Here’s what’s on our minds this Labor Day:
1. This coming weekend, the new and improved Univest Grand Prix returns to Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Saturday road race and Sunday criterium are joined this year by a Friday TTT in Allentown. The final start list is still to be confirmed, but it’s already being rumored that Taylor Phinney will use the race to make his return to competition following a bad fall in the Cascade Classic.
But that’s not the whole story. Along with Saturday’s road race, John Eustice and his crew offer a terrific cyclosportif event for the rest of us to test our legs on the race course. All the hills will be there–a blessing or a curse, depending on your outlook. Pre-registration has closed, but you can still come and sign-up on the day of the event. Pavé will be there; hopefully you’ll be able to make it as well.
2. The Vuelta intensified over the weekend with a time trial and mountaintop finish to separate the wheat from the chaff. Roman Kreuziger did a fantastic job of making me look like a fool, losing several minutes in Saturday’s TT. Andy Schleck–the man I tipped for win–followed suit, abandoning on Sunday with a stomach virus. Right now, Alejandro Valverde and Cadel Evans seem to be the two main favorites, with Robert Gesink poised to play the roll of spoiler. Ivan Basso and Tom Danielson look to be making comebacks of their own, while Damiano Cunego appears ready to end his year with a bang–and the possibly the rainbow jersey.
3. For the past few weeks, we’ve been riding a nice set of Neo Classic wheels from Handspun, shod with a pair of FMB Paris-Roubaix tubulars. Look for more photos and reviews in the future. The wheels are currently being passed around by members of the Pavé test team to ensure as many perspectives as possible. It will be our first equipment review; we couldn’t have picked a more appropriate product with which to start.
4. If you haven’t had a chance yet, head over to Embrocation Cycling Journal for a new column by yours truly. We’re also eagerly anticipating the arrival of Embro Volume 4. Look for our thoughts once it gets here.
5. And finally, our good friend Duncan from Here Come the Belgians has just launched his new team of the same name. You can follow Team Here Come the Belgians here; be sure to drop by and send them your best as they embark on this fall’s UK cyclocross season.
That’s it for today–remember, keep those cobble entries coming! We’ve already had some submissions, but there’s room for all.
Have a great week; share your comments below.
