Watching the play about the life of Beryl Burton, last week, Ride Velo couldn't help but notice some similarities between her and her namesake, Maurice Burton, whose pro cycling life we featured recently. Both riders were from working class families who discouraged them to take up cycling; both showed the same steely grit and determination against the odds but were ultimately not given the recognition they deserved for all their great achievements. And neither could take it when beaten by their own children! Maurice pushed his son Robbie into a hedge when beaten up Star Hill, and Beryl refused to shake hands when beaten by daughter Denise in the National Championships.
Read MoreThe Inspirational Beryl Burton by Maxine Peake
What better day to open a play based on the life of World Champion cyclist Beryl Burton than International Women's Day? Her incredible story, which has been brought to life by actress, and now playwright, Maxine Peake, started its run at the Rose Theatre in Kingston on Tuesday, and is currently on tour. Ride Velo went to the press launch to see this inspirational and funny play - which is really a must for all cycling history lovers.
Read MoreP is for Peloton
Last week Ride Velo profiled Mark Fairhurst who, as well as being one of the most fascinating cycling artists of the moment, also illustrated one of last year’s best cycling books: P is for Peloton.
Read MoreVélochef - Food for Training and Competition
Ever wondered what Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and their fellow star riders at Team Sky eat on the Tour de France? Vélochef, by Henrik Orre, provides some of those answers, as well as giving a fascinating insight into the workings of a top racing team, while offering no less than 80 nutritious recipes for you to recreate at home.
Read MoreSean Kelly at Look Mum No Hands
If you’re still stuck for some Christmas prezzies for your cycling friends and family at this late stage, you could do worse than popping down to uber cool Cycling Café, Look Mum No Hands in Old Street, London, and earn some Bonification with their new Sean Kelly mug.
Read MoreSmoother than Chamois Cream - the Rouleur Classic
Thursday night saw Vinopolis open its doors for the Rouleur Classic event and the suited and booted cognoscenti of the affluent London cycling community, most of whom appeared to have come straight from their desks across the river in the Square Mile, or wherever it is that hedge fund managers, bankers and corporate lawyers park their tailored but trim derrieres on weekdays. Eager to get their cycling fix before donning the Rapha and deserting their loved ones for their Sunday morning rides with their top-of-the-range carbon machines, this well-to-do crowd queued round the block before the 6pm start.
Read MoreDavid Millar's The Racer - Life on the Road as a Pro Cyclist - Review
I’d just done the Etape du Tour 2014 in the Pyrenees and had nearly dropped out after a freezing and wet descent of the Tourmalet, but somehow managed to keep it together to finish the bloody thing. My girlfriend and I crossed the border out of France and into Spain in pursuit of sunshine, warmth and being able to get a meal after 2 O’clock so ended up in Girona, a beautiful and ancient Cathedral City in Catalonia. Walking across the Plaza de Independencia one day I couldn’t help admiring a couple of beautiful Cervelo road bikes propped up against a pillar. And there, enjoying a post ride beer, was David Millar with his teammate, Dan Martin, in full Garmin team kit.
Read MoreWhich Road for Queen of Cycling, Lizzie Armitstead?
World, Commonwealth and National Road Race Champion, Lizzie Armitstead is still only 26 and has the cycling world at her feet. But is she's going to give it all up for marriage and family life?
Read MorePeter Sagan - 2015's been an Amazing Ride!
The 25-year-old Slovakian has the cycling world at his feet; he's one of the the highest paid professional cyclists and arguably the best-loved too. Known as much for his cheeky grin, honest race appraisals and the occasional TV interview photobomb, Sagan was crowned World Champion at Richmond, Virginia last weekend.
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