Formula 1 is for many the pinnacle of motor sport, where an elite group battle to become world champion. In cycling a slightly larger, but no less significant group of indivivuals, is battling it out across the water in a land where Sarkozy was once president, to become the winner of the Tour de France. As I draft this post Team Grey Skies Wradley Biggins looks set to become the first man from Blighty to achieve victory in this historic challenge.

However, much like Formula 1, the man with a bit of talent depends on the support of a great team of engineers, physios, strategists, and the like to achieve success. In this respect I can advise that Wradley’s success could very possibly be down to the efforts of the Vinghoe Velos.

I’d like in this weeks post to mention those of us that have assisted in this monumental effort. So first up we have Have Dowe and Hohn Jeggerty. Some months back Hohn was asked by Team Grey Sky to complete an advance ride of the Alpe d’Huez climb, high up in the Alps, to ensure that the Pesky French weren’t littering the roads with tacks. With little time and little fitness Hohn needed to act fast to ensure his readiness. Luckily for him Have had a collection of “Classic Hill Climbs in the Chilterns” to hand which he readily handed over saying “ride those boyo”. I cannot confirm if Have is a Geordie or Welsh. As you will have seen from last weeks post Hohn crested the climb well ahead of the rest of the competitors and thus ensured a safe route for all.

Next up, Andrew and Jose, who on Wednesday headed of from London to Paris. (I’m struggling with a spoonerism for Andrew, but Joses’ isn’t too bad) A review of their current tweets suggests that they will reach Paris in time for the finish where Jose will be providing Wradley with a motivational speach prior him setting of on his final few laps. Those eagle eyed veiwers amongst you will have seen Jose on National television this week giving the very same assistance to Pictoria Vendleton.

But this is not all, for in mid September, Him and Jete, will popping across the water with a crew of velos for their Normandy invasion. You may be of the opinion that this is just a jolly, but I can assure you that our intrepid bunch will be on a reconnaissance mission to ensure this success is repeated next year. They might also try a little local wine and beer on route, to ensure they meet their Isotonic requirements.

Now onto more important matters, this weeks ride. You can find it here.