Great Wee Road Climbs of Midlothian (part one).

Mark Cavendish on Racism

"For sure I’m going to get arsy at some riders, because, you know, I’m an asshole," said Cavendish. "But it’s irrelevant their nationality, and irrelevant what they look like, or where they come from. Because, like I said, I’m an asshole."

Quoted from an article on Cyclingnews By Richard Moore.

Monsieur Duffield

Although David Duffield has always let it be known that of the three grand tours, the Giro is the one for which he reserves a special place in his heart, the lack of his commentary on this years Tour has left me with an empty space in mine. No talk of speciality sausages, regional cheeses and fine wines, no comments on passing chateau, reminiscing on the importation of BMX products nor waving of union jack underpants. Monsieur Duffield, it's just not the same without you.

David Duffield photographed at The Tour of Britain 2006, Glasgow, and very accommodating he was too.

Eddleston via Shiplaw

Apparently known by Edinburgh's professional peloton as 'Shiplaw Lamancha' when approached in the opposite direction (something which one should avoid at all costs in the heat of summer when the prevailing wind is northwesterly), this section of road gave to me what i think Jean Bobet meant by la volupte. Nothing amazingly special in itself, a short steep climb then questionably surfaced and undulating before a sweeping descent, it was the tranquility, the steaming piles of snow in the forest and the sun peaking out as i descended on a lonely winter spin that sunk this piece of tarmac into my heart. So to me, Eddleston via Shiplaw it is.