Whether youre camping, adventuring off-grid, or simply setting up for a long ride, its pretty common for cyclists to bring along food and extra hydration. You could just toss it in your car and hope for the best, the majority of us will opt for something like a cooler to keep those necessities at the right temperature until theyre needed. Even if youre not bringing a full cooler, every cyclist should have plenty of water on hand when you need it most, it probably wont be readily available. To those points, RTIC reached out to us recently to see if we wanted to test out some products. Ive wanted to try a cooler with wheels, so I opted for the 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler and leveled up my water-carrying game with their 1-gallon Outback insulated jug. For the price, both are impressive performers but not without faultsRTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler ReviewWhen you think of wheeled coolers, many people are going straight to the YETI Tundra Haul. The RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light is clearly going after that market, but it goes about it in a different way. Thanks to a different construction with 2.5 closed-cell foam insulation, the cooler can offer multiple days of ice retention while coming in 30% lighter than the competition. On our scale, the RTIC cooler checks in at 29 lbs 1 oz, while the YETI Tundra Haul claims to be 37.5lbs. Note that to get the full cooling performance of the RTIC (up to 5 days), they recommend prechilling the cooler with ice a full 24+ hours ahead of time, and making sure all your provisions are prechilled as well. The 52 QT cooler has a 78 can capacity, and can be divided into two separate compartments with the Freezable Divider accessory ($18.74). Inside on the lid, there is also a silicone cargo net that can be used to store smaller items, or you can easily remove it to fit bulky items. The cooler closes with silicone T-latches, and a silicone gasket keeps it airtight. Note that RTIC does not list their cooler as bearproof, so if you intend to leave a cooler out in bear country, the YETI might be the better option (when used with extra-long shank Masterlock padlocks). On the outside, youll find a powder-coated aluminum handle with silicone grips for easy toting to your destination. When you let go of the handle, it gently lowers to prevent slamming, and its pretty comfortable to pull around. The wheels are puncture and impact resistant, and seemed to work well everywhere I tried, including on loose beach sand. RTIC calls out their patented chassis design which protects the stainless steel axle and rolls on premium wheel bearings. Youll also find a built-in bottle opener in case you dont already have 6 different options in your vehicle and on your bike, plus non-skid rubber feet and tie-down slots to keep the cooler anchored in place. Additional accessories include a dry goods basket ($17.24), and an external cup holder kit ($16.99).The one area where the cooler is lacking is in the drainage department. Because the drain is raised off the bottom of the cooler and offset from the side, it is impossible to fully drain the cooler without just turning it upside down while open. It will allow you to drain the majority of water out during a trip, so you can refresh the ice without keeping the contents submerged in water, but to fully drain it at home youll have to tip it over. Also, the leash for the drain cap comes off far too easily. On a recent trip, I had packed the cooler so full that there wasnt any room for ice. In spite of that, the cold food that went into the cooler was only 1 warmer after an 11-hour drive. Overall, the performance of the RTIC cooler has been great, and the ability to wheel it around is a game changer when its fully loaded. At $279, the RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler is priced extremely competitively vs. the $450 YETI. As long as you dont need a bearproof cooler, it seems like the drainage issues are easy enough to live with given the price difference. Currently, the cooler is offered in five different colors (plus one other clearance color), but the Beach tan color shown above is currently not available. RTIC 1 Gallon Outback Jug ReviewI keep extra water in my car at all times you never know when youre going to need an extra bottle, your kids or pets need some extra water, or maybe you need to clean something off real quick. With the RTIC Outback, Ive now doubled the amount that I carry around, and overall the jug has been a nice addition to my equipment. The double-walled, vacuum-sealed insulation claims to keep drinks cold up to 24 hours or hot for 6 hours, but it also works well to keep your water from getting too hot while in the car even if you havent iced it down. The inside of the jug is ceramic-lined to make it easy to clean and keep your water tasting like water, and its BPA-free. Even better, its dishwasher-safe (top rack only) so you can easily clean it. The lid leash is meant to stay tethered to the lid with a stretch-fit around a peg. But it comes off very easily and flops around. The leak-proof lid features a burly handle that can be used to spin the lid open or closed, and the spout makes it easy to pour into smaller bottles. Kind of like the cooler though, the cap leash comes off way too easily and can get in the way when youre pouring (so you may just want to remove it completely when pouring). Other than that, the cap is very easy to open and close, and the lid is very easy to remove and install. On the bottom, a silicone base helps it stay put quietly. The Outback is offered in 1/2 gallon or 1-gallon sizes ($39.99 or $59.99), and six different colors (plus one clearance color). I opted for the Stainless steel color because I thought it would hold up the best in the long term, but Im a little disappointed that its already showing small rust spots. While the Ultra-Light coolers have a 3-year warranty, the drinkware warranty is only 90 days. RTIC has confirmed that this would be covered under warranty (within the first 90 days), but Id still suggest going with one of the powder-coated colors instead. Again, the RTIC Outback 1 gallon jug isnt perfect, but it does perform quite well at a substantial price difference from competition like YETI. I wouldnt hesitate to throw one of the powder-coated bottles into my gear rotation for mobile hydration needs.

In light of a plan for making high-vis and helmets compulsory for e-scooter users, the Government are also looking at making the same personal protective equipment mandatory for cyclists, Minister of State Sean Canney, who has responsibility for road safety, told The Last Word radio show this afternoon.He was on air after the Government issued a statement on their decision to ban all under-18s from using e-scooters, make registration and licensing a requirement of use, and make high-vis and helmets mandatory for e-scooter users.The Government previously looked at high-vis and helmets for people on bicycles, but U-turned on this after a backlash. But at the time and afterwards, they said the measures could still be rolled out for users of pedel-assisted bicycles, which are generally counted the same as bicycles across Europe.Action on making the gear mandatory for people cycling could depend on how it works for scooter users, Minister of State Canney told Today FMs The Last Word with Matt Cooper/When presenter Cooper asked: If youre bringing in high-vis jackets and helmets, and also registration and licences for e-scooters, I suspect there are some of our listeners who will be wondering: Why not the same for bicycles?'Minister Canney said: Absolutely, and weve discussed that this morning. But I think the enormity of the problem we have at the moment with the e-scooters is something we need to address quickly, and thats why were bringing in these regulations and this emergency legislation now. But I would also say that we are looking at personal protective equipment, like helmets and high vis vests, and maybe for cyclists, is something that we are looking at and are considering, he said.Minister Canney said: And we also have e-bikes, which can go to speed as well, but they are better balanced than an e-scooter. An e-scooter is totally small wheels, very little, no suspension on them, and they just glide along. And if they stop abruptly, you just go over the handlebar. So I think its important. A bicycle doesnt work like that in terms of its balance. So I think its important that we deal with the very critical problem which we have right now.Cooper then asked: But if this works in relation to e-scooters, is it possible that bicycles could be next? That people will be required to register their bicycles, have a licence plate on them, wear a helmet, and wear a high vis jacket? Could that be possible?Minister of State Canney said: Yeah, but what I would say to you is I wouldnt be I dont want to be in a position where Im making bold statements that were going to put helmets on every cyclist. But we will look and see how we will progress with e-scooters, what effect it will have, and if its a benefit. Then, of course, we will look at helmets and high-viz on cyclists as well.In Irish and EU law, there is currently no distinction between pedal bicycles and those with electric assistance, provided the assistance cuts out at 25km/h, and the maximum continuous rated power does not exceed 250W.Earlier in the interview this afternoon, Minister Canney referred to planned helmets and high-vis not in safety terms but in terms of compliance and making it easier for Gardai to spot people not dressed in high-vis as more likely to be offenders. He was speaking in the context of Gardai having powers to chase people using illegal e-scooters. So there will be training required by the Garda on that. But also, I would say that, in itself, if somebody is spotted with no helmet on them, its very easy just to stand in front of them and say You dont have a helmet on you'. He added: I think that gives a bit more clarity to Garda on the street and they can see somebody doing something wrong or actually not having a helmet or high vis vest. That is a reason to take the e-scooter off them, and that in itself is a deterrent for people not to break the law.

With Tadej Pogacar closing in on a fifth Tour de France after Jonas Vingegaards withdrawal, UAE Team Emirates-XRG are already looking beyond the yellow jersey. The teams major target now is to place Isaac del Toro on the final podium in Paris as well, Joxean Fernndez Matxn told EFE. The Mexican,...

For almost a decade, weve covered Tout Terrains creative Shift:R adapters that gave adventure riders better dropbar control over their Pinion gearbox. But this new Shift:R Allroad generation takes it to the next level with Shimano GRX compatibility. That means better ergonomics, some of the most sought-after brakes, and lets be honest, a much better-looking alt-drivetrain setup.Shift:R brought Pinion shifting to drop bars, Shift:R Allroad refines it(All photos/.Tout Terrain)Officially launched to the public in 2019, wed already seen and nerded out on Tout Terrains mechanical Cinq Shift:R setup back at NAHBS two years earlier. The concept of the self-contained Pinion gearbox always made a lot of sense for the type of round-the-world touring and all-terrain adventure bikes that Tout Terrain specializes in building. But from the start, Pinion only offered a GripShift-style twist shifter that only worked on a flat bar. Sure, you could mount one on the flat top of your dropbar, but that was clearly a performance and ergonomics compromise.So, Tout Terrain & their Cinq component brand worked with Tektro/TRP to build a custom set of shift/brake levers that could control a gearbox. You mounted a Cinq adapter to your Pinion. You could shift with the custom levers that looked (and worked) much like old Shimano brifters before cable routing under the bar tape. And TRP Hylex hydraulic brakes did the stopping. It all worked. But it wasnt pretty. And it certainly didnt feel very modern. Moving to the electronic Smart.Shift gearbox let them go with more refined TRP Hywire controls, but then you had to worry about keeping your shifter batteries charged. Not very expedition-friendly, right?That all changes with Shift:R AllroadTout Terrain Cinq Shift:R Allroad dropbar Pinion shifterThe new Tout Terrain (probably Cinq when they hit the aftermarket) Shift:R Allroad shifter now matches a Pinion gearbox with regular Shimano GRX levers, so you get trusted braking and ergonomic fit. OK, its not a stock set of Shimano levers. Tout Terrain customizes the RX610 GRX 212 levers to remove the internal shift ratchets, swapping in a replacement mechanism to control the gearbox. Thats because Pinion shift indexing is at the gearbox itself. And Tout Terrain has built their own shift box that bolts directly to the gearbox. So, now you can shift with your modified mechanical 2x GRX levers. A single swing of the right Shimano combined shift & brake lever will upshift the Pinion. Then, the left-hand lever can shift it back. (Or you can swap direction by swapping the cables around). And the smaller secondary Shimano release shift button behind the brake lever no longer does anything.How to get the new drop bar gearbox control setup?Tout Terrain Blueridge Xplore GT customFor the moment, the new Shift:R Allroad is standard spec on all new Tout Terrain Pinion C-Line gearbox-equipped bikes with drop bars (denoted as GT). That presumably replaces the electronic Smart.Shift for the entry-level with a solution that doesnt rely on batteries to shift. Those bikes include the expedition touring Blueridge Xplore GT, the gravel all-rounder Scrambler Xplore GT, the backcountry adventure Outback Xplore GT, and the city commuter Tribeca Xpress GT. Complete bike pricing starts around 4000-4250, with customizable builds from ~4500.Cinq Shift:R Allroad aftermarket availability?Tout Terrain says they are first focused on making the new Shift:R Allroad setup available for their own complete bikes. But just like in the past, they plan to offer it soon as an aftermarket upgrade, either for people with an existing dropbar Pinion C-line setup, or anyone building a new bike from scratch. In either case, the Shift:R Allroad kit will include the modified Shimano GRX levers & brake calipers, the Shift:R box, and the cables to install it on the bike. Youll just need to swap out the stock C-line control box with the Shift:R box, and connect it to your modified GRX controls. Simple, low-maintenance, all-weather Pinion shift performance, also combined with trusted mechanical Shimano ergonomics and braking.Read more about it on the Tout Terrain blog.Tout-Terrain.de

This is classic performative politics of the likes seen by now former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which just ends up annoying everybody. Comment & Analysis: The Department of the Taoiseach this afternoon issued what I can only describe as one of the most nonsensical Government statements. In reality, Taoiseach Michel Martin, Tnaiste Simon Harris, and other Government Ministers are dancing on the head of a pin around the fact that all promatic scooter use is already illegal and the level of enforcement is not up to scratch. Its also a big distraction from the Governments unwillingness to sufficiently regulate not just the sale of e-scooters but also bicycle-shaped mopeds and light motorcycles, and scramblers. Because it would be a departure from long-standing thinking that devices like scramblers cannot be regulated at the point of sale (see below).We were told that Taoiseach, Tnaiste and Minister [of State for road safety] Canney agreed on a series of proposals with Minister [for Justice] OCallaghan and the Garda Commissioner. The proposals will be brought to Government by Ministers [for Transport] OBrien and Canney next week.Lets look at what they said in their statement and how most of it does not make any sense the quotes below are from the statement followed by commentary and analysis about what is being said: The Garda Commissioner advised that there has been a significant increase in Garda operations connected to e-scooters, including that 1,412 e-scooters have been seized so far this year. There have been 793 prosecutions for possession of e-scooters this year.There definitely seems to be an uptick in enforcement, but its after years of a lack of enforcement, and even now it seems to pale in comparison to the number of illegal e-scooters on our roads. The meeting also discussed the initial data from Childrens Health Ireland and the HSE indicating a concerning pattern of serious and life-changing injuries caused by e-scooters.More than one-third of all paediatric traumatic brain injury admissions to CHI at Temple Street in 2026 were related to e-scooters. Admissions for traumatic brain injuries from e-scooter accidents increased by 50% in the last 12 months.While CHI estimates one to two children a day are presenting across EDs this summer with e-scooter injuries. A full report will be available at the end of July.Paediatric hospital care is for under-16s, and when medics were interviewed, they confirmed that the above relates mainly or exclusively to children under 16. Tnaiste Simon Harris also makes an impassioned to-camera piece on Instagram where he heavily relies on the injuries to under-16s and then talks about measures which do not relate to and will not address under-16s use of scooters.Why are so many of the measures being mentioned in the statement related to people 16 and over? Is this just performative?It was agreed that high-visibility jackets and helmets will be mandatory for all e-scooter useAnd if the health data relates to under-16s and e-scooter use is to be extended to over 18s, whats the rationale for making helmets and high-vis mandatory? They could not even be bothered to outline something along the lines of the poor position of the rear light on e-scooters, which would justify high-vis.and the ban will be extended to under-18s. This will take effect in August.At the age of 16, teenagers are able to hold a licence that enables them to drive tractors, AM Mopeds and Light quadricycles, and A1 Motorcycles the AM mopeds have a legal maximum design speed of 45 km/h, while the RSA describes a category A1 vehicle as one that is capable of a speed of at least 90 km/h. Just to be clear: Thats not the limit; its the minimum speed. Legal e-scooters have a hard max speed of 20km/h.This isnt a speed limit; its a device-based speed limiter, and if thats tampered with, the device is no longer legal. How does it make sense to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to drive powerful tractors with trailers and also allow them to ride mopeds and light motorcycles, but not legal e-scooters? Again: They are clearly dancing on a pin and engaging in a weird form of shadow boxing. They could not possibly have legal, 20km/h scooters in mind. This is more likely to protect older teenagers from what are already banned devices banning a set of people from already banned devices does not make any sense. The only logical conclusion here is that this is performative. Just as scramblers are still not being tackled enough, these new measures for scooters will likely also fail and end up annoying everybody. Later this year, legislation will be introduced to treat e-scooters as all other mechanically propelled vehicles, and there will be a requirement for licensing and registration.The above approach would be understandable for more powerful e-scooters but these are already banned. So, the idea of licensing and registration for legal e-scooters that cannot go abover 20km/h and must not weigh over 25kg is nothing short of laughable. And thats before we ask what type of licence will be needed: AM and A1 licences are open to 16-year-olds, so will the government be starting a whole new licence type for e-scooters? This will also prohibit the sale of scooters to minorsProhibiting the sale without also prohibiting the supply of e-scooters to minors seems fairly pointless when its often their parents or other adults buying the devices for them. and the sale of scooters that do not meet the legal requirements for use on public roads. [bolding added]This issue is key to reducing the illegal use of overpowered e-scooters, electric bicycle-shaped objects which are classed as mopeds, and unregistered scramblers no matter how they are fueled. But mention of for use on public roads is a huge get-out clause. We need an import and sale ban on these devices, commonly used illegally on our roads, streets and parks. People who have a legitimate off-road use should have to prove it at the point of import or sale.Such a permit system, which could include providing proof you have an off-road area where you have permission to use the devices, would be as easy or easier to set up as a new licensing system for the legal light 20km/h e-scooters. More importantly, an import and sale permit system for all three types of devices would be more impactful.Lets be honest, theres really almost no legitimate off-road use of e-scooters. There would be very little administrative burden from such a system.An outright ban will remain on the table.Of course, that has to be said; they wouldnt want to seem like they were backing down or anything.It was also agreed further protections will be provided to members of An Garda Sochna to mirror the system in the UK. This would grant greater legal protections to garda when pursuing e-scooters and e-bikes.Besides the weak restriction on sales, this is likely one of the most important parts of the statement, but its left as the last bit. Does that speak volumes that they want to distract from the fact that enforcement is the main issue? Most of the above as outlined in the statement are poorly thought out and not evidence-based road safety. Its safety theatre with a sprinkling of measures that might be somewhat helpful, but that only go halfway.

The Public Prosecutors Office in Paris has confirmed to L'quipe confirmed that the judge was contacted by the International Testing Agency to authorise the 2am and 5am drug tests

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has undertaken night-time anti-doping tests on multiple more riders at the ongoing Tour de France, Cycling Weekly has learned.Visma-Lease a Bikes Jonas Vingegaard and race leader Tadej Pogaar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG were woken up at 2am and 5am respectively on Sunday morning by doping control officers and made to provide an anti-doping sample.Tests between the hours of 11pm and 6am are prohibited, except in exceptional circumstances, when the ITA has to request permission from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).The UCI's anti-doping rules states: "Unless the rider has identified a sixty minute testing window between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., or has otherwise consented to testing during that period, the UCI will not test a rider during that period unless it has a serious and specific suspicion that the rider may be engaged in doping."In a statement late on Sunday, the ITA said that effective testing must, in limited and justified circumstances, be capable of occurring outside standard daytime hours.Pogaar said he did not get back to sleep after being woken, while stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe said that it was inhumane and its something that actually we should not accept as riders."Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, 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.Cycling Weekly understands that a number of other teams perhaps as many as eight have also been subjected to night-time testing.A spokesperson for the ITA confirmed that more teams were tested outside usual hours.The riders union, the Professional Cycling Associations (CPA), released a statement on Monday lending its support to the anti-doping movement, but questioned the relevance of night-time testing.The Tour de France is a competition that demands exceptional physical effort, the CPA statement said. The quality of sleep and recovery is essential not only for performance but also for the health and safety of the riders.It is clear that this practice hinders athletes recovery during the most important and difficult race on the global calendar and runs counter to the intended objectives.Cycling contributes approximately 10m to funding the fight against doping within the ITA for the collection and analysis of samples, while at the same WADA spends, on average, only $5 million per year across all sports on basic research to develop new methods for detecting and identifying new doping substances.Would it therefore be more appropriate to invest more in scientific research and detection technologies, rather than increasing the number of particularly intrusive unannounced tests?Night-time testing is only used when anti-doping authorities have concerns that an athlete may be engaged in doping practices. It is particularly useful at detecting substances which may have been taken in small doses referred to as micro-dosing that isnt detectable several hours later. Benjamin Cohen, the director general of the ITA, told The Athletic in April that he was in favour of restrictions around night-time testing loosening but cautioned against blanket testing in the early hours.If you go and speak to the (ITA) testing department, they would say: yes, we need to be able to test whenever we can. Certainly, based on information [the ITA has], it would suggest that there is an issue, Cohen said.I dont think you would want to do mass testing at the Tour de France, for example, and wake up all the athletes at 3am that doesnt make sense. I think you would need to have very concrete suspicions (about an athlete) and use that in a very cautious manner. I wouldnt advocate for mass night testing, but certainly for some flexibility if you believe that there is an issue.French sports daily Lquipe reported on Monday that the ITA made their requests ahead of the Tour.As is customary in the lead-up to the Tour de France, the public health divisions of the Paris and Marseille judicial courts, which have jurisdiction over doping matters, are in contact with the UCI (International Cycling Union) and the ITA, the Paris prosecutors office told Lquipe.The judges of these two jurisdictions have concurrent jurisdiction to rule on requests for nighttime doping controls. A judge of liberties and detention in Paris was therefore indeed contacted by the ITA, pursuant to Article L.232-14-4 of the French Sports Code, to authorise the doping controls that took place on the night of July 18-19."

Its never easy racing at the Tour de France and this last week was no exception with high temperatures and horror hotels.With two weeks of racing on the roads of France now behind the peloton we take a look back at how the world of cycling, including celebrity fans and a barista with panache, chronicled the last week on social media.1. "The special one" aka Jos Mourinho has got his priorities all wrong here, choosing to stop watching the Tour de France to go for a run. You wouldnt catch us doing that. A post shared by Jose Mourinho (@josemourinho)A photo posted by on 2. The French monarchy was abolished in 1792 but if they did decide to have a king again itd probably Thibaut Pinot who saw the race come through his hometown this last week.Oh! Look who is here Oh! Regardez qui est l #TDF2026 pic.twitter.com/3LuYx1iJUeJuly 17, 20263. EF Education-EasyPost chefs Owen Blandy and Chris Woodward are taking you on a culinary Tour de France as they breakdown/show off all the deliciousness theyre cooking up for the riders each day over on their Instagram.A post shared by Chris Woodward (@chris.woodward_)A photo posted by on 4. The iceman - AKA Silvan Dillier - cometh! Be afraid, be very afraid.A post shared by Alpecin-Premier Tech (@alpecin.premiertech)A photo posted by on 5. Apparently there has been some other big international sporting event going on over the last week, I dunno what its called, but the Tour organisers decided to pit riders of France and Spain against each other last Tuesday in tribute. Weirdly, the French organisers seem to lose interest after that.A post shared by Tour de France (@letourdefrance)A photo posted by on 6. Its not a bike race unless someone is dressed in a rabbit costume/devil outfit/mankini. To all those that do so, we salute you.A post shared by Tour de France (@letourdefrance)A photo posted by on 7. The Tour is a glamorous event, until you reach your hotel and discover youd be better off sleeping on the balcony. A post shared by Tobias Johannessen (@tobias_johannessen)A photo posted by on 8. How bad can it be though really? you ask. Pretty bad, as Tobiass brother Anders shows. This combined with UAE Emirates-XRG sleeping in hotel with no air conditioning led to something of a social media story that meant Tour race director Christian Prudhomme had to step in and respond. "If we want the race to visit beautiful parts of France and have beautiful stages, it means that sometimes there aren't five-star hotels everywhere," he told ICI.Could be worse, this is ours pic.twitter.com/ijPNxKc69YJuly 13, 20269. If you ask us Uno-Xs real problem was that after what was clearly not a great nights sleep they didnt have Julian Alaphilippe to make them coffee in the morning.A post shared by TNT Sports Cycling (@tntsportscycling)A photo posted by on 10. Lets end on a high note with the always reliable social media trope of riders kids at the Tour de France. This time its Tiesj Benoot and his daughter.A post shared by TNT Sports Cycling (@tntsportscycling)A photo posted by on

UPDATED July 20, 2026 BY Miles MacDonald IN South American Epic no comments Vuelta A ColombiaTo a young person into adventure movies, Romancing the Stone was a big hit in the mid 1980s with Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and the country of Colombia in starring roles. For a 10-year-old, with too much faith in Hollywood film productions, it was a first impression of Colombia, as a kind of lush jungle wilderness, with a mix of rich criminal underworld characters, with fancy 44 trucks, and rural peasants with mules and horses.As one gets older, they may discover that Hollywood is a cultural propaganda machine that has never let accuracy or truth get in the way of making money. Of the many inaccuracies in such a movie, one was not seeing any Colombians on bicycles. With the rugged and rural mountain terrain, and challenging roads and paths in remote areas, the bicycle has been a key component of rural transportation since the mid 20th century, with it only slowly being replaced by motorcycles and cars the last decades.This necessity of cycling for transportation and the large number of bicycle riders in the country helped lead to the Vuelta a Colombia bicycle race, whose origins date back to 1951. The race turned Colombias strongest cyclists into household names and inspired other Colombians to emulate their success. The race, a multi week stage race, was legendary for its endless climbing, the altitudes reached, and the overall adversity faced. Colombian fans would follow along each day with the race being broadcast across the country by radio. These early heroes of Colombian cycling were, like the early days of the Tour de France, people who persevered through challenging living circumstances, with few economic resources, to rise to an elite level, such as Efrain El Zippo Forero, the first winner of the Vuelta a Colombia.South American Epic riders cycling with the localsLater generations of Colombian cyclists succeeded on the world stage, including the Caf de Colombia cycling team, with its star Luis Lucho Herrera in the 1980s. They became the first Colombian team in the Tour de France and their team branding helped spread the word on the amazing coffee culture of Colombia. Boyaca, Colombia native Nairo Quintana, won the Giro dItalia in 2014, after getting his start as a child cycling 16km through the mountains to school and to sell vegetables for his familys income. Later Egan Bernal would become the first Colombian to win the Tour de France in 2019.All this goes to say that the TDA cyclists here on the South American Epic, in the first weeks of the tour as weve crossed from Cartagena to Bogota, have not been alone on the roads, with many local cyclists of all stripes cycling along our route, from professional cyclists to families.SAE riders and their friends from SiCLas CollectiveIn Medellin, our TDA cyclists met the SICLAS Collective, a group of Medellin cyclists who promote active transportation, at the edge of the city. As a convoy our cyclists and the SICLAS Collective cyclists rode together towards our rest day hotel, including using roads that had been closed by the Medellin government as part of the famous Ciclovia, a family friendly event on Sundays where many roads are shut to vehicles and thousands, or in Bogota which also has the Ciclovia, even millions of bicycle riders and pedestrians fill the roads. On the way out of the city the TDA cyclists were also guided by convoy from Medellin, and enjoyed the safety and support of the SICLAS Collective, who would cheer for other cyclists on the road, while singing songs, both about biking, as well as on their socialist values.As the first section of the South American Epic concludes in Bogota, the riders deserve to be incredibly proud of their efforts. There is no casual pedalling in Colombia, as they have cycled through intense Caribbean heat, up 50km plus climbs, gone above 4100m elevation, and cycled 3000m+ climbing days. All can know that they have now proudly earned their place in Colombian cycling culture.RELATEDTOURSouth American Epic This challenging expedition offers you the best opportunity to explore the vastness and diversity of South America by bike. In keeping with the TDA... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Vuelta A Colombia" Cancel reply

Netcompany INEOS have found themselves the unwelcome subject of a Tour de France talking point - punctures. The British team have confirmed they have suffered around 11 punctures, but it's the timing and manner of the problems have caused alarm. French TV analyst Thomas Voeckler noted that the team...