Feargal McKay
@cycologies.com
Reviewing cycling books and writing about professional cycling's mythological past and the reality behind the stories told and retold by cycling's duff historians
cycologies.com 🇮🇪
cycologies.com 🇮🇪
Pinned
Feargal McKay
@cycologies.com
· Sep 13
Nellie Bly on a Bicycle
An 1889 newspaper article by Nellie Bly
cycologies.com
"To ride a bicycle is one thing. To learn to ride a bicycle is another. Did you ever see a man learning to ride? I saw one, and I laughed so much that I was too weak to eat dinner that evening."
Nellie Bly, the pioneering American journalist, wrote about learning to ride a bicycle in 1889.
Nellie Bly, the pioneering American journalist, wrote about learning to ride a bicycle in 1889.
I think I woke up in the wrong timeline.
The Spectator is now in favour of cycling?
The Spectator is now in favour of cycling?
November 17, 2025 at 4:10 PM
I think I woke up in the wrong timeline.
The Spectator is now in favour of cycling?
The Spectator is now in favour of cycling?
Fotheringham: "VIP tents are already a regular feature both in cyclocross and in some one-day races like the Tour of Flanders, which in 2026 will charge over €700 for its most expensive 'Grandstand experience' in the race."
So there's no ticketing at the Grand Tours, eh?
So there's no ticketing at the Grand Tours, eh?
Tour de France owners ASO dismiss idea of paid ticketing system for spectators at cycling races https://www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/races/tour-de-france-owners-aso-dismiss-idea-of-paid-ticketing-system-for-spectators-at-cycling-races/
Tour de France owners ASO dismiss idea of paid ticketing system for spectators at cycling races
Proposal floated by former team manager Jérôme Pineau gets short shrift from cycling's biggest race organiser
www.cyclingnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Fotheringham: "VIP tents are already a regular feature both in cyclocross and in some one-day races like the Tour of Flanders, which in 2026 will charge over €700 for its most expensive 'Grandstand experience' in the race."
So there's no ticketing at the Grand Tours, eh?
So there's no ticketing at the Grand Tours, eh?
"race organisers will look for other methods to generate revenue streams such as hospitality and VIP packages, which have risen in popularity in recent years in races like the Tour de France and the Tour of Flanders"
It's not ticketing if you don't call it ticketing.
It's not ticketing if you don't call it ticketing.
ASO reacts to 🇫🇷 Tour de France paid ticketing debate
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/news/aso-...
📸 Cor Vos
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/news/aso-...
📸 Cor Vos
November 17, 2025 at 12:46 PM
"race organisers will look for other methods to generate revenue streams such as hospitality and VIP packages, which have risen in popularity in recent years in races like the Tour de France and the Tour of Flanders"
It's not ticketing if you don't call it ticketing.
It's not ticketing if you don't call it ticketing.
ASO: "Cycling is by definition free. Introducing ticket sales is completely out of the question.”
And they all lived happy ever after, not having to remember that ASO already raises revenue by selling tickets, as do many other race organisers.
Goodnight children.
And they all lived happy ever after, not having to remember that ASO already raises revenue by selling tickets, as do many other race organisers.
Goodnight children.
ASO reageert op idee om toegangsgeld te vragen bij populaire bergetappes
ASO reageert op idee om toegangsgeld te vragen bij populaire bergetappes
Entree heffen op populaire beklimmingen? Het is een van de mogelijkheden om de wielersport rendabeler te maken, maar meerdere partijen hebben zich al uitgesproken tegen het idee. Nu laat ook de ASO - organisator van onder meer de Tour de France - weten dat een ticketsysteem 'niet aan de orde' is.
www.wielerflits.nl
November 17, 2025 at 11:58 AM
ASO: "Cycling is by definition free. Introducing ticket sales is completely out of the question.”
And they all lived happy ever after, not having to remember that ASO already raises revenue by selling tickets, as do many other race organisers.
Goodnight children.
And they all lived happy ever after, not having to remember that ASO already raises revenue by selling tickets, as do many other race organisers.
Goodnight children.
I love the way Mark Lee Gardner is going "I did not have quotable relations with that saying."
Also: the OK Corral gunfight was October 1881, over in Arizona. Over the other side of the country, Albert Pearce was about to meet John Keen and the two would then return to England together.
Also: the OK Corral gunfight was October 1881, over in Arizona. Over the other side of the country, Albert Pearce was about to meet John Keen and the two would then return to England together.
November 16, 2025 at 3:06 PM
I love the way Mark Lee Gardner is going "I did not have quotable relations with that saying."
Also: the OK Corral gunfight was October 1881, over in Arizona. Over the other side of the country, Albert Pearce was about to meet John Keen and the two would then return to England together.
Also: the OK Corral gunfight was October 1881, over in Arizona. Over the other side of the country, Albert Pearce was about to meet John Keen and the two would then return to England together.
Reposted by Feargal McKay
Given Lappartient's comments about ticketing touching on a national debate, you all need to promise not to tell anyone about tickets for the Tour's opening stage being on sale for £329.
If the French ever found out, they'd have conniptions.
#MumsTheWord
If the French ever found out, they'd have conniptions.
#MumsTheWord
November 15, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Given Lappartient's comments about ticketing touching on a national debate, you all need to promise not to tell anyone about tickets for the Tour's opening stage being on sale for £329.
If the French ever found out, they'd have conniptions.
#MumsTheWord
If the French ever found out, they'd have conniptions.
#MumsTheWord
Reposted by Feargal McKay
‘Gestolen Tourfiets’ van Egan Bernal blijkt publiciteitsstunt
‘Gestolen Tourfiets’ van Egan Bernal blijkt publiciteitsstunt
Colombia was de afgelopen week in rep en roer, want de iconische gele Tourfiets van Egan Bernal bleek gestolen. Nu blijkt het slechts om een publiciteitsstunt te gaan om Bernals eigen wielerfestival te promoten.De Colombiaan vertelde vorige week in een video-interview met de Colombiaanse journal
www.wielerflits.nl
November 15, 2025 at 10:31 AM
‘Gestolen Tourfiets’ van Egan Bernal blijkt publiciteitsstunt
The Victorians, I am sad to have to report, did not have fainting couches. But I am 100% certain they were constantly dropping dead from apoplexy. Just don't ask me for proof.
November 15, 2025 at 11:43 AM
The Victorians, I am sad to have to report, did not have fainting couches. But I am 100% certain they were constantly dropping dead from apoplexy. Just don't ask me for proof.
Given Lappartient's comments about ticketing touching on a national debate, you all need to promise not to tell anyone about tickets for the Tour's opening stage being on sale for £329.
If the French ever found out, they'd have conniptions.
#MumsTheWord
If the French ever found out, they'd have conniptions.
#MumsTheWord
November 15, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Given Lappartient's comments about ticketing touching on a national debate, you all need to promise not to tell anyone about tickets for the Tour's opening stage being on sale for £329.
If the French ever found out, they'd have conniptions.
#MumsTheWord
If the French ever found out, they'd have conniptions.
#MumsTheWord
Not all hacks are ignorant of the reality of ticketing at bike races!
The Comic's churnalists know all about it and regurgitated this press release!
Just £329 for 'VIP' access to the opening stage of next year's Tour!
The Comic's churnalists know all about it and regurgitated this press release!
Just £329 for 'VIP' access to the opening stage of next year's Tour!
Secure VIP access to the Tour de France Grand Départ 2026 with Seat Unique
Seat Unique offers official VIP experiences to major sporting events and has incredible Stage One 2026 tickets for the TDF Team Time Trial in Barcelona
www.cyclingweekly.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Not all hacks are ignorant of the reality of ticketing at bike races!
The Comic's churnalists know all about it and regurgitated this press release!
Just £329 for 'VIP' access to the opening stage of next year's Tour!
The Comic's churnalists know all about it and regurgitated this press release!
Just £329 for 'VIP' access to the opening stage of next year's Tour!
"the idea of charging spectators to see a road race is almost unheard of."
Among cycling hacks it definitely appears to be unheard of.
In the real world?
It's a fact of life.
Among cycling hacks it definitely appears to be unheard of.
In the real world?
It's a fact of life.
While some former pros have floated entrance fees for Tour de France climbs, the UCI boss says it’s never going to happen
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
David Lappartient says ‘mais non’ to pay-to-watch road races, warns of public backlash - Canadian Cycling Magazine
While some former pros have floated entrance fees for Tour de France climbs, the UCI boss says it’s never going to happen
cyclingmagazine.ca
November 14, 2025 at 7:28 PM
"the idea of charging spectators to see a road race is almost unheard of."
Among cycling hacks it definitely appears to be unheard of.
In the real world?
It's a fact of life.
Among cycling hacks it definitely appears to be unheard of.
In the real world?
It's a fact of life.
If you're interested in history and the financial side of the Tour, look out for Eric Reed's book, Selling the Yellow Jersey.
One of the stories told in that is how Bordeaux (IIRC) + Desgrange had a mega falling out over who kept the ticketing revenue in the early years of the race.
One of the stories told in that is how Bordeaux (IIRC) + Desgrange had a mega falling out over who kept the ticketing revenue in the early years of the race.
November 14, 2025 at 12:13 PM
If you're interested in history and the financial side of the Tour, look out for Eric Reed's book, Selling the Yellow Jersey.
One of the stories told in that is how Bordeaux (IIRC) + Desgrange had a mega falling out over who kept the ticketing revenue in the early years of the race.
One of the stories told in that is how Bordeaux (IIRC) + Desgrange had a mega falling out over who kept the ticketing revenue in the early years of the race.
Another one converted to the BNA.
It's better than streaming, folks!
It's better than streaming, folks!
Winter nights have taken me off my bike back into researching more about my Great Uncle, Bill Mills. Discovering more about his early racing career- he was a good cyclist - but not great. However - he did break a cycling record in June 1927!
November 14, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Another one converted to the BNA.
It's better than streaming, folks!
It's better than streaming, folks!
Reposted by Feargal McKay
Winter nights have taken me off my bike back into researching more about my Great Uncle, Bill Mills. Discovering more about his early racing career- he was a good cyclist - but not great. However - he did break a cycling record in June 1927!
November 14, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Winter nights have taken me off my bike back into researching more about my Great Uncle, Bill Mills. Discovering more about his early racing career- he was a good cyclist - but not great. However - he did break a cycling record in June 1927!
Reposted by Feargal McKay
There's 10 ticketed/VIP areas indicated here (the black oblongs)
November 13, 2025 at 7:34 PM
There's 10 ticketed/VIP areas indicated here (the black oblongs)
Returning to this: here's the cost of grandstand packages for the last stage of the 2025 Tour de France.
* Grand Palais €365 pp
* Élysée €550 pp
* La Terrasse €940 pp
* Rive Gauche €1,225 pp
These are sold via third party, so only some of that money goes to AS0.
Prices include food + drink.
* Grand Palais €365 pp
* Élysée €550 pp
* La Terrasse €940 pp
* Rive Gauche €1,225 pp
These are sold via third party, so only some of that money goes to AS0.
Prices include food + drink.
Ok, so some think Pineau is making a 'radical' suggestion, to close roads + charge spectators.
But just how radical is that?
And - more importantly - how much revenue would make its way back to the teams and the riders?
Let's do a back-of-the-envelope thread and see...
But just how radical is that?
And - more importantly - how much revenue would make its way back to the teams and the riders?
Let's do a back-of-the-envelope thread and see...
🇫🇷 Jérôme Pineau 🗣️
🗣️ “Spectators come to watch the race to see your riders, but your riders have zero on the revenue sheet. That’s what’s not right."
📰 domestiquecycling.com/en/news/lets...
📸 ASO / Charly Lopez
🗣️ “Spectators come to watch the race to see your riders, but your riders have zero on the revenue sheet. That’s what’s not right."
📰 domestiquecycling.com/en/news/lets...
📸 ASO / Charly Lopez
November 13, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Returning to this: here's the cost of grandstand packages for the last stage of the 2025 Tour de France.
* Grand Palais €365 pp
* Élysée €550 pp
* La Terrasse €940 pp
* Rive Gauche €1,225 pp
These are sold via third party, so only some of that money goes to AS0.
Prices include food + drink.
* Grand Palais €365 pp
* Élysée €550 pp
* La Terrasse €940 pp
* Rive Gauche €1,225 pp
These are sold via third party, so only some of that money goes to AS0.
Prices include food + drink.
Who knew flogging a Land Rover knock-off would be so difficult?
Ineos to cut hundreds of jobs as carmaker struggles with debts
Company owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe says it is simplifying its head office to improve efficiency
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Who knew flogging a Land Rover knock-off would be so difficult?
Switzerland? It invites comments that you just shouldn't make...
‘Israel-Premier Tech gaat met nieuwe naam verder op Zwitserse licentie’
‘Israel-Premier Tech gaat met nieuwe naam verder op Zwitserse licentie’
'Israel-Premier Tech' zullen we in 2026 niet meer terugzien in het peloton, maar het is wel de bedoeling dat de ploeg onder een nieuwe naam blijft bestaan. Volgens Ciro Scognamiglio, journalist bij La Gazzetta dello Sport, rijdt het team volgend jaar waarschijnlijk op een Zwitserse licentie.
www.wielerflits.nl
November 13, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Switzerland? It invites comments that you just shouldn't make...
Reposted by Feargal McKay
Rachel Reeves is setting the Cycle to Work scheme on fire as part of the war on salary sacrifice policies! on.ft.com/4oKXNrC
Rachel Reeves to curb bike purchases through salary sacrifice in Budget
Introduction of new cap comes after retailers warned some higher-rate taxpayers were exploiting the perk
on.ft.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Rachel Reeves is setting the Cycle to Work scheme on fire as part of the war on salary sacrifice policies! on.ft.com/4oKXNrC
Here's a thing about budget caps: in principle they're brilliant; in practice they're awful.
Simple sceanario. A team could circumvent the cap by paying an expensive rider less than he's worth + having a third party top his salary up with appearance fees etc.
Policing them is difficult.
Simple sceanario. A team could circumvent the cap by paying an expensive rider less than he's worth + having a third party top his salary up with appearance fees etc.
Policing them is difficult.
Pro cycling teams refused budget cap, says UCI president – 'I think they were wrong'
www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/pro-c...
www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/pro-c...
Pro cycling teams refused budget cap, says UCI president – 'I think they were wrong'
David Lappartient says he remains in favour of financial restrictions
www.cyclingweekly.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Here's a thing about budget caps: in principle they're brilliant; in practice they're awful.
Simple sceanario. A team could circumvent the cap by paying an expensive rider less than he's worth + having a third party top his salary up with appearance fees etc.
Policing them is difficult.
Simple sceanario. A team could circumvent the cap by paying an expensive rider less than he's worth + having a third party top his salary up with appearance fees etc.
Policing them is difficult.
Reposted by Feargal McKay
“So we asked ourselves: how could we make the common bicycle heavier, more dangerous and, ultimately, reliant on electricity”
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
November 12, 2025 at 12:17 PM
“So we asked ourselves: how could we make the common bicycle heavier, more dangerous and, ultimately, reliant on electricity”
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
Here's an interesting piece of spam, sent via DM. Yes I do want to click on that link, Anna!
November 12, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Here's an interesting piece of spam, sent via DM. Yes I do want to click on that link, Anna!
"There’s very little precedent for tickets in road cycling."
I despair. Really I do.
I despair. Really I do.
Discussion: Should pro cycling be ticketed?
One of the beauties of pro cycling is its roadside accessibility. There are few sports where standing centimetres away from
www.cyclist.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:15 PM
"There’s very little precedent for tickets in road cycling."
I despair. Really I do.
I despair. Really I do.
Is it really a decade and a half since betting was last presented as the bogeyman of cycling? Time flies!
This story opened Cav's first chamois memoir and not a single cycling hack even noticed it. In any other sport a really good scandal would have been woven from this admission.
This story opened Cav's first chamois memoir and not a single cycling hack even noticed it. In any other sport a really good scandal would have been woven from this admission.
November 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Is it really a decade and a half since betting was last presented as the bogeyman of cycling? Time flies!
This story opened Cav's first chamois memoir and not a single cycling hack even noticed it. In any other sport a really good scandal would have been woven from this admission.
This story opened Cav's first chamois memoir and not a single cycling hack even noticed it. In any other sport a really good scandal would have been woven from this admission.