Faux Pas Friday: Function vs. Fashion

Let's see, where to start. Stem is backwards, handlebars are reversed and upside down, shifters mounted the other way to accomodate the bars, aerobars are useless, t-shirt plus shorts, rear rack, helmet straps over hideous sunglasses, rear rack, etc. I could go on, but you get the point. I don't know why they didn't choose another picture to advertise their ride...

Tour de France 2011 Special

*Spoiler alert if you haven't watched stage 19*

In the Tour de France, the leader of the overall competition (also known as general classification, or GC) dons the yellow jersey, or "maillot jaune" in French. This jersey has been to known to give its wearer a pair of wings, which was proven true in this year's edition. It has been action-packed in every stage for three weeks; names were proven, revelations were made, but also, hearts were broken, tears and blood were shed. Nowadays, yellow jersey wearers are typically outfitted with distinct yellow equipments like bikes, helmets, bibs, etc. Below are some examples from this year:

Philippe Gilbert in yellow in the stage 2 TTT. The Belgian-colored sunglasses go well with the yellow skinsuit, and check out the matching yellow watch!

World champion and sprinter, Thor Hushovd, climbed alongside some of the best climbers to hold on to the maillot jaune for a week. Must be because of the matching hoods and bar tape.

Probably the most defiant yellow jersey wearer, Thomas Voeckler wouldn't go down without a fight, even though he says he doesn't expect to keep it until Paris. Great bib and sock lengths.

Unlike in the Giro d'Italia special, there was no worst or best yellow jersey wearer; all three of these riders have done the yellow proud and in style. Tomorrow, Andy Schleck will start in yellow in the Grenoble time trial. We'll find out if he will be able to keep yellow, and more importantly, if he will show up on a stylin' yellow Trek Speed Concept.

New Cycle of Style feature teaser, guess what that is.

Faux Pas Friday: Podium Guys

Photo by Lyne Lamoureux.

As opposed to podium girls, Samantha Schneider gets kisses from podium guys. She looks really comfortable.

V for Victory

What better way to celebrate one's race win than having both arms in the air? The header of this blog says "looking good= winning", but one day, you might actually win a race. When that happens, you better be prepared to look good while winning! Until then, read on to get some tips on how to celebrate your race win in style.

Cyclingtipsblog actually showcased a good list of victory salutes, so it would be redundant for me to repeat what was already mentioned. Instead, I will review some of the most stylish victory salutes in the 2011 season.

The jersey kiss by Belgian national champion, Philippe Gilbert.

To show everyone how much you love your team (or your country in Phil's case), pull up your jersey and give it a kiss. Preferably after slaughtering everyone else on an uphill finish. Gilbert can do no wrong.

Tyler Farrar's "W".

Farrar's surprisingly Euro victory salute. He shines a big "W" to commemorate his training partner and best friend, Wouter Weylandt, who sadly passed away this May.

Borut Bozic with the "Prom Date".

This is an excellent victory salute because you can make fun of it, but at the same time shows genuine emotions. In this picture, Bozic looks like the girl of his dreams just asked him to be her prom date, hence both hands clutching his chest in joy, but he is obviously very happy to have crossed the line first.

Cadel Evans barely broke a sweat.

Evans won this tough uphill finish, but to show how easy it was for him, he nonchalantly wipes his forehead, as if that was the only drip of sweat he broke in the race. Very well done Cadel. p/s: Don't make fun of him, or he'll cut your head off.

The first Faux Pas Friday was very well received, so instead having them on last Friday of the month, FPFs will be featured on Fridays in between style tips. That means there will be a new post every Friday!