📲Stage 19: What it takes to win the biggest gravel race in the world
and could you ride at 60 kph for a full hour?
Hello! I do apologise, I don’t think I ever introduced myself. My name’s Joe Laverick, I’m a pro-roadie from England. I currently race for the Hagens Berman Axeon squad and I live in Girona. I’ve just had a little bit of time off the bike after breaking my kneecap in Volta ao Algarve, but I’ve just arrived back home in Girona and am getting ready to jump into a big training block.
I took over the N+1 newsletter a couple of months ago, but I never really put my own stamp on it. Well, that’s about to change. This newsletter is going to get a little less formal and a lot more community-driven. See any cool content you think should be in this newsletter? Either reply directly here or drop us a line on Instagram, we won’t bite!
📖 Read
#newtech
We’re just a little bit excited here at N+1. Actually, we’re very excited here at N+1. Our launch video was made public this past week, and I think everyone should see it. While you’re at it, download the app too. It’s available here in the App Store, and here on Google Play. Please tell your friends, and family, and anyone you see in the street. Thanks!
#gravel #racing
I still can’t get over how good Unbound Gravel was last weekend. After I saw Ian Boswell’s data from his race-winning ride, my respect for him increased even more. I know we’re not all data geeks, but if you are, this is the best article you’ll read this year. The headline figures? He rode 306 km, at an average speed of 32.3 kph. Absolutely bonkers.
8 minute read
#roadtech
Nothing stirs the pro-road cycling world more than a controversial bit of aerodynamic technology. Now, that sentence was partially sarcastic and partially true. Jan-Willem van Schip was booted out of the Tour of Belgium for using his controversial ‘Breakaway Bars’. I agree with this ban. I think the bars look a little silly and aren’t too safe in a 170-rider bunch. What’re your thoughts?
3 minute read
#HourRecord #TheImpossibleDream
Have you ever tried to ride at 60 kph on your bike? Going downhill, it’s not too difficult, thanks to our good friend Mr Gravity. But, seriously, 60 kph is fast, really fast. Next time you’re out on a flat road, go as hard as you can and try to reach 60 kph. Now, imagine holding that for an hour. This article is about the ‘Impossible Dream’ of the 60 kph Hour Record. And all the crazy tech that could help us to get there. It’s also shameless self-promo because I wrote this for Rouleur!
9 minute read
#strange #tech
Love them or loathe them, you’ve got to admit that Rapha are a bit different. They’re almost going through a ‘renaissance’ as a brand. Moving away from their original ‘roadie’ market, they now have both MTB and gravel ranges. This caught me off guard though, a titanium spork and mug? And it’s Rapha, so of course, they’re selling out.
1 minute read
#newtech #roadtech
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Shimano’s new 12-speed groupset. Shimano’s latest iteration of Dura Ace has finally broken cover and has been seen on some pro bikes in the Tour of Belgium. There’s not too much information available as of yet, it’s presumed it’ll be a ‘semi-wireless’ system, with a battery in the frame. Also, we highly doubt that the ugly chainring design you see is final, that will just be their prototype version!
5 minute read
📱Tweet of the week
Do you know that saying about busses? You wait ages for one to arrive, and then a line of them shows at the same time. Well, that’s what it must feel like for Mark Cavendish. The legendary British sprinter was seemingly down for the count and almost retired last season. Now, he’s one of the best sprinter’s in the world again and is taking us back to 2012.
🎧 Listen
Unbound Gravel is cool. Racing for 10 hrs+, across the most demanding of terrains. Last week, we covered that Ian Boswell and Lauren De Crescenzo won the 200-mile men’s and women’s race respectively. Take a listen to Payson McElveen’s podcast, and hear what it takes to win the (unofficial) Gravel World Champs.
👀 Watch
I don’t know what to say about this. Just that I loved every second. Watch this video, you won’t regret it.
7 minute watch