Who's Gonna Win 2019 Tour de France?

Who's Gonna Win 2019 Tour de France?

Fuglsang

Nibali

Thomas

Bernal

Bardet

Quintana

Pinot

Uran

Porte

Kelderman

 

pollcode.com free polls

Sidi Kaos

I wanted to test these shoes in the Monza F1 circuit but, unfortunately, it was closed.
Nevertheless, I tested them quite well because I battled with a friend in a strong series of sprints.
The shoe perfectly fits the foot, the ratchet fastens the shoe and the rotor allows a super precise regulation.
Adjusting the rotor, you can make the shoe and your foot a single whole, obtaining a perfect sensitivity on the pedal.
During the traction, the shoe remains hard and block your foot, providing the best power on the pedals.
The pushing phase is good as well, due to the stiffness of the sole.
In conclusion, I can say that Sidi Kaos is a good shoe, suggested for people who want to have quite good performances without sacrificing their feet.
They are not the best Sidi shoes on the market but they are still a very good choice for an amateur.

Cycling Songs: Ciao Mama - Quartetto Cetra

Italian song about a rider in the '50s.

Here is the translation:

Ciao mom,

I’m going, winning, and coming back;

you can already put the lamb in the oven.

I’ve put on the woollen undershirt you gave me, (ciao ciao)

ciao mom, (ciao ciao) ciao mom, (ciao ciao)

the team manager is calling me, (ciao ciao)

ciao mom, I’ll win, you’ll see.

 

ciao mom,

the doctor says

that if I take on this climb

my appendix will get inflamed,

but at the top of the climb there’s fame, (ciao ciao)

ciao mom, (ciao ciao) ciao mom, (ciao ciao)

someone is calling me from the car, (ciao ciao)

ciao mom, I’ll win, you’ll see.

 

I say goodbye to the supporters from the sports bar,

to Ninetta, to my friends, to boys and babies,

but, over anyone else,

a kiss and a greeting will fly to you.

 

(ciao ciao)

 

(ciao ciao)

 

ciao mom,

did you see what a final sprint?,

I’m coming back home in a short while:

prepare an omelette.

We’ll have a bit of glory and a bit of dough, (ciao ciao)

it’s so good, (ciao ciao) ciao mom, (ciao ciao)

for now, I just feel very hungry, (ciao ciao)

ciao mom, dish out Maccheroni

Tyler Hamilton - The Secret Race

I know it's late but I've just read this book and I think it deserves a review.
I read this book ages after Armstrong's confession and everything that followed.
It may sound weird but this book is about truth and guts, that's why I loved it so much.
The book follows with incredible precision the career of Hamilton, a talented American rider.
The beginning is very interesting, pointing out the difference between the European and the American way of conceiving cycling.
Once Hamilton is hired by US Postal the book become a fantastic roller coaster between the feelings
of a human being, the passion of a young talented rider and, in the end, the wisdom of man.
The book could be classified in two different ways: as a scientific treatises, describing meticulously the doping practices, or as a coming-of-age story.
I prefer the second one. I think the meticulous description of the doping practices is an important part of the path of formation described in the book.
The book contains also a very interesting part about the preparation of Armstrong trial and the political decision to dismiss it.
Nevertheless, I think that what makes this book a Great book is the story of the man, of the rider, of a passionate kid that we could have been if we would have been more talented.

The Favorites of the Impressionists

Dear Cycling Impressionists, you answered the survey and here it is!
Roglic is the undisputed favorite but there is a strong battle for the podium.
Yates and Dumoulin have a little advantage on Lopez but he is close.
Nibali, Landa and the young Sivakov have the same chances (very few) to arrive in Pink in Verona.
In the in between there is Majka, better than the three just mentioned but far from the big dogs.
None of you think Zakarin or Jungels can win the Giro. Would they be better off going on vacation?
I can't see a better place than Italy to spend your holidays.

Who will be right at the end of the third week?

Who's Gonna Win 2019 Giro d'Italia?

Who's gonna win 2019 Giro d'Italia?

S. Yates

Roglic

Dumoulin

M.A. Lopez

Nibali

Landa

Zakarin

Jungels

Mollema

Majka

Sivakov

 

pollcode.com free polls

Preparing For Paris - Roubaix

It is quite a long time since I've spoken about Classics but Paris - Roubaix is a very special race.
I love to hear every year the same refrain about the new powerful and innovative suspensions that  bikes constructor have prepared for the race.
It makes me laugh so much.
Specialized Roubaix bikes have amused me enough. This year I want to talk about the new Pinarello Dogma FS. "The carbon frame features electronic front and rear suspension system. A battery pack is located in the seat tube of the bike and powers the two suspension units, enabling them to adapt to the road surfaces as they change."
We have now read the presentation of this new fantastic technology and we are nodding at this great idea.
Now, I invite you to watch the picture above.
What the hell are we talking about?
Do you believe that a battery pack under your ass can make you feel more comfortable while riding a humpback cobblestones sector? Please, be serious.
That's the reason why I love Paris - Roubaix, you can't bluff.
In recent year I decided to boycott brands that create silly bikes ahead of Paris - Roubaix.
These brands desecrate this incredible race just to have a bit more of visibility.
The preparation of Paris - Roubaix is something spiritual.
During the recognition you just try to be part of the sector, to become a cobble, to adjust the pressure of your tires so as not to hurt the cobbles too much.
This is the only preparation you need and your bike should be as basic as possible, because in order to merge yourself with the simplicity of a stone, you have to be simple as well.
See you on Sunday.

Cycling Impressions Interviews: Sofia Bertizzolo

Last Sunday we appreciated the fantastic ride of Sofia during Gent-Wevelgem In Flanders Fields and after the race we had the great pleasure to interview her.
Here is what she told us.

Hi Sofia and thank you very much for your time! Your attack in the Gent - Wevelgem has been simply amazing. How do you feel on the cobbles?

I've started racing on the cobbles since my first year among the élite.
It took a long time to be able to race on the cobbles but with my new team I found out the mistake I made, for example the pressure of the tires.
Adjusting the mistakes, I'm starting to have much better performances.

That's a good news! We can't wait to see you in the next races. What is your favorite race?
I love racing in Italy!
Talking about my favorite race, It's a hard battle between Trofeo Binda and Giro Rosa.

You mentioned two fantastic races. We will support you during Giro Rosa. Do you have a sport hero?
I don't have a proper hero enlightening my sport path.
I admire Federica Pellegrini for showing her value since she was young and being able to remain at a certain level and I admire Valentina Vezzali for her huge career. (Yes, I know they are both women)

Let's go back to you and your career. Where did you start? Track cycling, cyclocross or road cycling?
I started with road cycling, the discipline I still love the most.
I had a short parenthesis with track cycling when I was Junior. It has been really interesting and full of adrenaline, but I chose to abandon it.

What is your goal for this first season with your new team, Team Virtu Cycling?
I've so much to learn.
I have so many elder teammates with a lot of experience, I've the possibility to learn a lot from them and I want to make the most of it.
I want to do the same with the great skills of the DS, of the massage therapists and of the mechanics.

You are very humble and this will lead you to great results. We have almost done, here is the last question: what are your hobbies when you don't cycle?
I study, I cook and I take care of my orchard and of my garden.

Thank you Sofia and good luck! Cycling Impressions will always support you! We wish you all the best!

Cycling Songs: Bicycle Song - Red Hot Chili Peppers

How could I forget to mention the bicycle is a good invention?

Cycling Impressions Interviews: Lucinda Brand

We had the great pleasure to interview Lucinda Brand, a road cycling champion and a cyclo-cross legend!
Here is what she told us:

Hi Lucinda and thank you very much, it is a pleasure and a honor to interview you!
Did you start with road cycling, track cycling or cyclocross and which is your favorite?
I started with road cycling.
When I was 14 years old my dad bought a cyclocross bike for me so I could continue riding my bike in the winter.
Actually, I never have been riding on the track. I never really showed any interest in it, so my parents either me, never took the time to travel to the track to try out. Still the track sounds a bit boring to me, but if I once gonna try, then the Madison would be the one I want to learn!
Choosing a favorite out of road or cross is hard for me. I like the games you play with road cycling and I like the quickly changes of the circumstances and technical challenges in cross.

What is your favorite race?
There are two races I’m very disappointed if I cannot race them. Both are in Italy, Strade Bianche and Giro Rosa. It’s nice they are both in a country I love, but that isn’t the only reason.
Of course Strade has a closer link to cyclocross, it’s an heroic race, you need more then ‘just’ able to ride hard. Giro Rosa is the one of the longest stage races we have.
I like stages races, it feels like I’m becoming stronger every day. The giro also have some surprises, a stage can be longer or a short hill becomes a climb. Mostly there will be stages for every kind of rider.
This combination under a bit harder (warmer) weather conditions I really like and it suits me.

I've to say that I agree with you, they are both fantastic races! You have won a lot of races, including two stages at the Giro Rosa, which is you favorite victory and why?
It’s hard to choose one victory. Every victory has its own special feeling. A extreme breakaway, the team effort, the route I had made to reach the goal.

Who is your sport hero?
I’m not a person who has a real hero.

Okay, let's move to the next question. What is your goal for 2019?
One of my goals is already passed as, the first goal was already in the begin of February, to go for the World title cyclocross, unfortunately I didn’t made it. One of the other goals will be in the summer, last year I just missed the podium in the Giro, so this year I will go full to step on the podium.

You have excited us so much during the Cyclocross World Championships that your second place smells like a victory. 
Let's change topic: hobbies when you don't cycle?
Since I have a motorcycle that’s one of the things I like to do when I’m free and the weather is good. As I’m a lot on the road, it is nice to be just home some moments and take some easy time with friends.

Thank you very much Lucinda and good luck for all your goals! Cycling Impressions will always support you!!
Thank you!

2019 UCI Cyclocross World Championships

For a moment I thought about calling this Impression Coppi & Bartali.
I don't think the comparison is too much.
They are the most interesting rivalry in cycling at the moment and the upcoming World Championships will be their true final battle.
They are moving to road cycling and, even if I hope they will battle in the same way on the road, we all know it won't be the same.
They both lost the cyclocross World Cup so they have just one last goal.
I hope and I'm pretty sure it will be an epic final battle in the cold north of Denmark.
It doesn't matter what will happen on Sunday, these two guys will be remembered together.
You won't pronounce Van Der Poel without recalling Van Aert and vice versa, this means being part of cycling history.

Cycling Impressions Interviews: Paola Panzeri

We had the pleasure to interview Paola Panzeri.
She is not just a rider, she mixes fashion and cycling with her unique style.
This makes her one of the most important cycling influencers on Instagram.

Hi Paola and thank you for your time! Where does your love for cycling come from?
Hi! My passion for cycling started watching my brother training every afternoon.
When I was 6 years old I asked to try and I've never stopped.

When did you jump on a bike for the first time and who put you on it?
The first were my parents, in particular my mom, when I was 4 years old.
One year later I started riding near the track where my brother used to train and when I was 6 years old I started racing.

Unbelievable, you didn't waste time! With which discipline did you start?
I started with road cycling but 4 years ago I discovered the Fixed world and I love it! I like the type of races and the atmosphere.

It is a nice world. You all look like a sort of big family. Which is your favorite race?
I did so many races that it is hard to choose a particular one. I can name New York for the location and the "8 Bar" of Berlin where the circuit is in an airport.

Who is your sport hero?
I was born as a sprinter so I can say that I like sprinters.
There are so many grate riders that personify the idea of the cycling champion that is hard to name someone in particular. Nevertheless, I don't want to forget all the riders that sacrifice themselves for the captain of the team.

Partially changing topic, I see that you are very active also in the area of fashion and art, is it hard to divide yourself between cycling and fashion? Can cycling inspire fashion or vice versa?
I chose to start the fashion and design academy because cycling couldn't be my entire life.
Even attending the academy I can still ride.
The lecturers are very cooperative and while travelling for my bike races I have the occasion to meet people of the fashion world. They are not areas strictly separated.
Every year I work with Giordana and my sponsors in order to create new fantastic kits, check them out!

Of course we will! What do you want to say to boys and girls that want to be pro riders?
I started my career with a specific goal so it is hard for me to give some advice.
I can say that you have just to pursue what you really want without listening to what they tell you.
I know it is commonplace, but you have to fight for your dream.

Thanks for your advice! Last question: do you have any hobby?
I could have so many hobbies but the problem is that I don't have time!! I spend most of my time between cycling and fashion.
Nevertheless, when I've a little time I generally see my friends or I go shopping.

Thank you very much Paola and good luck! Cycling Impressions will always be a fan of you!!
Thank you!

Cycling Songs: C'mon Let Me Ride - Skylar Grey ft. Eminem

Come on, let me rock your bicycle

It's so fantastical, I'm your bicycle

Cycling Impressions Interviews: Elena Pirrone

We had the pleasure to interview a World and European Champion: Elena Pirrone.
The talented girl from Bolzano, Italy, is currently riding for Astana Womens Team in the UCI Women's World Tour.
Here is what she told us at the start of 2019 cycling season.

Hi Elena and thank you, I'am excited and a bit nervous. I've never interviewed a World Champion before! I'll try to do my best.
Where does your love for cycling come from?
Hi! It is a pleasure for me too. My passion for cycling comes from my parents.
They are both former riders. When I was younger I loved following my dad at his races to cheer him.

This is nice! When did you jump on a bike for the first time and who put you on it?
To be honest, I can't remember how old I was, probably I was 3 but I'am not sure.
What I remember is that I had a red tricycle which I really loved and with which I always went around.

Let's move to your first races. Did you start with road cycling or cyclocross and which is your favorite?
I don't like cyclocross. When I was sixteen I did a couple of races just for fun but I prefer road cycling.
Cyclocross is too muddy and cold for me! I like watching it on TV.

Ahaha, I see your point. You have already won a World title and a European title, which is something fantastic, but what is your favorite race?
I love hard races in general.
I like Strade Bianche and the Ronde Van Vlaanderen but, unfortunately, I haven't had the occasion to race them yet.

Last question and thank you again for your time Elena. What do you want to say to boys and girls that would like to try to be pro riders?
All I can say is to always follow your dreams and never give up, because if you really want something it will come true.

Thank you very much Elena and good luck! Cycling Impressions will always be a fan of you!
Thank you!