I think it's about time we did. Hopefully the Tour of Britain will join that list one day. One of the Flanders races could make way.


I don't agree with the upgrading of Middle Eastern tours. This is driven only by the money that can be extracted fromm Arab governments. Considering recent events in Turkey I'm surprised that event was upgraded. What about the safety and security of riders and teams?

'The Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey' - what could possibly go wrong with that?

I've only just noticed the news from a couple of days ago that Sagan is joining new World Tour team Bora-Hansgrohe next season

The team is based in Germany and has been riding as Bora-Argon 18 in the second tier

Oleg Tinkoff looks like he's finally had enough and is packing up. Several of Sagan's current team-mates are also heading to Bora

Could be a few changes next season with the new Bahrain team as well

I think I heard Matt Rendell on the Burgos race today say that Hugh Carthy has signed for Canondale

Route and profile of the weekend's road race course: https://veloviewer.com/routes/5900861

Training has started on the Rio Velodrome. Initial reactions are the boards are a little green having only recently been completed. http://www.sportstarlive.com/rio-201...le8946517.ecel

Team GB had trouble finding it: https://www.instagram.com/p/BItMONygh2U/

Site for the official start lists for the Rio cycling events: http://62.50.72.82/uciroot/OG/2016/d...x?language=eng

British Cycling's live updates are now up and running: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/gb...clingteam-live

No expense spared on the BBC commentary position sun shield: https://twitter.com/SimonBrotherton/...81503865372672

Will we get a medal today?

Probably depend on how fit everyone is!

Froome looks like he's got a lot in the tank

Only 37 riders left in the race?

What a ridiculously stupid descent. Far too dangerous.

That is a shame for Team GB riders and the others who crashed.

Majka unlucky but guess he still got a medal.

Great race. Unpredictable throughout. How many will finish?

http://www.procyclingstats.com/race/...Road_Race_2016

Shark gets bitten. Happy for GvA.

According to Rod Ellingworth, Thomas is believed to be okay after hospital checks.

Brad McGee says Porte has broken something, either ribs, shoulder blade, or both.

Nibali has been taken to hospital for a shoulder injury assessment EDIT: Confirmed as broken collarbone.

Alaphilippe hit a tree but still finished fourth: https://twitter.com/Kenny_Pryde/stat...16578456129536

Women's race begins at 16:15. The race is on the same course as the men's, but 100km shorter. Twice round the first loop and once over the major climb.

Startlist: http://62.50.72.82/uciroot/OG/2016/S...%20Road%20Race
Guide to contenders: http://cyclingtips.com/2016/08/off-t...pic-road-race/
BC live tracking: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/gb...clingteam-live

Was going to ask if the course was identical for the women today, apart from the length. At least they can see what happened to the men and make sure they have their bikes set up better for the cobbles, and re-assess tactics, particularly the last descent that took out some of the medal contenders with various degrees of injury.

Not sure the medal chances and schedule elsewhere today but Lizzie may do same as she did in London and be first medal winner for GB. Come on Lizzie, gold this time!

're lizzie armitstead missed tests.

How many times does she get tested. Missing 3 sounds like a lot, to me.

16 times in past year.

For more details, there is a long thread on the missed tests in the Rio 2016 board.

With that ridiculously dangerous descent this is a crazy course for the women. I don't have a good feeling about this at all - just hope I'm wrong.

PS - I didn't see a single steward, let alone police officer or the like, on the ascents yesterday where all the idiots were on the road. With crime rates, including very serious offences, being so high in Rio I would not feel at all safe if I was one of these women.

Armissedtest abandoned?

Making her way back. Emma Pooley doesn't seem too bothered about her. Doesn't appear to be much GB team unity

A horrible, appalling crash.

you were correct, a terrible, terrible crash today.

i just hope she is ok, it was one of the most awful things ive ever seen in cycling, and there is no news on her condition so far.

Update from Dutch TV: https://twitter.com/NOSsport/status/762367402390777857

Yeah great if you read Dutch.

View Translation is in English on my screen.