Vern Pitt

Pleased to say that today I have my first feature for @cyclist.co.uk on the trials and tribulations that riders go through after retirement.

A massive thanks to all those that spoke to me about this often sensitive subject especially Julián Arredondo, Ed Clancy, Marcel Kittle and many others.

Cycling’s suspicions about doping are rising again: ‘Questions need answering’ For cycling — probably the most scrutinised sport in the world given its history — the ghosts of the past never truly depart

My first article for @theathletic.com reveals how nervy and tetchy pro cycling is right now:

🌈UCI pressing ITA to catch a big name rider
🚲 Rumours that many banned doping doctors/trainers are back. Not just Martí
💊 Concerns over finishing bottles and decongestants

www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

I'm not offended, I just think everyone involved looks very very silly.

I guess we'll find out if that's the case but I remain very sceptical that it'll be more effective than having arguably the best bike race in all of pro cycling in your region every year.

I guess you can't blame ASO for taking a even bigger truck of cash from them.

Oh absolutely but that just makes it an even more stupid thing to do IMHO.

You could argue that if no one uses the elongated name the value they're getting from sponsorship hasn't changed at all.

I think the only thing that changes is the correct comparison would be "Arsenal FC Emirates London North Islington".

Paris-Roubaix Officially Changes Name One of cycling's most revered and popular races is following a new trend in naming.

This is about as stupid as re-naming Arsenal to "Arsenal FC Islington North London".

velo.outsideonline.com/news/lost-in...

There's still time for "Penisgate 2.0".

‘Penis injection’ claims in Winter Olympics ski jumping investigated by Wada Wada is to investigate claims ski jumpers are injecting acid into their penises to game the suit-measuring system

I will buy a beer for the first person to ask Primož Roglič's take on this. I'm looking at you @jonnylong.bsky.social @iaintreloar.bsky.social @cmbreports.bsky.social.

www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...

YouTube video by ESPN ‘Stuff like this should not happen’ - Shaq reacts to Paul George’s 25-game suspension | NBA Tip-Off

Always interesting to see how other sports cover doping stories. I don't think you would get away with not saying what a suspension was for in cycling, which would negate 50% of this discussion.

Odd how despite min info it seems to be framed as an isolated incident.

youtu.be/IobOf_-x1Dw?...

Adelaide and the crisis of free speech The implosion of Australia's literary festival offers some harsh lessons.

"Obviously the most pernicious crime here is to use the word ‘whilst’ instead of ‘while’..."

That there is @iandunt.bsky.social preaching the gospel for you all.

iandunt.substack.com/p/adelaide-a...

Then you've had nicer editors than I have.

Nope, but is the other end a bottle opener for, I assume, mid-race refreshments?

That's a precarious way to eat ramen!

The Commie Games suck, so this is no great loss.

However, why on earth TNT wants them is beyond me, if anything has a natural home on the BBC it's the Commie Games.

The drugs in Spain are good this time of year, I guess.

I've just finished marking 62 essay from first year journalism undergrads and I do not recognise this description at all.

The vast majority were having a good go at exactly the stuff this thread bemoans, researching and engaging with texts and ideas. I didn't see evidence of a generational issue.

TBF I manage to roll out "cake or death?" fairly regularly.

Very good point. I hadn't thought of that.

Oh I never doubted that the dates are in the rules, I was just saying the UCI has never felt too duty bound by the letter of its own rules.

I might be wrong on this but I could swear those deadlines you mention have been flexed in the past. They're not quite as set in stone as they appear.

@betteridgeslaw.bsky.social

Every day is Christmas for you then!

If you buy this then on 25 December David Lappartient will climb down your chimney and personally check the length of your socks.

It's what every kid dreams of.

Live updates: NBA stars Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier arrested in illegal sports betting bust NBA stars Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones are among those arrested in two illegal gambling cases, according to the FBI.

I spend a fair bit of time telling students sports journalism isn't just match reports, so I'm glad to have a new bonkers example to use.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cz...

Episode 17: Vern Pitt

I had fun on Saeed and Jason's podcast the other week talking about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, hunting centaurs and ice cream.

If you're keen to know what creature I'd select as my battle companion. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/5Gam...

WARNING: There is no cycling chat.

French cyclist sets new world record with six-and-a-half-hour wheelie - Canadian Cycling Magazine Oscar Delaite rode 752 laps of an indoor track to break the longest continuous wheelie record

Oscar Delaite rode 752 laps of an indoor track to break the longest continuous wheelie record

cyclingmagazine.ca/mtb/french-c...

It is, in cycling's case, the fans NOT the sport itself that are taking a lead.