The 2026 Vuelta a Espaa is gaining shape and this Tuesday morning, Team Visma | Lease a Bike have announced a very strong and complete lineup for the final Grand Tour of the season including Wout Van Aert, Matthew Brennan and Sepp Kuss. The team, at the beginning of the year, had plans for many of...

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women starts in the Lake District this Wednesday, with its move from May to August making it the last WorldTour stage race in Europe each year. Not only does this put the race slap bang in the middle of holiday season which should encourage more people out to the road-side it makes it a perfect block of racing ahead of the world championships in September. It is also an opportunity for riders to save their season with a final result. This should ensure the riders arrive in the Lake District ready to race. Starting ten days after the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift also means theres enough recovery time for those coming out of the biggest race on the calendar. While we look forward to Tour contenders compete in the UK, British fans can breathe a sigh of relief that four domestic teams will get to pit themselves against the worlds best following a UCI rule amendment that could have prevented them from riding.The 2025 update meant Continental teams would only get an invite if WorldTour and ProTeams couldnt fill the spaces on offer. DAS-Hutchinson, Handsling Abla, OShea Red Chilli Bikes and Smurfit Westrock will all be at the start in the North-West.The five stages take the race from the top of the Lake District down the coast to North Wales, through mid-Wales and back into England for a finish in Leamington Spa. Stage one to four all have an interesting parcours which organisers have designed to will encourage aggressive racing over the early climbs as well as toward the finish of the stage. Our full guide to the stages and riders to watch continues over the next nine pages. (Image credit: SWPix.com / Olly Hassell)Stage 1: Cockermouth > CockermouthWednesday, 19 AugustDistance: 158.9km | Elevation: 1,1913mTerrain: HillyThis years race kicks off with its longest stage, and potentially the most scenic. As tough an introduction as it is, the riders will probably be grateful that the organisers havent set them off on a 100 mile route directly through the Lake District, as today they skirt the north west edge of the mountain range. But there are still plenty of undulations with non-stop rolling roads in the first 25 miles just the warm up. A flat run up the coast takes them to Silloth where they turn inland for the second half of the stage which features all the major climbs. The key section comes as they leave Wigton after 57 miles and head south east, back towards the mountains and the races highpoint of the day at 285m above sea level.If the pressure goes on from the WorldTour squads, the bunch will break up here and those caught out could lose a lot of time. Once back to Cockermouth they start a finishing circuit just north of Bassenthwaite Lake that climbs for the first half, then descends to the finish. Stage 2: Clitheroe > BlackpoolThursday, 20 AugustDistance: 110.5km | Elevation 1,392mTerrain: FlatStarting in Clitheroe, in the Ribble Valley the riders take on a punchy little loop into the Forest of Bowland to warm their legs up. The first climb of the day, Waddington Fell is also the stages highpoint at 354m. From there the peloton drops back down into Clitheroe - blink and youll miss them, before heading out the other side of the valley up the Nick O Pendle. While the first third of todays stage looks tough with those two climbs, the sprinters and their teams have enough road in which to regain the front of the race if they do get dropped. The experienced GC riders will know this, and therefore probably wont go all out over the two climbs. The second half of the stage is flat, or even slightly downhill all the way to the coast at Lytham, then a sprint finish on the seafront in the shadow of the Blackpool Tower. Sprinters will like the look of the fast run-in, with the last corner coming at nine kilometres to go. From there, there is just a gentle left-right with 400m to go, but the road should be wide enough to ensure theres no need to come off the pedals at this crucial point.The Tour of Britain Women visits Wales in 2024 (Image credit: SWPix.com / Elliot Keen)Stage 3: Mold > The Great OrmeFriday, 21 AugustDistance: 104.7km | Elevation: 1,927mTerrain: HillyStarting in Flintshire, day three sees the race head into the vertiginous terrain of North Wales and towards the Irish Sea, where a sting in the tail awaits, with a steep and stage-defining climb to a dramatic finish atop the towering limestone headland of The Great Orme.Stage three has a sawtooth profile, with the course crossing the Clwydian Range. After Henllan, the peloton will tackle a stiff ascent to the saddle between Moel Fodiar and Moel Tywysog, and the route reaches its highest point of 386 metres on the western shoulder of Moel Maelogen, after 64km. Approaching Llandudno, however, riders will be confronted with a challenging final climb to The Great Orme, with the last 2.5km featuring an average gradient of 6.1%, with sections hitting 15%.One of the Tours most exciting days, climbers will be looking to collect KOM points and the strongest riders will look to break the race up into smaller groups as the fatigue builds as the final climb might not be enough to gain a race-winning margin.Stage 4: Llanidloes > Hay-on-WyeSaturday, 22 AugustDistance: 138km | Elevation: 2,227mTerrain: HillyRiding through the centre of Wales to the famous border town of Hay-on-Wye is going to be a testing day, even if there isnt one climb that will define the stage. The biggest climb takes the riders out of Rhayadar but is too early to shape the stage. The rest of the parcours which has the most elevation gain of any stage means that riders are going to have to stay attentive all day as splits could form or moves could go at any point. The most obvious stress point of the day is the three climbs that come in quick succession at the midway point around Knighton. Lose contact there and its a tough chase to the finish as the route continues to undulate for another 30km. Those chasing GC know this is their last chance to gain time, so expect the pressure to be on.Stage 5: Royal Leamington Spa > Royal Leamington SpaSunday, 23 AugustDistance: 123.8km | Elevation: 1,386mTerrain: FlatThe final stage of this years race has bunch sprint written all over it as the 1,386 metres of elevation and lack of any major climbs means the top sprinters wont have any trouble making it back to Royal Leamington Spa. The only climb of any significance is a short bump out of Middle Tysoe after 86km, but gaining just under 100 metres means only the riders struggling after four days of back-to-back racing will be in danger of getting dropped, and thats only if someone goes to the front and decides to put the pressure on. But none of that means its a day off for the bunch. The team holding the GC lead will have a tough day policing the race while others with nothing to show for their efforts, and knowing that the racing is about to end, will be keen to try and get something out of the stage. The final run-in isnt without its challenges either as two right-hand corners and a left in the final two kilometres will catch out riders in a poor position.Lorena Wiebes takes to the podium after winning stage four last year (Image credit: Getty Images)Lorena Wiebes (27, Ned)SD Worx-ProtimeUCI ranking: 42026 wins: 15Never has there been so dominant a sprinter as Lorena Wiebes. The Dutchwoman wins pretty much every bunch sprint shes involved in, as long as she doesnt get disqualified, as happened at the Giro dItalia Women in May, when her bike was deemed to be too light. Wiebes has an enviable record at the Tour of Britain Women, winning seven stages and the points classification twice over four editions; in fact, she has never not won when she has raced. Wiebes is more than just a flat track bully, as she has proved in the Classics over the years, but bunch finishes on stage two, four and five will see her enter them as favourite. Theres nothing to stop her from being a GC contender, either, if she can stick with the punchier riders on stage one and three. On her form at the Tour de France Femmes, this is a distinct possibility. Last year she crossed a century of wins, and there is very little holding her back from reaching 150 sooner than later.Lotte Kopecky (30, Bel)SD Worx-ProtimeUCI ranking: 72026 wins: 3The former world champion might only have won three times in 2026, but when one of those was Milan-San Remo, and another a stage of the Vuelta Espaa Femenina, the Belgian still has it. At the Tour of Britain Women, expect her to target stage wins on the punchier finishes, such as Llandudno's Great Orme on stage three or the Hay-on-Wye finish on stage four rather than pure sprints, while also supporting Wiebes. She is, of course, a former winner overall, on the one occasion she deigned to ride the race, winning two out of the four stages in 2024 en route to victory.Kopecky did win in Llandudno on that occasion, so will be looking to keep her 100% record up. At the Tour de France Femmes the Belgian came close to victory on stage three, spending 95km in front of the peloton, while also being a deluxe leadout for Wiebes. Expect her to dovetail these roles in Britain, too.Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (31, Pol)Canyon-SRAMUCI ranking: 52026 wins: 1Somehow still only 31, Niewiadoma-Phinney first raced what was then the Womens Tour back in 2017, winning her first ever stage and taking overall victory in London. She also finished second in 2019, winning a stage then as well, but has not been back to the race since 2022, when she finished third overall.So often the nearly-woman of cycling, Niewiadoma is yet to win in 2026, although she finished second at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, and the Amstel Gold Race, and finished second overall at the Tour de France Femmes last week. While the course this year is not necessarily tough enough for one of the worlds top climbers to make a difference, little will stop her trying, especially on stages one and three. She might also make an excellent foil for British champion Zoe Bckstedt, paying back the support she received at the Tour. Paula Blasi seals Vuelta Femenina victory atop the Angliru in May (Image credit: Getty Images)Paula Blasi (23, Esp)UAE Team LIMADUCI ranking: 22026 wins: 7The breakout rider of 2026 so far is undoubtedly Paula Blasi, who in her first full season as a Womens WorldTour rider, slowly grew into a star. Third overall at the Tour Down Under was followed by a stunning solo victory at the Amstel Gold Race, but it was at her home Grand Tour, the Vuelta Espaa Femenina that Blasi soared. The 23-year-old was second after stage six, but a stellar performance on the Angliru on the final day saw her become the first Spanish winner of the Spanish race.She went on to win the Tour Fminin des Pyrnes and the Volta a Catalunya, proving that her form was not temporary. Like Niewiadoma, the hilly rather than mountainous Tour of Britain will not perfectly suit her attributes, but expect her to be visible. It might also be one of her last races for UAE, if reports about her impending transfer are correct. The former runner has never raced in Britain.Kim Le Court-Pienaar (30, Mau)AG Insurance-SoudalUCI ranking: 392026 wins: 3Distinctive in her Mauritian champions jersey of green, yellow, blue and orange, Kim Le Court-Pienaar seems a rider perfectly suited to the punchy course of the Tour of Britain.This was proved last year, when she won stage one to Redcar, escaping with Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner (EF Education-Oatly). However, she was forced to abandon on stage three, ending her race early.The 30-year-old has not had quite the same success in 2026 as last year, when she won Lige-Bastogne-Lige and a stage of the Tour de France Femmes in a golden year. This is mainly due to an injury-disrupted spring, as she fractured her wrist at the Tour of Flanders, but she now seems to be back to her best, second on stage one of this years Tour, and then winning stage six in Tournon-sur-Rhne.A win on the Great Orme is not out of the question, and if she wins there, it might mean a first general classification victory for Le Court.Zoe Bckstedt (21, GBr)Canyon-SRAMUCI ranking: 342026 wins: 7British national road champion for the first time, adding to her double national time trial title success, Bckstedt will be keen to show off her stripes to home crowds across the week.There might not be a time trial for the Welshwoman to show her specific skills, but she has proved that she is more than just a one-dimensional rider on the road, winning her first Womens WorldTour road stage this season at the Tour de Suisse. She has also proved herself adept at winning smaller stage races, triumphing at the Baloise Ladies Tour for two seasons in a row, and could challenge over the punchy Tour of Britain Women.Last year, she was 26th overall at the end of the week, but with a Tour de France Femmes in her legs this time around, things might be very different. Expect some attacking brio, especially on Welsh roads, if nothing else. Others to watchLauren Dickson leading the pack in the Giro d'Italia earlier this year (Image credit: Getty Images)With many teams putting selection decisions on hold until after the Tour de France Femmes, many line-ups were unconfirmed at the time of writing. Last years winner Ally Wollaston (FDJ United-Suez) is set to defend her title however. But having not raced since the Tour of Catalunya in mid-June her form remains unknown. The French team will want to bring Lauren Dickson back to her home race after a highly impressive first season in the pro ranks, but this will be dependent on her recovery from a broken collarbone suffered in a crash on stage three of the Tour de Suisse.British fans will also be hoping to see a return to action for Movistars Cat Ferguson. The 20-year-old suffered a double fracture in her ankle when she crashed on the opening stage of the womens Giro and hasnt raced since. Three weeks on crutches through June means her return to racing will be low-key. UAE LImads Irish champion Lara Gillespie is expected to ride after missing out on selection for the Tour de France Femmes. A solid classics campaign and third place at the Tour of Poland could see her lead the team should Blasi or Elisa Longo-Borghini not ride.Several of the stages look like theyd suit Lidl-Treks sprinter Elisa Balsamo who didnt take a win at the Tour de France Femmes this year. Likewise EFs Noemi Regg who has been consistent all season but missed a big chunk of racing through June and July after fracturing her arm at the Vuelta.Home hopesAnna Morris shows off her IP gold medal at the recent Commonwealth Games (Image credit: Getty Images)Fears of Continental teams being prevented from riding WorldTour races under new UCI rules thankfully didnt come to fruition this year, and four British teams will be lining up for the Tour of Britain Women. A lack of stage racing at this level will not help their riders over the course of the race, but the home advantage might. Coming late to cycling, Anna Morris is making up for it by hoovering up national and world titles on the track, as well as world records, at an amazing rate. Her results have translated to the domestic road scene too, as she has only once finished a day's racing outside of the top five this year. Shell be joined by Jess Roberts in the GB team, who, despite her track focus, has a wealth of experience in stage racing. Winner of the Rapha Super-League standings Morven Yoeman (DAS-Hutchinson) will look to continue her progression. Since winning the Lincoln Grand Prix, the 22-year-old has enjoyed a steady set of results on the domestic scene as well as a solid ride at the Vuelta a Burgos. A lack of stage racing this season might hold her back a little. Keep an eye out for her teammates Katie Scott and Noemie Thomson tooHandsling Alba will be led by Kate Richardson who has been consistent in both domestic and European racing this year. Last years Tour of Britain was her first and only taste of WorldTour racing although she only finished stage one. Another year of experience should see her ready to test herself against the worlds best.

Movistar Team has finalized its line-up for La Vuelta a Espaa 2026. The Spanish squad has confirmed the eight riders set to tackle the seasons final Grand Tour, a race where they aim to finish the year on a stronger note after a difficult Tour de France and a Giro dItalia in which Enric Mas fell...

Primoz Roglic has been confirmed to be racing the 2026 Vuelta a Espaa. The Slovenian suffered a training crash in the lead up to the final Grand Tour of the season, but Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe has now confirmed that the Slovenian will be fit to compete for a record-breaking fifth overall win at...

Primo legwear for the spring and summer - light and comfortable but warmer than standard lycra

Ten years after launching the original Expedition Series, British bikepacking specialist Apidura is promising far more than a simple facelift. Everything has been reworked, from the mounting system to the materials. The question is whether the new range is genuinely better than its predecessor, or simply different. We put it to the test to find out.Apidura Expedition Series | 1.296 g | 605 (tested set as pictured) | Manufacturers websiteWaterproof bikepacking bags with welded seams were far from the norm when Apidura launched the original Expedition Series in 2016. Since then, the construction method has become the industry standard, competitors have closed the gap, and the market has grown considerably more crowded. Now Apidura are hitting back with a completely redesigned Expedition Series, built around an overhauled mounting system and new materials.Apidura were founded in 2013 by Tori Fahey. Having raced long-distance events such as the Tour Divide herself, she struggled to find technical bikepacking bags that met her demands, so she started making her own. What began as a gap in the market has grown into a family-run company that still prioritises durable, long-lasting designs over seasonal product cycles.The Expedition Series has never been particularly light or affordable. Its reputation rests instead on keeping your kit dry, even after weeks of riding in the rain. If fast and light is your priority, Apiduras Aero System, which weve reviewed separately, is the better choice. For long, demanding adventures, though, the Expedition Series has been the benchmark for years, and thats the standard this latest generation has to live up to.Apidura have set out to address three key shortcomings of the previous generation: the Handlebar Packs less than secure mounting, the Saddle Packs tendency to sway when fully loaded, and the Frame Packs bulging under load. Whether these updates really make a difference in the real world can only be answered on the trail. So lets find out.In detail: what does the new Apidura Expedition Series promise?At first glance, the new Expedition Series looks cleaner than its predecessor: fewer visible buckles and straps, a more streamlined silhouette, and a unified design language across the entire range. Apidura are now promoting a completely rethought mounting concept without conventional straps, built around a three-layer material construction and fully welded seams for absolute waterproofing. The most obvious step forward is the integration of GPS and lighting mounts. Instead of clamping accessories to the handlebars as before, theyre now built directly into the system. Even the Saddle Pack now features a dedicated rear light mount.Apidura also claim to have tackled the two other long-standing weak points. To prevent saddle pack sway, a guiding channel works in combination with silicone grip strips to keep the bag securely aligned with the seatpost. A more rigid base shell is designed to lower the centre of gravity and improve stability. On the Frame Pack, internal guide rails running along the zip are meant to prevent bulging under load, which helps the bag retain its shape even when fully packed. Whether all of this translates into real-world performance is something only a proper field test can reveal.Apidura Expedition Series on reviewWe tested each bag individually over several rides in a wide range of conditions, both on and off road, including a multi-day bikepacking trip. The following models were included in our test:Bolt-On Top Tube Pack: 1 L, 100 g, 66Handlebar Pack: 9 L, 446 g, 184Front Cargo Mesh: 90 g, 38Frame Pack: 3,8 L, 245 g, 142Saddle Pack: 9 L, 415 g, 175Weighing just 100 g, the Bolt-On Top Tube Pack is available in a single 1 L size and bolts directly to the frames mounting points. If your bike doesnt have top tube bosses, theres also a strap-mounted version. Thanks to the bolt-on attachment, it stays absolutely rock solid with no movement at all, even on rough terrain. After several wet rides, it stayed completely waterproof, and the zip continued to operate smoothly. The 1 L capacity is enough for energy bars, gels, a multitool, and a smartphone.Cleanly mounted to the top tube: if your frame doesnt have mounting bosses, go for the strap version instead of the bolt-on model.No bag in this range has been redesigned as extensively as the Handlebar Pack. Its available in 9 L and 14 L versions, with our 9 L test sample weighing 446 g. The traditional strap attachment has been replaced by a new lace-up mounting system. It sounds like an elegant solution, but in practice it can be baffling at first. Without the video instructions, the setup is far from intuitive. A retaining strap holds the bag in place initially, but threading the cord through the eyelets is fiddly, and locking it into the toothed fastening mechanism takes some practice. Removing the bag is much the same. The cord has to be released again, which can test your patience after a long ride or with cold, tired fingers.The biggest update is here: instead of traditional straps, a lace-up system now secures the bag to your handlebars. The yellow cord holds it firmly in place, but threading it through the eyelets proved fiddly in our test.One particularly clever feature did stand out. A marker on the roll-top closure lets you see before fitting the bag how wide it is when packed, so you can check whether it will still clear your drop handlebars. The magnetic buckle closure works reliably, and even after hours of riding in heavy rain, everything inside stayed completely dry.A clever touch: the printed marker shows how wide the packed bag will be before you fit it, so you can see whether it will clear your drops.Theres one compromise, however. The lace-up mounting system sits close to the stem, forcing your cycling computer out of its usual position. Apiduras optional GPS Mount and Accessory Arm solve the problem by allowing both your computer and head light to be mounted directly to the bag. The Front Cargo Mesh costs 38 and is a practical accessory for the Handlebar Pack. Weighing just 90 g, it attaches directly to the front of the bag to provide extra storage for items you want to keep within easy reach, such as snacks or a waterproof jacket. Once detached from the Handlebar Pack, it can also be used as a musette, making it easy to carry your essentials when youre off the bike.Unlike the rest of the Expedition Series, however, the mesh pocket is not waterproof. Its also incompatible with the previous generation of the Expedition Series and works exclusively with the new Handlebar Pack.Whether you use it as a quick way to stash extra kit such as a rain jacket in the mesh pocket within easy reachor remove it and use it as a musette on the go, the mesh bag is a practical addition.Apidura have tackled one of the previous Frame Packs biggest weaknesses head-on. Guide rails running alongside the zip help the bag retain its shape even when fully loaded, preventing it from bulging outwards and rubbing against your legs. It attaches to the frame using silicone-backed straps that hold it securely in place without slipping. Like the rest of the Expedition Series, the Frame Pack is fully waterproof and, inside, is divided into two compartments: a slim pocket for items such as a wallet or ID card, and a larger main compartment with an integrated mesh pocket to keep smaller essentials organised.Our 3.8 L test bag weighs 245 g. If you need more storage, Apidura also offer the Full Frame Pack, which fills the entire front triangle and is available in sizes ranging from 4.6 L to 10 L.The 9 L Saddle Pack weighs 415 g. Mounting is straightforward and can be done without any instructions. The guiding channel, which pulls the bag closer to the seatpost, and the silicone grip strips do exactly what Apidura claim: in testing, the bag sways noticeably less than on the previous generation. Compression is also impressive, with the contents packing down very effectively.Mesh side pockets provide extra space for bottles and can be secured with an additional strap if needed. The roll-top closure also allows external attachment points, for example for a wet swimsuit after a swim stop. Compared to the previous model, the extra elastic cords for additional gear have been removed, which feels like a missed opportunity as there would still have been room for them. A particularly useful detail is the integrated rear light mount, which lets you attach a light directly to the bag without needing a separate bracket. However, the critical issue shows up in the waterproofing test. Through the internal openings that allow air to escape during compression, water can also find its way inside. As a result, the contents do not stay dry, which is a significant drawback for a series that otherwise places full waterproofing at the heart of its promise.We addressed this problem to Apidura directly, and they are currently investigating the issue with this specific bag. This is what they said:The SoftVent Air Valve has been part of our range for many years, and based on extensive internal testing as well as real-world experience, we have full confidence in its waterproof performance. Under normal riding conditions, we wouldnt expect any water to enter via the valve.However, the bag isnt designed to be airtight and, like other bikepacking bags on the market, it doesnt offer a completely sealed environment. Products like these are typically tested against water ingress standards such as IPX6/IP6K6.While a small amount of water might penetrate in rare cases if a targeted, high-pressure jet is aimed directly at the valve, the amount of water observed in this review is higher than we would usually expect or have previously seen.We take product quality very seriously and are actively working on a solution. Whether this issue is down to a flaw in the initial production batch cant be confirmed just yet.The guide channel and silicone grip strips keep the saddle pack stable against the seatpost. In our test, it swayed noticeably less than its predecessor, although water did seep in through the compression openings.As a complete set, the bags stand out above all for how well they work together. Visually, they create a clean, unified look on the bike, with none of the bags appearing like an afterthought bolted on later. More importantly, Apidura have refined the areas where the previous generation fell short. The new handlebar mounting system has finally put an end to the old wobble, the Saddle Pack sits more calmly against the seatpost, and the Frame Pack holds its shape right through to the last litre of capacity. At just under 1,300 g for the full set, this is not a particularly lightweight setup, but every single piece clearly reflects its long-distance ambitions.Who are the Apidura Expedition Series bags the right choice for?The Apidura Expedition Series is aimed at anyone looking for a complete, well-matched system for multi-day bikepacking trips or full-on expeditions. It makes particular sense for long-distance riders: if you prioritise stability over minimum weight and want a robust, modular setup that can be expanded with accessories like the Cargo Mesh or additional packs, this is very much in its element.If, on the other hand, youre counting every gram or simply dont plan on tackling extended expeditions, you may be better served by more minimalist solutions such as the CYCLITE NANO series, which weve reviewed separately. Theres also no getting around the price, which puts the system firmly in the premium segment. Add to that the somewhat fiddly installation of the Handlebar Pack, which demands patience, especially in cold conditions. And if absolute waterproofing is your top priority, the Saddle Packs weak point is something youll want to keep in mind.Helmet Fizik Kyros | Glasses Oakley Encoder Strike Vented | Jersey Ryzon Venture Gravel Shirt Shorts Gobik Revolution Bib Short | Shoes Sidi Dominator XConclusionApidura have noticeably refined the Expedition Series. The new strapless handlebar mounting system holds the bag rock solid, finally putting an end to the old wobble, even if fitting and removing it can still feel fiddly in cold conditions or with tired hands. The Saddle Pack also sits far more securely than before, yet it commits one error thats hard to overlook: of all places, its the bag meant to keep your sleeping bag dry in the rain that still lets water in. At this price point, that flaw feels avoidable, and it dents an otherwise strong overall impression.TopsNew strapless handlebar mounting system, clean in design and rock solid in useSaddle Pack sits securely and stays stable on rough terrainFrame Pack retains its shape even when fully loadedFlopsSaddle Pack is not fully waterproofHandlebar Pack mounting and removal remains fiddly in practiceFor more information, visit apidura.comDer Beitrag Apidura Expedition Series on Review: Does the Latest Generation Deliver on Its Promises? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The transfer market continues to move and another signing has been made official this Tuesday morning. UAE Team Emirates - XRG are one of the key teams in the peloton and every rider that goes in or out is worked to the minor detail. The new has revealed its new rider: Marco Frigo. The move had pre...

Its Tuesday, drops of water are finally falling from the sky (at least where I am), and Ryan Mallons back with a suitably cooler, damper iteration of your favourite cycling live blog

Continental has added a 32mm width to its Aero 111 aerodynamic front tyre range.The Aero 111 was previously available in only two widths: 26mm and 29mm. It was developed with Swiss Side and DT Swiss, and can be bought ready-fitted to some DT Swiss and Swiss Side performance wheelsets.It's specced in a 26mm width on some Canyon Aeroad bikes.Its a front-wheel specific tyre, with its vortex generator slotted tread pattern claimed to delay flow separation around the tyre and wheel, thus reducing aerodynamic drag and enhancing the sailing effect. Its typically paired with the Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR rear tyre, which itself is now available in widths up to 35mm. The Aero 111's 48 vortex generators are claimed to delay flow separation at the front wheel. George Scott / Our Media When it launched the Aero 111 in July 2024, Continental claimed it was up to 18 watts faster than the Grand Prix 5000 S TR. It has seen action with a number of Tour de France squads who ride Continental tyres, although the GP 5000 TT TR has taken over as the preferred tyre both front and rear for many riders, including Tadej Pogaar, for its lower weight and rolling resistance.According to Hannah Ferle, road product manager at Continental Tyres: The Aero 111 has already proven the benefits of advanced airflow management but this additional width allows us to bring those same aerodynamic gains and crosswind-taming technologies to the modern road cyclist who refuses to compromise on comfort. Tadej Pogaar prefers the GP 5000 TT TR even on his road bike. Simon von Bromley / Our Media When it developed the Aero 111, Conti claimed the aerodynamics were significantly better than competitors at higher yaw angles and that the tyre improved handling due to reduced, more consistent force on the front wheel and tyre.With the ever-broadening tyre widths preferred by many non-pro riders and compatibility with many modern frames, it makes sense for Conti to offer a wider Aero 111, enabling riders to gain aerodynamically as well as in ride comfort.The 32mm tyre has the same 48 vortex generator slots as the narrower tyres and Continental says its as durable and fast, notwithstanding the greater frontal surface area. Continental claimed a significant sailing effect for the Aero 111 at higher yaw angles when it launched the tyre. Continental / DT Swiss / Swiss Side Continental isnt the only brand with an aero tyre option, with Pirelli claiming its P Zero Race TLR SL-R was the most aero available when it launched its new tyre earlier in 2026. Its currently only sold in 28mm and 30mm widths a 32mm is on its way later this year.Cadex, too, launched an aero tyre this February , the cunningly named Cadex Aero. It is also available in 28mm and 30mm widths, while Schwalbe has the front/rear-wheel specific Pro One Aero pairing, sold in 28mm width only. Continental launched a limited-edition tan sidewall Aero 111 for the Tour de France, but the 32mm tyre will be sold in black only. Continental While Conti recently launched a Tour de France limited-edition tan sidewall version of the 29mm Aero 111, its sticking to black only with the new 32mm width. The tyre uses the same BlackChili compound and Vectran breaker layer as the brands Grand Prix 5000 performance tyres and, as with other widths, its tubeless-ready and compatible with hookless rims within the ETRTO guidelines.Conti quotes a 310g per tyre weight for the 32mm-width Aero 111 tyre, versus 280g for the 29mm and 250g for the 26mm tyre. The recommended retail price is 113.95 / $140.94 / 128.95. .