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How Accurate are Google Maps Cycling Directions

January 12, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

Who says you have to use Google Maps only for driving directions? If you love gadgets and apps, and are looking for an easy way to plan and map out your next ride, try using Google Maps Cycling Directions. It’s not exactly new as it’s been out for a while, but newer updates have many features that cyclists might find useful.

Google’s Expanding Features

Google should be given credit for investing significant resources over the years in bicycle travel and public transportation in general. Green highlighted trails, bike lanes and bicycle-friendly roads make the maps easy to use and to find routes for cycling. You can create a custom route with detailed, turn by turn directions, mileage and estimated travel times using drop and drag get the route you want. They even have an elevation feature that can tell you how hilly or flat a particular route is.

Locations of Google Maps Cycling Directions

The US and Canada have had Google cycling maps directions since 2010 and recently they added the function in the UK and Europe. But it’s been a bit of trial and error. To find a route, you had to switch between the walking and driving modes, often relying on your own knowledge of cycle paths, shortcuts, highways and generally use a common sense approach to get to where you’re going.

One reason it took so long to get accurate calculations for bike routes is because they can vary so much. In Googles defense for trying to get a handle on all this, they have spent years compiling data about bike lanes, paths, rails-to-trails, and determining bike-friendly street routes to offer its cycling directions map service everywhere. Google has done a good job of that to get the best and safest bike routes on their bike-specific maps.

Average Times

Google Maps cycling directions will also predict your ETA. Most fit cyclists will typically find that the travel times are conservatively on the slow side. For example, a hilly 30-mile route may be projected to take three hours at an average speed of about 10 miles per hour. That’s fine for mountain bikes, but a fit cyclist on a road bike is more likely to do the same route at an average speed of 14 to 16 miles per hour.

At best, you will likely find the estimated times too slow. Basic division says that Google is calculating basic speed at about 12 mph on flat ground to come up with those numbers.

Routes

The directions should avoid the busiest routes which include divided and interstate highways that do not allow bikes. Overall, the Google Maps cycling option most likely provides the best solution in a challenging situation to get from point A to B particularly when you don’t know the area. To avoid any inconvenient obstacles on your route, zoom in and look at the details of where your route is taking you. If it’s going a way you don’t wish to go, there may be a few different alternative routes that come up in gray when your route is first presented to you. You can also select the small dots along your route and drag it to your desired roads or trails. One note on this is that you can only drag your route on a desktop. It’s not a feature on the mobile version of Google Maps.

Viewing All of the Bike Friendly Routes

Besides turn-by-turn routing, Google also offers you the option of checking out all of the bike-friendly routes in your selected region or chosen destination simply by select the “bicycling” layer from the “more” menu in the map. You can then see bike trails and lanes in light and dark green, some that you might not have even been aware of.

Some Exceptions and Things to Look Out For

You’ve all encountered your onboard GPS directing you to drive into the nearest river or off a cliff. Bear in mind that Google Maps cylcling directions may also not be completely accurate, so use caution. And even though you’re less likely to get into an accident with cycling as opposed to driving, there are certain things to look for and question.

Directions suggesting a road that is closed.
Directions suggesting a turn that is difficult or restricted.
Roads that are named wrong.
Time estimate being way off.

The Two Best Ways to Utilize Google Maps Cycling Directions

The first more obvious way to use the Google Maps cycling feature is to look at the bike paths, lanes, and routes in the area you’re looking to ride for the best way to get from point A to point B. You can then make a mental note or write down the directions but an even better solution is to plug the destination/s in to your phone.

Navigating form the Voice in Your Ear

Once you have your desired route, click the arrow to begin navigating when you have the route you want and plug you earbuds in to your phone. String the cable out of your jersey pocket from your phone and route it up the back of your jersey and over your shoulder with enough extra to make sure it reaches your ear and when you turn your head the ear bud doesn’t fall out. If you’re wearing bib-shorts, you can wrap it once around the suspender on your shoulder to hold it in place. One note with this is to only ever wear ONE ear bud so you can still hear traffic and any other dangers around you. Google Maps will tell you when a turn is coming up and when to turn making it about as easy as it can get to navigate anywhere on a bike. A sweet feature also is that as long as your route is loaded and you ride out of cell service, it will still continue to navigate and tell you where to go.

Google Maps cycling directions and features are a great tool to use for finding routes and navigating. It tends to be pretty accurate as a whole but it does have its bugs so double check your route to make sure you’re on a good route. Let us know how Google Maps cycling directions help your riding and pass the info along to your buddies if they don’t yet know of Googles handy features.

Google Maps Biking App. Adds Elevation to Cycling Maps

January 12, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

Even though elevation data in the Google Maps biking application has previously been available, Google has quietly added easily accessible elevation data to bike routes in its Maps service, providing better intel. for serious cyclists.

The feature, that actually launched mid-summer, seems to work for much of the U.S. and Canada. Google says although their maps previously factored in elevation when determining routes for cyclists, the data wasn’t as easy to access or apply.

How to Access the Google Maps Biking Elevation Feature

After first imputing two locations as starting and ending points, the feature is accessed by clicking on the bicycle icon in the map’s info box for your directions. The screen should then show you a graph of the elevation changes over the course of your chosen route, along with the highest and lowest elevations and the total elevation changes, up and down. In the elevation profile panel there is an option to hide or show bike paths. To switch between routes, click on the desired route on the map or on the elevation profile panel. Taking it a step further, drag the cursor along the chosen route and the graphic shows the elevation changes at any given point.

Using On Mobile

The update, which is currently only applied to the Android version of Google Maps, is not in Google Play yet, but Android users can download the APK here. There has been no time period of when the update will roll out to iOS users. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the APK, the new Google Maps will replace the existing app on your phone.

As with any external download, the usual disclaimers apply to everyone who chooses to take advantage of this new service.

Accuracy

The new feature is apparently only activated when there’s an appreciable elevation change along the route. For example, the accumulative effect of rollers may not be aptly signatured on the map, and the route may be identified as “mostly flat,” or you won’t see any elevation profile for the route. However, when plotting a known elevation change, the app should inform you of the changes above or below sea level.

Use-ability

The cyclist’s elevation graph is not available in Google Maps’ driving directions, however.Take that, engines.

The feature seems to work for any distance. Even a bike route from Portland Oregon to Portland Texas showed an elevation gain of more than 57,000 feet.

Some of the more intrepid cyclists may already be using Garmin for elevation, and the figures on Google may or may not match what’s on your Garmin; there’s no real answer for this yet. It’s not exactly clear where Google is acquiring its elevation data from, though its likely that it is an integration with its own elevation data or Elevation API. It’s the software that provides elevation data for all locations on the surface of the Earth, according to Google, including ocean depths, which hopefully, cyclists won’t be using to any extent.

Why Would it Matter?

Have you ever questioned a bicycle route? Lots of roadways, particularly on heavily traveled highway’s such as Highway 101 along the pacific coast, are marked with cycling routes that seem to take you away from the view, or out of your way. More than a few cyclists, using their simple foldable maps, decide to defy the chosen route by taking a shortcut — it’s almost always a mistake. Shortcuts at this point can take you into brake-fumes, exhaust fumes, and some of the most gut-wrenching climbs you can imagine. A simple look at the elevation gain or loss, even if it’s in a short space, can make an incredible difference in your attitude and ride.

Century Planning

Lots of cyclists plan century rides from home, or from a starting point somewhere near or far. It’s nice when your century — or any long distance ride for that matter, works out to be exactly 100-miles. Cyclists have been using Google earth and google maps for years to get the routes perfect. With the addition of elevation to maps, you can avoid the last minute hill-climbs, planning a route around certain obstacles. More itrepid cyclists might choose to add the hills; the google app gives you the ability to do just that.

Biking For One Hour Could Power Your Home

November 28, 2015 by Lee Agur

Imagine biking for an hour and being able to power your house for an entire day!

Access to electrical power is the first step toward economic advancement for billions of people living in poverty. Free Electric can light their homes and shops, make food storage possible, and usher them into the 21st century.

Man Pushing Cyclists From Vehicle

November 28, 2015 by Lee Agur

Lowlife’s decide it would be fun to push cyclist over from a moving vehicle.

Testosterone Doping and You

November 28, 2015 by Wade Shaddy

Testosterone doping — it’s not always what you think. Doping is a misleading term. It can prolong your cycling career, sex life, help you stay trim, and make your bones stronger. If you meet certain criteria, you’re a candidate for testosterone therapy, sometimes also referred to as doping in professional cycling.

Low T

Low T is an abbreviation for low testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone. It’s what makes a man a man. It’s what puts hair on your chest. It keeps your muscles and bones strong. It’s the force behind your sex drive. As a cyclist it can help you drop the pack, climb that steep hill with ease, or go beyond your normal distance quota.

Middle Age

Low T typically affects middle-aged men. It’s a normal effect of aging. Symptoms may include depression, poor sex drive, erectile dysfunction, impotence, or loss of sleep — all common symptoms of aging. By the time men reach 30, testosterone production decreases at an average of about 1 per cent per year. It’s not surprising that muscle mass also decreases at about the same rate. Other common symptoms of Low T can include diabetes, and hypogonadism, which means that your gonads aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do.

It Gets Worse

It’s almost a double-edged sword: rigorous cycling with Low T can increase your testosterone consumption, and cause testosterone to go even lower. This can cause serious bone loss, increasing fatigue and decreasing endurance.

The Pros

It’s been more or less proven that testosterone therapy works to improve cycling abilities — just look at Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis. Its unfortunate as well, because both of them would have probably held their own without it. But nonetheless, the use of testosterone has been associated with their performance, and it’s at least partly responsible for the bad press concerning testosterone.

It’s Established

So it’s been established that testosterone therapy can help you to win races, climb steep hills, drop everyone on a group ride, or go above and beyond your normal capabilities — but don’t run out and get it yet.

Controlled Substance

Testosterone is forbidden in amateur and professional bike racing, as well as intercollegiate sports, Olympic competitions, etc.. It’s rigorously controlled in athletic events by the United States Anti-Doping Agency and the World Anti-Doping Agency. But cycling’s doping agencies rarely test amateurs for one obvious reason: They’re amateurs. They compete for hundreds of dollars, not millions.

How it Affects You

Testosterone therapy won’t turn a screen-loving blob into an elite athlete. But if you’re suffering from low testosterone, bringing your natural testosterone up to normal levels can help you to be a better cyclist. You’re considered a candidate for testosterone therapy if you already have low levels of the natural hormone—when judged by doctors.

Other Benefits

Aside from the obvious cycling benefits, testosterone therapy can help you lose abdominal fat, grow a better beard, give you a confidence boost, do wonders for your pride, and boost your self image. And last but not least, make your erections stiffer, and your libido stronger.

Collateral Damage

Be aware that testosterone also has a dark side. It’s reputed side effects include shrinking testicles and body acne, among other things. It can build red blood cells in your body, making your blood more viscous (thicker.) It can make you grow man boobs. Men who have cancer should not receive testosterone treatment.

Behavior Issues

Sociologists and psychologists agree that testosterone and behavior are linked, although the connections aren’t fully understood. You might get edgy, and small things can really tick you off, resulting in foul language and cursing.

About Your Prostate

The main concern a few years ago, was men over 50 using testosterone therapy ran an increased risk of prostate cancer. Although studies report that testosterone can stimulate cancer cells, most recent studies have debunked the hypothesis that cancer is somehow a direct result of increased testosterone. In fact, recent research suggests that undergoing treatment for Low T could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In light of both studies, its wise to get your PSA, prostate-specific-antigen, tested along with your T-level. This test tells the doctor if you might be a candidate for further prostate cancer screening. Don’t skip this important test if you’re over 40, talk to your doctor about it.

The Test

It can be determined by almost any general physician in his office, your family doctor can do it. The doctor will order a specific blood test to determine your testosterone level. But the determination also depends on what doctor you see, whose opinions vary as to what “low” means. The determination depends on how old you are, and other related medical conditions. Most capable doctors will want to rule out any such possible explanations for symptoms before blaming them on low testosterone. A low score does not always translate to symptoms.

Options for Treatment

If you do indeed have low T, and you and your doctor decide to go with treatment, there are some options. Some doctors testify that testosterone injections are the best option. Given every few weeks, once a week or once a month. If you don’t mind needles, you can do this yourself and save money, the doctor can show you how. Cyclists should note that taking the shot in your upper buttocks is best — it won’t make you sore in the saddle.

Gel, Patch or Pellets

Another option is the gel patch or solution. Because they are applied on a regular and frequent basis, these treatments keep a man’s testosterone at a steady level. If you are using testosterone gel, be careful not to expose other people to the gel. Another option is implantable testosterone pellets, a relatively new form of treatment in which pellets are placed under the skin of the buttocks, where they release testosterone over the course of about three to four months.

Talk to Your Doctor

To sum it up, testosterone treatment is out there if you need it, and qualify for it. It will help you as a cyclist, but should be used only if you doctor OKs it, and you get regular follow up. If you have issues with other medical related conditions, they should be treated by a specialist.

For Life

Don’t take the decision to use testosterone lightly. Testosterone therapy should be a personal choice between you and your doctor, and your wife — she’ll likely say go for it. Some men are fine with low t, and show no symptoms. One important thing worth noting: Once you decide to go with testosterone therapy, you’ll likely need to use it for the rest of your life.

Biking Facts

September 28, 2015 by Lee Agur

Facts About Cycling

Whether you bike or not you are sure to find some of the fun cycling facts interesting.

History

The first human powered land vehicle was constructed by Giovanni Fontana in 1418.
The term “bicycle” first entered into popular usage in France in the 1860s.
The prototype of the mountain bike was not developed until 1977.
In 1817, Karl von Drais, a German baron, invented a horseless carriage that would help him get around faster. The two-wheeled, pedal-less device was propelled by pushing your feet against the ground, The machine became known as the “draisine,” and led to the creation of the modern-day bicycle.
Although Leonardo da Vinci drew some rough sketches of a contraption that looked like a bicycle, the Frenchman De Sivrac built the first bicycle-type vehicle in 1690. It was referred to as a hobbyhorse. However, it did not have pedals. Those were added in 1840 by a Scottish blacksmith, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, who is credited with inventing the real bicycle.
The term “bicycle” was not introduced until the 1860s, when it was coined in France to describe a new kind of two-wheeler with a mechanical drive.
Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who built the first flying airplane, operated a small bike repair shop in Dayton, Ohio. They used their workshop to build the 1903 Wright Flyer.
Before the word ‘bicycle’ become popular (coming from the French word ‘bicyclette’), bikes were typically called ‘velocipedes’.
You may have heard of the Penny-farthing, an early type of bicycle that featured a front wheel significantly larger than the rear. The name comes from the old British Penny and Farthing coins which represent the large and small wheels.

Numbers

There are over a half billion bicycles in China. Bikes were first brought to China in the late 1800s.
About 100 million bicycles are manufactured worldwide each year.
There are roughly one billion bicycles in the world (about twice as many as motor vehicles) and roughly half a billion of them are in China.
Americans use their bicycles for less than one percent of all urban trips. Europeans bike in cities a lot more often—in Italy 5 percent of all trips are on bicycle, 30 percent in the Netherlands, and seven out of eight Dutch people over age 15 have a bike.
Maintaining a bike annually costs twenty times less than maintaining and driving a car.
The bicycle is the most efficient vehicle ever devised; a human on a bicycle is more efficient (in calories expended per kilo and per kilometer) than a train, truck, airplane, boat, car, or motorcycle. It is 3 times as efficient as walking.
Cycling is the worlds biggest sports goods business worth approximately 51 billion dollars annually.
Wiggle ships more than 35,000 packages per week.

Trivia Biking Facts

The energy required to cycle at low to medium speeds is roughly the same as the energy required to walk.
Cycling is the most efficient way to get around in the world.
In 1985, John Howard, Olympic cyclist and Ironman triathlon winner from the US, set the world speed record for a bicycle when he reached 152.2 mph (245,08 km/h) cycling in the slipstream of a specially designed car. The record would stand until October 3, 1995 when Dutch cyclist Fred Rompelberg pedaled in the slipstream of a dragster at 167.044 mph (268,831 km/h), a record that still stands.
Fred A. Birchmore, 25, circled the globe by bicycle in 1935. The entire trip, through Europe, Asia, and the United States, covered forty thousand miles. He pedaled about 25,000 miles. The rest was traveled by boat. He wore out seven sets of tires.
Mike Hall is the current world record holder for biking around the world in 91 days and 18 hours. Biking 28,968 km in total which averages to over 315km per day.
The worlds longest bicycle is 92 feet long.
Air-filled tyres were used on bicycles before they were used on motorcars.
The Tour de France is one of the most famous bicycle races in the world. Established in 1903, it is considered to be the biggest test of endurance out of all sports.

Health Biking Facts

Cycling three hours or 30 kilometres per week halves your risk of heart disease and strokes
Women who walk or bike 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer.
Countries with the highest levels of cycling and walking generally have the lowest obesity rates.
A study of nearly 2,400 adults found that those who biked to work were fitter, leaner, less likely to be obese, and had better triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and insulin levels than those who didn’t active commute to work.
An adult cyclist typically has a level of fitness equivalent to someone 10 years younger and a life expectancy two years above the average.
Bicycle commuting burns an average of 540 calories per hour.
Figures show the average person will lose 13 lbs (5.8 kilograms) in their first year of cycling to work

Safety Biking Facts

A study found almost three-quarters of fatal crashes (74%) in NYC involved a head injury and nearly all bicyclists who died (97%) were not wearing a helmet. Helmets have been found to be 85% effective in preventing head injury.
The risk of fatality while cycling is just once every 32 million kilometres (20 million miles), or over 800 times around the world.

Environmental Biking Facts

How many bikes can be parked in a single car parking space in a paved lot? Anywhere from 6 to 20.
When Worldwatch Institute compared energy used per passenger-mile (calories), they found that a bicycle needed only 35 calories, whereas a car expended a whopping 1,860. Bus and trains fell about midway between, and walking still took 3 times as many calories as riding a bike the same distance.
Bicycles use 2% as much energy as cars per passenger-kilometer, and cost less than 3% as much to purchase.
If Americans double their bike use to 2% of all urban trips, they would save 3.5 billion litres of gasoline annually.
Compared to cars, a daily 16 kilometre commute saves the rider close to $15 per day, 5 kilos of carbon dioxide emissions and they burn around 360 extra calories.
On a bicycle you can travel up to 1037 kilometres on the energy equivalent of a single litre of gas.

Random Facts About the Cycling Industry

September 20, 2015 by U.M.

The cycling industry is huge and there are many reasons for this. Here are some interesting facts relating to the cycling industry you might not know:

In America, bikes are used for less than 1% of trips taken, while cars are used for up to 84%. In the Netherlands, bikes are used for 30% of trips. In Denmark, the number is 20%. Canada’s bicycle usage is closer to that of the United States, and their car usage is almost as high.
In the Netherlands, there are more bikes (18 million) than people (16 million). They have a pro-cycling infrastructure for their transportation system, making it an easy choice for everyone to choose riding their bike to get around. The vast majority of their bikes are made locally, and they export over 1 million bikes every year to other countries.
The Netherlands has incorporated cycling into their everyday life extremely well. They have traffic signals specifically for bikes, and teach young children how to cycle, both conceptually and practically, in school. Children frequently ride their bikes to school every day.
Every year, around one hundred million bikes are produced. Over half a billion bikes reside in China, while over 18 million bikes reside in the Netherlands. The world contains more than a billion bicycles total. There are approximately 100% more bicycles in the world than there are cars.
Cycling produces a significantly lower carbon footprint than cars, and improves the health of the user. In the United States, up to 84% of trips are made in cars, which is among the highest percentage in the world. Imagine if half of those trips were taken on bikes instead, and the effect on America’s carbon footprint and overall health. One statistic shows that riding a bike for 20 or more miles per week can decreases your chance of heart disease by 50%.
The Tour de France is considered to be one of the most intense endurance races out there; participants cover around 2720 kilometers divided into smaller stages within 3 weeks.
Bicycles have gone through makeover after makeover throughout their history. Bikes used to commonly come in a form where one wheel was massive compared to the other. The style changed to favor the front wheel and the back wheel at different times.
There are countless different types of bikes that are made, usually fulfilling different purposes. Examples include BMX bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes, utility bikes, cruiser bikes, and more. Forms of bikes other than the bicycle are unicycles, tricycles, and quadracycles.
Riding a bike is extremely energy efficient, and takes only about the amount of energy put into walking (at speeds of around 10-15mph). They allow the rider to travel much farther than they would if they were walking using the same amount of energy. There is also a device called the Copenhagen Wheel that stores energy put into the bike, such as when riding downhill. The energy can then be used at a later time as needed.
Riding a bike is possible because the bike’s center of mass rests above its wheels as the bike is steered. That is why leaning is necessary when turning the bike; it is called counter steering, and allows you to maintain balance on the bike.

5 Pro Cyclists to Watch Out for in 2016

August 30, 2015 by Guest Post

It is next to impossible to predict which riders will light up the racing calendar, especially in a sport where fate can be especially fickle. Riders racing for General Classification honours and team leader roles are easier to read, but the surprise appearance of young hopefuls who snatch stage wins from their elders is one of the things that makes cycling so interesting.

Narrowing down the list to just five riders was really tough, and we’ve skirted some of the more obvious candidates in favour of those who may have snuck in under the radar on the back of a great 2015.

5 Pro Cyclists to Watch Out for in 2016

Fabio Aru

The young Italian has climbed through 2015, first up mountains and then through the ranks at Astana. Handed leadership for the Giro d’Italia, Aru won two mountain stages back to back, and finished the race in 2nd place.

After teammate Nibali’s underwhelming performance at the Tour de France, manager Vinokourov appeared to lose faith in the 2014 winner and chose to send three possible GC contenders to the Vuelta a Espana in Aru, Nibali and Landa. However after stage 2, Nibali’s bad luck continued with a disqualification for holding onto a team car.

Aru’s season has been far more positive and far less controversial than Nibali’s so I would not be surprised if we see Aru’s name at the top of the roster and perhaps even winning a Grand Tour in 2016.

Geraint Thomas

The sheer volume of racing days has not impacted on the Welshman’s performance. After a solid cobbled classics campaign, winning E3 Harelbeke and claiming third at the stormy Gent-Wevelgem, Thomas has flung himself at two Grand Tours in support of Froome.

As we saw at the Tour de France, it is clear he is capable of doing a stellar job of his domestique duties and still finishing in a strong position. He played a decisive role on the climbs, calmly reeling in attacks from other GC contenders to keep Froome in yellow.

Thomas was arguably one of the strongest riders at the Tour, and we have seen him go from classics specialist to potential general classification contender. 2016 is unlikely to be his GC year, but Thomas’s career is accelerating fast.

Louis Meintjes

The former South African Champion had a great start to the season at the Tour of Oman, African Continental Championships, and the overall victory he snatched from Team Sky’s Ben Swift at the Coppi e Bartali in Italy.

As part of the inspiring MTN-Qhubeka team, Meintjes was never far from the front when the road went up in France. Sadly he was forced to abandon a few days before the end, but not before making himself known in breakaways and showing bravery on the climbs.

I’d like to see what he can do at the Ardennes Classics and he could have a Grand Tour summit finish in his legs in 2016.

Zdenek Stybar

Just one of Etixx-Quickstep’s powerhouses, Zdenek Stybar’s victory at the Strade Bianche came at the start of a busy classics campaign. Most notable were his handful of top ten finishes in France and Belgium including second place at E3 Harelbeke and Paris-Roubaix.

It’s easy to forget his Stage 6 win at the Tour de France as it was overshadowed by his teammate Tony Martin’s crash and subsequent withdrawal while wearing yellow. It was his second Grand Tour stage win. He could well double that figure next year and he might be an outside shot for a one-day Classic like Paris-Roubaix.

Adam & Simon Yates

The British twins may not be grateful for being lumped together all the time, but if Orica GreenEDGE can give them joint leadership, then why not? Success has swung between them all season and neither seems to show sign of weakness.

Simon had a great run-up to the Tour with a strong Criterium du Dauphine, taking home four top ten finishes and the best young rider’s jersey. Both twins relished the climbs at the Tour de France with two and three top ten finishes respectively. Finally, let’s not forget Adam’s victory at the Clasica San Sebastian where he seemed the most surprised to finish ahead of big names such as Gilbert, Valverde, Rodriguez, etc.

It’s fascinating to have two such similar riders in the same team and it will be thrilling to see how they progress. Will they continue to share the spoils or will the Yates rivalry be the most hotly discussed in the history of cycling?

There are so many other riders who have not made the shortlist, and no doubt a few names will pop up as the Vuelta draws to a close and we near the end of the season.

Two young hopefuls that will certainly have Team Sky fans excited are Brits Alex Peters and Tao Geoghegan-Hart, who joined the superteam as late-season stagiaires this year. With so much great British talent on the roster, it mightn’t be too long before we start to see some fractures within the camp. How long, really, will talented riders like Luke Rowe, who are well down the pecking order at Sky wait until seeking a leadership spot elsewhere?

Mikel Landa, widely tipped to join Team Sky next season, could well climb into contention when the road goes up at the Vuelta this month, and two more Orica GreenEDGE riders, Esteban Chaves and Caleb Ewan have great potential. They have both lit up the first week of the Vuelta with Chaves taking, losing, and retaking the overall lead, plus three stage wins between them.

And finally, it will be interesting to see what Tejay van Garderen could do with the form he demonstrated early in the Tour de France. He will be joined at BMC by Grand Tour hopeful Richie Porte, which may mean he is forced to play second fiddle, but the American’s GC potential is clear to see.

Is there anyone we’ve overlooked?

Man Pushes Woman Cyclist In To Traffic

August 26, 2015 by Guest Post

Woman cyclist captures a man pushing her in to traffic through her helmet cam. The cyclist is riding through the streets and asks the man “please don’t try and knock me off.” The man continues to chase the cyclist down, swear at her and push her in to traffic. The incident occurred May 1, and Police are currently looking for this man.

Cyclist nearly hit when Semi’s Collide!

August 17, 2015 by Lee Agur

A close call for Russian cyclists. It appears that the semi truck driver saw the cyclist and swerved in to on coming traffic. All the debris amazingly misses both the cyclists.