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The Italian fashion designer has branched out into bikes. They're black, made by Bianchi and could start a boom in getting celebs into cycling. A matching pair were recently gifted to newlyweds Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Dato’ Seri G. Darshan Singh, one of the three candidates in the running for presidency of the Union Cycliste Internationale, has written to the International Olympic Committee urging the body to ensure fairness in the forthcoming election. In July, the current president wrote to all voting delegates urging them to vote for Pat McQuaid. Singh of Malaysia said such championing of one candidate over the two others is "shocking" and "mind boggling."

I'm bruised, battered and will not be providing a full news service this week...

Winter? It felt like it: driving rain, windy, freezing cold. BikeBiz.com tagged along on the media/guest preview ride of the 105-mile Leeds to Sheffield stage. This will be "decisive stage" of the Tour, said Doyle, the event director.

Sport England is to embark on a survey of participation in sport and physical activity in England. The Active People survey, the biggest ever of its kind, will determine how many people take part in sport and physical activity, what kind of activity they undertake and where they undertake it.