Julio Jimenez 'The Clock Maker of Avila'

One the best Spanish climbers of all times whose professional career spanned from 1963 to 1968. His greatest achievement was winning the King of the Mountains prize at the TdF three years in a row - 1965, 1966 and 1967. He also won the same title in the Vuelta España in three occasions. Despite his exploits at alpine stages, and leading the Giro d'Italia 1967 for nearly eleven days, he never managed to win any major Tour - he was close to win the Vuelta España 1964 but he lost to Frenchman Raymond Poulidor due to a poor performance at the crono-stage. He retired from professional racing in 1969.

Some pictures of his classic climbing style in the Pyrenees stages of the TdF of 1965 and 1967.

As usual click image if you want to see an enlarged version. 

Le Tour de France: 1966-1971

Recently I have been given a volume containing the special Tour de France issues of two French cycling magazines -Le Miroir des Sports and Mirior de Ciclisme- and covering the editions of this major race from 1966 to 1971. These were the years of the rivalry between two Frenchmen Anquetil and Poulidor, the rise of Eddy Merckx and the death of Tom Simpson. Plenty of interesting pictures like this one showing a group of domestiques refreshing and fetching water for their respective team leaders in the TdF of 1966. 

As I have a closer look to the magazines I will try to scan and upload more pictures. I think you can click on the image to see enlarged version. Enjoy!

Follow me at FB

The original purpose for which this blog was originally set up, i.e. making short entries and posting bike pics, is now much better serviced at Facebook. My profile there is Greasy Paws.

While I will continue to publish here more elaborate or relevant entries, most of my online bike-related posting activity is now done almost exclusively on FB. Au revoir good old blog!

Red Light Jumping

First time in more than twelve years that I have ever been fined for red light jumping. Today I completely agree with my friends Frog and Toad.

 

Save Herne Hill Velodrome!

On-going campaign to save Herne Hill Velodrome in London. The velodrome has been run during all these years by the VC Londres, a cycling club that has done an sterling job in promoting track racing among young people. The estate owners renew the lease of the property on yearly basis. This type of short-term lease has prevented the granting of any substantial funding either from the National Lottery or British Cycling Association to undertake the long over-due renovation works of the facilities.

Now VC Londres and all other users of the velodrome are seeking for a long-term lease which will eventually make possible the required investment to resurface the track and repair the stands of this fantastic and unique cycling venue.

Further info can be found in their face-book group 'save the velodrome'. Go there to express your support. Apart from regular training ground of many track cyclists in the South London area, the velodrome also has an off-road circuit and during the season host a series of other cycling related events like jumble sales, antique bicycles exhibitions and races and the traditional Good Friday cycling meeting, usually attended by many pro track racers from all over the UK. Further info of all activities taking place at the velodrome can be found here.

A picture of the velodrome in its height days during the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Ninja Alleycat - Madrid, 25th of September

What a muppet!

And this time I'm talking about myself. When cycling last Friday I took a spill and landed heavily on my right shoulder with this nasty result: a grade 2 collarbone dislocation.
What this means is that I have now to wear a sling and keep my right arm immobilized for at least two weeks while the slightly strained ligaments recover and the collarbone moves a bit downward and returns to its former position. What a bummer! I was planning to build my 29er in the next two weeks and do some serious riding during August but I think that, for the time being, such plans are to be postponed until I recover completely from this stupid crash.