Sixteen years ago, Merijn Zeeman wouldn't have dared to dream of a Tour de France victory, let alone becoming the world's best team. Back when Skil - Shimano debuted at the Tour in 2009, a couple top 10s in sprint stages were the maximum possible. In 2023, Visma | Lease a Bike achieved unthinkable w...

Limited to dry use and hardpacked surfaces, but impressive when the conditions are right 7/10

Happiness. One word, one feeling. As unique as the people experiencing it. For some, its achieving a long-held dream or the fleeting moment of a brilliant victory. For others, its the purchase of a new bike or outfit. And yet others seek their happiness in ultimate performance.In life, theres never an absolute right or wrong. Only perspectives and viewpoints. What remains are the consequences of our decisions. Especially marginal gains come at a cost. And sometimes those costs can be quite steep both financially and in terms of safety.For this issue of GRAN FONDO, weve pulled out all the stops. Weve asked uncomfortable questions, ridden through hell with the latest technologies, and, along the way, weve decoded the biochemistry of human happiness. And how about the good life? Of course, thats in here too! In the end, its not just about chasing happiness, but also finding it.Heres a preview of the stories youll find in this issue:You can download the new issue now in our magazine app free as always! If you dont have the app yet, you can find it here in the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or in the Play Store (Android Smartphones & Tablets).A dramatic post-thunderstorm sky pays homage to your Strava PR, and the golden light of the evening sun casts long shadows across the asphalt. Youve got a tailwind as you crest the final climb And there it is, that fleeting, indescribable moment: You feel light, all of your troubles have melted away. Cycling can make you happy, and its addictive. But how do you achieve this drop bar high?Whats the connection between design classics by the likes of Vitra, Knoll, USM, and bikes? Why should every well-furnished home have at least one bike on a stand or wall mount? And whats even more exhilarating than spending the whole day on a bike? We commandeered one of Germanys finest furniture stores, arranged some wickedly expensive furniture, and drilled holes in every other wall. Dive into our ultimate guide to integrating bikes into your home decor!Carbon and aero wheels are the upgrade dream of many roadies. But what remains after stripping away the marketing promises? Hardly any other upgrade offers as much promise as a set of coveted wheels. But no other component costs as much. We tested 11 of the most exciting and trendy models and tell you what really matters when buying wheels.Two incidents in the pro peloton have sparked many debates about the safety of hookless rims. The UCI is looking into it, but what does all this mean for us, the end users? We set out to shed light on the background and asked industry insiders the crucial question on all our minds: hooked or hookless? Were unanimous: performance, yes! But at what price?Paris-Roubaix needs no introduction: ancient cobbles, brutal winds, and all-out racing all the way to the Roubaix velodrome. Were about to embark on a journey through the ages on the Specialized Roubaix SL8 to one of the sports most unique places, where history meets the future in the form of cutting-edge road bikes riding full-gas over ancient roads. How would this particular Roubaix fare at the Hell of the North, its namesake race?On the quest for happiness, theres a lot to try out. No matter what you consider (personal) happiness, you can only know once youve experienced and felt it. I hope this issue gives you food for thought and inspiration to discover the countless facets of happiness: on the saddle, in everyday life and beyond. Enjoy reading!Yours,Robin SchmittFounder and Editor-in-ChiefGRAN FONDOEnjoy the mix of articles that have made it into this issue, and grab yourself some inspiration! Get the latest issue directly on your device if you already have our app. Otherwise, simply install it from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or the Play Store (Android Smartphones & Tablets). Have fun reading. Heres to maxing out the Vorfreude for whatever youve got planned for this year.Der Beitrag CHASING HAPPINESS the new GRAN FONDO issue #027 is here! erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

If you watched the Tour de France (and how could you not? It was amazing), you undoubtedly noticed that the INEOS Grenadiers Cycling Team supported a new cool helmet from KASK. The cat is finally out of the bag, and that speedy new Aero helmet is the KASK Nirvana. The Nirvana is a performance-focused design that offers minimal drag and maximum comfort for road, track, and triathlete-focused cycles.(All images: KASK)KASK Nirvana Over the Ears AeroKASK looked for many ways to make the new Nirvana helmet more aerodynamic. After extensive CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations, which measured aerodynamic performance, ventilation, and thermoregulation, they settled on the current shape.The KASK Nirvana delivers a claimed 35% reduction in aerodynamic drag and a 19% increase in ventilation compared to the best aero helmets in its class. Were guessing the Trek Ballista, Specialized Evade III, and POC Procen Air (though there are many more).A unique feature of the KASK Nirvana is that it incorporates ear covers. You read that right: ear covers. The covers allow airflow to be channeled more efficiently around the helmet. Wouldnt the covers be hot? Yes, but not because KASK uses internal channeling to cool the head and allow air to flow around. The jury is out (until our test helmet arrives) if this works and cools the head. But if its anything like the KASK Elemento we tested about a year back, the padding plays a big part.3D Printed Multipod PaddingMuch like the Ememento, the new KASK Nirvana helmet features Multipod technology, which uses 3D-printed internal padding. The padding (in the Elemento) is very comfortable and allows air to pass easily around the inside of the helmet. It is a mix of firm, supportive, and relatively sweat-resistant. The only problem with the 3D padding in the KASK Elemento was that it started to detach from the helmet later in the season.The 3D padding also works as a safety slip-style liner. It enables the helmet to withstand linear and rotational impacts and functions better isotropically, meaning it behaves the same way in whichever direction the force is applied.Merino Wool Padding and Return to Faux LeatherWe found sweat retention to be an issue with the KASK Elemento. KASK added Merino wool padding at the front and side of the Nirvana helmet to combat this. Merino wool isnt just great at absorbing sweat; it also keeps helmet odor to a minimum.Like the Elemento, the KASK Nirvana uses the KASK OCTOFIT+ adjustment system. The OCTOFIT + uses a vertical sliding motion instead of some helmets set-it-and-forget-it style. The retention is a single dial, which is secure and challenging to over-tighten.Departing from the webbing-style strap of the Elemento, the KASK Nirvana returns to the KASK classics classic faux leather strap. The helmet also incorporates a sunglasses port at the front and a reflective graphic at the back for practical use.What About Safety?The KASK Nirvana was explicitly designed to go fast, but its a helmet, so it must also protect the rider. The KASK Nirvana was designed under the KASK Rotational Impact WG11 Test, an internal testing regime adopted by the company that measures the performance of its helmets against rotational impacts. Im sure a Virginia Tech report will be coming out soon to verify the safety.KASK Nirvana Color Options and PricingThe KASK Nirvana is available in traditional Black or White matte, Cherry Burst, Blueberry Fade, and Ultravioletthree brand-new colorways featuring graduated shading.Weight: 270 grams (size M)Sizes: M and LPrice: EUR 360, GBP 320, USD 400, and AUD 570The post KASK Nirvana Aero Helmet Could Bring You Speed and Peaceful Performance appeared first on Bikerumor.

The new helmet has been used by Ineos since January, but now it's available to the public

Welcome to the Wednesday road.cc live blog your one-stop shop to all the cycling news, reaction and general chit-chat, with Adwitiya as your host for the day

There's no doubt that the 18-year-old Jarno Widar is already banging on the doors of professional world. The Lotto Dstny development team rider let the world hear about him in the spring when he matched Tadej Pogacar's Strava record on La Redoute. But he didn't stop there as in the recent months, he...

The 2024 Tour de France concluded with Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogaar of UAE Team Emirates claiming his third overall Tour de France victory after wins in both 2020 and 2021. Pogaars dominance was evident throughout the race, particularly in the mountains and during key stages where he distanced himself from his closest rivals, including Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.Here, we explore the key highlights of this years Tour and shine a spotlight on the riders who proudly flew the flag for Ireland.Key highlights of the raceTadej Pogaars dominancePogaar took control early, securing the yellow jersey on the second stage and maintaining it with consistent high performance. His decisive attack on the final climb of the 19th stage to Isola 2000 showcased his climbing prowess, finishing 21 seconds ahead of Matteo Jorgenson and extending his overall lead to over five minutes by the end of the race.The time trial featured a 21-mile ride from Monaco to Nice with an elevation gain of 695 metres. Pogaar led his rivals, Vingegaard and Evenepoel, through every checkpoint. This year marked the first time since 1989 that the Tour de France concluded with a time trial.After three weeks of thrilling competition between cyclings greatest rivals, Pogaar and Vingegaard, along with historic moments and over 2,000 miles of racing, this years final stage was unprecedented. The race concluded not on Paris Champs-lyses but on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. This marked the first time the finish line was moved out of Paris due to the city hosting the 2024 Olympic Games.Pogaar is also no stranger to victory, becoming the first man in the 21st century to win both the Giro dItalia and the Tour de France in the same season, an impressive feat for the 25-year-old.Stage wins and leadersNotable stage victories in this years Tour de France included Frances Romain Bardets nostalgic win on Stage 1, Mark Cavendishs record-breaking victory on Stage 5, and Richard Carapazs impressive triumph on Stage 17, becoming the first Ecuadorian to win a Tour stage.Here is an overview of the final jersey standings for the 2024 Tour de France: Yellow (general classification): Tadej Pogaar (UAE Team Emirates) Green (points classification): Biniam Girmay (Intermarch-Wanty) White (young rider classification): Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) Polka dot (mountains classification): Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) Yellow numbers (teams classification): UAE Team Emiratescredit: ASO/Enhanced NRGeneral Classification:Pogaar finished with a time of 78:49:20, followed by Vingegaard (+503) and Evenepoel (+701). The top ten was rounded out by riders like Joao Almeida and Mikel Landa, who also put in strong performances.Irish riders in the spotlightIrelands very own Ben Healy and Sam Bennett represented the country at this years Tour with remarkable grit and determination:Ben HealyCompeting in his first Tour de France, Healy showed promise, particularly in the mountain stages. Born in England with Irish heritage on his fathers side, the 23-year-old displayed tenacity and potential, gaining valuable experience that will benefit his future Grand Tour aspirations.Healys performance highlighted his capabilities as a climber and a future contender in multi-stage races. It wont be long until we see Healy back in the saddle either, as he prepares to represent Ireland at this years Olympic Games in Paris.Sam BennettKnown for his sprinting prowess, Tipperarys very own Sam Bennett aimed to secure stage victories and points for the green jersey in his first Tour de France in four years.Although he faced stiff competition, Bennetts resilience and sprinting skills kept him in contention on several flat stages. His efforts were commendable, and he enjoyed his best placing in the race at Stage 16, before being forced to withdraw after Stage 17 due to illness.The 2024 Tour de France was marked by its challenging routes, including high mountain passes and two individual time trials that kept the competition intense until the final stage. In September, LEtape by Tour de France makes its Irish debut in Killarney, an event which is certainly not to be missed!

Kask has launched the Nirvana, claiming the aero helmet offers game-changing aerodynamic performance, superior ventilation and next-level safety.Ineos Grenadiers, the Kask-sponsored WorldTour team, have been riding the Nirvana, with its distinctive ear tip covers, in public since January.As we reported at the time, the new aero helmets pattern of front vents mimic the lightweight Utopia Y, which it replaces. Meanwhile, the sides, which cover the tops of the wearers ears, and the rear bob-tail recall the Bambino.Kask pitches the Nirvana, which it claims minimises drag and optimises comfort, at road and track cyclists and triathletes seeking "maximum performance". The Kask Nirvana is available to buy now for 320 / $400 / 360 / AU$570, in medium (52-58cm) and large (59-62cm) sizes.It comes in five colours: White Matt, Black Matt, Cherry Red, Blueberry Fade and Ultra-Violet.The fastest and coolest aero helmetKask says the Nirvana achieves "aero perfection". - KaskKask claims the Nirvana is 19 per cent better ventilated and 35 per cent more aerodynamic than the best aero helmets. However, the Italian brand will not share evidence to support this claim.Relative to its own road bike helmets, Kask says the Nirvana is cooler than the Utopia Y, but not as well ventilated as the Protone Icon, Valegro and Elemento.Kask says it used computational fluid dynamics to test the aerodynamics of the Nirvana being worn by a digital model of a rider.Kask is targeting watt-obsessed roadies, track riders and triathletes with the Nirvana. - KaskAt a wind speed of 45kph, and at wind angles of 0, 10 and 20 degrees, Kask claims it found the Nirvana produces less drag than the Utopia Y.The Nirvana saves 4.4W or 72 seconds over 180km at 45kph, 6W or 7.2 seconds over 20km at 50kph and 10.4W or 1.2 seconds over 4km at 60kph, according to the brand.The Nirvana keeps your head much cooler than the best aero helmets, according to Kask. - KaskKask says the European version of the Nirvana weighs 270g, while the American and Australian model weighs 290g. The discrepancy owes to different helmet safety standards in North America and Oceania.Kask Nirvana specsThe back of the Nirvana features an eyewear port, hi-vis logos and an Octofit dial. - KaskThe Kask Nirvana features the brands Octofit+ retention system (a two-way dial at the back of the helmet). This is claimed to improve fit and comfort, while letting longer hair pass through the back of the helmet.However, Kask admits the Nirvanas ear tip covers wont suit people with large ears.The sunglasses port at the back of the helmet is optimised for cycling sunglasses from Koo, Kasks in-house brand. But Ineos Grenadiers SunGod sunglasses appear to fit fine.Multipod internal padding is said to absorb more energy if you hit your head. - KaskKask says the Nirvana meets its own WG11 safety standard. The Italian brand uses this instead of MIPS and is waiting for a rating from Virginia Tech.By absorbing 10 per cent more energy from impacts, Multipod, Kasks own 3D-printed internal padding, strengthens the helmet against linear and rotational impacts, according to the brand.Kask says Multipod is an isotropic material, meaning it reacts in the same way to force from any direction. This can minimise shear stress between the head and inside of the helmet, according to the brand.Kask acknowledges that the Nirvana's dropped sides won't fit larger ears. - KaskYou can also fit a reflective insert into the back of the helmet. Kask claims the helmets logos also improve visibility.The faux leather chin strap is washable, comfortable and shouldnt irritate skin, according to Kask.

Information about the course, timings, favourites, startlists and TV channels for the individual time trials