Full Results Day 2: CX Nationals promoted by Greenmount Cycling Academy. Full Results Day 2 The post Full Results Day 2: ☘️ CX Nationals ☘️ appeared first on IrishCyclingNews.com | Irish Cycling News | IrishCycling.

Comment & Analysis: The Clontarf to City Centre Cycle and Bus Priority Project is not finished yet, but as construction progresses, the lack of attention to detail and some striking design contradictions are becoming increasingly apparent. The main issue that most people have noticed is that the cycle track width is narrower than it could have been in many locations, making it harder to cycle side by side or even overtake a single other cyclist safely. Even 0.2-0.4 metres extra in width in some locations could have been helpful along parts of the route without impacting much on any other user or greenery etc. The striking design contradictions, however, are more likely to include extra risk for both people walking and cycling. A key example of a striking design contradiction is at the junction with the Malahide Road in Fairview, where there is provision for a signalised crossing between a footpath and a bus stop platform, but nothing at the left-hand turn from the Malahide Road towards Clontarf. Of course, there’s no denying that people cycling can be a risk to people on foot (as people on foot can be a similar risk to people cycling). But there’s a risk in talking up cycling as a danger so much that we collectively take our eyes off the bull that is motoring in the China shop that is our streets. When there’s so much focus on cyclists being a danger, design choices are made that forget the far more substantial danger. And we get massive contradictions that don’t make sense:

Whether before or after training, the Normatec 3 Leg System of American brand Hyperice is intended to significantly shorten the recovery time of your legs with the help of compression. The associated Hyperice app has preconfigured recovery programs and a wide range of personalisation options. Read on to find out how the Normatec 3 Leg System fared in our test. Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg System | Tester: Christoph | Duration: 4 weeks | Price: € 999 | Intended use: recovery, massage | Manufacturer’s website Greetings fellow weekend warriors! We’re able to track our sleep, our recovery, and our effort. But what else can we do to improve our performance? We can shorten our recovery time and thus train more, obviously. With the Normatec 3 Leg System, Hyperice have introduced the successor to the – you guessed it – Normatec 2, and we didn’t pass up the opportunity to put it to the test. What’s it all about, and who exactly are weekend warriors? Weekend warriors are people who pursue a sport, such as cycling, like they’re professional athletes. But since their weekdays are consumed by regular day jobs, they can only do so on the weekends. So they use the time they have to the fullest. Of course, it’s all the better when you can shorten your recovery time, so you can make the most of every day available. Ask your doctor, not your pharmacist We have no medical training and no medical laboratory to verify the effectiveness of the Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg System. However, you should find various studies on the subject, proving the positive effects of compression after training, in particular – compression has been shown to help reduce muscle damage and soreness. Warning: please don’t use compression if you have acute thrombosis, a heart condition, or open wounds. In general, we recommend consulting your doctor beforehand, even if compression therapy is usually safe for healthy individuals. Under pressureWhen inflated, you can’t move your legs. How do the compression boots of the Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg System actually work? The boots are made of an airtight fabric, which is divided into 5 overlapping zones per leg. The boots are placed around the legs and closed with zippers. You then connect the boots to the control unit. This includes the battery, the compressor, and a simple user interface. We mean simple in a positive way because you can get started by pressing just 2 buttons. Keep it simpleHaving few buttons simplifies the user experience, but doesn’t allow for programmable presets. To meet their customers’ wide range of requirements, Hyperice have equipped the control unit of the Normatec 3 with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to call up different modes or switch off certain zones via the associated app. Switching off certain zones can be especially convenient for those with shorter legs, as the upper zone can easily be deactivated. The modes offer preconfigured programs that can be used as a warm-up, for relaxation, or for targeted recovery, like after a run for example. SimpleThe connectors are easy to use and airtight. However, it is a pity that you can’t assign shortcuts to the control unit. If you want to treat yourself to a special massage or just deactivate a zone, you must go through the app every time. At the time of the test, we weren’t able to create profiles in the app either. You have to set the zone deactivation every time you use it – it would be great if Hyperice let you save your settings in profiles. Get comfortable! Once you’ve selected the right program in the app, you’re ready to go. With a surprisingly quiet hum, the control unit springs into action and you can quickly feel air being pumped into the various zones. Once you have adjusted the intensity to suit you, you will feel a pleasant, firm pressure that moves alternately across the zones. We found it wonderfully soothing and relaxing. It’s perfect for laying back and reading the latest edition of GRAN FONDO. The battery of the control unit is specified to have a 3-hour runtime, which we can confirm. So you can leave the charger at home on weekend trips, depending on how intensively you use it. It also works just fine while plugged in. Pro tip: check whether the battery is sufficiently charged and rather plug the control unit before you get comfortable. It’s very difficult to walk to the shelf and get the charger with the Normatec 3 Leg System in place. Does it work? According to some studies, compression therapy is supposed to help speed up recovery after training, which is precisely what we used the Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg System for. We also let it massage our legs on non-training days for relaxation. Due to the hum of the compressor and the rhythmic compression, it quickly soothes you. Your muscles should feel nice and relaxed after the massage, which radiates to the rest of the body. It also felt pleasant when applied to severely sore muscles, and seemed to be beneficial. We can’t say with certainty whether it actually limited the severity of the muscle soreness or sped up the recovery. Nevertheless, it is nice to have your legs massaged by a € 1,000 device. Our conclusion on the Hyperice Normatec 3 leg system It’s easy to use, and feels great both during and after the massage. The Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg System delivers what it promises, at least subjectively. Thanks to customisable modes and a wide range of adjustment options, the Normatec 3 compression boots can be a worthwhile investment for ambitious athletes.  Topspleasant feeling during and after the massagequiet compressorcontrol unit is easy to operateFlopsno individual profiles with saved settingsthe price For more information, visit hyperice.com Der Beitrag The Lab – Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg System – Rapid recovery thanks to compression erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

It's a busy studio this episode as Danny, Alan, and Jamie take a look at the latest releases from Merida and Norco.MBR Show episode 6Merida has just launched the new eOne-Sixty e-bike range, with a split down the middle that aims to appeal to …Continue reading »

Crankworx Cairns is the most recent addition to the Crankworx events calendar, having held its inaugural event in 2022. This year, the world’s largest mountain bike festival takes place 22-26 May and is the first Australian stop on the Crankworx World Tour, which also visits Rotorua, Innsbruck and Whistler. Distinguishing itself by traversing  sculpted dirt art and rowdy rainforest tracks, wild racing and arguably the most raucous crowds to ever grace a Crankworx (save perhaps Heckler’s Rock). Oh, and shoeys. This tropical paradise meets the ultimate experience in mountain biking and is a must for any visitor. Further info, schedule and tickets at crankworx.com/cairns The Crankworx World Tour is a multi-stop series of mountain bike festivals, bringing together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines. It began in Whistler in 2004 and its festivals have since grown into the largest events of their kind in mountain biking. crankworx.com Cairns is in Tropical North Queensland, a region renowned for its natural beauty, superb beaches and the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Peak District Gravel Weekend 15th & 16th June 2024 | Bakewell Day One 110km | 2350m Day Two 80km | 1500m short Route 53km | 1150m Book Now Weekend Overview One of our most popular rides of the year. Explore this beautiful, rural corner of North Wales with some of the best gravel roads in the UK. Choose between the punchy 53km short & 80km medium routes or take on the EPIC long route – 110km and over 2,300m of elevation, one of our hardest routes of the year. All of the distances take in lovely varied route over rolling hills, through deep forests & around picturesque reservoirs. One of the bucket list places to ride on the gravel in the UK.  Highlights Ride the famous Monsal, Tissington & High Peak Trails through Peak District Natonal Park.Explore off the beaten track trails in the more remote Dark Peaks.Enjoy a weekend in beautiful Bakewell with plenty off activities off the bike and nice pubs for the evening. Included in Entry Fully Signed Route Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride. Checkpoints with Proper Food An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30 - 35km Accurate GPX Files A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs. Mechanics Available At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more . Rider Support Vans We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away. Beer at Finish Line You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders. Event Program 13th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider. 14th June – 5pm: Campsite in Bakewell opens. 15th June  – 8am to 6pm:Peak District Gravel Epic starts & finishes in Bakewell. 16th June  – 8am to 6pm: Dark Peak Gravel Epic starts & finishes in Bakewell. Site closes at 6pm for riders and campers. 16th June  – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email. Peak District Gravel Epic The classic gravel epic in the glorious Peak District.Starting in Bakewell, we make our way to the Monsal trail to warm up the legs before we reach the biggest climb of the day at Miller’s DaleAfter a quick feed stop, we head south on the Tissington Trail making the most of the re-purposed Victorian railway’s perfect gravel until it’s time to dive over the county boundary into Staffordshire.We then head East to the High Peak trail with some lovely views of the Peaks and a couple of punchy little local climbs (including Larkstone Lane, a top 100 road climb averaging 6.2% over 1.9km). After a final stop near Matlock, we head into the Moors with two punchy off road climbs (both 2.5km, save something in your legs for these!!) before a fun descent back into Bakewell. Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%  Distance: 109km, 77km or 42km Elevation: 1750m, 1200m or 550m Difficulty:  4/5 Dark Peak Gravel Epic Heading north from Bakewell we start on gravel and then after 6km hit the first of 6 climbs for the day. This climb is 2.3km at 7.7% all on tarmac before we hit the gravel around the quarries. We then head north west with a punchy climb out of Calver (mix of road & gravel) and another mixed climb until we reach the top of Winnats Pass and head around Mam Tor on the broken road before heading to Castleton for our first feed stop. From here we head onto the moors with another tasty gravel climb (2.4km at 8.5%) and head up to Heathersage and around the Redmires Reservoirs.  The way back to Bakewell takes us back on the moors with some wild and rugged views over the Peaks and some long, fast sections. Save something in the legs for the sixth and final climb at the 88km mark, but once you are over this 2km gravel climb it’s all downhill from there! Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%  Distance: 92km or 55km Elevation: 2200m or 1250m Difficulty:  5/5 Short Route A short, tough but very rewarding medium route. We follow the long route up to the reservoirs over a big back road climb and through lovely gravel in the forest before skipping the section round the reservoirs and a rapid descent back to Ruthin. Percentage of Route Off Road: 75% Distance: 53km Elevation: 1150m Difficulty:  3.5/5 Bike Selection & Packing List Bike Choice: Saturday’s ride is mostly off road on smooth gravel & old railway tracks. Sunday is a bit more mixed with some smooth gravel and rockier sections. Routes are designed for gravel bikes but mountain bikes will be fine but slower, road bikes are not allowed. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides. Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. A 40mm+ allrounder gravel tyre should be ideal for this weekend. Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence. Clothing: Should be nice weather in June but weather in the Peaks can change quickly and we go fairly high on both days so bring layers & a thin waterproof. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one. FAQs Where does the ride start / finish? Both rides start and finishes in Bakewell. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.  Are E Bikes Allowed? Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law. What Happens if I have a mechanical / accident? We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting. Can I Start with my friends? Yes, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off. The post Peak District Gravel Weekend appeared first on Glorious Gravel.

Bike packing bags are sexy in the gravel bike world, there aren’t many adverts for a new gravel bike without at least one picture of some intrepid soul out in the wilderness with a bike dripping with frame bags, bar bags and various harnesses. Fair enough, the image sells the idea of the lifestyle and is probably helping to save an ailing bike industry just at the moment. What’s overlooked these days is the essential carry that every rider, especially those away from “civilisation” need. Namely something to fix a flat tyre, tubeless repair, maybe a multi-tool and an inner tube. Now thankfully, especially in these days of tubeless tyres you don’t need these items very often (fingers crossed) but when you do you don’t want to have to empty all your worldly goods from your other bags to dig out a tubeless anchovy or spare tube. So, maybe consider something that has been a staple of a cyclist’s kit since the first pneumatic tyre, namely a saddle bag. Saddle bags are not sexy, in fact I’d go as far as saying they are pretty boring, something to ignore right up until the moment you are stuck on a distant hilltop, in the rain, at midnight with a flat tyre/mechanical and you need to know where your stuff is straight away and that it will work when you need it. Cheltenham based Broilbags know this and produce and old fashioned saddle bag made with modern materials avaliable from their website broilbag.com off the peg or via a custom order. Made of cordura nylon with a weather resistant zip the bag secures to your saddle rails with a big velcro strap. Once this is tightened down the saddle bag is going nowhere! Theres no wag and whatever terrain you choose to ride over the bag and its contents will still be there when you need it. I’ve put a tube, a tubeless repair kit and a box of rubber anchovies in this one, that lot all fits well. There is an internal flat pocket too. I couldn’t fit a mutlitool in too, if I wanted to do that I’d go for a slightly bigger size but this is really up to the buyer as you can chat to Broilbags and get something perfectly suited to your needs. I can almost read the coments as I right this, those riders saying that all these items are exactly what jersey pockets were designed for, I disagree, I personally hate anything weighing down my jersey and would much rather have them attached to the bike. The fact that when I got home from a ride and emptied my pockets I’d instantly lose whatever was in there before the next ride has a lot to do with it too! Overall, the London Broilbag saddle bag is a well made, well designed example of a simple design. Sometimes things don’t need to be complicated, they just need to work, the fact that this could sit under your saddle forgotten for years on end and still work to dispense the essentials right at the time you need them is testiment to the skill of Ian, the maker and shows the fact that they are a rider too and know whats needed. Definately consider the saddle bag, don’t dismiss it as an old fashioned idea. There’s a reason they’ve been around for years and that’s because they just work. The London Broil bag version of the ubiquitous saddle bag could be the epitome of the design, plus it’s made by genuine rider rather than a faceless corporation. Take a look at London broils website here and checkout the interview i did, way back when ukgravelco.com started here which includes the origin of the unusual company name

From cute cafés to farm-to-table experiences, immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich culinary culture while pedalling through some of the island’s most picturesque routes. From award-winning seafood in Howth to beautiful brunch options in Galway City, get set to embark on a tour that showcases the best of Ireland’s food scene, all accessible on two wheels… Howth – A Seafood Haven Begin your journey in Howth, a picturesque fishing village just a short cycle from Dublin City. Renowned for its award-winning seafood, Howth is a dream destination for any foodie. Pedal along the harbour, where you can watch the boats come in with the catch of the day, then stop at one of the local seafood restaurants to enjoy the freshest oysters, mussels and Dublin Bay prawns. Recommendations include Aqua Restaurant, which promises panoramic views out towards Ireland’s Eye – so be sure to bag a window seat! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aqua Restaurant (@aquarestauranthowth) The Howth Cliff Loop offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and is a perfect way to work up an appetite! This 6km route is ideal for cyclists and hikers alike, offering a slice of heaven in this corner of County Dublin. Wicklow – The Garden of Ireland Heading south from Dublin, cyclists can explore the rich landscapes of County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. This area boasts not only breathtaking scenery but also a rich selection of farm-to-table dining experiences. Cycle through rolling hills and past ancient monastic ruins to find hidden gems where the food on your plate comes straight from the surrounding land. Enjoy artisan cheeses, organic meats and locally grown vegetables that capture the essence of Wicklow’s bounty. Killruddery House and Gardens in Bray host a number of supper clubs throughout the year, championing local produce and fine flavours in a beautiful rustic surrounding. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KILLRUDDERY (@killruddery) Near Bray, Belmonte Demesne offers 15 kms of bike trails to suit all levels and ages. The purpose-built Pump Track Trail is ideal for any cyclist looking to develop their bike technique! Galway City – A Brunch Lover’s Dream On the west coast, Galway City beckons with its bohemian vibe and exceptional culinary scene. Known for fine food, Galway is home to a variety of cafés and restaurants that serve everything from traditional Irish breakfasts to modern, globally-inspired dishes. 56 Central on Shop Street has a fantastic breakfast menu, with everything from cheesy brioche buns to plant-based offerings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 56 Central Restaurant (@56centralrestaurant) Cycling through the city’s cobblestone streets, be sure to stop off in the Latin Quarter, which is steeped in history and culture. Further afield, a cycle towards Spiddal should be at the top of your list, as its two beaches are connected by a scenic bike path. Finally, don’t miss out on a trip to the Galway Market, a weekend affair where local artisans and food producers showcase their finest offerings. The Wild Atlantic Way – A Culinary Adventure For those looking to combine dramatic landscapes with equally impressive food, the Wild Atlantic Way is a must-cycle route. Stretching over 2,500 km along Ireland’s west coast, it’s dotted with culinary hotspots where you can savour seafood plucked from the Atlantic, grass-fed beef and homemade breads and pastries. Highlights include the culinary town of Kinsale with its independent offerings. For artisan breads, Seeds Bakery is known for their traditional baking techniques and use of sustainable ingredients. This beautiful town is famous for its colourful streets, making it a super backdrop for any coastal cycle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by seeds bakery (@seeds_bakery_kinsale) Further north, the traditional seaweed delicacies of the rugged Beara Peninsula promises something a bit different. This practice is also steeped in history, as the culinary use of seaweed in this area dates back to the 6th century. The Beara Way Cycling Route is a sign-posted cycle making it an ideal route for any cycling enthusiast to enjoy the local area. Cork – The Food Capital No foodie cycling tour would be complete without a visit to Cork, often hailed as the food capital of Ireland. Cycle through the city’s historic streets and visit the English Market, one of the oldest municipal markets of its kind. Here, you’ll find a plethora of local and artisanal foods, from smoked fish to handmade Belgian chocolates. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The English Market Cork (@theenglishmarketcork) For a fine dining experience, take a look at Isaac’s Restaurant with delicious options that are sure to tickle the taste buds. Highlights include a local cheese board with medieval bread and chutney, and the penne with Toonsbridge Chorizo for something spicy. The surrounding countryside in West Cork is the perfect place to enjoy a cycle. Mizen Head is one of Ireland’s most popular cycling loops, and there is plenty to do here to keep the whole family occupied! Looking for some inspiration for your next Irish cycling adventure? Check out our ultimate guide to cycling in Ireland during spring for tips, tricks and recommendations!

Diego Ulissi has kept the wins rolling in for UAE Team Emirates this year with a punchy victory on stage 2 of the 2024 Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali.After seven men had initially broken free and formed a breakaway, their day on the attack came to an end with 28km still to go. Heading into...

Mathieu van der Poel may be one of the hottest properties in pro cycling but he has taken himself off the market for the remainder of his peak years after signing a new long-term contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck. The road and cyclocross world champion will remain with the Belgian World Tour team until at least the […] The post Mathieu van der Poel signs new long term contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck appeared first on Sticky Bottle.