Velo magazine | September 2013
In the September 2013 issue of Velo, we celebrate the 100th edition of cycling’s most monumental race, the Tour de France, with in-depth coverage of every captivating attack and inspiring moment. Our contributors break down the Tour’s most telling stories, from the chaotic first stage through Chris Froome’s victory laps in Paris. The issue is complete with Velo’s signature tech reviews, training tips, and a 72-page guide to the 2013 USA Pro Challenge.
The first week of the 100th Tour was anything but customary. It began with the frenzied debut on Corsica, which saw a bus lodged under the finish line, more yellow jersey changes than the entire 2012 Tour, and the strength of Sky. Froome’s dominance on Mont Ventoux increased the contention in the battle for the GC, and in a surprise upset, Marcel Kittel rose as a serious challenger to Mark Cavendish’s sprinting reign.
Cavendish has been the sprint king of reference for years; he’s also been showcasing the antics of the prodigal son. Matthew Beaudin looks at what makes Cav tick, and is led to one final question: Is Cav truly to blame, or is he simply one more in a long line of divisive sprinting personalities?
Follow Froome’s ride to victory and the battle for the remaining two podium spots. Nairo Quintana’s impressive breakout performance earned him a spot in the limelight, while Joaquim Rodríguez rounded out the podium to cap a rare appearance in France.
Andrew Hood looks deeper into the laid-back persona of Froome, cycling’s new king.
The final podium may represent the strongest riders in the Tour, but which bike is the best? Caley Fretz, Logan VonBokel, and Chris Case take four aero road bikes used by professional teams and put them through their paces in the VeloLab. Find out which race machine scored highest on the road and in our objective laboratory settings — the Ridley Noah Fast, BH G6 Red, Trek Madone 6.2, or Giant Propel Advanced SL 0.
In Training, we explore the importance of hydration and break down the science behind how your body handles water and salt.
Also included in our September issue is a preview of the Vuelta a España, which starts Saturday, August 24 with a team time trial in Vilanova de Arousa. Can Vincenzo Nibali win his second grand tour of 2013?
When you’ve reached the end of Velo’s coverage of the month in racing, flip the magazine over to explore the Official USA Pro Challenge Guide. Read detailed descriptions of each of the race’s seven stages, which riders to watch, and the moments that will ultimately decide the victor of the race. We have also included a guide on how to watch the race for fans new to cycling. A stage race through the Rocky Mountains is a unique challenge, so read about how riders will adjust their attitudes to cope with the altitude.
All of this and more can be found in the September issue of Velo. Pick up a copy today at booksellers and bike shops near you and on Apple Newsstand or Zinio.
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