The last time we had someone really crush racing was Lance Armstrong, granted he pretty much only raced the TDF, but we all know what happened to him. My 2c or 2p depending on where you are from is that we should do away with PEDs. I do however feel that cycling will always be great but like everyone else said don't have a good way to watch.
Coverage has definetely become problematic. I watch in three different languages - depending if I'm at work, home next to TV or laptop - and neither of commentators are... adequate. Placement of pre-recorded interviews is questionable too, so no extra points for Eurosport producers here. You really have to glue yourself to the TV for the whole duration and prepare printouts!
‼‼‼‼BORING ‼‼‼‼Due to race radios. ---- I would band radio transmisstions from team cars "TO" riders ONLY. Let the riders (not computers in team cars) figure out the speed needed to catch the breakaways.
Man, remember early 2000 le Tour. I was working in Kosovo and regulary take a holliday at le Tour time. Then, l go to my roof in Belgrade and spend 3 weeks. Even when l took the shower l could see a TV.
Not at all! I think it was already boring before :) I sometimes enjoy watching someone who knows all the intricacies cover a race after it is over, but for me, the actual races are not very fun to watch.
hi Jeff, thanks for the comment. We agree, racing is actually in a fantastic place right now, we are seeing some brilliant races! The decision to close GCN+ was not GCN's, it came from our parent company as part of a global strategy to consolidate its streaming services. Cheers 👍
I love watching an early breakaway survive to the end. Wouldn't want to see it every stage, but watching someone, usually NOT the expected winners, hold on is awesome.
The emergency contact hack or bodge is definitely a hack since it will get you home after a ride catastrophe. As Si says often "anything that gets you home is a hack".
Road ID for the win! You can also wear it when when traveling, and nobody will think you’re recovering from brain surgery whilst dining at an airport or roadside cafe.
Guessing on what Alex Dowsett said in a video. Pog actually is less aero with shoe covers. He said that lace up shoes provide a trip point for the air passing around the shoe letting the air flow follow the shoe around the foot and ankle more closely.
Emergency contact information: At least here in Texas, we are taught to write our emergency contact information on the bottom , opposite side from your foot, of our shoe's soul inserts, a practice long followed by runners. E.R, A & E, ambuilance professionals are trained to look for it there, although clipless sandals have presented an conundrum. Please don't judge, 115F/46C is common here.
Instead of the clip claps, if you happen to use MTB cleats you could always go for something like the Shimano PD-EH500 Dual Sided Pedals. As a commuter this is my go to pedal style because I can walk up stairs without risking my neck and when I am doing short rides to the store or whatever I don't have to wear bike shoes.
Whether racing is boring is a bit POV dependant. It's like men's tennis for the last 15 years or so, most of the time you knew who the finalists would be and the matches were usually very high quality, whereas the women's tournaments were very unpredictable once Serena's era of dominance ended. Depends if you like seeing the same winners all the time, albeit putting in high class performances, or prefer a bit of unpredictability.
I have to admit I much prefer it when there's no clear favourite and a few potential winners..... and sorry Si... I love it when the breakaway stays away! Cheering on the underdog 😂
@@gcn not when they appear so unbeatable.....and as always with sport when there are exceptional performances there are suspicions ... frankly cycling has had enough of that!
One problem with writing your emergency contact info on your helmet is what if your helmet gets squoosed? Plus, if you take your helmet to work, you can just as easily wear a Road ID bracelet and take it off and throw it inside the helmet while you're working if you don't want to wear it all day.
The clip clap would be useful for me for not having two sets of pedals but sometimes taking my roadie out for a quick errand ride or a meet up with friends.
That info on the helmet is a complete bodge because Road ID is inexpensive and won’t likely be crushed to the point of illegibility in a mishap. Just get a road id or similar bracelet, shoe tag, or dog tag necklace. You can even wear them all the time in case something happens to you while driving or traveling, and nobody at the bus stop or cafe will think you’re wearing a helmet with your relatives’ phone number clumsily scrawled on it because you’re “special”.
On the ClipClap, I actually reverted to toeclips for the single reason I can wear any worn down PoS shoes to ride and I personally find them much more comfortable and more practical.
Please, please, please! Explain GC, General Classification. If all riders are not GC riders what are all the other riders? What are GC points? Can a non GC rider win the Tour? I’m totally confused about this GC thing. Btw, of all the things available on TV and RUclips and anywhere else, you guys are my absolute favorites to watch. All the GCN presenters are fantastic and I watch everything you put out. Thanks for all the great content.
A little bit of context, I'm a new cycling fan at 27 years old but I've always followed sport (I mainly run). These "Super-Elite" are probably the reason I've started getting into cycling so much, I'd prefer to call them "Superstars". These Superstars are what pull you into a sport by breaking records, showing how in-human they are, and generally making racing well... racing by being so attacking. I think this year we've been a little unfortunate as injuries have cancelled the showdowns specially in the Spring Classics, so it's important to keep a bit of perspective there. Generally though, they're making cycling exciting. I also do believe that these Superstars raise the level of the "Human" riders, I think they're going to do their best efforts on the wheel of a Great, rather than just racing "Other Humans". Just my thoughts as a new fan :) love your content too fyi
#GCN If the UCI actually had jurisdiction here I’d be putting in a complaint that my caption based on a MVDP YMCA song was submitted before the one you selected as the winner …
Great show as always, I think the racing now is amazing. I just hope everyone is clean. Tadae and Jonas are special and we have to enjoy that, My one pet peeve is especially the Tour de France when they have flat stages of 200 km, the racing would be much more exciting if they made those flat stages were shorter.
Those long stages allow so much to happen though and can really fatigue the legs for the riders. Do you think they lead to better racing later on in the race?
@@gcn Well, that’s a fair point maybe it does impact the later stages. I remember a few years back the Tour de France had a short flat stage and it was really fun because there was a lot of attacking and the sprinters really were going for it.
I have been glued to the giro- not boring at all. Pogi would never be so impressive without his team- something he frequently mentions. Their strategizing is first rate.
No, racing is absolutely not boring! To be fair, I'm a fairly new watcher of racing, but if there's one thing I love, it's to watch and admire the very best doing what they do best, and showing exactly why they are the best. If that's in an exciting sprint finish, that's great, but equally I still love it if they attack at 80km to go and solo to the finish.
With that helmet that appears from Star Wars all that was needed was a clip of Dan raspily saying to his daughter Manon I am your father..Unless the force be strong in this one you have no chance of a super cyclist dominating the series!
i raced the zoncolan (virtually) on saturday with Rouvy (61 mins). the first 2km or so isnt too bad, however once you pass the building with the outside veranda and veer to the right - that is when the pain begins. also had the stupid idea of climbing the angliru yesterday. Cleared out a load of crap from my jockey wheels (not jockstrap wheels - dan will understand) a few hours ago so probably wasted a good 5 mins. hank - give zocolan a try on rouvy. it is a very worthwhile practice ride
It's not boring, by any standard. Todays stars all have a limited racing program, leaving more space for riders that are good but not top to also shine. However, the top stars should not 'avoid' each other, cleverly picking their battles. In a recent interview Eddy Merckx reminded the audience that in his days he would have 195 racing days a year... Compare that with top guys, not Pogacar, who are hardly seen outside their major commitments. I would like to see them compete more, instead of hiding out in training camps high in the mountains. That, makes it boring...
@@gcn I think they are physically fit, even more than before, but not entirely prepared for racing, the awareness one needs to have in a race in order to avoid dangerous situations. Let's look back to the big accident that took out Vingegaard and many others. One rider of the bunch that was five rows wide at least, fell onto the pavement and more than ten riders went offroad... Why clog together like that in a descent if someone cannot gain more than some seconds in that downhill, which can be eliminated entirely down in the valley? This is not only the responsibility of those top riders when they are back in action, but also of the team management to provide proper security and safety for their top contenders.
I wouldn't say racing has got boring, but watching a daily 5hr view of a grand tour for 2 weeks plus, certainly takes commitment compared to a one day classic, mainly due to different tactics implemented, with the classics it's like watching 2 weeks of team tactics squashed into one day which to be honest does make classics ckassic.
Polished Walnut can only go on an appropriate bike... now I want a polished walnut chain guard for my vintage Claud Butler resto project... thanks Si... 😅
@@gcn Still a few jobs to do before the build is finished. The paintwork is not great but I am undecided on whether to keep the original 1x4 Cyclo gears or whether I may need a 2x5 gearing for my local hills so I am trying it out with the original equipment for a year or two before getting it repainted - if I choose to swap out the drivetrain then I need to remove the braze on cable guide.
#CaptionCompetition: "I respect the pink jersey and I can deal with the pink shorts, but you've been singing P!nk's greatest hits for four hours and I've had it up to here!"
For action packed live bike racing almost from start to finish... go to the track. Road racing is at least as much about managing your energy expenditure and intake and fluid intake and strengths and weaknesses at high altitude, up and down steep slopes, sensing the wind, how the team functions in relation to conflicting goals... then Pog, Vin, Rog, VdP Ev win
To the question as to whether pro cycling has become too boring I think that is a hard no Cycling has always had very dominant racers who could seem unbeatable Merckx, Indurain, Coppi,Armstrong and now Pogacar Those who are new to being fans or racing especially in this era of instant gratification are still learning all the nuance and tactics and gamesmanship that make a race winning move possible. Many times the highlights of races only show the final winning move and not the tactics and drama that led to the successful attack Some who are new to the sport do not realize how important the teamwork is; even if they themselves are strong recreational riders It has taken me many years to learn the intricacies and beauty of bike racing; Thank you to all my cycling friends and the many commentators who have educated me over the years
Actions speak louder than words, last year I couldn’t stop watching. This year not so much, but I find both Pog and MVP to be one trick ponies. They race the same way every race and win the same way they always do. At least Jumbo Visma kept it interesting last year. Now you think watching one man dominate a race for 21days knowing your wasting great summer riding is worth it then watch. Since the outcome was decided at the beginning why watch some boring race when I can go on a beautiful spring ride and experience new and exciting experiences
I am new to cycling. Do pro-cyclists choose which tournaments to compete on? For example, Can they choose to concentrate on the TDF but skip the Giro, and La Vuelta? Are there limits on how many tournaments they can skip?
#captioncompetition Tadej in the young bull voice “let’s run down there and get a point” Geriant in the old bulls voice “let’s sit in the draft and take them all” Love Dan on the comments on the broadcasts.
I love seeing amazing performances from Van Der Poel and Pogacar! Cycling, perhaps more than any other sport, produces epic stories of triumph, disaster, defeat and at times shocking surprises! It is comparable to geek mythology or graphic novels, except that it unfolds in front of our eyes.
It‘s not boring at all, especially if you don‘t only watch the biggest races. And I don‘t agree with Si, I love it when the breakaway makes it. Women‘s Roubaix last year was one of the best races ever.
So, when Hank starts talking about 100 pound bikes, you can imagine my interest being peaked, a 100 pound bike! Wow! Only to discover what was being spoken about is Sterling and not Pound Weight. I was really looking forward to the spectacle of what a 100 pound bike might look and perform like under pedal power of whoever might ride it….
I love it. I want to see better tactics or young new riders etc come out and play. Like him or not (Chris Horner), he made an important point ... why would Ineos take initiative - leave it to UAE - make Poggi tired. Do what Jumbo did with a combination hit from Jonas/Primoz/Wout. This is awesome stuff ... find new ways to overcome these amazing cyclists.
I feel that after about a decade of Boring marginal gains of Sky/Ineos , it’s great to see tour leaders attempting to win stages as often as possible, rather than just trying to finish strongly but safely, eg Froome/Bernal. At least now the tour leaders are working hard against each other, like they did in the 90’s Induráin/ Pantani
The helmet E-Contact is an absolute brilliant Hack! Especalluy since it's his commuting lid. Commuting is the most probable time to be hit & need the info to be easily found
Nice show. Can you guys do a "short" going through the super heroes with presenter faces on them that you have behind you? I've never been able to see them all. Thanks!
Manchester United had this problem when they'd basically won before turning up to the game, Mike Tyson had the same issue, he'd beaten his challenger before stepping in the ring! The All Blacks in Rugby Union. What history teaches us is, nothing lasts for ever and generally things turn round quicker than we think. I personally love the racing today, I've been watching for 35 years and it's never been as exciting. Sure watching super stars ride off into the distance is a bit boring but it doesn't happen that often if you watch a lot of the races.
Hey everyone. Watching Pogacar or Van Der Poel flying solo on the road is definitely entertaining to me. Watching Vingegaard beating everyone on a climb is also quite a spectacle. Now, for the phone number written on the helmet, that is a hack. I mean, how is it that I never came up with that idea before.
Because Road ID is cheap, and won’t likely be crushed to the point of illegibility in a mishap. Just get a road id or similar bracelet or dog tag necklace. You can even wear them all the time in case something happens to you while driving or traveling, and nobody at the bus stop or cafe will think you’re wearing a helmet with your relatives’ phone number clumsily scrawled on it because you’re “special”.
I love watching the breakaway beat the big guns. That's one of the most exciting parts of cycling. It's like watching a baby deer out run a pack of lions. You expect the lion to win. I don't want to the breakaway to win every time but break away wins are some of the best moments in cycling.
Im with you on Pogaçar. What is the guy supposed to do? He races classics/ 1 say races, stage races and grand tours - AND he's out to win. Its not a surprise. He's honest and open about it and just wants to race. His season isnt geared to a single race with a metronomic style where there is no excitement. Also as theres the chance he might blow if pushed hard, theres always a chance (limited, but still a chance).
I'm thankful for the recent thrilling bits in road racing. Anything to drag us back from the vulgar thoughts of riding bicycles on gravel and eating from bar bags.
If you were to ask me, I think the X Games have ruined a lot of sports, including some Olympic sports. People are looking for the quick thrill and the money seems to follow. I just heard that the Olympics are dropping a bunch of sprint kayak events and adding in….. bumper boats….
I absolutely disagree with the take on clip clap. Its exactly what i want! I use my gravel bike with clipless pedals to go to tennis courts and basketball courts. But carryign a spare set of shoes is annoying, clip claps will allow me to wear sports specific shoes for the commute!😊
I can't see the 2nd episode of Dans jorney back to fitness, where is it? Not under videos? Can see one from 9 days ago but not the one released Saturday?
I watch the Giro here in Switzerland on the live public stream, and I normally watch the last +/-40km live. I do not have the time or interest to watch every minute of it. But every minute of this year's Giro was exciting so far. As for the clip clap... Why?
? many caption suggestions pouring scorn on the colour pink, Its the Giro d'Italia people!! The *CORSA ROSA* !!! - The whole event is a celebration of Pink!
As a cyclist I loved to see someone like Jacky durand launching it at 5K and pushing it to the end but that is boring as hell from a spectator point of view. Remove team communication and bike computers and let's see. Most of these solo exploit are linked to team orders (do not fight that one guy he is no threat or keep on pushing it's within your limit). Nice to see as a cyclist for the achievement alone but not good to expend the interest beyond the cycling cycle.
Holy! I have just found out after I watched Giro race this year, that the guy who speaks 'and now, it's time for cycling shorts' is Tadej Pogacar himeself!! WOW!!
Technically carbon bikes are made from wood. Cellulose from wood pulp is spun into viscose fibres then carbonised 😴 but shuttering board is maybe a step too far😂
Caption Comp: Tad, I know you kicked my head in yesterday, but are you taking the piss out of me with those shorts!!!………. ‘G’, looking away saying “really he chose them!
There we have it. Hanks next challenge... Up the Zoncalan with the 100 Euro bike. I would even allow him to put a 39/53 front chain ring and a 23 in the back.
Do you think racing has become boring? 🤔🏁
The last time we had someone really crush racing was Lance Armstrong, granted he pretty much only raced the TDF, but we all know what happened to him. My 2c or 2p depending on where you are from is that we should do away with PEDs. I do however feel that cycling will always be great but like everyone else said don't have a good way to watch.
Coverage has definetely become problematic. I watch in three different languages - depending if I'm at work, home next to TV or laptop - and neither of commentators are... adequate. Placement of pre-recorded interviews is questionable too, so no extra points for Eurosport producers here.
You really have to glue yourself to the TV for the whole duration and prepare printouts!
‼‼‼‼BORING ‼‼‼‼Due to race radios. ---- I would band radio transmisstions from team cars "TO" riders ONLY. Let the riders (not computers in team cars) figure out the speed needed to catch the breakaways.
Man, remember early 2000 le Tour. I was working in Kosovo and regulary take a holliday at le Tour time. Then, l go to my roof in Belgrade and spend 3 weeks. Even when l took the shower l could see a TV.
Not at all!
I think it was already boring before :)
I sometimes enjoy watching someone who knows all the intricacies cover a race after it is over, but for me, the actual races are not very fun to watch.
bob marley bike been recalled. brakes kept jammin
incredible banter!
@@gcn was originally being marketed to bring happiness to celibate guys. No woman no cry.
This has to be in comments of the week.
Omigosh brakes that's HILARIOUS!!😂
Comment of the week indeed
How can it become boring? Thanks to the closing of GCN+ and their excellent coverage it’s now very very difficult or incredibly expensive to watch
hi Jeff, thanks for the comment. We agree, racing is actually in a fantastic place right now, we are seeing some brilliant races! The decision to close GCN+ was not GCN's, it came from our parent company as part of a global strategy to consolidate its streaming services. Cheers 👍
If you have a VPN, in Switzerland there is a public stream. Try SRF, it is on channel 2 and they cover at least the last third of the stage live.
cheer😢@@gcn
@@C姓先森 £6.99 on Discovery plus
@@gcn We in America are missing out on this great season because of greed. Call it what you may, the parent company srewed us all!
I love watching an early breakaway survive to the end. Wouldn't want to see it every stage, but watching someone, usually NOT the expected winners, hold on is awesome.
I agree! Also when the last minute breakaway succeeds!
Can be so cool! Those nail biting finishes are great 🙌
i agree ,
I love when they JUST BARELY hold on and I love seeing their teams celebrate them
The emergency contact hack or bodge is definitely a hack since it will get you home after a ride catastrophe. As Si says often "anything that gets you home is a hack".
But a bodged version, isn't it? Spend 10 $/€/£ for an ICE sticker and it's a nice looking hack, fitting nicely to the bike helmet, bike frame etc.
@@florianloikasek But as Si says, a bodge that gets you home after a mishap is a hack!
I am new, 12 months following cycling after attending Glasgow. I love watching every minute
We're with you! Every second is fun 🙌
A high-tech version of a Sharpie on your lid is a Road ID on your wrist.
Road ID for the win! You can also wear it when when traveling, and nobody will think you’re recovering from brain surgery whilst dining at an airport or roadside cafe.
Guessing on what Alex Dowsett said in a video. Pog actually is less aero with shoe covers. He said that lace up shoes provide a trip point for the air passing around the shoe letting the air flow follow the shoe around the foot and ankle more closely.
The psychological boost may be worth it though?!
Emergency contact information: At least here in Texas, we are taught to write our emergency contact information on the bottom , opposite side from your foot, of our shoe's soul inserts, a practice long followed by runners. E.R, A & E, ambuilance professionals are trained to look for it there, although clipless sandals have presented an conundrum. Please don't judge, 115F/46C is common here.
ICE Standard app. Add your information and add as the screensaver on your phone!
Not writing phone number on my arse 🤣
Instead of the clip claps, if you happen to use MTB cleats you could always go for something like the Shimano PD-EH500 Dual Sided Pedals. As a commuter this is my go to pedal style because I can walk up stairs without risking my neck and when I am doing short rides to the store or whatever I don't have to wear bike shoes.
Whether racing is boring is a bit POV dependant. It's like men's tennis for the last 15 years or so, most of the time you knew who the finalists would be and the matches were usually very high quality, whereas the women's tournaments were very unpredictable once Serena's era of dominance ended. Depends if you like seeing the same winners all the time, albeit putting in high class performances, or prefer a bit of unpredictability.
Or pole vault 😂
@@repmortskcab8483 Great shout. Apparently women's climbing is dominated by one person (Slovenian)
I have to admit I much prefer it when there's no clear favourite and a few potential winners..... and sorry Si... I love it when the breakaway stays away! Cheering on the underdog 😂
It can make it fun to watch. But do you not think the sport is better for having these big stars?
@@gcn not when they appear so unbeatable.....and as always with sport when there are exceptional performances there are suspicions ... frankly cycling has had enough of that!
@@gcn I'm tired of juiced animals, which most big stars are.
The problem with the #captioncompetition is that G and Pog have already put out the best captions themselves on Instagram.
They’re all busting a gut and we’re just spinning (PHEW!).
Including the one Hank just read out! Which comes directly from G’s instagram!
@@niallshakeshaft1524 For that, he has to ride up the Zoncolan on the 100£ bike against G.
Out biggest fans 👌
@@chrisridesbicycles :)
It was boring when it was long stages in grand tours and it was a case of getting from A to B. Always been super riders tho. Mercyx, Hinault, Indurain
Not a fan of the sprint stages?
Only one luxury brand could pull off rich polished wood: Pine-arello
Charred look of coal-nago is even more premium
#caption competition:-G to Tadej "That will teach you to not to leave a red sock in your washing "
Does anybody watch the entirety of the 24h of LeMans? Of course not. Is it still an important event in motorsport? Yes.
Lots of people do watch it all; same for Nurburgring 24.......
But they don't though....I went a few times and couldn't watch it all despite eating and sleeping beside the track...
true story,
Howdy y'alls, love the show! Phone # on helmet is a hack... unsafe streets are the bodge.
One problem with writing your emergency contact info on your helmet is what if your helmet gets squoosed? Plus, if you take your helmet to work, you can just as easily wear a Road ID bracelet and take it off and throw it inside the helmet while you're working if you don't want to wear it all day.
Very true! Great points, do you wear a Road id bracelet?
@@gcn Yes. I just drop it into my helmet when my ride is finished and that way I remember to put it on when I ride again.
All sports need super stars. Senna,Phelps,Bolt, Messi, Williams etc.. Just enjoy watching legends being born
This ☝ It really helps boost the sport
#CaptionCompetition: Tadej, I've been winning races since you were this high!!
Ok so now we know the next challenge for Hank: Ride the Zoncolan... On the Eurobike. Make it so.
Hahahahah ... *Hank has left the building
The clip clap would be useful for me for not having two sets of pedals but sometimes taking my roadie out for a quick errand ride or a meet up with friends.
That info on the helmet is a complete bodge because Road ID is inexpensive and won’t likely be crushed to the point of illegibility in a mishap.
Just get a road id or similar bracelet, shoe tag, or dog tag necklace.
You can even wear them all the time in case something happens to you while driving or traveling, and nobody at the bus stop or cafe will think you’re wearing a helmet with your relatives’ phone number clumsily scrawled on it because you’re “special”.
On the ClipClap, I actually reverted to toeclips for the single reason I can wear any worn down PoS shoes to ride and I personally find them much more comfortable and more practical.
That's great! It's all about finding what works for you 🙌
Please, please, please! Explain GC, General Classification. If all riders are not GC riders what are all the other riders? What are GC points? Can a non GC rider win the Tour? I’m totally confused about this GC thing.
Btw, of all the things available on TV and RUclips and anywhere else, you guys are my absolute favorites to watch. All the GCN presenters are fantastic and I watch everything you put out. Thanks for all the great content.
#captioncompetition: Pogacar's smile and Thomas' reaction is a replay of the famous Oliver Bridgewood victory over the same rider
No probs watching for 5 hours here !! And GCN certainly elevating my knowledge and enjoyment. Cheers
That's the goal 🙌
I reckon 90% of the peloton would say its ruined cycling as a podium spot is a win for them... As a viewer, loving it!
Hahahah very true! Maybe we should has the pro pelotons
A little bit of context, I'm a new cycling fan at 27 years old but I've always followed sport (I mainly run). These "Super-Elite" are probably the reason I've started getting into cycling so much, I'd prefer to call them "Superstars". These Superstars are what pull you into a sport by breaking records, showing how in-human they are, and generally making racing well... racing by being so attacking. I think this year we've been a little unfortunate as injuries have cancelled the showdowns specially in the Spring Classics, so it's important to keep a bit of perspective there. Generally though, they're making cycling exciting. I also do believe that these Superstars raise the level of the "Human" riders, I think they're going to do their best efforts on the wheel of a Great, rather than just racing "Other Humans". Just my thoughts as a new fan :) love your content too fyi
#GCN If the UCI actually had jurisdiction here I’d be putting in a complaint that my caption based on a MVDP YMCA song was submitted before the one you selected as the winner …
#captioncompetition G “That’ll do Pog, That’ll do…”. As in the movie Babe (1995).
Great show as always, I think the racing now is amazing. I just hope everyone is clean. Tadae and Jonas are special and we have to enjoy that, My one pet peeve is especially the Tour de France when they have flat stages of 200 km, the racing would be much more exciting if they made those flat stages were shorter.
Those long stages allow so much to happen though and can really fatigue the legs for the riders. Do you think they lead to better racing later on in the race?
@@gcn Well, that’s a fair point maybe it does impact the later stages. I remember a few years back the Tour de France had a short flat stage and it was really fun because there was a lot of attacking and the sprinters really were going for it.
Wow, we love when a break goes all the way, especially when they weren't "supposed" to do so because the peloton underestimates them.
Can be so cool getting those un-expected attacks 💨
@@gcn Today was a prime example at the Giro. How cool was that???
I have been glued to the giro- not boring at all. Pogi would never be so impressive without his team- something he frequently mentions. Their strategizing is first rate.
No, racing is absolutely not boring! To be fair, I'm a fairly new watcher of racing, but if there's one thing I love, it's to watch and admire the very best doing what they do best, and showing exactly why they are the best. If that's in an exciting sprint finish, that's great, but equally I still love it if they attack at 80km to go and solo to the finish.
Caption competition:
Geraint Thomas remembering when Tadej was only this high.
With that helmet that appears from Star Wars all that was needed was a clip of Dan raspily saying to his daughter Manon I am your father..Unless the force be strong in this one you have no chance of a super cyclist dominating the series!
i raced the zoncolan (virtually) on saturday with Rouvy (61 mins). the first 2km or so isnt too bad, however once you pass the building with the outside veranda and veer to the right - that is when the pain begins. also had the stupid idea of climbing the angliru yesterday.
Cleared out a load of crap from my jockey wheels (not jockstrap wheels - dan will understand) a few hours ago so probably wasted a good 5 mins.
hank - give zocolan a try on rouvy. it is a very worthwhile practice ride
Ooof that's one tough week of climbing! 👀 Nice work 💪
@@gcn I am going to give pizza San glisente a try tonight and scanuppia on Friday (day off). Seriously though Hank, you will love the Zoncolan climb.
It's not boring, by any standard. Todays stars all have a limited racing program, leaving more space for riders that are good but not top to also shine. However, the top stars should not 'avoid' each other, cleverly picking their battles. In a recent interview Eddy Merckx reminded the audience that in his days he would have 195 racing days a year... Compare that with top guys, not Pogacar, who are hardly seen outside their major commitments. I would like to see them compete more, instead of hiding out in training camps high in the mountains. That, makes it boring...
Interesting! Do you think that might mean these big riders aren't as fit when it comes to those big races?
@@gcn I think they are physically fit, even more than before, but not entirely prepared for racing, the awareness one needs to have in a race in order to avoid dangerous situations. Let's look back to the big accident that took out Vingegaard and many others. One rider of the bunch that was five rows wide at least, fell onto the pavement and more than ten riders went offroad... Why clog together like that in a descent if someone cannot gain more than some seconds in that downhill, which can be eliminated entirely down in the valley? This is not only the responsibility of those top riders when they are back in action, but also of the team management to provide proper security and safety for their top contenders.
I wouldn't say racing has got boring, but watching a daily 5hr view of a grand tour for 2 weeks plus, certainly takes commitment compared to a one day classic, mainly due to different tactics implemented, with the classics it's like watching 2 weeks of team tactics squashed into one day which to be honest does make classics ckassic.
Polished Walnut can only go on an appropriate bike... now I want a polished walnut chain guard for my vintage Claud Butler resto project... thanks Si... 😅
We want to see this bike! 👀 It's got to go in the bike vault 👉gcn.eu/techuploader
@@gcn Still a few jobs to do before the build is finished. The paintwork is not great but I am undecided on whether to keep the original 1x4 Cyclo gears or whether I may need a 2x5 gearing for my local hills so I am trying it out with the original equipment for a year or two before getting it repainted - if I choose to swap out the drivetrain then I need to remove the braze on cable guide.
#CaptionCompetition: "I respect the pink jersey and I can deal with the pink shorts, but you've been singing P!nk's greatest hits for four hours and I've had it up to here!"
For action packed live bike racing almost from start to finish... go to the track. Road racing is at least as much about managing your energy expenditure and intake and fluid intake and strengths and weaknesses at high altitude, up and down steep slopes, sensing the wind, how the team functions in relation to conflicting goals... then Pog, Vin, Rog, VdP Ev win
To the question as to whether pro cycling has become too boring
I think that is a hard no
Cycling has always had very dominant racers who could seem unbeatable Merckx, Indurain, Coppi,Armstrong and now Pogacar
Those who are new to being fans or racing especially in this era of instant gratification are still learning all the nuance and tactics and gamesmanship that make a race winning move possible.
Many times the highlights of races only show the final winning move and not the tactics and drama that led to the successful attack
Some who are new to the sport do not realize how important the teamwork is; even if they themselves are strong recreational riders
It has taken me many years to learn the intricacies and beauty of bike racing; Thank you to all my cycling friends and the many commentators who have educated me over the years
What about Coppi and Anquetil? You're just trying to make me feel old, eh.
You just forgot one thing, they all doped and still are!!
Don’t forget about Froome
Actions speak louder than words, last year I couldn’t stop watching. This year not so much, but I find both Pog and MVP to be one trick ponies. They race the same way every race and win the same way they always do. At least Jumbo Visma kept it interesting last year. Now you think watching one man dominate a race for 21days knowing your wasting great summer riding is worth it then watch. Since the outcome was decided at the beginning why watch some boring race when I can go on a beautiful spring ride and experience new and exciting experiences
I am new to cycling. Do pro-cyclists choose which tournaments to compete on? For example, Can they choose to concentrate on the TDF but skip the Giro, and La Vuelta? Are there limits on how many tournaments they can skip?
#captioncompetition Tadej in the young bull voice “let’s run down there and get a point” Geriant in the old bulls voice “let’s sit in the draft and take them all”
Love Dan on the comments on the broadcasts.
23:28 Caption Comp: G - "why you little..." Tadej - "weee!"
I love seeing amazing performances from Van Der Poel and Pogacar! Cycling, perhaps more than any other sport, produces epic stories of triumph, disaster, defeat and at times shocking surprises! It is comparable to geek mythology or graphic novels, except that it unfolds in front of our eyes.
That helmet contact info is a good idea in Texas. It’s normal to see cars go 113 kmh on the highway where I’ve seen cyclists.
That‘s normal on German country roads but our cars are only half the width so it fits most of the time.
Thanks Si, JLW , and crew...Si , you were right about the bell , I use your method now , and it's better for us all , thank you !!
We love to hear it 🙌
Depends on if you like UAE or not. When Sky DOMINATED the TDF for a decade I loved it because I loved Team Sky.
It‘s not boring at all, especially if you don‘t only watch the biggest races. And I don‘t agree with Si, I love it when the breakaway makes it. Women‘s Roubaix last year was one of the best races ever.
So, when Hank starts talking about 100 pound bikes, you can imagine my interest being peaked, a 100 pound bike! Wow! Only to discover what was being spoken about is Sterling and not Pound Weight. I was really looking forward to the spectacle of what a 100 pound bike might look and perform like under pedal power of whoever might ride it….
Caption comp - *to his teammate* "so you're telling me, if I knock him over like this, the Giro's mine?!"
Wood bikes, rims, handlebars are beautiful! Bamboo, cherry, walnut for sure!
I love it. I want to see better tactics or young new riders etc come out and play. Like him or not (Chris Horner), he made an important point ... why would Ineos take initiative - leave it to UAE - make Poggi tired. Do what Jumbo did with a combination hit from Jonas/Primoz/Wout. This is awesome stuff ... find new ways to overcome these amazing cyclists.
I feel that after about a decade of Boring marginal gains of Sky/Ineos , it’s great to see tour leaders attempting to win stages as often as possible, rather than just trying to finish strongly but safely, eg Froome/Bernal.
At least now the tour leaders are working hard against each other, like they did in the 90’s Induráin/ Pantani
The helmet E-Contact is an absolute brilliant Hack!
Especalluy since it's his commuting lid. Commuting is the most probable time to be hit & need the info to be easily found
Can't wait to see your review of the Clip Clap!!!!!!! Excellent, .........
Nice show. Can you guys do a "short" going through the super heroes with presenter faces on them that you have behind you? I've never been able to see them all. Thanks!
Manchester United had this problem when they'd basically won before turning up to the game, Mike Tyson had the same issue, he'd beaten his challenger before stepping in the ring! The All Blacks in Rugby Union. What history teaches us is, nothing lasts for ever and generally things turn round quicker than we think. I personally love the racing today, I've been watching for 35 years and it's never been as exciting. Sure watching super stars ride off into the distance is a bit boring but it doesn't happen that often if you watch a lot of the races.
Hey everyone. Watching Pogacar or Van Der Poel flying solo on the road is definitely entertaining to me. Watching Vingegaard beating everyone on a climb is also quite a spectacle. Now, for the phone number written on the helmet, that is a hack. I mean, how is it that I never came up with that idea before.
Because Road ID is cheap, and won’t likely be crushed to the point of illegibility in a mishap. Just get a road id or similar bracelet or dog tag necklace. You can even wear them all the time in case something happens to you while driving or traveling, and nobody at the bus stop or cafe will think you’re wearing a helmet with your relatives’ phone number clumsily scrawled on it because you’re “special”.
#captioncompetition "Thomas congratulates Pogacar on 'cycling shorts' intro fame"
Caption comp: Hey Tadej, I have a mate called Luke, he wants to give you some advice on the pink panther look because this ensemble isn’t working.
The downhillers did this for about a year or two in around 2002(?) with aero gains and then went back to normal
I love watching the breakaway beat the big guns. That's one of the most exciting parts of cycling. It's like watching a baby deer out run a pack of lions. You expect the lion to win. I don't want to the breakaway to win every time but break away wins are some of the best moments in cycling.
Im with you on Pogaçar. What is the guy supposed to do? He races classics/ 1 say races, stage races and grand tours - AND he's out to win. Its not a surprise. He's honest and open about it and just wants to race. His season isnt geared to a single race with a metronomic style where there is no excitement. Also as theres the chance he might blow if pushed hard, theres always a chance (limited, but still a chance).
Strong riders don't kill the sport, doping and suspicion of doping do.
That comment about them not having tools is priceless
I love watching Poj and van der Poel, and love watching them win, BUT love the dark horse win. It allows a new champion rise.
Yeah, nothing like a smaller rider getting some glory!
Huge agree on wanting to see more races between the elites. We need an incentive system to convince them to do if
Yes. Whoever wins the most amount of stages should be the TDF winner. If there's a tie, it can be decided by a time trial.
I'm thankful for the recent thrilling bits in road racing. Anything to drag us back from the vulgar thoughts of riding bicycles on gravel and eating from bar bags.
G to teammate - “I told him that if he lets me cut his silly hair, I recon we could have stayed away to the finish, and he could have been second.”
If you were to ask me, I think the X Games have ruined a lot of sports, including some Olympic sports. People are looking for the quick thrill and the money seems to follow. I just heard that the Olympics are dropping a bunch of sprint kayak events and adding in….. bumper boats….
I miss Si’s curls 😢❤
I absolutely disagree with the take on clip clap. Its exactly what i want! I use my gravel bike with clipless pedals to go to tennis courts and basketball courts. But carryign a spare set of shoes is annoying, clip claps will allow me to wear sports specific shoes for the commute!😊
I can't see the 2nd episode of Dans jorney back to fitness, where is it? Not under videos? Can see one from 9 days ago but not the one released Saturday?
I watch the Giro here in Switzerland on the live public stream, and I normally watch the last +/-40km live. I do not have the time or interest to watch every minute of it. But every minute of this year's Giro was exciting so far.
As for the clip clap... Why?
Love the show guys keep up the good work
? many caption suggestions pouring scorn on the colour pink, Its the Giro d'Italia people!! The *CORSA ROSA* !!! - The whole event is a celebration of Pink!
I must say, i realy refound my cycling enthousiasm in watching women's cycling. Way less predictable way more 'all or nothing' attacking.
Unpopular opinion: I miss the mics. So much reverb in that room. Thankfully, the show itself is great as always.
There's nothing boring about witnessing a special moment in history! MVDP and Pogi will be known for forever!
Can never be boring. Cycling is the epitome of fitness.
As a cyclist I loved to see someone like Jacky durand launching it at 5K and pushing it to the end but that is boring as hell from a spectator point of view.
Remove team communication and bike computers and let's see. Most of these solo exploit are linked to team orders (do not fight that one guy he is no threat or keep on pushing it's within your limit).
Nice to see as a cyclist for the achievement alone but not good to expend the interest beyond the cycling cycle.
Giro used to have a tiny sticker for contact details you put on the inside
Holy! I have just found out after I watched Giro race this year, that the guy who speaks 'and now, it's time for cycling shorts' is Tadej Pogacar himeself!! WOW!!
Hahaha who did you think it was before?
@@gcn I thought he was your camera crew or one of your back door staffs😅
Sport, in general, has become so refined that it’s lost raw edge . The 90s was where it was at.
Technically carbon bikes are made from wood. Cellulose from wood pulp is spun into viscose fibres then carbonised 😴 but shuttering board is maybe a step too far😂
#gcn caption competition. "The difference between pink and purple is the handlebar grip"
Caption Comp:
Tad, I know you kicked my head in yesterday, but are you taking the piss out of me with those shorts!!!………. ‘G’, looking away saying “really he chose them!
keep the good work up lads.
#caption - GT's words of wisdom "ok Tadej you're pretty rosy, but tomorrow could be a different story"
There we have it. Hanks next challenge... Up the Zoncalan with the 100 Euro bike. I would even allow him to put a 39/53 front chain ring and a 23 in the back.
Or Feather on the 100£ bike vs. Hank
I was wondering why they don't add like short sprint races like 50km, so everyone goes flat out, it would be an action packed 1 hour of racing!
I think what you want is crit racing!
#CaptionCompetiton G is within touching distance of the Pink Jersey!
Very good
#captioncompetition G saying "Tadej, you were 'this' tall when i was winning Grand Tours"