Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Freewheeling => Racing => Topic started by: MattH on 08 August, 2023, 11:37:55 am

Title: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 08 August, 2023, 11:37:55 am
Full route is now published. Includes the cancelled Tewkesbury to Gloucester stage from last year (that was supposed to be the day after the Queen died), but not the Isle of Wight, which is a shame. Less than a month to go...

https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/landmarks-famous-climbs-and-much-loved-locations-to-feature-along-tour-of-britain-2023-route/
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 30 August, 2023, 02:11:51 pm
And the race manual is now available.

https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/download-the-tour-of-britain-2023-race-guide/

Day 1 is going to be a killer - long, and scenic (in an Audax sense).
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: alfapete on 01 September, 2023, 08:40:49 am
They really should check other events. My Morris Audaxes run the opposite way on the Cotswolds stage for 15km causing major disruption. I'm sure they'll pause to let us go first  :)
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 01 September, 2023, 08:44:58 am
Have you checked the timings? Will it actually clash?
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: alfapete on 01 September, 2023, 08:47:48 am
Yep, don't worry, I've checked.

The Major riders will be well ahead of it (apart from one 200m stretch) and the Minor riders get a good chance to spectate. They've been informed, have been offered an alternative start time, and may be considered hors delai if anyone finishes OOT.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 01 September, 2023, 08:50:40 am
That's good :-)

It may well be a nice break to watch the ride come through. On one of the Mr Pickwick rides I ended up watching Morris Dancers in a town square for a while - which at least made me think that there's people out there even madder than Audaxers!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: markcjagar on 01 September, 2023, 04:25:49 pm
Quote from: MattH on 30 August, 2023, 02:11:51 pm
And the race manual is now available.

https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/download-the-tour-of-britain-2023-race-guide/

Day 1 is going to be a killer - long, and scenic (in an Audax sense).

I'll be riding out to watch the climb at Grains Bar and may ride down into the city centre to watch the finish as well
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 02 September, 2023, 03:26:52 pm
Rode up Grains Bar this morning. I remember it being harder (I grew up a few miles from there). But then I was on the p2w this time...
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Tom B on 03 September, 2023, 12:36:02 pm
Watching Stage One on ITV4 now.
Love the deliberate way that David enunciates names such as ‘Stock—Port’ and ‘HAZEL Grove’ (Mrs B: ‘ he’s making it sound like a nice place’)
Then, just now, ‘the Manhattan-esque skyline of central Manchester’
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 September, 2023, 12:44:47 pm
My father in law always maintained that Hazel Grove was dead posh.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Hot Flatus on 03 September, 2023, 01:05:59 pm
https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/race/stage-timetables/

Stage timings for anyone interested.

Looks like they go past the top of my road next Sunday afternoon. There's also a sprint in a town 5 miles away and a cat 2 climb.

Not sure where to head to really.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 03 September, 2023, 01:22:22 pm
Quote from: Hot Flatus on 03 September, 2023, 01:05:59 pm
https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/race/stage-timetables/

Stage timings for anyone interested.

Looks like they go past the top of my road next Sunday afternoon. There's also a sprint in a town 5 miles away and a cat 2 climb.

Not sure where to head to really.

Saturday…
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 03 September, 2023, 01:22:39 pm
I an keeping an eye cocked towards how young Zeb does at this Tour. He doesn’t seem to be close to peaking yet. He has come a very long way since I was pushing a very young Zeb up some steep hills on Moultons.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: De Sisti on 03 September, 2023, 02:24:51 pm
Quote from: Hot Flatus on 03 September, 2023, 01:05:59 pm

https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/race/stage-timetables/ (https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/race/stage-timetables/)

Stage timings for anyone interested.

Looks like they go past the top of my road next Sunday afternoon. There's also a sprint in a town 5 miles away and a cat 2 climb.

Not sure where to head to really.
Chedworth woods near Withington (I'm sure you know that area). There is a short, steep hairpin
turn (that I have to ride up in 26 x 27 gear) where I hope to see the peloton crawl up it. :thumbsup:


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 03 September, 2023, 02:38:34 pm
I've posted this elsewhere but it can fit here, too, I think.

Over to Grains Bar on the wild borders of Oldham and Rochdale to see the first stage of the Tour of Britain.  Blue skies, hundreds of spectators at the top of the 9Cat 2) hill and generally a great occasion.  No chance of finding two friends who were likely to be there until we were all departing and I spotted one of them.

This necessitated me climbing a local hill (Huddersfield Road) which until the arrival of Atrial fibrillation and attendant beta blockers, I never really thought about.  Now, I can still get up it but it takes so long if I'm not to try too hard!  Also slightly chastened on the descent home to be passed at the speed of light by dozens of cyclists making their ways home.  I suppose I'm doing the right thing, expecting to die if I come off at those speeds, but it's ever-so slightly humiliating.  God knows what speed the racers came down it.  Come to think of it, they seemed to be climbing the Cat 2 faster than I was going home!

But these musings don't overshadow a fabulous ride out!

Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 03 September, 2023, 04:29:54 pm
Awesome first day, with fantastic weather. Big support at the roadside too, in all the towns and villages and the various Kom lines. Forgot how good some of those roads are to ride!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Rod Marton on 03 September, 2023, 05:32:14 pm
Quote from: Hot Flatus on 03 September, 2023, 01:05:59 pm
https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/race/stage-timetables/

Stage timings for anyone interested.

Looks like they go past the top of my road next Sunday afternoon. There's also a sprint in a town 5 miles away and a cat 2 climb.

Not sure where to head to really.
Unfortunately at my current level of mobility (hobbling around with a crutch) the bottom of Selsley Hill will be the only possibility. Not the most exciting spot, but I don't think I could hobble any further.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: markcjagar on 03 September, 2023, 07:08:31 pm
Quote from: MattH on 02 September, 2023, 03:26:52 pm
Rode up Grains Bar this morning. I remember it being harder (I grew up a few miles from there). But then I was on the p2w this time...

yeah me too, was a good laugh
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Hot Flatus on 03 September, 2023, 07:42:54 pm
Quote from: Rod Marton on 03 September, 2023, 05:32:14 pm
Quote from: Hot Flatus on 03 September, 2023, 01:05:59 pm
https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/race/stage-timetables/

Stage timings for anyone interested.

Looks like they go past the top of my road next Sunday afternoon. There's also a sprint in a town 5 miles away and a cat 2 climb.

Not sure where to head to really.
Unfortunately at my current level of mobility (hobbling around with a crutch) the bottom of Selsley Hill will be the only possibility. Not the most exciting spot, but I don't think I could hobble any further.

Ah sorry to hear that.

Maybe hobble up to the corner pinch point just below Water Lane, just in case Pidcock is on one.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 03 September, 2023, 09:46:52 pm
We are going to be at the stage finish in Gloucester.

I shall take my camera…
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 03 September, 2023, 10:23:32 pm
It just occurred to me that at Grains Bar I was within 2 feet of Wout van Aert - and neither of us realised!  If there was a thread called "Their Tenuous Claims To Fame", I could have posted it there!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: DaveReading on 04 September, 2023, 07:42:18 am
Quote from: Peter on 03 September, 2023, 10:23:32 pm
It just occurred to me that at Grains Bar I was within 2 feet of Wout van Aert - and neither of us realised!

What was he drinking ?    :D
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 04 September, 2023, 09:48:21 am
Quote from: LittleWheelsandBig on 03 September, 2023, 01:22:39 pm
I an keeping an eye cocked towards how young Zeb does at this Tour. He doesn’t seem to be close to peaking yet. He has come a very long way since I was pushing a very young Zeb up some steep hills on Moultons.

In the break most of the first day is a strong showing at this level. Hopefully he gets another chance soon.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 10:32:29 am
Is there a forum or familial connection to Zeb?
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 10:35:24 am
Quote from: DaveReading on 04 September, 2023, 07:42:18 am
Quote from: Peter on 03 September, 2023, 10:23:32 pm
It just occurred to me that at Grains Bar I was within 2 feet of Wout van Aert - and neither of us realised!

What was he drinking ?    :D

Pure mountain air - this is Oldham!  (Seriously, grains ...)
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 04 September, 2023, 10:40:53 am
In Wrexham. It's baking hot already. At least today is only like a Sunday club run in length - which may well mean someone goes for it from the off.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 04 September, 2023, 10:51:53 am
Quote from: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 10:32:29 am
Is there a forum or familial connection to Zeb?

Friends with Zeb and his parents via Moulton bikes, for well over a decade.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 10:57:06 am
Ah, ok, D!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 10:58:40 am
Quote from: MattH on 04 September, 2023, 10:40:53 am
In Wrexham. It's baking hot already. At least today is only like a Sunday club run in length - which may well mean someone goes for it from the off.

Matt, are you on one of the several hundred motos?  Or in a team car?
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Salvatore on 04 September, 2023, 11:02:05 am
Quote from: MattH on 03 September, 2023, 04:29:54 pm
Awesome first day, with fantastic weather. Big support at the roadside too, in all the towns and villages and the various Kom lines. Forgot how good some of those roads are to ride!

Brian Smith, while recounting his experiences as race director, and some of the challenges he faced: "The NEG are absolutely phenomenal in what they do."
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 11:06:17 am
What is NEG, please?
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: De Sisti on 04 September, 2023, 12:31:17 pm
Quote from: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 11:06:17 am
What is NEG, please?
National Escort Group. The motorbike riders who make the road ahead safe for the peloton.

Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 12:37:00 pm
Thanks!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: De Sisti on 04 September, 2023, 04:39:51 pm
Quote from: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 12:37:00 pm
Thanks!
Sometimes aided by the local police.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 04 September, 2023, 06:40:05 pm
There's 25 NEG and 30 police CEG (central escort group) bikes, plus  some cars.  Then local police stationary in some towns. Police and NEG come from all over the UK. I'm NEG.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 04 September, 2023, 10:39:54 pm
Ok!  I'll have seen you yesterday up Grains Bar - but you in't seen me, roit?!

PS, I've ridden many Audices along those lanes on today's stage but they looked really hairy at today's speeds!

Take care of yourself.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Flite on 05 September, 2023, 09:06:55 am
The escort motor bikes are always fun to watch - Spot how many different police forces are represented.
And when they stop they always have a comment or quip to roadside spectators.
One of the best was at the TdeY near Arncliffe:
"They are running a bit late, they have stopped for a cup of tea in Settle"

Respect - it's an intense job.
Do you have to ride the transfers between stages as well, or do the motorbikes and riders have other transport?
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 05 September, 2023, 09:48:32 am
We ride between. So we can sometimes add hundreds of miles onto race distance to get from the hotel in the morning to the start and to the next hotel afterwards. I'm expecting to do just under 2000 miles this week.

Yellow jackets are police, orange NEG, though many NEG are serving or ex-police.

In Goole now. Looking to be a hot day...
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Nuncio on 05 September, 2023, 04:29:47 pm
We're planning to go to Margam for the Sunday start. I'll look out for you Matt.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 September, 2023, 05:45:37 pm
Am in Edwinstowe to watch tomorrow’s start.

Last year was watching in Edwinstowe and it became the last stage because just as the peloton passed through, the Queen died. God save the King!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 05 September, 2023, 05:54:50 pm
Nuncio, be good to see you, been far too long since we've ridden together.

Great stage today, fantastic scenery and roads. Need to read the reports to find what actually happened though...
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: matthew on 05 September, 2023, 06:10:06 pm
Quote from: MattH on 05 September, 2023, 09:48:32 am
We ride between. So we can sometimes add hundreds of miles onto race distance to get from the hotel in the morning to the start and to the next hotel afterwards.

I should imagine that is quite the convoy. Marked Police bikes and the NEG marked bikes with advanced trained and experienced riders, there must be a lot to learn from each other just on that part let alone when actually working the stages.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 05 September, 2023, 07:22:28 pm
We don't normally ride together - it's too hard to get through towns or keep together on a motorway without affecting other traffic. So police ride separately and NEG break down to groups of half a dozen or so.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Salvatore on 06 September, 2023, 07:46:10 am
Many years ago, I'd guess in the early 1990s, for several years in a row, the Milk Race started at Land's End. The warden of LE YHA, Brian Wood, was a keen audaxer and organised a program of audaxes over the weekend (usually a BH), and it was planned so that you could watch the racing and ride your bike round Cornwall, and then follow the race as it left the SW (often into S Wales where I lived at the time). I was a regular there.

One year I was driving there, still a long way from the SW, when I was overtaken by about half a dozen motorcycles. They were all police motorbikes, but the livery was all subtly different, and the insignia showed different forces. Some time later I realised that they were also heading for the start of the Milk Race.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: yoav on 06 September, 2023, 08:28:05 am
Quote from: MattH on 04 September, 2023, 06:40:05 pm
There's 25 NEG and 30 police CEG (central escort group) bikes, plus  some cars.  Then local police stationary in some towns. Police and NEG come from all over the UK. I'm NEG.

Nice to see another forum member who is also a NEG. Not many NEG actually ride a bicycle.
I’m in Scotland BTW.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 06 September, 2023, 09:59:03 am
A fair number of the team here are cyclists, and some involved in pro racing.

I'm also not the only audaxer, turns out one guy had been on some of the same rides as me from the huts.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 06 September, 2023, 10:51:32 am
Warming up now, going to be another hour one. Let's see if the Nottingham stage tops off another monarch like last year...
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 06 September, 2023, 05:17:54 pm
Anyone else think that having MattC involved is rapidly becoming the only interesting thing about this Tour?

Edit (thanks, Nuncio)  MattH, not MattC!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Nuncio on 06 September, 2023, 05:51:46 pm
Who's MattC riding for?
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 06 September, 2023, 06:38:41 pm
Sorry, I will put it right!!!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Salvatore on 06 September, 2023, 06:49:58 pm
Quote from: Peter on 06 September, 2023, 05:17:54 pm
Anyone else think that having MattC involved is rapidly becoming the only interesting thing about this Tour?


The GC is interesting, but only as an oddity. After 4 flat (therefore sprint) stages, with no bonus seconds for stage placings, the first 80 (eighty) places on GC all have the same time.
And it's unlikely to be significantly different until Sunday.

Edit: actually it's only 56 riders who are equal first on time.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: JonBuoy on 06 September, 2023, 08:01:42 pm
Quote from: Peter on 06 September, 2023, 05:17:54 pm
Anyone else think that having MattC involved is rapidly becoming the only interesting thing about this Tour?

Edit (thanks, Nuncio)  MattH, not MattC!

In the absence of MattC there was the slightly mis-timed live sheep sculpture in the form of a penny farthing with 6.7k to go  ::-)

I originally planned to cycle from home to Newark to watch the finish but decided that I didn't fancy all day out in 25+degC so plotted a MTB route from Long Bennington that took in a couple of VV tiles that I needed.  Some decent tracks including the ones worryingly close to Beckingham Danger Area  :hand:  At one point I was on the cyclepath alongside the A616 going against the flow of the cyclists heading for Newark town centre - there were loads of them.
Just before I got back to Long Bennington the team buses, official cars and NEG motorcyclists started passing me - no doubt on their way to the A1 en route to Felixstowe.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 06 September, 2023, 09:17:25 pm
Bizarrely whilst we are right in the thick of it (lost count of the number of times I've left Wout unable to keep up with me this week - my tenuous claim to fame), it's hard to keep track of what is really happening. I know when there is a break and what the gap is, but even once you've worked through the peloton and are now ready to be overtaking them,  you don't really clock who it is. You're looking in mirrors to see what's happening behind, looking at the position of the racers and the camera bike to avoid getting into shot, looking how the road changes ahead for if it is safe and what your optimum line will be too avoid affecting them and/or hitting road furniture, watching for the team cars moving around, checking if the regulator has any specific instructions for the overtake (which side), or if he wants you to hang back, if they are riders coming up from behind to join the break (in which case they get priority on road space), if there are any other bikes trying to get through etc. The last thing you do is check the race numbers...

I generally don't know what actually happened until I see it on TV!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 06 September, 2023, 09:20:28 pm
OK, Matt, I can help you there: 

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 07 September, 2023, 01:13:56 am
Looking forward to the finish on Saturday  ;D
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: yoav on 07 September, 2023, 12:51:49 pm
Can anyone who has been to a stage start or finish tell me if there is a stand selling replica Tour of Britain jerseys (leader, KOM, points etc)?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: gibbo on 07 September, 2023, 02:30:50 pm
ToB has just come through Hadleigh which included a sprint. I positioned myself midpoint of the sprint leg hoping to see them come screaming through. Wasn't even contested by either the breakaway of three riders nor the peleton. Slightly dissappointed tbh.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 07 September, 2023, 03:42:13 pm
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Flite on 07 September, 2023, 07:37:25 pm
Seems JV are not making the race boring?
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 07 September, 2023, 09:20:56 pm
Yes, that was some stunt!

Could have a jersey for stunts, intermediate stunts, etc.  Might rejuvenate Peter Sagan, or even Jens Voigt!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Flite on 07 September, 2023, 09:50:48 pm
That finish was hilarious.
Need an award for the most audacious plan.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 07 September, 2023, 09:59:28 pm
At last a time gap!

In wowbagger country tomorrow. Let's see if it starts to get interesting.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 September, 2023, 01:14:57 pm
I was standing at Gravel Corner here (http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=591210&Y=188277&A=Y&Z=115) although someone had had the good sense to sweep up the gravel. I took some videos, and the coming and going of the police motorcyclists, and others (I had to google NEG) looked very chaotic, and there seemed to be a lot of private cars using the road very close to the riders coming through, some drivers seemingly oblivious to the fact that a major bike race was coming through.

I took some videos which are on my iphone. I will try to extract them at some stage and provide them for amusement value. There was a guy standing beside me who had a lot of choice words to say about his view of ride safety.

So far as the race was concerned, there was a breakaway group of three, going like the clappers, a solitary guy who was twiddling, presumably waiting for the peloton to catch him up, and then the peloton, who were travelling more slowly than I expected.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 08 September, 2023, 07:44:37 pm
Full road closure is quite close to the race, as to do any more would require massive resources and cause a lot of inconvenience to other road users. It's not a TDF style shut down the route for the day, it's a rolling closure. The few cars that are on the road as the race approaches get dealt with by the police bikes close to the race.  It's tough to enforce, as anyone could pop out of a driveway and you can't physically cover every one of them.

The bikes may seem chaotic, but there are multiple teams and roles within both both police and NEG. Everyone has their allocated task, so for example some will be stopping at every junction to block traffic joining, and waiting for the next junction bike to arrive to push them on. Others are looking for hazards (e.g central islands, that are plotted in advance for the entire route, or dynamic hazards like the occasional errant parked or stopped car) and warning the racers. So they will be riding past the junction bikes, trying to get ahead with enough time to deal with any issues.

The knack is
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Nuncio on 08 September, 2023, 09:15:46 pm
...responsible for My Sharona?
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 08 September, 2023, 10:00:34 pm
 :) yeah, typing on a phone and editing it isn't something I have the knack for.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 09 September, 2023, 12:50:46 pm
Quote from: yoav on 07 September, 2023, 12:51:49 pm
Can anyone who has been to a stage start or finish tell me if there is a stand selling replica Tour of Britain jerseys (leader, KOM, points etc)?

Thanks.

At Gloucester I saw team stuff and blue branded ToB stuff. Forgot to look for the specialist jerseys!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 09 September, 2023, 12:58:22 pm
At the finish, looking at all the familiar roads on the big screen :)
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 September, 2023, 01:37:54 pm
Just watched them hammering up through Avening.

Rode home.

Beer.

Now going to walk up to the common and watch them again
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: rafletcher on 09 September, 2023, 01:44:25 pm
Quote from: MattH on 08 September, 2023, 07:44:37 pm
It's not a TDF style shut down the route for the day, it's a rolling closure. The few cars that are on the road as the race approaches get dealt with by the police bikes close to the race.  It's tough to enforce, as anyone could pop out of a driveway and you can't physically cover every one of them.


Many moons ago, when it was still, I think, the Milk Race, I recall Phil Anderson nearly being T-boned by an elderly driver who completely ignored the Police bike and officer blocking his exit and drov out onto the course as the peloton passed.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 09 September, 2023, 02:30:03 pm
There was a power cut at the finish.  :o  Seems to be resolved now  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 September, 2023, 03:03:41 pm
I held my pint out by the Bell in Selsley, but nobody took it.  Got a few grins though
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 09 September, 2023, 03:24:46 pm
Didn't see it - could have done with it!
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 09 September, 2023, 03:52:08 pm
Yes, quite a lot of last few kms hunting down going on.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 09 September, 2023, 04:45:26 pm
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/Sep%2009%202023%20P9090075.jpg)

(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/Sep%2009%202023%20P9090095.jpg)

(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/Sep%2009%202023%20P9090307.jpg)

(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/Sep%2009%202023%20P9090316.jpg)

Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: De Sisti on 09 September, 2023, 05:54:10 pm
Our club (Cheltenham & County CC) took a few groups out to see the riders at the start in
Tewkesbury, and on Cleeve Hill & Suedley Hill. I led a group on a short(ish) ride to Tewkesbury
and managed to have a quick chat to some of the teams' mechanics. They were all open and very
friendly.

Oh, here's something I noticed - not all of the Inios Grenadiers' bikes were decked out in full-on
Dura Ace gear. I spotted a few with Ultegra front derailleurs.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 September, 2023, 05:57:55 pm
Quote from: MattH on 09 September, 2023, 03:24:46 pm
Didn't see it - could have done with it!
(click to show/hide)

Got a few big grins off riders because I was holding it out like a bottle. No TV footage of it because ITV4 cut to a break from literally the top of my road (which is the Cotswold escarpment. Annoyingly there was zero footage of the town either.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Jaded on 09 September, 2023, 06:09:35 pm
We saw the top of your road on the big screen, no adverts in the coverage. Was looking for the Bell, but didn’t make it out in the fast descent, which was shown from the helicopter.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 09 September, 2023, 06:50:20 pm
Quote from: Hot Flatus on 09 September, 2023, 05:57:55 pm
No TV footage of it because ITV4 cut to a break from literally the top of my road (which is the Cotswold escarpment. Annoyingly there was zero footage of the town either.

At what km? I can see if it is on GCN or if you're on my dashcam (ideally if you know what time it was).
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 09 September, 2023, 07:14:46 pm
Young Zeb had a good day today with a top ten finish. Not too shabby!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: JonBuoy on 09 September, 2023, 07:36:15 pm
Quote from: MattH on 09 September, 2023, 06:50:20 pm
Quote from: Hot Flatus on 09 September, 2023, 05:57:55 pm
No TV footage of it because ITV4 cut to a break from literally the top of my road (which is the Cotswold escarpment. Annoyingly there was zero footage of the town either.

At what km? I can see if it is on GCN or if you're on my dashcam.

Assuming I have the correct location - the GCN coverage cut back to the front four just as they passed the pub:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53174847412_018fd68651_c.jpg)

The following groups were indeed shown passing the pub from a helicopter shot.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 September, 2023, 10:21:08 pm
Quote from: JonBuoy on 09 September, 2023, 07:36:15 pm
Quote from: MattH on 09 September, 2023, 06:50:20 pm
Quote from: Hot Flatus on 09 September, 2023, 05:57:55 pm
No TV footage of it because ITV4 cut to a break from literally the top of my road (which is the Cotswold escarpment. Annoyingly there was zero footage of the town either.

At what km? I can see if it is on GCN or if you're on my dashcam.

Assuming I have the correct location - the GCN coverage cut back to the front four just as they passed the pub:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53174847412_018fd68651_c.jpg)

The following groups were indeed shown passing the pub from a helicopter shot.

I'm about 50 yards further down the hill, just round the corner, standing on the right.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 10 September, 2023, 11:32:42 am
Ah, yes, I see now ...
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Salvatore on 10 September, 2023, 12:40:21 pm
A stage start in Margam Park is one thing, but the greatest sporting moment to have happened there was when I hit a six onto the pavilion roof on 13th July 1985.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53177471538_7f3881ae8b_m.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2p27rBy)
Photo by nuncio this morning
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 10 September, 2023, 01:42:15 pm
Yes, it's all about proportion, isn't it! ;D
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: De Sisti on 10 September, 2023, 03:51:18 pm
During stage 7 of the Tour of Britain, there was some confusion as the organizers referred to Suedley Hill as Winchcombe Hill. It's worth noting that among the local community, including avid riders in the area, this hill is widely recognized as Suedley Hill, and the term "Winchcombe Hill" is not commonly used to describe it. This naming inconsistency caused bewilderment among those familiar with the local geography and cycling routes.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Nuncio on 10 September, 2023, 08:39:26 pm
Well, I missed Matth. We spend too long waiting for the reluctant riders to come out of their buses before wandering up to the start, where I think the motorbikes may have been gathered. I did look at all the NEG riders who went past to see if any of them looked like the version of Matth I remember + 10 years, but no joy.

We saw a few of the team introductions, and the depart; then sat on some straw bales in front of the big screen (picturesquely placed with a view of Margam Castle behind, rather than the other way round, with Port Talbot steelworks as the backdrop) watching the race until the break was established. Within a minute of setting off for home (in a car) the heavens emptied, so I'm glad, restrospectively, that the break didn't take too long to get away.

From what I saw the enforced re-routing because of the traffic incident was pretty well handled. It can't have been easy for the organizers. There are not a great deal of alternatives available in the Rhondda valleys. I'd be interested in Matth's behind-the-scenes views.

Too late to be of any use yoav, but there were no merch stands at all at today's start.



Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 10 September, 2023, 08:56:27 pm
I was one of the first NEG to leave (don't remember if the junction team left before me) as someone had parked on double yellows on a turn at the exit to the park. As I was ready to roll I headed out to flag and whistle it, though luckily the local Heddlu managed to track down the owner in the park and get it moved.
I was wearing a white helmet and orange jacket, if that helps...

It was an interesting day. We heard about the RTA when we had about 40km to get to it. Someone was sent ahead to assess, and then the alternative route was sorted, with just a short stop at the top then a neutralised section through it. It did work very well on the ground, top marks to the team that sorted it and the local Heddlu for their assistance. On the positive side for me, it meant that I could do that descent with no pressure, so could cruise down at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery. And what scenery we had today. Absolutely fantastic, though I doubt the racers got to enjoy it too much.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Nuncio on 10 September, 2023, 09:00:41 pm
That's a lovely descent. I think I may have done it faster than Wout van Aert.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 10 September, 2023, 10:11:06 pm
It did look beautiful and I enjoyed it when the director concentrated on the scenery rather than the riders!  The section towards the accident reminded me strongly of the Abergwesyn road further north.  Terrific job by all, participants and enablers.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 10 September, 2023, 10:34:49 pm
Zeb ended up 6th overall. Good going against the big boys.
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: Peter on 10 September, 2023, 11:05:01 pm
Yes, I was thinking how chuffed you'd be with Zeb's performance.  Bonzer!
Title: Re: Tour of Britain 2023
Post by: MattH on 08 November, 2023, 11:24:47 am
Some trouble going on, SweetSpot may be losing the rights to run it next year.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/nov/07/future-of-tour-of-britain-mens-race-in-balance-over-dispute-with-promoter?CMP=share_btn_tw

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/tour-of-britain-future-plunged-into-doubt-over-pound700000-legal-battle