In the 80s and 90s there were a few Australian, British and American riders in the European Pro Peloton, but there were not many Japanese... and certainly none in a Grand Tour. Then Masatoshi Ichikawa came along and finished the 1990 Giro d'Italia, a first. Ed Hood found out more.

The first professional bike race of the 'new' season was on Sunday, the fans didn't get too close. Sad news as Niels De Vriendt passed away during a race-Top Story. Other news: Race reports from the GP Vermarc, Portugal and the Virtual Tour de France. Rider news. Team news. No champs in USA and UK. Race news. Training camps, team and contract news and Sagan cooks Italian.

The TI Raleigh team of Peter Post was one of the best in the 70s and 80s. Post 'cracked' a group of English riders on the team, they returned home, but Bob Cary stuck it out. Ed Hood had to catch up and find out more.

The California-based 100% eyewear brand first caught my eye when Peter Sagan began sporting them a couple years back. Their newest model is the frameless Hypercraft - boasting light weight and distinctive styling, here's the PEZ review.

Today's Readers' Rig is an undeniably flashy ride with its bold Spanish Champion's paint scheme and Corima Carbon wheels this Pinarello Prince stands out on the roads of Ireland as its owner races it hard in the local Master's races.

Behind every top rider, there is a team of helpers and one of the tough jobs is the mechanic... especially 30 years ago before air conditioned trucks and half a dozen mechanics per team. Steve Taylor was on the 1987 Tour de France with the ANC team, Ed Hood heard his story.

This week's selection of new and innovative gear: Matteo Trentin's customized Sidi shoes, Rapha and Outdoor Voices all-new women’s collection, NeatCleats to supply Movistar, new colors for KASK, adventure-proof your phone with LifeProof FRĒ and Taylor Phinney auctioning a hand painted bike.

We all know the name Pat McQuaid from his time as president of the UCI at a time of many 'problems'. Many know nothing of his history and a family steeped in Irish cycling. Ed Hood caught up with Pat to hear more.

July 2, 2020: Colombians back to Europe-Top Story. US riders to return? Alaphilippe’s father passes away. Valverde, Tour/Vuelta for Izagirre and Pinot, Mollema, Van der Poel, Paule Ka, Campenaerts, Schmidt, Quintana, Burgos and Strade Bianche, RCS Sport, Giro TT, Slovakia, GranPiemonte, ORLEN Nations, Sea Otter, Circus-Wanty to Italy, Copeland, Sunweb, virtual Tour de France, Deceuninck camp and Movistar 100% sustainable.