October 2013

Colombia and South America have produced some of the most exciting cyclists of recent years. Here are GCN's Top 10.
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Who is the best South American cyclist of all time? In a list dominated by Colombians we had a hard time assigning places, so why not comment and let us know who you think the greatest is?

One thing that most of the great South American cyclists have in common is success in the high mountains of the Grand Tours. This should come as no surprise as many of these riders come from Andean countries such as Colombia and Venezuela.

We're sure that this is a Top 10 that will generate debate. So, have we got it right? Should the Top 10 be all Colombian? Comment and let us know.

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Top 10 South American Cyclists

How do you dress for cycling in the winter months? Daniel Lloyd explains all.
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Good clothing can make the difference between enjoying yourself and suffering on a winter ride. Layering correctly and using the right kit really makes a difference. But, it's not just the kit you have, but how you wear it. Daniel Lloyd gives his pro-tips for winter layering and clothing, gained over years of training in rainy Britain throughout the winter months.

Why not comment and let us know your top tips for winter riding?! 

What To Wear For Winter Cycling - How To Dress For A Bike Ride In Winter

With the latest from the 2014 Tour de France presentation, the Saitama Criterium and a weekend of cyclocross, it's the GCN News Show.
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The Tour de France route for the 2014 edition was unveiled this week. Featuring some punchy stages in the Vosges mountains plus a fearsome cobbled stage, it's definitely going throw up a few surprises.

After the presentation, the Tour de France organisation took the big name riders over to Japan for an exhibition race. Cycling and the Tour have a huge following in Japan, so this could be the start of a relationship between the ASO and racing in Japan.

The second round of the cyclo-cross world cup took place in Tabor in the Czech Republic, with another win for the Flying (Young) Dutchman, Lars van der Haar. The next day, the top riders were back in action in Belgium, this time for the first round of the Superprestige series, where Belgian champion Klaas Vantornout took a popular hometown victory.

We've picked a winner for our Climb of the Week contest, but, for next week, we'd like to see your favourite cafes, so be sure to post your pictures on our Facebook page (link below).

As normal, we close with Tech of the Week and Tweet of the Week, where Chris Froome was a little overwhelmed in a Sumo contest.


Inqredible - Thinkin' bout you
Detboi - Step back: 

Tour De France 2014, Cyclocross, Saitama Criterium And Tour Of Hainan - GCN News Show - Episode 44

Mudguards are a great idea if you're cycling on the road as winter draws in. Find out How To with GCN.
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Mudguards that fit to racing bikes are increasingly available. In this video, we use SKS long RaceBlades, which should fit to all racing bikes.

Mudguards are a great idea throughout winter. They'll save your ass, or at least keep it dry. They'll keep your feet dry, and stop a lot of the dirt and grim from covering you and your drivetrain, prolonging the life of your kit.

They're not always the easiest things to fit but with a bit of perseverance and our How To, you should be just fine.

Music: Hiatus - We Can Be Ghosts Now feat. Shura: 

How To Fit Road Bike Mudguards Or Fenders - Fit SKS Race Blades

The Tour of Beijing brought the 2013 World Tour season to a close. We followed Alex Dowsett, Juan Antonio Flecha and Matt Brammeier throughout the event.
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The Tour of Beijing takes place far from cycling's European heartland but it still attracted big names such as Rui Costa and Dan Martin. We spoke to Juan Antonio Flecha in his final race as a pro, and Alex Dowsett and Matt Brammeier gave GCN their thoughts on the race each day.

China might not be the usual location for a pro race, but the scenery and the raods were certainly spectacular!

Tour Of Beijing 2013 - Rider Diaries

The cafe stop is an integral part of cycling culture. GCN stopped for lunch and took a closer look.
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Ex-pro, cake expert and health fanatic Matt Stephens takes you inside the traditional British mid-ride cafe stop. Fueling is important, especially in winter, and Matt and Daniel's pro tips will ensure that you take on nutritionally balanced, clean food that will get you to the end of your ride.

Cafe Stop Like A Pro Cyclist - GCN's Food For Cycling

What is BMX flatland? GCN spoke to pro rider Matti Hemmings to find out.
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BMX flatland is one of the less well-known branches of the sport. Despite this, it's mighty impressive stuff requiring levels of agility, bike control and skill that few possess. Matti Hemmings showed us a few tricks, and told us a bit about the background of the sport and what it requires.

What Is BMX Flatland? Bike Culture With Matti Hemmings

GCN's Season Review - a live hangout with Daniel Lloyd, Matt Stephens and Tom Last covering the 2013 pro cycling season.
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We took a look at what happened during the whole of the 2013 season from the Tour down Under to the Vuelta and a look at what we think will happen in 2014.
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GCN's Season Review - Live Hangout On Air

It's transfer season in the cycling market and here are GCN's top ten rider transfers for the 2013 - 2014 season.
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As with many other sports cycling sees a lot of moving around of the talent, and the transition from 2013 to 2014 is no different. Omega Pharma Quickstep seem to be adding a lot of new riders to their roster, and the World Champion Rui Costa is making a move from Movistar to Lampre Merida - which might spare him the regular team colours!

Which moves do you think are still to come though? Let us know in the comments below!

Music: Seventeen Evergreen - Polarity Song: 

Top 10 Rider Transfers - Which Teams Are Riders Moving To?

Pro BMX flatland rider Matti Hemmings shows GCN how to hang 5.
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Flatland BMX might be something new to you (and GCN), but the bike control and balance involved are simply phenomenal.

Professional flatlander Matti Hemmings took GCN through one of the basic moves, the hang five. This probably isn't going to happen on your road bike (let us know if you can!) but bike control drills and trying other cycling disciplines can only aid your cycling progression.

Thanks to Matti for showing us how it's done. Check out his Twitter: 

How To Hang 5 - Flatland BMX With Matti Hemmings

The main road racing season may be over, but that doesn't mean that there's nothing happening in the world of cycling, here's the latest cycling news from GCN.
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Marco Pinotti rode his last professional race last week with BMC Racing Team at the Grand Prix des Nations after a 14 year career in professional cycling. He'll be moving in to coaching the team though and we wish him all the best.

Irish cyclist Ryan Mullen also put in a great effort at the Grand Prix des Nations to become the first ever rider to win at both a junior level and as an under 23.

In cyclocross news, the first round of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup took place in Valkenburg over the weekend, with Marianne Vos winning round one over Katy Compton. In the men's race Lars van der Haar won round one using a bike with disc brakes after Sven Nys and Niels Albert retired due to mechanical problems.

The European Track Championships also took place in Holland last week. Elia Viviani took two gold medals in the points race and the madison. Kirsten Wild won the women's points race, and the women's team persuit was dominated by Great Britain, who set a new World Record. Team GB's men also won the team persuit, beating Russia by 0.2 of a second.

Cyclocross World Cup, GP des Nations And European Track Champs - GCN Cycling News - Episode 43

Tubular tyres are the pro's choice for racing. Find out how to fit them with GCN.
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Tubular tyres have many advantages, but the process of actually fitting them can be quite difficult.

In the How To we skip the gluing process and go for the cleaner option of tub tape.

To fit a tubular using tub tape, you will need:
Degreaser and clean cloth to clean the rim bed
Tup tape
Scissors
Pump
Tyre lever

Comment and let us know your tips and tricks for gluing tubs!

October 2013

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