Monthly Archives: September 2012
100 year old Robert Marchand aims for more cycling records
It would appear there is hope for everyone who thinks that they are over the hill as far as competitive racing goes. Robert Marchand, the French centenarian who earlier this year broke the age group world record for The Hour, is aiming to break another record – this time for riding 100 kilometres faster than anyone his age has ever managed before.
Robert celebrating his world hour record victory (at 100)
Today, Marchand, who will turn 101 in November, aims to cover the distance in less than five hours with an average speed of 22.5 kilometres an hour, reports Yahoo! Eurosport.
“If I make it, I’ll become the best in the world,” he said, “I know that all over the world, in China, in the United States, in Russia, they’re already looking for someone to beat my record.”
The distance shouldn’t prove too much for Marchand, who lives in Mitry-Mory near Paris. Earlier this year, he revealed: “For the last five years I have decided not to go for rides of more than 100km. There is no point going overboard. I want to keep cycling for some time yet.”
He has ridden the Ardèchoise every year since the sportive was launched in 1992, when he was aged 79, and even has a mountain pass in the area named after him, the Col Robert Marchand, which has an elevation of 911 metres – the last three digits of his year of birth.
Marchand, a former gym instructor to the Paris fire brigade who also boxed and was a decent weightlifter in his younger days, has attracted the attention of scientists keen to find out what lies behind his vitality.
Every three months, he undergoes tests at the Inserm public research institute in Switzerland.
“They told me I had the constitution of a 55-year-old man, they think it’s genetic,” he explained.
“I have never deprived myself of anything: not wine, not food, not women, but always with moderation.”
When asked if he planned to get any artificial help for his ride, Marchand insisted: “The only doping for me is water with a spoonful of honey that I put in my canteen – and that’s it.”
“If I was doping, though, maybe I could hit 35 km/h,” he added.
This article appeared on road.cc
Filed under Cycling related stuff
Review of Castelli AW 2012/2013
Whats new in the world of Castelli, to tempt you out on your bike this Autumn/Winter?
Castelli AW 2012/13
Two big carry overs from the summer making it to winter are Fluo Yellow and more takes on the onesee (onesy?) Castelli’s single piece race inspired wear, the San Remo Speed-suit has been joined by the Cross San Remo a thermo-flex version with 3/4 arms designed for cross racing but ideal for cool weather hard efforts, Taking the concept one step further is the San Remo Thermo-suit a X-Light plus fronted “jacket” and Thermoflex “tights” melded together for perfect protection ,comfort and convenience or as Castelli say “A new way to dress warm and light this winter” read more at the link above.
Another concept carried over from the summer is the Kit theme a range of designs that complement each other perfectly jackets, tights, vests and jerseys get a team look without the sponsors logos, on a practical note these lines are highly visible and are certain to get you noticed on the dark winter evenings. Check out the Velocissimo jacket here
The water resistant and aero Gabba Long sleeve jersey (perfect for the UK) continues but with the addition of a highly visible Fluo version.
This winter also sees new high-end protection for the extremities with the Estremo Glove and Shoecover, very warm and built to last they will be a big hit with riders who don’t stop when the weather does its worst.
Mens AW 2013 Range on Castelli Cafe
Ladies get the biggest winter offering ever with Jackets for every condition in colour ways from classy black and stylish white to Subtle cherry.
There is also the new Tenerissimo Bib Tight for snug warmth in the coldest conditions.
Filed under Castelli Stuff
Bradley Wiggins; GQ’s Lifetime Achievement Award
The man they call “Wiggo” chose perhaps the best year in which to become the first Briton to win the Tour De France. Wiggins’ victory came a mere five days before the start of the London 2012 Olympics and his glory roused the hopes of the nation and formed the perfect start of what would ultimately be an immensely successful Games for Team GB. Fresh after receiving a congratulatory message from the Queen, the 32 year-old rang the bell at the Opening Ceremony and then rounded up a perfect summer by wining gold in the Time Trial on the fifth day of London 2012. In turn, he also became the most decorated British Olympian ever with seven medals in total – a record he now holds with Sir Chris Hoy. Not only has Wiggins dominated the sports realm and ignited a fresh interest in cycling amongst the population, he has also became a distinct mod icon (thanks in part to his fondness for Mark Powell bespoke). Not just one of the greatest cyclists of his generation, one almost feels that Wiggins deserves this Lifetime Achievement award simply for bringing sideburns back into fashion…
Filed under Cycling related stuff
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