Review of "The Program" Movie

SaddleDrunk were this week invited by, Chris Ward of workwhereyoulike.com, to a private screening of “The Program” a film based on the book “Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong” by David Walsh, Chief Sports writer at The Sunday Times.

The guests consisted of cycling aficionados, from the boys from www.girocycles.com , www.road.cc and www.milltag.cc amongst many others. So there was an assumption that they were all very familiar with the story that was about to unfold in front of them, albeit from the personal perspective of the author.

The film is directed by Stephen Frears, his notable works include My Beautiful Laundrette, Dangerous Liaisons, High Fidelity, The Queen and Philomena. The films focus was on the systematic use of performance enhancing drugs by Lance Armstrong to win the greatest cycling race of all, Le Tour. The race sequences are well shot using current pro-cyclists, such as Yanto Barker and David Millar was the cycling consultant on the film.

Ben Foster who played Armstrong was strong and very convincing, and at times you believe you are watching Armstrong as was Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) playing ultra religious, Floyd Landis.

What none of the audience was expecting were any surprises or shock revelations, there were none. We know the story virtually inside out; we have watched all the documentaries, read the books by former teammates and kept right up to date with all the news via the net. So were we the target audience probably not, the audience I would say are those who are just getting into cycling and sports fans of all genres who care about keeping the future of their sport honest, pure and genuine. But also it’s the age-old story of the underdog taking on power and money at the risk of being ridiculed and discredited, who doesn’t love that story?

It’s a good watch but seek out the documentaries if you have as yet to see them: “Stop at Nothing” and “The Armstrong Lie” for a greater insight as to how this man operated. I would also recommend reading Tyler Hamilton’s “The Secret Race”, a former team mate of Armstrong’s and David Millar’s “Racing Through the Dark: The Fall and Rise of David Millar” to get an insight as to why young men choose to cheat and how they deal with their downfall.

Real life is much more gritty and harsh, the movie was a little too generous to the protagonist. This film was based on the authors personal journey to expose a cheat in a sport he loves, this I understand but now it is time to draw a line under this and all doping affairs and look to a time when this ends. But when fame and fortune are being offered in an arena where only the tough and ruthless survive, this may just be something we all hope may happen.

As a foot note the film has an excellent soundtrack which complements the film.

Chris O"Dowd plays David Walsh, The Sunday Times journalist

Supporting the New Para National Road Champion

SaddleDrunk Team is pleased to announce the start of an amazing relationship with Alex Jones the New Para National Road Champion.

We have asked Alex and his mother few question about Alex's cycling career.

Introduction

What an amazing trajectory it has been for 17 year old Alex Jones, since he started cycling competitively only 3 years ago! Having been spotted by British Cycling's Talent Coaches winning gold at the London Youth Games TT in 2012, he has been on the Olympic Talent programme Regional schools of Racing,  learning the trade on track and road - and the levels of hard work, sacrifice and discipline that it takes to succeed.  Born with mild cerebral palsy, last year he caught the eye of the Great Britain Cycling Team para coaches and after a successful first Road World Cup in Italy in June he has gone on to become 2015 National Mens para Circuit series winner and National Mens para Road Champion, a remarkable acheivement for a Junior rider. He has also medalled in each of 5 track events at the UK Games and is looking forward to competing with Paralypmic greats at the National Track Championships at the end of this month.  

History

Alex always enjoyed sports as a child but developed an interest in cycling at the age of 14, joining the Kingston Junior Cycling Club. The coaches there advised him to trial for the London Youth Games, (where he won Gold for the following 3 years) and he was spotted by revered British Cycling Talent and Regional Development coach Graham Macnamee who remains an influential mentor and voice of experience.

Mac nominated Alex for BC’s prestigious Regional Schools of Racing, part of the Olympic Talent Programme where over the next 2 years Alex learned the foundations of competitive road and track cycling and the high standards and hard work expected not only on the bike but off the bike too including nutrition, organization, preparation, discipline and the dedication required to be a top rider. Along the way he was supported and encouraged by his clubs (Twickenham CC, HIllingdon and Prestige), family and school, particularly by his PE Teacher and International Triathlete Mark Yeoman, who showed unwavering belief in  Alex’s potential.

Alex’s passion for riding grew, fuelled by fantastic experiences such as meeting the Team Sky riders and Shane Sutton on a training camp in Majorca where he rode up Mount Lluc with them and being taken behind the scenes at the Tour de France with Chris Boardman, Ned Boulting and Gary Imlach.  Off the bike, Alex is a BC level 1 coach and regularly helps teach young riders at Hillingdon CC.  His other interests are cars and music.

Alex did well in regional events but due to his mild cerebral palsy affecting his performance at an elite National level, he missed out on a place on the Olympic Apprentice programme. However, in a stroke of luck for Alex, he had caught the eye of his current coach, Andy Pitt who offered to take him on a one to one basis in July 2014, starting a fantastically motivating working relationship.   BC’s para cycling programmeidentified his potential and  nominated him for his first para Road World Cup in Italy in June this year where he was classified by an International panel as a C5 rider.

Following an impressive performance at his first World Cup, Alex went on, under the effective guidance of Andy Pitt, to win the National Men’s Para Circuit Series and after an amazing season has become National Men’s Para Road Champion in his category.  He has just returned from the UK School Games having medalled in each of his 5 events and is looking forward to the National Track Championships in Manchester later this month where he will be competing with Paralympic multi-medallists such as Jody Cundy and Jon Allan Butterworth.

After an exciting first year competing as a para cyclist alongside his regular racing commitments, Alex is now undergoing assessments  and training with the Great Britain Cycling Teamand his fierce ambition is to continue to learn and improve and earn the opportunity to ride for GBCT at the 2016 World Cups and World Championships and start BC’s four year preparation cycle for Tokyo 2020. Alex is also a Level One BC coach and spends his spare time teaching young riders at his old club.

From next month Alex will be wearing the national champion colour cycling kit made by SaddleDrunk after being approved by British Cycling. 

Good Luck Alex.

SD Team.

Do not forget to vote for us at the Time Out Love London Awards.

Racing at 1877 Preston Park Velodrome in Brighton

Last Sunday I had the pleasure to race in the oldest cycle track in world, the Preston Park Velodrome was dug out by hand by the British Army in 1877.The length of the velodrome is only 580 metres, the thought of racing around it for 40 plus minutes gave me a feeling of boredom. Therefore I have decided to enter first race of the "Apres The Hot Recovery Drink Wacky Races Series".

One of the false flats.

Surprisingly, my boredom kicked in really quickly,I recall checking my computer at only 13 minutes into the race.Through my mind a lot thoughts were flying, from my father passing away to the way of pulling out to this boredness.

Following my father advise during my life, I did not want to give up so I have turned up the engines and start riveting.

Another great view from above.

The field of 32 was a good quality of riding,there were few slow ones,but that is part of the game.I was quite impressed to see few guys with turbo trainers before the race to warm up then I did not see them at all during the race.Usually those are the ones who push.But obviously not in this case.

Racers getting ready to go on track.

The speed and pace was high for a cat 4 race,but I was comfortable so I stayed always at the front and made it up if I lost a position due to wrong position or coming out from the front pack.Few guys that we lapped, suddenly were with us again racing for a postion.

That was a bit of shock for few of us that overlapped them twice, but interesting on sportsmanship conduct principles.

Well done to the Blazing Saddles Team to work as a real team and to get all the 3 steps in the podium.

It was a good result and also good to gain the first 2 point after 4 races for this season with a finish in 8th position.

Those photos were taken in the warm up lap.

Someone shouted at me to keep hands in the handlebar,I nearly choked.

Until next time enjoy riding.Keep getting SaddleDrunk.

Ciao.

SD.

Intense moments for SaddleDrunk

Ciao everyone, you have not heard from me for a long time.The reason is because 2 weeks ago my first and greatest friend,guidance of each step of my life passed away.

RIding in the Italian Apennines in my Father's honour.

My Father, now will follow me forever in all my rides, each centimetre I ride, He will look from above.Rest in peace mio Amico.You will be missed by us all.

After this short reflection in honour of my Father, I give an update of the future plans ahead.

First, we will have the first SaddleDrunk Bike Ride in London soon where everyone is welcome to join.Any levels,bikes,clothing are welcome.Barriers should not be raised by those factors to those who love riding.

Then, I will be going to South Africa in Cape Town to take part in the biggest cycling event, "The Cape Argus" where I will be riding with a local team from the Western Cape.

Also, while there I will be having a pleasure to cooperate with a Japanese top cycling website and a South Korean cycling magazine. Talks will be held about the event and to arrange future plans for cycling in those two countries.

Modern Art in Madrid,Author Gian Nicola B.

The following weekend, I will be racing back in UK on a closed circuit than on a Sunday I will be road racing. It will be different story.

More races and events will be in SaddleDrunk calendar for 2014 , but one not to forget will be the biggest cycling event "Over The Hills" in Italy starting the 25th of April 2014 for 3 days.

You can email SaddleDrunk to get more informations,details and also to register and be part of the SaddleDrunk Team.

I will be riding for the occasion a bike from the Tour De France 1998 winning team. The team of the greatest rider Marco Pantani "Pirata".The bike is one of the Gregarios of Marco.

Gavino's bike,in the garden in Italy.

The photo was taken by Sirotti.The bike is the one at the front right.

Thanks again for following. Do not forget to get SaddleDrunk.

Ciao

SD

Imperial Winter Series 2013/2014 Race 10 4th CAT

After thanking the weather few times for the stunning days, last saturday we paid the toll for just a 24 hours rain splash.

Richard and Lucy from Imperial Cycles, they had a nice surprise present when they arrived to the circuit which they did not expect.A turn of the circuit was completely flooded.

For the crew was a tough challenge to get the race going, and avoid the disappointment,anxiety by the riders. Therefore they came up with all sort of ideas and plan A.B,C,D etc etc to get the circuit dry. They were all in deep waters with pumps & hoses and wellys.

It was a great team effort that managed to delay the start of the race by only 30 minutes. This is why their skills of organising racing has been award with the chance to take care for the Crit at the next London Bike Show in London next week.

The race start in an easier way than usual, it was like a 24 hours "Le Mans" start.The wind was with us and again quite strong,probably stronger than ever for my experience.This was my third race in the circuit, so I took in consideration loads of factor to gain a good position, and to finish the race better than the previous time.

The Race Commissaire has briefed us in the meeting that maybe was going to be shorter than normal. His little speech gave us a sort of mystery race with the unknown to when expect the final "5 laps to go" sign out.

The race again evolved more or less with the same attacks from various riders from the teams, few unattached riders as well, including my self founding for a short spell with the top 5 and have a quick chat with another rider,before being rejoined by the rest of the peloton.

It was a definite improvement in my race tactics. I was waiting for a sprint to start in the last lap, but not so early.This attack made by few riders, left few of us at the front not ready for it, and making us working hard to regain any positions lost.

I was pleased with my result, still an improvement from last time 26th to 21st...

I am looking forward for saturday, Race 11 and the season "finale" by Imperial Racing Team and Imperial Cycles.

Many thanks again to all of them that made everything possible for us enabling to race last saturday.

See you in few days.

SaddleDrunk.