Rocacorba Daily: Wednesday, March 27

March 27, 2013

Good morning and welcome to another edition of the Rocacorba Daily news roundup. Three Days De Panne started in Belgium yesterday and again Sagan showed his form in a stage that he described as, "It wasn't a true race". He's making the best riders in the Pro Peloton look like a bunch of C-Graders. Other than that, it's not a big day for the headlines so we're left to report on a bunch of non-news items as well as an in-depth look at which POV camera is the best. Enjoy!

Sagan takes Stage 1 of Driedaagse De Panne

Peter Sagan (Cannondale) is showing no signs of slowing down ahead of Tour of Flanders. Yesterday at Driedaagse (Three Days) De Panne he gave another demonstration of his versatility and spring classics form by winning the first stage of after going on the attack in the final 20km.

Sagan surged clear several times on the final climbs, dragging a group of 10 riders with him to the finish but still had the speed to outsprint Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Arnaud Demare (FDJ).

Peter Sagan (Canondale) throws it across the line ahead of Arnaud Demare (FdJ) the first stage of the Driedaagse van De Panne (Three Days de Panne)

Asked by CyclingWeekly if all this racing was too much ahead of Flanders, he said that he could dial it back if he needs to.

“I’ll see tomorrow how it’ll go. Last year, I was able to win the first stage and on the second day it didn’t go so well. I think to win the GC, with the third day and going all out in the crono would be throwing away too much energy for Flanders,” Sagan said in a press conference after his win in Zottegem.

“We’ll see tomorrow how it goes; however, I think it was more about good training today rather than a true race.”

Other Tour of Flanders favorites Chavanel and Boonen came in 4th and 19th respectively. Cancellara sat this one out.

See video of final kilometers, full results and general classification from stage 1 of Driedaagse De Panne here

Ciolek returns to action after Sanremo win

Gerald Ciolek (MTN-Qhubeka) returned to action overnight in the Driedaagse van De Panne after his surprise Milano-Sanremo victory last week. Yesterday he came in 33rd position on stage 1 in which Sagan took the win.

Gerald Ciolek outsprints Milan - San Remo favorites Sagan and Cancellara and after a short break he's now back racing.

He said he had time to reflect on the win while at home in Cologne, Germany.

“I celebrated during a nice dinner with friends and family. It really just felt like a usual week, with two days off and then back on the bike training,” Ciolek told Cycling Weekly.

“[It's] a great story, we were there as a wildcard team and we took home the victory,” Ciolek said. “If you look at the riders who were racing in Milan-San Remo, like Songezo Jim, who just learnt to ride the bike a few years ago. These are the great stories beside the race.”

The African team raced thanks to a wildcard invitation, fielding the first Black African Songezo Jim along with Ciolek.

Wiggins not worried

Bradley Wiggins (Sky) appears behind after crushing his competition in every stage race last year heading to the Tour de France. As goal number one approaches, the Giro d’Italia, he has only managed fifth overall in the Volta a Catalunya.

The Brit said he is not worried.

“I’m happy with my training and I’m happy with the level that I’ve found,” Wiggins told France’s L’Equipe newspaper. “At times, I thought I’d never make it [through Catalunya]. This week has been pretty good to me.”

Wiggins started his season in the Challenge Mallorca, where he place 161st and 152nd in stages. At the Tour of Oman, he placed 74th. In contrast, last year he placed second in the Volta ao Algarve, won Paris-Nice, Tour de Romandie and Critérium du Dauphiné.

Read more here.

Hesjedal’s aim on Giro d’Italia

Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) is aiming on repeating his Giro d’Italia win before worrying about the Tour de France. Like last year, he wants to close the Giro in good form for the French Grand Tour.

“I am not thinking too far ahead right now I want to do my best with the No. 1 bib at the Giro and go from there,” Hesjedal told VeloNews. “Just based on my experience, I always come out of the Giro in a good way.”

Ryder Hesjedal and Joaquin Rodriguez fight it out on stage 20 of the 2012 Giro d'Italia which Hesjedal eventually won the overall in the final ITT the next day. Photo: RCS Sport

Hesjedal became Canada’s first Giro d’Italia winner last year, defeating Thomas De Gendt (Vacansoleil-DCM). He looked ready to challenge for the Giro-Tour double, but was taken out in the “Metz massacre” in stage six of the Tour.

Read more here.

Boonen goes retro

Tom Boonen (OmegaPharma-Quick Step) took on a retro look for a special magazine in Belgian daily, Het Nieuwsblad. He gladly played along – dressed in retro gloves, helmet and jersey – to celebrate the 100th edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen this Sunday.

Read more here.

Cycling Ireland holds key to McQuaid’s UCI re-election

Pat McQuaid’s bid to run for a third term as head of cycling’s governing body (UCI) hinges on a meeting at home. Cycling Ireland will decide this week in Dublin whether it will nominate him to run again.

“There appears to be three possible outcomes to the meeting,” wrote Velonation. “The board decides to back McQuaid’s third bid for presidency, it declines to do so, or it allows the members to decide, calling an [meeting] where the clubs would vote on the matter.”

Critics have called his presidency into doubt because of the Lance Armstrong scandal. Over the winter, Change Cycling Now (CCN) called for three-time Tour de France winner, Greg LeMond to step in temporarily.

Read more here.

Inside Cannondale’s Gent-Wevelgem

After Peter Sagan’s win at Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday, Team Cannondale put out their own version of “Backstage Pass”.

POV Action Cam Shootout – Which Camera Is The Best?

If you’re in the market for a GoPro, Contour, or any other POV (point of view) video camera to capture your riding escapades, there is a very good and thorough article on RoadBikeReview which compares six of the big names: Contour+2, the GoPro Hero3 Black, the JVC Adixxion, the Sony Action Cam, the Replay XD1080, and the Drift Ghost HD – the top POV cameras in terms of features, specs and performance.

(View in 1080p and full screen for best results)

In the end, the following conclusions were made in the review:

Best Video Quality: GoPro Hero3 Black Edition
Best Value: Sony Action Cam
Easiest To Use: JVC Adixxion
Best Overall: GoPro Hero3 Black

tags: Rocacorba Daily

Previous Article Next Article

Paolo

“good training today rather than a true race.”…i wish my training would include ripping the peloton apart during a nice 200km stroll through Flanders.
inopinatus

Today’s NRR report. Had a big night out so joined the 6am bunch for a change rather than 05:45. Man what a difference. All over the road, three or four abreast, sitting in the other lane oblivious to traffic, shouting at each other, and the cherry on the cake was the front half rolling through a red light *right in front of a police car* despite ample stopping distance. Muppets. Absolute muppets.

If you were in there wearing NRS kit (many were) then you did your sponsor a disservice today. Looking at you, target trek, charter mason, bicycle network. Get your riders in line.
- Anonymous
  
  I joined at Mordi and did Two Bays and I must say it was reasonably well behaved (other than the rude pace)
  - inopinatus
    
    Ah, yeah, the long groups are usually more disciplined.
    
    My remarks relate principally to the North Rd -> Mordy leg.
- jules
  
  it’s just an example of group behaviour dynamics. individuals feel less responsible for their actions when they are ‘shared’ with those of others. you need a leader to impose control - bunches at organised races are a good example, where discipline is imposed.
  - inopinatus
    
    Aye. Every now and then someone gives a speech before the bunch rolls out and it seems to improve everyone’s discipline.
- ohyeah
  
  You forgot to mention Satalyst and Search2retain/heath.com.au. The Wednesday morning bunch is worse than the Tuesday/Thursday. I avoid it at all costs. Better training is the SpewAM sessions being conducted by various groups. 6-10 riders leaving a few minutes before and doing their best to hold the bigger bunches off. Thats training.
- WOODYSWHEELS
  
  I thought today’s bunch was quite good!!
- http://www.facebook.com/stuart.cameron.587 Stuart Cameron
  
  I am not sure what ride you were doing and which red light you are referring to? As a member of Charter Mason I am quite confused - tere was only two masters riders in the bunch today and we only joined the ride from Mt Eliza home……if you are talking about the way down well there was no Charter Mason and I take offence and if you are talking about the way home then I am not sure which ride you were on but the ride you describe above is simply not accurate. Like you I gave up 6am NRR long a year ago and do the 5;45 regularly for the same reasons you describe but did return with it this morning and it was pretty much excellent form the whole way home - or at least between top of Two Bays to teh Clocktower. The bunch stopped at many red lights today, many that had only just turned amber. As for three and four abreast this also did not happen. The bunch was noticebly large and so quite long - as is normal when the line is as long as this morning there will be times when a light changes AFTER the first 5 or 10 riders have gone through - if that happens you cant go back and stop after the fact and the onus is on those who do hit the light at amber/red to stop even if means that you loose the wheel in front and splits the bunch. The roll did swap to rolling to the outside as is normal in a wind of this mornings direction, the following riders formed an echelon back toward the gutter so perhaps from a way back it looked four abreast but it simply was not the case in the rolling bunch. Again when the bunch size increases to large numbers as it was this morning and about 1/3rd are doing turns at the front there is ofetn times where - as you slow for a RED LIGHT :) - the middle of the bunch runs up into the slowing rolling bunch like a squeeze box - happened forever and will happen forever when a bunch gets over about 20 riders. Strange comments and I think an unfair sledge on brand names if you are referring to the way home and certainly un unfair one to Charter Mason if you are talking about the way down - and as you can see feel comfortable enough with the FACTS I have writen above to post without the need for an alias
  - http://www.facebook.com/stuart.cameron.587 Stuart Cameron
    
    Hey there - sorry just noticed your clarification about which version of NRR you are talking about. Pity I didnt read that until after I had spent 10 minutes on my “typo” filled soapbox speach about the good behaviou of the long version. The CharterMason brand is certainly against the behaviour you describe and comments/observations will be discussed.
    - The Castlemaine Pooch
      
      Kudos to Stu for going on record here to address the concerns raised. There should be more team managers like this who are aware of the day to day actions of their riders.
      
      The Masters CM team at Mansfield both supporting their NRS team and racing themselves was great to see too. They’re an impressive set up.
    - inopinatus
      
      Hey Stuart, thanks for responding all the same. I’d rather have the discussion. I don’t think I’m a very effective alias, it’s more of a habitual nickname. Googling “inopinatus” reveals exactly who I am …
      
      We definitely were on different editions today. I only wind up in the 6am bunch occasionally and I always resent it. The long group is better but if I find myself there I’ll skip Two Bays, turn left at Humphries instead, go full gas up there and hook onto the back of 05:45 to roll back with them.
      
      Re specifically Charter Mason, actually you guys are some of most disciplined in the bunch and a pleasure to share the work with. I wouldn’t normally name any names at all, but today the incident in front of the cops particularly irked me and, well, that was one of the logos I saw heading up the road. (I might add also props to the cycling-inform & holden jerseys who pulled up despite the guys behind them shouting “rolling!”).
      
      To reframe my view more constructively - what I hope for is for NRS riders, being highly visible and representing well-known names (and therefore having some essential kudos), to be unafraid to ask those around them to ride with discipline and care.
- NRS rider
  
  So only NRS riders are ‘named and shamed’? What about the shop teams etc out there as well, are they immune from criticism?
  
  And FYI, I recall stopping at the infamous red light down to Mordy and noticing the police car, so best not to paint everyone with the same brush.
  
  The problem is (and always will be) the commonsense and etiquette of guys on the front when it comes to stopping. Too often they go through with disregard for the riders behind who have done the right thing and stopped. If the guys at the front always slowed for those who have stopped to allow them to get back on, seldom would this be an issue.
inopinatus

Today’s NRR report. Had a big night out so joined the 6am bunch for a change rather than 05:45. Man what a difference. All over the road, three or four abreast, sitting in the other lane oblivious to traffic, shouting at each other, and the cherry on the cake was the front half rolling through a red light *right in front of a police car* despite ample stopping distance. Muppets. Absolute muppets.

If you were in there wearing NRS kit (many were) then you did your sponsor a disservice today. Looking at you, target trek, charter mason, bicycle network. Get your riders in line.
Pedals

I’m pleased to say I’ve checked with all CharterMason NRS riders and no one was on that ride as they where tucked up in bed.
We take road rules very serious.
Road rules are serious weather in the car or on the bike.
- inopinatus
  
  I’m curious then - are there people in jerseys with “Charter Mason” on, in some form, that aren’t current NRS team members?
Leigh Parsons

Further to Stu Cameron’s remarks, CharterMason NRS riders sign a contract that states they need to abide by the road rules. It is also part of their rider handbook, so no excuses. If one of the lads is not doing the right thing, I want to know about it. Part of what we are trying to impress our our lads is that they are a brand in themselves. They need to take care of it and develop it as part of their development as a rider. To be marketable to larger higher level teams, they need to be the full package, not just a great bike rider. And yes, they need to understand that their behaviour does impact on sponsor brands directly. For us and other companies to continue to invest in the riders and the sport, the must conduct themselves as professionals in every sense of the word.
Leigh Parsons

Further to Stu Cameron’s remarks, CharterMason NRS riders sign a contract that states they need to abide by the road rules. It is also part of their rider handbook, so no excuses. If one of the lads is not doing the right thing, I want to know about it. Part of what we are trying to impress our our lads is that they are a brand in themselves. They need to take care of it and develop it as part of their development as a rider. To be marketable to larger higher level teams, they need to be the full package, not just a great bike rider. And yes, they need to understand that their behaviour does impact on sponsor brands directly. For us and other companies to continue to invest in the riders and the sport, the must conduct themselves as professionals in every sense of the word.

CYCLINGTIPS ON INSTAGRAM

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

LONGTERM SUPPORTERS

Rocacorba Daily: Wednesday, March 27

March 27, 2013

Sagan takes Stage 1 of Driedaagse De Panne

Ciolek returns to action after Sanremo win

Wiggins not worried

Hesjedal’s aim on Giro d’Italia

Boonen goes retro

Cycling Ireland holds key to McQuaid’s UCI re-election

Inside Cannondale’s Gent-Wevelgem

POV Action Cam Shootout – Which Camera Is The Best?