Graeme Obree refuses to rule out cycling return
Graeme Obree promised to burn his bike shoes after breaking the world speed record on his recumbent bike in September, seemingly bringing an end to his legendary cycling career.
However, Obree has started to regret his hasty comments and refused to rule out a return to the saddle, despite being invited to take up the role of rector at Glasgow University.
"Sports people should be banned from saying anything in the spur of the moment," Obree told The Daily Record.
"Nothing is lined up, sports-wise and I'm happy with that for now - but never say never."
Obree, 48, was a student at Glasgow University in 1989 and he hopes to draw upon both his experience as an elite athlete and his battle mental health issues in his potential new role supporting the students.
"It took me two minutes to accept the invite to stand as rector. I can talk the hind legs off a donkey but I can also provide a listening ear to intelligent young people who may be suffering depression or need to discuss issues," he said.
Boardman signs up for Etape Caledonia
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Chris Boardman will be the man to beat at the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caladonia on May 11, as the Olympic gold medalist heads the 5,500 strong field in Perthshire.
Boardman will be joined by his ITV colleague Ned Boulting in the event, which takes in Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, and the climb up Schehallion.
The 45-year-old still holds the record for the fastest Tour de France prologue, but don't expect him to be hitting such record speeds around the challenging 81-mile route.
Over £500,000 was raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care in last year's race and the event reportedly brings more than £1m to the economy of the region.
Places were snapped up in just eight hours, smashing last year's record of 72 hours, but there will plenty of opportunities to watch the riders pass by while enjoying the stunning Scottish scenery.
Visit the Etape Caledonia website for more details.
New Forest needs new attitudes
Cyclists in the New Forest have reported rising tensions over the growing popularity of leisure cycling and sportives in the National Park.
Their comments follow the release of a new cycling code of conduct, which has been described as "generally common sense". Read more in this week's issue of Cycling Weekly.
Crit on Campus
Cycling on university campuses is usually left to the bleary-eyed students weaving their way through the crowds to reach their first lecture.
The University of Stirling, however, has teamed up with the Stirling Bike Club to host the inaugural 'Crit on Campus' on March 23.
There will be events for all levels of cyclist, from the youth races kicking off at 8.30am, women's events and up to elite men's races in the afternoon.
One of the star attractions will be the 'Super Special Bike Shop Race', which pits workers from cycle shops around Scotland against each other to see which shop will be crowned the 'Fastest Bike Shop in Scotland'
The races feature a challenging closed-road course, complete with speed bumps, ramps and long sweeping bends, with all riders competing for cash prizes.
Entry is now open for the different race categories. More details can be found on the Stirling Bike Club website
Events this week
Lichfield Cycle Jumble - January 18, Martin Heath Hall, Lichfield
Ride Journal Issue 8 launch - January 17, Look Mum No Hands (Mare Street), London
Southdowns Bikes Sporting Classic TT
The Southdowns Bikes Sporting Classic TT will take place on February 2 and former winner Wouter Sybrandy has already thrown his name in the hat for the 23 mile race.
The course features the climb of Houghton Hill, reaching gradients of 15%, as well as the long drag up to Whiteways.
Last yearn Doug Dewey (inGear/Quick Vit) won the men's race, breaking the course record at the same time with a run of 46,29.
There will be prizes for the top 10 riders, the fastest team of three, veterans, and women.
Entry details can be found here.
Reg Bromley
We are saddened to hear of the death of Reg Bromley, who was a member of Oldbury and District CC for over 60 years and was a well-respected timekeeper in the Midlands.
Reg held the watch at numerous national championships, as well as organising the Oldbury 12-hour TT for almost 20 years.
Reg met his wife Gillian through cycling and passed on the love of the sport to their three children.
Street Repairs
Are there potholes or dangerous road conditions which affect your rides?
Well Street Repairs has set up an online portal for members of the public to report street maintenance issues, which will then be passed on to the relevant authorities.
You can upload photos and descriptions of the defect, be it a flashing street light or a broken pavement, and confirmation will be sent to the council in question.
For more information visit the Street Repairs website.
Other British News
Great Britain announce team for cyclo-cross World Championships
Bristol's latest cycle cafe: Roll for the Soul
Hannah Barnes crashes out of the Tour de San Luis
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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
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