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 🇮🇪
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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.
Reposted by Feargal McKay
Thank you! Bill championed women’s cycling - dedicated a section of his paper specifically to ladies and even spoke up for them when some cycling clubs were banning women from being members- I think he would’ve been pleased I’ve taken up his favourite sport…
December 1, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Thank you! Bill championed women’s cycling - dedicated a section of his paper specifically to ladies and even spoke up for them when some cycling clubs were banning women from being members- I think he would’ve been pleased I’ve taken up his favourite sport…
Reposted by Feargal McKay
I'm just showing off, but MY BOOK IS OUT NEXT MARCH DOESN'T IT LOOK NICE
December 1, 2025 at 5:15 PM
I'm just showing off, but MY BOOK IS OUT NEXT MARCH DOESN'T IT LOOK NICE
The 2025 women's Giro d'Italia.
Can you spot it?
Can you spot it?
December 1, 2025 at 3:41 PM
The 2025 women's Giro d'Italia.
Can you spot it?
Can you spot it?
It's probably just me but this feels like one of the dumbest off seasons in years with this drawn out non-debate over revenue sharing.
We played this game more than a decade ago + even Vaughters ended up admitting that TV revenue is not going to save cycling teams, after years of claiming it would.
We played this game more than a decade ago + even Vaughters ended up admitting that TV revenue is not going to save cycling teams, after years of claiming it would.
🇧🇪 Wout van Aert:
"A major race like the Tour of Flanders or the Tour de France stands or falls with us, the riders and teams who come to compete,”
📰 domestiquecycling.com/en/news/wout...
📸 Cor Vos
"A major race like the Tour of Flanders or the Tour de France stands or falls with us, the riders and teams who come to compete,”
📰 domestiquecycling.com/en/news/wout...
📸 Cor Vos
December 1, 2025 at 3:37 PM
It's probably just me but this feels like one of the dumbest off seasons in years with this drawn out non-debate over revenue sharing.
We played this game more than a decade ago + even Vaughters ended up admitting that TV revenue is not going to save cycling teams, after years of claiming it would.
We played this game more than a decade ago + even Vaughters ended up admitting that TV revenue is not going to save cycling teams, after years of claiming it would.
Reposted by Feargal McKay
I wrote something about how it's hard to separate politics from sport when you have to check whether you're legally allowed to exist in a country every time you go on a work trip
I'm glad professional cycling is finally facing up to some of its ethical dilemmas – but there are still many more things we need to talk about
The Israel question has sparked a lot of debate, and arguably made other topics harder to ignore
www.cyclingnews.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:33 AM
I wrote something about how it's hard to separate politics from sport when you have to check whether you're legally allowed to exist in a country every time you go on a work trip
Book manuscript submission deadline has been extended by two months to stop me walking into the sea. For this reason and other reasons, we're now going to be on shelves, hopefully, February-ish 2027.
I hope people are nicer about it than the Cork Examiner were about two of its subjects in 1889:
I hope people are nicer about it than the Cork Examiner were about two of its subjects in 1889:
December 1, 2025 at 3:16 PM
I need help @finger-post.blog. Over the weekend I had a lapse + started watching Paramount's 'The Titan Sub Disaster: Minute by Minute', narrated by the great Nicola Walker but sadly also featuring Dan Walker, which for me is one Walker too many.
December 1, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I need help @finger-post.blog. Over the weekend I had a lapse + started watching Paramount's 'The Titan Sub Disaster: Minute by Minute', narrated by the great Nicola Walker but sadly also featuring Dan Walker, which for me is one Walker too many.
The IT weakness was what is known in the trade as Security Through Obscurity.
NEW: OBR report into budget day leak finds it was "not a case of intentional leakage" but an "inadvertent" one as a result of IT weaknesses - and was the "worst failure" in the organisation's 15-year history.
December 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The IT weakness was what is known in the trade as Security Through Obscurity.
Congratulations to @genkigalcycling.bsky.social on making @cyclinguk.bsky.social's 2025 list of 100 Women in Cycling.
Bill Mills would have been dead chuffed at this, I reckon, his great-niece continuing the family legacy.
Bill Mills would have been dead chuffed at this, I reckon, his great-niece continuing the family legacy.
100 Women in Cycling 2025 | Angela Bannon
Raising funds, breaking limits
www.cyclinguk.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Congratulations to @genkigalcycling.bsky.social on making @cyclinguk.bsky.social's 2025 list of 100 Women in Cycling.
Bill Mills would have been dead chuffed at this, I reckon, his great-niece continuing the family legacy.
Bill Mills would have been dead chuffed at this, I reckon, his great-niece continuing the family legacy.
Reposted by Feargal McKay
24 sleeps to go - It's Time by Mariah Carey #jollydollychristmas
December 1, 2025 at 9:13 AM
24 sleeps to go - It's Time by Mariah Carey #jollydollychristmas
Oh! My! God!
I've just started watching Mobland and Jesus fucking Christ, Pierce Brosnan's Oirish accent!
I'm gonna need a bigger bag of popcorn...
I've just started watching Mobland and Jesus fucking Christ, Pierce Brosnan's Oirish accent!
I'm gonna need a bigger bag of popcorn...
November 30, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Oh! My! God!
I've just started watching Mobland and Jesus fucking Christ, Pierce Brosnan's Oirish accent!
I'm gonna need a bigger bag of popcorn...
I've just started watching Mobland and Jesus fucking Christ, Pierce Brosnan's Oirish accent!
I'm gonna need a bigger bag of popcorn...
Chaim Herzog lived on Bloomfield Avenue, a few doors down from my father's family. No matter what the current Israeli government is doing, taking Herzog's name off anything was never a smart idea.
Report relating to renaming Herzog Park to be withdrawn
The Chief Executive of Dublin City Council has indicated that he intends to withdraw a report relating to the changing of the name of Herzog Park in Rathgar, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has said.
www.rte.ie
November 30, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Chaim Herzog lived on Bloomfield Avenue, a few doors down from my father's family. No matter what the current Israeli government is doing, taking Herzog's name off anything was never a smart idea.
Here's an interesting one for you: Holland & Burl ("Manuka honey! Pecan halves!") made their pro debuts at the 1937 Wembley Six (held at the Empire Pool and Sports Arena aka the OVO Arena). Among the other teams was an American pair made up of Lou Cohen and Jerry Rodman, and this is their jersey:
November 30, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Here's an interesting one for you: Holland & Burl ("Manuka honey! Pecan halves!") made their pro debuts at the 1937 Wembley Six (held at the Empire Pool and Sports Arena aka the OVO Arena). Among the other teams was an American pair made up of Lou Cohen and Jerry Rodman, and this is their jersey:
If you're British, you'll know that Charlie Holland + Bill Burl were the first British riders to start the Tour de France, in 1937 (Reginald Shirley may have been the first to enter, in 1908, while Brian Robinson + Tony Hoar were the first to finish, in 1955).
November 29, 2025 at 5:04 PM
If you're British, you'll know that Charlie Holland + Bill Burl were the first British riders to start the Tour de France, in 1937 (Reginald Shirley may have been the first to enter, in 1908, while Brian Robinson + Tony Hoar were the first to finish, in 1955).
Charly Gaul rode for EMI in 1959 and 1960, winning the Giro in 1959.
But - contrary to what his most recent biographer claims - EMI was not the record label.
They actually made espresso machines and related coffee kits. Same as Faema did.
But - contrary to what his most recent biographer claims - EMI was not the record label.
They actually made espresso machines and related coffee kits. Same as Faema did.
November 29, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Charly Gaul rode for EMI in 1959 and 1960, winning the Giro in 1959.
But - contrary to what his most recent biographer claims - EMI was not the record label.
They actually made espresso machines and related coffee kits. Same as Faema did.
But - contrary to what his most recent biographer claims - EMI was not the record label.
They actually made espresso machines and related coffee kits. Same as Faema did.
"The 'Bicycle' Film of 1936" was Bill Mills and Bill Bailey pivoting to video.
(L'Auto had already pivoted to video at this stage ... somebody should write a book about old Tour newsreels and tell this story.)
(L'Auto had already pivoted to video at this stage ... somebody should write a book about old Tour newsreels and tell this story.)
I have a lead on Bill that I really need some help on. This 1936 article from Cotton Factory Times reports the first all-cycling film presented by Bill and Bill Bailey. It includes the Wembley Six, 1936 TdF and the Olympics. Desperate to find out if this film is in archive somewhere. Ideas?
November 29, 2025 at 2:46 PM
"The 'Bicycle' Film of 1936" was Bill Mills and Bill Bailey pivoting to video.
(L'Auto had already pivoted to video at this stage ... somebody should write a book about old Tour newsreels and tell this story.)
(L'Auto had already pivoted to video at this stage ... somebody should write a book about old Tour newsreels and tell this story.)
"I have always said that I wanted to do something with numbers."
Countdown host! With Cartoon Kirkby, as he thinks he's good with words!
Countdown host! With Cartoon Kirkby, as he thinks he's good with words!
'I don't think I'll stay in cycling' - Jonas Vingegaard reveals no plans for career in sport after retirement https://www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/teams-riders/i-dont-think-ill-stay-in-cycling-jonas-vingegaard-reveals-no-plans-for-career-in-sport-after-retirement/
'I don't think I'll stay in cycling' - Jonas Vingegaard reveals no plans for career in sport after retirement
Dane points to carpentry as one potential work option after hanging up his wheels
www.cyclingnews.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:42 PM
"I have always said that I wanted to do something with numbers."
Countdown host! With Cartoon Kirkby, as he thinks he's good with words!
Countdown host! With Cartoon Kirkby, as he thinks he's good with words!
Do you know who else was a carpenter?
...
Daniel Day-Lewis.
...
Daniel Day-Lewis.
'I am very fascinated by carpentry'
🇩🇰 Jonas Vingegaard opens up about life after cycling
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/news/fasc...
📸 Team Visma | Lease a Bike
🇩🇰 Jonas Vingegaard opens up about life after cycling
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/news/fasc...
📸 Team Visma | Lease a Bike
November 28, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Do you know who else was a carpenter?
...
Daniel Day-Lewis.
...
Daniel Day-Lewis.
Oh would you please fuck the fuck off with this nonsense and grow up.
Two more years of fuel by 6d SportsNutrition 🤝 ⛽️
The renewed agreement for the next two years strengthens our collaboration built on innovation, shared expertise, and athlete-centred product development.
➡️
The renewed agreement for the next two years strengthens our collaboration built on innovation, shared expertise, and athlete-centred product development.
➡️
November 28, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Oh would you please fuck the fuck off with this nonsense and grow up.
Another breakaway bites the dust
Rugby union’s breakaway competition R360 delays launch by two years
Rugby’s proposed breakaway R360 competition has announced it will be delaying its launch for two years until 2028
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Another breakaway bites the dust
Reposted by Feargal McKay
Jack Dempsey was born John Kelly. The second Jack Dempsey was Bernie Dempsey and named himself after Jack to box. The third Jack Dempsey - William Dempsey - was Bernie's brother, stood in for him and took the name. Thus, no boxers called Jack Dempsey were ever called Jack Dempsey. Good fact, that.
November 28, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Jack Dempsey was born John Kelly. The second Jack Dempsey was Bernie Dempsey and named himself after Jack to box. The third Jack Dempsey - William Dempsey - was Bernie's brother, stood in for him and took the name. Thus, no boxers called Jack Dempsey were ever called Jack Dempsey. Good fact, that.
For all the fans of the Cycle to Work scheme - and they are many and vocal - how about someone explains why the multiple operators of the scheme (itself something that should be queried) charge bike shops 15-20% 'commission' on each sale?
Bike retailers saddled with lower margins in state cycle scheme
Complaints by manufacturers lead to talks with Cycle to Work providers about size of commissions
www.ft.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:35 PM
For all the fans of the Cycle to Work scheme - and they are many and vocal - how about someone explains why the multiple operators of the scheme (itself something that should be queried) charge bike shops 15-20% 'commission' on each sale?
Ronde van Vlaanderen will not sell ticket ... except for the bits where it sells tickets.
Ook Ronde van Vlaanderen gaat voorlopig geen entreegeld vragen
Ook Ronde van Vlaanderen gaat voorlopig geen entreegeld vragen
Waar je in andere sporten (flink) in de buidel moet tasten voor een kaartje, kun je als liefhebber van het wegwielrennen (in de meeste gevallen) gratis je helden aanmoedigen. Oud-renner Jérôme Pineau riep recent op om de beklimmingen, zoals Alpe d'Huez, in de Tour de France voortaan een entreesyst
www.wielerflits.nl
November 27, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Ronde van Vlaanderen will not sell ticket ... except for the bits where it sells tickets.
Reposted by Feargal McKay
Steroid Olympics backers try for a superhuman feat of finance on.ft.com/44BORwn | opinion
Steroid Olympics backers try for a superhuman feat of finance
The Enhanced Group, creator of the games, plans to go public at a mooted enterprise value of $1.3bn
on.ft.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Steroid Olympics backers try for a superhuman feat of finance on.ft.com/44BORwn | opinion
Reposted by Feargal McKay
_Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road_ (2017) from @uwapress.uw.edu and (Castellano) Spanish from @katakrak54.bsky.social 🗃️ #bikesky katakrak.net/cas/editoria...
uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295...
uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295...
November 27, 2025 at 3:22 PM
_Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road_ (2017) from @uwapress.uw.edu and (Castellano) Spanish from @katakrak54.bsky.social 🗃️ #bikesky katakrak.net/cas/editoria...
uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295...
uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295...