Newspapers reported to press standards body over misleading photos; Dowsett's first Zwift race; Trackstand G&T from Elinor Barker; Spider-man + hex key + rollers; Pub painted yellow for the Tour de Yorkshire facing £20,000 fine + more on the live blog

Over the weekend, a number of newspapers were accused of distorting the truth through their use of misleading photos of cyclists.

Images were published in the Mail Online and the Mirror that appeared to show groups of cyclists huddled closely together in London’s Regent’s Park.

The newspapers suggested cyclists were flouting strict social distancing rules, but the photos were taken with a long lens that foreshortens the shot and gives a false impression of proximity.

The Times then did the same with photos of cyclists on Box Hill.

Excellent use of a telephoto lens by @thetimes, misleading image and reporting.
How about a photo of the 6 superbike riders at the top of the hill in conversation about how they don't care about the rules because they can outrun police?

Thx @_D415Y_ for the other perspective pic.twitter.com/ZgznnJrLNT

— Francis Cade (@Francis_Cade) April 6, 2020

It’s worth mentioning that cyclists have been banned from Box Hill this weekend.

Cycling UK have lodged a complaint with the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

Head of Campaigns Duncan Dollimore said: “On the whole, cyclists have been behaving responsibly, avoiding riding in groups and remaining at least two metres from other cyclists and pedestrians.

“These photographs in the national papers give an incredibly misleading impression that somehow cyclists are behaving above the law when nothing could be further from the truth.”

It’s been reported that the pictures of Regent’s Park cyclists have led to aggression from drivers.

Dollimore added: “The effect and implications of using a telescopic lens would have been known to the photographer.

“It has been used to bolster an inaccurate story and dangerous narrative, namely that it is somehow wrong and in breach of guidance and regulations to cycle outside during the COVID-19 crisis, and that groups of cyclists are routinely breaching the social distancing guidelines.

“None of this is supported by the facts reported or the images used.”

IPSO is expected to respond to Cycling UK’s complaints within 15 days.

Dowsett says he’d never done a Zwift race until this week – in part because he does, “plenty of normal racing.”

Technically, this was a group ride – but as Dowsett points out, they rank you at the end, “so it’s a race.”

Sample quotes:

• “I have no idea how sprint finishes work on this. That said, I have no idea how sprint finishes work in the pro tour”
• “Shit me – that was hard”
• “It’ll keep you fit and keep you inside”

Did he mention that he was at altitude?

The London Evening Standard reports that speeds of up to 142mph have been recorded in the capital during the lockdown.

A female cyclist was killed on Tuesday morning. She was hit on the A24 London Road at the junction with Tudor Avenue and Palmer Avenue in Worcester Park, Sutton.

A second cyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after a collision with a motorcyclist near Euston station later the same day.

According to Transport for London, while there has been a 68 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured since March 20, provisional data indicates that the crashes that have occurred have been more serious.

Detective Superintendent Andy Cox, head of the Met police’s road command, said: “We are seeing speeds of 142mph, 140mph, 134mph. The 134mph was in a 40mph zone.

“In 20mph zones, [drivers] are averaging 37mph, even though it’s 20mph. These are the zones where our key workers are cycling to work, where there are pedestrians.”

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of compliance and policing, added: “We are doing all we can to ensure London’s critical workers — particularly those in the NHS — are able to travel safely to and from work.

“Simply put, no one should be travelling on the roads unless they’re making an absolutely essential journey, and that journey should be safe and under the speed limit.

“Breaking the speed limit is dangerous and especially reckless during this time of national crisis. Action will be taken against drivers who put themselves and others at risk.”

Another reminder that Cycling UK is offering free membership to NHS staff. Please pass the news on to anyone you know who could benefit.

Membership includes access to third party insurance and legal advice.

The charity says that over 500 staff have taken up the offer so far.

Details on how to sign up here.

London Cycling Campaign are also offering free membership for NHS staff. It also includes insurance, plus a range of other member benefits.

Details on that one here.

They’re also offering a free advice service via Facebook Messenger at https://www.facebook.com/LondonCyclingCampaign or on 020 7234 9310 or at advice [at] lcc.org.uk.

What colour should a Golden Lion be? White apparently.

The owners of the Golden Lion in Todmorden, Calderdale, have been threatened with a £20,000 fine and jail for painting their building yellow.

Yorkshire Live reports that they painted the pub yellow in anticipation of the Tour de Yorkshire passing through – although the race has since been postponed.

The council actually threatened the fine last week while they were still in the process of painting it. Apparently someone had complained.

Matthanee Nilavongse, who owns the pub, explained: “I understand that we are a listed building, but the building has in fact been orange and pink in the past. We also understand that we are based in a conservation area, so there is a bit of confusion at the moment, but I’m hopeful we can cut through that.”

If you work for a London NHS Trust or hospital and cycle to work, @london_cycling is offering you free membership during the coronavirus crisis. https://t.co/yUT7glmBBE

— APPGCW (@allpartycycling) April 9, 2020

A few of you are questioning Elinor Barker's gin-to-tonic ratio.

It's also been pointed out that this is not necessarily a stunt that will become easier with practice. 

Also...

She's had a few unsuccessful goes at that judging by those jeans

— Ian Myers (@TweekySenior) April 9, 2020

Last week we reported on Astana pro Davide Martinelli, who said he was "the happiest man in the world" delivering food and medicine in his home town of Lodetto in Brescia.

Jumbo-Visma sprinter Dylan Groenewegen's doing something similar. And apparently he's doing it in his team gear.

Even geen koers, maar wel tijd om te helpen. De komende tijd bezorg ik op de fiets boodschappen bij ouderen en zorgverleners die dat nu even niet zelf kunnen 🛒🔥 Heb je als zorgverlener of oudere hulp nodig of wil je zelf helpen? ➡️ https://t.co/gZ1YMOH7J3#StaySafeTogether pic.twitter.com/4ruo0dlKFG

— Dylan Groenewegen (@GroenewegenD) April 8, 2020