Fabian Cancellara, of Switzerland, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, right, is cheered by supporters as he arrives for the start of the second stage of the Tour de France ((AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

It’s that time again, and for the next three weeks we shall be treated to an ever changing story that’s called the Tour de France.

One can expect a round of highs, lows and derring-do, sprinkled with a generous amount of back biting, innuendo and excuses, probably modern sportsmanship at its best. But forget all that, just enjoy the moment, as a spectacle it’s second to none and even the most none- committal should appreciate the ever changing scenery.

The story so far:

The race saw the return of the prologue time trial, this year Rotterdam hosted this first stage; an 8.9 kilometre dash through the streets of the town. Over the next two days riders will make their way through the Netherlands towards France, which they’ll reach on Tuesday 6th July at the end of stage 3.

As I write, Fabian Cancellara of the Saxo Bank team is in the lead. He won Saturday’s time trail and yesterday, Sunday, he came in 130th, in the same time as the majority of the field, so he retains his lead.

What of everyone else? Well a great start for the British; David Miller was third and Geraint Thomas fifth in the prologue time trial. They too retain these positions as we begin day three. The two protagonists from last year; and favourites in some circles for this year’s honours, Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador are in fourth and sixth places respectively. Armstrong appears not to be too upset by the article that broke in the Wall Street Journal on Friday 2nd July, in which ex team mate Floyd Landis details alleged doping offences whilst with the US Postal team.

Keep up to speed on the official tour website:

http://www.letour.fr/2010/TDF/COURSE/us/actus.html

Sprint Bonuses

Check out the Scott HTC Colombia team bikes at the Tour de France this year. They are super aerodynamic, Scott have reduced frame drag by as much as 30%, with a suggested improvement of 5% on level roads. It’s expected that we shall see these Project F01 road bikes on the shop floor late next year.

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/06/29/scott-bicycles-prototype-project-f01-aero-road-bike-to-debut-at-tour-de-france-start/

The current financial situation in Spain has rung the death knell for the proposed cycle hire fleet in Madrid. The plan to have 1500 hire bikes in railway stations across the capital was accepted in 2009, but as the present problems took hold the plan has been postponed indefinitely.

Fast Forward cycle pedals are an electrically assisted pedal that will retro-fit to most bikes. Removable, so that they can be recharged, these could be the bridge that will help people go back to cycling.

One of three finalists in the Barclays ‘Take One Small Step’ competition, Steven Britt can be seen explaining his concept: https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/2462/Page

Got a road bike, and feel that you’re missing some of the action? Here’s a few cool moves from Martyn Ashton that can be done on a skinny-tyred  wobbler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z1fSpZNXhU

Specialized continues to open concept stores throughout Europe. The latest opened in Celje in Slovenia recently, where the Specialized distributor and ‘European Distributor of the Year’, Factory Store, have been posting increasing sales over the last two years. Another Specialized concept store is planned to open in Zagreb soon.

And if you hadn’t noticed the Tour de France started on Saturday 3rd July. Here’s the route:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4nJwtkS6g0&feature=channel

I see that Pedal Ready in Sheffield, a co-operative that offers free cycle training, has taught its 1,000th pupil to ride safely. This inspiring group of people offers free cycle training, free cycle checks and free rides and events. http://www.pedalready.co.uk/index.php

Bury Council are offering free refresher courses for people who have been driving for over thirty years. The courses are run by Bury Council’s road safety team together with Driving Standards Agency and the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Afterwards drivers will be able to book an assessment with an observer from the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

And Finally,

A big hurrah to Nick Spratley who’s planning to ride John O’Groats to Land’s End between  15 July and 24 July on a Brompton folding bike! Nick, who is the Channel Islands’ support and welfare officer for HM forces, is riding for two charities:  The British Limbless Ex Serviceman’s Association (BLESMA) and The British Legion (Jersey).

If you’d like to support Nick, go to www.bmycharity.com/brompton

You can follow his progress on http://www.joglebrompton.blogspot.com/

Arthur Lamy is a freelance journalist and tourist guide.  www.cycleinjersey.com