UPDATED October 15, 2026 BY The TDA Team IN Istanbul Express no comments A Fantastic Once In A Lifetime Adventure! 2026 Istanbul Express Rider ReviewsThe 2026 Istanbul Express Cycling Tour from Paris, France to Istanbul, Trkiye is our second longest running adventure, having begun way back in 2005. Each time the riders experience the thrill of pedalling through 8 amazing European countries and each time we ask them -How did it go?A fantastic once in a lifetime adventure. We did this as a 30th wedding anniversary trip and it was truly memorable. Mick Dunne (Australia)Epic, adventurous, challenges one to test their limits. Rachel Chandler (Canada)It was the experience of a lifetime. Great, if warm, summer riding; Beautiful variety of scenery and cultures; just the right amount of challenge (I did more climbing than I have ever done in my life, and it was OK!). Well taken care of and would do it again in a heartbeat. Matt Gallagher (USA)We felt like we were riding through a postcard some days. Tammy Dunne (Australia)If I had done it on my own I would never have; travelled through Romania and crossed the Transfgran Highway (an awesome experience), I would never have stayed in the superb hotels that TDA organiszed for us, I would never have found the numerous gravel roads that bypassed the busy road sections and I would never have met all the truly awesome people that were on the TDA tour. David Turnbull (UK)My experience left me wanting more! I had never considered this type of adventure but after my experience on the Istanbul express I looking for ways to make more trips like this a priority in the future. April Gutzwiller (USA)RELATEDTOURIstanbul Express It was in 1889 that the original Orient Express train completed the Paris to Istanbul route for the first time. Our cycling version of the Orient... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "A Fantastic Once In A Lifetime Adventure! 2026 Istanbul Express Rider Reviews" Cancel reply

Jonas Vingegaard's challenge at the 2026 Tour de France ended with the Dane 4:30 behind Tadej Pogacar, but Davide Piganzoli says Team Visma | Lease a Bike were still racing for yellow rather than protecting second place when their leader crashed out on stage 15. Until Jonas was out of the race, we...

CyclistThe 10 best moments in the mens WorldTour seasonWith the arrival of the Tour of Guangxi comes the closing act of the 2026 WorldTour season. It has been an action packed year, with plenty to talk about, whether it be the exploits of young stars Paul Seixas and Isaac del Toro, Enric Mas winning the Vuelta a Espaa, or Monumental victories.To cap off 2026, Ive looked back on the season and selected my ten best pro cycling moments from the year.10. Matthew Brennan goes crazy in SpainUnipublic / Cxcling / Miguel EnaVisma-Lease a Bikes Matthew Brennan was a man unleashed at the Vuelta a Espaa in a ferocious partnership alongside mentor Wout van Aert. Riding in his debut Grand Tour and with the team sidestepping general classification focus, it was full steam ahead for stage wins. Brennan thrived over the hilly parcours, claiming his first victory on Stage 2, doubling up on Stage 5, winning another on Stage 11 and then going back-to-back on Stages 16 and 17.It was a dominant performance from a man only 21 years old. What can he achieve in 2027?9. Afonso Eulliois breakout star of the Giro dItaliaTim de Waele/Getty ImagesBahrain Victorious lost their main man early in the Giro dItalia with Santiago Buitrago abandoning on Stage 2. That, however, would allow Afonso Eullioto thrive. The Portuguese man made the breakaway on Stage 5, finishing second on the day to UAE Team Emirates XRGs Igor Arrieta in a hectic finale which saw both riders hit the ground, and Eullio rose 30 places in the standings to pull on the maglia rosa.His reign lasted a while, shining in pink over Blockhaus and the Colle alle Scale then towards the races northernmost point in Verbania. It was only a matter of time before Jonas Vingegaard inherited the lead though, taking control on Stage 17, but Eulliomanaged to remain nestled inside the top ten to finish the race sixth overall and win the white jersey. 8. Mikel Landa still has itUnipublic / Cxcling / Antonio BaixauliMikel Landa waved goodbye to the WorldTour in style. Before his return home to ProTeam Euskaltel-Euskadi next year, he rode his final Grand Tour for Soudal Quick-Step at the Vuelta a Espaa. The road was running out for him to make his mark, but he made his move on the penultimate day the Queen Stage.Landa worked his way to the front of the breakaway and made his decisive move with 7km to go, riding clear for victory. He said after the finish that it was my last chance I didnt want to let it slip through my fingers. I thought of my children. I couldnt go home like that. And if one day they see this and understand it, Id like them to know that you must never give up.Unc still has it, even during a year that saw him fracture his pelvis after being hit by the medical car at Itzulia Basque Country. 7. Peloton unites at Il Lombardia and Paris-ToursXavier PereyronRider safety came to the forefront once again in 2026. After the death of Finlay Tarling following a non-race vehicle getting on the course at the Volta a Portgual, a number of near misses at Sauerlandrundfahrt and Coppa Bernocchi, and a police motorbike colliding with two members of Pinarello Q36.5 while driving the wrong way during Tre Valli Varesine prompted action.Riders remained still while the flag dropped at Il Lombardia. Remco Evenepoel was given a microphone to voice the riders concerns, saying, We lost the life of a brother and of a colleague, so we want to make this statement to show to the world that we cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying in what we like the most to do. This is why we want to spend five minutes to make our statement towards organisations, to the public, to everybody that is following cycling, because we cannot accept the fact that people are dying.The following day at Paris-Tours, the peloton also delayed the start of racing with Netcompany Ineoss Dorian Godon speaking. It was incredible to witness the peloton so united and taking a stand for their safety, despite the circumstances that necessitated the action. Lets hope this prompts some serious changes and fast especially given another car also found its way on course at the recent Eneco Tour.6. Paul Seixas wins first MonumentXavier PereyronThe stratospheric rise of Decathlon CMA CGMs Paul Seixas continues. He only turned 20 last month, but hed already raced to second place behind Tadej Pogaar at Strade Bianche and Lige-Bastogne-Lige, winning La Flche Wallonne between, and finished an impeccable fourth in his debut Tour de France. But with Pogaar out of action for the last Monument of the season, Seixas stepped up to the plate. Fresh off his disappointment from the World Championships, the Frenchman attacked on the Civiglio for an 18km solo attack to glory, becoming the youngest rider to ever win Il Lombardia.5. Pidcock vs Pogaar at Milan-San RemoTim de Waele/Getty ImagesMilan-San Remo is an interesting Monument. Nothing major happens for hours and then suddenly all the action picks up in the final half an hour. But its exactly that lengthy dilly dally that allows the crescendo to be something truly magical.This year saw a showdown between two-time winner Mathieu van der Poel and Pogaar, who was yet to tack the race onto his enormous palmars. Both would be involved in a crash on the approach to the Cipressa that really set the cat amongst the pigeons. They managed to reemerge at the front of the pack near the summit and break away alongside Pinarello-Q36.5s Tom Pidcock.Pogaar then attacked on the Poggio. Van der Poel was dropped, Pidcock clung on. As the sprint loomed on the Via Roma, there in the distance came Wout van Aert, and behind him the sprinters wanting their moment. The sprint began. Pogaar. Pidcock. PogaarIt was Pogaar who claimed the once-dubbed sprinters Monument in the most electric finish of the year. Whether he comes back to the race now hes won is yet to be seen. All eyes are likely on Paris-Roubaix instead.4. Isaac del Toro in shock at Tour de France triumphA.S.O./Thomas MaheuxIsaac del Toro became the first Mexican since Ral Alcal to win a Tour de France stage with his victory on Stage 2. On a day that had murmurs of Pogaar eyeing the maillot jaune from eternal rival Jonas Vingegaard given the 12-second gap and punchy finish on the Montjuccircuit, it was his young protg at UAE Team Emirates XRG that took the spotlight.Initially leading out Pogaar, Del Toro set a blistering pace but it quickly became clear that his leader was not following his wheel, instead leaving a slight gap and constantly checking where the other riders were. As they crossed the line Del Toro appeared in shock with his hands on his helmet as he ended a 36-year drought and did so wearing the flag of his country on his chest.3. Enric Mas catches Tadej PogaarLuis Gomez - Pool/Getty ImagesOnly a few men in recent history have been able to reel in Pogaar once he sets off on one of his blistering attacks. Enric Mas joined this tiny club on Stage 6 of the Vuelta a Espaa. Movistars GC man did the unthinkable when he caught Pogaar on the Puerto El Bartolo and passed him at the summit. It was a phenomenal sight, and Mas took charge on the decent too, warning Pogaar to slow down. This advice wasnt heeded by Pogaar who soon went off-road into the grass.Despite having a subpar season beforehand, Mas was rejuvenated on home roads he has four podiums there, after all and inherited the red jersey following Pogaars abandonment on Stage 8. He remained in the lead throughout the remaining two weeks to claim his first Grand Tour overall win.2. Montmartre delights once again Xavier PereyronMontmartre returned in all its glory to the finale of the Tour de France. 2025 had set an electric precedent. 2026 packed an even bigger punch.Despite being a shortened affair down to 88km, the day still brought three ascents of the punchy climb in front of roaring fans. It was the man decked out in yellow Pogaar that caused the decisive split on the second ascent, drawing out Van der Poel and later being joined by green jersey Mads Pedersen as well as Remco Evenepoel. This quartet was reeled back in but Van der Poel and Pogaar later went again on the final lap.The fight to the line was a brutal one. Sprint teams had them in their sights. The last bend released them all onto the Champs-lyses. It looked like it was all over. The gap closed to a matter of centimetres. Van der Poel persisted. Pogaar was swallowed by the bunch. The Dutchman somehow prevailed, collapsing in exhaustion after his win any more road and his hopes wouldve gone up in smoke.To make things sweeter for the Alpecin-Premier Tech squad, it was Van der Poels teammate Jaser Philipsen who finished second.1. Wout van Aert wins Paris-RoubaixXavier PereyronThe past two seasons have not been the kindest to Wout van Aert. Ever since he crashed out of the Vuelta during the final week in 2024 while leading both the mountains and points classifications, its as though hes been dealt more than his fair share of bad luck. He fractured his ankle at Exact Cross Mol to begin 2026 on a sour note, returning just prior to the Classics where he raced to third at Milan-San Remo, second at Dwars door Vlaanderen and fourth at the Tour of Flanders.It was a familiar tune for a man unable to sniff victory in the Classics since Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne in 2024. His first and only Monument came six years prior in 2020. It had been a long period for almosts either he came second and missed out on victory or arrived in fourth and couldnt reach the podium.Then along came Paris-Roubaix. It was a typically hectic edition that reminds us why we love its brutality. Van Aert and Pogaar suffered early mechanicals, with Pogaar having to briefly ride on a neutral bike before his team car caught up with him. The Slovenian was aiming to complete the Monument set with just the Hell of the North missing from his palmars. Defending champion Van der Poel was there and firing until he wasnt.The Troue dArenbergwas the dramatic setting that ruled Van der Poel out of contention in his hunt for a record-tying fourth cobblestone. He was forced to pull to the side after puncturing and while Philipsen lent him his bike, he then couldnt clip into the pedals with his teammate on new Shimano prototypes. Tibor Del Grosso changed Van der Poels front wheel, however he then punctured again on the same stretch of pav. Sheer chaos.Van Aert returned to the front group on a new bike having suffered mechanical problems of his own in the final 60km. Behind, Van der Poel was doing everything to close the gap, coming within 20 seconds. Van Aert made his move to slice the group down to three contenders, riding alongside Pogaar and Mads Pedersen, who would then be left behind on the next section of cobbles.Pogaar attempted to distance Van Aert on the Carrefour de lArbre but the Belgian clung on. Down the distance ticked, cobbled sectors flew by, and the duo entered the cauldron of the velodrome for a fast finish to the chime of the bell. Van Aert hit the front in the last half a lap. Pogaar couldnt match his power. Van Aert dedicated the win to former Vrandas WillemsCrelan teammate Michael Goolaerts, who died at the age of 23 during the 2018 edition of Paris-Roubaix. The post The 10 best moments in the mens WorldTour season appeared first on Cyclist.

Building on their popular Camino all-roader, the new Sonder Rubicon is a titanium gravel-plus bike they call the Goldilocks of mixed terrain. Learn more about the UK brands latest model hereThe post Check out the Titanium Sonder Rubicon Gravel+ Adventure Bike appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Ornot made a name for itself with its high-quality, technical, minimally-branded cycling apparel that doesnt make you look like a rolling billboard. The latest addition to the lineup is the brand-new Fog Eater Hooded Rain Jacket, a fitting name, considering Ornot is based in often-foggy San Francisco, California. Its made with a 3L Pertex Shield fabric, boasts 20k/20k waterproof/breathability, and packs into its own pocket when not in use. Lets take a look.Ornot Fog Eater Hooded Rain Jacket DetailsOrnot tells us that the Fog Eater was inspired by a mountaineering shell and adapted for the bike. First and foremost, its a rain jacket, and its made with a 3-layer Pertex Shield fabric with fully taped seams and a PFC-free DWR to give it a 20k waterproof / 20k breathability rating. At just 87gsm, this fabric also helps keep it lightweight, and the jacket weighs a claimed 280 grams in size medium.Ornot says the Fog Eater has a slim but slightly relaxed fit designed to layer underneath and still perform on the bike, but is relaxed enough to not look out of place with a pair of pants. The cycling-oriented fit includes a shorter cut in the front, a dropped tail for extra coverage in the back, and articulated arms for comfort in the riding position. Its got a drawcord hem and a three-way adjustable hood thats designed to fit under a helmet when you need to seal out the elements.The Fog Eater has a 2-way front zipper to vent from the top or bottom or access your jersey pockets. It also features internal drop pockets, a zippered rear pocket, plus two zippered hand warmer pockets. The left hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack, and the jacket packs down to a 6 x 6 pouch when you arent wearing it. And like any good cycling apparel, the Fog Eater has reflective details to make you visible when youre cutting through the fog.Specs and Features87 gsm 3-layer Pertex Shield, 20K waterproof / 20K breathableFully taped seams, PFC-free DWR280 grams (size medium)Packs into its own pocket3-point adjustable hood w/ rain peak, fits under helmetAdjustable hemHand warmer pockets (left pocket is a stuff sack)Internal drop pockets, zippered rear pocketReflective detailsSizes:Mens XS XXLWomens: XS XLColors:Mens: Stone Green / CitronWomens: CitronPricing and AvailabilityThe Fog Eater Hooded Rain Jacket retails for $325 and is available now direct from Ornot. Head to the Ornot website to learn more, or check out their full line of cycling and lifestyle apparel, most of which is made in the USA.ornotbike.com

Jakob Sderqvist had just produced another major statement against the clock at the 2026 Eneco Tour when the conversation in Tilburg turned towards Filippo Ganna. Two days after narrowly winning the opening prologue in The Hague, Sderqvist was a much clearer winner over Thursday's longer 13.5-kilom...

CyclistHow cycling legends were born: Sagan three-peats at the WorldsIts the morning of 16th October 2016 and the cycling world is in Doha, Qatar, readying itself for the final event of the Road World Championships the mens road race. It has been a tough week for the UCI, with questions asked over why the championships have been brought here at all. The heat has been incessant and roadside support sparse. Local engagement has been virtually non-existent even the taxi drivers are seemingly unaware there is a World Championships happening in their city. With one race to go it feels like this is a Worlds that needs saving.From the Aspire Zone, a vast sports complex in Doha, 199 riders roll out for the 257km mens race, heading north into the desert. The wind is blowing and everyone knows the key part of the race will come early, after 75km or so, when the route turns south towards the finishing circuit on Pearl Island.With a small break up the road, the peloton starts to ride furiously as it approaches the right-hand turn back to the city. The pace is high, like the leadout to a sprint finish, as riders battle to secure positioning. Gaps appear, with riders left behind desperately trying to reconnect. Everyone knew this would be a crucial moment, but knowing it and doing something about it are two different things.The Belgium team drives the move hard alongside Italy as a cross-tailwind causes carnage. A group of 20 or so riders forms at the front, and although there is still 150km to go it seems clear the winner will come from this group. Tom Boonen is there, as are Mark Cavendish, Michael Matthews and Alexander Kristoff. So too is the reigning World Champion, Slovakias Peter Sagan. He was one of the last riders to make the group after the key turn in the desert. That was the first victory of the day, he will later say.Once on Pearl Island the riders face 15 laps of a technical 7.2km circuit. The front groups lead is around one minute and will grow as the kilometres click by and as the bell rings for the final lap 21 riders remain in contention. Tom Leezer of the Netherlands makes a solo bid but is brought back as the final sprint winds up with 300m to go.Sagan times his move perfectly. He goes to the right while Cavendish goes left. It is tight; Sagan risks being squeezed out on the barrier, but the Slovak makes it through to beat Cavendish to the line. They are followed by Boonen, the Belgian rounding out a podium of the highest quality.After the presentation Sagan walks into the media conference wearing the rainbow jersey he has just defended. Charisma oozes from him. He stops to watch a TV replay of the finish, grins and points to the screen. The mood has lifted. Doha has its saviour.I think maybe it was destiny, he says. It doesnt happen every day that I can win a sprint like this. He smiles. Everybody is happy again.Peter Sagan celebrates his hat-trick after a narrow win over home favourite Alexander Kristoff in Bergen, Norway, at the 2017 World Championships.GettyThree is the magic numberSagan had claimed his first Worlds title 12 months earlier in Richmond, USA, breaking away in the last couple of kilometres. In Doha, Sagan became only the sixth man to successfully defend the title, joining Georges Ronsse (1928/29), Rik Van Steenbergen (1956/57), Rik Van Looy (1960/61), Gianni Bugno (1991/92) and Paolo Bettini (2006/07). Only four men had ever won three titles in total (Alfredo Binda, Van Steenbergen, Eddy Merckx and scar Freire), and none had won them in succession, which meant that at the 2017 Worlds, Sagan had an opportunity to make history.The 2017 mens race started in the village of Rong, some 27km northwest of the host city of Bergen, Norway, and culminated with 12 laps of a 19km circuit that took in the 1.5km Salmon Hill. In the build-up Sagan was among the fancied riders, along with home favourites Alexander Kristoff and Edvald Boasson Hagen and Belgian pair Greg Van Avermaet and Philippe Gilbert. But then disaster struck.Sagan had planned to arrive in Bergen ten days before the event but had been struck down with flu, forcing him to spend days off the bike. He was still at home in Monaco just two days before the race when he was also hit with a stomach upset.Suffice to say it was not the preparation Id had in mind going into one of the highlights of the racing calendar, Sagan wrote in My World, before revealing he spent most of his flight north in the toilet.Still, the Slovak surprised his national teammates by making the start, and as the race progressed began to feel a little more like himself. As the final lap approached, Sagan had amazed himself by still being in the leading bunch of around 60.A UCI official starts clanging furiously at a big old brass bell to tell us there is one lap to go, Sagan wrote. Im suddenly acutely aware of the No.1 on my back. Its now four in the afternoon and Ive probably got about half an hour left as UCI World Champion.A flurry of moves came on the final climb of Salmon Hill. Frances Julian Alaphilippe attacked and Italys Gianni Moscon eventually followed, making for a dangerous break with around 10km to go. Behind, the group was chasing and with 5km left the pairs lead was eight seconds over the pursuing bunch, with a couple of riders Vasil Kiryienka and Lukas Pstlberger in between. With a little over 4km to go, Alaphilippe broke away from Moscon and set off alone and then the TV coverage dropped off.While fans, commentators and reporters struggled to find out what was happening, Sagan was finding the race equally confusing. As the sprint approached he knew that his group had caught Kiriyienka and Pstlberger but had no idea if Alaphilippe, Moscon and maybe others were still out front. Still, he readied himself for the final sprint: Worry about the position after.In fact Sagan and company had caught all the escapees. In the final kilometre there were 28 riders at the head of the race and Sagan knew whose wheel he had to find: Kristoff, the man who Norwegian fans lining the circuit were roaring on. With around 300m to go Kristoff hit the front with Sagan right behind. With 100m left Sagan came out from the wheel, drew alongside and then threw his bike across the line.At first the Slovak didnt know whod won. Then came the confirmation Sagan had it by less than half a wheel.I dont know, maybe its karma that I won, Sagan said afterwards. There are a lot of races in a year but this one is special. You need luck, its a lottery, it could have happened or maybe not.Sagan had achieved something remarkable, something unique.World Champion three times in a row, Sagan wrote in My World. One UCI rainbow jersey and gold medal in the Americas, one in the Middle East, one in Scandinavia. Nobody had ever done those things before.The post How cycling legends were born: Sagan three-peats at the Worlds appeared first on Cyclist.

By the early 1980s, Motobcane was one of Frances old guard. Like its compatriots Peugeot, Gitane, and Mercier, its bikes were still winning numerous races, but its glory days were numbered. None of these iconic brands survived the decade, driven to extinction by overseas competition and the incoming tide of new-fangled carbon fibre. French component manufacturers Simplex, Huret, Mafac, and Maillard suffered a similar fate, heralding the end of a Grand French Era for cycling brands.(Image credit: Future)Fortunately, such strife was too distant in the future to trouble Jean-Luc Vandenbroucke, as he won prologue after prologue for La RedouteMotobcane between 1980 and 1983. This large yet lithe beauty, a size 60cm 81 model, was his ride midway through his stint with the team.Its so wonderfully Gallic, says current owner Richard Hoddinott of vintage specialists The Velo Pages. Just as theres an expectation for Italian bikes to feature Campag, almost every peripheral component on this Motobcane is French the elegant 53t Stronglight chainset, the Simplex mechs and shifters, the Sachs Maillard 6-speed cassette, the Maillard 700 hubs and the Mavic Super Champion rims. Only the Cinelli cockpit, Selle Italia saddle and Weinmann 400 brakes are sourced from further afield.(Image credit: Future)Motobcane was renowned for its frame finishes, and this bike does not disappoint. The deep blue flam metallic paintwork, the chromed forks note the seamless Cinelli microfusion crown and the rear triangle sparkle as if theyve been dusted with diamonds.(Image credit: Future)After retiring from racing, Vandenbroucke built a successful career as a directeur sportif for Lotto, where he faced the heartbreaking challenge of coaching his troubled nephew, Frank Vandenbroucke. The French cycling industry fought back too, with brands such as Look, Lapierre and Van Rysel now commonplace in the pro peloton.