Category: Featured

GU Energy Gels

Post author By Editor
Post date 05/11/2013

For more than 20 years GU have been at the forefront of the energy gel business and although a few (minor things) have been tweaked here and there they are still largely unchanged since their launch in 1991 � testament to the mantra �if it ain�t broke, don�t fix it.�

Don�t be fooled by the somewhat miniscule 32g GU pack size; they deliver 100kcal per serving � equal to many larger gels � from 25g of carbohydrate, a blend of 70-80% maltodextrin and 30-20% fructose (depending on flavour variety.) The mixed carb source has several benefits: fructose absorbs quickly and so goes to work fast, but the gentler on the stomach maltodextrin � a starch derivative � absorbs slower for sustained energy but still quickly enough not to shunt blood away from otherwise preoccupied muscles. Combined, the fructose and maltodextrin provide a steady energy source without the peaks and troughs of simple sugars. To aid carb absorption and to help fight off muscle fatigue each serving also contains 450mg of amino acids in addition to sodium and potassium to counter �body salts� lost through sweat.

GU also offers a wide range of flavours � Jet Blackberry, Chocolate Orange and Cyclo�s favourite Vanilla Bean amongst them. All of the flavours are well balanced (tasty without being overpowering) and the consistency is closer to a paste than most gels, which takes some getting used to and does require a swig from the bidon to wash down.

GU certainly delivers on the energy front and those with sensitive stomachs should benefit from the maltodextrin biased carb content, flavour range means there is (probably) something for everyone and their tiny packet size � half of a Maxifuel Viper for similar energy delivery for example � means there is less bulk in the jersey pocket. As the makers say: �Just suck down a packet of your favourite flavour and go (big)!�

GU Energy Gels are �36 per box of 24, further details and online purchase from GUEnergy.co.uk

Tags energy gels, GU, nutrition

Featured Features

The Tour of British Columbia

Post author By Editor
Post date 01/11/2013

The UK certainly offers bountiful cycling challenges � some beautiful coast-to-coast routes or perhaps Land’s End to John o’ Groats? But with the best will in the world and even with much looping around and backtracking nothing comes close to the 5,100km on offer at The Tour of British Columbia.

Advertised as �The Longest Ultra-Endurance Bicycle Race on the Planet�, this single-stage, �in your face�, challenge has some terrifying/inspiring (delete as applicable) stats attached: the route climbs over 64,000m (approximately seven times up Mount Everest) with 105 cat 5 climbs, 35 cat 4 climbs, 29 cat 3 climbs, 16 cat 2 climbs and 11 cat 1 climbs all of which must be completed within 384 hours. Of course you could complete it at a �leisurely� 13.4km per hour average, but only if you cycle 24hours a day; so factor in some much needed rest breaks and even the average speed starts to look daunting.

For riders unsure of tackling the full-on distance, organisers have arranged the frankly still impressive-looking BC Explorer (at 2,800km) and the �BC Contender� at a mere 1,600km. But who would enter an event like this? 2014 being the inaugural staging it�s perhaps not possibly to say quite yet, but event organiser Perry Stone says, �My experience with ultra-cycling is that you meet a lot of amazing people from all walks of life and I expect more of that here… ultra-cycling is the Zen of bicycle racing, it attracts people who want to push boundaries and discovery how far they can go.�

A Zen-like dedication to the bike would certainly be in order; starting and finishing near the shores of the North Pacific Ocean in White Rock, BC, The Tour of British Columbia (also known as the Tour de BC) will be staged mostly on the roads of the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta with cyclists riding through some of the most breath-taking scenery in North America. But you would think even the logistics of trying to stage an event like this (let alone ride it) are daunting. Not so, says a relaxed Perry: �Logistically things are not too bad because the race(s) start and finish in the same location. We tried to develop the event to lessen the logistics for the riders and their crews, which in turn lowers the expense of competing. As long as we garner the required volunteers to assist in the vast area we cover we should be good. Even though there are three routes to choose from, they all follow the same route with the shorter routes turning off and then rejoining the main route.�

Having previously worked on the Race Across America � the annual transcontinental bicycle race from the west to east coast of the USA � it was perhaps inevitable that Perry�s thoughts would turn to staging something (arguably) even greater. �As, essentially, a lifelong resident of British Columbia I was very familiar with the terrain and climate and thought we could put together a pretty amazing challenge,� says Perry, �I began plotting routes out on various mapping programs. I found some amazing options and I began to develop the race. I love ultra-cycling as it�s made a big difference in my own life and I want to develop the sport and increase participation at all levels everywhere we can.�

The inaugural Tour of British Columbia, plus the BC Contender and BC Explorer, begins on August 3, 2014. For further details see tourofbritishcolumbia.com

You can follow the Tour de BC on Twitter and facebook

Featured Nutrition Reviews

MuleBar Kick Gels

Post author By Editor
Post date 28/10/2013

Sometimes it�s the little things in life that matter, the detail that amplifies the underlying excellence � like the dab of rouge on the woman�s cheek in Seurat�s La Grande Jatte. Okay perhaps we�re waxing a little too lyrical for a gel review, but MuleBar Kick Gels are ridiculous easy to open�

Opening a gel one-handed on a bike can be precarious at best, but the angled rip top on MuleBar Kick Gels is a breeze and (generally) the tab stays attached so there�s no quandary about stashing two bits of litter and no eco-embarrassment from the top taking flight behind you. On a further environmental note the Kick Gels are registered organic, have no synthetic ingredients, artificial preservatives, colourings or flavourings and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Although the wrappers are not compostable like many of MuleBar�s energy bars, we suspect they�re working on that too.

All this would count for nothing if the gels didn�t perform in the energy department, but they stack up here too. Values differ very slightly between flavours � Apple Strudlel, Lemon Zinger, Caf� Cortado and, our favourite, Cherry Bomb � but generally you can expect around 110kcal with 27g of carbs (25g of which from sugars) from a 37g sachet. Carbohydrate sources again vary in their specifics between varieties but are a mix of fast and slower release sugars from fruit sources and high GI brown rice syrup (which can also be easier on the stomach than fruit derived sugars.)

Flavours are excellent with the Lemon Zinger and Cherry Bomb both delivering a welcome tang to cut through the sweetness, whilst the Caf� Cortado, as the name implies, adds 100mg caffeine � a little more than you would get from an 80ml espresso or two regular 330ml cans of Coke (should you really not care about your health.) The Caf� Cortado also throws in natural guarana extract which, combined with the caffeine, delivers a noticeable kick. To partially counter body-salt loss from sweating all four varieties of MuleBar Kick Gels include 100mg of sodium derived from Himalayan crystal salts, and although we applaud adding something that sounds like it�s been collected by Lara Croft, it would arguably have been good to have included some potassium too. Sweat rate and sweat composition vary massively from person to person but with anything between 400 and 1800mg lost per litre of sweat even 2-3 gels per-hour are not the complete solution.

Tiny niggle aside (who relies on their gels for rehydration strategy anyway?) MuleBar Kick Gels have a great deal to recommend about them. Boxes of 12 are �19, boxes of 24 gels �38 � further details and online purchase at mulebar.com

Tags energy gels, MuleBra, sports gels

Featured Features

Nigel Mitchell Nutrition Talk

Post author By Editor
Post date 15/10/2013
1 Comment on Nigel Mitchell Nutrition Talk

Nigel Mitchell, Head of Nutrition at Team Sky (and GB Cycling Team Nutritionist to boot), knows a thing or two about what it takes to provide power to the pedals. Last year he was part of the team that helped power Sky to a Tour de France one-two podium finish and go on to help Wiggins and co tear up both track and road at the London Olympics � this year, of course, it was Froome�s turn for a TdF win. Taking time out of his busy Schedule, he talked to Cyclo to discuss �diet �and help answer the question: How can your average rider come close to the nutrition perfection practiced at Team Sky?

Calories � It�s a very individual thing obviously, but a Team Sky rider is probably using about 6000kcal on a long leg of the Tour de France for example. But then if you�ve someone doing a six or seven hour sportive you�re not going to be a million miles away from that. The foods are going to be similar, just that the amount is going to be scaled up or down. You have to remember that if you eat on the bike you can easily be taking on 80g of carbs (360kcal) per hour whilst riding. It�s not as big as you might think�.

Getting the mix right � At Team Sky we work on about 60-90g of carbs per hour and that can be done with a mixture of race drinks, a nutrition bar, maybe a gel and rice cakes, paninis are good. Just simple ever-day foods. This will depend on the intensity of the racing, but dead Easy.

Fast and slow release carbs � You have to think about delivery systems � it�s a little bit like transport networks; if you�re running barges that travel at 5miles an hour but they are delivering every five minutes, then you have an effective delivery system. If you have a Ferrari but it only runs once a week then it�s not as effective as using the much slower barges.

Having some designated fast carbs, like gels, is particularly useful if you are going into something that�s going to be a big effort: bottom of a climb, something like that. A lot of the foods that we tend to give our riders is more of the medium glycaemic, but they are eating on a very regularly basis so they are meeting that delivery system. If they need, let�s call it �quick energy�, then a gel makes sense. Gels for your sportive rider are ideal if they are starting to flag or are getting fatigued, it�s a good fuelling system and they can get most of what they need there. Having a caffeinated gel in reserve can be really useful too.

Fluids � Taking on adequate fluid on the bike and off of the bike is important to manage your hydration.� In Team Sky our energy/hydration drinks are provided by Gatroade.� We recommend one bidon of the race drink per hour, as it gets hotter we just get more fluid from water.� Everyone has different sweat rates you can check your weight before and after training, take into account any fluid drunk and work out the weight difference and therefore your approximate sweat rate.� This is easily done during a 60-minute turbo session.

Pre- and post-ride foods � Breakfast might be omelette and rice or porridge � that�s popular with our guys. Some fruit juice is great. After the bike for your sportive riders � chicken, fish, meat, rice, potatoes, vegetables � exactly the same as our guys are eating. It�s all very simple, straightforward stuff�

Protein � The foods that I�ve mentioned already have a lot of protein in too. The rice cakes that we make have cream cheese in, the bars are a flapjack-type made by CNP, which have protein in, paninis tend to be ham and cheese. So our riders are eating protein on the bike.

You have different metabolic pathways and protein isn�t directly involved in carb metabolism but some of the amino acids and nitrogenous compounds that you get from protein are involved. It�s not a direct effect � the role of protein on he bike isn�t about performance, it�s a recovery thing. It helps them or you ride again the next day. To put it very simply the carbs are for fuelling you and the proteins aid recovery�

The simplicity of milk � I�m a big believer in dairy products in general and in milk particularly � I think it�s fantastic. What you can do very easily with milk is add a couple of bananas which will boost the carb content if you need that, but a pint of milk alone will deliver about 20g of carbs just by itself. It�s a great recovery product, just not always that convenient post-ride�

Vegetable juices � We use a lot of vegetable juices at Team Sky and, again, your sportive riders can do this just as easily. The reason we use fresh vegetable juice is that it�s an easy way to consume the goodness of the vegetable without the bulk. If you�re scaling up your diet and you have to get through loads of pasta or whatever then if you can reduce the bulk that�s needed to be eaten as far as the vegetables are concerned, by getting it in the form of a juice, then you can clearly see the benefits of that.

Additional supplements � Generally I don�t think they�re necessary � perhaps the only one where there might be a real benefit is the Omega-3s, the fish oils, because it�s difficult with a modern diet to get all of the Omega-3 fats from food alone. The quality of the supplement product is vital though � the one we use in the team is very high quality, it�s the CNP Pro-Omega.

Beetroot supplements � There�s probably not a huge benefit, but then again they probably won�t hurt anyone. The worst it will do is turn your pee pink. Under a controlled trial you can show some benefits, but for your sportive rider I�d say save you money and spend it on a set of lighter wheels and do a bit more training. Most benefit comes from training. Basically there are other things you can focus on to improve your performance. Get out on the bike a bit more is key�.

Weight-loss for cycling � What you want to be doing is protecting lean tissue and dropping fat, the best way of doing that is making sure you are getting good quality, regular protein intake and bringing down the calories just a bit. If you don�t get the balance right you end up losing a lot of functional tissue and muscle mass and that, of course, will affect your performance adversely. Some people get it completely wrong and end up looking fatter than before because they have lost proportionally more muscle than fat � they develop what I call the �skinny-fat look�, which isn�t at all good.

Personal favourite bike food � It�s bananas for me. If you do a four-hour ride it�s difficult to carry enough for the full four hours, but I love them��

Tags british cycling, Nigel Mitchell, nutrition, Team Sky

Extras Featured

Zefal FP50 Floor Pump

Post author By Editor
Post date 09/10/2013

There comes a point in every cyclist�s life when the standard on-bike or mini pump is no longer enough. Cast down in frustration for the final time and swearing to finally invest in that overdue garage-ready floor pump, isn�t it time you invested? But where to start? It�s possible to spend upwards of a �100 (yes, we�re looking at you Topeak Joe Blow) whilst at the other end of the spectrum sits the likes of the LifeLine Performance at little over �20 � which leaves Cyclo looking mid-pack at the Zefal FP50�

At �44.99 the Zefal FP50 also sits mid-range in the company�s own offering of eight models, but has much to recommend it and frankly nothing substantial to dislike. In red and black Zefal colour-ways the FP50 isn�t light at over 1.7kg but with both a steel barrel and base (the latter making for good stability) the extra bulk makes sense for robustness � and, of course, it�s a floor pump so you�re unlikely to consider hefting it about with you anyway.

The hose is a fairly generous 1.1m and it�s capable of delivering 180PSI, whilst the red bevel swings into action to mark out the desired pressure and ensure an accurate fill. This is also helped by an over-sized (80mm) dial and, for good measure, a magnifying window that swings with the bevel mark; there�s really no excuse for getting it wrong with the Zefal FP50. The handle, a lighter-weight dual-composite, is comfortable and the piston action feels effortless even when filling to higher pressures or trying to squeeze in those final few BAR.

The FP50 also neatly overcomes the fiddly job of Presta and Schrader switching thanks to the pump�s �Z-Switch system�, where a slide of the switch on the fill head quickly replaces one for the other. However, the slightly plastically feel to the head (and switch system) was the one area that smacked of �weakest link� failure point � time will tell�

Buy cheap, but twice is so often the case and top-end floor pumps � whilst potentially giving you a longer lifespan of use � seems disproportionately costly. For us the Zefal FP50 feels like a solid option in more ways than one.

Further details of the Zefal FP50 and the extended range at zefal.com

Tags pumps, Zef, zefal

Apparel Featured Reviews

Odlo Endurance Short Gloves

Post author By Editor
Post date 07/10/2013

Odlo was founded more than 70 years ago by the simply brilliantly monikered Odd Roar Lofter�d. Reputedly his motto was �always make sure you�re one step ahead�, and, with the company still turning out commendably high spec apparel, it remains easy to fit the pronouncement with the product. Such is the case with the Odlo Endurance Short Gloves�

Attention to detail is something of a hallmark to Odlo � the towelling rub patch is larger than on many gloves, always useful for dabbing sweat and snot (who said cycling was sophisticated?), the Velcro closure tabs are rubberised for easy grip and duel loops on two of the fingers make for quick and easy fitting or removal. The gel pads are perfectly positioned too � one at the base of the fingers to moderate road vibration through the handlebars and reduce the likelihood of stress injuries and one over the lower pad of the thumb that helps protect the radial nerve and improve grip.

Although constructed from 100% manmade fabrics (50% polyurethane, 31% polyamide, 13% polyester and 6% elastane for stretch) the palms have a more luxurious suede/leather feel; however these do cause something of a sweat buildup in the tradeoff between padding thickness and wicking properties. This is alleviated, to an extent, by triple mesh panels on the back of the glove, which are bonded rather than stitched to further add to the comfort level.

Available all the way from XS to XXL sizes, finding the right fit should be easy enough and despite a few loose threads around the fingers, which caused us some initial concern (but amounted to nothing), there remains a great deal to recommend about the Odlo Endurance Gloves.

RRP is �35, with further details on the Odlo Endurance Short Gloves and other products see odlo.com

Tags gloves, ODLO

Featured Features

Cycle Safety � Let�s Get Visible

Post author By Editor
Post date 03/10/2013

Cyclo is supporting The Child Brain Injury Trust�s Child Safety and Awareness Campaign (read our feature here) and with this in mind, and with the nights drawing in, we take a look at some of the best reflectives, lights, LEDs and other cycle safety products on the market. It�s really quite simple � if you want to stay safe on the bike, you need to be seen�

Lezyne Femto Drive LED � Keeping it simple (and simply beautiful) Lezyne offer a functional approach to cycle safety, with these tiny, machined aluminum lights that measure just 30mm long, with a sub-25mm diameter and a mere 29g in weight. Attached with modest, but effective, rubberised straps to the bike, the Femto Drive LED isn�t astonishingly light at just 15 lumens front and 7 lumens rear, but they offer five modes � flash, slow flash, rapid flash, strobe and solid � and their go anywhere, fit in a pocket, dimensions means you never have an excuse to get caught without lighting � or extra lighting � again. RRP �12.99. Read the full Cyclo review here.

Knog Lights � Another long-time Cyclo favourite is the Knog range. This Melbourne-originated brand, has been producing cycling kit for a decade now and they continue to combine style with substance almost effortlessly. If the Femto�s harder, more industrial lines are not to your taste then the Knog�s softer approach to aesthetics could be for you. Take for example the Knog Frog Strobe, a flexible silicone bodied light with an impressive 80 hour burn time in flashing mode or 50 hours in constant; they connect to the bike with a quick release system, dish out a more than adequate 25 lumens and, for the fashion conscious, come in a range of five colours including a rakish pink. At around �7, they�re a bargain too. Read the full Cyclo review here.

Nite Ize � Nite Ize supply an impressive range of LED cycle solutions including some child-specific appeal options, such as the bendable BugLit LED Micro Flashlight and carabiner-clipped flashers. Cyclo particularly likes the Nite Ize Helmet Marker Plus; weighing a minimal 19g it�s a thin, durable polymer strip encased in weather-resistant nylon fabric, which can be attached to helmets via hook-and-loop strips or with the rubberised twist tie to pretty much any part of the bike � seat post, baskets, panniers, etc. Also worth a look is the SpokeLit which adds side-on visibility when added (easily and securely) to the spokes – press once for a continuous glow or twice for flashing mode and the supplied and replaceable battery gives up to 20hours of added illumination. Take a look at their products, reviewed on Cyclo, here.

Nathan � Another option for excellent LED solutions � and numerous reflectives � is Nathan (nathansports.com). A brilliantly simple idea is the featherlite ClipLight (�10), coming in at just 7g, including battery, it clips onto apparel � a rear lumber pocket is ideal � or can be attached to ClipPods which, with their sticky back, can in turn be attached to pretty much anything else. With either solid or flash-mode the ClipLight is one of the smallest and most efficient cycle safety LEDs we�ve seen. If you want to add some extra visibility the LighBender is an arm strap, which is weather-proof and, in either blinking of solid mode, promises 2,400foot of visibility and up to 100 hours from the replaceable battery. RRP �19.99

Fibre Flares � We loved Fibre Flares when we first reviewed them back in 2011 and not just because you can have lightsaber fights if you buy a pair. No, Fibre Flares provided much needed, and too often neglected, side-on visibility to the bike using high intensity LED�s to illuminate a flexible fibre optic core and attaching ,via silicone straps, to a variety of bike parts including over-size tubes of up to 60mm. Available in a variety of lengths and colours and promising visibility for up to 300metres and a burn time of 75+hours on a set of two AA batteries � Cyclo can firmly say this is another cycle safety product that looks good in more ways than one. Priced from �21 – Read the full Cyclo review here.

Aura Belts � An approach to not only side-on but true 360degree visibility comes in the form of the Aura Belt. Constructed from high-wearing �ballistic� nylon, the Aura features an integrated LED strip (powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery) beneath coloured, weather-proof, fabric which switches on via a button next to the clip fastener. Available in six colours � pink, yellow, orange, blue, red, green � the belt can deliver either a fixed �on� glow or two speeds of pulsing flash. It comes in a one-size-fits-all option (at �25) so regrettably not an option for kids as yet � but the makers tell us they�re working on it. Read the full Cyclo review here.

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Fuze Wheel Writer � More side-on visibility, arguably for kids (or the big kids in all of us), comes in the form of the Fuze Wheel Writer. It looks initially daunting when it comes to fitting the individual parts to the bike�s spokes, but is far easier than first feared. Once in place and switched on the Wheel Writer�s ultra-bright LEDs can be set to display a range of images and animations as the wheel spins � aliens, skulls, flames, an old-fashioned �space invader�� There�s even an option to display the bike�s speed if you�re really looking to impress. It�s not the most robust or weather-proof piece of kit, but might just provide the fun needed to encourage reluctant children to take cycling safety into consideration. RRP �19.99 and widely available online.

Altura Night Vision Gloves � Adding visibility to apparel greatly improves cycle safety and if you can keep your hands warm at the same time, all the better. The Altura Night Vision Gloves are a Nylon/Polyester mix and a 100% Polyester liner, which cope well with even the most biting winter wind and their ample and well-placed reflective detailing is to be commended. Pick the day-go yellow option rather than the ninja black and that will help visibility too. Available in five sizes � S to XXL � the padding is exceptional and the triple grip (thumb, outer edge and finger bases) delivers superb grip. Take a look at the full Altura Night Vision Gloves review from Cyclo here.

SealSkinz Ultra Grip Hi Vis Gloves � If you�re looking for complete weatherproofing to combine with cycle safety the SealSkinz Ultra Grip Hi Vis Gloves come in either yellow or orange and feature the famous SealSkinz waterproof membrane. Feeling a little bulkier than traditional cycling gloves and lacking zone-specific padding these are best suited for commute rather than dedicated MTB or road cycling, but they live up to their name when it comes to grip � palm and fingers are studded with silicone dots that deliver a Spider-man like grip. They wick will and use Merino wool so their thermal properties are impressive too. RRP �32.50 details and online purchase at sealskinz.com

Vendante Pop Bands � Cycling safety doesn�t have to be complicated and things don�t come much simpler than the Vendante Pop Band. Made of highly reflective 3M Scotchlite (the go-to product for most on-garment sports reflectives) Pop Bands are flexed across their width to straighten, then tapped against the arm/leg to wrap them firmly in place without the need for Velcro, or similar fastening. Available in blue, green, orange, pink, white and yellow, the latter two promise reflectivity from up to 450 meters (the others a still impressive 130m). Vendante Pop Bands come in sets of two at around the �12 mark, Cyclo have tried other similar �snap� bands, but for our money the Vendante are by far the most durable.

FlipFlap � One for the cycling commuters rather than the Lycra-lovers we feel. The FlipFlap is an unusual answer to cycle safety; a reflective designed to flip out of front or rear pockets – one side of these reflective paddles is rubberised to grip the pocket, whilst the flap which� well, flaps out, is hi-viz, tested to (and exceeding) the EN13356 safety standard. You can tuck the whole thing back into your pocket when not in use and it�s on hand (bum) when it�s needed. �16.95 (plus P&P) isn�t cheap for a reflective but the FlipFlap does offer a little more than your standard set of stickers or bike additions. Curious, but well worth your consideration�

Feature photo courtesy of Moritz Waldemeyer. For more information on the �Joy Rider�, an exercise in pure minimalism that mounts two LEDs on spokes to paint a smiling face, and his other extraordinary light projects visit waldemeyer.com

Tags cycling safety, Road Safety

Featured Features

Art of the Tour of Britain

Post author By Editor
Post date 24/09/2013

During both the Tour de France and USA Pro Challenge, which ran this year between August 19 and 25, Cyclo brought you the unique take on events by artist Greig Leach, a one-time amateur club bike racer, participating in the DC and Richmond, Virginia areas of the US. We�re delighted to welcome Greig back with his work from this year�s Tour of Britain. Enjoy�

Stage 1 � �Punching the Air� � A wet start to the Tour, but it was a rider from the sunny climes of Italy, Elia Viviani,�that took the opening sprint in the cold.

Stage 2 � �I Know They’re Back There� � Dan Martin and Nairo Quintana along with another Moviestar team mate, jumped away from the rest of the peloton on the final categorized climb of the day in hopes of repeating their exploits of the Tour de France.

Stage 3 � ‘Making the Catch’ � The Individual Time Trial: Bradley Wiggins took the opportunity to reclaim the glory and form of 2012 along with the stage and ultimately the Yellow Jersey of race leader of the Tour of Britain.

Stage 4 � ‘One at Home’ � Cav taking his first stage of the Tour wearing the British National Championship jersey.

Stage 5 � ‘Swinging Off’ � Jacob Rathe, has just swung off putting, Angel Madrazo on the front as they fly past the council flats of Caerphilly and the final climb of the day.

Stage 6 � ‘Leaving Them All Behind’ � Climbers as Dan Martin and Nairo Quintana ran out of gas when Team Sky sent Lopez after stage glory; but it was the local boy, Simon Yates that had the legs to go the distance on stage 6 in the county of Devon.

Stage 7 � ‘Cav Takes His Second’ � The title says it all as Cavendish take his second win of the Tour of Britain�

Stage 8 � ‘Showing the Jersey’ � Wiggins came into the Tour of Britain with the intention of winning the race and preparing himself for the World Championships. With all of the hometown fans lining the course he made sure to get out in front of the peloton and let everyone see the IG Golden Jersey of race leader

To learn more about the work of Greig Leach and for details of his substantial output from this year�s races see greigleach.com and also theartofcycling.blogspot.com � he is sponsored by Richeson Art, and for an overview of all the work we have featured on Cyclo (including this year�s Tour de France and USA Pro Challenge) click here.

Tags Bradley Wiggins, Greig Leach, Mark Cavendish, Tour of Britain 2013