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Coronavirus casts huge shadow over Tour de France – our take; Two Lotto-Soudal staff members test positive for COVID-19; Southampton bike lane to be removed due to “steady increase in traffic"; Ineos looking to sign more Brits; Thibaut Pinot's goats +more

Today's live blog with Alex Bowden (daytime) and Simon MacMichael (evening)...
UPDATED Fri, Aug 28, 2020 00:12
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Coronavirus casts huge shadow over Tour de France – our take; Two Lotto-Soudal staff members test positive for COVID-19; Southampton bike lane to be removed due to “steady increase in traffic"; Ineos looking to sign more Brits; Thibaut Pinot's goats +moreNice 2020 Grand Depart.jpg
27 August 2020, 21:19
Where next for the Tour de France as COVID-19 casts huge shadow over the race?

Where next for the Tour de France? What was planned to be an emphatic – emblematic, even – edition of the race to show that life could return to some semblance of normality despite the COVID-19 crisis is now in jeopardy as the country faces the dreaded second wave of the coronavirus.

The world’s biggest annual sporting event, due to start in Nice on Saturday after its postponement from the original date of late June, has been seen as a totem of how large-scale events can be staged in this post-pandemic world and developments are being keenly watched from well beyond the sport itself.

But, with 21 of France’s departments now designated “Red Zones” due to a spike in cases – this morning, just two had that unwelcome appellation – and the main clusters being on the Côte d’Azur, where the Tour is due to start, and Ile de France, where it is supposed to finish in three weeks’ time, it is very difficult to see it going the distance.

Yes, protocols have been tightened, with rider safety the overarching concern. At this weekend’s Grand Depart, access to cols for spectators will be strictly controlled, with only people who arrive on foot or by bike allowed to go up and watch the race.

However long it lasts, it will be a Tour de France like no other – including the ones that helped edge a nation back into normality after the two world wars.

In most of our lifetimes, the only precedent for such an unusual edition is perhaps the “Tour of Redemption” in 1999, the year after the Festina scandal – and we all know who won that race, and the six subsequent editions.

Earlier this week, I posted my preview of this year’s race, the eleventh year I have done that here on road.cc and I really did thing I have never seen a more exciting and open first week to the Tour de France.

Let’s enjoy it. I suspect it is all we will get.

27 August 2020, 19:06
Lotto-Soudal Tour de France staff sent home after testing positive for coronavirus

And so it begins ... on the same evening the teams have been presented to the public - well, a tightly restricted crowd of just 1,000 people in Nice's Place Massena - two members of Lotto-Soudal's staff have been sent hom after testing positive for coronavirus.

The news follows the French government's announcement earlier today that the Alpes-Maritimes department, which hosts the opening days of the race, is now a "Red Zone" due to the recent increase in cases of coronavirus there, with the local prefecture and Tour de France organisers ASO immediately announcing new restrictions to enable the Grand Depart to go ahead, as we discuss here.

27 August 2020, 15:50
Ned Boulting's done all his preparation
27 August 2020, 15:49
Rubber technology testing laboratory, Vahrenwald plant (Continental archives)
Continental was “an important part of Hitler’s war machine” according to study

An independent academic study released today reviews the involvement with the German National Socialist regime of five companies that are now jointly part of Continental.

The study was commissioned by… Continental.

CEO, Dr Elmar Degenhart, commented: “We commissioned the study in order to gain more clarity about the darkest chapter in our company’s history. That’s why we specifically included those companies that were not part of Continental at the time.

“The study is a consciously chosen opportunity and a renewed motive for us to face up to our responsibility and, on the basis of past experiences, to understand our identity more clearly and to create a better future.

“This is the duty of each new generation. So today we are by no means drawing a line under this responsibility.”

Among his findings, corporate historian Professor Paul Erker discovered that the firm used around 10,000 forced labourers during the Second World War.

In the final years of the war, concentration camp prisoners were used in the production of gas masks and in the relocation of production underground.

“This shows how corporate cultures can quickly topple under pressure from political regimes and opposing social influences,” said Dr Ariane Reinhart, Continental Executive Board member for Human Relations.

“For this reason, corporate cultures must be constantly re-examined, strengthened and continuously developed. This includes a healthy culture of remembrance in order to draw from the past the certainty for our identity today and the lessons for the present and future.”

Degenhart added: “Without understanding the past and without fully coming to terms with the Nazi era, a conscious and unbiased embarkment into a successful future and the next 150 years of Continental is not possible.”

27 August 2020, 15:15
While we're on the subject of binning cycle lanes...
27 August 2020, 14:58
The World Champion is the European Champion

Makes sense, dunnit.

27 August 2020, 14:29
Southampton bike lane to be removed in response to “a steady increase in traffic”

The Daily Echo reports that a pop-up cycle lane on Bassett Avenue in Southampton is to be removed following “a steady increase in traffic”.

With public transport capacity severely limited due to the coronavirus crisis, the Government fears that without large numbers switching to active travel, towns and cities’ roads will grind to a halt.

This resulted in guidance for local authorities which demanded more space be provided for walking and cycling.

Despite this, we’re now seeing more and more pop-up lanes shelved in response to rising levels of motor traffic.

27 August 2020, 14:00
Sir Dave Brailsford (BBC via iPlayer).jpg
Ineos on the lookout for more Brits?

We don’t know about you, but we’re very much enjoying Dave Brailsford repackaging Geraint Thomas’s non-selection for the Tour de France as a fantastic opportunity.

You can see where he’s coming from – Thomas still gets to go for the Giro d’Italia – but at the same time everyone knows this wasn’t the plan, so presenting it as such seems like… well, a load of cobblers really.

Speaking to the BBC today, Brailsford said: "Geraint has already won the Tour de France but we want to get the Tour of Italy under his belt to join up with his yellow jersey, so we have reallocated our resources and we feel like we have all of the big races covered this year."

Nothing in that is strictly speaking untrue. It’s just the way it’s worded. Maybe it’s just us.

Brailsford also spoke about Froome’s recovery from his injuries and how his relationship with the four-time Tour winner was “as good as ever” despite Froome leaving Ineos at the end of the season.

"We have given Chris a bit longer to continue his recovery," said Brailsford.

"We looked at everything we can do to support his training programme and our relationship is as good as ever.

"We have a professional relationship and a personal relationship, and on both fronts, we are absolutely fine.

"Chris had a horrific accident last year and he has done amazingly well to come back and be able to compete at the highest end of professional cycling."

Brailsford also seemed to suggest the team was on the lookout for more British riders, following the signing of Adam Yates this week.

"We have had a cohort of British riders that we have worked with for 10 years and they have developed at the highest level and given us great success," he said.

"It is time to turn back into British cycling and to identify some of the great young talent dotted around in various teams and academy programmes."

27 August 2020, 13:20
27 August 2020, 13:17
Chris Boardman and Andy Burnham.jpg
Andy Burnham calls on people to cycle or walk if possible when schools reopen next week

With schools due to reopen next week, Greater Manchester’s Mayor, Andy Burnham, has asked people to cycle or walk if they can to reduce pressure and congestion on public transport.

“Since March our roads have been noticeably quieter, the air is cleaner and more people are choosing to walk and cycle,” he said.

“I believe these are things we want to maintain as we return to education and work so let’s do our bit.

“Cycle or walk to school, college or work if you can, switch to public transport from your car if at all possible and, however you travel, try to avoid peak hours at the start and end of each day to keep the load on roads and public transport down.” 

27 August 2020, 11:30
Magpie attack
Australia’s magpie swooping season could be more severe than usual this year

The Mail has posted footage of a Perth cyclist being not merely dive bombed by a magpie, but actually knocked off.

We’ve regularly reported on Australia’s magpie swooping season, when male magpies become violent defenders of their young, attacking any intruders who they perceive to be encroaching on the nests.

It generally runs from August to November and appears to be on the early side this year thanks to warmer weather.

It could also be more severe because of face masks.

Birdlife Australia's national public affairs manager, Sean Dooley, explained: “A magpie may know you and know that you're okay, but when you're wearing a mask they may not be able to recognise you.”

He says magpies can recognise and remember up to 100 people, but probably won’t be able to tell people wearing masks apart.

Australians are advised to avoid eye contact and to steer clear of known magpie territories whenever possible.

“If you're riding a bike have a flag on top,” advises Dr Deborah Kelly, Manager of Animal Welfare and Wildlife at the South Australia Department of Environment. “They'll usually go for the tallest point.”

27 August 2020, 10:55
Pierre Rolland needs to up his game
27 August 2020, 10:51
Coronavirus infection rate soars in France ahead of the Tour de France

French Prime Minister Jean Castex says the coronavirus is four times more prevalent there than a month ago, reports the BBC.

France suffered 5,429 new cases in the last 24 hours – the highest number recorded since April – and there are now 21 départements classed as red zones (which means more than 50 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days).

Most red zones are around Paris or in holiday regions on the Cote d’Azur – where the Tour de France is due to begin on Saturday.

27 August 2020, 10:30
'Sleep high, train low' with FDJ's Ramon Sinkeldam
27 August 2020, 09:55
Video: People cycling in the Netherlands

That's it. Nothing more remarkable or newsworthy than that.

A video of people riding their bikes in the Netherlands.

27 August 2020, 09:30
La Course - Day 3 (17)
Women’s “Tour de France” stage race to be held in 2022

UCI president David Lappartient says Tour de France organiser ASO will hold a stage race for women in 2022, reports Wielerflits.

“Whether this race will also be called Tour de France, I don't know yet,” he said.

The plan is for an eight-day stage race that would start in Paris on the day the men finish the Tour de France.

27 August 2020, 09:04
Great Britain's European Championships Road Race team for today

Elizabeths - 2

Barneses - 2

Elizabeth Barneses - 0

For what it's worth, Elizabeth Barnes represented Great Britain in the women's 800 metres at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She finished 15th.

27 August 2020, 08:54
Caption competition anyone?

First prize is a smug sense of self satisfaction.

27 August 2020, 08:45
Thibaut Pinot treats his goats very well indeed

Or possibly very badly, depending on how you look on this kind of thing.

Unless there's something we don't know about goat rearing - and honestly, we'd be very surprised if there was - we're thinking that bottle's probably got something different in it.

Alex Bowden

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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19 comments

Avatar
brooksby | 4 years ago
0 likes

So Extinction Rebellion ("XR") have announced they'll be protesting all across Bristol this weekend, and two of their people blocked the Clifton Suspension Bridge late last night.

As a consequence, out of a fear of XR blocking/occupying/closing the Suspension Bridge, the authorities and the Bridge Trust have decided to close the bridge to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians for the whole weekend.

(I discovered this on my commute in, when I got to the bridge and discovered fencing, security guards, and that it was 'really closed' and not just 'closed to motor traffic').

Avatar
hawkinspeter replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
3 likes

If they're going to do that they might as well have let XR do it and still allow peds and cyclists. I bet that was a bit of a detour for you.

Avatar
brooksby replied to hawkinspeter | 4 years ago
2 likes

Went down through Ashton Court (using the rim-brake pads which are getting a bit low and I'd intended to change this weekend anyway...).

It just seems a bit odd to close the bridge to everyone just in case a protest group closes the bridge to motor traffic (because I'd lay money that XR would have let cyclists and pedestrians through...).

Avatar
markieteeee replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
0 likes

Sorry to repeat some of your sentiments. My browser doesn't always refresh automatically, so I'd not seen your second comment. 

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hawkinspeter replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
0 likes

Exactly

XR Spokesperson wrote:

Our plan was to be here from 10am to 4pm but the police and the council have decided to close the bridge for four days, which is a real shame.

We want to keep the bridge open for pedestrians and cyclists but the police and the council have closed it completely.

It’s real shame they’ve done that because the bridge is an iconic landmark and it’s a bank holiday weekend. We’ve all grown up in Bristol and grown up with the bridge.

Avatar
brooksby replied to hawkinspeter | 4 years ago
2 likes

hawkinspeter wrote:

Exactly

XR Spokesperson wrote:

Our plan was to be here from 10am to 4pm but the police and the council have decided to close the bridge for four days, which is a real shame.

We want to keep the bridge open for pedestrians and cyclists but the police and the council have closed it completely.

It’s real shame they’ve done that because the bridge is an iconic landmark and it’s a bank holiday weekend. We’ve all grown up in Bristol and grown up with the bridge.

"We are so worried about protesters closing this major commuter route, that we'll steal their thunder and do it first!"

Avatar
eburtthebike replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
0 likes

brooksby wrote:

It just seems a bit odd to close the bridge to everyone just in case a protest group closes the bridge to motor traffic (because I'd lay money that XR would have let cyclists and pedestrians through...).

They just wanted to punish anyone who might support XR, like cyclists and pedestrians, and who might enjoy the bridge a lot more without traffic.  So no reason at all to close it to peds/cyclists.

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markieteeee replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
0 likes

To be fair, XR announced their long weekend of action across the UK months ago. However, I'm not in your area so wouldn't know how well-publicised local actions have been.  It seems wrong than a green mode of transport wouldn't be allowed through, I suspect XR would allow it, seeing you as a presumed ally.  I would guess it's a poor decision by the Bridge Trust based on a safety concern, rather than a deliberate attempt to undermine XR.

Avatar
brooksby replied to markieteeee | 4 years ago
1 like

markieteeee wrote:

I would guess it's a poor decision by the Bridge Trust based on a safety concern, rather than a deliberate attempt to undermine XR.

I suspect this is the case, too.  I knew XR were coming to town, but they hadn't mentioned trying to close the bridge and I didn't think that I would be affected (being on two human-powered wheels).

I know - I'm being a terrible NIMBY ("I don't mind them protesting, but not when it blocks my route into work!".

@Socrati - the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a bit of a weird case.  It's a privately owned (by the Bridge Trust) toll bridge and yet it also forms part of the road network (major commuter route into Bristol from North Somerset).  Certainly, the Trust gets to set speed limits, access, etc.

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Kapelmuur | 4 years ago
5 likes

One thing I admired about Dutch cyclists was their ability to ride in the rain while holding an umbrella.

On the subject of bike culture, I got my first bike in 1958 and drop handlebar machines were very rare where I lived.   I didn't have one until about 5 years later when my Belgian uncle, who was a racer, brought over one he had built for me.

Avatar
eburtthebike | 4 years ago
15 likes

It was entirely predictable that traffic levels would rise again, but aren't Southampton rather missing the point?  Without those relatively safe cycle lanes, there is absolutely no way that people are going to continue to cycle, thus increasing the traffic levels; a self-fulfilling prophecy.  The road looks wide enough to take all normal motor vehicles, so why not leave the cycle lanes in place?

The idea that the shared use, narrow path that gives way at every junction is in any way suitable for cyclists is farcical.

Avatar
brooksby replied to eburtthebike | 4 years ago
2 likes

It does seem odd - councils bid for money to put in bike lanes when the roads were clear of motor traffic and they weren't really needed; now that motor traffic levels are increasing and so dedicated lanes probably are needed, the councils are removing them all again, because "cars".

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pockstone | 4 years ago
3 likes

 

 

Peter Sagan: " I like your time trialling kit better, Grayson."

 

 

 

 

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Blue Genesis | 4 years ago
1 like

Caption competition: "How long's it gonna take him to take the photo, I feel a right plonker standing here like this."

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mdavidford | 4 years ago
0 likes

Caption competition: "Look - a thistle."

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the little onion | 4 years ago
2 likes

Frankly, I think Thibault's goats have the potential to be the great star of the 2020TDF. 

 

Can we have a daily goat update on road.cc please?

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HarrogateSpa replied to the little onion | 4 years ago
1 like

Please god no

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nniff replied to HarrogateSpa | 4 years ago
3 likes

I think there should be a daily goata for this sort of thing  - not too much, not too little.

 

 

 

I'll get my goat....

Avatar
Compact Corned Beef replied to the little onion | 4 years ago
5 likes

They'll start really well, but being Pinot's goats will have all been eaten by a troll under a bridge or somesuch other misfortune come stage 18.

 

 

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