tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43951209629707506762012-02-10T01:07:49.747ZRandom musings of an Irish cycling obsessive.Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.comBlogger1231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-13697355595879447882012-02-10T01:07:00.002Z2012-02-10T01:07:49.769Z

Listen to Paul Kimmage give his usual forthright views on the Contador and Armstrong cases. Riis, paedophiles and doping all in one sentence! The Kimmage interview starts about half way through.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-82415985261609886062012-01-26T14:54:00.000Z2012-01-26T14:55:15.157Z

My last post outlined the story of Alexandre Dougnier, a 19 year old 3rd cat riding for ACBB in Paris, who was found guilty of having 12 banned substances in one sample. I mentioned that details were sketchy in reports of the story so I was very interested to see this post giving more details of the actual substances found. Assuming this information is accurate it paints a very worrying

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-20833012158964272882012-01-24T10:12:00.003Z2012-01-24T10:12:51.213Z

We've all heard the phrase "the innocence of youth" but a doping case just announced in France has shown how that innocence, or possibly naivety, can become a cause for major guilt. The French Cycling Federation  has just handed down a three-year suspension to 19-year-old Alexandre Dougnier, a young third category rider. Dougnier tested positive for no less than 12 different banned substances

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-82899275111567858012012-01-23T18:06:00.000Z2012-01-23T18:08:09.468Z

Seeing the writing on the wall for UCI revenues, when one of the many mooted breakaway leagues actually sticks, Pat McQuaid has given himself something to fall back on by getting a job as an air steward with Irish airline, Aer Lingus.   Anyone for tea?

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-73682675881691830592012-01-07T21:36:00.001Z2012-01-07T21:37:00.850Z

Despite car trouble and then camera trouble I managed to get these not very good pics of today's Irish Cyclo-cross Championships in St. Annes Park, Raheny, Dublin. Many congratulations to Robin Seymour on his quite amazing 18th title. Can anything stop this man! Robin Seymour on his way to yet another victory Two time champion, Roger Aiken, chased hard but couldn't catch Seymour

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-78287944183825538842012-01-07T19:06:00.001Z2012-01-07T19:08:01.427Z

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-38169809437650749422012-01-02T21:54:00.000Z2012-01-02T21:54:28.142Z

I know the muse-ette has been a bit quiet lately, for lot's of reasons, but it'd be a shame to let the New Year period pass without the the annual, unprestigious Muse-ette Awards. So here, in no particular order, are the 2011 muse-ette Awards: Best Stage Race: After last years snub of the Grand Tours by the muse-ette awards, which I know they took note of, this year saw them clean up their acts

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-52521440652802971042011-12-27T16:22:00.000Z2011-12-27T16:24:08.006Z

And that's just the commentary! An exhibition of bike handling in appalling conditions.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-8257031686076305412011-11-24T10:53:00.001Z2011-11-24T10:57:50.099Z

Imagine it was wet!!

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-53712865061524900992011-11-23T00:00:00.001Z2011-11-23T00:32:13.669Z

I've been watching old videos of some of Sean Kellys early Classic wins. He really was some rider. It's hard to imagine one of todays specialists being able to win any combination of San Remo, Roubaix, Lombardy and Liege, especially in the same season. His domination of Paris-Roubaix 1984 was truly phenomenal. For no reason, other than I'm sitting here morphing back into the teenage fan I was

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-16873921647444288932011-10-26T12:28:00.002+01:002011-10-26T12:28:18.099+01:00

If we ever needed proof that the success of the GB track cycling team is capturing the public imaginations here it is. Scalextric, the famous car racing game, now comes in a velodrome version with two GB clad riders who can race each other around a banked track. I assume you can do head to head sprints and inidvidual pursuits but I'm not sure a keirin would work too well! http://

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-37144384982890559102011-10-19T10:42:00.000+01:002011-10-19T10:42:03.488+01:00

Nico gave a very intelligent and insightful interview with Off The Ball presenter Eoin McDevitt on Dublins Newstalk radio station last night. Enjoy.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-33061359721977776052011-08-31T09:59:00.000+01:002011-08-31T09:59:38.561+01:00

After yesterdays pleasant surprise to see a team of workers cleaning up the bike lane along East Wall Road, I was full of anticipation as I rode towards it this morning. I was looking forward to rolling along a pristine, smooth and shiny surface, laughing out loud at the ease and safety of my exclusive, truck-free route. OK, so I was a little bit over-optimistic. If my Dad had been there to

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-74946368897552647232011-08-30T10:42:00.000+01:002011-08-30T10:42:27.887+01:00

A couple of days ago I discovered an online portal which provides citizens of Dublin the means to report any relevant issues they may have to the city authorities, creating a "Service Request" for Dublin City Council. All part of their "aim to provide a high-quality, efficient and courteous level of service to all of our customers". Call me cynical, but it looked to me like one of those

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-21038322322340426572011-08-27T00:30:00.003+01:002011-08-27T15:54:51.688+01:00

Here're pics and results from last nights National Hill Climb Champs, 2.5 km of gut-busting agony up Kilmashogue Lane, in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. It was tiring just walking up! The title was won very convincingly by Mark Dowling of Team Dectek, with defending champion Ryan Sherlock having to settle for silver. Bronze went to this seasons time trialling revelation, Damien Shaw of

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-57454969458927806132011-08-09T23:47:00.001+01:002011-08-09T23:51:50.946+01:00

Enjoyed a great nights racing at Mondello Park this evening. It's great to see a few faces from my day back in the bunch!

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-12625971553862769752011-08-03T01:33:00.000+01:002011-08-03T01:33:55.414+01:00

I just discovered the Pathe News website recently. It's got loads of great old newsreels, including lot's of cycling ones. I found this today. It's a silent film showing the competitors in the Irish 25 Mile Cycling Champs, possibly in 1921. 25 MILE CYCLING CHAMPSYour browser does not support iframes. This one shows some great footage from the 1948 Olympic Road Race in Windsor Great Park

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-19074689022686981982011-07-14T01:04:00.000+01:002011-07-14T01:04:29.244+01:00

How many do you adhere to? http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-83908358406189041222011-06-25T01:10:00.000+01:002011-06-25T01:10:31.301+01:00

So Dr Hutch didn't quite pull it off. 48 British titles but no Irish one to add to it this year. In pretty awful conditions, the 40km route was ridden in 50:15 by the new Irish TT Champion, and still reigning Irish RR Champion (until Sunday at least), Matt Brammeier of HTC Highroad. The battle of the Northerners was played out behind him, with David McCann coming out on top and taking silver,

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-76979062372964505102011-06-22T01:04:00.000+01:002011-06-22T01:04:51.823+01:00

As I do every day, I was reading the latest postings on IrishCycling.Com this morning when a seemingly small detail caught my eye. Under the headline "IRISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - ENTRY LIST" they've published exactly that, a list of all riders entered for the various Irish championship races due to take place at the end of the month. There in the list for the Elite Mens TT is the name

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-1386001156500413052011-05-27T15:21:00.000+01:002011-05-27T15:21:03.734+01:00

One of the best things about owning an iPod, or any MP3 player, is the huge range of podcasts available to download. For those less tech savvy among you, a podcast is an audio recording playable on a digital device. A lot of radio broadcasts are released in podcast format, but there is a huge number of specially made recordings available too. Podcasts are usually free of charge and can cover all

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-91505132033141833882011-04-26T22:51:00.000+01:002011-04-26T22:51:56.545+01:00

I bet that headline got your attention! I can't claim it though. It appeared over a story in the Daily Mail on 24th February claiming that commuting by bike is one of the main triggers of heart attacks. Of course it's utter nonsense. While it's based on a possible interpretation of a report summarizing a group of medical studies, the headline is typical of the modern phenomenon where papers

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-26557472758883894592011-04-21T23:01:00.000+01:002011-04-21T23:01:48.586+01:00

Recently my non-cycling father-in-law arrived at my house with a small green book in his hand . It was given to him by his 80-something neighbour who had found it among her late husbands things and thought I might be interested in it. She was right! The green booklet turned out to be the programme for the 1906 British Empire Cycling Championships, held at the Ulster Grounds in Belfast.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-49720152164261627152011-04-17T15:54:00.000+01:002011-04-17T15:54:34.899+01:00

Here's two videos to get your adrenaline going. VCA 2010 RACE RUN from changoman on Vimeo.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-76785595656951650712011-04-11T17:33:00.000+01:002011-04-11T17:33:53.461+01:00

The first sportive I did after getting back on the bike was the Kare Tour De Foothills. Starting and finishing in Naas, the TDF has three routes (100km, 50km and a 20km family spin). The 100km and 50km routes take in the Blessington lakes, with the longer route venturing south to the Glen of Imall this year. As it happens the last two years have seen spectacular Spring sunshine making it a very

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-75819675867720524922011-04-08T01:06:00.001+01:002011-04-09T00:15:17.728+01:00

The 14th Sunday of the year is one of the key dates in the cycling calendar. It's the day of, arguably, the toughest one day race in the pro schedule. It's Ronde Van Vlaanderen day. De Ronde, or Tour of Flanders, is 260 odd kilometers of cobbles, steep climbs, twisting country lanes and pain! The list of winners of the 95 editions reads like a register of hard men. Very few names are on there by

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-70006472135143570582011-03-13T00:40:00.000Z2011-03-13T00:40:02.924Z

Today I listened to a great interview with one of the unsung heroes of our sport, Graeme Obree of Scotland. Over the years this man went from the relative anonymity of the Scottish Time Trial scene to reach the very top of the sport before descending to a well publicised battle with depression. Throughout his career he was a maverick figure, often portrayed as an eccentric inventor of crazy

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-83121016148938344082011-03-01T14:55:00.001Z2011-03-01T14:55:36.578Z

Rabobank rider, Grischa Niermann has been very vocal over the last while in protesting the CI's ban on race radios, which apparently has the bulk of the most experienced riders in the world quaking in their boots with fear for their lives. Among his stunts was the, admittedly amusing, wearing of an aerial on his helmet which you can see below. Although you would wonder how safe that would be if

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-5258673143709681442011-02-20T23:28:00.000Z2011-02-20T23:28:16.396Z

At a time when our beloved sport seems to have some sort of self destruct mechanism inbuilt, those of us who want to see the back of the dopers, and the never ending stories about the dopers, are growing more and more frustrated by the inconsistencies we see everywhere we look. We read every day of teams that seem to go out of their way to hire the worst of the worst (step forward Astana,

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-73265439175487003902011-02-20T17:44:00.000Z2011-02-20T17:44:06.502Z

One of the best parts about being a cyclist is the unspoken solidarity that has always existed among riders. From the friendly wave as you pass in the opposite direction to grouping up if heading the same way, there's an understanding that we all suffer the same pain and the same dangers and, equally, we all enjoy the same freedom and fitness benefits. That's why what happened to me yesterday is

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-35553538096082870992011-01-30T12:40:00.001Z2011-01-30T12:41:28.421Z

In recent years a couple of (very) hard men in the peloton, particularly Fabian Cancellara and Phillipe Gilbert, have hinted at their ambitions to win at San Remo, Roubaix and Liege. In general such claims are met with, at best, scepticism on the part of the cycling press. Received wisdom these days is that the rider who can win Milan - San Remo might just have a chance on the cobbles of Paris -

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-77294724005408852892011-01-29T18:10:00.000Z2011-01-29T18:10:23.114Z

Did you ever have a bike stolen and get the impression no-one really cares! Here's two movies about bike thieves from the States that'll do nothing to change your mind!

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-28868273616894450562011-01-21T23:36:00.000Z2011-01-21T23:36:58.619Z

The main narrative on this is in Dutch but most of the interviews are in English. As usual, Paul K doesn't mince his words. If Pat McQuaid reckons Contador has "tainted" cycling (see here) it ain't nothing compared to what'll hit the fan if Jeff Novitsky can prove anything on Larry Hamstring.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-56690815811521671242010-12-30T21:04:00.000Z2010-12-30T21:04:24.476Z

Last year I marked the turn of the decade with what I called the first, maybe annual, but definitely not prestigious Muse-ette Awards. The fact I'm doing another edition this year means at least the annual bit is now true! If 2009 was what I called "a good year for the bike world" then 2010 has turned out a bit differently. It started out well, had a great middle and a pretty good end,

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-8274041964497120062010-12-18T02:00:00.001Z2010-12-18T02:01:46.607Z

You have to love this cheap and simple technique for making your bike snow-ready, from the Dutch Bike Co guys in Seattle. Cable ties as snow tyres! Brilliant! Full instructions are on their blog: http://www.dutchbikeco.com/_blog/Dutch_Bike_Co_Weblog/post/Seattle_Snowpocalypse/

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-73460734795640806312010-12-05T10:48:00.000Z2010-12-05T10:48:49.653Z

It's always hard to find anything to write about at this time of year, and now is no different. Outside is covered in snow so I can't tell you about my training rides, there's no pro racing so I can't write about that and the Contador "did he, didn't he" debate is going nowhere fast. So this week, as I was slipping to the shops on my mountain bike, I got thinking about cyclo-cross, an often

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-77288884847129883522010-11-12T21:53:00.001Z2010-11-12T21:54:32.767Z

I've gotten a few good posting opportunities over the last year or so from my good friend Ricardo Ricco, aka The Cobra. Imagine my shock then today to read that my favourite snake is no longer with us. In an interview with Cycling News reporter, Daniel Friebe, Ricco announced to the world that The Cobra is dead. In his place we can expect a new, humble, honest, clean, cuddly Ricco. Maybe we

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-19863883892640656852010-11-07T17:53:00.002Z2010-11-07T17:55:55.127Z

It's that time of year when the turbo trainers and rollers are dusted off so I thought this was appropriate. Having spent many hours on the rollers over the years I have to say I'm very impressed by this guys skill, even if his kid thinks he's a dork!

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-51096373092595590662010-10-22T18:45:00.000+01:002010-10-22T18:45:22.955+01:00

Last night was the gala showing of Chasing Legends, the new release by director Jason Berry. The movie, shot mainly in stunning HD, follows the HTC Columbia team through the 2009 Tour De France. Using a combination of fly-on-the-wall footage from within the team's inner sanctum, interviews with past and current legends, standard TV coverage and some vintage film, it attempts to convey the Tour

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-76319518114498722612010-10-20T00:07:00.005+01:002010-10-21T16:48:17.280+01:00

Santuario Madonna Del Ghisallo After enduring a soaking as we raced around after the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday, we could take things a bit easier on Sunday. We enjoyed a stroll around the food market in Melegnano in the morning followed by a leisurely lunch with friends, including one who has just come back from Afghanistan, but that's another story! Since we had plenty of time to get to

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-64087102178164820642010-10-18T22:23:00.001+01:002010-10-18T23:17:10.550+01:00

Ever since seeing Sean Kelly battling with Greg Lemond along the shores of Lake Como in the 80's I've loved watching the Tour of Lombardy. The rolling, twisting roads, lined with palatial villas, and the autumnal light make this one of the seasons most dramatic events. This year I finally managed to get there in person for a day of madcap driving on, literally, the highways and byways of Lombardy

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-27786047175450273192010-10-15T14:05:00.000+01:002010-10-15T14:05:22.983+01:00

You have to love the Dr Hutch column in Cycling Weekly. He really knows the cyclists mind. "I don't go cycling to listen to my body. I go cycling to batter it into submission and drown out it's middle-aged whingeing and expectations." (Cycling Weekly, Sept 2nd 2010) Brilliant! BTW Well done to the same Hutch for his second successive 4th place for Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games TT

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-8943682340457375642010-10-11T12:35:00.000+01:002010-10-11T12:35:06.388+01:00

Just before the tragic early death of Laurent Fignon was announced I finished reading his recently translated autobiography. In "We Were Young and Carefree", Fignon presents a characteristically honest and upfront account of his ascent to the heights of world cycling and then his frustrations as his career, and key personal relationships, failed to live up to early expectations. The opening

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-12927117160604463012010-10-06T12:52:00.000+01:002010-10-06T12:52:48.203+01:00

I thought my dog crash was a fluke but this one is worse. A poor woman in Australia is in hospital with serious head injuries following a crash with a wallaby. Seems the marsupial jumped into a group of three riders but she came off worst. Like me, she was wearing a helmet but, unlike me, still sustained head injuries. I've no report on how she's doing but wish her all the best. http://

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-29511513599232072932010-10-04T14:37:00.000+01:002010-10-04T14:37:32.792+01:00

I only have one word to write about this.Why? http://www.asylum.co.uk/2010/10/04/stunt-cyclist-bunny-hops-up-48-floor-building-now-has-really-so/

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-35192502581182875002010-10-02T00:28:00.000+01:002010-10-02T00:28:37.049+01:00

I've just signed up as an Ambassador for Bike Pure. Here's what it's all about: Bike Pure began as a simple anti doping brand, where athletes could show they ride without drugs and respect their fellow competitors. Now with an effective presence in 87 countries we are utilizing our talented membership to make a positive change to our sport. Please email us your suggestions to help sport.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-52466901768909684862010-09-27T01:31:00.000+01:002010-09-27T01:31:17.628+01:00

Over the last few days the Commonwealth Games has been prominent in both the mainstream and cycling press, although not from a sporting perspective. Most attention has been on the state of the facilities and on "will they, won't they" stories about individual athletes. Earlier in the week we saw photo's of dirty beds and bathrooms, video reports of flooded apartment blocks and much reporting on

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-30151858315641499692010-09-23T00:43:00.000+01:002010-09-23T00:43:23.875+01:00

"When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-27880205685702383952010-09-21T14:13:00.000+01:002010-09-21T14:13:56.200+01:00

I don't know about you but I've been missing our favourite villain, Ricardo Ricco, recently. Apart from transfer gossip, his name's been missing from the headlines for too long. But fear not, because he's back in the news again. That didn't take too long! Last week there was an easily missed story (here) quoting one of his new Vacansoleil team-mates saying that he was angry with our hero for not

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-29644607458692882272010-09-19T16:15:00.000+01:002010-09-19T16:15:29.843+01:00

If you read about my little incident with one of our four-legged, supposed best friends (here) then you'll appreciate this artists impression of the incident. With special thanks to Ciara, aged 8.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-75436535402779724772010-09-19T11:36:00.001+01:002010-09-19T11:40:45.514+01:00

JJ (second left) and Sean (far right) regale their audience with tales of past glories during a cafe stop in Majorca. It was with deep sadness that I learned last week of the death of my very dear friend JJ McCormack. I met JJ in the early 1950's when I joined the Eagle Cycle Racing Club of which he was a prominent member from the time he came to Dublin from his native Birr, Co. Offaly. We

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-77538632047203330842010-09-17T22:15:00.000+01:002010-09-17T22:15:16.658+01:00

Congratulations to Bernd Paul of Germany, individual winner of this years Race Around Ireland. Bernd completed the 2,100 km course, riding through sometimes atrocious conditions, in a time of 113.12 hours, including sleeping time. Amazing! Bernd Paul ready for the off in Navan last Sunday. Congrats also to Ireland's Wheels of Destiny (Murt Rice and John Mahon) winners of the two-person teams

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-48734747092877671002010-09-16T12:04:00.000+01:002010-09-16T12:04:27.769+01:00

You may have noticed the not very subtle "Visit our Bookshop" banner at the top of The Muse-ette. I think it needs some explanation. The Muse-ette has teamed up with Eclector to set up Muse-ette Books, an online bookshop specially customised for Muse-ette readers. Muse-ette Books has gathered a huge range of cycling books in one place for you to easily browse and, hopefully, buy. I've spent

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-50948763441908592732010-09-14T19:33:00.002+01:002010-09-14T20:02:16.964+01:00

The Race Around Ireland is now nearly two days old and what a couple of days it's been for the riders. Gale force winds and driving rain have made it even more gruelling than usual. I find myself looking out the window at the trees swaying and can't help feeling for the competitors as they grind down the west coast into that wind. The severity of the conditions were summed up by one of Thomas

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-2773889022885975352010-09-13T01:28:00.000+01:002010-09-13T01:28:50.082+01:00

I made it out tonight to see the start of this years Race Around Ireland. Following on the success of last years event, the second longest race in the world is back on our roads. 11 hard individuals, and two 2-man teams, set off into a wet, cold, night from Navan, Co Meath. Ahead of them lies 1,350 miles (2,160 km) of tough, tough riding on very little sleep. Some are out to win the race but

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-89082534774255385822010-09-11T00:25:00.006+01:002010-09-13T00:48:29.399+01:00

JJ McCormack It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of JJ McCormack, who passed away on Thursday night, after a long illness. Joe, or JJ as he was better known, was one of Ireland's top riders during a career that spanned a quarter of a century. Having started cycling, in his native Birr, in the late 1930's, JJ won his first national title in 1948. He followed that win with a

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-1964322751329163452010-09-08T20:58:00.000+01:002010-09-08T20:58:55.191+01:00

Ever wondered what happens to old bikes and bike bits? Apparently, in these eco-conscious times, there are lots of people out there thinking up creative ways of making use of old bike bits. Here're a few of my favourites. (Click on the photo to go to the original site). Jewellery: Bike Chain and Spoke Bracelet Cable and Bike Chain Bracelet Cuff "Links" Household Stuff: Bike

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-20790335633368011692010-09-03T10:59:00.000+01:002010-09-03T10:59:31.180+01:00

No explanation needed!

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-1980948235750299002010-09-02T12:24:00.000+01:002010-09-02T12:24:02.198+01:00

I hope my writing about it didn't jinx Chris Marris's record attempt but, unfortunately, his website is saying that the attempt has been stopped for safety reasons. He was almost half way across the continent at the time, and on schedule for a new record. Despite forecasts to the contrary, Chris had to endure very heavy rain for a large part of the four days he was on the road and it looked like

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-47421933880354636402010-08-31T13:44:00.002+01:002010-08-31T15:26:47.351+01:00

I am deeply saddened to hear the news that two-time Tour De France winner, Laurent Fignon, has lost his battle with cancer. He passed away earlier today, aged just 50. Fignon was a colourful figure, never afraid to speak his mind. A very impressive Tour winner in 1983, on his debut, and again in 1984, and Giro D'Italia winner in 1989, Fignon had the misfortune to be mostly remembered as the

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-4508527011268835242010-08-31T13:17:00.000+01:002010-08-31T13:17:28.518+01:00

I am always fascinated by people doing mad things for the sake of it so I was delighted to hear about the Flying Cyclist via Facebook this morning. The Flying Cyclist is 25 year old Chris Marris, and he is currently about 1,000km into an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for cycling from Perth, on the west coast of Australia, to Sydney, on the east coast. That's a total of approx

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-53141639034839908992010-08-28T20:57:00.000+01:002010-08-28T20:57:30.764+01:00

Back in March I wrote a post which asked the question "What is it with dogs and bikes?". You can read it by clicking here. I finished the post by asking for any good bike v dog stories. I got no replies at the time but no matter because now I can add one of my own. Although sitting here right now I'm not sure that good is the right word. Yesterday morning I went for a spin with my mate, Stephen.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-46013608294706535552010-08-26T00:50:00.000+01:002010-08-26T00:50:22.080+01:00

the muse-ette now has a new address on the interweb. You can now find us at: http://www.muse-ette.com Of course, the old address http://muse-ette.blogspot.com will still work too so if you have it bookmarked, not to worry, you needn't change anything.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-28115411123760554652010-08-24T01:26:00.001+01:002010-08-24T01:53:22.537+01:00

A typical MAMIL. It's always disconcerting to hear a new term being bandied humorously about in the media and then realise it applies to you! Todays acronym is MAMIL. That is "Middle Aged Men In Lycra". Apparently this is the new name given to those of us over the age of 40(ish) who've taken to the roads on our Alu-Carbon or Full Carbon steeds, happy to be seen in public in our (sometimes very

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-65002437682861060872010-08-19T00:12:00.000+01:002010-08-19T00:12:28.296+01:00

One of the best things about Foyle CC's i100 is the fact they have a photographer out on course taking pics of everyone. They really are nice to see afterwards. Below are a few I've selected, mainly of myself and Kevin, but you can see them all by following these links: Photos 1 Photos 2 Cruising in the morning mist. Great view of Mamore. Joe Barr (left) makes it look easy. Kevins

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-12969770299042100612010-08-18T01:17:00.001+01:002011-08-04T10:13:54.854+01:00

Having been to Inishowen on holidays with my family (but without my bike) earlier in the summer I was very keen to find a way to do some riding there. When Kevin Clarke told me he was riding the Inishowen 100 sportive I saw my chance and got my entry in. Run by Foyle Cycling Club in Derry, the Inishowen 100 follows the approximately 100 mile tourist driving route of the same name on a very

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-80968901982279400052010-08-02T18:41:00.002+01:002010-08-02T18:44:41.869+01:00

Congratulations to Fionnan and his colleagues who completed their ride from Paris to Geneva in one piece last week. Fionnan sent this message and pic: Over 570kms over 4 days (due to bonus miles thrown in due to wrong turns)! We finished on Wednesday with a climb up and over the Jura Mountains and Col de la Faucille as featured in 10 previous Tour de France's. It was both the toughest cycle and

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-11619317815937043112010-07-28T00:20:00.000+01:002010-07-28T00:20:56.229+01:00

Found these on YouTube. I certainly don't agree with the compilers choice of riders or the rankings and I reckon the palmares are not all correct. But on the other hand there's some great old footage in them. Magni pulling the bars with his teeth, Kellys dreadul hardshell helmet, Hinault riding to Liege in the snow, etc, etc, etc. And there're some inspired music choices too. Don't Stop

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-60436252428444752122010-07-27T01:49:00.000+01:002010-07-27T01:49:29.927+01:00

Today I'm weary. My legs are a bit sore and, when I cycled to the bank this afternoon, some of the areas in contact with the saddle were a bit tender! The reason for this wreckage is that yesterday I completed the 160km (or 100 mile) An Post Heritage Tour of Meath. Actually it was closer to 166km, making it the longest day in the saddle for me since I got back on the bike two years ago. I had

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-79505170481698574372010-07-20T11:33:00.000+01:002010-07-20T11:33:25.497+01:00

When John Gadret attacked the Contador group on the Port de Bales yesterday my first reaction was "What about Roche chasing back behind". It didn't seem to occur to Harmon and Kelly at all and then, in the excitement of the Andy Schleck chain incident, I forgot about it. Well, it seems it'll take a while for Roche to forget it! Read his column in todays Irish Independent here

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-85605324036371205992010-07-19T19:35:00.000+01:002010-07-19T19:35:10.753+01:00

A relative of mine, and fellow cyclist, Fionnan O'Dwyer is about to embark on a new challenge. Last year Fionnan rode with a group from Dublin to Paris to raise funds for the Irish Hospice Foundation. This year he'll continue his efforts by riding from Paris to Geneva. The ride is due to start next Sunday, the 24th July, and it'll take Fionnan 4 days to complete the approx 500km, including a

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-24696268513247897082010-07-08T00:49:00.001+01:002010-07-08T00:54:22.372+01:00

I just got back from one of the best cycling related trips I've taken yet. Myself and Stephen O'Shea flew yesterday morning to Charleroi to take in one of the most anticipated Tour stages in a while. The plan was to hire a car at the airport, head to the days only KOH and then dash into France to catch the peloton on one of the days pavé sections and, hopefully, see some real action. Of course,

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-46240720687525183962010-07-05T22:17:00.000+01:002010-07-05T22:17:36.787+01:00

I've been boiling over today, after seeing the farce that was the finale of stage 2 of the TDF into Spa. Coming on top of the whinging comments about tomorrows cobbles from riders such as Jens Voigt, it really makes you wonder about todays riders. They sound more like Premiership footballers every day. I was going to get into details but this post from IrishPeleton.com sums it up for me (http://

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-35534342880270895532010-06-28T15:57:00.000+01:002010-06-28T15:57:09.229+01:00

Dublin North Physiotherapy Clinic caters for a number of injuries and conditions including; sports injuries, women’s health and continence, workplace injuries, orthopaedic injuries, joint pain and neuromuscular disorders. Services Provided: • Private Professional Consultations to create personalised rehabilitation programmes aimed to prevent re-injury in the future. • Hands on treatments such

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-45034967225289592492010-06-20T01:06:00.001+01:002010-06-20T01:19:01.412+01:00

It was great to see city centre racing return to the streets of Dublin tonight. Even better to see Garmins Dan Martin and the An Post team ride away from the field of seasoned British pros and Irish national and provincial teams. Martin dominated the race over a partly cobbled course, lapping most of the field,  while the An post boys rode what was effectively a team time trial, with four of

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-30481637621941590152010-06-16T20:31:00.000+01:002010-06-16T20:31:13.359+01:00

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-25624357805090022582010-06-16T12:38:00.000+01:002010-06-16T12:38:02.932+01:00

So Bruyneel is "speechless" that his golden boys haven't been welcomed with open arms to the Vuelta. Well, when he say's speechless that doesn't include copious tweets and a very long press release on the subject.  Here's his speechless reaction in full: “I am not only surprised, I am speechless. At first I  thought it was a mistake so I called organizer Javier Guillén for some explanation. He

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-17299192426836389112010-06-15T01:24:00.000+01:002010-06-15T01:24:53.705+01:00

This year I finally made it. No health issues, no family emergencies, nothing to stop me getting to Greystones at an unearthly hour on Sunday morning to do the Wicklow 100. There is something wrong with getting out of bed at 4:30 am just to ride a bike but at least it was already bright, reasonably warm and the sky was clear and breeze-less. It was also great to have a traffic free trip down.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-83204093771466857842010-06-09T15:28:00.001+01:002010-06-09T15:30:01.343+01:00

This is a nice piece where RTE legend Jimmy Magee reminisces about THAT Time Trial from the '85 Nissan where Kelly blew the field away. Enjoy. PS Don't mind the Milan-San Remo heading. That's a YouTube mistake.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-31329595621552631812010-06-03T15:57:00.000+01:002010-06-03T15:57:20.678+01:00

It looks like the rumours about Cancellaras "motorized doping" might be true after all. Look at this exclusive footage of his secret testing session.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-24134202010790207482010-05-31T19:54:00.001+01:002010-05-31T20:12:39.562+01:00

Do you want the good news or the bad news? Good news: Alejandro Valverde has finally been handed a worldwide ban to go alongside the ban he received in Italy last May. CAS upheld appeals by the UCI and WADA which essentially contended that the Spanish Cycling Federation should have instituted proceedings against him, instead of just the Italians, and that therefore his ban should be worldwide.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-14988357395348253002010-05-25T01:46:00.001+01:002010-05-25T01:47:39.692+01:00

I was shocked to hear tonight of the passing of Limericks David Hourigan, winner of the 1992 Manx International. He was 38. His body was found in a hotel in Thailand. Reports suggest he may have been dead for a number of days before staff discovered his body. The circumstances of his death are being investigated. David was a dominant rider in Ireland in the 80's and 90's. Apart from his Manx win

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-13194763021434155592010-05-21T14:38:00.000+01:002010-05-21T14:38:31.786+01:00

Great ringside seat video of the aftermath of Lance's crash in the Tour of California and the decision to abandon.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-57281861430816614452010-05-21T13:12:00.000+01:002010-05-21T13:12:28.632+01:00

24 hours later and the Floyd Landis story has moved on somewhat with all kinds of unsubstantiated accusations flying in both directions. Not unexpectedly Lance and Bruyneel have responded by essentially labelling Landis as crazy. Lance's statement accuses Landis of harassing him along with some bizarre comments about Landis living alone in the woods with no-one to talk to. Bruyneel accuses

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-49512431559072536902010-05-20T13:31:00.001+01:002010-05-20T14:50:50.075+01:00

In a classic wagon circling response Pat McQuaid is quoted on the BBC website saying: "What's his agenda? The guy is seeking revenge. It's sad, it's sad for cycling. It's obvious he does hold a grudge. He already made those accusations in the past. I have to question the guy's credibility. There is no proof of what he says. We are speaking about a guy who has been condemned for doping before a

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-55587479306560973952010-05-20T13:07:00.000+01:002010-05-20T13:07:37.731+01:00

In an extraordinary about face Floyd Landis has given an interview to the US press admitting to doping and claiming to have written emails to various people/bodies blowing the whistle on several high profile riders, managers and officials and their allegedly dodgy practices. He's also raised big questions about doping procedures and enforcement. This is going to be a hell of a sh*t storm! He

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-35771861556578430112010-05-18T23:12:00.001+01:002010-05-18T23:15:26.298+01:00

Yesterday Shane Stokes tweeted a link to a BBC story about the worlds "most dangerous" road and how mountain biking down it has become the adventure of choice for thousands of travellers every year. I was intrigued and had to know more. The road in question is the "highway" between La Paz and Coroico in Bolivia. Built by POWs in the 30's it earned it's "Most Dangerous Road in the World" tag due

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-69273315965628751282010-05-18T00:17:00.001+01:002010-05-18T00:18:01.800+01:00

The horrendous weather that the Giro D'Italia has been enduring this week reminded me of this famous finish at Pinerolo in 2007. It only took one Tinkoff rider to slip on the sponsors logo painted on the road and it was like a game of skittles. If you look closely enough you'll even see Nico Roche take a tumble.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-46851856561574461042010-05-17T10:32:00.004+01:002010-05-17T10:39:54.067+01:00

These are too good not to post. Thanks to Stephen O'Shea for sending them to me. Lampre sign top descender. Flanders has new President lined up for after the break up of Belgium.

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-65602142076809483752010-04-27T23:26:00.001+01:002010-04-27T23:27:47.379+01:00

For a while now I've been getting a bit pissed off watching riders chucking their gel packets and bits of food wrapping on the road as they go. Well, it seems this might be about to catch up with them. A Belgian environmental group is pressing for charges to be brought against three named riders in the Fleche Wallonne, citing Walloonian waste management laws. They say they witnessed the three

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-78384341770998957992010-04-24T11:18:00.002+01:002010-04-24T11:25:32.223+01:00

I'm torn this week. As someone who believes everyone deserves a fair crack of the whip, and who has never been a "throw away the key" type, I've always thought that once you've done your time you should be free to get on with it like anyone else. So why does the final overall classification of the 2.1 ranked Giro Del Trentino stick in my craw so much? Here's the top five: 1Alexandre

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-77165353755830843422010-04-21T13:01:00.001+01:002010-04-21T13:03:01.620+01:00

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-11359269832499827872010-04-12T19:49:00.000+01:002010-04-12T19:49:02.224+01:00

Yesterday was the second running of the Kare Tour de Foothills Sportive. In total approx 450 riders of all ages and abilities took part over a choice of three routes covering 100km, 50km and 20km to raise money for Kare, an organisation that provides services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Kildare/Wicklow/Offaly region. By far the biggest group was in the 100km ride

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-76476241729704119362010-04-09T20:42:00.001+01:002010-04-09T20:43:18.307+01:00

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-79938523521516382912010-04-06T22:26:00.000+01:002010-04-06T22:26:44.119+01:00

I know I said that this is getting like a gossip column with all the Ricco/Rossi posts lately, but events over the past week mean another post on the subject is unavoidable. However, this time it's not Ricco character flaws I'm interested in, but more the developing story of the Rossi's positive test. Just to recap, following the Italian Cyclo-Cross Championships on January 10th, the A sample

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-34744172984524952902010-03-22T22:23:00.000Z2010-03-22T22:23:18.515Z

Twice within the space of a mile on Sunday I had to deal with that scourge of the cyclist, the chasing dog. The first incident was with two dogs running along parallel to me but in a garden behind a fence. I could see that the fence had chicken wire tacked all along it, presumably to keep the dogs off the road, so wasn't bothered by them. Unfortunately whoever put up the wire didn't do such a

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-79385999773073814642010-03-20T01:14:00.000Z2010-03-20T01:14:52.805Z

This is turning into a gossip column! This week Riccardo Ricco returns to the peloton at the Coppi et Bartali race in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. And, on the face of it, he finally appears to be showing some understanding of just what he's actually done. "I made a mistake, I know, but I’m human, too and people make mistakes in life. I’m sorry. I want to apologise to all the cycling fans

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-12896419555219205802010-03-05T18:05:00.001Z2010-03-05T18:05:36.076Z

I registered for the Kare Tour De Foothills today. It'll be the first sportive of the year for me but hopefully not the last, like last year! It's on Sunday 11th April, starting and finishing in Naas GAA club. There'll be 100km, 50km and 20km options. They haven't announced the routes yet but I suppose they'll be similar to last year. I did the 100km then, on a beautiful sunny day. The

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-39442765825408110952010-03-02T23:53:00.000Z2010-03-02T23:53:33.883Z

Just when you thought the Ricco/Rossi soap opera couldn't get worse the guy digs himself down even deeper into the mire. Now we can add delusion and desertion to his growing list of reprehensible traits. Read this and, literally, weep: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ricco-believes-the-tifosi-are-on-his-side

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395120962970750676.post-52648066041046595682010-02-18T23:59:00.000Z2010-02-18T23:59:19.951Z

I was all set to write a long rant on what a s**t Riccardo Ricco has shown himself to be in how he's handled the news that the mother of his child has tested positive for CERA, but Europeloton has done it for me. Read the post here: http://www.europeloton.com/2010/02/riccardo-ricco-real-life-snake-but.html One aspect of the issue that Europeloton hasn't mentioned is Rossi's defense that she's a

Foxyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371916895010842207noreply@blogger.com0