Cycling Weekly December 9, 2021

If over the last year you’ve been worried about the future of the sport, a lack of talent coming through or grass-roots sport in general, then take a look over our 32 pages of award winners to allay any fears. Three weeks ago I wrote how inspired I was after visiting the Falkirk Junior Bike Club, our 2021 Club of the Year. It was no exaggeration. What they’re doing is incredible and not only will they develop a generation of cyclists, I’d put money on one of their members pulling on a national champion’s jersey or better in a few years’ time. The same goes for the North Cheshire Clarion. Any club that gets that many kids on bikes will undoubtedly find national and international standard riders. Maybe one of their members…

As Katie Archibald powered past Kirsten Wild in the back straight of the final race of the Track Champions League, Wild sat up. It felt like the baton had been passed from one track great to another. Wild, a seven-time world champion on the track, was racing her last professional race before retirement and had run Archibald close, but it was the near faultless Scotswoman who came out on top in the inaugural series. In the process she cemented her claim to be the rightful heir to Wild’s crown as the endurance track rider who commands the most fear among her rivals. Of a potential points haul of 160 across the series, Archibald scored 145 by winning five of the eight races and placing on the podium in two others. Wild…

Cav extends Quick Step deal Mark Cavendish has agreed terms for a contract extension with Deceuninck-Quick Step, according to team boss Patrick Lefevere. It put an end to months of protracted negotiations following Cavendish’s comeback year. The Manxman signed with Deceuninck-Quick Step for the 2021 season on a basic salary, understood to be paid for by vegan meat alternative producer Meatless Farm. Cavendish is set to attend the team’s training camp in Calpe, Spain, this month. CTT brings in lights and helmet rules Riding a time trial in the UK will require you to run a front light and a helmet from this week after changes to the rules at the Cycling Time Trials AGM. For several years riders have been required to use a rear light; now they will need one on the front…

He has the capability but needs to sit in the wheels more than he likes to. Even getting on the podium would be massive for the home fans. Phil Scott I’d like to see him do it once before retiring. He’s a great rider who has already accomplished a lot in his career, but that would be the ultimate accomplishment. John Macke A rider aiming for the GC is 90% more likely to crash out in the first week. Fact. Hedley Jones One of my favourite cyclists! I hope he can adjust his style/strategy to give it a go. Nancy Hales If he can punch through the hilly stages, hang on in the high mountains and hold his own in the time trials (all of which he’s previously demonstrated he can do), there’s no…

As a regular reader – usually on the Friday train journey home – I’ve always enjoyed my weekly fix of rider, race, and in-depth articles, but have never been compelled to write in. Reading the feature on the increase in pro teams signing younger riders (The Race for Youth, CW 2 Dec), then reflecting on the news article regarding ex-pro Josh Edmondson, I hope our sport is ensuring that these young talented riders have the right support – not just physically but mentally, as they embark on a very tough journey; one that can take a heavy toll on those that do or don’t live up to the expectations the fans, the press and the teams place on them. Victor Gibson, email Ed - It’s a really good point, Victor, and one that…

Established 1891 IN ASSOCIATION WITH 2021 was another exceptional year for cycle sport as young, multi-talented riders on the international scene continued to rip up the rule book written over the last decade and change the way races are run. We had the 2020 Olympics a year late where team GB enjoyed success across the board, a first women’s Paris-Roubaix, record-breaking rides and some incredible young British talent breaking through. Perhaps most importantly, we’ve also witnessed how resilient and adaptable grassroots cycling is in the UK, as clubs and volunteers have achieved incredible things despite lockdowns and restrictions. This week’s Awards issue celebrates all that is great about road cycling at the end of another wonderful season. THE JUDGES Hannah Walker Former pro turned commentator and team press officer, Walker has a unique insight into…