I live in Girona, and I am expat, and with due respect to Anthony who is clearly defending the pros consistently, I have seen some of the most obnoxious behaviour from the pros. The going the wrong way ruling I see at least 3-4times a week not adhered to by pros, or what I deem 'amateur pros', you know the ones, those juniors or 'development' riders or their friends who think they are top-draw importance, yet their not, and make it hard for ex-pats like me, who proudly call Girona home, and immerse and embrace the Catalan lifestyle. You get situations on the Pont de Pedra where there's 20, 25, 30 of these 'amateur pros all 'mingling' before a group ride, yet taking up the entire width of the bridge, and locals can't even walk across, where is the common courtesy to others? Show some respect to locals, get over your own self-importance. 9/10ths of these 'amateur pros' don't live in Girona, they are there for short training periods, yet think their shit doesn't stink and treat the place like we need to fawn over them and their kings or queens of the castle. Someone needs to advise this lot, that they may think their someone in their world, but be assured, their not in the vast majority of ours.
I forgot to add, Girona is the best, the most wonderful place across the board for cycling/cycling lifestyle. Come here, enjoy it, but garner some understanding of how things work, and overall, show respect to the local community, and for their beautiful city the love.
I was in Girona in October, my 7th visit in two years. I adore the place and have always respected the one-way system. I saw two British cyclists being heavily fined by Police for riding the wrong way up Ballesteries. This will stop that practice.
I think you need to actually talk to some Catalans and you’ll see that ALL expats are a problem because WE are the ones driving the prices up and most expats in Girona don’t speak a word of Spanish let alone Catalan, so have a look at the bigger problematic at hand, if your US/Canadian/UK/Aus the chances of finding your feet in town are a lot bigger because the community is bigger but it is also hella clicky take it from someone who also lived there for the last 3 years, the average Catalan makes maybe 1200-1500max where as the average expat is usually well above that average, so again I ask how are you not surprised that Catalans will be pissed off? It’s a bigger problem because local people can’t afford to live in Girona anymore, and it’s all because of expats who push the prices up, I agree cyclists in town caused a lot of problems but cyclists them selfs make jack shit compared to tech and finance bros who started moving into Girona, unless your a world tour rider the chances of you having a decent paycheque are slim to none, look at it objectively it’s a bigger problematic
I dunno… I was in Girona in October for 1.5 weeks… if the massive number of cyclists that were on the roads, camped out in front of cafes, or riding up/down the mountains (Rocacorba in nearby Banyoles) was an indication that Girona was dead/dying - uh ok… I’d still take it over (a lack of) the cycling culture in other cities/countries 24/7… so much so I’ve been researching moving there… 🍻
Why would you go were you're not welcome? It seems they have been victims of their own success. We run a cycling company in a small village in Andalusia, only 1 hour from Malaga, but very little tourism and an area that's suffering from Rural depopulation. It's an area that has never experienced the tourism surge of the Costa del Sol and the area isn't solely dependent on tourism. The cost of living is still pretty low compared to other touristic places in Spain, coffees are 1.20€, beers from 2€, tostadas 2.50€.
We did the Traka this year, and first night in town I said there is a strange vibe here. We had a Spaniard rideing with us who explained the graffiti, which was telling us to do one! A group of locals confronted us one night, and it was our Spanish mate that calmed the mood, but I was aware things were a bit "techey" there. I still love the place for riding so??
I have 2 bikes: Campy Mechanical and Sram AXS. And yes, I find my right thumb making ghost shifts sometimes on the Sram set up. But it's not really an issue.
I'm just starting recovery from a fracture-dislocation of my glenoid, with a bankart lesion. I've been told to expect 6-9 months before the shoulder is strong enough to think about riding outside. I had no idea shoulder injuries were so complicated before suffering one. It won't surprise me at all if Remco misses a chunk of next season.
no short term apartment rentals (due to "anti AirBnB regulations") is a big negative. I was there last summer, and the Game of Thrones tourists heavily outnumbered the cyclists. We're heading back to Javea in February, where we rented a villa on AirBnB for a month. Plenty of places to ride, nice villas to stay in.....
The unrest in Girona was aimed at the local government and major led by Junts per Cataluya, mostly the far left party CUP voters were agitating for their removal, ( they won again) both are pro independence. The main gripe from CUP was that JUNTS are pro business and commerce and ignore the issues of locals, ( they have a point) the tourism sector was used to highlight this 'supposed' lack of local support by JUNTS, Cycling being very visible GI bore the brunt of the political motivated angst. All is now chill and relaxed after the election. But visitors really need to learn a few Catalan phrases and respect local traditions and civic Pride. Catalonia is definitely not Spain.
I think for professional athletes it is part of the job to mingle with the unwashed masses who want a selfie. Yes, even at breakfast unfortunately. Sports at the end of the day is entertainment as much as we want to deify athletes into warrior monks. If it weren't for the fans and selfie seekers there would be no interest from sponsors and no sponsors no money.
A. We love Girona, but we don't want you there with us. B. I am a rich and famous cyclist, but I don't like being seen. Reminds me of our ice hockey players who love the money and adulation in their home country of Canada, but hate being recognised, and hate the cold (!) so prefer the States to live. Can't have it both ways. C. This makes athletes look pretty stupid, which of course, many are (they are not amanzing at sports by being studious).
You're right on the money, Russ. As far as today's pros go though, I wouldn't recognize any of them, even if they crashed into me. They are totally generic. Not like the days when Pantani and Ulrich were riding. I did, however, twice recognize you as you buzzed down Els Angels. Maybe there's hope that you'll get pestered at breakfast yet!
So true, I was in Girona the other day and the town was gutted! Shops were empty and the wind whistled through the shutters of homes and apartments. Complete GHOST TOWN!
Can you change the picture in the background for when mvdp done that spectacular push up the hill leaving everyone in the dust when he won the strade bianche please and I've got a big question how is watts per kg calculated is it done with all kit on minus bike or with no clothes on many thanks
So how fast and furious was Remco riding on public roads at the time? Or was he riding like a careful commuter? We all know that bikes can go too fast for conditions, especially ones powered by a top athlete paid millions for her performances. Open roads give us endless opportunities to open it up and fly, Robin, fly. But there are lots of times when it is high time to use those high-quality disc brakes and cool it. And why O why in training are not riders using body armor and lots of it.
Whatever…. People should be respectful at home, on 5he road, 24/7. Whether you live in a place or visit it…. As it pertains to the pros, whatevs, don’t care…. Deal with it…. Better idea: let’s find more Girona-like places….
@ Portugal, the Algarve…. Next, The Lakes region in Italy…. Third would be Tuscany…. Maybe the valley near Perugia…. Or near, further north - a lot - Verona…. I am sure there are tons of epic locales…. For me, a mix of gravel and road with good food and modern(ish) convenience…. Too old to be really adventurous…
The angst in Girona was politically motivated. Cyclist's tourism and tourism in general was used by CUP Party, to unseat the ruling junts per Catalunya Party, Junts won the election locally, equilibrium is restored.
Victim is too broad a stroke, we’re talking about contributory negligence. No debate they are the victim but to what extent did there actions give rise to the incident. It’s normally not 0%
@TheRoadmanPodcast but that's purely an assumption that he was negligent. It was in the middle of town, it's not likely he was going at breakneck speeds
"Cyclists were like head lice" ? really? sounds pretty cynical -- The tourism/immigrant blow-back is not unique to Girona. Better to have a more thoughtful (and longer) discussion about what's going on with Spain's economy and Political situation and how that's affecting attitudes towards tourism and immigrants moving to Catalunya (Barcelona is suffering similar blow-back over tourism and skyrocketing housing costs).
Shaming people for using using hydration packs? Telling cyclist to ride in the middle of the road to avoid the risk of getting doored by careless drivers? Roadie elitism and victim blaming: double lame. I hope get enough feedback to make you reflect and reconsider your dated views.
bleeding Shimano brakes is just about 'bang 2 rocks together' simple. SRAM/AVID? different story The only way that electronic derailleurs need 'adjusting' is when you've done something to them like bending the hanger or you've changed wheels/cassette
Can you please add bookmarks?
I live in Girona, and I am expat, and with due respect to Anthony who is clearly defending the pros consistently, I have seen some of the most obnoxious behaviour from the pros.
The going the wrong way ruling I see at least 3-4times a week not adhered to by pros, or what I deem 'amateur pros', you know the ones, those juniors or 'development' riders or their friends who think they are top-draw importance, yet their not, and make it hard for ex-pats like me, who proudly call Girona home, and immerse and embrace the Catalan lifestyle.
You get situations on the Pont de Pedra where there's 20, 25, 30 of these 'amateur pros all 'mingling' before a group ride, yet taking up the entire width of the bridge, and locals can't even walk across, where is the common courtesy to others?
Show some respect to locals, get over your own self-importance. 9/10ths of these 'amateur pros' don't live in Girona, they are there for short training periods, yet think their shit doesn't stink and treat the place like we need to fawn over them and their kings or queens of the castle.
Someone needs to advise this lot, that they may think their someone in their world, but be assured, their not in the vast majority of ours.
I forgot to add, Girona is the best, the most wonderful place across the board for cycling/cycling lifestyle.
Come here, enjoy it, but garner some understanding of how things work, and overall, show respect to the local community, and for their beautiful city the love.
I was in Girona in October, my 7th visit in two years. I adore the place and have always respected the one-way system. I saw two British cyclists being heavily fined by Police for riding the wrong way up Ballesteries. This will stop that practice.
I think you need to actually talk to some Catalans and you’ll see that ALL expats are a problem because WE are the ones driving the prices up and most expats in Girona don’t speak a word of Spanish let alone Catalan, so have a look at the bigger problematic at hand, if your US/Canadian/UK/Aus the chances of finding your feet in town are a lot bigger because the community is bigger but it is also hella clicky take it from someone who also lived there for the last 3 years, the average Catalan makes maybe 1200-1500max where as the average expat is usually well above that average, so again I ask how are you not surprised that Catalans will be pissed off?
It’s a bigger problem because local people can’t afford to live in Girona anymore, and it’s all because of expats who push the prices up, I agree cyclists in town caused a lot of problems but cyclists them selfs make jack shit compared to tech and finance bros who started moving into Girona, unless your a world tour rider the chances of you having a decent paycheque are slim to none, look at it objectively it’s a bigger problematic
I dunno… I was in Girona in October for 1.5 weeks… if the massive number of cyclists that were on the roads, camped out in front of cafes, or riding up/down the mountains (Rocacorba in nearby Banyoles) was an indication that Girona was dead/dying - uh ok… I’d still take it over (a lack of) the cycling culture in other cities/countries 24/7… so much so I’ve been researching moving there… 🍻
Why would you go were you're not welcome? It seems they have been victims of their own success. We run a cycling company in a small village in Andalusia, only 1 hour from Malaga, but very little tourism and an area that's suffering from Rural depopulation. It's an area that has never experienced the tourism surge of the Costa del Sol and the area isn't solely dependent on tourism. The cost of living is still pretty low compared to other touristic places in Spain, coffees are 1.20€, beers from 2€, tostadas 2.50€.
Pop me an insta message
such a great dynamic together. Great watch again....
Thanks for tuning in. Love Mallorca 🥰
We did the Traka this year, and first night in town I said there is a strange vibe here. We had a Spaniard rideing with us who explained the graffiti, which was telling us to do one! A group of locals confronted us one night, and it was our Spanish mate that calmed the mood, but I was aware things were a bit "techey" there.
I still love the place for riding so??
I have 2 bikes: Campy Mechanical and Sram AXS. And yes, I find my right thumb making ghost shifts sometimes on the Sram set up. But it's not really an issue.
I'm just starting recovery from a fracture-dislocation of my glenoid, with a bankart lesion. I've been told to expect 6-9 months before the shoulder is strong enough to think about riding outside. I had no idea shoulder injuries were so complicated before suffering one. It won't surprise me at all if Remco misses a chunk of next season.
Sorry to hear that, best of luck with the recovery
Looking slick Ant! Keep the good work.
Sarah, not bad.
no short term apartment rentals (due to "anti AirBnB regulations") is a big negative. I was there last summer, and the Game of Thrones tourists heavily outnumbered the cyclists. We're heading back to Javea in February, where we rented a villa on AirBnB for a month. Plenty of places to ride, nice villas to stay in.....
The unrest in Girona was aimed at the local government and major led by Junts per Cataluya, mostly the far left party CUP voters were agitating for their removal, ( they won again) both are pro independence.
The main gripe from CUP was that
JUNTS are pro business and commerce and ignore the issues of locals, ( they have a point) the tourism sector was used to highlight this 'supposed' lack of local support by JUNTS, Cycling being very visible GI bore the brunt of the political motivated angst.
All is now chill and relaxed after the election.
But visitors really need to learn a few Catalan phrases and respect local traditions and civic
Pride.
Catalonia is definitely not Spain.
I think for professional athletes it is part of the job to mingle with the unwashed masses who want a selfie. Yes, even at breakfast unfortunately. Sports at the end of the day is entertainment as much as we want to deify athletes into warrior monks. If it weren't for the fans and selfie seekers there would be no interest from sponsors and no sponsors no money.
A. We love Girona, but we don't want you there with us. B. I am a rich and famous cyclist, but I don't like being seen. Reminds me of our ice hockey players who love the money and adulation in their home country of Canada, but hate being recognised, and hate the cold (!) so prefer the States to live. Can't have it both ways. C. This makes athletes look pretty stupid, which of course, many are (they are not amanzing at sports by being studious).
You're right on the money, Russ. As far as today's pros go though, I wouldn't recognize any of them, even if they crashed into me. They are totally generic. Not like the days when Pantani and Ulrich were riding. I did, however, twice recognize you as you buzzed down Els Angels. Maybe there's hope that you'll get pestered at breakfast yet!
So true, I was in Girona the other day and the town was gutted! Shops were empty and the wind whistled through the shutters of homes and apartments. Complete GHOST TOWN!
Winter!
Can you change the picture in the background for when mvdp done that spectacular push up the hill leaving everyone in the dust when he won the strade bianche please and I've got a big question how is watts per kg calculated is it done with all kit on minus bike or with no clothes on many thanks
Have you seen a good version or painting of that mvp attack?
@TheRoadmanPodcast only expensive ones online
CRAZY BEAUTIFUL FLAVOR GANG WHERE WE AT
So how fast and furious was Remco riding on public roads at the time? Or was he riding like a careful commuter? We all know that bikes can go too fast for conditions, especially ones powered by a top athlete paid millions for her performances. Open roads give us endless opportunities to open it up and fly, Robin, fly. But there are lots of times when it is high time to use those high-quality disc brakes and cool it. And why O why in training are not riders using body armor and lots of it.
Whatever…. People should be respectful at home, on 5he road, 24/7. Whether you live in a place or visit it…. As it pertains to the pros, whatevs, don’t care…. Deal with it…. Better idea: let’s find more Girona-like places….
What’s top of your list for cycling destinations ?
@ Portugal, the Algarve…. Next, The Lakes region in Italy…. Third would be Tuscany…. Maybe the valley near Perugia…. Or near, further north - a lot - Verona…. I am sure there are tons of epic locales…. For me, a mix of gravel and road with good food and modern(ish) convenience…. Too old to be really adventurous…
The angst in Girona was politically motivated.
Cyclist's tourism and tourism in general was used by CUP Party, to unseat the ruling junts per Catalunya Party, Junts won the election locally, equilibrium is restored.
Roadies are missing a trick, best thing about gtown is the gravel
100%
Like the show, but dislike the victim blaming.
Victim is too broad a stroke, we’re talking about contributory negligence.
No debate they are the victim but to what extent did there actions give rise to the incident. It’s normally not 0%
@TheRoadmanPodcast but that's purely an assumption that he was negligent. It was in the middle of town, it's not likely he was going at breakneck speeds
Yep I assumed he was more than 0% in the wrong, which in my experience is normally the case
@TheRoadmanPodcast kind of a d*ck move to be honest. You can do better.
Everyone has an axe 🪓 to grind.
Been there. Girona is insanely overrated anyway. Good luck with your bikes on 100 kmh highways !
Girona only became a cyclist hub because it was easy to dope there, Maybe things are changing now.
Anto your as cold as ice :)
Doors are variable lengths 🤦🏻 id say stick to cycling but ...
Think you missed the negative “are not”
Overrated for cycling IMO. To use a skiing comparison it's just greens and blues😢
Because Calpe is cheaper...
"Cyclists were like head lice" ? really? sounds pretty cynical -- The tourism/immigrant blow-back is not unique to Girona. Better to have a more thoughtful (and longer) discussion about what's going on with Spain's economy and Political situation and how that's affecting attitudes towards tourism and immigrants moving to Catalunya (Barcelona is suffering similar blow-back over tourism and skyrocketing housing costs).
Shaming people for using using hydration packs? Telling cyclist to ride in the middle of the road to avoid the risk of getting doored by careless drivers? Roadie elitism and victim blaming: double lame. I hope get enough feedback to make you reflect and reconsider your dated views.
I hope you don’t wear a hydration pack on a group spin 😂
Come to Asturias, we are poor, and we have the best uphills ……. We talk spanish
bleeding Shimano brakes is just about 'bang 2 rocks together' simple. SRAM/AVID? different story
The only way that electronic derailleurs need 'adjusting' is when you've done something to them like bending the hanger or you've changed wheels/cassette
You’ve empowered me, I’m going to try it
Even Sram is not that difficult. Just have to get comfortable with the syringes. It's all just practice.
país vasco > girona
Girona is for sure not the best place to ride your bike.
Girona is overrated and dull as a city.
no bookmarks, not gonna watch