August 2008

Last week was one of contrasts. I started out taking pictures and doing a Cycling Weekly ride story with Magnus Backstedt in pouring rain and a howling wind in South Wales, and ended up sitting in the sun sipping espresso and interviewing 1988 world champion, Maurizio Fondriest at his home in the Dolomites.

I know, it's a difficult job- but somebody
has to do it. Anyway, Maggy's ride will be in next week's Cycling Weekly and the Fondriest story will be in a later issue of Cycle Sport to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his world title in Renaix, Belgium

With the biggest bike race of the year, the Tour de France, over it's back to more variety. The Olympic Games are coming up, and every Britsih bike racing fan is looking forward to a fantastic performance by our team.

Expectations are huge, but I was at a training day for the team recently at the Newport track and you can feel their confidence. No one expects more than the team themselves. Good luck to every one of them

On the domestic front, one of the delights
of 2008 has been the quality of British road
racing. There are some good teams and good
individuals in the Premier Calendar and Elite circuit series, and one man who is happy to be part of it is Tom Southam. You can read his story in an upcoming Cycling Weekly ride feature.

My latest book, Tour Climbs, was the best selling sports book in Britain last week according to the Daily Telegraph. I'm working on a follow up at the moment and should have some news on new
titles soon.