Heliocentrism, the idea that the Sun is at the centre of the Universe, only became the accepted scientific belief after Nicolaus Copernicus’s mathematical model was published in 1543. Arguably, it kicked off the Scientific Revolution, which saw major breakthroughs and the development of most fields of science we use today, including medicine and mechanics.
As I peer up at the road sign beside an unassuming roundabout in northern Spain, I’m beginning to understand how Copernicus must have felt, or at least would have felt if he hadn’t died shortly after his book’s publication. I’m in Pola de Lena, a small town in the Asturias region and the centre of its own cycling-specific universe. The sign I’m looking at offers directions for cyclists to ten big climbs, each within riding distance (see p58). Some of the climbs I’ve heard of, some I haven’t. Some I’ll be riding today.
I skim over the sign, find La Cubilla and get rolling through the town. Riding with me today is Diego Méntrida, a triathlete from Madrid who works for local guide and coaching company Ezz Baily. Diego had a taste of fame a couple of years ago when he gave up his place on a podium to a rival who was ahead of him near the finish of the race but accidentally went the wrong way. This act of sportsmanship was enough to compel a pre-slap Will Smith to post about him on social media, taking it viral. That then caused a flood of international media requests as well as an interview with Smith, who surprised Diego with a load of cycling
