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Vern Pitt

@vernpitt.bsky.social
1.3K followers 853 following 375 posts

Journalism lecturer at Bournemouth Uni, cycling and business hack. Lover of metal, hip hop and shiny carbon things. Half-baked opinions all my own.

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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
I'm glad someone has put this to the test and the UCI can now stop worrying about it. Maybe they can focus on how to keep cars off courses. www.cyclingweekly.com/news/can-a-p...
cyclingweekly.com
Can a padded bra make you faster? New CFD modelling delivers a deflating answer for cyclists
AiRO's modelling puts the Tour de France Femmes controversy to the test
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I think it's interesting to note that Pog's eye being bloody and beat-up is not an automatic withdrawal under the concussion protocol (I checked). I'm in no way saying that is wrong, it was written by people who know what they're doing, I just assumed that it would be automatic withdrawal but no.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I opened this app to see what the chat was about today's Vurlta stage and I'm pleased the first post I saw was entirely sensible.
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the Inner Ring blog @inrng.com · 08/08/2026
Overhead view of Gery and Niewiadoma
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
The last couple of days of racing at Tour de France Femmes have been so great they've made us all forget we started the week talking about the Aero-Norks Conspiracy. #TdFF #TdFF2026
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Annoyingly, the moment Niewiadoma-Phinney said Gery put her in the barriers wasn't shown on TV, though there may be some footage somewhere or fan camera footage it's not possible to corroborate that story right now. #TDFF #TDFF2026
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
I generally really like Marty MacDonald's commentary but can someone explain to him what a "sucker punch" is please. What Demi Vollering is doing is closer to throwing haymakers. #TdFF2026 #TdFF
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Tomorrow's Tour de France Femmes stage just became a must watch affair. #tdff2026 #tdff
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
There are few things more dramatic than watching the yellow jersey in the Tour crack and I feel like we've missed that a bit in recent years. #TdFF #TourdeFranceFemmes #watchthefemmes
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Before you comment on today's cycling news you should know that in the early 1990s Eva Herzigová's 25-mile PB was in the short 58-min range. #TdFF
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
This kit. 🔥🔥🔥 www.instagram.com/p/DbVND6KDeN...
instagram.com
wmncycling on Instagram: "Farewelling blue, introducing white, and carrying forward a decade of bold colours, creativity and purpose… 🎨With a design that go…"
Farewelling blue, introducing white, and carrying forward a decade of bold colours, creativity and purpose… 🎨With a design that goes far beyond the jersey itself, we welcome in the WeFemmes era. 👊📷 @la__pics #WeFemmes
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Your occasional reminder that the tech bros are all basically John Hammond in Jurassic Park. OpenAI says its A̶I̶ velociraptor went rogue and launched 'unprecedented' c̶y̶b̶e̶r̶ raptor-attack - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
OpenAI says its AI went rogue and launched 'unprecedented' cyber-attack
It is one of the first publicly disclosed cyber-attacks carried out by AI without direct human involvement.
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Tom Davidson @t-davidson.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
It’s not just Pogačar and Vingegaard… “Sources confirmed to Cycling Weekly that at least two other teams have been tested at 5am during the Tour, one in the first week and one in the second week.” Story by @cmbreports.bsky.social: www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/tour-...
cyclingweekly.com
Multiple riders have been subjected to night-time doping controls at Tour de France
Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard are not the only riders to have been woken up in the early hours
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Chrissy Marshall-Bell @cmbreports.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Anti-doping controls update: all eight riders on one team (can't name them unless the team consents to it) were tested at 22:00 last night. ITA is really going in hard during this Tour de France. Press event with ITA this lunchtime. Many questions to be asked; not sure many will be answered.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
This is a great piece and includes the line, "One quirk of working with cyclists is that they have particularly sensitive necks that need to be kept limber," which is obviously true but makes them sound like giraffes.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
This is a really good read for Bastille Day.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
One of the best takes on today's #TdF2026 stage you'll likely read. open.substack.com/pub/edwardpi...
open.substack.com
Tour de France stage 06: The silence of high places
Why liking or disliking Tadej Pogačar's dominance of the Tour de France and cycling is to miss the point
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Poster promoting Count Binface, in the famous Obama style
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Today I really miss not being at Tour Dr France. That's because today's stage finish is in Foix, which consistently has one of the best press buffets of the Tour. It's usually a delicious BBQ by the river behind the press centre, which, for balance, is a furnace-level hot sports hall. #tdf2026
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I didn't love that look behind from Vingegaard. If you're racing for the win, you look ahead. As soon as you're looking back you're defending, which means he knows he can't match Pog in that scenario. Maybe on a longer climb it's different. I doubt it. #TdF2026
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Can someone please make sure Keir Starmer has Gianni Infantino's number? BBC News - World Cup 2026: Uefa claim 'integrity of the game is at stake' over Fifa's Folarin Balogun decision - BBC Sport www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
World Cup 2026: Uefa claim 'integrity of the game is at stake' over Fifa's Folarin Balogun decision
Uefa says Fifa's decision not to uphold Folarin Balogun's immediate ban at the World Cup is "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable".
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Nope.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
I absolutely cannot wait to read @iaintreloar.bsky.social's 900-word take on this. www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5LX...
youtube.com
Despierto amándote - Miranda! | Spot oficial La Vuelta 26
YouTube video by La Vuelta
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Katie Mather @katiematherkm.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
The big news today is obviously whether or not MVDP is gonna do the grand départ in budgie smugglers
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
This is bonkers. Impressive, but bonkers. www.cyclingweekly.com/news/6-042km...
cyclingweekly.com
6,042km in under two weeks: Sarah Ruggins sets record time for riding across Europe
John o’Groats to Land’s End and back record holder battled extreme temperatures on three hours sleep
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
As I listen to a US politics podcast where they play the clip of Donald Trump running into the WWE ring to battle Vince McMahon, I realise, oh god, Jelly Roll is gonna be President isn't he? #wwe #thehorror #popcountry
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
I think this marks the real start of the Giro d'Italia, right?
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
For all those asking (zero) after today's football conversion, I do not have a take on this.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
No, you're not dreaming, I wrote a thing about football. Sort of. www.cyclingweekly.com/news/its-a-5...
cyclingweekly.com
‘It’s a 50-50 game’ – Arsenal fan Remco Evenepoel weights in on Champions League final
Belgian former international football player will be watching London team take on PSG from Spanish altitude camp
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Lukas Knöfler @lukascph.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Let me praise the #VueltaBurgos organisation for their well-made roadbook including details (with photos!) of every potentially dangerous spot on the route. This is the gold standard - and should be copied by every other race, really.
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the Inner Ring blog @inrng.com · 17/05/2026
This helpful reminder in today's Giro commissaire jury bulletin, in case anyone spectators end up with a souvenir they won't forget
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
One of the nicest and greatest in the bike racing world hangs up her wheels. The sport will miss you. www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/its-s...
cyclingweekly.com
'It's simply time' – Olympic legend Katie Archibald announces surprise retirement
Double Olympic champion retires as one of the most successful track cyclists ever, and looks ahead to future in nursing
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Pleased to say that today I have my first feature for @cyclist.co.uk on the trials and tribulations that riders go through after retirement. A massive thanks to all those that spoke to me about this often sensitive subject especially Julián Arredondo, Ed Clancy, Marcel Kittle and many others.
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Chrissy Marshall-Bell @cmbreports.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
My first article for @theathletic.com reveals how nervy and tetchy pro cycling is right now: 🌈UCI pressing ITA to catch a big name rider 🚲 Rumours that many banned doping doctors/trainers are back. Not just Martí 💊 Concerns over finishing bottles and decongestants www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...
nytimes.com
Cycling’s suspicions about doping are rising again: ‘Questions need answering’
For cycling — probably the most scrutinised sport in the world given its history — the ghosts of the past never truly depart
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
This is about as stupid as re-naming Arsenal to "Arsenal FC Islington North London". velo.outsideonline.com/news/lost-in...
velo.outsideonline.com
Paris-Roubaix Officially Changes Name
One of cycling's most revered and popular races is following a new trend in naming.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
I will buy a beer for the first person to ask Primož Roglič's take on this. I'm looking at you @jonnylong.bsky.social @iaintreloar.bsky.social @cmbreports.bsky.social. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
theguardian.com
‘Penis injection’ claims in Winter Olympics ski jumping investigated by Wada
Wada is to investigate claims ski jumpers are injecting acid into their penises to game the suit-measuring system
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Always interesting to see how other sports cover doping stories. I don't think you would get away with not saying what a suspension was for in cycling, which would negate 50% of this discussion. Odd how despite min info it seems to be framed as an isolated incident. youtu.be/IobOf_-x1Dw?...
youtu.be
‘Stuff like this should not happen’ - Shaq reacts to Paul George’s 25-game suspension | NBA Tip-Off
YouTube video by ESPN
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
"Obviously the most pernicious crime here is to use the word ‘whilst’ instead of ‘while’..." That there is @iandunt.bsky.social preaching the gospel for you all. iandunt.substack.com/p/adelaide-a...
iandunt.substack.com
Adelaide and the crisis of free speech
The implosion of Australia's literary festival offers some harsh lessons.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
If you buy this then on 25 December David Lappartient will climb down your chimney and personally check the length of your socks. It's what every kid dreams of.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
I spend a fair bit of time telling students sports journalism isn't just match reports, so I'm glad to have a new bonkers example to use. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cz...
bbc.co.uk
Live updates: NBA stars Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier arrested in illegal sports betting bust
NBA stars Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones are among those arrested in two illegal gambling cases, according to the FBI.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
I had fun on Saeed and Jason's podcast the other week talking about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, hunting centaurs and ice cream. If you're keen to know what creature I'd select as my battle companion. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/5Gam... WARNING: There is no cycling chat.
open.spotify.com
Episode 17: Vern Pitt
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Canadian Cycling Magazine @canadiancycling.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Oscar Delaite rode 752 laps of an indoor track to break the longest continuous wheelie record cyclingmagazine.ca/mtb/french-c...
cyclingmagazine.ca
French cyclist sets new world record with six-and-a-half-hour wheelie - Canadian Cycling Magazine
Oscar Delaite rode 752 laps of an indoor track to break the longest continuous wheelie record
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Well considered stuff from @adambecket.bsky.social here. www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/the-r...
cyclingweekly.com
The Rwanda World Championships feel like a watershed moment for cycling, but there's a shadow hanging over the event
It certainly looks like no other Worlds has before, and even that’s a good thing
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Conrad Hackett @conradhackett.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
If you have two followers, you are ahead of half of all Bluesky accounts. If you have 400 followers, you are in the top 1%. bsky.jazco.dev/stats
Chart showing share of followers per user percentile. A user in the 50th percentile has 1 follower. A user in the 99.99th percentile has 11,241 followers.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Kit designer: How bright would you like in this kit? Mali cycling boss: Yes.
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
"Journalism is printing something that someone does not want printed. Everything else is public relations." - George Orwell
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Worth a read. www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/cycli...
cyclingweekly.com
Cycling’s governing body says sport isn’t political – they’re wrong, everything is political
Opinion – the UCI’s response to pro-Palestine protests at the Vuelta a España is hypocritical, and short-sighted
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Vern Pitt @vernpitt.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Ned's bang on here.
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