It’s the final edition of This Week In Cycling before Christmas. Not sure how much news there will be to report on next week, so we shall have to see what comes of next week’s edition.
Anyway, a good few bits to cover so let’s dive right in.
If you want to see last week’s edition, you can click here.
Today’s Plan Hits the Brakes
The wheels are coming off for Today’s Plan, the Specialized-owned training app that’s been a staple for cyclists for nearly a decade.
Set to shut down on March 12, 2024, due to “various circumstances,” the announcement leaves users in a spin.
Today’s Plan cites industry challenges, joining the recent trend of training apps hitting the brakes.
Acquired by the American bike brand in 2019, the app was a go-to for pro teams like Bora-Hansgrohe.
Users are urged to grab their training data before the final ride and navigate the refund process for active subscriptions.
This one comes via Cycling Weekly.
Cycle to Work Poaching Tactics
In the latest twist of the Cycle to Work saga, tensions escalate as allegations surface of scheme providers attempting to lure customers away from independent retailers.
Following the Association of Cycle Traders’ (ACT) scathing critique of major providers prioritising profits over cycling development, a specific case emerges of a provider actively trying to divert business from a London bike shop.
Gavin Hudson of Butternut Bikes reveals how a customer, ready to purchase a bike in-store, was solicited directly by the Cycle to Work provider, offering a slightly cheaper deal outside the shop.
This one is fairly widely covered, but I saw it first at GCN.
Canyon Profits Hit a Pothole
Canyon Bicycles reports a robust 23% surge in year-on-year sales for the initial three quarters of 2023, pedalling their way to a staggering 621 million euros.
However, the euphoria takes a detour as Canyon’s EBITDA growth faces a 6% decline, attributed to discounts and a supply hiccup in high-demand bikes.
Despite the financial bumps, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert applauds Canyon’s U.S. operations, citing substantial contributions.
All a bit financial, but then this one did come via industry publication Bicycle Retailer.
Wiggle Weathers Storm
Administrators overseeing online cycling retailer Wiggle expressed optimism regarding a potential sale, citing a “considerable trading profit” since the company’s entry into administration in October.
Facing financial turmoil after the withdrawal of committed funding, Wiggle strategically augmented its stock and continued trading, defying expectations of a fire sale.
The administrators, FRP Advisory Trading, reveal that 24 interested parties, amid staffing cuts and a UK-focused future strategy, are actively pursuing the acquisition.
Ultimately it’s the consumers that I actually care about. Not some city fat cats lining their already stuffed pockets. So let’s hope whoever does end up buying Wiggle are at least tangentially interested in cycling. Fingers crossed.
Strava Awards: GPS Artists Take the Podium
The winners of the 2023 Strava Awards have been unveiled, celebrating the triumphs of cyclists across the globe.
Proving that cycling prowess knows no bounds, Demi Vollering of SD Worx clinched the coveted Athlete of the Year title after an awe-inspiring season that included victories in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and the Ardennes treble.
Meanwhile, Jumbo-Visma, with their historic Grand Tours sweep, claimed Team of the Year honours, and a French father-daughter duo, with a giant-hearted GPS drawing, secured the prestigious Artists of the Year accolade.
I found out about this one via GCN.
Keith Roy Everests 138 Times in a Year
New York’s Keith Roy, a dedicated Zwift cyclist, has scaled a jaw-dropping 1.2 million meters / 4 million feet in the past year—equivalent to conquering 138 Mount Everests.
Pedalling up to 10 hours daily while working from home, Roy accidentally stumbled upon this record-breaking journey, pushing himself beyond limits.
The 37-year-old, who rides for the sheer joy of it, shares his unconventional approach, from riding in basketball shorts to fuelling his rides with a tub of peanut butter a day.
Currently on a 450-day streak of 100-mile rides, he aims to beat his own record of 666 days and tackle a virtual Everesting challenge by year-end.
Read more about this madness over on Cycling Weekly.
Team Visma | Lease a Bike 2024 Kit
Team Visma | Lease a Bike has rolled out its new kit for the upcoming 2024 season.
The iconic yellow and black hues remain, creating a striking look that keeps the team’s bee-like identity intact.
The kit proudly showcases Visma and Lease a Bike as primary sponsors, with a unique logo for founding partner Jumbo adorning the back.
Wout van Aert gave his nod of approval, stating, “It’s a really nice kit, and the brighter colour makes us stand out even more.” But of course he had to say that, because they are paying him.
You cna pre-order the replica kit today, with the jersey being 80 euros, the bibs coming in at 95 euros, and of course the matching socks for 15 euros. To be fair, I don’t think any of that is that on the expensive side. How do they cover the wages?
Read the press release and buy the merch at the official site.
Pogačar’s Grand Tour Gambit
I didn’t think it was fair to promote Jumbo Visma | Lease a Bike without throwing in a story about Tadej Pogačar to balance things out.
Aiming to break the mould in 2024, Pogačar is taking on the daring challenge of conquering both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.
Unlike his peers, Pogačar, that rare rider capable of winning any race, is diving into uncharted territory, aiming for the elusive Giro-Tour double.
The decision is backed by impeccable timing as the 25-year-old Slovenian sensation reaches the peak of his powers. The Giro route seems favourable, offering a balance that could play to Pogačar’s strengths.
With a month’s recovery between the Giro and Tour, he aims to maintain peak performance. UAE Team Emirates, enthusiastically supporting his ambitions, promises unwavering support for this history-chasing endeavor.
Pogačar’s eyes are on cycling’s rare triple crown, chasing the footsteps of legends like Pantani, Merckx, and Roche.
A longer read courtesy of Velo.
Vuelta a España 2024 Unveils a Rollercoaster Ride
The 2024 Vuelta a España unveiled a route that’s a climber’s dream and a sprinter’s challenge!
With just one flat stage lurking on day five into Sevilla, the peloton’s sprinters might want to brace themselves.
The mountains will reign supreme, featuring iconic climbs like Lagos de Covadonga, Cuitu Negru, and Picón Blanco.
From Lisbon to Madrid, the race promises thrilling ascents, including an HC summit finish on stage 15 to Cuitu Negru, with gradients reaching almost 30%. Holy. Moly.
The Vuelta a España starts on August 17th, so a fair wait yet.
Tadej Pogačar’s Epic “Salad Ride”
The Slovinian makes a second appearence this week. Tadej Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates mates tackled a 209.8km ‘salad ride’ at a blistering 34.8km/h average speed over six hours.
One thing from his Strava upload that had me double taking was his 96.7km/h descent.
Brave.
Cavendish’s High-Fly Training
Mark Cavendish, the sprint maestro, gears up for his 2024 campaign with an altitude twist.
Revealing his belief in the pivotal role of altitude training in modern cycling, Cavendish shares his plan to kickstart the season at February’s Tour Colombia, aligning with two altitude camps.
Despite past mixed experiences, the 38-year-old trusts the Astana team’s strategy.
Credit goes to coach Vasilis Anastopoulos, orchestrating the altitude move and reuniting with Cavendish.
The goal? One final Tour de France stage win, eyeing the record books.
Read this one at Cycling Weekly.
Bike Picture Of The Week
Something slightly different this week. A hand drawn bike component setup I found over on Reddit.
I’ll be honest, I am no bike mechanic. All I can do, is get on and ride. Even that isn’t to a very high standard.
So I definitely appreciate the artistic talents on show here far more than the technical questions posed.
Feel free to chime in over on Reddit.
Bike Video Of The Week
I tell you what, he looks very Sheikh in that helmet, doesn’t he?
I’ll get my coat.
That’s it from me this week. I hope you have a super Christmas, if you are celebrating, and I shall see you next week. My present to myself is an FTP Test. Lucky me.