šStage 71: Mark Cavendish's rollercoaster weekend
and why the Tour de France is the biggest race in the world.
This weekās newsletter includes Cavās rollercoaster of emotions and a preview of the upcoming Tour de France. Weāve also got the ultimate Gravel summer camp, bike packing Slovenia and a podcast about how to get into the pro-cycling world if youāre not a rider. Enjoy!
Hi, howās it going?
Iām at my family home in Grimsby for this weekās newsletter. National Road Champs have been and gone, the TT went well for me, the road race not so much. I have a few days here before flying back to Girona via a race block in Italy.
This weekend also brings the Grand Depart of Le Tour de France. There is nothing quite like Le Tour - there is drama everyday, new tech gets released and it guarantees three weeks of racing on the TV.
My money for the overall win is on Tadej Pogacar, how about you?
Happy pedalling,
Joe
Feel free to emailĀ meĀ at joe@nplus1.cc if you have any questions, or feel Iāve missed something that is worth putting in the Newsletter.ć ¤
N+Read š
Cavās Comeback
Mark Cavendish won his second British National title on Sunday. As a rider that was in the race myself, I can tell you just how impressive it was. There was howling wind and bucketing rain, most riders, including myself were starting in winter kit. Not Cav, he was just in shorts and jersey. He was in the first break of the day until the last break of the day and he won. One of the classiest wins of all time.
ā± 3-minute read
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Britainās next big thing
Ethan and Leo Hayter won the elite, and U23 TT Championships this past weekend in Scotland. Ethan is currently with the Ineos Grenadiers, and Leo is a teammate of mine on Hagens Berman Axeon. The brothers are ripping up not just British, but world cycling, take a read of this interview the two did together,
ā± 5-minute read
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The biggest race in the world
The Tour de France is the biggest annual sporting event in the world, and these behind-the-race stats go part of the way to explain why. From 4,400 road signs, to 28,000 gendarmes and firefighters, some of the stats are slightly more surprising than others! It leaves me thinking, where do they store everything the other 49 weeks of the year?
ā± 4-minute read
The gravel summer camp
Part race, part summer camp, the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder is a favourite for pros and amateurs alike. Taking place in the Cascade Mountains near Bend, Oregon, the five-day, four-night event offers catered meals, hot showers, charging stations for electronics, people to carry your gear and set up your tents, massages and most importantly, plenty of post-race beers. Whatās not to like?
ā± 3-minute read
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The Tour de France preview
Whoās going to win the Tour de France? That is the current question bouncing around cycling circles. My money is on Tadej Pogacar, but it is hard to look past the Jumbo-Visma powerhouse team. Will we see a resurgance of Geraint Thomas? Will Pidcock surprise?
ā± 5-minute read
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Summer lovinā
With sunny days either already here, or just around the corner, itās important to start thinking about sun protection. Spending hours outside at once is one of the biggest joys in cycling, yet it doesnāt come without risk. In this article, read about the risks, and how to protect yourself from skin problems.
ā± 5-minute read
N+Tweet š²
Have you got what it takes to become a World Tour mechanic? Jumbo-Visma have a little bit of fun with their latest job interviews!
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N+Listen š§
Have you ever wondered how you get a job on a Pro Cycling Team as a staff member? Or who the people are who work behind the scenes? What qualifications do they have? What is a Soigneur compared to a Physiotherapist or to an Osteopath?Ā In this podcast, Mitch Docker sits down with Andy Gerrans who fell into and has now being working in the World Tour for over a decade.
ā± 52-minute listen
N+Watch š
The RAD RACE 96 HOURS is an unsupported bike packing challenge on gravel roads. You are on your own between start and finish of the event. In this video, Tristan Cardew takes us behind the scenes into Slovenia, and shows why itās one of cyclingās hidden gems.
ā± 25-minute watch
N+1 Introducing šš»
In this part of the Newsletter, each week we introduce one of the brands we work with at N+1.
This week we are introducingā¦ AVEO
Handmade in Italy, AVEO designs eyewear for sports performance and for everyday life. With bold designs and unique shapes, youāre guaranteed to stand out on your next ride.
Be sure toĀ download our appĀ and browse their products!