Cycling 2014

[BonnieShels]

Rough Rider starts in 10 mins...

http://www.rte.ie/tv/programmes/roughrider.html

[Stuttgart88]

I don't think I can get it on rte player in UK, not live anyway.

Hopefully it'll be on rte player later on.

[BonnieShels]

You can't get it on RTÉ Player in Ireland either. Seems that it is a once-off broadcast. It'll hopefully be on RTÉ One+1 later.

[BonnieShels]

Watched it on RTÉ One +1

Very very good. Nothing new for anyone who has followed this story since the year dot but it was still worth a watch.

[passinginterest]

Really enjoyed the documentary. It's clear that Kimmage has suffered a lot for his conviction and it's understandable how he can come across as bitter at times. It was a great insight into what drives him and keeps him going. The book has been on my list for a long time and I'll definitely give it a read now.

[Mr A]

Have neglected this a bit due various holidays and commitments over the last couple of months... anyhoo...

Martin returned in Austria and was in top 30 at San Sebastian. Not in bad shape heading into the Vuelta- usually the most fun Grand Tour.

Roche had a solid tour in support roles and played a part in Majka salvaging the mountains jersey for Tinkov and one of their stage wins. He was top twenty in San Sebastian but with a move from Tinkov looking likely and loads of racing under his belt already we may not see much more of him this year. Sky looks his likely destination.

Deignan is currently in the Tour of Poland and may well show in the mountain stages to come. Not sure whether he's in contention for a Vuelta spot.

Bennett has been very quiet. In fairness to Netapp they had a great Tour with Konig so their decision was justified in not bringing him. He returns at RideLondon Classic at the weekend. Cyclassics in Hamburg will be a big target for the team so if he can show there his stock will rise further.

Brammeier also returns at RideLondon having been unwell for a couple of months.

[Dodge]

Sticky bottle said Deignan and martin were being set up to go to Vuelta.

ROche is riding GP Hamburg and GP Plouey. They'll be his last WT events I think

[Mr A]

Yeah, just saw a provisional startlist last night that had Deignan on it. Happy days, should make the Vuelta interesting.

[Mr A]

Piece on Bennett: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/othe...ason-1.1890739

Also mentions: "The Prudential RideLondon Classic is set to include seven Irish riders. Bennett will be joined by Peter Hawkins (Madison Genesis), Felix English (Rapha Condor JLT), Ryan Mullen and Sean Downey (both An Post Chainreaction Sean Kelly), plus Matt Brammeier and Connor McConvey (both Synergy Baku)."

[Mr A]

So this Ryan Mullen lad is pretty talented: http://www.stickybottle.com/races-re...t-of-all-time/

His effort was the third quickest time for a 10 ever recorded on British roads; besting such legendary figures as Chris Boardman and Bradley Wiggins.

[Mr A]

Deignan finishes 7th in Tour of Poland after finishing 12th in final time trial. Good stuff.

[Mr A]

6th for Bennett in London. Missed the bit where he was dropped.. he was in the front group for a fair bit.

[Dodge]

6th for Bennett in London. Missed the bit where he was dropped.. he was in the front group for a fair bit.

Gilbert attacked strongly on a small hill and 4 could go with him. Bennett tried to bridge but didn't have the legs. Still a good ride for him on his way back from mid season break. Should be more points for him in the UCI European tour too (although not sure how it works tbh)

In world ranks, Ireland now in 18th. Deignan with 38 points after Poland.

[Mr A]

Have to wonder how much the puncture and chasing back on took out of Bennett. Mind you he a had a sticky bottle and magic spanner to help him catch up again!

[Mr A]

CN piece on Deignan: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/deig...pana-selection

Cycling Tips piece on Martin: http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/08/da...-have-been-in/

[Mr A]

Martin went close at the Vuelta today, just pipped by Matthews by the sound of it. Form seems to be there though.

[Mr A]

Report and video of last ten km here: http://www.stickybottle.com/races-re...final-10-mins/

He vows to keep attacking: http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/08/ma...-to-try-again/

[Macy]

Just for info - ITV4 have an hours highlights package, usually at 7pm (10pm if there's football). Imlach and Roger Hammond in studio, Liggett and Graham Jones commentating, and Matt Rendell in Spain.

TG4 have 2 hours live coverage, and then the half hour highlights similar to the Tour.

[Mr A]

Bad day for Martin as he coughed up a minute on the steep finale. Possibly sprinting in flat stages cost him energy.

[Stuttgart88]

Just saw Quintana's crash yesterday on Eurosport. Ouch.