posted Sep 4, 2007

this is interesting stuff - keep it coming!

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posted Sep 4, 2007

Isn't Liam Killeen, strictly speaking, the "leading British rider in men's cross-country mountain biking..."? This article makes Oli out to be no 1. Oli is, as far as I know, number 2 to Liam. This may sound a bit facetious, but Liam is amongst the very best in the world, so shouldn't be sidelined like this.

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posted Sep 4, 2007

What's wrong with road racing? After all, cyclists were using tarmacadam decades before the internal combustion engine was even invented and, the bicycle was invented with a solid surface in mind. Why spoil a rare natural environment by driving miles to get to it, ripping it up, destroying natural habitats and, then driving home again? It's hardly environmentally conscientious. Is it?

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posted Sep 4, 2007

Re: Stimpystummy
Yes, you're right Liam Killeen is the top British XC racer - but at the mo, he's out with illness so strictly speaking the article is correct as by the current standings Oli is the leading Brit now. It's a shame as Liam could have been a medal contender.

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posted Sep 4, 2007

good luck Oli, and get well soon Liam,

I used to race MTB when it first really kicked off in the early 90s, I remember when Oli was a junior and used to race with Liam, although Liam was several years younger than me and used to win,

puydedome, I think your views are little short sighted, cars (in this country) have completely ruined any enjoyment and safety for road cycling, MTB riders use existing fire tracks, bridle ways and purpose built tracks (with the view to stop illegal track building)

MTB riding gets people fit and attracts people to a sport they would not normally be involved in, sometimes transfering from one area of cycling to another (e.g. Cadel Evans)

Since when was any of the UK a natural environment, apart from a few mountains and islands?

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posted Sep 4, 2007

Puydedome - I seem to have this little debate with Mrs E_T_R each time I watch F1.

'It should be banned' she says, 'all that waste of fuel and pollution'.

'Ah but' I counter, 'what about all those safety features like ABS or the improved fuel economy enjoyed by modern cars. Technology derived from F1. Surely such benefits outweigh the negatives'.

Now, I say this as a road rider (I don’t even own a mountain bike). I’m not sure I could muster a similar argument in favour of road racing and the benefits it brings to your average cycling eco-commuter.

I suppose you could say the carbon revolution has ironed out the road a little, but then mountain bike suspension is by far and away better than that. Perhaps the big city love affair with fixed bikes can play a little homage to track racing.

Ones things for sure, my commuting bike has SPD mountain bike cleats. SPD-SL road cleats, traffic lights and heavy traffic are a bad mix!

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posted Sep 4, 2007

To Puydedome,
the majority of mountain bike trails are either man made trails in forested areas where the land is used only for industrialised harvesting, or on pre existing bridleways which are already 'ripped up' by horses hooves. I for one usually RIDE to these areas,ride the trails and then ride home.
Getting your shopping by driving to Tesco is hardly environmentally friendly either.
As for riding on the road-yes I do that as well- in this country its just too bloody dangerous. The attitude of those on 4 wheels towards cyclists stinks.I'd much rather ride off road- Im likely to live longer.
We should follow the French in this case where cyclists are treated with respect rather than something to run over

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posted Sep 5, 2007

Hi Oli
So how was the team relay this year and who won?

Strictly speaking going on the current national rankings Ian bibby is ranked no 1 but that is partly due to Oli's absence from some of the mid season races

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posted Sep 5, 2007

The article actually starts by saying, 'a 'leading british rider so there was no alluding to him being 'the' leading British rider.

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posted Sep 5, 2007

Puydedome

There is nothing wrong with all types of cycling. I do MB and road and enjoy both in different ways. It's all about getting out there and enjoying it whatever type you do.
I prefer road most of the time but I can understand why people especially the youngsters prefer MB and it is preferable them doing that than none at all.
Don't come over so negative and anti MB, it doesn't do you any good.

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