By Herbie Sykes • 23rd May 2013 • Posted in Doppio
For all Nibali’s class and the confirmation of Cav’s greatness, the first remit of any Giro d’Italia is to reacquaint us with the magic of the Giro d’Italia. For that we waited till stage 7 to Pescara. There a self-effacing Australian, a man synonymous with the inherent altruism of the gregario, finally enjoyed his fifteen minutes of fame. Hitherto noted principally as a serial grand tour fetcher and carrier, Adam Hansen recalled the great escape artists of yore with his miraculous 140-kilometre gallop through the Abruzzese hinterlands. Hansen’s exploit proved that, notwithstanding the dreary utilitarianism which increasingly characterises modern grand tour racing, the spirit which conceived it refuses to lie down. Victories like his legitimise the sport itself, and by extension all of us who care.
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By Joe Hall • 22nd May 2013 • Posted in Events
The 2013 Etape du Tour promises to be an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful terrain in all of France. In the departments of the Savoie and the Haute Savoie, home to idyllic Alpine pastures and picturesque mountain passes, the route is that of the penultimate stage of this year's 100th edition of the Tour.
Beginning in the town of Annecy, which sits on the northern shore of Lake Annecy, the route loops back round for a grand parcours of some of the prettiest riding terrain in the world. Whilst aesthetically seductive, it's a tough day on the bike with plenty of climbing. The presentation will give you all the advice and inspiration you need to be prepared (mentally at least) for the big day.
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By Joe Hall • 21st May 2013 • Posted in Doppio
The Doppio is Rapha's weekly double-shot of road racing reportage. A two-faced publication of the week's action and what's up the road, every Wednesday we review and preview the week's biggest races and fill you in on the details in between. Available in all Cycle Clubs – San Francisco, London and Osaka – we'll also be offering the Doppio as a downloadable document on the site each week, absolutely free.
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By Gem Atkinson • 17th May 2013 • Posted in Women
Last Sunday saw a Rapha Women's 100 training ride in the UK's hilly Peak District, a tough 65km in preparation for the forthcoming ride in July. Nonnas Italian restaurant in Chesterfield acted as a suitably Giro-inspired rider HQ, welcoming the ladies who enjoyed traditional Italian coffees and pastries before rolling out with a Jaguar support car, containing both soigneur and mechanic.
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Stevie Churchill, Barcelona
photo by 
photo by Javier Fuertes
photo and interview by 
