We did the Première Manche - the first round - of A Travers riding across France from Dieppe to Marseille in the summer of 2009, and it was the original inspiration for this blog. The plan to put the 'band back together again' for another go in 2013 for the second installment fell on stoney ground, with life just getting in the way for too many of us, much to our disappointment. However, our enthusiasm for the bike remains undimmed, and so I'll keep posting my thoughts on the diverse and beautiful facets of the sport regardless. But there's bound to be another big 'adventure ride' coming soon - quite possibly in Italy - so potentially a name change too: Attraverso l'Italia in Bicicletta anyone?



Sunday, 26 July 2009

Bingo Wins!


Six stage wins in one Tour (including the one on the Champs) and he doesn't win the Green Jersey? Is there no justice in the World? Let's have a proper debate about what exactly the Green Jersey is for. Is it best 'pure sprinter', or is it 'most consistent daily finisher'? Should the Red 'Catch' Jersey be resurrected (or is using a chemical spray to kill flies no longer acceptable?)? I can see the merits in both, but surely Cav deserves some kind of recognition for this, or is it just because he's British and we're all excited?

When was the last time someone won so many stages in one of the Grand Tours? Answers on a postcard to me; winner bags themselves a packet of stale Peek Freans Bourbon biscuits. Second prize is Custard Creams.

Here are some clues - if not the answers - since prize distribution will be problematic: Freddy Maertens in the Tour of Spain in 1977 won a mind-boggling thirteen stages, when Duvel was considered both something for your bidon and also the best post-ride recovery drink. Answer for the Tour may be here, 8 wins shared with other greats like Merckx.

I'd love to see 'Bingo' replicate that.
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