It's Tuesday, and both Ryan and Callum are taking a well-earned break... which means the B Team in the form of Jack Sexty will be blogging you through the day

The 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift broke TV records in its host country, fuelling calls for the whole race to be broadcast in full.The fifth edition of the race boasted a 32.9% audience share on average in France, meaning almost a third of TV viewers were tuned into the race, which was won by Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez).The data, released by host broadcaster France Tlvisions on Monday, showed that the Tour had captured more of the TV audience, with the 2025 race averaging a 31.6% share. As many as 23.2 million French people watched at least a minute of the race. The daily average of viewers for the Tour de France Femmes was down slightly, with 2.6 million viewers a day rather than 2.7 million, but that can be partly attributed to a lack of Pauline Ferrand-Prvot in the yellow jersey. The French Visma-Lease a Bike rider did not start stage eight after a disappointing defence of her title.All these records were despite only three of the nine stages being given full broadcasts stages one, five and nine with hours missing from the the starts of the remaining six stages.Data for the rest of the world is yet to be released, but it is proof that the Tour has already become a big part of the French sporting calendar; the men's Tour de France averaged 35.1% of audience share over its 21 stages, with every stage broadcast in full.The peak viewership came on Friday 7 August's stage seven, when Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney stormed to a historic victory atop Mont Ventoux. An average audience share of 41.5% tuned in, with the viewers topping at 5.1 million; this stage was not broadcast in full, and was on a Friday.Sunday's final stage saw a peak of 3.5 million people in France, with a 35.8% audience share watching Vollering complete her challenge in Nice. Last week, race director Marion Rousse told Cycling Weekly that she and the race organiser, ASO, were giving serious consideration to broadcasting the race in full.Whats certain is that Ive discussed this at length with France Tlvisions [who produce the broadcast for the race, commissioned by ASO], and were giving serious consideration to broadcasting all the stages in full in the future because the women deserve it, and because it works well in terms of audience figures, Rousse said.Were currently giving it real consideration, which is a step forward. Things are moving in the right direction.

Tadej Pogacar might well be the biggest star in world cycling after winning five Tour de France titles, but at the Tour de France Femmes, he describes himself as Urska's fiance. The UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider is in a long-term relationship with the AG Insurance - Soudal rider, who competed at th...

Comfortable, relaxed jersey for all-day rides, but the pockets can sag a little

The SHAVE forms the core of ROSEs new road platform, fusing aerodynamics with an endurance riding position. Can the Bocholt-based brand bring pro-level aero performance within reach of every ambitious rider? We put the ROSE SHAVE through its paces.Rose Shave | 7.84 kg in Size M | 5,200 | Manufacturers websiteOut with the old categories! For the 2026 model year, ROSE BIKES are shaking up the foundations of the traditional road bike market, with the aim of sending conventional endurance bikes into retirement. The outgoing REVEAL makes way for a new philosophy: the ROSE SHAVE.With their new AergoConcept (Aerodynamics + Ergonomics, if youre wondering), ROSE are trying to bridge between the worlds of aerodynamics and comfort. The frames wind tunnel-optimised tube shapes are designed to minimise drag, while the geometry, with a noticeably higher stack, puts you in a more upright riding position than you would be able to achieve on an aero-optimised race bike.The result is intended to be a clean all-in-one platform that looks every bit as sporty as the aggressive SHAVE FFX race bike, while the higher stack puts you in a noticeably more upright riding position. With clearance for 36 mm tyres, the SHAVE also gives you a little more room to play with than classic road bikes.We were able to put the bike through its paces for several weeks, hammering it across tarmac and smooth gravel roads to find out how much of the SHAVE FFXs race DNA really carries over to this bike, where the setup reaches its limits, and who the concept ultimately works for.Reinventing the All-in-One Bike? The ROSE SHAVE in DetailExpecting a fugly endurance bike with an oversized head tube? Think again. The SHAVE looks every inch a road bike, with a sporty silhouette and clean lines. The clever bit lies in the details. Aerodynamic optimisation is no longer reserved exclusively for long, low race bikes. Quite the opposite: a more upright position is easier to sustain, opens up the hip angle, and takes pressure off your lower back. The SHAVE takes this idea to its logical conclusion, starting with the frame.Aerodynamic silhouette, more stack: the long head tube puts you in a more upright position, without compromising the bikes sporty look.The 36 mm tire clearance is certainly up to date, even if its now almost standard for modern endurance bikes. It doesnt offer any real added value for gravel riding.At its heart is a frameset developed in a virtual wind tunnel. While its more extreme sibling, the SHAVE FFX, relies on a lower stack and narrow cockpit, the standard SHAVE takes a slightly more realistic approach for most road riders. The 36 mm tire clearance fits the concept perfectly: enough room for rough tarmac and the odd gravel track, without pretending to have off-road capabilities. We think this is just the right amount of freedom to give a road bike, increasing versatility without compromising handling and performance.Those who prioritise maximum lightness over wide tires should take a closer look at the weight. In our test setup with SRAM Force AXS, the SHAVE tips the scales at 7.84 kg. For an endurance road bike in this price range, thats not bad, but its no featherweight. Riders after something more uncompromising should look to the racier SHAVE FFX: the top model with SRAM RED AXS comes in at 6.66 kg. For an extra 3,300, you can save yourself 1.2 kg.When it comes to price, ROSE are as competitive as ever, structuring the range clearly around intended use. The Shimano 105 Di2 model marks the entry point into the new platform at 3,600. Our SHAVE Force AXS test bike changes hands for 5,200, placing it directly below the uncompromising FF race series, which starts at 5,600.The understated matt Supersonic Grey finish of our test bike reinforces the clean concept, though like the rest of the largely grey colour palette across the other model variants, it keeps a fairly low profile.No Compromises: the ROSE SHAVE SpecWhile many competitors in this price bracket still skimp on the power meter, ROSE dont do things by halves here. Every build comes with a single-sided power meter as standard, from the 105 Di2 entry-level model at 3,600 to our test bike at 5,200. For the drivetrain, ROSE rely on SRAM Force AXS, with a 212 setup. The combination of 46/33 t chainrings and a 10-33 t cassette gives you a well-balanced gear range, with enough top-end for fast riding on the flats, and plenty in reserve for steeper terrain.Rose Shave 2026 5,200SpecificationsSeatpost Rose Shave D-ShapedBrakes SRAM FORCE AXS 160/140 mmDrivetrain SRAM Force AXS 2 x 12Chainring 46/33 TStem ROSE Shave Cockpit 100 mmHandlebar ROSE Shave Cockpit 390 mmWheelset Newmen Advanced A.50 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Continental Grand Prix TR 700 x 32cCranks SRAM FORCE AXS Power Meter 170 mmCassette SRAM FORCE XG-1270 10-33TTechnical DataSize XS S M ML L XLWeight 7,84 kgSpecific FeaturesSingle-Sided Power Meter IncludedHigher Stack Compared to the Shave FFX36 mm Tyre ClearanceIntegrated CockpitOur test bike rolls on NEWMEN Advanced A.50 carbon wheels, with 50 mm deep rims. Theyre paired with 32 mm Continental Grand Prix TR tyres in a tubeless setup. That still leaves the full 36 mm tyre clearance untapped, giving you a little room to go wider. The fully integrated ROSE SHAVE cockpit on our test bike measures 390 mm wide with a 100 mm stem length, complemented by a D-shaped seatpost.The SRAM Force AXS groupset shifts precisely and directly. The combination of 46/33 t chainrings and a 10-33 t cassette leaves plenty in reserve, especially on steep climbs.The NEWMEN Advanced A.50 wheels paired with the Continental Grand Prix TR tyres roll well, but cost the bike some directness under acceleration.The 390 mm wide ROSE cockpit feels comfortable in every hand position, and suits the SHAVEs character perfectly.Aerodynamics Meet Comfort: the Geometry of the ROSE SHAVEROSE have deliberately designed the new SHAVE around an ergonomic riding position. Our size M test bike has a reach of 378 mm paired with a stack of 584 mm, resulting in a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.54. That promises to offer a noticeably more upright and compact riding position than on the SHAVE FFX. The 989 mm wheelbase, combined with a 73.0 head angle, suggests a balance of agility and composure. Despite the clearance for 36 mm tyres, the chainstays remain a short 412 mm across all sizes, hinting at a responsive rear end. The cockpit suits the bikes all-rounder credentials: while the FFX uses a narrower 370 mm handlebar, the SHAVE comes with a 390 mm bar, promising more control in everyday riding.SizeXSSMMLLXLTop tube505 mm525 mm545 mm566 mm582 mm602 mmSeat tube435 mm470 mm492 mm512 mm537 mm575 mmHead tube123 mm138 mm157 mm175 mm196 mm223 mmHead angle71.072.073.073.2573.2573.25Seat angle75.074.574.073.573.573.5Chainstay412 mm412 mm412 mm412 mm412 mm412 mmBB Drop73 mm73 mm73 mm73 mm73 mm73 mmWheelbase975 mm982 mm989 mm1,002 mm1,020 mm1,039 mmReach360 mm370 mm378 mm388 mm398 mm410 mmStack544 mm562 mm584 mm602 mm622 mm648 mmSpeed for Everyone: the ROSE SHAVE On TestFrom the first few metres in the saddle, the new ROSE SHAVE makes it clear that it interprets comfort very differently from classic, sluggish endurance bikes. The blend of comfortable ergonomics and high performance works straight away. The bike immediately feels familiar and confidence-inspiring.Put the power down, and the SHAVE proves just how stiff its frame is. The bottom bracket transfers your effort directly, the rear end works efficiently, resulting in a bike which feels almost as fast and responsive as the aggressive FFX flagship model. Every input is transferred instantly. In practice, this eagerness from a standing start is held back only by the rotating mass: the combination of the slightly more flexy NEWMEN wheels and the 32 mm Continental Grand Prix TR tyres feels a little sluggish under hard acceleration, robbing the sprint of that final razor-sharp explosiveness. Once the bike is up to cruising speed, however, it rolls very efficiently. On long, flat straights, the SHAVE holds its speed well, rewarding you with a wonderfully smooth ride feel.On descents and rolling terrain, the handling feels noticeably more stable and balanced than on the FFX. The SHAVE doesnt tip into corners quite as aggressively, and needs a little more guidance through tight bends or fast hairpins. In return, it feels planted and forgiving on the tarmac. The frame still gives you plenty of feedback, allowing you to ride actively and dynamically.The speed comes at a price, though: the 50 mm deep rims and aero frame design send noticeable pulses through the bars in gusty crosswinds. Thanks to the generous stack, however, theyre much easier to control than on an uncompromising race machine. Even so, the SHAVE isnt a totally carefree beginners bike. Compared with all-out racing machines, however, the generous stack makes for noticeably more composed, relaxed handling.When it comes to comfort, the SHAVE remains sporty and firm, despite its more relaxed geometry. Dont expect a sofa-like endurance bike here: the frame does little to filter out vibrations from the road surface, even with large tubeless tires. Compared with the FFX, which sits firmly on the uncomfortable side thanks to its extremely unforgiving carbon spokes, the SHAVE at least takes some of the sting out of nasty road imperfections.The cockpit underlines this slightly less aggressive character. At 390 mm wide, the bar gives you more control and a more relaxed shoulder position. Visually, the translation of the fast race look is a complete success. The SHAVE looks extremely clean and modern, even if the FFX appears a touch more uncompromising in direct comparison. For riders looking for a fast long-distance road bike with excellent ergonomics and a modern aero aesthetic, this could be just the ticket. Tuning tip: For a bit more snap, upgrade to some lighter, faster tires.Who is the ROSE SHAVE For?For the vast majority of riders, the ROSE SHAVE is the better and more sensible choice than its uncompromising, race-focused sibling. As a versatile and controllable allroad bike for beginners and comfort-conscious riders, its manageable geometry strikes the perfect balance for everyday riding situations. And because the 390 mm cockpit isnt overly narrow, amateur riders who arent chasing every last aero gain will find the bike much easier to keep under control when things get hectic.Helmet Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 | Glasses Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep | Jersey GONSO SITIVO Jersey | Shorts GONSO SQlab Go BIB | Shoes Specialized S-Works Torch | Socks Fingerscrossed ClassicConclusionFor riders who want to go fast without contorting themselves into an extreme position, the ROSE SHAVE delivers a bike with a coherent concept. From the aero frame and adapted geometry to the well-considered spec, including a power meter as standard, the package makes sense. Combined with its 36 mm tire clearance, the SHAVE is the perfect all-rounder for amateur riders. In everyday riding, the SHAVE impresses with stable handling and solid efficiency, though it lacks the directness of the FFX. Those who need every last drop of race DNA should go for the flagship model. For everyone else, the SHAVE is the better deal.TopsHigh-speed stabilityEndurance geometryIntegrated power meter as standardFlopsWheel and tire combination feels a little sluggish under accelerationMore info at rosebikes.de.Der Beitrag ROSE SHAVE 2026 in Review: A New Era for Endurance Bikes? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

UAE Team Emirates continue to ride the wave of their dominant Tour de France as they command the UCI WorldTour team rankings while Red Bull - BORA Hansgrohe have maintained their grip on leading the best-of-the-rest contenders behind ahead of Visma | Lease a Bike. Despite enduring a mixed week on th...

It's Tuesday, and both Ryan and Callum are taking a well-earned break... which means the B Team in the form of Jack Sexty will be blogging you through the day

Originally launched in 2013, Rapha has overhauled its Brevet collection, claiming it is designed to meet the demands of ultra racing, validated by TCR champions Victor Bosoni and Jana Kesenheimer, offering a performance edge for self-supported adventures. Im guessing it was designed to do that before, but with feedback, things can improve. When it comes to the Women's Merino Jersey, there was never formally a Version II to follow on from the original design, rather a series of rolling fabric and fit refinements over the years. For Version III, Rapha says it has revised the fit, fabrics and features to further optimise comfort, functionality and performance for endurance riding, but how does it stack up against the best cycling jerseys?(Image credit: Rapha)Design detailsThe jersey is made from Rapha Performance Merino (RPM), a blend of 64% recycled cationic polyester and 36% merino wool. Rapha says the antimicrobial fabric is designed to offer natural temperature regulation, while drying quickly and resisting odours over consecutive days in the saddle. It's also intended to be durable enough to cope with the demands of endurance riding, including the occasional mid-tour hand wash.The distinctive signature Brevet stripes remain, though they've been updated with a 'new perforated design' that the brand says delivers a noticeable reduction in weight.Brevet Stripes still distinguish the jersey but they are more lightweight than previously (Image credit: Emma Silversides)The biggest update comes at the rear, where Rapha has introduced its new "Brevet Air Pocket." Rather than stitching the pockets directly onto the jersey, the multi-pocket arrangement sits on a separate panel (attached laterally and with reinforced tabs at stress pinch points). According to Rapha, this allows the loaded pockets to stand away from the body, improving airflow and helping to reduce heat and moisture build-up across the lower back. A mesh panel beneath the Air Pocket is also intended to boost ventilation.The through-pocket, when stuffed, lifts the entire set-up away from the body of the jersey (Image credit: Emma Silversides)A silicone dot print around the hem keeps the jersey securely in place without adding unnecessary bulk.Fine silicone dots line the base hem (Image credit: Emma Silversides)The jersey is available in sizes XXS to XL and currently comes in two colourways: Black/Black (a black jersey with black background stripes) and Dark Forest/Silver.PerformanceI've been testing a size medium, as recommended by Rapha's sizing guide. As the guide is based solely on chest, waist, and hip measurements, perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised that the fit is perfect around the torso but comes up too short in the body for my liking. With a longer-than-average torso, the jersey rides up above the waistband of my bib shorts (at the front) when I'm off the bike - not a great look. Once in the riding position, however, it feels fine, despite still looking a little short. The short jersey tends to ride up, exposing flesh, when I'm off the bike (Image credit: Emma Silversides)In hindsight, sizing up may have been the better option (even if it had led to bagginess in the torso). It could also have eased the fit around the arms The sleeve seams have very little stretch, creating something of a muffin-top effect on my upper arms. Riders with slimmer arms are unlikely to notice, but if yours are on the broader side, it's worth bearing in mind. I never found it uncomfortable, although it did leave noticeable marks on my arms after longer rides. Sizing up might be recommended, but there could be a trade-off with the fit elsewhere.The narrow, unforgiving seams on the sleeves won't be right for everyone (Image credit: Emma Silversides)Rapha recommends the jersey for temperatures between 14-24C (57-75F) and my experience broadly backs that up. It provided sufficient insulation on cooler mornings, even without a base layer, yet remained comfortable as the temperature climbed. While riding at a moderate tempo (that can be sustained for long consecutive days in the saddle), I never felt like I was overheating - the RPM fabric is impressive in changing conditions. I also used it in temperatures exceeding the recommended range and was impressed by the wicking and fast-drying fabric when the sun induced sweating.The jersey genuinely doesnt need to hit the laundry after every wear. The merino blend does an excellent job of resisting odours, making it well suited to multi-day rides, or simply stretching the time between washes. The darker colourway also does a good job of disguising grime - otherwise a real giveaway to living like a vagrant while on multi-day adventures - although that's something of a trade-off when it comes to daytime visibility.After dark, however, it's a different story. The signature Brevet stripes are highly effective between sunset and sunrise, creating bright reflective bands that do a great job of catching headlights and making you more visible than your bike lights alone.Reflective detailing is very effective (Image credit: Rapha)For me, the shorter body length means the pockets sit slightly higher on the back than I would ideally like. That said, the Brevet Air Pocket is a clever piece of design, and it wasn't made overly difficult to access despite the shorter-than-average jersey. It isn't a wholly new concept - I remember a similar approach being used on the 7mesh Skyline Jersey several years ago, although that design didn't include the mesh panel through the main body of the jersey. Ive found this detail makes a noticeable difference when it comes to managing moisture build-up. Im a sweaty rider and the mesh panel really helped keep things under control.The mesh panel sits in the body of the jersey and aids ventilation at a point that can often see moisture build-up when pockets are loaded (Image credit: Emma Silversides)The pocket system is at its most effective when the zipped-through pocket is properly loaded. Rapha describes this as two pockets thanks to the dual-access design. In use, it feels more like one single storage area. Simply filling the three standard pockets with normal ride essentials (think phone, mini pump and snack bars) doesn't create enough bulk to make the Air Pocket work as intended. I found a rain jacket or extra layers to be optimal; they arent too heavy but add bulk to lift the entire setup. I found packing this pocket best done before putting the jersey on; that said, its not impossible to do while wearing the jersey. The feature is aimed squarely at riders heading beyond the beaten track; when you're carrying extra layers, tools and food for a longer adventure, the additional storage becomes genuinely useful rather than just a marketing feature. Stuff the Air Pocket to help it lift away from the jersey (Image credit: Emma Silversides)ValueThis is a specialist garment for those partaking in endurance events and adventures and, as such, it comes at a high price. Rapha has created a unique, hard-to-come-by combination of merino-based materials, integrated reflective detailing, and extra storage that may justify the 195/ $260/ 230 cost for some. Possible alternatives dont offer the reflective detailing; some compromise on storage too. If reflective detailing isn't a priority, PEdALEDs Odyssey Merino Jersey is a more affordable alternative at 155/ $185. There are bound to be fit compromises with the 150/ $200 Adventure Tech offering from Q36.5; this is only available for men.In short, if you want the unique offerings of Rapha's Brevet Merino Jersey, you will have to pay for them, and there may be some compromises where fit is concerned. Performance and functionality wont be disappointing, though.Tech specPrice: 195/ $260/ 230Pockets: FiveFit:EnduranceType:Short sleeveColours:Black/Black, Dark Forest/SilverSizes:XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Ivn Romeo wrapped up the Tour de Pologne with a brilliant third place overall after a strong ride in the final time trial. The Movistar Team rider confirmed his form after a week fighting for the GC and again underlined his level against the clock. Now, eyes on the Vuelta a Espaa. The Spaniard s...

Tadej Pogacar is widely expected by pundits and analysts to have it all his own way at the World Championships next month, but in a surprising admission from one rider who will race against him in Canada, even the competition tend to agree that the Slovenian is head and shoulders above the rest. Mic...