Welcome back to another edition of In the Drops. It’s been a busy week in cycling, with the Tour de France hurtling towards its conclusion and excitement building for the upcoming Tour de France Femmes.
To get you ready for the women’s race, we’ve got a full guide to the race, a rundown of the favourites, how to watch, free GCN+ passes and a profile of Elisa Longo Borghini.
It’s not the only racing starting on Sunday though. Emma has lovingly prepared a full guide to the Transcontinental Race and interviewed last year’s winner Christoph Strasser.
In tech news, Orbea’s new Orca is 6.7kg and Syncros’ new aero wheels have their carbon spokes moulded into the rim. Plus, should you need it, James has you covered on all things breathing while cycling. Think it’s easy? Think again.
Finally we’ve had reviews of the Limar Air Stratos and Lazer Vento KinetiCore helmets as well as the lovely new Colnago C68 Road.
SunGod Tokas sunglasses
The weather has been absolutely scorching recently, although not as bad here in the UK, fortunately, as elsewhere in Europe. Sure, I load up on the suncream, but I’m also partial to picking up a pair of cute looking sunnies at the shop. Not ideal, given the limited UV protection some provide.
These Tokas Sunglasses from SunGod are the lightest pair of sunglasses I own at just 25g and provide 100% UV protection. I chose a black frame and shades to match everything I own, but SunGod offers a variety of combinations including blue and gold if you want to go all out. The frames are 100% recycled too, which I love.
While some SunGod sunglasses are built for exercising, these form part of the company’s Lifestyle Series collection, designed for use off the bike.
- Buy the Tokas sunglasses now from SunGod (from £70)
The Road Book 1989 by Cycling Almanack
Given the scope of results packed into the 12 months of 1989, from Greg LeMond’s 8-second Tour de France victory and his World Championship title to Edwig Van Hooydonck’s first Tour of Flanders success and Lauent Fignon’s second Milan-San Remo win, perhaps it comes as no surprise that it is the first year chosen for The Road Book’s ‘Blue Book’ series, edited by Matt Rendell. Where the red Road Books, launched in 2018, serve as a yearly almanac covering the previous year’s cycling season, the Blue Books are focussed on the history of the sport.
As someone who loves both cycling and history, any chance I get to combine the two is a bonus for me. The book is packed with contributions from star riders including Sean Kelly and Pippa York.
- Buy The Road Book 1989 from The Road Book (£40)
Science in Sport (SiS) protein bars
I’ve never been one to reach for the dark chocolate. But pair it with raspberry? My interest is piqued.
These new Protein Bars from Science in Sport (SiS) deliver 20g of protein in a variety of tasty flavours. SiS says the Protein Bar is best eaten 30 minutes post-exercise in order to contribute most effectively to muscle mass growth and maintenance, so keep that in mind before you sit down.
If you’re an athlete, all SiS products are Informed Sport Certified – meaning every batch is tested for any banned substances, which is something I find really interesting. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s been 29 minutes since I exercised. I swear.
- Buy Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Protein Bar (12 pack) from Science in Sport (£32.99)
What we’re into this week: Tour de France Femmes build-up
I. Am. So. Excited. For. The. Tour. De. France. Femmes. Oh, and so is Ozzy, who is the most adorable model you will find. Will Demi Vollering overthrow Annemiek van Vleuten or will someone else spoil the party? Will Marianne Vos win yet another stage? Will Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig give her most entertaining post-race interview yet? The possibilities are endless.
What a moment it is for women’s cycling as we approach the second Tour de France Femmes. Long may it continue. I won’t be there this year (I already have FOMO) but will be posting stage recaps on TikTok. Enjoy the race!
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