2021-03-04 Cycling Weekly

9000 9040

1891 - 2021 Thursday 4 March, 2021

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TECH F E AT U R E FITNESS RACING

Five ways to The driving Physiology myths Pidcock & Stewart
spec the perfect forces behind busted: biohacking shine in Belgium’s
fitting bike the peloton with Dr Stacy Sims opening races











START LINE 04.03

34
Making racing happen

GUEST EDITED BY 46

ELINOR BARKER Female-specific training

In every interview, I’m asked; Photos Getty Images, Sophie Capewell, Simon Scarsbrook 26
“What should we do about Elinor Barker interviews Anna van der Breggen
inequality in cycling?”   
I’ll give the same reply to you as
I do to them, (or a more articulate, less
breathless version than I can give on a
finish line): “The best thing I can do to
promote women’s cycling is to be good
at my job and put on a show that people
want to watch. The best thing you can
do as a journalist is to report on that
show. Not on the inequalities, but on the
racing, the drama and the action.”   

It would have been easy to fill these
pages with content about ingrained
sexism, prize money discrepancies and
the eternal quest to find a saddle that
won’t eventually result in reconstructive
surgery. And rightfully so. These are
important subjects to cover and I hope to
read about them more in this magazine. 

But I wanted to use this opportunity to
explore what happens post-adversity. A
glimpse into the future; when sport media
no longer needs to address the problems
we face and can focus on women’s
interests. On interesting women. When
we are truly treated as equals, without
the need for ‘female’ to prefix ‘cyclist’.    

And so, with my guest-editing powers,
that’s exactly what I wanted to do with
this issue of Cycling Weekly.

MY HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK STAYING IN? Join the challenge at www.
cyclingweekly.com/cw5000
10 YoungBrits in Belgium SUBSCRIBE AND GET CW
38 Building the perfectbike DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
42 Sportsbras on test
C YC L I N G W E E K LYS U B S . C O . U K /2 8 B X

Purple curtain raiser The women’s peloton got back to
racing at the weekend on the cobbles of Belgium and Anna van
der Breggen (right) picked up where she left off in 2020, winning
once again. The best British finisher was Hannah Barnes (left), who
finished fourth in the sprint for second at the end, in fifth overall.
That was her best result in a Belgian Classic since placing sixth at
Ghent-Wevelgem in 2018.

Photo Getty Images



Opening weekend
marks arrival of
‘golden generation’

BC coach Stuart Blunt tells Vern Pitt to expect more from
British podium placers Pidcock and Stewart

The opening weekend in of British riders. There’s been a supply of 2017, the same year Tom [Pidcock] won
Belgium saw two British good riders like the Yates brothers, Tao the time trial. We’ve not had many riders
neo-pros claim podium places, [Geoghegan Hart] and [Owain] Doull but do better than that, he wasn’t far away all
cementing the start of a new not that big group of them coming through that time as a junior. As an U23 he was
era of British success. at the same age, like what happened with second in the U23 Ghent-Wevelgem,”
Cav and G and Stannard and those guys. Blunt said. “Maybe he’s not been a prolific
The first was Jake Stewart who It’s felt like this group has been coming and winner but he’s always been there. It’s no
placed second behind Davide Ballerini they’re starting to show that now. surprise. He came into that last turn quite a
(Deceuninck-Quick Step) at Omloop way back, he was coming really strong in
Het Nieuwsblad, then 24 hours later “That said, I never saw either of them the finish.”
Tom Pidcock sprinted to third at getting on the podium this weekend, that’s
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne behind phenomenally quick.” Stewart himself said: “I was coming fast
former world champion Mads at Ballerini in the end, but there wasn’t
Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo). He added that Stewart, along with some enough road for me to close the gap on him.
other riders of that generation had flown Certainly if I’d been slightly better
Both Stewart and Pidcock are 21 years “under the radar”, in part, because of the positioned into that final corner behind
old and raced alongside each other in the eye-catching success of Pidcock. Ballerini then I would have maybe been
junior and U23 ranks, often in GB jerseys.
Their success followed hot on the heels “Jake was fifth in the junior road race at
of their the World Championships in Bergen in
contemporary
22-year-old Matt Pidcock‘s podium place was a
Walls (Bora- “phenomenally quick” start to the season
Hansgrohe)
claiming a top five
in a sprint finish at
Tour de la
Provence in
early February.

British Cycling
Olympic
development
coach Stuart Blunt,
who worked with
Pidcock and
Stewart as young
riders told Cycling
Weekly: “It feels
like we’re coming
into this next
golden generation

10 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

Stewart (far right) kicked hard but
just missed out on Omloop honours

“Once one wins a race, it makes it A father’s view
seem within touching distance”
Paul Stewart, Jake Stewart’s father,
able to push him to the line a bit more.” contemporaries, would have also been a said: “I did the club climbing Photo Getty Images
Pidcock added of his own podium strong contender at the finish of Omloop session on Zwift and did under an
had he not crashed in the closing stages. hour up Alpe du Zwift, so I knew it
position the next day, where he had to was going to be a good day.
sprint from far out to avoid getting boxed Plus, 21-year-old Fred Wright was doing “It doesn’t get any easier, even when
in, “I’m pleased with that and I have picked a strong job for his Bahrain Victorious you know he’s not the team leader.
up form much quicker than I thought. I had team at the UAE Tour last week. “He’ll You’re looking out for him hoping he
a break after cross, and it bodes well for the come out with something at some stage,” puts in a good showing.
next few races I think.” said Blunt.
“With 12km to go we saw [Stefan]
Blunt said the entire cohort that includes He added: “Once one of them wins a race Küng and [Kevin] Geniets riding
Pidcock and Stewart helped to push each and the others think, ‘I train with him. And in front of him and I said to Esther
other forward. He pointed out that Ethan I give him a kicking every now and then,’ it [Jake’s mum], they’re riding for Jake.
Hayter, one of Stewart and Pidcock’s makes it seem within touching distance.”
“Towards the end Geniets
got Jake onto the back of the
Deceuninck train and we were just
screaming. Talk about edge of your
seat. The dogs were going mad.

“Afterwards, I gave up trying to
tweet because it was just pinging
constantly. We celebrated with a
beer and fish and chips that evening.”

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 11

Van der
Breggen
shows her
stripes at
Omloop

Dutchwoman fights The SDWorx rider was quick to stake
headwinds solo on the a claim on the Classics this season
way to victory, reports
James Shrubsall

A nna van der Breggen won a 124km route from Ghent to Ninove in that saw a three-woman early break
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
in imperious fashion at the Flanders region of Belgium. establish an emphatic lead that
the weekend, showing she
remains the woman to beat despite plans to “We had agreed in advance to go for the stood at over five minutes as they
retire at the end of the season and become a
sports director with her team, SDWorx. attack, [using] Jolien D’Hoore if it was hit the first cobbled sector with 67km

Following a whittling down of going to be a sprint. After my attack on to ride.
the bunch on the Muur-Kapelmuur,
the Dutch reigning world champion the Bosberg, there was a lot of headwind At this point the racing began in
attacked on the Bosberg before
soloing into Ninove with 23 seconds in the last kilometres. earnest and the gap rapidly tumbled.
to spare on second-placed Emma
Norsgaard (Movistar). “However, I was “It’s a great Over the
confident because introduction of Molenberg with
Van der Breggen’s team-mate Amy I knew the team 43km remaining
Pieters came in third at the same time as was stopping SDWorx into SDWorx took
Norsgaard, showing that while the team behind me. This to the front,
formerly known as Boels-Dolmans may is a fantastic start stringing out
have a new name, it has retained its status
as a force to be reckoned with. to the new cycling the peloton” the bunch and
season and a great eventually
Canyon-SR AM’s Hannah Barnes also
contested the sprint for second place as introduction of snapping the
part of the 17-rider chase, coming in fifth.
Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo), having SDWorx into the peloton.” elastic, reducing the front group to 35
been caught the wrong side of a gap,
rolled in at the back of the race. It was the 30-year-old’s first race of riders. The scene was now set for the

“It is great to win in this way,” said van the season and her second victory at finale and with strength in numbers, the
der Breggen after the race, which featured
Omloop, having won previously in 2015. odds always looked in the Dutch team’s

The Muur/Bosberg one-two from which favour – indeed, they placed all six riders

van der Breggen launched her attack is a in the top 30, four in the top 13.

familiar springboard – it was used in the Van der Breggen’s next appointment Photo Getty Images

Tour of Flanders for some years before will be the Strade Bianche on Saturday

the race switched to its current route. (6 March), where she will be looking to

In last weekend’s Omloop the pairing repeat her 2018 victory.

represented the seventh and eighth Q Read Elinor Barker’s interview with

bergs and came at the end of a race Anna van der Breggen on p26.

12 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly



NEWS

The famous Tuscan white roads signal
the start of the Women’s WorldTour

PREVIEW

Strade Bianche

Italy, Saturday 6 March, 136km (women), 184km (men)

A lready one of the sport’s years later, Strade Bianche has rarely to love it. What I love most is the finish in
most decorated riders, disappointed fans, and it has become one Siena, and with the last gravel section you
Annemiek van Vleuten of the most coveted races among both fight deep into the final.”
stands on the verge men’s and women’s pelotons.
of becoming Strade Bianche’s most Though her new team have previously
accomplished rider when she takes the But such is the challenge it presents failed to make an impact on the race,
start on Saturday. rarely does a rider win more than once. and are yet to win a WorldTour event,
Indeed van Vleuten is the only woman this year’s Movistar squad has been
Her victory last year saw her become to win more than once, with Michał significantly strengthened, with last
the first rider – male or female – to take Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers) the year’s third place finisher Leah Thomas
consecutive wins, and should she take a only other man alongside Cancellara to among the squad.
third crown this weekend the European achieve the accolade, with two wins.
champion will match Fabian Cancellara’s However, as the first WorldTour race
record of three wins (though his spanned “It would be great to win but I have a of the season the start list is likely to be
eight years). love/hate relationship with the race,” said stacked with the world’s best, including
van Vleuten, who joined Movistar over all but one previous winner lining up in
Since the Tuscan race’s 2007 inception the winter. “The first few hours I hate, but Siena for the 136km loop through the hills
and the addition of a women’s event eight once you get more into the final I start south of the city.

14 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

PREVIOUS KEY MOMENTS THE CONTENDERS Words Vern Pitt Photos Getty Images, UAE Emirates, Alamy
WINNERS
San Martino WOMEN
2020 While there is a battle for each of the Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo)
Annemiek van Vleuten sectors it is the 9.5km sector at San Winner in 2016, Deignan always starts the
Martino in Grania, which comes after season well and the lumpy parcours and its
(Mitchelton-Scott) 67.9km in the women’s race (111.7km for brutally steep final climb suit her perfectly.
Wout van Aert the men), that is key. She also has arguably the strongest team in
(Jumbo-Visma)
2019 “You need to take it really fast and the peloton for support.
before it you need to be in position,” CW rating ++++
Annemiek van Vleuten explains van Vleuten. “Last year I had
(Mitchelton-Scott) the feeling we were going through a Anna van der Breggen (SDWorx)
Julian Alaphilippe war; you go with a group of crazy girls Another who will benefit from strong
all super fresh to hit that gravel first team-mates, the world
(Deceuninck-Quick Step) because you know there is more risk at champion lacks the
2018 the back. If you have bad luck you are out explosiveness of some of
of the race.” her rivals and will likely
Anna van der Breggen need to go long to ensure
(Boels-Dolmans) Le Tolfe victory in Siena, as she
The final three gravel sectors, of which did when she won
Tiesj Benoot (Lotto-Soudal) Le Tolfe is the last, all come within 12km in freezing rain three
2017 of each other and though they are short
they are all steep. It is here that Anna years ago.
Elisa Longo Borghini van der Breggen (SDWorx) attacked to CW rating +++
(Wiggle-High5) win solo in 2018 and where van Vleuten
did the same the following year. With Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (FDJ-Nouvelle
Michał Kwiatkowski gradients in the mid-teens a selection is Aquitaine Futuroscope)
(Team Sky) always made here, making the closing
2016 12.5km to the line one of the most frantic Though never on the podium here, the
and dynamic finals in the sport. 25-year-old Dane hasn’t finished outside
Lizzie Armitstead the top 10. Each year she improves both
(Boels-Dolmans) Via Santa Caterina
Fabian Cancellara If a group comes into the city together the physically and tactically, and with her
(Trek-Segafredo) 16 per cent ascent of Via Santa Caterina strongest ever team only misfortune will
will decide the winner. “Last year I had prevent another step in her progression.
MOST WINS to drop Mavi García because she was still
Fabian Cancellara with me. I had to go so deep to take the CW rating ++
opportunity. It’s super tough because
2008, 2012, 2016 your legs are exploding,” says van MEN
Michał Kwiatkowski Vleuten. Never has the woman who led
around the corner at the top failed to win. Marc Hirschi (UAE Team Emirates)
2014, 2017 One of the men of the year in 2020, the
Annemiek van Vleuten “Positioning is the most important
thing, more than in Flanders,” van young Swiss has never
2019, 2020 Vleuten tells us. “At Flanders I am finished in the top 50
more in control, this is more about luck in Siena, but then he
RACE STATS and more risks. This is more special, a won Flèche Wallonne
WOMEN special race.” at his first attempt. The
similar punchy course
136km, 31.8km of gravel
over eight sectors, should play into
his hands.
approx 2,000m ascent
MEN CW rating +++

184km, 63km of gravel over Wout van Aert
11 sectors, (Jumbo-Visma)
In the three editions
approx 3,100m ascent he has competed Wout van Aert has never
finished off the podium and this year should
HOW TO WATCH be no different. That it is his 2021 season
Women’s race live on GCN+ debut should make little difference as he
and Eurosport 11am - 2.45 won the event last season in his first post-
Men’s race live on GCN+ and lockdown outing.
CW rating +++++
Eurosport 11am - 3.35
Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 15

Sign up at FEBRUARY ROUND-UP
www.cyclingweekly.
com/cw5000 With the double threat of
restrictions and bad weather,
CW5000 March we scaled back our February
Challenges challenges. Unsurprisingly, many
CW5000ers completed their
S pring is definitely in the air, and something a little different with your riding. challenges on virtual platforms, Photo Chris Catchpole
while we know that March will Evidence for this challenge is a photo of the but others didn’t let sub-zero
hit us with a few cold, wet days sunrise or sunset with your bike in the temperatures stop them. 
(don’t pack your winter kit away shot. Send us your photo and tell us a little
just yet), the daylight hours stretching about the location and why you chose it. Stephe Fletcher had completed
out is the single most helpful thing when Virtual sunsets in Zwift don’t count for this both before 6pm on the first day:
it comes to getting a bit more riding in. By challenge, but you don’t have to go far to “After finishing my training I scanned
the end of the month we may even be able get a shot. The top of a multi-storey car my emails and discovered the
to once again ride in small groups. Who park will do for those in inner-city areas. February Challenges. Ride 100 miles
knows, cafes might even start to reopen. in a week, tick. Do a ride with 2,500ft
Once you’ve completed either or both 2 Ride every day of the week of elevation, tick. I’ve completed both
of the March challenges, send proof to Get into the habit of riding every day and challenges by accident.”
[email protected]. Be sure to give your miles will quickly add up. For this
us some details of your rides so we can challenge you need to ride every day from Stephe lives in Cumbria but is
include them in our monthly round-up. Monday through to Sunday, and each ride virtual training around Norfolk in
should be a minimum of 10 miles or one preparation for the 200-mile Round
1 Do a sunrise/sunset ride hour. We will accept virtual miles on your Norfolk Epic in June. 
This challenge takes the focus away from turbo or rollers for this challenge, as long as
big miles and puts the emphasis on doing you can log your ride. Gravel Everester Gethin Howells
braved the elements, tackling the
Welsh mountains throughout the
month. “I massively overshot the
target for the Feb challenges,” he
wrote in the Facebook group. “Had
my biggest week for a couple of
years, including four rides with over
750m of climbing.” 

The climbing challenge created a
problem for riders in the Cambridge
area. Peter Joyce clocked 43 miles
one day, but riding the lanes south-
west of Cambridge he still only
climbed 1,270 ft. “The challenge is
going to need some proper planning,”
he posted.  

While the UK was dealing with a
week of temperatures below freezing,
Canadian rider Scott Duncan took it
to another level. The temperature in
Regina hit an incredible -29°C. 

Kudos to Nicola Sampson, who
emailed to say: “Completed both
challenges this week. I was pleased
to manage them in the same week as
my birthday, when I finally became a
pensioner and got my bus pass!”

16 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly



Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
kicked off Parkinson’s season

ABBY MAE PARKINSON

How the off-season can be
more hectic than racing

This month’s been a bit hectic – my last can imagine, it’s very romantic and no With the first race of the season, Photo Getty Images
push of solid training before the start of arguments ever happen. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, now under my
the season. Sadly our pre-season camp belt, and with cobwebs blown away,
was cancelled due to Covid. My new bike Juggling Brexit and living in France, I’m ready for what the season has to offer.
and team kit were posted out to me but it with every piece of information seemingly I’m also ready to get to know my team-
all went missing, so I travelled to Belgium contradicting the last, is frustrating and mates a bit better; with no team camp,
without it. The situation meant that I’m extremely stressful indeed. we rocked up to the race barely knowing
now racing on Caleb Ewan’s spare bike each other, so it’s going to be nice to
from last year so I hope it gives me some Oh, and I bought a house! It’s a massive spend some more time together before
extra speed. before and after project which I will be our next races. Today we are having all
undertaking with the help of my dad. our team photos taken together and a
My boyfriend (Jon Dibben) retired I’ll be project managing from afar. It’s group ride, then coming up for me is
from professional cycling at the end of delightfully refreshing to have something Samyn before travelling to Italy for
last year, set up a coaching business to take my mind off cycling and the hectic Strade Bianche.
and landed a new job, so I now have a reality of missing bikes, visas and race
new training partner and he takes me cancellations. After a hard day training, Abby Mae Parkinson rides for Lotto-Soudal
out pacing behind the scooter. As you I now sit down and look at bathroom
tiles, kitchen units and wall render.

18 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

HANNAH DINES EM I LY M E AKI N

IS RACING MY VIRTUAL
AROUND THE OMLOOP
NEXT CORNER?
Saturday was such an emotional roller-

The East End of Glasgow is not known coaster of a day. Excitement, anticipation,

for its good looks but today really was the sense that all possibilities lay ahead

eye-wateringly grim. There I am, in the in the race. And for all us fellow racers it

car park of a dead shopping plaza. was mixed with the envy of watching and

I usually use the tarmac by the Sir wishing I was racing, pondering, ‘How do

Chris Hoy velodrome but it has been you think you’d have done?’

repurposed Watching Classics at the right time of

“It was eye- as a mobile year almost felt like normality, and that
wateringly Covid-19
test site. I only heightened the excitement about
grim” was doing
figures what could happen with racing this year.

Thinking back to last year, my boyfriend

John Archibald and I were tucking into

of eight banana pancakes, while a newly pinned

round potholes, pretending they were collarbone “I was
denied me tingling with
the tight-cornered closed roads of a small any racing.
This year,
Belgian town. Who was I kidding, it was

unmistakably Glasgow.

They should have shot The Good, I was also inspiration”
meant to
the Bad and the Ugly here with plastic

bags instead of dust balls, broken glass make this

instead of sand. It was deserted except start line in the amazing, and newly

for the out-of-work Ubers and me, Grace revealed, Drops Le Col kit – I expect you
Swept up by a GB
circling aimlessly. The sky was looking can guess what kiboshed that.
Cycling Team
threatening as usual, thrill-seeking bunchie today With no pancakes and no John, as he
down the descent
seagulls smashing about on the stormy from Tideswell but is off racing in Italy, I committed to the
as they left us in
wind currents. Everything was industrial their wake they turbo (despite the incredible weather)
gave us a nod and
steel shutters and destitution. I waited a hello. Every single so I could excitedly pedal as the girls
one. Then the team
for the Western Whistle over the barren car overtook went to war on the cobblestones, with a
properly which was
plain for my rival trike to appear out brill. All that on a three-miute power test in the mix. I was
nice, sunny bike
of the drizzle but all that happened ride with one of my tingling with inspiration watching the

was a building got demolished nearby, best pals. excitement unfold. Amazing to see the
@thisisgrace
which is pretty good for Thursday in a British riders up there, massive kudos to

pandemic. Racing hasn’t been confirmed Anna Henderson – despite not making

for paracyclists yet but I have never been the Jumbo Visma training camp, she still

more ready for a fast-draw time trial. managed a stellar ride.

Hannah Dines is a Paralympic athlete Emily Meakin rides for Drops-Le Col

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 19

NEWS

THE HUB

All the news you might have missed from the last seven days

Simmons protests innocence
Quinn Simmons has said he doesn’t think he deserved the suspension
for a divisive tweet posted last year, which saw the American miss his
debut Classics season.

The 19-year-old Trek-Segafredo rider insisted the tweeting of a black
hand emoji was a reference to the ‘Bye Felicia’ meme, originating from
the 1995 film Friday. “This was a conversation between me and a white
journalist, so there was no race involved,” he said.

1.3.022
Simmons’s Classic season The UCI rule that Coefficient says you can get
fell foul of social media hash round with its new Road Race bars. The rule
prohibits riders from riding without their

hands on the bars in invisible time

trial bars position. But the

Coefficient bars have a

computer mount out front

as part of the bar that

W Fourth time lucky allows riders to keep their

for Yates? hands on the bar while in

Simon Yates has confirmed a lower stretched-out

that he will target the position. The bars cost

Giro d’Italia for a fourth £379 and will be reviewed

consecutive year. in Cycling Weekly soon.

The 2018 Vuelta a España

winner will return to the W Yates second in UAE

Italian tour in May after a Adam Yates (Ineos

rocky ride in the race over Grenadiers) tried hard

the last few years. to shake Tour de France

The Bike Exchange rider champion Tadej Pogačar

said: “The last two or three (UAE Emirates) in the

years haven’t gone as I mountains of the UAE

would have hoped with a Evenepoel will use the Giro Tour but had to settle

combination of bad luck and to complete his crash recovery for second place. He

some mistakes. finished despite falling Words James Shrubsall Photos Getty Images

“All I hope for is to have a head first into the tarmac

clean run in 2021 and that I on the race’s final day.

can show myself in the best Evenpoel to ride Giro, but focus on Tokyo He was taken for checks

way possible.” Remco Evenepoel will ride but not contend this year’s Giro d’Italia, his at the hospital but had

debut Grand Tour coming too soon into his recovery from a serious no major injuries. It was

crash last year. Instead, he will focus on the Olympic Games. Yates’s first race with his

The 21-year-old Deceuninck-Quick Step rider isn’t even planning to new team and although

recon a single stage of the route, which was unveiled this week, he wasn’t able to defend

putting his time into improving his condition as much as he can before the UAE Tour title he

The Brit’s due a good run in Italy the start on 8 May. “I still have a long way to go,” he told Wielerflits. claimed in 2020 his form
appeared promising.

20 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly



What do you think of the term
‘in collision with a cyclist’?

Q The problem is that drivers have ‘carte for the ride. Victor Lee McInnis chance of doing damage. Lorry at the top,
blanche’ to avoid any serious penalty for pedestrian at the bottom. Made perfect
their actions. We should move to a Dutch Q Would not “motorist strikes cyclist” be sense to me. Rachel Lambert
system of liability where the onus is on a more correct relaying of the incident?
the driver’s insurance to prove the cyclist Jan Darnell Q The first time I rode in Belgium I came
intended to cause a collision. Oh, and to a roundabout and saw a car coming off
have reasonable cycling infrastructure in Q The first step towards understanding a of it. I stopped. The car stopped. The
this country, but that’s another story. so-called accident is that there is no such driver then shouted at me for stopping.
James Lawn a thing as an accident. If damage or injury Until he realised I was an English idiot.
occurs then somebody got something He then shouted that it was always my
Q So many reports of bicycles colliding wrong. Philip Ward right of way. Happy ending. Dean Teifel
with people and vehicles. It’s incredible
that all these bikes are rushing around all Q Time for the implied liability laws to be NEXT WEEK’S
by themselves, incredible. Oh sorry, I introduced. Barry Jones BIG QUESTION
meant cars, not bicycles...
Matthew Polaine Q Heard Chris Boardman talking about The Classics are almost upon us. So,
the hierarchy of responsibility (I think cobbles. Love or hate riding them?
Q I have a bigger issue with “Cyclist hit that’s what he called it) which means the
by car,” as if the car was in control and the bigger the vehicle you drive, the greater Reply to us at [email protected]
person sitting at the wheel was just along your responsibility, as the greater the or at facebook.com/CyclingWeekly

GET IN TOUCH FIND US ON Photo Chris Catchpole

[email protected] 01252 555213 TWITTER FA C E B O O K YOUTUBE I N S TA G R A M
22 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

Educated
in the

old school

UCI publishes diagrams for It was great to read the Simon Warren
banned positions Time NX bike longtermer article (CW
25 February). I’m a Bianchi man myself,
My mate always puts safety first and was cycling safer? They’re useless! UCI: Here but as a bike mechanic I also work on
one of the first to get disc brakes. Now are our new safety rules. Fans: The UCI Time, Look, Wilier, Colnago as well as
that he is no longer allowed to perform will ban fast riding next! They’re useless! the usual top-of-the-range suspects. I
these aero positions he has decided to Lachlan Jones enjoyed reading the spec of the bike,
swap out his front fork for a rim-brake and why it is set up how it is, especially
version to give a “marginal” aero gain. It is good that they are banning riders as I’m a Campy man too. My ride
Colin Sinclair from disposing of rubbish at the buddies also set up their machines in
roadside. It is a shame that they have this ‘old skool’ way, even down to the
I fully expect the UCI to halt the banned a number of riding positions as it tops-to-drops bar wrapping. I’m sure
peloton when there is a drop of rain adds to the artistry, expression and there is a discussion to be had on that.
about so the ‘guys’ get their rain jackets spectacle of professional road racing. It just goes to show you don’t need to
on safely – the ones who Giles Michael Dunk buy into this aero bar, disc brake,
know most about safety would ultra-light, tubeless fashion stuff,
be the riders themselves. Sounds fair and reasonable to me. unless you want to of course. I’m happy
James Balshaw Jay Bulanadi to fit it all and service it all but I prefer
the more conventional style.
So the Superman with legs out the They should ban power meters and race Photo UCI
back is still allowed then? Happy days! radios. Alonso Reyes Mike Gough, email
Darryl Dixon
What’s UCI’s position on the wheelie? Ed - There’s definitely a long and
Fans: Why won’t the UCI act to make Ian Moss fractious discussion to be had about
the tops to drops bar taping style.
It’s been tried by people in the office
and has always ended up with the
edges of the tape rolling up at the
edges. Sometimes by the end of the
first ride. We wouldn’t recommend it,
no matter how neat it looks at the top
of the bars. 

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F E AT U R E

26 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

AS DUTCH POWERHOUSE AND DOUBLE
WORLD CHAMPION ANNA VAN DER

BREGGEN ENTERS HER FINAL SEASON
AS A PRO RIDER SHE TELLS FELLOW
RAINBOW STRIPES WEARER ELINOR
BARKER ABOUT HOW HER CAREER TO
DATE PREPARED HER FOR THIS FINAL
CHALLENGE, HER HOPES AND FEARS
FOR LIFE AS A SPORTS DIRECTOR

AND WHY YOU SHOULD MAYBE STEER
CLEAR OF HER IN AIRPORTS

Photos Getty Images

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 27

F E AT U R E

ould you rather your child was Eva Burman are exceptionally good at to find how little the latter seems
extremely smart or extremely kind? this game. I can’t tell if I’m relieved or to be true. Of course, the desire is
disappointed to find they haven’t come there. She’s double world champion.
This is one of the questions I was across a native speaker yet. Olympic champion. Queen of the
most looking forward to asking Ardennes. You don’t get these titles
Anna van der Breggen. “Would you True Grit without a hefty amount of ambition.
rather” is something my team-mates When I think of Anna van der But does it rank above everything
and I play when we’re bored on long Breggen, my mind plays out a montage else? Certainly not.
rides or travel days. It kills time and of victory salutes, long-gutsy attacks
sometimes gives an unexpected with gritted teeth and that Imola I ask her what is her favourite
insight to somebody you thought you helicopter shot. In these images, she’s memory of her decade-long career. I’m
knew very well. Katie Archibald had the embodiment of the clichéd athletic expecting her to weigh up Olympic
asked me this specific question while attributes we’re told we won’t succeed gold in Rio against double World
training that morning. We’d taken without; grit, determination and a Championship wins in Imola. Anna
our time to weigh up the pros and desire to win above everything else. is not so predictable. Without much
cons of raising a lovable fool, versus a hesitation, she replies, “When I
terrible person with the potential to While she clearly has the first two think back to my first top-10 place in
one day cure cancer. qualities in excess, I’m surprised Flanders, it’s that feeling of victory.”

Anna chooses kindness, as had With her gold medal in Rio She’s nostalgic of her breakthrough
I. So there is little need for debate seasons. “If you are a young rider,
between us. I feel a little defeated you get better and better. You keep
that my big existential question surprising yourself,” Anna explains.
hasn’t produced the long character “I think that period is one of the
assessment I was hoping for. But I best periods in cycling, you have no
needn’t be disappointed. Her own pressure and nobody expects anything
method of killing time in airports from you. I think every victory has its
is 10 times better than I could have own story and its own thoughts about
dreamed of. it. And I think that’s what’s making it
so beautiful. Sometimes even if you
Anna’s game has three simple steps: don’t win, it’s better than when you do.
1. Identify a stranger that you think It’s not just about the feeling, it’s more
can’t speak your language. about the story behind it.”
2. Walk up to them with a big smile
on your face and give them the worst I sense a desire to return to this
possible insult you can think of. feeling of being on the cusp of
3. Hope you got number one right. greatness has contributed to her
decision to retire from cycling and
She laughs as she tells me that become a sports director later this
Dutch riders Jip Van der Bos and year. After a decade-long career,
there are very few gaps on van der
Breggen’s palmarès. She currently
holds every major title available to her
in road racing, from Olympic down
to National. There is little room left
to surprise anybody with her racing
capabilities, never mind herself. So
instead of striving just to repeat
history, why not start a new challenge?

New beginnings
Becoming a sports director was never
on the radar. But on announcing her
retirement to her team, SD Worx
offered her the role. “I was a bit
surprised. I actually first said, ‘No,
I don’t think so,’” she recalls. “But I
thought about it, and the nice thing
about being a sports director is that it’s

28 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

Striking a familiar pose at “It’s not just the
the 2020 Worlds in Imola feeling of the
win, it’s the

story behind it”

CLOSE COLLEAGUES

Anna on her team-mates

THE HARDEST WORKER? THE MOST DEPENDABLE? THE MOST FUN?
Easy – Christine Majerus. She’s Amy Pieters. We are friends and team- Kasia Niewiadoma. That girl
always working and always mates now, but when we were young, we is always making me smile! We
prepared to sacrifice for team- never spoke to each other. We didn’t like used to be team-mates, and still
mates. When she won the Holland each other. But we shared a room together in races when we meet each
Ladies Tour a few years ago it on a national camp, and we have been other we laugh about things
was really special for the whole good friends ever since. Amy is somebody straight away. She’s very
team, because she really deserved who can see straight away if you’re having sensitive and open, and I
it and doesn’t get to ride for a bad day. She’s a team-mate who I go to if think that’s what makes her
herself much. I need to talk or if I want to laugh. really special.

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 29

F E AT U R E

a job with many different activities.
Sometimes, if you have a lot of
contact, you really can help riders
to be better than if you weren’t
there. So, I thought about it longer
and I thought, yeah, maybe this is
something I would like to do.

“I have a lot of experience as a
rider, but if I just quit cycling, it’s
gone. The role of sports director is a
place where I can keep on doing this,
not give up cycling but just do it in a
different way.”

In her new role, Anna says one
of the most important qualities she
will look to develop in riders will be
trust. She won’t expect riders to fit
into a predetermined mould of how
a good cyclist should be. Instead,
she plans to get to know riders
individually and personalise her
working style to get the best out of
everybody as a team.

Anna will ride her last race in
2021 and says, “I’m looking forward

“I’m looking Van der Breggen will bow out of
forward pro cycling wearing the rainbow bands
to having
some new

experiences
in life”

to a different kind of life. I know her transition from junior to senior. time). She seriously considered
every race I do, and it’s just a life I’ve Shocked with the step up in speed and quitting the sport.
really liked. But I’m also looking distance she became disillusioned
forward to change and having some with what she has described as a lack To study or cycle?
new experiences in life.” of results (although a quick Wikipedia “At that point, I didn’t really know if I
check begs to differ, unless you count wanted to do this or not. I basically put
It seems she’s accustomed to fifth at the World Championships my efforts into my study and I didn’t
lifestyle change having trained as a lack of results. That, really, is all ride my bike for half a year. And then
as a nurse before committing to the more impressive given that her I really had to make a decision – do
pursuing a career in cycling. Anna training consisted of nothing more I quit cycling now? Or am I going to
recalls a pivotal moment in her early than Tuesday and Thursday evening train really well for one year and see
career, while on a nursing placement sessions with the local club at this how good I can be?”
in Ghana. She had struggled on

30 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

The Dutchwoman is a punctual time triallist doesn’t matter which jersey you won
or whatever you did in the past, you
the rainbow bands in both the road still need to prove yourself to be at
races and the TTs. It’s a situation the same level.”
she’d dreamt of, but never expected
to be in. “Every time I go out for One of my favourite things about
training, I think how crazy it is to be an being a professional cyclist, is how
Olympic champion… world champion,” each discipline almost feels like
she says. its own sport. It’s allowed me the
unique perspective of being able
Anna isn’t concerned about living to idolise riders from afar, to really
up to any of the expectations that view them as superhuman, while
come with being one of the biggest also being able to relate to what
names in the peloton. “I don’t feel they’re doing quite strongly. While
much pressure because I know if it I’ve dabbled in road racing, my
doesn’t work out, if I don’t win, I know greatest love has always been the
my career is already better than I ever track, and so I feel there’s enough
expected. So, I’m pretty happy.” distance between us to confidently
label myself a big, fat, van der
She’s adamant that there’s no room Breggen fangirl.
for complacency though. When it
comes to racing she knows she needs Best of both worlds
to be at her best if she wants to achieve That said, we do have a lot in
her season target of back-to-back common. We’ve each been world
Olympic wins. On Tokyo, she says: “It champion a handful of times. We
agree that celebrating a good race
is as important as celebrating a
good result. We belong to a small
group of people who can say they’ve
been Olympic champions for five
years, titles we’re both looking to
defend in Japan this summer. On
the off chance we bump into each
other at Tokyo airport arrivals, I’ll
be spending the next six months
practising my best Dutch insults.

WINNING STARTS AT HOME

The secret to keeping sane
under pressure

She cites her early coach as one of Anna van der Breggen describes person she most looks up to in
her biggest influences in keeping her having a stable home life is “the life. “Sierk is so different to me
on the bike during that time. He told most basic and most important” in every way, and that’s why
her not to quit, to keep attending aspect of her life which contributes I think we are a good couple.
local races and just have fun with it. to her success. “I know if I win, he He’s just good at the things
Advice which she took very seriously will be happy at home. But if I don’t I’m not… he’s taught me so much
because “I was always listening to win, I can still go home with a good about communication. Now, if I
him at that age!” Within a few years feeling.” Anna says her husband feel bad about things, I just call
she was becoming a familiar face on Sierk Jan de Haan, a coach with somebody and explain. That’s
UCI podiums. Jumbo-Visma, is the one person something I really did not learn
who always knows how to motivate growing up in my family. And I’m
Now, she’s preparing for her final her when she needs it, and is the so thankful for that.”
season, and has the honour of wearing

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 31





F E AT U R E

Words James Shrubsall and Vern Pitt Photos Sophie Capewell, Noa Arnon/Israel Start-Up Nation

MAKING
RACING
HAPPEN

We speak to five women behind the scenes of the professional
peloton to find out how they got to where they are today

CHERIE PRIDHAM “It’s always been my philosophy “Then there’s the preparation we
Sports director, Israel that you have to go into a meeting have to do nowadays for performance
Start-Up Nation with a plan. When you get into the plans and presentations and
race that can be turned upside down strategies and tactics and that sort
“I never ever imagined myself being within five kilometres, or even on of thing. And depending on your
a sports director. You know, as a the start line, but you have to have a programme, that takes up a fair part
kid, I didn’t wake up going, ‘When I strategy. That said, you also have to of your day.
grow up, one day I want to be a sports be able to think quickly and outside
director.’ It kind of evolved. the box and keep calm. “I was asked what I’m most proud
of... I think the first one is being
“For any sports director the key “A lot of the work we did early offered that position as team manager
is people management. You need December was working very hard at Raleigh. I realise it wasn’t the old
to be able to listen, be diplomatic with the other sports directors on the Peter Post days but nonetheless, I was
and understand everybody’s race programme. And I guess that’s team manager of an iconic brand. And
personalities. But you also have to where I first realised the mammoth I believe that we did a bloody good
be aware that we have a bigger team task that WorldTour teams have, to job. The second thing is having the
picture, we have mechanics, media, almost run three teams in different balls to reach out to WorldTour teams
swannies and everybody needs to be parts of the world. Nailing that was a and progress without even thinking
on the same page to be successful. massive job. that that’s different. I just thought,

34 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly





‘Well, why can’t I?’ I think I’ve started, I was able to really get Pridham directs Israel
realised, since the team announced into the real life of the team. I had Start-Up’s star-studded roster
my position, how significant my role the opportunity to do some races,
has been. Still to this day, the number including the Giro d’Italia. That middle of everyone in the team.
of personal messages I’m getting from was an excellent experience. We need the scientific background
girls and women of all ages, saying and to understand how the body
thank you, thank you for showing us “The nutritionist role is really works. But it’s also essential to
the way. One said, ‘My dream is to be complex. We’re kind of in the have a good relationship with the
a sports director at Movistar,’ and the riders, to have lots of empathy
girl was 14 years old. Prieto: fuelling the Grenadiers with them and build that trust. We
also work closely with the coaches,
“The advice I would give is just to and also with the chefs and the
keep learning, and keep pushing caregivers because they are the
the boundaries.” ones that are going to deliver our
nutritional plans.
AINHOA PRIETO
Nutritionist, Ineos Grenadiers “The actual plan that we put in
place for a rider can be very specific
“I started with the team in February or more. Sometimes that’s because of
last year, so pre-Covid. My first race their cooking skills or the context of
was Strade Bianche in March, that’s their life, like if they are on their own,
when this Covid nightmare started! or they’ve got kids. It’s not just about
the nutrition.
“But then when the lockdowns
started to finish and the races “I really appreciate the first women
that started working in this sport –
they have made a path and opened the
door for the rest of us.”

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 35

F E AT U R E

Greenwood: character-
building endurance sage

MONICA GREENWOOD look after the human in people as “My husband [Ben Greenwood] is a

Podium women’s endurance coach at well, because I think when people coach with the U23 men; we probably

British Cycling are happy and confident they have a massive impact on each other.

perform better. We spend a lot of time talking about

“I worked systemically through “You need that technical and bike riding, which is really naff. I

British Cycling, first with youths then tactical knowledge too though. would like to say I’ve taught him more

juniors and then I joined the Podium When I was younger I worked with than he’s taught me though.

programme in December last year. coaches who had great people skills “I probably get up at about half

“The most important thing for a that maybe didn’t have the best six and jump on the turbo. Then I’ll

coach is to listen. What’s important is technical knowledge. go to the track for a session with the

that you have belief in the riders that “To be good you basically try and riders. Then I’m in meetings because

you work with, I think, people know steal the good bits of lots of different at podium level there’s a much bigger

when you’ve got belief in them or not. people and put them together, and support team around the riders and

Just treat them like humans as much you learn from the bits that you don’t that takes a lot of time, work and

as anything else. It’s a hard game that think people are doing so well, when effort just to keep everyone moving

we’re working in, trying to perform you don’t take those bits. forward in the same direction and

at such a peak level. to coordinate.

Everyone has feelings “I obviously put myself “When Paul Manning
and emotions as well. left I wasn’t expecting

As well as looking at forward for this position to get this job. I
physiology and, and obviously put myself

that sort of stuff, just because it’s the dream job” forward for it because
making sure that you it’s a dream job. I think

36 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

I’m the first female Podium coach that need to be super-sciency, we can Walker: talks the talk
we’ve had and I hope me being here integrate it into the training. Then
highlights other opportunities and the afternoon will be spent creating HANNAH WALKER
avenues for people, whether they’ve the report feeding that back to the Commentator
come from being an athlete seeing coaches and athletes and making
they can have an impact in other a decision. “Back in 2016 I was actually out on
areas of the sport, it’s exciting when a ride at a coffee shop in Wilmslow,
something’s a first or it changes the “One of the most important things close to where I was living, and
norm, so why wouldn’t you want to be that’s overlooked sometimes is I had a phone call from another
a part of that?” actually the soft skills and being able commentator. He asked how well I
to communicate with coaches and knew the women’s peloton and I said,
DR DEBORAH NEWTON athletes. You can know all the science ‘Well, yeah, quite well…’
Senior biomechanist for the English in the world, but actually then being
Institute of Sport at British Cycling able to put that into language that a “It was for the World
coach can understand and an athlete Championships for Eurosport, when
“A biomechanist – my mum and dad can actually act on is key. it was held in Qatar. That was my first
still can’t say that right – looks at the taste of commentary. No pressure!
underlying movements or looking at “My greatest achievement wasn’t
the pedalling mechanics or pedalling in the biomechanics stuff, it was “It was hugely rewarding to be
style, looking at bike set-up, that kind performance analysis for Mark asked to do the Vuelta a España last
of thing. Cavendish in the omnium at Rio. year, to be a female commentating on
We had the question of, of all the six a Grand Tour. I’ve always watched the
“A typical day would be some testing events in the omnium, which was the Grand Tours and for me to be on that
in the morning using the velodrome. best one to target so if he makes an race was just incredible.
One of the best things about the job improvement it can actually elevate
is that we get to do testing in-house, him higher up the points. To work “Preparation is key. On the Vuelta
it can be part of a training session, it with him and Heiko [Salzwedel] on most of the stages started around
doesn’t need to be in a lab, it doesn’t that and come away with a silver midday. If we were allowed we’d
medal was pretty cool.” drive the final few kilometres of the
race route. We’d take note of the
Dr Newton makes art from science wind direction, the weather, the
road surface. I’d always walk the last
kilometre as well.

“If you want to get into it watch
lots of races and look at what’s
going on. When you start to do that
there’s so much happening that you
don’t see when you’re just spectating
on the sofa as a fan. And maybe put
it on mute and commentate over it
yourself. Give it a go, and you
never know.”

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 37

TECH FEATURE

How to build a bike
that works for you

38 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

The perfect bike fit may seem a little tough to obtain, but
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan has the measure of it

Most women will buy a Physiotherapist TT rigs need to fit perfectly
Venus over a Mach 3, and bike fitter at for optimum performance
but both razors will Velophysio, Nicola
do a perfectly good
job at removing leg Roberts, noted, “I
hair. It’s not uncommon to carry this
buying pattern over to bikes. However, tend to find that some
buying a new bike is a far more significant
purchase than buying hair removal women, in particular
products, so it’s important to bear in
mind that focusing on women’s specific women that are new
machines will – rightly or wrongly – limit
your options. Whether you decide you to riding, have less
want to opt for a bike with a women’s-
specific focus will come down to personal disposable income
preference. What matters is that you’re
enjoying every mile, on a bike that’s to spend on a bike,
perfectly suited to you and your riding.
So how do you achieve that? either that or they

FRAME choose to spend less
The frame is the heart of your bike, invest
here and the rest will follow. on the bike.”

The best way to hit the geometry Whilst we
jackpot is to start with a bike you know
you like the characteristics of, before wouldn’t advise our
using this as a benchmark to compare
potential new machines – sites like readers to spend
geometrygeeks.bike make this easier.
more than they have,
If you’re really struggling to find the
perfect geometry for you, then don’t we would advocate
discount the option of going custom,
particularly if you’re outside the ‘average’ for the opinion that
height range catered for by bike brands
(which is, shorter women, and taller men). no one – male or

A custom frame will have every tube female – needs a gold
length, layup and shape, every angle,
tailored to you. Custom frames are medal to earn the right to enjoy riding a The reason is simple: in order for a
an investment, but they’re not always
more expensive than market-leading bike they love. smaller frame to accommodate ‘standard’
off-the-peg options. Back in 2018 I had
a carbon Werking frame custom built in sized wheels, designers have to make
the Dolomites to my exact requirements,
the frame RRP was £3,500, including WHEEL SIZE compromises. These include a shallower
the cost of a detailed fit analysis. Isen
Workshop – the brainchild of Caren The idea of dressing smaller bikes with head angle and higher stack, which means
Harty and Matt McDonough – offers steel
frames from £1,999 on its website, with smaller wheels is not new - former time shorter riders don’t benefit from the same
custom geometry an added £380.
trial world champion Emma Pooley, who nimble handling as those riding larger
There is sometimes hesitancy among
women to invest in expensive equipment, measures in at 5ft 2in, famously raced bikes and can’t get as low at the front end.
particularly when they’re starting out.
with 650c wheels on her time trial bikes, Having hung up her racing shoes,

though opted for a 700c in road race for Pooley had a custom WyndyMilla

ease of neutral service. More recently, Massive Attack road bike built for her,

Canyon began speccing 650b wheels on featuring 650c wheels.

its smaller women’s bikes. “The smaller wheel has been

Behind the design

Sophia Shih is an engineer at Liv, and fits ‘like a glove.’ I’m proud of this Photos Daniel Gould
was the mastermind behind popular achievement. And we don’t count
bikes such as the Langa. on luck. We have made a lot of
effort to develop female riding
“The bicycle industry has been geometry designs.
dominated by men and that’s
why unisex geometry ends up as Working in the bicycle industry is
men-focused bikes. What Liv does fulfilling for me. There is an Arabic
is women-focused geometry: we movie called Wadjda; a little girl
create the perfect ride for women. dreams of riding a bicycle and wants
to enjoy the breeze on her face. The
I have seen many comments movie scenes linger in my mind; I feel
about Liv bikes, everything from I am empowering women. This job
a Liv rider saying she feels like the makes me feel special.
bike is tailored for her, to the bike

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 39

TECH FEATURE

revolutionary – not just for the obvious
reason that I can get lower (which
is why I always used to use 650c for
time trialling) – even more important
than that is how much it has improved
handling characteristics,” Pooley told us.
“Riding a 650c wheel has transformed
my enjoyment and speed downhill. I love
descending now!”

A smaller wheel makes space for the
ideal frame angles to be applied, without
risk of toe overlap when turning the
front wheel. The shorter circumference
is countered with higher gearing, and
though there is a slight rolling resistance
penalty for the smaller wheels, quicker
acceleration is a happy benefit.

The only major argument against
speccing a smaller wheel size for a shorter
rider is that wheel and tyre choice is
limited, as is your choice of bike.

STANCE WIDTH & CRANK LENGTH
The joys of childbirth mean that most
women have wider hips than standard
bottom brackets are typically designed
for, but the distance between the pedals
on most bikes remains the same. Phil
Burt, who was the lead physiotherapist
at British Cycling for 12-years, said: “All
bikes come with the same stance width,
all pedals except Speedplay, come with
the same 53mm axles.” But this can cause
knee pain for some women if it doesn’t
correlate to their hip width, causing their

Bespoke geometry
will pay dividends

The perfect bike
is out there

knee to go inwards as they pedal. Buying from a brand that specs shorter
At present, Speedplay pedals offer cranks, or will allow you to choose your
own spec (like Ribble, with its bike
axles in 50mm, 56mm, 59mm and 65mm builder) could save you the cash involved
– so, if you think you would benefit from in an update. Shimano offers the most
a wider stance width, then the little egg crank variation, beginning at 160mm.
beater pedals are the way to go.
HANDLEBARS & LEVER REACH
Crank length is another area to Most bike fitters agree that bar width
consider. “I have seen an entry-level bike should mirror the distance between
with 172.5 cranks on an extra small/48cm your AC joints. This will create the most
frame, which is ridiculous and reflects on comfortable line from shoulder to wrist.
the manufacturer simply churning out Women usually have narrower shoulders
bikes without thought for those riding
them,” says Nicola Roberts.

40 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

different handlebar widths, Spesh’s MIMIC technology
depending on the race. For has countered
bunch races, I’m currently cut-out issues

testing bars between

26-32cm width.”

Reach from the bar to the

lever is equally important,

if you want to be able to use

the full range of bar positions

your drops afford you.

“I have encountered a number

of women who would not ride on the

drops with the main reason being they

cannot reach the brakes in this position,” A saddle cut-out can go a long

Roberts told us. way to reducing soft tissue pressure

Both Shimano and SR AM offer for some women. However, it is

adjustability on most lever set-ups. The the channel itself that can cause

adjustability only goes so far though – discomfort for others, as the harsh

Shimano also makes specific short edge and propensity to ‘fall in’ to the

reach levels on its space can cause

Ultegra R8025, 105 “Some women swelling. To
R7025 and Tiagra won’t ride on counter this,
4725 levers. the drops as Specialized
they can’t reach created
SADDLE ‘MIMIC tech’ -
Saddle discomfort a soft, memory
is a topic of foam insert

conversation that the brakes” in place
often dominates of a hole.

the discussion on The rear

women’s-only bike rides and within of the saddle also needs to be wide

social groups. But there are brands out enough to support your sit bones,

there working to improve the situation. many bike shops have tools to help

It was feedback from Evelyn Stevens, you measure this.

the Wall Street investor turned pro A saddle that is too narrow can

cyclist who became the Women’s Hour result in uneven support, creating a

Record holder in 2016, which helped tilt at the pelvis and the appearance of

Specialized to create the short-nosed a leg length discrepancy – and that can

Power saddle shape that has become so have a ricochet effect throughout your

popular in recent years. bike fit.

Shop around for components that fit

compared with men of the same height, Nicola Roberts is a physiotherapist which can help with the overall fit.
so average for the market spec is not and bike fitter at Velophysio. “Obviously changing, saddles,
always optimum.
“I believe when buying a new bike crank lengths and handlebar widths
“I ride narrower [than standard you need to look at the goals for can be part of every bike. However,
specification] handlebars on my road that bike, and base the geometry on I am more frequently advising these
bikes as it provides comfort and better that - what type of riding will you changes to women.
saddle health,” says guest editor Elinor be doing on it. Then you need to
Barker. “As a general rule, I wouldn’t purchase a bike of that genre that “The industry needs to expand
want my hands to be any wider than my is the right size for you. Some bike the sizing to include more range and
shoulders when on the hoods.” manufacturers now offer self build cater for smaller people, including
so you can select the crank size, the components. But it is about
Narrower handlebars come with the stem length and handlebar size, finding the right sized bike for the
aero advantage of reducing frontal area, purpose for which you wish to ride it.”
too, Barker added: “I use a range of

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 41

TECH GROUPTEST

Sports bras

We test six bras to keep you comfortable and secure on the bike

Sports bras represent a major Female cyclists with smaller chests so much time and energy designing.
potential area of improvement are likely to choose a light, low-support This is a particularly unwelcome
for the current crop of cycling bra which will pair well with a base sensation during coffee-stop breaks
clothing brands – but there are layer and jersey combination designed on long winter rides.
some winners out there. to keep the skin cool and dry.
The second trade-off is between
The primary issue in finding a good Those requiring more support will the comfort afforded by a stretchy
cycling-friendly sports bra lies with either sacrifice this, and spend their construction minus chafing hooks
the fact that, as it sits against the skin rides weaving between potholes, or and eyes, versus the ease of removal
during high-intensity activity, it needs endure the cold and sweaty caress of a afforded by a back fastening, which
to be breathable and sweat-wicking, compressive but damp sports bra acting does away with that post-turbo
while supportive or compressive fabric as a layer between the skin and those thrashing somewhat reminiscent
generally needs to be denser. high-quality base layers brands spend of a salmon caught in a damp net.

42 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

Shock Absorber Multi Sports Support Bra £39

STYLE: COMBINATION failing after a good few years of use. Being narrow, the band can be felt when
breathing hard, but was not restrictive.
This is a ‘combination’ bra, meaning Weight The band comes up much tighter
it combines compression and than you would expect with a The sides are made from a power mesh,
encapsulation to offer support. 100g standard, non-sports bra and to aid quick drying. However, while the

The inner layer uses ‘Simplex’ to for this reason sides and back dry quickly,
the front section of
encapsulate each breast, and then it is advised this bra – where it has a
dual layer – does not dry
over the top is a classic crop-top that you go up
as quickly as a simpler
style which provides compression. one band size, compression-style bra.
It’s a shame this bra
The University of Portsmouth’s test but maintain
falls short on this, as it
found this style reduced breast bounce the cup size. Our offers an excellent level

by 74.7 per cent. tester wears a 28E 9of support.
Size tested:
The Multi Sports bra uses a racer back, or 30DD (brand- 32DD; Sizes:
30-40, B-HH
with two hook and eye clasps as well as dependent) and

adjustable straps. We’ve had several of got on perfectly

these bras in the past, and they have all with the 32DD,

lasted excellently through many wash so this advice

cycles, with the hook and eye wires only rings true.

Triumph Triaction Extreme Lite Sports Bra £32-£40

STYLE: ENCAPSULATION The wide chest band is constructed fit. The top of each strap is wide and
The Triumph Triaction Extreme
Lite provides an excellent Weight from elastic with a soft facing on the constructed from a sturdy but soft fabric
combination of great support skin-side. It’s a good blend of just
and quick-drying 96g enough stretch to move with you with light padding which doesn’t chafe
properties.
or add pressure, and also doesn’t slip
The bra is an
encapsulation and not feel constrictive down when exercising.
type, with
non-padded while working out, while One of the big selling points
shaped
cups that sit also providing enough of this bra is how well it handles
closely and
supportively support in conjunction hot conditions. The section of the
around the
breasts. BEST ON with the rest of the bra above and between the two

TEST bra design. cups is constructed from a fine

The shoulder straps mesh and the fabric to the sides and

have two points of back is a combination of mesh and

adjustability, and Lycra, which allows sweat to 8
wick away effectively.
can also be worn in a Size tested: 36F
Sizes: 34-36, A-F
crossover style if you

prefer a racer-back

Sports bra styles

Most bras created by cycling-specific compared to, say, running or mountain separation can also be created without
brands fall into the ‘compression’ biking. This style of bra is typically the the use of wire.
category. They are designed to restrict quickest-drying, and most pull over the
breast movement by flattening head, with no hook and eye closure. Finally, the combination style
the breasts against the chest wall. encapsulates each breast, and then
Compression-style bras provide the The encapsulation style has adds a front panel to add compression.
lowest level of support, and cycling completely separated and defined cups. Those who have larger breasts or enjoy
brands often choose them because Some encapsulation sports bras include off-road riding would be better served
road riding is relatively low impact moulded cups and may be underwired, by an encapsulation or combination-
although with today’s technology style bra as these provide more support.

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 43

TECH GROUPTEST

Pour Moi Energy Reach Sports Bra £28

STYLE: ENCAPSULATION The chest band is stretchier than other wide chest band with three hook and

The Pour Moi Energy Reach is an sports bras we’ve tested. On the eye fastenings. Added padding at the

underwired and lightly padded Weight upside, this means it doesn’t feel fastening prevents chafing, and the

encapsulation-style sports bra. 119g constrictive but on the downside shoulder straps are also comfortably
Each cup has a four-panel it doesn’t give as secure a platform
wide, padded, and have an optional hook

construction including side sling, for reducing boob bounce. We found fastening so the bra can be worn racer-

which helps support the side of the it more than back style.

breast. Our 36FF tester found this up to the task While aesthetics never trump

bra came up true to size. of road, gravel comfort and support, we felt

The padding is minimal and the internal and mountain this sports bra gave a nice shape,

cups feel soft against the skin, though biking but as opposed to squashing our

we found that in hot weather the foam would look boobs against our upper body

padding soaks up sweat (or rain) like a elsewhere like some others. 7
Size tested: 36FF
sponge. It’s therefore not ideal for high- for running. Sizes: 32-40, B-H

intensity rides, very hot or very wet days. It has a

Café du Cycliste Rosalie Sports Bra £44

STYLE: COMPRESSION suitable for cup sizes over a D. Although design kept our tester cool and free

The Rosalie Sports Bra offers Weight the support is designed for only low- of unpleasant clamminess. Although
broad, non-adjustable back impact activities,
and shoulder straps which 84g it performed a touch damp after riding, the

fabric dries very quickly. This

work well with bibshorts. well when paired bra offered the holy trinity

The material sits softly against with a race-fit of comfort, compression,

the skin and the bra’s largely summer jersey and effective sweat-wicking

seamless construction BEST ON across both for our tester, but may not
boosts comfort. The lower TEST shorter and
band never cut into the skin or longer intervals. be enough for those with

larger chests.

felt restrictive. However, after a With a relaxed Size tested: 9
Small
ride, this bra left faint red marks on the jersey there was a Sizes: S-L
(A-D only)
skin. Our tester wears a 32C in regular bit more bounce.

bras; the brand says this bra isn’t The double-layer

Supporting research

Brogan Horler is a Senior Research For women who experience breast A compression sports bra is
Associate for the Research Group in pain, a good sports bra can help to recommended for smaller-breasted
Breast Health, based at the University relieve that by holding the breast tissue women (A-C cup) and an encapsulation
of Portsmouth, and worked on the in place. style sports bra is recommended for
2020 study ‘How the characteristics of CW: What should women look women with larger breasts (D+).
sports bras affect their performance’. for when buying a sports bra?
CW: Why is supporting breast BH: Three key variables: function (is We have recently published a paper
tissue so important? the bra going to be supportive enough on sports bra characteristics and
BH: Breast tissue does not have any for the activity you are doing?), comfort how they affect the performance of a
muscle or bone within it and has very (is the bra going to be comfortable sports bra. We found five key features
limited intrinsic support. Bras prevent enough to wear for the duration of that contributed to greater support: an
excessive movement which could cause activity?), and fit (if the bra doesn’t fit encapsulation style, the use of nylon
pain and damage to the supporting properly this can have a negative effect as the principle fibre content, padded
structures of the breast. on the performance of the product). cups, underband adjustability and a
high neckline.

44 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

Rapha + Outdoor Voices Sports Bra £40

STYLE: COMPRESSION or running for cross-training over the resulted in some overspill either side.

Rapha’s sports bra features a high off-season. The lack of strap adjustability also

front and there’s a lot of coverage on Our tester wears lets it down, and this became more

offer, meaning our tester could Weight a 28E/30DD pronounced over time and with

wear it alone without feeling 107g and the lack successive washes.
self-conscious over cleavage.
of differential The bra features perforations

The back panel splits into two, between band at the back, and in terms of

creating a nice aesthetic usually and cup size was an quick-drying and breathability,

only seen in the ‘athleisure’ ranks, issue in choosing a the Rapha + Outdoor Voices

while a strong elasticated band at size. The X-Small bra can compete with some

the bottom keeps it all in place. offered a good fit of the best. It’s just a shame

Out on the road bike, our tester felt on the band but the trade-off is

well supported and didn’t have to put up coupled with the less support.

with any bounce. However, this is a light shape, which cuts Size tested: 7
X-Small
support bra and we wouldn’t choose it in at the outer bust Sizes: XS, S,
M, L, XL
for other more vigorous activities like to accommodate

mountain biking, plyometrics at the gym the riding position,

Le Col Women’s Pro Seamless Cycling Sports Bra £60

STYLE: COMPRESSION bra repeatedly for high-intensity mountain biking, and it doesn’t pass the
‘jump test’ so we wouldn’t opt to
Le Col’s sports bra is another Weight indoor workouts. wear it for cross-training.
compression-style bra. The This bra There are no labels,
seamless construction is made 72g with all information
doesn’t woven in via a white
thread. We didn’t
from a single knit, with the fabrics offer the experience any
chafing or find
at play being polyamide (95 per cent) level of support any red marks left
after a ride.
and elastane (five per cent). This you’d get from an
7Size tested:
style aims to remove any potential encapsulation or
Medium/Large
for irritation, and the brand has used combination bra, Sizes: XS, S,
M/L and XL
a perforated fabric on the back and so we’d leave

straps to provide airflow and therefore this one in the

improve breathability. draw for anything

During sweaty turbo sessions, the higher impact

breathability features were a welcome such as gravel or

attribute and our tester reached for this

Verdict

Two categories, two winners

W e split our test into two quick-drying back and side panels, even Rosalie sports bra; it offered support
parts: three high-support if the front section did soak up a bit of and dried well. Rapha’s bra carried
encapsulation-style bras, sweat. Triumph’s contribution is best the cool aesthetic associated with
and three compression bras. at dealing with sweat, while we liked athleisure brands but was lacking
Pour Moi’s Energy Reach bra for the in support, while Le Col was
Shock Absorber’s Multi Sports flattering shape it created. perfect for sweaty turbo sessions
Support Bra was the winner in the but unfortunately had a price tag
former category, offering next to no Of the compression bras, the best well in excess of the competition.
bounce, with no rubbing or chafing and on test was the Café du Cycliste

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 45

FITNESS

46 | 4 March, 2021 | Cycling Weekly

THE TRUTH
ABOUT
FEMALE

PHYSIOLOGY

Female physiology demands a different approach to
training, nutrition, weight management and recovery

– as Dr Stacy Sims explains to Deena Blacking

Illustrations Simon Scarsbrook

Cycling Weekly | 4 March, 2021 | 47