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Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Tuesday, June 27, 2023

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2022 Tour de France | 2023 Giro d'Italia

Biology is the study of complicated things that have the appearance of having been designed with a purpose. - Richard Dawkins


Story of the Giro d'Italia, volume 1

Bill and Carol McGann's book The Story of the Giro d'Italia, A Year-by-Year History of the Tour of Italy, Vol 1: 1909 - 1970 is available in print, Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.

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Team Jumbo-Visma presents 2023 Tour de France team

The team sent me this:

Wearing a cycling jersey full of dreams, Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert, Dylan van Baarle, Sepp Kuss, Tiesj Benoot, Christophe Laporte, Nathan Van Hooydonck and Wilco Kelderman will start this Saturday's Tour de France for Team Jumbo-Visma.

Jumbo-Visma's Tour kit.

This year's Tour de France starts in Spain's Basque Country on 1 July. After last year's successes, ambitions are big again. Sportive director Merijn Zeeman: "We exceeded our wildest dreams last year with six stage victories, the polka dot jersey, and most importantly, the green and yellow jersey. This year we are dreaming big too. Our ambition is to bring the yellow jersey back to Paris. We have a super strong team led by our leader Jonas Vingegaard, and we believe in our plan. Winning the Giro has been a dream come true for us this season. Our riders are prepared for a double at the Tour.”

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INEOS Grenadiers announce 2023 Tour de France line-up

The team sent me this news:

The INEOS Grenadiers have confirmed the eight riders who will take on the 110th edition of the Tour de France. 

Starting in Bilbao, Spain, on 1 July, the race heads into France on Stage 3, culminating with the iconic Champs-Elysées finish on 23 July.

The 2023 route features one individual time trial, four summit finishes and covers 3,405km over 21 stages.

The INEOS Grenadiers selected for the 2023 Tour de France are:

  • Egan Bernal
  • Jonathan Castroviejo
  • Omar Fraile
  • Michal Kwiatkowski
  • Daniel Martinez
  • Tom Pidcock
  • Carlos Rodriguez
  • Ben Turner

Rod Ellingworth, Deputy Team Principal:
This is a great route and one which will see hard, full-gas racing right from the start. We know anything can happen over three weeks of a Grand Tour and we also know the demands of an event where heat and altitude play a big part.

We’ve selected an exciting group of riders that bring a mix of skills and experience. The strength of this team will lie in the way we take on the race, and how we approach each stage with the options we have.

The whole team’s really thrilled for Egan, and everyone who’s supported him in his return to full fitness. It’s a demonstration of his character and resilience, and the extraordinary effort he’s put into his recovery over the past 18 months. Of course, as a previous winner, he brings invaluable insight and a winning attitude to the group. His grit and determination sum up what we’re all about as a team, and all our riders will benefit from his experience at the Tour.

Egan Bernal finishing stage seven of this year's Critérium du Dauphiné. Sirotti photo

Tom showed last year what a hugely exciting talent he is and his victory on Alpe d’Huez was just brilliant. We’re looking forward to seeing him progress once again, applying what he learned last year.

In Kwiato, Dani, Castro and Omar we have an abundance of experience and skill – each one of these guys knows what it takes to win at the top level.

For Carlos and Ben, both making their Tour de France debuts, this is a big moment, and one they’re both looking to absorb and embrace. They’re both top quality bike riders, so they’ll certainly be ready to grab any opportunities along the way.

We know there are going to be a lot of new fans watching this year given the success of ‘Unchained’ on Netflix, and whether they’re on the roadside or in their living rooms, we’re looking to give them plenty to cheer about.

Egan Bernal - 26, Colombia
Making my return to the Tour has always been a major goal for me. I'm so excited to be able to experience every kilometre of this race again.

I’m sure many people have followed everything that has happened to me since my accident in January last year, and the journey I’ve been through to overcome the greatest test of my life. Being a part of this year’s Tour team reassures me that I’m on my way to returning to my best.

This race is also an opportunity for me to show my gratitude and commitment to the team that continually supported me throughout, to thank each person who has helped me, from the nurses who took care of me in the hospital, the doctors, my friends, family, teammates and INEOS.

Above all I want to take this opportunity to inspire people and show them that, even if everything seems lost, we can trust in God. Be strong, because life only comes to us once and we must appreciate the second chances we’re given and take advantage of every second.

Tom Pidcock - 23, Great Britain
I’m really excited to be back at the Tour de France for what promises to be another beautiful three weeks.

To win an iconic stage and wear the white jersey in 2022 are lifelong memories, and this year I want to build on that as I continue to progress my career. We’ve got an exciting group of riders and we’ll be looking to race with intent and be tactically smart, as we execute the plans we’ve developed as a team.

Tom Pidcock descending the Galibier in the 2022 Tour de France

As I experienced for the first time last year, the Tour is the toughest race of all, but it’s also the most beautiful and historic - which is what makes it so iconic. The opportunity to tackle it again alongside my teammates and some of the best riders in the world, in front of so many passionate fans, is one that I relish.

Jonathan Castroviejo - 36, Spain
I’m really happy to be selected for the Tour this year, especially as it starts in my home city - and the thought of racing past my house on the first stage is crazy, I’m sure it will be an incredible experience.

I’m feeling in really good shape and hope to be able to help the Team as much as possible, and light up this race.

Daniel Martinez - 27, Colombia
To be a part of this team and ride the Tour de France is always an honour, I’m really motivated to get out there, start racing with my teammates and see what we can do.

I’m feeling good and want to do the best I can for the team, so I can’t wait to get to Bilbao and get going!

Omar Fraile - 32, Spain
To be selected for the Tour de France always feels very special, it’s my favourite time of the year. I love the build up to it and then the excitement of arriving at the Grand Départ. The Tour is always next level!

Competing for this team is also a real honour and the Tour this year is going to be one of the most special, one of the most beautiful, because it starts in the Basque Country, my home.

That is super-motivating to think about, lining up in my town for this team in front of my family and friends. It doesn’t get more special than that.

Michal Kwiatkowski - 33, Poland
To make the team after the setbacks I went through last year is already a huge motivation for me. It will be a challenging edition with a lot of climbing and some very difficult stages.

My hope is to take it day by day, chance by chance and not get too excited early as the first stages are always quite hectic. I will be there for my teammates and if I see a chance for myself, I’ll go for it.

I'm super excited about our team line-up. I’m confident we can stand out on numerous days, with big talents like Egan, Tom, Dani and others driving us forward. This year we have the freedom to be really tactical – to seize opportunities and take calculated risks.

This dynamic might just be the unique advantage we need and perfectly illustrates our all-in mentality.

Carlos Rodriguez - 22, Spain
For me, riding the Tour is an absolute dream come true. Since I was a small boy, I watched the race on TV and always dreamed of riding it one day.

Having the opportunity to do my first Tour de France in this team, with this group of guys, makes it even more special. I can’t wait.

Ben Turner – 24, Great Britain
It’s an absolute dream for me to start the Tour de France. I remember going to watch the start as a kid in Yorkshire so to be here now is incredible. I never thought I’d pin a number on for this race so it will be a moment I’ll always remember.

I’m so grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity. I’ve been working really hard and feel great, and I’m so thankful to the many people who helped me recover from the crash I had at the Dauphine.

I really want to soak up my first Tour – experience every part of it and learn. Mostly I want to give everything I have to support my teammates, and finish in Paris knowing I did my best.


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Ag2r-Citroën names its Tour de France team

The team sent me this news:

Vincent Lavenu, Team General Manager:
"We'll be starting the Tour de France in Bilbao with great ambitions for our leader Ben O'Connor. His third place in the Critérium du Dauphiné confirms that he's one of the best climbers in the world. With him, we're aiming for the best possible overall classification. Ben has already finished fourth in the Tour de France in 2021, and we know he's capable of playing a leading role again.

"We're convinced that, with the sporting level he's shown over the last few weeks, he can offer us immense satisfaction over the next three weeks.

"Three climbers will be around him to support him in the mountains, and we know that his team-mates will be able to guide him, particularly on the plains. Of course, a stage win will also be one of our objectives. Our team is competitive and homogenous enough to perform well in the world's greatest race. We'll need to be very attentive from the start of this 110th edition in the Basque Country, before returning to the mountains, our greatest terrain for expression. We'll have the privilege of riding for six days on the roads of the Alps, which we love so much. It's bound to be a special moment for the whole AG2R CITROËN team. We want to shine in front of our supporters."

Clément Berthet
25 years old
1st participation
"Clément will be discovering the Tour de France, and he'll need to get to grips with the size of the event. He's making steady progress, as he proved in the Tour de Suisse, where he finished 11th after supporting Felix Gall in the mountains. His role will be to accompany Ben O'Connor for as long as possible in the mountains. He's a lad capable of competing with the best climbers, which is why he'll be very valuable in our set-up."

Benoît Cosnefroy
27 years old
13 professional wins
5th participation
Best results: 20th in a stage (2021) and 15-day wearer of the best climber jersey (2020)
"We know that Benoît is capable of competing with the world's best riders . He's already proved it by winning major classics such as last year's GP de Québec and the Bretagne Classic in 2021. What's more, some of the Tour's stages are tailored to his puncheur qualities. Benoît is a boy who knows how to rally and motivate his teammates, making him an invaluable element in the life of the team."

Benoît Cosnefroy attacking in the 2023 Trofeo Laigueglia. Sirotti photo

Felix Gall
25 years old
1 professional win
1st participation
"Felix is taking part in the Tour de France for the first time, and he wants to give it his all. He's a climber who's constantly raising his level, as confirmed by his stage win in the Tour de Suisse and his very fine Tour des Alpes last April. He'll be there to stay with Ben O'Connor in the mountains, but also to take his chances and try to win stages.

Oliver Naesen
32 years old
5 professional wins
8th participation
Best result: 4th stage (2019)
"Oliver will be Ben O'Connor's guardian angel on the plain. In fact, he's capable of reassuring the leaders who put all their trust in him. What's more, he showed us at the Critérium du Dauphiné that he's back, and at a very good level. His good humour is also a precious asset for the group.

Ben O'Connor
27 years old
3rd participation
Best results: 4th overall (2021) and a stage win (2021)
"Ben O'Connor will be our leader at the start of this Tour de France. He's in very good physical and mental shape. His third place in the Critérium du Dauphiné showed that he's riding at a very high level. His preparation has been optimal, with a training camp in Sierra Nevada and reconnaissance of the stages of this 110th edition over the last few days. All the indicators are in the green to achieve the best possible overall classification!

Nans Peters
29 years old
3 professional wins
3rd participation
Best result: A stage win (2020)
"We're counting on Nans to fight in the breakaways when the opportunity arises. He's a very solid lad who likes to ride at the front, as he showed when he won a stage in the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Trofeo Laigueglia this season. He will also be invaluable in supporting our leader at strategic moments.

Aurélien Paret-Peintre
27 years old
3 professional wins
3rd participation
Best results: 15th overall (2021) and 7th stage (2021)
"Aurélien has reached new heights, having already raised his arms twice at the start of the season. His stage win and 15th place in the Giro confirmed his talent. He arrives at the start of the Tour de France confident and highly motivated, having recovered very well from his first part of the season. He will be at Ben's service, and will also try to seize his chance when the opportunity arises. We know that the start of stage 14 in Annemasse will be a special moment for him, as it will be on his home turf. His knowledge of the Alpine passes will also be invaluable to the whole team.

Stan Dewulf
25 years old
1 professional win
2nd participation
Best result: 17th stage (2022)
"Stan is a rider who follows instructions to the letter and is at the service of the team. He does invaluable behind-the-scenes work, just as he did at the Tour de Suisse when Felix won. He was there at the front to provide support, and it worked perfectly. He's capable of sacrificing himself for his leaders and also knows how to guide them on the plains to avoid all the pitfalls."

9: The number
The AG2R CITROËN team has won nine stages in the last ten editions of the Tour de France.

In 2022, Bob Jungels won stage 9 in Châtel. Ben O'Connor raised his arms on stage 9 in Tignes in 2021. Nans Peters won stage 8 in Loudenvielle in 2020. Romain Bardet won three stages: stage 12 in Peyragudes in 2017, stage 19 in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc in 2016 and stage 18 in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in 2015. In the same year, Alexis Vuillermoz won stage 8 at the summit of Mûr-de-Bretagne. Blel Kadri shone on stage 8 in Geradmer in 2014. Christophe Riblon won stage 18 at Alpe d'Huez in 2013.


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Trek Recalls Promax Hydraulic Disc Brakes Sold on Trek Bicycles Due to Crash Hazard

You can go straight to the notice of the recall from the CPSC.

Here's is Trek's notice where you can just put in your serial number to see of your bike is sunject to the recall.

Here is the CPSC notice:

Hazard
Product: Promax hydraulic disc brakes sold on Trek bicycles

Hazard: The brake hose can detach from the brake lever, posing a crash hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall Date: June 15, 2023

Units: About 96,900

Consumer Contact Trek at 800-373-4594 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or online at www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/company/legal_policies/safety_recalls or www.trekbikes.com and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Recall Details
Description: This recall involves Trek bicycles with revision 1 of the Promax Solve DSK-925 and Promax F1 DSK-927 hydraulic disc brakes installed as original equipment on the bicycle models listed in the table below. The serial number is printed on a sticker underneath the frame of the bicycle.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the bicycles with the recalled brakes and contact their local authorized Trek dealer for a free inspection and repair. Consumers can check their bike’s serial number at www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/promax-recall-inquiry/ to determine if their bike is included in this recall.

Incidents/Injuries: Trek has received 195 reports of brake hoses detaching from the brake lever in the United States. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Trek dealers nationwide and online at www.trekbikes.com from June 2021 through March 2023 for between $730 and $3,300.

Manufacturer(s): Lee Chi Enterprises Co., Ltd.

Importer(s): Trek Bicycle Corp., of Waterloo, Wisconsin

Manufactured In: Taiwan

Recall number: 23-223

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