BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news

In a report in today's Wall Street Journal, Shimano chairman Yoshizo Shimano said he expected Lance Armstrong's Shimano-powered victory in the Tour de France will boost sales of Dura-Ace kit

As the tension mounts to see whether Phil Liggett will win Cycling Weekly's Yellow Mike award for best Tour de France commentator, the CTC president has invited industry folk on his annual ride to benefit the CTC's Cyclists’ Defence Fund. The Phil and Friends Challenge Ride takes place in the Peak District on Sunday 17th August and includes climbs up many of the ascents used by the Liggett-organised Milk Race of the 1980s.

The Forestry Commission is planning on opening an MTB centre in Newcastleton forest and is tendering for an existing bicycle business to take on the commercial development of the site.

Phil Saxena, the trail designer responsible for building the Fort William 4-X course, has been appointed by the UCI as 4X co-ordinator for the remainder of the 2003 season.

Sports Agent Index of North Carolina has launched a website to complement its existing athlete-to-agent services. SAI's website is free for athletes and contains resources for agents and prospective professional athletes.