisure or simply for getting from A to B. UCI President David Lappartient says: “Around the world there are 2 billion people that cycle. With the campaign we have launched today we are looking to encourage every cyclist to ride more and to grow cycling’s popularity on the five continents, in line with the UCI’s Agenda 2022, one of the objectives of which is to increase the appeal of our sport. We know that cycling helps improve people’s quality of life, is environmentally friendly, and has a beneficial effect on their health. It is also an activity that brings joy to people and makes them smile, which is what the Ride and Smile campaign aims to highlight.”

Largely irrelevant with the madness of the Tour and @alafpolak1 in full swing, but dead chuffed to be staying 2 more years with @deceuninck_qst. What a team to be a part of and grateful to have support of everyone at the team, thought they'd be sick of me after a couple of years https://t.co/XPTrwhvb2q

— James Knox (@JamesKnoxx) July 22, 2019

Yes.. I really need of a rest day #tdf19 pic.twitter.com/3Pyckde92m

— Elia Viviani (@eliaviviani) July 21, 2019

Yes it's already been done to death, but to be fair Viviani has been busting a gut at the Tour for the last couple of weeks and this is funnier than your average. 

The second rest day is here, and Specialized have used the break in proceedings to reveal that some of the Spesh-sponsored Deceuninck–Quick-Step and Bora-Hansgrohe riders have actually been using a brand new tubeless race tyre called the Turbo RapidAir for this Tour. They unveiled the tyres in Nimes at the Deceuninck – Quick-Step press conference today, while also celebrating Julian Alaphilippe’s remarkable run in yellow. 

They claim it seals super fast and has best-in-class rolling resistance, and boldy predict that the age of the tubular tyre is finished: "The tubular predates the rear derailleur. It’s outlived steel and alloy—it’s reigned supreme in the era of carbon and aerodynamics. No more. 100 years at the top is long enough. Turbo RapidAir combines the best of what we knew clinchers could deliver, like low rolling resistance and ease-of-use, while exceeding the ride quality and handling demands of the best riders in the world. The future belongs to Turbo RapidAir." 

...try telling that to Continental, who on the same day have launched a limited edition Competition tubular tyre to celebrate 100 years of the yellow jersey. Unlike their Pro Ltd tyre this one will be available to the public in limited numbers, with 3,460 available worldwide at an RPP of 106 euros. 

The new 34 Aero Wide Disc is the world’s fastest aero-tested alloy disc-brake wheelset, according to. Get all the deets here.

Phil Liggett has made a touching tribute to his friend and fellow commentator Paul Sherwen, the pro cyclist turned TV pundit with whom he covered 33 editions of the Tour de France and who died last December at the age of 62.

Aired on ITV last week, if you missed it there you can now watch it on YouTube.

On another note, I rode a few hundred meters with @GeraintThomas86 sad to see some absolute wankers booing from the side of the road. If your not here to support then stay at home

— George Bennett? (@georgenbennett) July 20, 2019

Bennett got more banter than he bargained for while trying to show support for G following the alleged booing on th Tourmelet! 

Ah I think they were booing you mate

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) July 20, 2019

Jakob Fuglsang @jakob_fuglsang is now 8th in the #TDF2019 GC.
Hints: In his last name, the first g is silent (VERY important). The second g amalgamates with the n into one sound, ŋ (like in the English verb "to sing", just with an a instead of the i).
Listen and repeat! pic.twitter.com/38lXd72Sxj

— Cycling Pronounced (@Cycl_Pronounced) July 21, 2019

Well it turns out we've done a better job of pronouncing 'Fuglsang' than some TV commentators (who we won't name here) for an upcoming tech video on roa.cc's YouTube channel. See also how to pronounce Katarzyna "Kasia" Niewiadoma and Toms Skujiņš if you really want to nail some of the most mis-pronounced names in cycling...