Le Tour is almost upon us…

While the Tour de France is one of the most well-known Cycling Races, not everyone may be aware of the totality of professional cycling events.  

Each year, the highest level of professional road cycling typically includes 35 men’s and 28 women’s races, formally known as the UCI World Tour (UCI = Union Cycliste Internationale, the governing body for cycling).

The World Tour includes three Grand Tours (Giro d’Italia, Le Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana) and other multi-stage events (like the Tour Down Under, Tour of Romandie), and five single-day Monuments (Milan-San Remo, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Giro di Lombardia), as well as other single day events (like the Strade Bianche).  

This year 18 men’s and 15 women’s professional teams, including the Australian team Jayco-AlUlu, are competing in the World Tour.  The UCI also run World Cycling Championships annually.   

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to travel to Europe to see the Ronde van Vlaaderen (aka Tour of Flanders) and the Paris-Roubaix.  It was an amazing experience - getting up and close to Pros, watching the Team Mechanics in action and walking the cobbles in real time.  And yes we were the lunatics in the campervan parked on the side of the road waving the Aussie flag!!! I highly recommend heading to Europe to watch a race or two. 

But if you can’t get to see the races live, we are fortunate in Australia that we can view the main UCI races for free on SBS / SBS On Demand.  Take a look here: https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/tour-de-france

So load up the cellar, stock up the fromage, crank back that armchair and prepare to watch the pinnacle of Road Cycling, Le Tour de France from Sat 5 to Sun 27 July. 

Vive Le Tour!

Cheers, 

Marc de Silva

Road Rules

When you sign on for a Bike North Ride, there is a warning concerning your participation, which reads:

'As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of harm. Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an inherent part of cycling, and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others into danger. By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe and responsible manner and to obey all road rules and other legal requirements’.

But when did you last look at what road rules apply? If you are a driver, you may have a fair idea of some most road rules, such as not exceeding the speed limit, but there are also specific NSW Road Rules that apply to cyclists. These can be reviewed at Road rules for bicycle riders