Issue 103 - Speed

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Speed – what does that word mean to you?

Cycling may seem a world away from motorsports yet the same principles apply: lightning-fast reflexes, quick thinking and supreme fitness are prerequisites for a career on wheels. And many top drivers and motorcyclists ride bikes both for training and to switch off from the high-octane pressurised life in the fast lane.

We brought together Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes), Jamie Chadwick (Williams development driver), Cal Crutchlow (2009 Supersport world champion) and Mark Cavendish (a very good cyclist) to discuss what makes them tick. What is this need for speed? Do they get a buzz out of the danger? What is the fastest they have ever travelled in their respective sports? How do they relax? Spoiler alert: Lego may be involved... It’s a fascinating debate with a quartet of champions, expertly chaired by Orla Chennaoui.

Filippo Ganna is no slouch either. The reigning time-trial world champion was thrust into the superstar spotlight following his 2020 run of form concluding in four stage wins at the Giro d’Italia. Track, TT, Grand Tours, Olympics, even the Hour record – can he really do it all? Nothing is off-limits for the level-headed Italian.

Talking of Hour records, young British racer Joe Laverick investigates the possibility of breaking the magic 60kph barrier with a bit of rule-bending and a lot of help from his expert friends. It just might be possible...

Amy Jones meets the tiny budget team with big hearts and bigger determination as Massi Tactic take on the major players of the Women’s WorldTour at Strade Bianche.

Elsewhere in this issue, we asked our body of fine photographers for their ultimate speed shot, Explore hits the fabulous Cheddar Gorge with Alec Briggs from Tekkerz, Harry Pearson writes on the history of bike racing’s least-known speed prize, the Ruban Jaune, and as a counterpoint to all this rushing around, Ian Cleverly makes his case for the Slow Cycling Movement. Chill out and take in the view is his new modus operandi – controversial.

Plus columns from Ned Boulting, Orla Chennaoui and Toms Skujiņš.