God that looks bleak at the start...
Nice to see the BBC coverage.
Watched the junior women ITT yesterday. The first 3km was essentially my morning commute up Otley road. Normally took me 10-12mins, they were doing it in under 5...
You were only going to work. They were at it.
Whole bunch of new QOMs I suspect now.
That doesn't look fun now does it.
I suppose it goes with the job, but I can't say I'm envious of them this morning, I was glad of a change of clothes once into the office today. I don't think I'll be headed out to cheer them on today.
Pleased to see the coverage but disappointing the BBC and others didn't bother with the paras on Saturday (which was a lovely day).
they were doing it in under 5…
And they variously got lost or held up in traffic...
That hungarian lad did well to hold his bike for so long after hitting the pothole, but just how far did he go once he finally hit the deck?! You can tell how wet it is, he must have covered fifty yards on his backside yet his skinsuit is stll intact!
We've even got (1 flash of) lightning here now.
Gods what a miserable day to be out on a road bike on your own.
Footage of the crash I mentioned:
https://twitter.com/GeraintThomas86/status/1176450750777626625
Pleased to see the coverage but disappointing the BBC and others didn’t bother with the paras on Saturday (which was a lovely day).
Wasn't covered live but it was recorded and shown later as a highlights programme with lots of interviews. The atmosphere on the finish straight for the paras was amazing. Good crowds.
It's properly miserable out there, I suspect that the finishing loop in Harrogate is going to be on the verge of unrideable if this weather continues. Shame cos yesterday was (mostly) a lovely day.
Rode the sportive on Sunday (first one I've done) and got soaked to the bone. Really enjoyed the route, the circuit should make for interesting racing.
Will hopefully get to see some of it live, but not too disappointed I'm stuck in work today...
It’s properly miserable out there, I suspect that the finishing loop in Harrogate is going to be on the verge of unrideable if this weather continues. Shame cos yesterday was (mostly) a lovely day.
Don't think the finishing loop will be too bad, they've all been out practicing it so know the two hard bends into the bridges well by now and it'll drain fine down there.
The loops (ladies this afternoon I believe) coming via burnt Yates (edit Shaw Mills) though will be interesting over the bridge down there that they've not practiced so much.
The finishing loop will make the road races interesting though if it carries on as is, they'll all be pushing for position before pot Bank and penny pot to avoid being held up by the group any hours but with this weather there will be some big gaps opening up there I think. On the coverage they look to take those bends slower than I do even with closed roads. That said they climb out the other side a lot more vigorously than I do!
Wasn’t covered live but it was recorded and shown later as a highlights programme with lots of interviews.
The recording was agency/uci footage though I believe but yes, they did at least screen it.
What snorkel for a world's TT?
I must say I'm disappointed G isn't riding the TT though when the course would suit him so well. the final loop is taylor made for falling off.
Where's the risk assessment for rain-filled potholes? What a slide. I had one of those once on a Ride London. Not a single mark on me nor the kit but slid for ages. Glad he is OK.
the final loop is taylor made for falling off.
I hope the misspelling was deliberate - very appropriate given the location.
I hope the misspelling was deliberate – very appropriate given the location.
Indeed. Would suit him to a tea.
But alas no, autocorrect took tailor and changed it to Taylors, I spotted the S but not the Y. I guess it's based on the usage frequency. Read into that what you will, (though no, I don't work for them)
World class marshalling, instructing pro riders on severe hazards. 😮
My Mrs has been on TV loads of times... all at various points of the 14k loop..
She’s not bothering today because of the torrential downpours... 🤷♂️
I’m going up tomorrow, got loads planned with a certain Cycle Clothing company...
But Harrogate (apart from some grumpy locals) has indeed embraced the event and has been putting on a show for it.
Hope the weather cheers up, its countrywide these downpours so not all “it’s grim up norf”
🤷♂️
But Harrogate (apart from some grumpy locals) has indeed embraced the event and has been putting on a show for it.
And somehow the traffic is better than usual.
I had planned a ride out from Harrogate to the intermediate timepoint but saw the weather and thought “ sod that for a game of soldiers “ so it was a wander down to the bottom of parliament street... those folks don’t hang around going up there.
Looking out my window now I’m not sure if I should risk the ride or dodge back into town with my brolly, but I’ll be there somewhere
Noticed the average speeds yesterday were around the 25 mph mark... that’s going some in the circuit...
But Harrogate (apart from some grumpy locals) has indeed embraced the event and has been putting on a show for it.
Some shameful posts on Facebook at the moment - such hate and vitriol coming from some corners and that is a real shame. I cannot believe how many such ill-informed people there are out there.
Looking forward to going back into town tomorrow to watch the men's TT then have a wander around the Fanzone (assuming it has been re-opened) without my kids around trying to make me spend money every 7 seconds.
Racing delayed until 1520...
Mrs says it’s still pissing down.
Ladies postponed to 15.30 start.
Hmmm I might be able to catch the end of that from the beer purveying Comfort of the corner haus then.
Edit: ah, reduced gaps so not likely to make it before the finish
Some shameful posts on Facebook at the moment – such hate and vitriol coming from some corners and that is a real shame. I cannot believe how many such ill-informed people there are out there.
If you converse with them it doesn’t take long for the motives to come out. ‘There is the potential for me to be mildly inconvenienced, so **** anyone who wants to enjoy it.’ The depths of the barrel they will scrape to to find a reason (that doesn’t affect them) to be outraged is properly hilarious.
If you converse with them it doesn’t take long for the motives to come out.
Same motive it is for everything isn't it "I'm a miserable egotistical cock womble"? Add to that the "anonymity" of faceache and the like and bam, trolls are us.
How the F do you get standing water accumulating to that extent and no marshalling to direct folk to the other side of the road?
They’re off..
Tentatively...
Still rainy, though not as much as it was.
How the F do you get standing water accumulating to that extent and no marshalling to direct folk to the other side of the road?
Well that road is like that every few yards in heavy rain, you'd need about 6000 marshals but, also, wtf would possess you to try ride through that on a closed road?
also, wtf would possess you to try ride through that on a closed road?
SPLASHY SPLASHY!!!😃😃😃
Well that road is like that every few yards in heavy rain, you’d need about 6000 marshals but, also, wtf would possess you to try ride through that on a closed road?
No it isn't, even round here. That was about a foot deep covering half the carriageway.
Sure, it was a bad split second decision by the rider, but pretty inevitable when you consider the head down, full gas approach of a lot of TT riders.
EDIT: Looks like they've sorted it out now, women's TT coverage has just gone by it and it's coned off with a marshall.
No it isn’t, even round here.
Am I wrong in thinking he was on the A61 between ripon/ripley? It's a lousy road for standing water.
Slightly off topic, but anyone got any recommendations for spots for watching on Saturday and Sunday? Grinton Moor on Sunday seems the obvious place but don't think the women go that way?
No, probably the best climb is the one out of Lofthouse in Nidderdale, you could ride to it on the Nidderdale MTB route out of Ramsgill.
No, probably the best climb is the one out of Lofthouse in Nidderdale
That really is a horrible climb. Even once it flattens off a bit it still drags on and on.
Be a great place to watch mind, where are you headed from? Norwood Edge will be a good spot too, I'd be tempted to go there and pedal back into town to watch the end. Lofthouse you may struggle to beat them back from depending on traffic.
Anyone else get the feeling that Chris and Rochelle really don't get on that well?
holy pink overshoes, batman, that was some effort by Chloe Dygart. Amazing
+1 Dygart.
Bad rims but what a performance. Smashed it.
Slightly off topic, but anyone got any recommendations for spots for watching on Saturday and Sunday?
Are you looking to go out on the moors or just want to hang around watching riders go by?
I'd be heading to the inner loop of the 14k loop in Harrogate, they'll be doing laps of it and you'll see more of them than just a long drag on top of a moor (like lofthouse) Otley/Beckwithshaw road will be busy but they'll be coming down from the climb out of Harrogate and slowing down to head past the Cricket Club...
Saturday my plan is to watch on Norwood edge then ride back into town and watch them on the climb up Cornwall Road from the bridge at the bottom
Not sure about Sunday yet but suspect it will be tele then Cornwall road climb again
Anyone else get the feeling that Chris and Rochelle really don’t get on that well?
Like Brian Smith, Rochelle is one of those commentators I can barely bring myself to listen to.
The bits I managed to watch were on Eurosport.
And somehow the traffic is better than usual.
I think a lot have stayed away/gone on holiday etc.
I cannot believe how many such ill-informed people there are out there.
Unfortunately It's inconveniencing more people than It's benefitting. Great for the eateries on West Park mind.
I checked the Stray FM website this morning to check road closures & they have a poll going. Only 19% of voters are dead keen, 15.2% quite keen, 11.2% not that arsed & a massive 52.3% not interested at all.
martinhutch - Member
No, probably the best climb is the one out of Lofthouse in Nidderdale, you could ride to it on the Nidderdale MTB route out of Ramsgill.
Thanks Martin, that looks a good shout for Saturday, the men's race doesn't go that way by the looks of things.
Anyone know of any decent mtb routes that take in Norwood Edge? Sorry for the questions, my Dales knowledge is rather lacking.
Norwood edge goes right through Stainburn,
But the lofthouse road to Masham is crossed on the classic Nidderdale round route
Only 19% of voters are dead keen, 15.2% quite keen, 11.2% not that arsed & a massive 52.3% not interested at all.
I actually think that's pretty good numbers. 50% of the people I talk to day to day aren't interested in anything which doesn't directly involve them. More to the point though closing on 20% of people very keen on a minority sporting event which mildly inconveniences them for a week is bloody good going
I;m with Crazy Legs on this - though I'm sure she's very well informed, I am not a fan of Rochelle as a commentator
Chris Boardman on Breakfast telly, explaining that these riders train in these conditions day in day out, so are used to the rain. However that puddle was huge.
Coverage today BBC2 1pm.
Chris Boardman on Breakfast telly, explaining that these riders train in these conditions day in day out, so are used to the rain. However that puddle was huge.
I think one of the Kuwaiti riders, it was the first time she'd ever ridden in rain!
Overhead some chat between her team crew and the Shimano mechanics in the hotel reception where they were looking over her bike after its wash in the TT!
I was in Harrogate a few weeks ago. Several taxi drivers told me they were taking two weeks off to miss the “bloody” cycling.
Ha , I bit my tongue.
Forecast looks great on Sunday- great for sitting in and watching a bicycle race on tv.
It wonder why the Beeb always goes for foreign commentators eg Rochelle (another example is Michael Johnson for athletics). Must be lots of ex British pros to choose from.
Has anyone been to Harrogate yet for the cycling? Apart from the Zwift popup store are there any other retailers in the fan zone or in Harrogate itself?
Well they've a better day for it today certainly!
Re stores rapha/canyon are setup in the fan zone, they're also doing some bits out of starling in town. Katusha have a pop up store on parliament Street, sram are running bits out of prologue, visit flanders and all things bike out of corner haus.
UCI store in the fan zone, there's a photographer or two and an artist selling their wares. A few retailers though not much to get excited about, lots of greasy food stalls and a bar or three. A few expo type stands and a number of children's things.
Has anyone been to Harrogate yet for the cycling? Apart from the Zwift popup store are there any other retailers in the fan zone or in Harrogate itself?
Starling Cafe (Oxford Street) is the Rapha/Canyon pop up.
There's a couple of bars on Kings Road hosting a Zwift pop up. Cadex are at the 500m to go point in Harrogate, they've got loads of talks and events on.
Specialized are up just by the finish area in a lovely shop/cafe with all their top end bikes on display.
There's plenty going on - ride outs, talks, events and demos.
Fan Zone has retail from UCI (official merchandise), Rapha, a couple of other clothing brands, Big Bobble Hats, loads of food & drink options...
Big kids area with rides, facepainting, activities and so on. A Ferris wheel.
Well worth a visit but there's a fair bit of walking involved!
I think Prologue on Cold Bath Road also have some events on
https://www.prologuecycling.co.uk/
^^ they do, they’ve joined in with SRAM
North Yorkshire Council have 2 wheelchair accessible buses running from the showground to South Park Road. The normal park & ride is running from the showground also.
I was *driving* the wheelchair accessible bus on Monday & Tuesday, it was dead. We overheard 2 Transdev drivers from the double deckers saying they'd been expecting 400-500 people an hour over last weekend & on Sunday they'd transported a grand total of 192 people.
It should be busier on Saturday & Sunday coming but I'm taking a book to read anyway.
*parked in*
they’d been expecting 400-500 people an hour
I see the parking is down to £10...
What's the story behind the 5 4 3 2 1 countdown hand signals? I've noticed it in other time trials too? The combination of holding out fingers seems rather over-complicated.
I guess there's a reason, but can't for the life of me think what.
For when you can’t hear the count down then you have a visual indicator right in your eye line that moves out of the way as you power down the ramp.
Named after a camping stove ? Named after being punched in the stomach twice...
WTF is he on about today ? lol
The combination of holding out fingers seems rather over-complicated.
Guess work but... They don't ever end up making obscene gestures to camera, it's easier to do whilst maintaining straight (unmistakable) fingers than sequential. You don't end up with a thumbs up at 1 or a straggly little finger.
Quality from a punter via The Guardian
Thanks Paul Griffin for the email:
“It’s not like a proper British Time Trial. AT ALL. None of the riders appear to have dressed behind a hedgerow; there is no sign of finishers clutching a cup of tea in a polystyrene cup, and a slice of homemade fruitcake; and most importantly, the roads are closed. It’s therefore not a proper test of bike handling under stress, as no fiscally conservative but loudly articulate car and van drivers are forcefully making the case for hypothecated road taxes through their vehicle window.”
That Bahrain Merida Cycling frame Rohan Dennis was riding today was fast!
impressive from Dennis, Evanepole and Dowsett.
Great to see Dowsett in the top 5, really good to see.
Also nice to see Tony Martin rolling back the years.
But Dennis was just a class above really.
I felt for the Ghanan - going past Wagamama on Parliament Street (where I was watching) - he was out of it. Ouch. Bad day at the office.
I tried the hand countdown with every rider going off the podium. Didn't manage it successfully once.
they’ve joined in with SRAM
Apparently SRAM are using their (Prologue mentioned above) workshop as their base for the event.
That Bahrain Merida Cycling frame Rohan Dennis was riding today was fast!
The Definitely not a Kask Rudy Project helmet was quick too...
I see the parking is down to £10…
Apparently it was £15 initially. I saw that sign in a field off Hookstone Drive, there was one car in the field. Dunno what it is to park at the showground but the bus is £2.00. (not mine, It's free to disabled people & their companions)
(is it £10 to park in the showground car park?)
I want to know how many of the riders have been in the Boardman wind tunnel? I’d wager quite a few. Great result for Dowsett, but Dennis was in a different class today with something to prove.
Aye, 15 at the weekend essel, I'm assuming the showground car park was/is the same and they'll both go back up Saturday.
With the complete bloody apathy of both North Yorks CC and Harrogate Borough Council towards cyclists, they should never have been given the UCI World Champs.
Even their website encourages people to use the "wide selection of cycle lanes". You mean all 2 of them - one on an old railway line that's double the road distance between Knaresborough and Harrogate, or the one that's 18 inches wide, missing paint, and invariably has cars in it?
I don't get the impression that this benefits cycling in Yorkshire; instead it simply fuels resentment on already dodgy roads with dangerous drivers.
Having said that I am quite enjoying the party atmosphere, Harrogate hasn't been this lively since they mixed the drugs up at the nursing home.
Having said that I am quite enjoying the party atmosphere, Harrogate hasn’t been this lively since they mixed the drugs up at the nursing home.
There's an amazing split on social media - some people saying it's great, join in the party, they're loving it, great to see the town so lively and others are saying it's massively disruptive, the town is deserted, they're trapped in their homes...
Certainly while I've been wandering around, it's been busy & friendly, no issues moving around anywhere. Hotels and restaurants all fully booked, bars and cafes busy.
I’ve given up ( just about ) commenting on the social media rants on the various Harrogate pages.
At first I tried to be helpful and constructive but it seems like some folks don’t want to listen, and the anti ranting is just not worth discussion any more
So I’ll just concentrate on enjoying the best thing to come to town in the 40 years I’ve lived and worked here😁😁😁
So I’ll just concentrate on enjoying the best thing to come to town in the 40 years I’ve lived and worked here😁😁😁
Very much this. It's great for Harrogate and I'm loving every minute of it 🙂
I don’t get the impression that this benefits cycling in Yorkshire; instead it simply fuels resentment on already dodgy roads with dangerous drivers.
Having said that I am quite enjoying the party atmosphere, Harrogate hasn’t been this lively since they mixed the drugs up at the nursing home.
Agreed. This is simply the best thing to come to Harrogate in years. The flower show has been loosing visitors and the town is becoming a facade of closed shops.
Its a shame that the current political atmosphere isn’t encouraging visitors, 5 of my closest mates think the UK’s shut to visitors and have decided to stay at home.
The weather so far hasn’t been that good either and this weekends isn’t looking particularly good either, which means less folks coming into town.
Agreed. This is simply the best thing to come to Harrogate in years.
True BB, but only if your'e remotely interested in cycling. You know as well as I do what the majority of the population of Harrogate are like. Non cyclist who travel round the corner to M & S in a Range Rover.
Juniors are riding past the end of my drive around mid-day and it's my day off.
Morning...
Well the weathers not that bad today. Sunshine with a few scattered dark clouds, but it’s warm and the road outside the farm is dry...
Hope it stays that way, should be more people around the town 👍