You would hardly ever find a more "up & down" career in the cyclocross world than that of British champion Cameron Mason. The 25-year-old has been on the brink of entering the discipline's upper echelon for many years now. But every time it seems like Mason's on the verge of a breakthrough, he falls...

The 2026 Etoile de Bessges will be taking place from the 4th to the 8th of February and is the first stage-race of the season in France, and one of the first in Europe. We preview stage 1, which is set to start at 12:40 and finish at 16:00CET. One of the cornerstone early-season stage races on the...

The 39-year-old Canadian retired from the WorldTour at the end of 2025 but says he still has "a few more years left in the tank"

Charges to release a seized scrambler are to be increased. Extended ban to make any use of scramble in parks and car parks illegal. It must be emphasised that using them on our roads is already illegal Department of Transport.Scramblers a type of off-road motorcycle are already illegal to use on public roads, the Department of Transport has confirmed this afternoon after continued misleading media coverage about the devices. The confusion comes after highent focus on scrmabers follow how 16-year-old Grace Lynch was killed when she was struck by a scrambler in Finglas on January 25th.Some of the confusion seems to stem from political journalists and generalist reporters misinterpreting statements about adding extra clarity to the law on scramblers as meaning this will be the first time scramblers are banned, even on public roads.Some media reports also seem to confuse a public road with a public place. Most scramblers in use, which are designed for off-road use, are already effectively banned on public roads, but the Department wants to add certainty for enforcement around public places such as parks or car parks where Gardai can currently only seize scooters if they are being driven dangerously.The Department said that following a meeting of senior political leaders convened by the Taoiseach, Michel Martin, on January 28th, the Minister for Transport will present proposals to Cabinet tomorrow outlining plans to fully ban the use of scramblers on public roads and in public places.The changes are expected to be in place in the coming weeks.A spokesperson at the Department of Transport said: To be clear, however, the vast majority of scrambler use outside of appropriate off-road settings is already illegal and Garda have the necessary enforcement powers to intervene based on existing legislation. New regulations will aim to deal with situations such as where a scrambler is being driven safely in a private car park, by making mere usage in that location illegal, and increase the financial charges to release a scrambler after it has been seized, helping to reduce the number that end up back on our roads.The Department of Transport spokesperson said: Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, a mechanically propelled vehicle such as a scrambler, can only be legally used in public places if it is registered, taxed, insured, roadworthy, and has a registration plate. The driver must hold the relevant driving licence. Most scramblers are designed for off-road use only and do not meet these requirements. Their use on the road is illegal.As most scramblers are designed for off-road use only and are unregistered, they cannot be taxed. Exercising powers made by regulation under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, An Garda Sochna has the power to seize vehicles being driven on public roads that have not been taxed or lack insurance, or where the driver does not hold the relevant driving licence, the Department said.When seized, Gardai have the power to dispose of the vehicle six weeks after the date of detention, provided two weeks notice of the intention to dispose is given.The Department of Transport outlined how the law was updated in 2023 to further strengthen the legal position and help tackle antisocial use of scramblers and other off-road vehicles.These changes were made in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, which included that it is now an offence to drive dangerously in any location, not just in public places, that Garda have the power to seize vehicles being driven dangerously, and that the Minister for Transport can make regulations to restrict certain vehicles or classes of vehicles in particular locations.The Department said that three provisions were commenced in July 2023, one month after the enactment of the Act.Since they were commenced, off-road scramblers are no longer just illegal for use in public places it is illegal to drive them dangerously anywhere, even on private land. More importantly, Garda have full powers to seize a scrambler being driven dangerously in any location, even where they believe it will be driven dangerously, and they can enter a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact, the spokesperson said.The Department said that the powers are being used, pointing to over 1,000 e-scooters, quad bikes and scramblers being seized since 2023.The spokesperson said: The above measures represent a comprehensive legislative response to the dangerous use of off-road scramblers, and it must be emphasised that using them on our roads is already illegal.Following the tragic death of Grace Lynch, we call on all scrambler users to obey these laws that are designed to ensure the safety of everyone. We ask family members to speak with those in their lives who may ride scramblers illegally, the spokesperson said.The Department said that anyone buying a scrambler should be aware that, unless you plan to use it exclusively for off-road purposes, such as farm work or not use it at all, there is no lawful reason to possess one.The Department said that it is now the intention of the Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien, to change the law and implement a total ban on scrambler use in public places, closing any potential edge cases where their use may previously have been legal.

For all the noise around his winter move, the accusations from his former boss, and the early victories in Mallorca, the clearest explanation for Remco Evenepoels switch to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe comes from the rider himself. Its possible to win the Tour de France one day, its my dream, Ev...

From the 4th to the 8th of February the World Tour peloton take on the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana. A race above many of its World Tour peers in terms of startlist, it features every year a whole array of starts looking to use the good weather and familiar roads to kick off their season. We preview...

Thats right, you read it correctly. Minnesotas Surly Bicycles wants you to up your daily fiber as they join the masses, and spec some carbon bits on the new 700c Black Cherry Fizz Midnight Special. Dont worry, if you prefer your Midnight Special with a steel fork and trusty aluminum hoops, come this Spring you can get that if you want. But, more on that at a later date.(Photos / Surly Bikes)We all know that Surlys been flyin the steel and steel only flag for jeez, almost 30 years now? But now theyre saying that just because steel is real, doesnt mean everything else is fake. I mean, thats always been the consensus among most cyclists, and I tend to agree. I dont think Surly has lost its core values and given in to the mindset that if you cant beat em, join em by adding some carbon fiber to the Midnight Special. Maybe some of the benefits of using carbon fiber bits on your bike are too compelling to continue to ignore. Anywho lets take a look.Black Cherry Fizz Midnight SpecialThe Black Cherry Fizz Midnight Special is the first bike in Surlys existence that has sported a carbon fiber fork and rims. And really, the Midnight Special is the best bike for the addition of a carbon fork and rims. The bike has always been marketed as a bike that was part hustle and part muscle. In Surlys words, a road bike that feels spirited on fresh pavement yet transitions smoothly into the seedy underbelly of road riding, where the asphalt crumbles away, and potholes threaten to throw you off-balance.Carbon fiber has an inherent ability to absorb road and trail chatter. Not to mention the materials crazy strength-to-weight ratio. You blend that crazy lightweight with less road and trail vibration, and you get more comfort and more speed while in the saddle.Tire clearance for weeks!The Surly Midnight Special uses Surlys tig-welded chromoly steel, Natch tubing, with a double-butted main triangle. The fork is the Salsa Waxwing carbon fork with an aluminum 1 1/8 steerer. It also sports a 402mm axle-to-crown measurement. It is specd with a Shimano 105 R7120 front and rear derailleur, as well as 105 50x34t double cranks, 105 shifter/brake levers, and 105 brake calipers. The cassette is a Shimano 105 R7101, 11-34t, 12-speed. Front and rear tires are the Teravail Rampart in 700c x 35mm, tubeless ready with sealant included. The Midnight Specials carbon rims are the new Teravail Circos. They are 700c, with a 25mm internal width and 24h front, and 28h rear. The front and rear hubs are DT Swiss 350 12100 thru-axle front and 12142 thru-axle rear.Claimed full bike weight for a 56cm is: 24lb 1oz. Midnight Special Geo*Measurements based on a 700c x 35 tire with an outside diameter of 695mm. Standover is measured from the top of the TT at the center.Size40cm46cm50cm54cm56cm58cm60cm64cmA. Effective Top Tube501.0521.0541.0556.0570.0585.0605.0625.0B. Stand Over706.0748.0779.0809.0830.0849.0868.0900.0C. Reach360.0363.0376.0386.0392.0402.0409.0421.0D. Stack533.0539.0546.0562.0581.0600.0621.0642.0E. Total Seat Tube Length400.0460.0500.0540.0560.0580.0600.0640.0F. Headtube Length95.0100.0110.0125.0140.0160.0180.0200.0G. Headtube Angle70.771.271.772.273.073.073.573.9H. Seat Tube Angle75.273.773.273.273.073.072.572.4I. BB Drop68.068.063.063.065.065.065.065.0J. BB Height280.0280.0285.0285.0283.0283.0283.0283.0K. Chainstay Length425.0425.0425.0425.0425.0425.0425.0425.0L. Fork Length Axle to Crown402.0402.0402.0402.0402.0402.0402.0402.0M. Fork Offset50.050.050.050.050.050.050.050.0N. Wheelbase996.0996.01009.01019.01022.01037.01046.01060.0Crank Arm Length165.0165.0170.0170.0170.0175.0175.0175.0Handlebar Width400.0400.0420.0440.0440.0460.0460.0460.0Recommended Rider Height147.0158.0155.0165.0163.0173.0168.0178.0173.0183.0178.0188.0185.0196.0193.0203.0Stem Length70.080.080.0100.0100.0120.0120.0120.0Frame & Fork ClearanceFrame clearance:27.5 x 2.35 (w/o fenders)700c x 42mm (w/o fenders)650b x 50 (w/ fenders)700c x 38mm (w/ fenders)Fork clearance:27.5 x 2.35 (w/o fenders)700c x 42mm (w/o fenders)650b x 50 (w/ fenders)700c x 38mm (w/ fenders)Retail & Frame DetailRetail: $Frame Construction: 4130 Chromoly, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, TIG welded, ED coatedFork Construction: Carbon fiberSuspension Fork Length (Travel): N/ARigid Fork Length: 402 x 50mmAxle to Crown: 402mmRear Spacing: 12 x 142mm (Surly axle included)10 x 135mm with Surly 10/12 Adapter Washers (not included)Rear Brake (Rotor): Flat-mount 140 (160mm max rotor), 25mm thick mountFront Brake (Rotor): Flat-mount 160 (160mm max rotor), 35mm thick mountHeadset Upper: ZS44/28.6Headset Lower: EC44Front Spacing: 12 x 100mmFront Axle Size: M12 x 120mm, TP=1.5, TL=12Steerer Tube: 28.6mm (1-1/8)Crown Race: Integrated SHIS 40, 36 angleSeatpost: 27.2mmDropper Post Compatible: NoSeatpost Clamp: 30mmFront Derailleur Type: Bottom-pull (28.6mm)Bottom Bracket: 68mm threaded (1.37 x 24TPI)Crankset (Max Ring)1x (Road): 44T2x (Road): 34/50T3x (Road): 30/39/50TAccessory Mounts: Downtube-mounted shifter bosses (cable housing stops not included with frameset)Bottle Mounts: 3 StandardFork Mounts: Two sets of Three-Pack Mounts. Rack mounts: low-riderFront Fender Mounts: YesRear Fender Mounts: YesCheck out more details at the Surly HQ by hitting the link below. SurlyBikes.comThe post Hell Freezes Over as Surly Midnight Special Gets Carbon Fork and Rims appeared first on Bikerumor.

The 2026 Etoile de Bessges will be taking place from the 4th to the 8th of February and will be the first stage-race of the season in France, and one of the first in Europe. The race features opportunities for the sprinters, classics riders and time trialists to perform. We take a look at the start...

The debate around Jonas Vingegaards 2026 calendar is no longer just a media talking point. It is now being openly questioned by former Tour de France winners and experienced insiders who know exactly what it takes to win in July. With the Dane set to ride the Giro dItalia for the first time before...

CyclistWould cyclocross be better off without Mathieu van der Poel?After a record-breaking eighth UCI Cyclocross World Championship victory over the weekend, Mathieu van der Poel has become the most successful rider in the events history.Now with 183 cyclocross victories under his belt, a record 51 UCI World Cup race victories and this eighth world title, Van der Poel is undoubtedly the greatest cyclocross rider to ever grace the muddy fields of northern Europe. However, after having supposedly completed cyclocross this season, the Dutchman is hinting at hanging up his mud-caked bike in the coming years.Without its 31-year-old talisman, the sport will be forced to navigate a new era, one that could either burn bright or see the discipline fall back into its niche category. So, as Van der Poel takes some time to rethink his options, lets take a step back and envision the sport post-MVDP.The prospect of closer racingUCIWhile Van der Poels mitre and dominance in cyclocross has been nothing short of spectacular in recent years, it has verged on being boring at times. In fact, he has only lost one race during the past three seasons, and that was down to a crash. His winning formula is now tried and tested, often seeing him spending an hour on his own off the front after going clear during the first lap.If youre sitting down to watch a cyclocross race with the hope of seeing some close competition throughout, youve largely been out of luck when a rainbow jersey is on the start line. Since the demise of close rival Wout van Aerts own cyclocross career in the past three years, the season has felt like a series of exhibition races once Van der Poel sails away to an insurmountable lead.Without him, the hierarchy opens up. The competition between the likes of Tibor del Grosso, Thibau Nys, Michael Vantourenhout, Niels Vandeputte and Toon Aerts creates the prospect of far more entertaining and volatile battles in the future. It means we can look forward to more classic cat-and-mouse moments, final lap blitzes and overall intrigue throughout the race.As a bonus, the World Cup could reclaim its relevance without riders needing to worry about an impending Van der Poel hammering. That psychological blow must have weighed heavily on the bunch since his dominance began, so a Van der Poel-less bunch could see riders regain some confidence.The man making the sport globalGaetan FlammeWhile the watchability of cyclocross races may increase without Van der Poel, there is a flip-side to his dominance.The Dutchman has an unparalleled star power in the sport. Id even say he has almost grown bigger than cyclocross itself, particularly on an international level outside of the traditional Benelux market. Clips featuring the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider go viral each weekend and headlines featuring his name are bound to get far more traction than those of any other cyclocross racer. As a result, his fame has transcended cyclings traditional realm.The Dutchman has wrangled in new viewers to the sport, whether they know his name from the road or mountain biking. The proof of this is evident in YouTube views and social media impressions. For example, on TNT Sports YouTube channel which accrued the highest view counts for any highlights packages on the site races featuring Van der Poel this season received an average of 158,000 views in comparison to the Van der Poel-less figure of 57,000. In other words, views almost tripled when the Dutch superstar was racing.In an age of clippable moments and social media virality, losing a star like Van der Poel could certainly damage cyclocross reach, both online and on TV. Not only that, but ticket sales at races may also suffer if fewer people find the sport or connect a star like Van der Poel to its very existence, particularly at races outside of Benelux.I can testify to this with my own experience, having attended the World Cup in Benidorm last month. Van der Poel received an unprecedented amount of attention on the side of the course, with some spectators only deciding to turn up thanks to the promise of a Van der Poel cameo. In fact, ticket sales at the Benidorm World Cup round increased in 2026 in comparison to 2025 when Van der Poel decided to skip the Spanish event. Related Posts Pro Log: Van der Poel and Brand win CX Worlds; Tour and Vuelta wildcards announced; Finucane breaks 200m world record Pro race history: Mathieu van der Poels first Tour de France stage win Pro bike: Mathieu van der Poel's Paris-Roubaix 2025 Canyon Aeroad The kids are alrightUCI CXIf the current vacuum of stars in cyclocross is a worry, feel reassured by the prospects of Del Grosso and Nys. Like a carbon copy of the Van der Poel/Van Aert duo entering the sport a decade ago, the pair are exciting talents with both personality and star power. Nys, of course, has a poetic connection to his father Sven, while Del Grosso posts videos on his YouTube channel and offers Gen Z quips over on social media. Together, they are the perfect torchbearers for cyclocross going forward.Like Van der Poel and, in fairness, Van Aert and Tom Pidcock the pair have also crosspollenated onto the road, helping them to build a bigger name than many of their cyclocross-exclusive contemporaries. Nys has already picked up WorldTour wins, for example, while Del Grosso, as the heir to Van de Poels Dutch throne, has targetted a big Classics programme in 2026. We await his ascendancy on the tarmac, but lets not forget that it took Van der Poel four years to claim his first WorldTour win despite picking up a first rainbow jersey in cyclocross back in 2015.Perhaps their success on the road could bring extra eyes to cyclocross once they switch focus in the winter. After the era of Van der Poel and Van Aert, it would be good to keep up this synergy between the two disciplines, particularly in terms of international reach.Where does the sport go forward?Billy Ceusters/Getty ImagesLets get one thing clear. Van der Poel hasnt fully made up his mind on retirement. He told the press the other day that he still has time, while also hinting that it would not be a bad idea to skip a winter. Of course, there are financial considerations, with each World Cup appearance offering at least 5,000 in cash. Throw in a potential tenth world title in 2028 on home roads in Hoogerheide, the hometown of his father, and we could be premature to think that Van der Poel is ready to bow out.To be honest, the sport probably needs him to stay in the loop for now. His star power is vital for cyclocrosss growth, and its obvious just how much attention he brings to the sport, which has historically been dominated by Belgians. He keeps the sport relevant, and he elevates its appeal to a broader audience, who are not guaranteed to stay on board if he were to retire.That said, the seeds have already been sewn for cyclocrosss next phase through the emergence of captivating characters in Del Grosso and Nys. Their youthful energy is engaging online audiences and seeing their personal appeal expand internationally. As a duo, they offer a new rivalry for cyclocross to build on in the years to come, which is exactly what the sport needs.For most long-time cyclocross fans, names like Sven Nys, Niels Albert and Mathieu van der Poel are the legends of the sport that we remember. If either Tibor del Grosso or Thibau Nys can join those ranks, cyclocross is in safe hands.The post Would cyclocross be better off without Mathieu van der Poel? appeared first on Cyclist.