CYCLING IMPRESSIONS: Cycling

Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts

Friday, 3 January 2020

POC DO Blade

Dear Cycling Impressionists, I just tried POC DO Blade sunglasses.

I found them extremely comfortable.

The grilamid frame makes the glasses incredibly light and the hydrophilic rubber nosepieces help the glasses stay steady even in sweaty conditions.

Talking about the lens, anti-fog and ripel treatments keep it always pristine.

The different lens tints increase contrast so that you can always react in time, not stressing too much your bike handling skills.

The lenses are interchangable.

In conclusion, I would definitely suggest POC DO Blade for road and off road cycling.

Thursday, 28 February 2019

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!

Sunday, 27 January 2019

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!

Friday, 11 January 2019

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

Monday, 31 December 2018

The Hat of the Impressionist

Cycling Impressionists, here is the symbol of our brotherhood!
You can order the Hat writing an e-mail to cycligimpressions@gmail.com
(Fast delivery and shipping worldwide)
See ya on the roads of a great new year of cycling (impressions)!

Monday, 26 November 2018

Winter Cycling Season

We can talk about having a nice ride during winter season, putting on our most expensive and fashioned outfit and go, but the essence of winter is Cyclocross.
I really appreciate Van Der Poel and Van Aert that still fight during winter, choosing to postpone their road careers to honor a discipline that is not so famous around the world nowadays.
They decided to build solid basis on their natural field instead of following the popular way of road cycling.
They are sons of a full season cycling, the pure one, made with strength, balance and bike handling.
The choice to wait is a form of respect to the old concept of cycling. That will help them deeply understand everything they will do among the pro.
It will help them dealing with difficult situation, because it is when you have eaten and breath mud during the winter that you are ready to welcome the summer.
This will make the difference.

Wednesday, 7 March 2018

Cycling Impressions TV: Riding in the Bunch in a Velodrome

Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Rider of the Month: January

Congratulations Dege, you made it!!
After a troubled couple of years, the cycling phoenix comes back with a wonderful double at the beginning of the 2018 season.
He has already won two races in a row and he is heading to Dubai Tour with great expectations.
The great winner of Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix 2015 is finally back in full shape and we are more than happy to celebrate this wonderful return crowning him "January Rider of the Month".

Saturday, 29 July 2017

Rider of the Tour de France 2017

Congratulations Froome, you made it!
The Impressionists have elected you as rider of the Tour de France 2017.
You can say what you want but how you can say he is not a champion? In the end he always win and this is what matters.
Poker of Tours and rider of the Tour 2017, what else do you need?

Monday, 22 May 2017

Giro 100 Pt. 3

I want to divide this brief Impression in three parts, because we've just finished an intense week.

SPRINTS & SPRINTERS

Last week has been the week of Gaviria, he claimed and obtained a place in the sprinters' elite.
He dominated the sprint, winning each time in a different way, showing the world his multiples skills.
Ewan could be the only one faster than him, but he is too small and struggle too much while fighting for position.
Sam Bennet is supported by an incredible team, but unfortunately found a sprinter stronger than him.
I'am a bit disappointed by Greipel, he could not be satisfied with just one stage win, even if it gave him the pink jersey.
If you are one of the best sprinters in the world, you have to do something more to remain in the elite, considering that, as we said, you have a new impressive opponent.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AND PINK JERSEY CANDIDATES

I've never seen Tom Dumoulin so confident and self-aware.
He demolished his opponents on his field, the TT, but what he did on the Mount Oropa climb is even better.
He won on the Pantani's climb wearing the pink jersey, what else do you need to be considered a champion?
He has learned a lot from his Vuelta's defeat and will fight 'til the end of the Giro, with a great TT waiting for him in Milan.
Quintana is the strongest climber of this Giro 100 and it seems to be the only one capable of attacking Dumoulin.
We will see, we have great week ahead.

TEAMS

What can I say about Quick-step Floors?
The Wolfpack is honoring the race and demolishing its opponents on the roads of Giro 100, winning and exciting the crowd on any terrain. What a team!!
The last consideration is about the so many teams that haven't already gotten anything from this Giro 100 and that are doing nothing in order to justify their participation.
You will understand of which teams I'm talking about once the Giro is over, reading the upcoming article in which I'll rate the teams.

Monday, 6 February 2017

Rider of the Month: January

It was easy to predict that the first Rider of the Month in the 2017 would have been an Aussie but we don't have to forget that this is the first Tour Down Under win for Porte.
The rider in the BMC colors has litteraly dominated the two hardest stages of the race, conquering a well deserved win in the General Classification.
This great victory made Porte lift another great trophy, as he has been elected Rider of the Month!
Congratulation Richie! Will you be the Rider of the Month in July too, just after the Tour de France?

Monday, 23 January 2017

2017 Best Racing Kit

After 10 days of hard battle and tons of votes, Orica-Scott's kit has been elected the best 2017 racing Kit. Congratulations!!!
This is just another trophy in 2017 for the team, which seems to have started the season in the best way.
Caleb Ewan has dominated every single sprint during the Tour Down Under and now everybody is curious to see him in action again in Europe.
Milano-Sanremo? Why not! In recent years it has been a race for Aussies and I think Caleb will be happy to continue the tradition.

Just a quick comment on the two worst kits of 2017: Bora-Hansgrohe's and Uae Abu Dhabi's.
There is nothing to say, the two kits are horrible but, while Sagan's vitories will comfort Bora-Hansgrohe, who will help UAE Abu Dhabi?

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

Great Climbs Around The World: Ghisallino

Ghisallino is a nice climb that leads you to one of the most iconic places of the Cyling World.
If you are a cycling fan and lover you can't miss this little trip to the Madonna del Ghisallo Sanctuary.
The climb starts in Asso, Lombardy, Italy and after 9 Km with an average slope of 4% you reach the top of the hill of Ghisallo and you can breathe pure cycling.
On the top of the hill there is a little church where all the bikes and signed jerseys that the cycling champions have donated to the church are collected.
You can start having a look at the bike of Coppi, then the bike of Merckx, the bike of Pantani (just to mention three legends) and so on.
On the top of the hill there is also a cycling museum but the living museum and the iconic place is the little church mentioned above.
The hill is climbed every year during Il Lombardia but It is climbed on the other side, the harder one, the proper Ghisallo, that will be analyzed in a different topic.
Click here for a techinical analysis of the climb and here to join the club on Strava of this blog and compare your performances with the other readers.
Have a nice ride!

Monday, 29 August 2016

Welcome Back!

Welcome back folks!
Hope you enjoyed your holidays riding a bike or watching cycling.
The Olympics races have been really emotional.
Nibali's crash was tremendous and remembered me a similar one he did in the final kilometers of the cycling World Championships in Florence, Italy.
Sagan has tried to write a new page of history but unfortunately luck wasn't on his side.
Cancellara has won a gold medal in the year of the retirement following the example of Vinokourov in London.
Nevertheless the most emotional medal has been the one of Viviani, I think that the entire cycling community cried with him on that track.
Now it is time to vote the rider of the month...