The Bike Lane: Hail the New King

Season 3, Episode 9

Welcome to the final episode of Season 3 of The Bike Lane. We have a lot of great stuff in Episode 10 including Milan-Sanremo winner, Gerald Ciolek, answers your questions; Dr. Mitch tells us how to handle road rash; and perhaps most exciting, Scott McGrory's hotlap time is put up to the test by none other than Robbie McEwen. Can he beat it?

Be sure to follow The Bike Lane on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also subscribe to the show on iTunes by heading directly here or searching for “The Bike Lane” at the iTunes Store.

Special thanks to our season sponsor Health.com.au, AvantiPlus, Country Road for dressing us and to Malachi Moxon for letting us film the show at Northside Wheelers. Also, thank you to The Sweetshop, our production partner.

In this final episode before Christmas, we’d like to thank all of you who watched and interacted with The Bike Lane. We’ll hopefully see you soon in Season 4!

Tags: The Bike Lane

http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips

Discussion thread #1: What was your take on
team Celebrations putting an offer to Samuel Sanchez? Clever PR? Did you notice? Disrespectful?
- The Crankset Blog
  
  Very good PR. And if Sammy is offended, well, he needs to get a grip.
  
  Or sign up to it for a year. How epic would that be?
- simonnix
  
  I wouldn’t be surprised if Sammy’s feelings were a little raw at the moment considering it’s his livelihood we’re talking about.
  
  From a punter’s POV, however, it’s pretty funny.
- Ben Pilot
  
  Sadly I think it shows how much of a basket case professional cycling is in once you take out the “benefactor” type setups or Gov. run teams…. someone is creaming all the money, and its not the teams or riders….
  - Robert Merkel
    
    Matt Keenan actually wrote an interesting piece along these lines in the AFR a while ago, arguing that ASO is actually foregoing revenue by its business decisions.
    
    You can see this to some extent in its broadcast deal with SBS. Yeah, it’s great for us because we not only get the Tour but a number of other great races free to air, but I doubt it maximises ASO’s revenue.
- jules
  
  scott would be closer to the emotions being felt by a guy like Samu right now, but i don’t get how it is disrespectful. he obviously isn’t going to accept the offer, making it strictly tongue-in-cheek. there’s a lot more disrespectful stuff being hurled at pro cyclists than this.
- dbranson
  
  Absolutely genius! You can tell they are only huge fans and share their respect throughout their video pitch. I would love to see Sammy roll with these guys for one social ride.
- tony
  
  Great pitch..I reckon it helped them get some new riders wanting to join the team, even if one of them wasn’t Sammy. The video is gold http://youtu.be/zGFKB4Jtpks
- Doubter
  
  Disrespectful would be those teams not selecting Sanchez because of their suspicions, well maybe disrespectful is coming the other way…? This may not be the most embarrassing thing he faces in cycling…
http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips

Discussion thread #2:

Gerald Ciolek - Can he keep winning the big races for

MTN-Qhubeka?
- Strydz
  
  I loved that MTN pulled out such a massive victory and Ciolek played the last few k’s of that race very cleverly, If it was a full Milano-San Remo I don’t see him in the finish, there are plenty of races for him to win but not on that level. I really hope to see MTN out in the breaks and they have a fair few quite talented riders in that squad with big engines and from non traditional cycling countries.
- Matt Keenan
  
  Yes. The team has a few new recruits and can keep getting big results but Milan-Sanremo will be hard to match. Given the wonderful cause of the team I also expect to see them get a wildcard invite to the Giro or the Vuelta. It’s good for the sport to have a strong team from Africa.
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Discussion thread #3: What can be done to get more juniors into the sport?
- simonnix
  
  Definitely something has to be done about road safety. I can totally understand Wade’s comments here. I don’t have any kids (yet), but I’ve had enough stitches and busted bikes to know it’s dangerous out there.I don’t blame parents for being anxious.
  
  I also think BMX is a great starting point - some of my fondest memories on the bike.
  - jules
    
    great discussion :)
    
    the problem with BMX, and i think it’s a great entry point, is that 20 yrs ago every kid had one and used it to cruise around the neighbourhood. BMX was a part of growing up and you learnt riding skills and even how to deal with (less) traffic. it’s not the same having BMX races once a week or so.
- James
  
  Get 80% of cars of the roads. Train in the afternoon after school, not 6am, as it’s proven that the natural sleep cycle of teenagers makes them tired in the morning. It’s not their fault, it’s nature. Get them a mountain bike and move to the country.
- Arfy
  
  Get more mothers involved in the sport. Many years ago when the AFL looked into how to get more juniors into AFL footy, they realised that many mothers make the decisions on what sports they’ll let their children take up. If mothers see cycling as a healthy and safe environment for their children, as well as offering them a good social environment, then more will become involved.
  - jules
    
    good point. without meaning to re-open debate, the cycling community should bear this in mind when choosing how to present itself.
    - Matt Keenan
      
      Yep, excellent point Arfy.
- PeteM
  
  Road safety is so central. I have three young sons who ride/train/race on the track and on closed circuits. My eldest has just started riding on the road and it worries the beejaysus out of me. I’m sure there are many parents who actively steer their kids in other directions for this reason.
- Transalpen
  
  How about give some juniors a shot at the hot lap? I’m sure there’d be a few under 17s who’d love to have a shot at Scott’s time ;-)
- echidna_sg
  
  the junior track and bmx thing is great… but why oh why can’t they co-exist on the ground more regularly? the infield of many suburban velodromes are ideal for BMX tracks and could easily double or triple the types of usage (if you include regular cyclocross events) and give clubs, kids and parents a physical and social link between the disciplines for very little cash outlay.
- Anoldfan
  
  Great sport for kids to get into and for parents to support. Great family atmosphere at races, with no alcohol and loud month behavior common in many other sports. An ideal environment for kids.
- Michael P
  
  With so many masters getting into the sport these days its a wonder they don’t get their kids into it at the same time. I know years ago when my bother and I started racing we loved all the time we spent training and at races with our dad and uncle. I can’t wait till we get a fourth generation of my family into the sport.
- Eleanio
  
  CYCLOCROSS! From youngsters on striders and upward.
  Fun, skill development, fitness and removed from traffic. Surprised no one mentioned it.
- http://www.littlepeople.id.au Chris Little
  
  Scott, you’d be welcome to join us again at Lavington velodrome with the juniors any time!
  
  Seriously, making the connections between juniors/novices and senior riders is something we think about a lot in our small club. Everyone knows it’s a good idea, but the practical ways forward are not always simple. I think clubs that run team sports have easier ways to mix age and experience levels. Though cycling is organised by a club, events and races have the feel of being for individuals. That’s OK when you’re ‘in’, but it presents a barrier to entry.
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Discussion thread #4:

Road rash - what’s your solution? Anything to add to Dr. Mitch’s advice? (note: I wouldn’t be taking advice on this topic from internet forums. Please consult a doctor.
- Dave
  
  I haven’t watched the video yet, but I’m hoping that his advice for road rash is the same as his advice for recovery. Chocolate milk is priced cheaper than petrol at my local supermarket currently!
- Craig
  
  Fixomol also goes by the names of Mefix and Hypafix(different brands). Awsome stuff.
  I was put on to it by a friend that worked in the burns unit at the Alfred.
  You can buy it in rolls up to 20cm wide that will cover some huge road rash.
  Its the same stuff you will see the Pros covered in.
  Just be sure that the wound is clean before using it!
- Rowan
  
  Scars are way tougher than any tattoo!!!
  As someone who almost had the nickname of “crashtestdumby” I think the Dr. Mitch is spot on! But I will add that scabs are bad, when it starts to dry, clean and cream!!
  - jules
    
    i will never just ignore a wound again..!
    - echidna_sg
      
      ouch! had one of those ankle bone ones myself and they are a bugger to heal up! how bad was the infection??
      - jules
        
        strong antibiotics administered at the hospital brought it under control but you can see the cellulitis all the way up my shin bone and the risk is it turns gangrenous, at which time the IV needle is put away and the surgical steak knives are fetched!
- jules
  
  i will never just ignore a wound again..!
  
  http://s803.photobucket.com/user/julesdb/media/leg-23april2013_zpscee006ed.jpg.html
- Notso Swift
  
  My advice is to put your foot down when the Orthopedic surgeon rips of the dressing that takes all of the hyper dermis skin - took 18 months as it kept splitting and was only fixed by surgery
  
  The stuff they use on burns is what I use, keeps it moist, I think it is Meplex (not Mefix, which is just the tape to hold it all together)
  Mild stuff Cutifilm or the like
  - Craig
    
    Fixomull,hyperfix,Mefix are basically all the same thing. Whilst not originally designed as a burns dressing they have found a niche in hospital burns units and in cycling.
    The first time I used the stuff (over 10 years ago) I had lost a heap of bark down my left side after a fall raceing. For 3 days I was replacing gauzes/dressings etc continuously, all the time while not being able to sleep or to shower/wash because of the pain. Then my sister in law who worked at the Alfred here in Melbourne got hold of some large sheets of the stuff and told me to make sure the wound was clean then cover the whole wound with it then leave it alone! Immediately I was pain free and could shower/sleep/wear normal clothes etc. about 10 days later the dressing fell off while swimming in the ocean to leave a new and almost healed layer of new skin.
    The stuff is great!
    I now keep a big roll of the stuff at home ready just in case(touch wood) but find myself using it mostly on the kids cuts and scratches. We hardly ever use bandaids in our house.
    I cant recommend the stuff more highly!!
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Discussion thread #5: What are you looking forward to in 2014?
- AMK
  
  Seeing Boonen injury free (hopefully).
- The Crankset Blog
  
  Re: Matt’s thought on what the new CA management will do… well apparently #1 is to give MTB back to MTBA after wresting it away last year, and then drop the National XCM Series - which, despite huge participation figures, has become something of a football for various organisers and bodies in Australia, enraging those of us that race the damn things.
  
  AAAAAAAAAGH.
  
  http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/news/52321/mtba-takes-control-of-2014-national-mountain-bike-series
  - Dave
    
    Letting MTBA and BMXA run their own shows can only be a good thing, the fewer chances CA has to bumble around and screw up the good work done there the better.
    - The Crankset Blog
      
      Ordinarily I’d say yes, Except that the XCM series seems to have copped the brunt of it. Oh well, at least there’s the Maverick Series.
  - SHCCC
    
    Speaking of CA, I’m looking forward to finally seeing a single CA membership form… which will include a ‘tick box’ for an MTBA add-on membership. One membership card for both disciplines!
- simonnix
  
  Definitely the Giro. Orica’s new signings. Whether Purito can finally get a win that does credit to his talent. Also being able to buy and wear the old Lotto Belisol jerseys now that they have new and significantly different ones (that’s acceptable, yes?).
  - Paulmapp
    
    Couldn’t agree more Giro’s going to be awesome but please, please give us Matt and Scotty free to air live every stage!!!!
    Can’t we petition SBS or even a Bike lane online feed?
    - Scott McGrory
      
      Paul, unfortunately the Football World Cup is the main focus for the SBS budget in 2014. That means they will use the cheaper ‘world feed’ option for commentary on the cycling events.
      
      What that means is they’ll use the commentary provided by race organisers. Sadly for us here in Australia that may often be one british commentator waffling on about Team Sky all day. Hopefully that won’t be the case and we’ll all enjoy the coverage.
      - dbranson
        
        Shame :(
      - Dave
        
        If it was the same play-by-play caller as the world championship road races had (who was it?) I could quite happily take a world feed option, that call was far better than Phil & Paul could ever hope to be.
        
        It would also depend on who was doing the colour commentary alongside.
- velocite
  
  There’s so much, starting with Rohan Dennis leading Garmin at the TDU. Cadel v Porte at the Giro. Seeing who can challenge Froome at the Tour. Renshaw back in Cav’s leadout train…
- RooBay
  
  Orica Green Edge having some riders for the high cols in the new Colombian signing and the Yates brothers ( to complement Simon Clarke), watching the progression of Lachlan Morton (the hipest rider in the World Tour) and Paris Roubaix
- dbranson
  
  Another year of The Bike Lane, please!
- Strydz
  
  Esteban Chaves continue his road back from horrible injuries and go out and play in the mountains in a GT.
  Stybar to become the new king of Roubaix if OPQS let him off the leash.
  Kenny Elissonde
  CALEB EWAN
- Arfy
  
  Scott McGrory replacing “The Hot Lap” with “The Hot Ergo Session”.
- Manning Thomson
  
  Still waiting for Matt’s hot lap time ;-)
- Wayne Crowley
  
  The bike lane has been a highlight of the year for me. Mat, Scott and Wade demonstrate what is so great about Aussie approach to life and sport. Congratulations to the team that make it happen. Keep up the good work. 2014 - OGE to win a classic, Richie or Cadel to take the TDF preferably with a last climb being a ride off between them.
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Discussion thread #6: Robbie McEwen. Should he come out of retirement? Should Scott McGrory have another crack and ride with GreenEDGE?
- Scott McGrory
  
  No and yes…
  - Trav
    
    There was no talk of the new stopwatch and any potential “discrepancies” I think a rematch with the same unit is the fairest option Scott. Just sayin…
- Rod U
  
  I can just picture Scotty whilst we are relaxing with a beer and Christmas ham over the holidays, busting a left one at the AIS on a new top secret ergo program in readyness for another Hot Lap crack come 2014
- velocite
  
  I thoroughly enjoy The Bike Lane, and the hot lap is a brilliant part of it. The humour of it is great, but so is the serious side, it’s just fascinating. It would have been a surprise if Robbie had failed to beat Scott, wouldn’t it - but it was still disappointing!
- echidna_sg
  
  on current form, he should roll around at bay crits, TdU with uni SA (if not GE) and the nationals before really hanging up his wheels (and yes I know the course would not be a favourite for him)
- simonnix
  
  I think that Scott should definitely have another shot, but with Robbie at the head of the board and a star-studded TDU around the corner, I imagine there might be a few more big names up there soon… Get on the phone, Wade!
- Robert Merkel
  
  Not at the top level - he’s still insanely quick by mere mortal standards, but he’s not going to beat Kittel, Cav, Sagan and whatnot too often.
  
  But if he wanted to he could do the summer crit season and/or a few NRS races, maybe a few of the flatter ones rather than, say, Tassie. That would be awesome for the series if he was so inclined.
  - Strydz
    
    Robbie would be huge for the NRS
    - Sean
      
      Celebrations have an opening that might interest him
  - Tim Rowe
    
    So Masters then? ;)
    - Sean
      
      Masters is pretty good now, he would need to improve his climbing. cough cough!
      - Notso Swift
        
        Sprinters including Robbie are not as bad climbers as the media would have you believe.
        Check out his Mountain TT for Alp d’Huez
        
        Sean
        
        I was joking Notso, agree it’s a very common misconception. The boys can all climb and bloody well at that.
    - Robert Merkel
      
      Yeah…I can just imagine him filling out the CV handicapping form. “Just getting back into this for fun…being doing a few crits lately…” and finding himself in the Masters C bunch :)
- Notso Swift
  
  HE JUMPED THE START!
  - Matt Keenan
    
    Scott is that you pretending to be Notso Swift and the beginnings of you lodging a protest against Robbie’s time?
    - Scott McGrory
      
      No Matt, but as usual Notso is on the money once again!
The Potato Man

Hale . . . ? I think you meant “Hail” ;-)

Love the show. I especially like how views and opinions are put forward in a concise and considered manner. Thankyou for making it.
echidna_sg

bit cheeky perhaps, but aren’t you filming at the SKCC super crit on Sunday? what will happen to that footage?
http://subcontinentalcyclist.wordpress.com/ Ankush Agarwal

Love you guys!