"Negotiate with God"

This interview with Lance is a year old but is fascinating because it's as much about business, politics and social media as about cycling. Nonetheless there's plenty for race fans to obssess over.

Breaking Away with Chris Carmichael in San Jose 8/20

Chris Carmichael, Lance's coach, will be speaking in San Jose CA on August 20. Pricy ($67 with pre-reg) but worth it if you're a hard-core fan.

Mick Murphy, the Irish "Iron Man" Cyclist

Mick Murphy, courtesy of The Bike Show from Resonance FM

the legend goes a bit like this: he trained with weights made from stone, he made a living as a circus performer, on one stage in the 1958 Rás, after his bike had broken down, he stole an ordinary bicycle from a farmer and chased down the leading pack. It 's said that he rode for three days with a broken collar bone, that he would cycle for forty miles having completed a gruelling stage just to cool down, that he drank cow's blood and ate raw meat. It's said he was indestructible.

Listen to Irish RTE Radio's documentary about Mick Murphy and his epic victory in the 1958 Ras circuit race around Ireland. Learn more about the Ras from The Bike Show's audio interview with the Rapha directeur sportif John Herety and documentary maker Peter Woods.

Via Cycling News At least Qatar has a Women's Tour

Via Cycling News

At least Qatar has a Women's Tour, unlike some upcoming cycling events we can name.

Cozy Beehive, note Giorgia Bronzini's winning legs.

Hat tip to L.E. of the Alto Velo list for the heads-up.

California cycling photography enthusiasts, take note

From VeloNews:

It was a manic finish that saw fourth-placed Robbie McEwen’s right arm slashed by a spectator’s camera . . . . McEwen indicated he will start Wednesday’s second stage; however, Katusha team physiotherapist Victor Popov said that due to the trauma suffered, it’s uncertain how hard he’ll be able to grip the handlebars.

Last year at the Amgen Tour of California, I was a course marshall at the intersection of Piedmont and Sierra, where I was tremendously outnumbered by an unruly crowd. I had to ask the same few spectators over and over again to please step off the road, and I felt sick to my stomach when a small child threw a toy out into the street just before the racers arrived.

I love cycling photography too, but please consider if you will be watching the Amgen Tour that unwise spectator behavior can injure racers, can injure fans, and can change the course of the race. Please, please follow the instructions of course marshalls! We are fans too.

World downhill champion Rachel Atherton injured in Santa Cruz crash

VeloNews:

World downhill champion Rachel Atherton of Great Britain dislocated her shoulder after colliding with a car in Santa Cruz, California, on Sunday.

Let this occurrence be a reminder to anyone less skilled in bike-handling than the reigning world downhill champion to be careful out there!