By Jeremy Dunn • 24th May 2013 • Posted in Events
The Rapha Women's Prestige has quickly and easily become one of the most popular and exciting events that we do each year. To see all the teams gathered outside the SF Cycle Club in the bright early morning sunshine that is only available this time of year in California is a thing to behold. In only its second year the race has nearly doubled in size with no signs of slowing — and even some requests to hold one in other parts of the country. The beauty of the race, aside from a stunning cruise or two over the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge was the enthusiasm to tackle the tough race, which was made harder after last years route was deemed too easy. Well, it turns out that it was definitely more difficult this time around, and if it wasn't enough to knock your socks off, it was at least enough to make your arm warmers sag. Official results can be found here.
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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 Franziska Stenke • 13th May 2013 • Posted in Events
Giro von München
If you are in the Munich area or think you can make the journey, join Rapha for an evening ride in the countryside surrounding Munich. A three hour spin of approximately 75km will be followed by Italian-style drinks and snacks served at our wonderful retail partner's premises, bikedress. We'll also watch highlights of the day's medium mountains Giro stage from Valloire to Ivrea. A great opportunity to meet like-minded riders, browse the Rapha selection at bikedress and enjoy the Giro d'Italia as it enters its climactic final week.
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By Jack Flanagan • 3rd May 2013 • Posted in Events
Join us on the 22nd of June for the Rapha Gentlemen's* Race, an unmarshalled and unsanctioned point-to-point team challenge taking place around the Summer Solstice.
Each group of six riders will set off from the ancient walled city of York, leaving behind its winding medieval passageways and embarking on self-determined routes through the glorious scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors. Changeable June weather will no doubt present a challenge over the open landscape and coastline. In sun, rouleurs will take in summer blooms and vivid greenery covering abbey ruins, silent for centuries after the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Inclement weather, however, could shift the mood to one more reminiscent of the shipwreck near Whitby which brought Dracula to England disguised as a black dog. Teams are required to pass through a halfway checkpoint in this sleepy port town. Battling potential offshore winds on the way back to York will need the strength of the stone walls of Whitby Abbey, where, nearly a thousand years ago, monks labored away at producing intricate gold-glossed manuscripts during the height of early medieval religious art in England. These great ruins, perched atop the cliffs and standing watch over the town below, also mark the spot where the modern Christian calendar was negotiated by a synod of bishops in the seventh century. No doubt a similar form of teamwork will be required from riders as they work their way back across the moors towards York and the finish, with the spires of the Minster, visible from miles away, beckoning each group homewards.
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By Franziska Stenke • 11th April 2013 • Posted in Events
On Saturday, April 20, you don’t need to travel to Belgium to take part in a Spring Classic: Rapha visits Mannheim in Germany to celebrate Liège-Bastogne-Liège with our new retail partner, engelhorn sports. There will be a group ride and besides the Belgian waffles, beer and some cobbles, there will be an exciting programme for cycling enthusiasts throughout the day at the bike event.
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By Ken Bloomer • 5th April 2013 • Posted in Events
The Spring Classics are in full swing and Rapha is again heading into the heart of the windswept battlegrounds of the North. On our journey, however, we will be exploring not the roads of the Classics, but rather those off the beaten track.
On 13th April, we will trace the route of our next Rapha Continental Hidden Europe ride, with a film to be released later this spring. This is an opportunity not only to get to see the new Continental bikes up close but also to ride and chat with fellow riders. So if you would like to ride the route, from Den Haag to Amsterdam, why not come and ride with us? We will being meeting at 9am at Lola Bikes and Coffee and rolling out at 10am. The ride will be approximately 180km in length and we’ll stop en-route for a bite to eat.
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By Jeremy Dunn • 29th March 2013 • Posted in Events
photography by Emily Maye
The Tour of Flanders is a funny race. Not funny in the way that makes you chuckle as your ride partner senselessly attacks in the same spot every time. A dip in the road, followed by a short rise and he's off. Someone chases, and you smile because, before you know it, he has called the whole thing off and is waving his hands in that way that indicates he’s no longer going for it. Not like that.
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