Message by Edmond Hood
When I was a boy, back in the early 70’s there were names which caught the eye on the six day circuit, in among the famous ‘handles’ like Sigi Renz, Albert Fritz and Rene Pijnen these names just seemed too ‘Anglo’ – Tim Mountford was one and Jack Simes, another. Both Americans, crossing the wide Atlantic to wrestle with the Europeans before laptops, mobiles, Skype, Greg Lemond, Lance and all the rest were even thought about. And now, again, amongst the like of Marvulli, Bengsch and Aeschbach the name Simes has returned – Jack’s son, 23 year-old Jamis rider Jack Simes IV, better known as Jackie.

Message by Leslie Reissner
What cyclist is not fascinated by mountains? For those of us who don’t climb well due to (lack of) training, body type, lack of technical skill or, well, laziness, the ability to climb is one of the greatest gifts imaginable. There is joy in meeting the challenge, of savouring the view, of living through rocket-like descents. And at this time of year when many of us are plotting the great trips we will take in the coming months, more than a few are putting together that “once in a lifetime” experience riding Europe’s most famous climbs.

Message by Alastair Hamilton
During the press days at the BMC training camp in Denia on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, there was a chance to interview some of the World’s top cyclists. Tour winner, World Champions and BMC’s new Classic winner for 2012; Philippe Gilbert. This was the first time we had spoken, so I didn’t know what to expect. It was a pleasant surprise to find a normal, keen, enthusiastic, young cyclist...

Message by Alastair Hamilton
So what has been going on in the World of cycling since Monday? Well, a fair bit really. The Etoile de Bessčges and the Women’s Tour of Qatar both started on Wednesday, the Berlin “6 Days” finished and the results from the GP La Marseillaise came in from Sunday. Loads of other news and the usual selection of video action. It’s all here on EuroTrash Thursday!

Message by Alastair Hamilton
Day One was all about the bikes and the interviews with the star riders. Day Two was the official BMC team presentation. Afterwards we had a chance to take some photos of the boys out on a training ride going up the hills behind the village of Pego. I learnt a big lesson today, always make sure you have diesel in your car before you go chasing after bike riders! It was very close to a disaster, but it seems my car can run on fumes.

Message by Alastair Hamilton
A day with Garmin-Barracuda was followed by two days with the BMC team. Both teams have their ways of doing things, but both are professionals. The most notable thing I noticed was the how much more interest there was in the BMC team compared to last year. The difference a Tour win can make and signing two of the biggest names from the Classics.

Message by NONE
“Who the hell is this guy, Ian Jackson?” That was the way one of my fellow competitors characterized his intimidation before the start of the first Big Island Ironman triathlon back in 1981. Jackson had announced his confidence of an overall win in the press, and given the infantile level of the sport back then, nearly everyone could be considered a threat. Because we were worlds apart, I was intrigued with his creative approach.

Message by Alastair Hamilton
Training camp time of year is probably the busiest time of year (for me) around this area. Astana, RadioShack, BMC, Quick-Step, Euskaltel-Euskadi, GreenEdge, Cofidis, Vacansoleil and many other smaller teams converge in this part of the Spanish coast for hard training in the mountains. I try to visit as many teams as I can, and this time round, it was the Garmin-Barracuda team who opened their doors to the press and with a nice lunch too!

Message by Alastair Hamilton
The World cyclo-cross champs were at the week-end and what a great event is was! Results and video from Belgium and the Tour de San Luis in Argentina. ”Top Story” is the possible pending court case between the past and present UCI presidents and Paul Kimmage for being “annoying”. The Garmin girls are saved by AA Drink, plus Bart Wellens, Giro d’Italia and Revolution news. We finish with Gino Bartali the war hero and a bit of poetry. A very big EuroTrash Monday, so a big coffee is needed...

Message by NONE
The guys at Capo Cycling continue to present some of the best looking in-line kits around, and the Dorato steps up quality and design at mid-range prices. Here’s a look at the Dorato thermal jacket, short sleeved jersey, bib shorts, leg warmers, Piemonte Wind gloves & booties, and Euro wool socks.

Message by Edmond Hood
After three nights, the racing was anything but decided. The same theme would continue all the way until the final, sixth, evening. Bremen's racing was a barn-burner in 2012, so let's go back and see how it shook out. Read on!

Message by Edmond Hood
It’s that time - the Tour Down Under has been and gone, San Luis is nearly finished, we’re running out of six days (which means I get my life back!) and the Belgian ‘cross supporters are making sure that their scarves, coats and hats are looking pristine for Sunday. It's Cross Worlds time!

Message by Edmond Hood
With the road season making its early start in Australia and Argentina, you could be forgiven for thinking that the winter disciplines are winding down - hardly. This weekend, the Cross World Championships are set to dominate headlines, and through it all, the Six Day train keeps on chugging. This time, Ed is in Bremen to cover all the action, behind the scenes. Let's take a closer look!

Message by Alastair Hamilton
OK, we know Argentina is not in Europe, but there are a lot of top riders in San Luis and Alberto Contador is in the driving seat (at the moment). ”Top Story” takes a look at Cav’s helmet and illegal covering, also Arenberg, Oman, Castilla y Leon, Tirreno-Adriatico and Limburg all get a mention. Plus a special bit of BMC film of the team training, a very naughty Frenchman and remembering Xavi Tondo at San Luis. Lots to see, coffee anyone?

Message by NONE
Insight: Upstart GreenEdge Cycling made its presence felt in the professional peloton this past weekend at the Tour Down Under. Although he never won a stage, Simon Gerrans delivered the overall victory to the rookie outfit on home soil. The victory gave GreenEdge the first World Tour win of the season and ensured that the hype surrounding the newest darlings of the peloton would continue.

Message by Alastair Hamilton
I’ve met quite a few Neo-Pro’s and aspiring amateurs in my time, but I’ve never interviewed one as keen as Vacansoleil-DCM’s new signing for 2012: Bert-Jan Lindeman. I met up with him in Calpe, thanks to Martijn Verschoor; both riders were on a pre-Christmas training camp. Bert-Jan had just got back from a five hour training ride, but it sounded more like a seven hour ride to me! If enthusiasm is any gauge of success then young Bert-Jan should do well.

Message by Dr. Stephen Cheung, Ph.D.
PEZ Reviews: The hard training we do on the bike is only the stress that we impose, and is only half of the training equation. To maximize our ability to tolerate and recover from that hard training, recovery and nutrition are important tools. One path to improving nutrition can be via supplements, and First Endurance targets top-end performance with their OptygenHP.

Message by Edmond Hood
Ed Beamon has been running professional cycling teams since 1993; his 20th year in the management sees him accepting perhaps his biggest challenge yet; to build the Far East, and Asia’s first Pro Continental team – Champion Systems - into a successful player on the UCi Asian, European and North American Tours.

Message by NONE
The guys at Capo Cycling continue to present some of the best looking in-line kits around, and the Dorato steps up quality and design at mid-range prices. Here’s a look at the Dorato thermal jacket, short sleeved jersey, bib shorts, leg warmers, Piemonte Wind gloves & booties, and Euro wool socks.

Message by Alastair Hamilton
The Tour Down Under came to an exciting finalé with Simon Gerrans and Alejandro Valverde tying for 1st place with the win going to Gerrans. A bit of controversy in the ”Top Story” with a bomb shell! Cyclo-cross news with the World Cup on Sunday, team news, Qatar, Venezuela, Argentina and the Alps…it's all in EuroTrash Monday! Plus a couple of competitions, time for a coffee break?