The World Hour record is the true test of a champion. Riders have needed to be lifted off their machine at the finish, and the great Eddy Merckx said it shortened his career, but they will never stop trying. Ed Hood takes a look at the top men who failed in the hour race of truth.

Cycling has its fair share of hard bastards, which isn't too surprising when you think what the riders put themselves through to win the world's hardest races. But some riders take the term 'hard man' too far. Ed Hood takes his pick of the 13 top 'Bad Asses' of the peloton.

Poupou Remembered: Britain's Barry Hoban rode alongside the late Raymond Poulidor for many years, so who better for Ed Hood to ask all about the French hero 'Poupou'. From 1972 to Poulidor's retirement in 1977 the Frenchman and the Yorkshireman battled together in the Tours and Classics - Barry remembers.

Obituary: The sad news of the death of Raymond Poulidor was announced first by the sportspaper, L'Equipe last Wednesday and the French public went into mourning, as did the cycling World. Poulidor didn't have the palmarès he deserved, but more importantly he was loved by the public. Ed Hood looks at his career and life.

Ed's Rant: With the British Cycling team unveiling their new Lotus/Hope steed for the Tokyo Olympic Games next year, Ed Hood has had a look at this piece of art and at some of the other 'weird' bikes of the past. Aerodynamic and functional, but also damn nice to look at, what else do you want? Ah yes, UCI approval.