The Bike Lane: The End is Just the Beginning

Season 2, Episode 11

Welcome to the final episode in season 2 of The Bike Lane. With the Giro d'Italia now over we look back at the race's critical moments and ask: what will this year's race be remembered for? We also speak to Geraint Thomas about the leadership at Team Sky, we speak to Robbie McEwen about Orica-GreenEDGE's fortunes in 2013, Scott gets the lowdown on sports drinks in the Target Healthy Living Tips and we've got the much anticipated showdown between Wade and Scott in The Hot Lap. Enjoy!

In this episode we cover the following topics:

The Giro d’Italia
- How the race was won
- How the race will be remembered
- How Cadel Evans performed
- Mark Cavendish and the points classification
- Leigh Howard shares his thoughts about the race and about his place at Orica-GreenEDGE

Weekend Warrior, presented by Champion System
An interview with Robbie McEwen: how has Orica-GreenEDGE gone so far this season?
An interview with Geraint Thomas: has the media’s focus Sky’s Tour de France leadership affected the team at all?
Target Healthy Living Tips: Scott talks with Kylie Andrew at the VIS about sports drinks
The Hot Lap: Scott McGrory vs Wade Wallace — who will win? And can either of them beat Shane Kelly’s time of 1:20.2?
What’s On Your Mind? Electronic gearing: is it any good?
The build-up to the Tour de France

Be sure to follow The Bike Lane on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

A very special thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters who have made this season possible:

The Bike Gallery and Salford Lads Club for having us film there
Malachi Moxon and Northside Wheelers for giving The Bike Lane a permanent home
The Sweetshop, our production partner
Swensk for dressing our panellists
Will Walker
Shifter Bikes
Shelley Farthing-Dawe
Joel Harmsworth
Crispy Chris Dewhurst
Nick Batterham
Sarah Freeman
Jezza Hamilton

Tags: 2013 Giro d'Italia, The Bike Lane

xponti

Hmmm. Paul Mapp from the comments nominated Peter Weening as the Weekend Warrior…….I checked ’cause I was the one who nominated Navardaskus for his second place salute. Either way, you guys rock for what you are doing. Loving the bike lane.
- Paulmapp
  
  Weening was certainly my pick but happy with the mention sorry xponti. I’ll share the prize. Oh wait there isn’t one.
  
  Must speak to T.Waterhouse about framing a bike lane TDF market for July.
  
  Thanks Bike lane come back soon.
  - Ivan Von Dork
    
    Oh please, for the love of all that is good - don’t let Tom Waterhouse anywhere near cycling. Please dear God.
    - Dave
      
      Getting him involved in Keirin could be a good idea, because it’s highly regulated and there would be no danger of live crosses from the velodrome because of their strict anti-corruption rules.
http://dutchielovescycling.tumblr.com Marianne Westacott-Clermonts

I have thoroughly enjoyed this season of the Bike Lane. Hope there will be many more to follow. Maybe a women’s cycling segment can be included in the next season? Thanks guys!
dw

Love you show. I’m surprised this hasn’t been picked up by a television network already. Keep up the great work and come back soon.
- Notso Swift
  
  Careful what you wish for because TV would most likely ruin it
  Less flexibility (strict 21min format) too many suits giving their opinion on how to “improve it”
  
  Commercial drivers need to be stronger, which also effects content and what the guys can say (everything becomes more formal). Even seeming flexible options like C31 want $30k for their slot, plus your production costs
  - JBS
    
    Beat me too it.
    
    I vote no for putting this on TV. IT’s current form has a flexibility and charm that would be quickly lost on the box. The webisodes also lend to this forum discussion beautifully.
  - http://www.facebook.com/pmark1bike pmark1bike
    
    Also it would end up being shown at 11:15pm on a Tuesday night due to the limited audience, much better as it is.
- HA
  
  I see Cycling Central trying to replicate the Bike Lane last Sunday. . . Not good.
- Dave
  
  No, TV is just going through the motions as it slowly dies, including SBS.
Push Bike Writer

Here’s an idea for a Wade vs Scott battle: quickest time changing a rear wheel puncture. Get some.
- Ivan Von Dork
  
  Do it right… quickest time changing a rear tyre puncture, in the pitch dark, being filmed on night vision cameras. Edit to suit. Put in a few graphics saying “3 hours later…” “2 days later…”
Matt de Neef

Discussion thread #:1 What was your most memorable moment from this year’s Giro d’Italia?
- Notso Swift
  
  The Weather - it eclipsed all else and framed the individual performances with context.
  Nibali riding out of the snow to win on Saturday was a moment equivalent to Andy Hamsten’s 1986 legend, people will talk about this in years to come
  - White Ninja
    
    Agreed, has to be the weather . Seeing riders crossing the finish line with snow falling was amazing.
  - Ivan Von Dork
    
    Can’t argure with your choice there. Indeed, if they’d gone to Sestrierre or the top of Galibier? It definitely would have eclipsed 1988. Conversely, they could probably ditch the bright pink plastic moulded Princess Diaries chair during the final celebrations.
- Ben Pilot
  
  Toss up between Adam Hanson and the amazing weather!!!
- velocite
  
  Sammy Sanchez’s face, repeatedly, as he waited for someone to beat his time in the mountain time trial.
Matt de Neef

Discussion thread #2: How did you rate Cadel Evans’ performance at the Giro? And how will he go at the Tour de France?
- echidna_sg
  
  surpassed expectations at the Giro, probable podium contender for TdF pending a good recovery… AND pending how Sky actually ends up riding the race… if its mano-e-mano the whole way, I can see Cadel benefiting from that…
- jules
  
  wiggo and froome will duke it out halfway up mt ventoux, contador will be unable to contact dr fuentes on the rest day and fade in the 3rd week, and cadel will inherit the yellow jersey despite not being at his best. richie porte will destroy everyone in the 3rd week but drop too much time in the first 2 pulling froome along.
  - Scott McGrory
    
    Jules throw $100 at Tom Waterhouse with that prediction mate. Cadel gets the Tour victory and with those odds you’ll bankrupt Tom. Win win I say.
    - jules
      
      i’d be happy to throw something at that bloke but it’s not money!
    - http://www.facebook.com/pmark1bike pmark1bike
      
      Tom Waterhouse is almost a swear word these days! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=911yDJBYW6Q
- Notso Swift
  
  Encouraging, but a little short on the key TT’s
  He has never done that well on the really sharp climbs and works better where he can get a rhythm, which does auger well for the Tour… provided he recovers.
- Paulmapp
  
  When he’s in this good headspace anything seems possible. A positive and happy Cadel is the key to July. Big bit of rest, team orders sorted, little sharpen up in training. Who know’s? Loved his effort at the Giro and can wait to support him roadside at TDF. I do think Contador and Froome should smash the race to pieces in the high mountains with their pace. Shame Nibali not coming. Top 3 for me.
- http://subcontinentalcyclist.wordpress.com/ Ankush Agarwal
  
  Cadel was definitely missing a level at the Giro but I don’t see him on the podium of the Tour. Other riders who skipped the Giro will be at a much better level than him. Also, Cadel finished on the podium of the Giro because Hesjedal and Wiggins dropped out of the race. Having said that, I would love to be proved wrong by Cadel, the cuddly beast.
- Ivan Von Dork
  
  Being Australians we’re always going to discuss Cadel Evans if he performs well in a Grand Tour, but to be frank? Cadel? Seriously mate? Do something about your public speaking… you’re really starting to come across like an Accountant who gave up book keeping because it was a bit too exciting.
  - Abdu
    
    Sheez, doesn’t seem Cadel can win either way… When he’s grumpy and telling people “Don’t stand on my dog!” he cops it, now he’s got it all under control you think he’s too boring?
    - Ivan Von Dork
      
      Mate, he’s just an athlete who rides a bike for a living. Don’t over think it.
      - Scott Barrow
        
        I think what you see in how Cadel races, is his best way of competing. If he didn’t race the way he does he probably wouldn’t be there at all. I would argue his ability to extract performance from himself is his greatest strength - to extract so much out seemlingly so “little”. ie. no knockout weapons in his arsenal. This is not to criticise, but credit him.
- Ben Pilot
  
  The guy has true grit…. Enough said!!
Matt de Neef

Discussion thread #3: How do you see Orica-GreenEDGE’s season so far? And how will they perform at Le Tour?
- Neil
  
  Disappointing. Team seem as though they have been banging on about perfecting their sprint train since this time last year. What’s the plan B other than Matt Goss for a sprint finish? Would love to see them buy a climber or two who can animate a race.
  - Ian
    
    Totally agree, and only 2 comments on this OGE question seems to say that folks are pretty underwhelmed with the team. Would like to be proved wrong, but I can’t see them doing much of note at the TdF.
- Bob
  
  I always thought the second year for OGE would be a bit of a struggle, but in the long run prove to be a year of consolidation and a vital stepping stone for some of the younger riders. When other teams have started from scratch in the past a similar pattern has emerged to OGE. The rosters consist of some aging warriors, one or two capable of mixing it with the best and a host of largely unknown promising younger riders. The OGE younger riders are well known to us, but very much untapped potential to the rest of the cycling world.
  The real results come in time with the development of the younger riders on the roster, who with OGE are currently finding their way.
  Gerrans, Albasini and Goss can all win at the highest level, but are not a lock in and all require a bit of fortune.
  Durbridge, Cam Meyer, Clarke and Hepburn look to be the future of this team, and I hope one or more will develop into a bona fide star.
  I think OGE are on the right track by and large with their development program and it is heartening to see Gerry Ryan extending his commitment which should give these riders every chance. The risk is that teams with bigger cheque books come calling and reap the benefits of the work now being done by OGE.
  Garmin were essentially pack fill in their early days and now boast a GT and a couple of monument winners amongst their ranks. A little patience is required imo. Gilbert wasn’t exactly an overnight sensation.
  - Neil
    
    Completely agree that they have some good guys coming through - Bling Mathews and Leigh Howard I’d also add to your list.
    
    This discussion could be completely different if Gossy had the form of two years ago. At the moment, they have been anonymous in the Spring Classics (with the exception of Amstel), not seen at the Giro, and not looking likely for the Tour. Goss at the moment cannot beat Cav (or Greipel), so what’s the plan B for winning races?
    I really hope someone can give some of the mountain stages/non sprint days a crack.
    Failing that, get someone who can be top ten on GC. Give these young guys someone to ride for.
  - Dave
    
    Too many track riders at OGE, they need to find more hard men with a history exclusively on the road or going from MTB onto the road.
    - Bob
      
      I’m not sure a track background lends itself to a lack of hardness on the road. I’ve never heard anyone question O’Grady’s hardness and some of the exploits of the coming generation compare and/or exceed what Stuey achieved as a trackie.
      Granted if you are looking for climbers other avenues need to be explored, but in reality, how many teams without a major GT contender need climbers? Even teams supposedly with a climbing roster don’t win mountain stages all that often.
      Until OGE have a GC rider, then the sprint strategy for results is a better bet imo, just unfortunate that Cav happens to be around whilst they are applying this strategy.
      The interesting thing for me is how many changes to the roster are we likely to see this transfer season. Any coming ins and outs will tell us more about how they see their place in the peloton.
      - Scott McGrory
        
        Some former ‘soft’ Trackies - Wiggans, Thomas, O’Grady, Cooke, Phinney, Vande Velde, Steels, Rogers, Lancaster, Cavensidsh, Terpstra, Morkov/Rasmussen, Zabel, Stannard, Swift, Dowsett, Meyer, Martinello, Henderson, Aldag, Lombardi, Van Bon, Riis, just name a few.
        
        Perhaps climbers is the description you were indeed serching for Dave.
        
        Cheers.
        
        jules
        
        i’ll never forget renshaw fending off julian dean in the Tour with his head at 60+ km/h - i’m packing death in club race sprints just trying to hold a straight line #hard
        
        Ivan Von Dork
        
        Dave? You just hosed! (smile)
        
        Wayne Crowley
        
        Well said Scott, nothing soft about getting hammered on the track for 10 years in your teens. at the moment a GC rider would destabilize OGE. Stick with a classics sprint structure. Christ I can remember almost every night sitting up and loved watching Robbie and Stue O’Grady do the hard yards and perform. I do want to see more of OGE in breaks during TDF though.
        
        I know it has been covered but in two-three years what would it take to put a team together behind Richie Porte. Sick of watching him break his back for Sky riders.
        
        Paolo
        
        “Well said Scott, nothing soft about getting hammered on the track for 10 years in your teens” and be burned out by the time you’re 20. Check the list of Aussie U19 track world champions from the last 15 years (taking out the Salzwedel era) and where the ended up. Some made it to the pros, but Bobridge and Meyer were better TT’s as T. Martin as U19/U23. Now one is about he first rider to get dropped on every hill in the World Tour ( even i’ve heard about a hundred times on TV from Scott and other that he’ll be a GT GC contender,lol), the other one has the random result here and their and the third one is a 2x TT world champ on a 1.5Mill Euro contract. Keep smashing out the U19 track world champs Australia. Someone has to do it i guess.The big show is ruled by others.
        
        Scott McGrory
        
        Australia certainly does ‘manufacture’ U19 World Champions, but it’s up to the riders to have the mindset to continue on with that. While I don’t agree with the perceived added pressure that is placed on U19 National Team selection, the fact is that 80% of Aussie Pro’s have represented Aus at U19 level. The reality is also that only 20% of the Aus riders that have gone to U19 Worlds go through to Pro.
        
        Cam Meyer after having an operation on his under carriage during the Aus Summer came back well to finish 5th in Cali. Certainly not a GT but if you are aware of his numbers, then you’ll know that his power to weight does compare to potential GT top 10 riders. Jack’s physiology is exceptional (4:10min for 4km), don’t blame CA for him not achieving his potential, there’s a whole bunch of other stuff going on there. Also the fact that he has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
        
        Martin is a great rider, and we have Michael Rogers, went to U19 Worlds, Senior Track Team and is 3 x TT World Champ.
        
        We can debate this all day, and we do enjoy that. Here’s another stat, Martin is German, Germany with a population of 81mil have won the Tour de France once. Aus 22mil has also won it once. Cadel won bronze in an U19 World TT.
        
        Neil
        
        Scott do we focus too much on physiology? I’ve heard that Cav had a VO2 Max result so low that he was advised to find another career when he was starting out. I know there needs to be a certain base ability, but are we ignoring something else? What makes a guy like Durbo, who was dumped from the track program a success, and Jack B, who was the next big thing a disappointment?
        
        Scott McGrory
        
        Neil, good points mate.
        
        Physiology is measurable so it’s the best starting point. But without the right mindset it doesn’t mean much so that’s where time takes over, and eventually we see the results of those that really want it.
        
        True about Cav to a point, he was in the initial GB Team Pursuit squad but didn’t have the ability to ride well in TP’s at the speed the GB teams were going. He’s a lot like Robbie McEwen in that he doesn’t fit into the ‘normal’ parameters of talent identification.
        
        Durbo wasn’t hitting the short term power needed to go under 3:55min for the TP, but his strength is being revealed over longer ITTs etc. But I would have liked to see Luke kept in the Olympic Squad for a few more months, as I think they culled he and Cam Meyer too early and suffered because of it. Durbo missing the Games may have actually been catalyst to drive him forward, remembering that he had a great first Pro season last year without the Track (distraction).
        
        Matt K and I commentated the 2010 Commonwealth Games for Foxtel, and I stated that up to that point Rohan Dennis had been better Luke as a road rider. Luke confronted me at the following Tour Down Under and said, “so Rohan is better than me is he?”, “a friend told me you said that in the commentary!” I replied with, well mate up to now I think he has shown more in RR’s but you’re starting to get the better of him in the TT’s. He thought about it, and then agreed. So I told him to go out there and prove me wrong! After he sobered up, he’s been doing exactly that which shows his character. Jack B isn’t showing us that he has that kind of drive. I hope he can prove me wrong too.
        
        So some Aussie examples of the ‘Cav factor’ are Robbie, Simon Gerrans and Simon Clarke. An example the other way is Adam Hansen who was identified late because of his power data that had been sent to T-Mobile.
        
        Cheers.
- Ben Pilot
  
  They have certainly missed having Whitey there….
- velocite
  
  Should we have a South African as coach of the Australian Cricket team? Pieter Weening was great, love it that we have a Japanese rider and an Eritrean rider on ‘our’ team, but a part of me says OGE should all be aussies, or at least flying the flag for Oceania, wherever that is. At the tour? A couple more metres and Gossie would’ve beaten Cav at the World Champs year before last. Was that my imagination or has it disappeared? Baby steps…
- a different ben
  
  Interesting to see the opinions expressed about OGE’s results thus far. Objectively they’ve been a very successful team so far this season… see the team victory rankings produced by inrng: http://inrng.com/2013/05/team-victory-rankings-may-2013/. He’s taken data from races and simply added up stage wins and overall wins. OGE are equal third with Lotto-Belisol, and only Sky and OPQS have more.
  
  Perhaps there’s something to be said about the manner of wins in the eyes of Australians? Too few spectacular wins from bunch sprints? Not enough wins by the marquee riders? Wins by non-aussies in the team count less than those by aussies? I don’t know, just speculating.
Matt de Neef

Discussion thread #4: In light of Geraint Thomas’ comments about Sky, how do you see the Tour unfolding? Will Sky have a hard time getting Wiggins to ride for Froome?
- Ivan Von Dork
  
  In 1986 we saw Hinault and Lemond ride off the front of the entire peloton, mano a mano, fighting punch for punch up l’Alpe d’Huez. This year? I reckon Froomie’s just gonna say yes boss, no boss, whatever boss the whole Tour until 10km before the start of that climb. Then he’s gonna attack and race nobody but Wiggins. Indeed, I reckon the whole peloton is deliberately gonna let them both go, just to see the fireworks. Prediction? Wiggo, a crushed man.
  - Dave
    
    I sort of agree, but I reckon the way it will play out is that Froome will cover his arse by staying with Wiggo on the selective climbs until somebody attacks, and then he’ll “cover it” and end up in yellow.
    
    The Phil Anderson strategy basically, but done as a pre-planned move instead of an accident like it was 32 years ago.
- TomW
  
  I think there’s no way Wiggins will ride for Froome. I wonder if James Murdoch might weigh in and have a quiet word with Dave Brailsford about supporting the defending champ etc.
  
  I also wonder, and this is a question I would’ve liked Will Walker or Leigh Howard to answer: has team Sky lost a little bit of respect for Wiggins after his terrible descending at the Giro??
  
  At the Tour I’m really looking forward to seeing how Wiggins goes on the double Alp d’Huez stage. The descent of the Col de Sarenne is really really difficult, and Froome will get a good look at it at the Dauphine next week. Great spot to attack Wiggins.
  
  However, the Inrng however came up with a pretty plausible scenario as to how Froome could end up riding for Wiggins: http://inrng.com/2013/05/sunday-shorts-22/
Matt de Neef

Discussion thread #5:What other contests should Wade and Scott have in future seasons of The Bike Lane?
- echidna_sg
  
  4km TT on the track
- Archbishop Terry Snarkle
  
  A Pronoun Pronunciation points race! Points awarded for first to ring a bicycle bell each time Matt says “Hees” instead of “his”. (But seriously, love your work, Matt).
- jules
  
  that was a scintillating time, Scott. for next, how about a race up Yarra St or Boatshed Dv?
  - ben
    
    Yarra St would be a great one, and maybe Matt would be into that one too.
    
    Where is this Boatshed Drive? I’ve heard about it but never found it.
    - jules
      
      just around the corner from the teardrop, leading down to the studley park boatsheds
      - http://davidjohnstone.net/ David Johnstone
        
        Strava segment is here: http://app.strava.com/segments/3300701
        
        ben
        
        Ah right, rode that this morning. Prefer to see them go for it up Yarra St!
        
        Actually, with all this talk of Wiggo being crap on the descents, I’d like to see them go down the Boatshed drive — in the wet, it’s got a couple of nice corners.
    - GrahamWKidd
      
      Forget Kew, get out to the Dong’s for a Hill climb. The 1 in 20, or a sprint climb up to SkyHigh or Perrins Creek Rd.
      
      Although Yarra St would be worth seeing :) . I remember a few years ago when Wade did 10 repeats and posted his Garmin (or was is Strava?) file.
      - mouse
        
        Terry’s Lane, Belgrave.
- Push Bike Writer
  
  Wade vs Scott battle: quickest time changing a rear wheel puncture.
- Ivan Von Dork
  
  Scott? Don’t shoot me my friend but I can’t lie to you… when that segment started and I saw Wade along side yourself at the start line? He did look fitter than you at the moment… gotta give the props where they’re due mate! However… that shot I saw of you the other day the Gent Six Day in 2005? Yeah, THAT Scott McGrory kicked ass.
  - Ivan Von Dork
    
    On Edit: Was going to comment on the finish times however I don’t want to spoil the fun for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet.
- a different ben
  
  Track stands?
  Tandem race, maybe with a youngster on the back/front?
- Craig
  
  An MTB race around the Yarra tracks. If Wade cant beat Scott then he should just give up!
  - http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
    
    A great suggestion Craig. And thanks for the confidence!
    - Craig
      
      You’d win that one surely Wade? Secret ergo sessions wont help on the technical sections!
    - James L
      
      Even better - something more in the middle, Cyclocross!
- JBS
  
  Winter is coming so how about a CX race. One lap of a Dirty Deeds course, McGrory v Wallace!
  - http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
    
    McGrory wouldn’t stand a chance on a cx course. His shoes might get dirty.
- http://subcontinentalcyclist.wordpress.com/ Ankush Agarwal
  
  How about competing on a loop of local MTB trail?
- http://www.facebook.com/pmark1bike pmark1bike
  
  In a ring with gloves on, sort it out like men!
- SHCCC
  
  An off-road challenge… either Stonefly on Stirling (Buller) or a downhill challenge: full face helmets and body armour at 20 paces!
- Tim Barnett
  
  Hotham!
- Cycal
  
  Predictable I know but… 1:20
- Dave
  
  Unicycle.
- GrahamWKidd
  
  Scott congrats on a great loop time. You pretty much smashed it!
- PeterC
  
  Pancake eating contest, eh
- Ben Pilot
  
  Would love to see a 1:20 Top Gear style leader board…. That would sort out the arguments :))
- Ben McKechnie
  
  I get the impression Wade has some solid technical skills on the mountain bike. How about a cross country short track race with some good technical sections in it? There are plenty of great locations around Melbourne to hold the race.
Matt de Neef

Discussion thread #6: Electronic gearing: what’s your take? Is it reliable?
- echidna_sg
  
  having seen numerous fails of Di2 under tropical race conditions, from cables being cut or rubbed through in transit, battery and/or charger failures to loose connections causing rear derailleur failure, I say it might be easier in operation, but a failure screws you up a lot more than a busted mechanical cable will. Mechanical for me…
  - Ivan Von Dork
    
    Agreed. There is a reason why American muscle cars over 40 years old still roam the streets yet very few European cars the same age last the distance. Keep it simple. It lasts longer.
- Craig
  
  Yes its reliable, but not perfect. I’ve seen problems with it (Di2) a couple of times now in club races that have cost the riders results in one form or another.
  BTW I had Di2 and went back to mechanical…. but then I have been a bike mechanic and my bikes are always very well maintained.
- Ian
  
  2 months into my first stint with electronic gearing (Ultegra). Very impressed so far. Once it’s set, it stays that way. No, I’m not racing, but I’m covering reasonable distances in all weathers and it hasn’t missed a beat. Battery life is better than I expected - full to 50% charge was ~1,200Kms. I think changing up and down at the back end isn’t particularly different to a well tuned mechanical set up. The front end changes are the revelation - much less effort and the self-trimming is a useful touch.
- SLH
  
  3 years on Di2. Raced, trained, toured, coffee shopped, travelled overseas, ridden in temps from -7 to 44 degrees. Hasn’t missed a beat, rain, hail or shine.
- Ben Pilot
  
  Have Di2 on a road bike and TT bike and 2013 RED on another road bike… Di2 hasn’t been touched since on the bike 3 years ago - 1 charge in 22,000 km ( after market internal seat post battery ) it’s just the perfect group set for idiot proof cycling….. RED is amazing also, but it’s on the Weight Weenie bike…… Weight being the only down to Di2
  
  Cadel’s RD issues I’d guess came from ice build up near or on the limit screws and the system detected a problem and refused the shift….
Matt de Neef

Discussion thread #7: What would you like to see us do in future seasons of The Bike Lane? What have we done well? What could be improved?
- Dave
  
  It would be great to have a weekly update with one of our overseas-based Aussie women like Rochelle Gilmore, Rachel Neylan or Chloe Hosking with what’s been happening on and off the bike. Filmed with an iPhone/iPad should be a good mix of enough quality and easy enough to be self-produced and Dropbox’ed over.
  
  A bit of coverage of the best in the MTB and BMX world couldn’t go astray either.
  - Ivan Von Dork
    
    I can understand why people suggest MTB and BMX, honestly, I really can.
    
    However, for mine, that’s where Cycling Central went wrong - trying to please everyone. This show is great the way it is, for me at least. Road cycling first and foremost. I’m not seeing Coffee Shops around the country filled with MTB and BMX people, but I am seeing them filled to the overbrimming with roadies. Nonetheless I respect anyone who has a different view on this position.
    - Dave
      
      The MTB guys aren’t in the coffee shops because they’re out in the bush getting dirty!
      
      MTB is where all of our top road cyclists have come from, so maybe the Bike Lane could cover a story on whether the AIS/CA should look at MTB as a supported pathway to future road success alongside their current track-heavy program.
  - JBS
    
    MTB? BMX? Who let this heathen on here!
  - Chiv
    
    Definitely agree regarding updates from Australia’s women cyclists. I am able to arrange direct contact with two of our up and coming women - one rides for Wiggle Honda & the other rides for Lotto Belisol.
    
    If one of you three hosts can give me your contact email, I will send you further details.
    
    Love the show.
  - JimmyMatamata
    
    BMX? MTB? Are you kidding? The Bike Lane is a show for roadies. Go watch any show with “Red Bull” in the title if you want MTB or BMX.
    - velocite
      
      I suspect you’re right, got to know who your audience is. I like the odd few moments of mtb coverage on SBS, the bike handling is beyond my ken, but I don’t follow mtb racing.
      - jules
        
        + 1 - i will watch CC but often they diverge off onto more obscure topics and events - e.g. local BMX racing. i know we’re all supposed to support cycling as a cause and in all its forms, but really i’m just not very interested in some of those areas.
- Craig
  
  How about a live audience??…. Pleeeaaase!
  - Ivan Von Dork
    
    Oh yeah, what a great idea!
    
    The Project here we come. So long as Matt Keenan keeps cracking jokes about returning to a bat shit crazy ex girlfriend because the sex is so good? Man that show is going to rate it’s nipples off in front of a live audience. But you need a really sassy female rider, a female with attitude coming out the wazoo.
- JBS
  
  More Hot Laps! I think a mix of well known faces, ex-pros/Olympians onwards into the future. Get Anna Meares out there! What’s Charlie Pickering doing?
  - Ivan Von Dork
    
    Agreed. It’s Australia’s weirdo version of Top Gear, no doubt.
  - Wayne Crowley
    
    Totally agree, I would love to see Eddie McGuire squeezed into the lycra and busting a gut. But really it would be cool to have a mixture of athletes from different sports and well know tv and radio hosts who like to ride to keep fit. Mate we are all Aussies and love pushing ourselves.
    - Scott McGrory
      
      Eddie did kit up at last year’s Tour de France, and rode a couple of laps of the Champs Elysees with an Orica GreenEdge tour group.
      
      He had a sprint to the finish line and had ‘a moment’ that was almost a nasty crash.
- White Ninja
  
  For me the highlight of the show is the banter and casualness that the three of you have together. It seems that you really enjoy doing the show.
  Future segments could look at sportives both local or overseas,Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix would be awesome to see a story on.
  An improvement would be not having the segment of the “punters” sitting around the table at the coffee shop discussing issues if the day.
  - Ivan Von Dork
    
    Yes, you’re spot on with that. Will Walker has the devil in him too. You want someone who has a real gleaming twinkle in the corner of their eye when they speak if you’re going to have a fallback 4th person.
  - the hack
    
    Nothing more says wanker than a twat sitting in a cafe with one of those rediculous caps on
- http://subcontinentalcyclist.wordpress.com/ Ankush Agarwal
  
  I love all the segments carried out in the show but would like to see a bike-tech segment included too. I loved the banter and informal approach of delivering high quality content - this show is one of its kind.
- SHCCC
  
  Speak to Dave Olle and borrow the World of Sport rollers. Have a race between two ‘weekend warriors’ every week.
  - Scott McGrory
    
    Those rollers are owned by the Brunswick Club, I’ve borrow them a couple of times for a lunch function leading into the Bendigo Madison. Good idea (Bruce). Don’t forget, Skiing Japan next Feb, I’m in!
- velocite
  
  Super show, informative, interesting and enertaining. Rotating fourth member already working well - would Tracey Gaudry be game? One teeny brickbat for this episode - that water v sports drink segment might have been scripted by Gatorade. Perhaps get Alan McCubbin to do the healthy living segment with Scott?
  - Scott McGrory
    
    Gatorade is indeed a sponsor of the VIS, but honestly Kylie used the bottle just as a prop. And even if it looked like a plug for a VIS sponsor, then we’ll cop it because the VIS experts are as good as you’ll get anywhere. Normally to get advice from the VIS staff would mean you are an elite Victorian athlete, and we just asked them as a favour.
    - MattyP
      
      Would have liked more information (& opinion) on the sugar content in these drinks. The sodium & carbohydrates were mentioned, but not sugar. Is is really needed? I note the drink manufacturers are making zero sugar drinks.
- dbranson
  
  I’d like to get an update on those New Year’s resolutions made by everyone!?!
echidna_sg

pearla.
allthegearandnoidea

Hot Lap stuff was priceless … :)
I tipped Cadel to podium in one or both the Giro and TdF - one for one so far !!

Great show, can’t wait for the next series.
- Ivan Von Dork
  
  They filmed it all in one day if I’m not mistaken.
  
  Just like in Top Gear, you want a separate scoreboard for current Pros. You’ll definitely want some hot shots here for the track racing over summer to give it a go.
Ads For Cyclists

Great work to all involved - in front and behind the camera and those whom stores were featured.

Look forward to next season.
http://subcontinentalcyclist.wordpress.com/ Ankush Agarwal

Congratulations and thanks to the whole team, you guys have done a fabulous job to come up with a high quality show which every cyclist looks forward to. Cheers.
Peter

What happened to Leigh? Did he get bored and leave halfway through or something?
Patrick Smith

McGrory vs Wallace on the 1 in 20?
Steve

The Bike lane is a great shoe, keep up the good work. Maybe some gear & bike reviews?
ryder

Outstanding episode, loved the race and good to see and hear from Leigh Howard. Keep up the good work. Like the idea of a competition changing tyres.
Wish I was on the bike…

Ok Matt, you’ve been ribbing Scott for being full of himself due to his cycling success, but he comes across as so self-affacing and dry of wit. I was feeling sorry for him. Then I saw the size of his name tag on his bike and had to re-think it all.

Great series guys. Better and better. Too good for TV. Looking forward to the next series.
- Scott McGrory
  
  Damn, you noticed that I named my own bike! I thought it was quite subtle…
Wish I was on the bike…

Idea for topic/ discussion: What is good/ moderately healthful at the cafe. Could focus on the rider, but also on what the cafes can stock, trying to capture more of the burgeoning cycling trade.
Jon Thornton

Great final show. Better than anything on TV. Love the hot lap. “Healthy living tips” deserves a longer slot in the show. Ditch the board room segment.

As others have said, McGrory vs Wallace on the 1 in 20 would be entertaining.
DNF

Great show!

Why Matt Keenan did not do the Hot Lap??

We need him on a bike next time!
- Matt de Neef
  
  Seconded!
  - Scott McGrory
    
    I’ll third that!
GrahamWKidd

Thanks to The Bike Lane team for an amazing Vidcast series both the on and off camera crews. Who knew it took that many people to put this together.

I am going to have to going shopping at Target to reward their sponsorship.

Can’t wait for the TdF series, how will that work with MWK in France?
dbranson

Chapeau team! Massive job well done and congrats all around. I discovered the Bike Lane this season and have become a huge fan. Please let Target know any friend of yours is a friend of mine and I’ll be stopping there more because they back your show. Can’t wait for next season.
mt

Great last episode of The Bike lane- loved the Hot Lap ride off. Have thoroughly enjoyed watching The Bike Lane, love the format and locations and all the news/tips and views packed into it. Keep up the great work, I’m looking forward to future episodes.
Warwick Absolon

June 20 cannot come soon enough! What a fantastic series that you have developed. Every week, it is a joy to watch and listen to three (or four) people just chat about cycling - nothing pretentious or false. Well done on putting it out there, for asking for feedback and not afraid to giving it a go. Well done.
The Potato Man

I am so impressed with Leigh Howard’s manner in front of a camera. I saw an interview with him at the TDU last year and have been a fan ever since. Well thought out comments, eloquently communicated in a calm, confident manner. Notable for someone still in his early 20s.
disqus_sjHI2rEsHw

Awesome, another great episode. Can’t wait for a new season
Kfir Kachlon

Hi all,
Coming to Australia this Sept. can you tell me where is the store that The Bike Lane was filmed at, is located?
- Scott McGrory
  
  Yes the store is Northside Wheelers, 6a Wilson Street Sth Yarra, Melbourne 3141
  
  Earlier episodes were filmed at;
  Total Rush - 345 Punt Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
  Bike Gallery - 74 Auburn Pde, Hawthorn East VIC 3123
  Salford Lads Club - 1 Fennell St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Wayne Crowley

For those bike nuts who love the The bike lane. Bicycling has a great coverage of the TDF with Frankie Andrea. Matt you are the best bike commentator bar none. Whilst I expect you get snapped up overseas at some stage would love to see you able to mix living in Australia and The bike lane with your overseas work.

Scott and Wade, thank you for a wonderful season, congratulations to all the production team and sponsors.
PS if you like hills cover over to my work place, highlands of Panama about 20km inland from Caribean Sea, all jungle, hills and mud.
- Scott McGrory
  
  Wayne I can see us filming an episode on the beach looking out to the Caribbean!!! Can we leave that with you to find the sponsors for that episode, actually we could do a couple of eps from there…haha.
Grant

Enjoyed the season! Can’t wait for the Tour preview show. The HOT lap was great, watching from Canada, I was cheering for Wade, but knew in my heart that Scott was going to crush him…

I heard Matt commentating the first stage of the Dauphine on the cyclingfans feed this morning, nice work! Don’t usually get the Australian feed, but enjoyed it, Matt is so knowledgeable, far far better than the groan inducing P&P (you know who i mean!)