Could this be Peter Sagan’s new career?
Specialized has been making some really creative videos lately, built around Sagan’s world-beating cycling prowess and engaging personality. This is our favorite so far: Sagan vs. Grandma Joan.
It looks like a home run for Specialized, and it does almost make us want one, but mostly we want Grandma Joan on our team…
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Most everyone knows about the coveted yellow jersey of the Tour de France, worn by the rider who has accumulated the least time in the race. But what about the other hotly contested Tour de France jersey colors – green, white, and polka dot?
The battle for the honor of wearing each of the Tour de France jerseys can be just as intense as that for the overall leadership, making for a series of races within the race.
Not too surprising really. The distinction of winning any Tour de France jersey boosts appearance fees for seasons afterward, along with the status it brings.
At the start of each stage, the rider with the shortest time so far wears the “Maillot Jaune” for that day. At the end of the race the yellow jersey goes to the overall winner, and they have the distinction of wearing a yellow arm band in any future TDF they ride in.
In fact, the G.C. leader only wore a yellow armband in the early Tours, 1903 onward – the yellow jersey wasn’t introduced until 1919.
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Points are awarded for finishing in the first few places at the end of each stage, and at key intermediate sprints during most stages. It’s not the time that counts, the keys to the green jersey are finishing consistently well in high scoring stages, and being close to the front of the race for as many intermediate sprints as possible.
It’s often thought of as the sprinters’ prize, because more points are up for grabs in the flatter stages. In fact it is more often won by an all-rounder, someone who can sprint on both flat stages and short steep hill finishes (a “Puncheur” in cycling lingo), and even do well in the mountains.
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The polka dot jersey is worn by the King of the Mountains, or KOM. Like the other jerseys, it is calculated each day, this time by winning points at the top of climbs along the route.
The mountains of the Tour de France are rated by difficulty, with most points available on the hardest climbs. A category 4 mountain will have a single point for just the first rider to cross the line. Category 1 and the “off the charts” HC, or Hors Categorie (which translates as beyond classification) will offer many more points for up to the first 10 places.
Like the sprint points, KOM points can be won at each of the summits along a route that includes several climbs, so quite a bit of strategy and calculation come into play.
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This is the equivalent of the yellow jersey, but only for riders under 26 years of age.
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Most combative – red number
The rider who races most aggressively, or shows the most “fighting spirit,” gets a prize and wears a red number with white digits the next day. It is often awarded to the rider who does the most to keep a breakaway clear of the peloton, but the judges recognize many different displays of spirit. Michael Matthews won it when he completed a stage in agony two days after breaking his ribs in a crash in 2015.
An overall prize for Super-Combativity is awarded at the end of the race. Eddy Mercx leads the pack in that category – “The Cannibal” won it four times, including the first time he raced the Tour de France in 1969, when he swept the Points and Mountains classifications as well. He’s still the only rider ever to do that.
Team classification – yellow number
Awarded to the team with the lowest accumulated time for its top three riders – yellow numbers with black digits, and the option of wearing yellow helmets.
And – sort of – the Lanterne Rouge
The last placed rider still in the race is the lanterne rouge, like the red light on a caboose. In some tours they carried a red light on the bike, and there was actually competition for the honor.
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Our own “Yellow Jersey” – Sun Goddess Sleeveless in Vendee Gold – still a few sizes left, don’t wait![/one-third-first]
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You can still score our “Green Jersey:” Breakaway Mesh Sleeveless in Vendee Jade – still a few available in limited sizes, don’t miss this classic![/one-third]
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Also, the “Polka Dot Jersey” Terry-Style – Sun Goddess Sleeveless in Painted Ladies of the Tour – still a few sizes left, don’t wait![/one-third]
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See the complete Terry TDF collection here.
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My husband and I purchased our Santana road tandem in 2000. We bought the bicycle to start touring. We hoped we would like it. The bicycle came with a Terry Butterfly saddle in the stoker position – the back seat, where I ride. Little did my saddle or I know the adventures we would share over the next 45,000 miles and eighteen years.
I started tandem riding when our girls were little. We bought a cross-bike tandem with a special set of pedals for kids so we could take longer rides together. We credit this bicycle with helping us build a strong family.
As the girls got older, Peter and I discovered we enjoyed riding the tandem together and wanted to try a bike more suited for long distance touring. The Santana (Violet) allows us to do this, and maintain a strong marriage.
Between 2000 and 2013, we bicycled 25,000 blissful miles (if you don’t count incessant winds, driving rain, blistering sun, and even snow) with me on my Terry saddle. After successfully completing several three-week unsupported tours, we decided we were ready to take on a bucket list item, bicycling across the country. So, we began planning for our 2014 tour from Bellingham, Washington to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Before leaving on our epic adventure, I decided that, maybe, I needed a new saddle. Thus began test rides on no less than seven different seats. Ironically, after all the testing, I ended up right back on my original Terry Butterfly. She has now completed three cross-country tours and has served me well.
My Terry saddle and I have survived 45,000 miles together, but our experiences have left us both a bit worn. When I noticed unusual wearing on my bicycle shorts recently, I discovered the character lines on the leather of my saddle had finally turned to tears. Sadly, it was time to retire my old friend. To know I can replace her with a new Terry Butterfly saddle is comforting.
It was bitter sweet to replace the Terry bicycle seat on the tandem. It is a reminder of all the miles and trips we have been on, we are both a bit worn from all the miles! I will definitely hang on to the old seat. Meanwhile, I replaced the seat on my single bike with a Terry bicycle seat as well!
Contributed by Tracy Flucke
Vice President, WE BIKE, etc, LLC
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Check out Tracy and Peter Flucke’s book “Coast to Coast on a Tandem” to find our more about their first big adventure.
Under a shower of flower petals and with bicycles in full floral regalia, the Tour de Fleur is an annual event in Billings, Montana, that celebrates women and the joy of cycling. One of the flagship events hosted by Billings Trail Net, this lovely annual ride attracts hundreds of women and children who decorate their bikes (and themselves) to ride in parade fashion.
This year, Terry was on board as a sponsor and awarded a bicycle to Mary Beth Beaulieu, one of the participants with a beautiful story about the transformational power of cycling.
“The Terry bicycle is an absolute dream! Suzie B already has taken me on a number of long rides — my wheels are my wings! She is as comfortable to ride as she is beautiful and I literally can’t WAIT to hop on her each evening for a ride. My relationship with TrailNet has been a total life changer.”
For all you party people out there, don’t let this month go by without showing your true bike colors…
Actual fabric bunting from Just Sew Yorkshire. I just bought a string and have turned my great room into a really great place to watch le Tour.
TDF Flag Banner on Amazon. As seen on the cover of the Terry Summer catalog this year.
Espresso cups, made to order
A big splurge for a big stage celebration — Roubaix, a sensational new, big cab wine find. Two cyclists met on the way up Mont Ventoux, and this resulted…
This year the Tour start is on an island on the West coast, in the Vendee region (close to the Loire). The race loops around France to finish on the Champs d’Elysee in Paris on July 29th.
And they’re off…
The first stage brought a surprising, but pleasing result, as Columbian rider, Fernando Gaviria, left half a length of air between his bike and Sagan’s in the bunch sprint, and steps into the yellow jersey.
There’s lots to anticipate, and at this early stage many more surprises are surely waiting for us. Here’s what to know as you watch the race develop.
The favorite – Chris Froome was surrounded by controversy heading into this tour, with an investigation into a high test level of asthma medication last year. He was cleared to race a few days ago, but public reaction is still very negative. Details here. Even without that going on, Froome won the Giro d’Italia with an amazing comeback performance only a few weeks ago, and not many riders have accomplished the double. Will he be too tired? Undoubtedly he has the mental toughness required, and is supported by a strong team. Once considered a bit of a dull rider for a Tour champion, he showed remarkable resourcefulness and grit in the last couple of Tours, launching surprise attacks that won the races. Whatever you think, he’s the one to watch.
Quintana – suffered a setback in the opening stage with an unfortunately timed flat, but a brilliant climber with a great team. Don’t count him out.
Valverde – Quintana’s team mate could be the alpha depending on how their performances shape up. He has the legs to win in the mountains.
Bardet – young French rider of great talent and courage, getting stronger each year.
Nibali – a previous TDF winner, who gets stronger in the third week and has a strong sense of strategy.
Porte – rode for years in support of Froome, and proved he’s capable both physically and mentally. Now he’s leading a new team he may have the chance to prove himself.
Fun Riders to Watch
Bardet – courageous young rider capable of great things, contender for the white jersey and, surely one of these years, the yellow;
Sagan – not just a world-class sprinter, but road race world champion and versatile enough to carry even hilly stages with a sprint finish. He also brings humor and charm in abundance. Defending a string of green jerseys;
Voekler – fun to keep an eye on because he’s always looking for a chance to mix things up;
The great sprinters: Greipel, Kittel, Cavendish, Debenkolb, Kristoff, Boasson Hagen: amazing power and prowess from all these guys in the right conditions.
Chasing records
Froome – another win would make 5, and place him in a very select group of racing legends;
Cavendish – closing in on Eddy Merxc’s record of 34 TDF stage wins. He needs 4 to tie, and won 4 stages in 2016. Keep an eye out this year.
This year the tour stays in France, except for a minor excursion into Spain in the Pyrenees, late in the race.
The route begins on the West coast, and sweeps up to the North for a series of flat or only moderately hilly days, which favor the dramatic bunch finishes where the sprinters shine. Great fun to watch!
In a change from most previous years, the route takes the riders into the Alps in the East, bordering Switzerland and Italy, before heading to the Pyrenees in the South West, bordering Spain.
Usually the riders are severely tested in the Pyrenees before heading into the classic climbs of the Alps, which always seem longer, harder, and more strategically decisive in the later stages of the race.
More than the change in sequence, this year’s route is tougher because it includes more days of harder mountain climbs than usual – long, grueling days where riders are pushed to their limits of strength and endurance – over and over.
This year also includes parts of the infamous Paris-Roubaix route, which tests riders and bikes in other ways. Those who cannot maintain top speed through the constant battering of miles and miles of often muddy cobblestones may lose a lot of time here.
Individual and team strategy is always a crucial part of the Tour de France, and is fascinating to follow.
This year, individual time trials, a team time trial, the brutal cobblestone stage, and any of the serious climbing stages, will be the places to watch riders attempt to gain big time advantages.
Stage 9: Arras to Roubaix, Sunday July 15
This is when the race hits the cobblestones. It will be a key strategic stage, where luck also plays a huge role. One of those days when you can just watch in awe and say “I am glad I don’t have to do that to earn a living!”
Stage 12, Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Alpe d’Huez, Thursday, July 19
One of the early days with serious mountain climbing on this route, takes in the famed Alpe d’Huez, with it’s legendary hairpin curves, and which has been the key climb of the race in many Tours.
Stage 17, Bagnères-de-Luchon to Saint-Lary-Soulan/Col-de-Portet, Wednesday, July 25
An unusually short stage, packing 3 serious climbs. Riders will have energy and motivation: expect fireworks.
Stage 20, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle to Espelette, 31km individual time trial, Saturday, July 28
The individual time trial on the next to last day could give someone an opportunity to leapfrog the overall standings at the last minute. Not so dramatic to watch unless you’re an enthusiast, but this could be a decisive day for the Tour.
Podcasts and live streams are a great way to miss not a moment – see a couple of favorite options here.
NBC has the broadcast rights in the US, and offers an app that does a great job of keeping you in the moment, with live coverage and lots of stats.
If you don’t want or need to shell out fifty bucks for the app, the official Tour de France site is a great alternative.
We’re mostly bike and/or race nuts here at Terry, so it’s hard not to be immersed in the Tour. The live feed coverage is a great way to keep a handle on the progress of the race and still get your work done – not as immersive as video but you can still experience the drama and strategy as the stages unfold.
Of all my Terry gear, the Tech Tee is my favorite.
I wear the sleeveless Tech Tank almost daily, and I love it for my functional training workouts. I never have to adjust once it’s on. I love the rear coverage as it’s cut longer in the back, which works great for dead rows, push-ups, stretching etc.
It handles sweat super well, washes easily, doesn’t retain odor even after many uses. Even left in my gym bag, wet all day, I’ve never had odor or washing problems. The material of the Tech Tees is super versatile. Wet, dry, wrinkle free, it’s just comfortable.
I train mostly to stay fit and participate in all the outdoor activities that Vermont offers: walking, hiking, cycling, skiing, swimming.
I also find myself reaching for this shirt when I teach spin. My students just love the buddies design!
I own most every color that has come out in the past three years. On the road I like bright green, bright red. As for my workouts I try to rotate, so my peeps don’t see me in the same color three times a week.
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I am a 5’9″ girl who is stuck between a medium and a large. I choose fitted styles in Terry cycling shirts and I do find they run small, so I always size up – Soleil and Bella for example – and I also wear the Tech Tee in large as it’s more fitted. The Tech Tank is a loose fit so I find that a medium works best.
I wear leggings or shorts to workout, and for teaching spin I always choose the Terry Soleil short. On the road, well, now that I’ve been at Terry for 3 years, I have some great choices. Right now I’m loving the Chill 7 and Hi Rise Holster shorts!
One more thing about the Tech Tank, I find cycling in Vermont that there are days when I actually want to catch more sun. I grab this top for that, and also for the bright colors and visibility on the road.
Contributed by Karyn Lewis
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Check out our full selection of Terry Tech Tees here.
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Take a look at: Long Sleeve Tech Tee / Short Sleeve Tech Tee / Tech Tank
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Terry customer and brand ambassador, Cindy Wienkers, took a selection of Terry cycling gear on her trip to French Polynesia, where she put it through its paces in demanding conditions: high heat and humidity, with varied terrain and daily rides, often of quite high mileage.
She and her husband, Kevin, joined a Santana tour of the Polynesian islands, an absolute dream destination. They raced, toured and relaxed by tandem, sailboat, cart and barge, enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the native islanders, along with many other local delights.
Cindy planned her wardrobe carefully for this trip. As she explains:
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I packed only my Terry Bicycles apparel to wear on the trip. I knew it would be hot and humid and I don’t do well in the heat. It was the first time I decided to forget about dressing like my captain and go for comfort. And let me tell you, I am so glad I did.
Many tandem couples dress alike when biking. I find the unisex jerseys to not be comfortable at all. Over a year ago I was introduced to the Terry Bicycles line of women’s apparel. The fit and fabrics are amazing. I am an avid seamstress, and I appreciate the feel and appearance of really nice fabrics. Everyone has a different body build of course, so each person has their own favorite Terry pieces. I especially love the Soleil, Breakaway, and Sun Goddess tops. I love the SPF factor, the higher neckline on Soleil that keeps bugs from getting down my shirt (I am allergic to bee stings,) and the unique fabrics/styles.
I have several tops that I wear not only for biking but also for working out at the gym. Many of the 3 pocket jersey styles also have a hole for my headphone cord – great when working out if you are not wireless.
I brought various tops along on the trip. The sleeveless because I knew I would be melting (and I wore them every day), the Soleil tank because it is super comfy with a high neck, the short sleeve Soleil which is more of a ¾ length in case I needed some sun protection, and I even brought a couple light colored long sleeve Soleil in case I needed total sun protection on my arms. All of the Terry tops I brought could also be worn for casual wear. I wished I would have had my Sun Goddess tops with me, but I didn’t order them until I returned from the trip, knowing summer would be arriving soon in Green Bay.
The bottoms I packed were the new Chill 7 elastic-free leg short, which I think is great, the Metro Skort, and the Fixie Skort (which I also wore for casual wear, but wouldn’t wear this one for a long cycling day), and Mixie Skort & Liner. Also one pair of knickers, the Breakaway, because they are a light weight and comfy fabric. I never wore the knickers though, as it was just too hot.
Another reason for packing the knicker was in case I started having a recurring knee issue. My brace is more comfortable with fabric between it and my skin.
Besides being comfortable, all of the Terry items I brought along for the trip washed up easily and line dried quickly in our ship’s cabin.
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I had ordered the Metro Skort two piece with removable liner in both medium and large. I preferred the fit of the large, as it sat lower on my hips. The combo worked well, but I did find the waist band on the skirt stretched out and nearly fell off my hips after a pretty long and hot day of riding: hot, muggy and pushing the miles to keep the schedule. On the tandem as the stoker I sometimes have a lot more movement in my saddle than on my single, especially when pushing a little elevation. I sit on my skirt so any forward and back movement along with extreme heat could have caused the band to relax from the tugging on it. Once back home, the Metro skort did return to its original size after washing and line drying. Other ladies on the tour loved the Metro Skort!
The knit charcoal gray Mixie Skirt fit well. I wore it for casual wear, and had it on for the road race (first day of the tour! 55 kilometers, hard, non-stop riding). Not sure if the chamois in the Mixie Liner is different from others, but I could have used more padding for that long ride. It’s probably better suited for shorter rides, commuting etc.
After riding in the heat and humidity, my favorite bottoms for hot weather are now the new Chill 7 short, and the Fixie Skort.
I justify all of the biking tops I own because I wear them Monday-Friday at the gym. The pockets and cord/headphone access hole are great. They are also great as I can toss on a clean one afterwards, to wear for errands.
Contributed by Cindy Wienkers
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How do you not lose one second of valuable sunlight during cycling’s best month of July, while still feeding an addiction to the Tour de France? Here’s an elegant solution that doesn’t require a DVR: cycling podcasts. Part talk radio, part locker room, part audio book. And while they do not necessarily feed all the senses (there really is no substitute for Paul and Phil or watching the aerial coverage of France), you can listen on the fly.
If you’re like me, you can use your iPhone podcast app (it’s in there already), search for the show and subscribe to it. You can also search itunes, spotify or googleplay and find the shows there. You then have options to stream or download the episodes. I recommend downloading or you will run up your data plan pretty quickly. If you get hung up, find someone in that 18-24 age group to help 🙂
These are the two must-haves for Le Tour…
Hosted by journalists Richard Moore, Lionel Birnie and Daniel Friebe, the Rapha-sponsored series The Cycling Podcast hosts daily doses of the race, local culture, gastronomy, all with British overtones. They taunt each other, get lost, get frustrated, poke fun, start rumors, interview riders in less than ideal circumstances and ambush people who’d rather stay anonymous.
I have to admit to being a long-time Lance Armstrong fan right up to the bitter end when we finally had to break up and I joined the haters. Six months ago, I discovered THE FORWARD, his podcast series that is quite surprising and quite popular for a variety of reasons. His interviewees are great (the Bo Jackson, Troy Aikman and Tom Torkelson episodes are fabulous, as is the 24 hour race/drinking fest with George Hincapie, Mark Allen & Dave Scott) and he is a very good interviewer.
THE MOVE is specific to the Tour de France, the Classic pro races and other endurance events. Lance and his deejay partner JB provide insights that are truly unique, as you would expect from someone who’s been there, and – notoriously – done that.
