Back To It.

I’m back and there is lots to tell you about as I have spent a fairly wet week riding in Wales and have stories of trails from all over the place to bring you. Before all that there is other cycling to touch on.

The Downhill World Cup went to Meribel:

It was a successful day for British riders as Rachel Atherton took the women’s win, with Manon Carpenter taking the series title with a solid second place and cementing a frankly brilliant season. In the men’s race Carpenter’s team mate Matt Simmons took second place, marking his place in the new regime. He was behind Sam Hill on a course that suits him to the ground, and Josh Bryceland took third. This wrapped up his season with the series title as well, giving a new school of British riders a high-profile push to the top.

In other downhill news the Rampage course and athletes was announced.

The riders are no real surprise, but expect to see them followed to the event.

In other news the Vuelta a Espana has kicked off and I feel as though I might pick this up a week in when it gets interesting. The race features arguably more big names than the Tour de France managed, with Froome and Contador back alongside, Evans, Quintana, Sanchez, Hesjedal, Valverde, and Rodriguez lining up. British interest is added in the shape of Luke Rowe and Pete Kennaugh, as well as Adam Yates, while Dave Millar rides his final Grand Tour. Things will only really get going on the mountains so we’ll look at the race then.

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