Cycling World Championship 2013, in Florence.

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

From Chavanel to Petacchi, a lead out for the Champs.

A guide to the timetable and teams competing
Not sure yet about tv coverage. Shall we check and report back?

[DramaAlpaca]

Thanks Pan that'll keep us going .

[EndoplasmicReticulum]

(stakes spot at the back of the peloton)

[soupmaker]

Joins Endo lurking up the back.

[ariadneoliver]

[DramaAlpaca]

Someone will be along with a magic spanner in a minute...

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

I love that ad on tv where the bloke is riding to a screen in front, and his dearest, in dressing gown, hands him a bottle as he rides on his axles. Sad but funny.

[NicholasTeakozy]

Was it just me or was it just a little bit strange watching a World Championship with teams instead of nations?

[frostyfingers]

I'm here - NT I think that was the only race which involved teams wasn't it? Tis a bit odd though, you're right. I will have to keep tabs on what's going on from a distance as I'm away for work and will not be anywhere suitable for leaping up and down and shouting "come on Cav", but never mind.

Wiggo seems on very good form, but I thought he sounded a bit down yesterday, I hope a good race on Wednesday will bring him back to his perky self again.

[DramaAlpaca]

frosty I thought Wiggo sounded a bit down yesterday as well. Hope he goes well on Wednesday.

[soupmaker]

Think Brad's year been so rubbish it's not surprising he was sounding a bit downbeat. Going to watch it all again as taped it so can view while feeding DD2.

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

And in other news, it looks like Alonso's purchase of Euska-Eska has fallen through. The parties couldn't come to an agreement.

and I forgot to mention Cyclingnews.com published the transcript of a convo with Horner re him being a 'redacted' rider on the enquiry into LA. They could have said 'we tried but failed' and left it at that, but instead they published the degree of evasion. I'm guessing the redacted names are those of riders who there was some 'dirt' on but the authorities erred on the side of libelous caution. Obv doesn't actually mean he was enjoying a fruity sauce on his steaks in Spain.

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

that should be on whom there was some dirt...

[EndoplasmicReticulum]

Have found UCI Youtube channel, that will have to do. Seems there's a choice between full 3 hour races and 9 minute highlights!

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

TT today is on BB2 Live, for those without really mean employers...Lord Wiggo of Wiggoland sounds pretty well upfrit in interview.

[HowGoodIsThat]

I am working from home to day but sadly, having had a quick look in the Inbox, I will actually have to work. Sigh.

[NicholasTeakozy]

Ooh goody, I'll try to finish early today and watch it on the BBBC at least for the last hour. What Wiggo said about TTs is right, it's your legs against theirs, no bullshit and no bluffing about how strong you are. He's got a great chance, as Horner did in the Vuelta, as he hasn't raced much this year and is thus fresher than the others.

[soupmaker]

Hurrah. On MAT leave. DD better want long feeds this afternoon.

[LostInWales]

Sir Bradley (as the lovely commentator keeps calling him ) will be coming in to finish at almost exactly the time I have to pick DS3 up from school . Time for a coffee I think.

[DramaAlpaca]

I'm at work & will have to miss the live coverage. Will catch up later thanks to my trusty Sky+ box.

I only heard yesterday about the collapse of the Alonso/Euskalkel Euskadi deal (didn't see Pan's post what with being off MN for a couple of days). What a shame. There will be many riders dealing with further uncertainty now.

[NicholasTeakozy]

What a shame about Euskaltel Euskadi. For a few weeks their future seemed a little brighter, now it doesn't.

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

I'm stuck! I don't know who won, but there isn't a highlights show anywhere. Would anyone know where it may be available on t'internet anywhere. After a while I'll probably just check anyone. As @jensie says, 'it's only a bike race'.

[soupmaker]

IPlayer. Was on BBC2 today.

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

Durrrr...forgot about iplayer. Just watched the big finishers. Are we okay to mention??

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

Surely now?

Quite pleased for the Grande Escapado of All Time to get what he was essentially training for on that hot afternoon in Spain. And he seems a decent sort? Bradders knew he was beaten by the better TTer didn't he?

[weregonnaneedasmallerPan]

Am just mentally compiling my best/worst list of stuff over this long hot summer of lycra, sweat and grimacing faces. Well not my list as I didn't actually ride any of it. We started on the Grand Depart on Corsica what feels like eons ago.........