Embed from Getty ImagesMathieu van der Poel goes solo with 60km to go. His moved looked telegraphed but there was nothing his rivals could do, because when they tried Alpecin-Deceunincks Gianni Vermeersch made sure they could not.A fast start that saw Dries De Bondt (Decathlon-Ag2r La Mondiale) draft the lead car like a lead-out in order to get away as soon as the flag dropped. He would be reeled in soon but it set the tone. It took almost an hour for the right move to go. The seven clear were Kasper Asgreen (Soudal-Quickstep), the promising Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-LAB), Marco Haller (Bora-hansgrohe), Liam Slock (Lotto-Dstny), Gleb Syritsa (Astana), Kamil Maecki (Q36.5) and Rasmus Tiller (Uno-X).Embed from Getty ImagesKasper Asgreen looked like an outside danger but alas while EF had a special retro jersey for the Ronde last week, Quicksteps kit evokes their better days. But like the Ronde last week at least they made the move. Many hadnt but struggled to chase, the breakaway was an efficient team time trial. De Bondt and Duan Rajovi (Bahrain) chased and would get across but the effort cost them and theyd be dropped later.Back in the bunch there was a big crash in Ham that felled several, including a slew of contenders. Some were out instantly, with others left chasing but it wasnt their day, like Jonathan Milan and Tim Merlier. In a week where crashes have been the dominant news story, this proved to be the worst collective crash in the whole race.With the race covering 54.7km in the first hour for anecdotal purposes only: faster than Bradley Wiggins hour record thanks to the tailwind and the strong group, Alpecin-Deceuninck and Lidl-Trek deployed Silvan Dillier and Tim Declerq to keep the breakaway in check. The tight leash policy didnt even allow the breakaway two minutes and is why the romantic idea of the early breakaway making all the way to Roubaix is wilting. That said it provided options, for example Maecki would ride to 18th place in part thanks to hauling himself ahead of events.Embed from Getty ImagesAs soon as the cobbles began the mechanicals followed. Christophe Laporte punctured and from then on race radio was crackling with emergency news. As the course turned north-west after 100km it started to catch a stiff crosswind and splits appeared in the peloton. Paris-Roubaix became giant elimination race as one by one riders were undone, some by punctures and broken kit, and some by being out of position. There was little chance to get back, the second hour of racing averaged 52km/h.Having crashed already in Ham, Laurenz Rex collided with a road sign. Sadly he did an Offredo, looking backwards rather than at the sign in his way but a decade on this object was padded so hopefully the injuries are mitigated. With 140km to go the breakaway was caught. Moments later Joshua Tarling got a bike change followed bye very sticky bottle, cyclings euphemism for cheating by holding onto the team car. Live on TV and right in front of a moto regulateur, his expulsion was inevitable.Embed from Getty ImagesThe Arenberg forests chicane has to be mentioned, if only because it was a sizzling nothingburger. The addition of three corners to the course prompted a lot of noise during the week but the only crash came from a lot of pre-race hot takes falling into the bin. Nobody crashed and the Arenberg was raced like it usually is: the riders and pav decide. It was at this same spot that a tribute to Franois Doulcier could be seen. The late President of the Amis de Paris-Roubaix, the charity that did so much under his guidance to not only preserve the pav but promote it too. When the race revisits on a revised approach next year hopefully Doulcier gets the limelight instead.Embed from Getty ImagesExit Arenberg and Mathieu van der Poel was clear with team mate Jasper Philipsen, Mads Pedersen and Mick van Dijke. Too soon? You wondered if it was possible to press on but Philipsen punctured to leave a trio who thought better of it. Pedersen himself punctured next. More moves would come and go, including one from Nils Politt, Stefan Kng and Gianni Vermeersch that lasted 15km. Just like the Ronde, Vermeersch covered the breakaway where his presence allowed Van der Poel to sit tight and stay out of sight, despite his pristine rainbow jersey. Tim Wellens and Mads Pedersen made moves but they were closed down before you could say Alpecin-Deceuninck.On the approach to the Orchies sector Alpecin-Deceuninck hit the front. Only there was nobody up the road to chase and Van der Poel was already in a good position. Were they setting up an attack? Sure enough Van der Poel launched on the pav, and as he went clear Vermeersch was able to dip into his slipstream and deprive Mads Pedersen of the space, helping to create a gap that nobody could close.It wasnt all over. Ideally the chase would have kept Van der Poel at twenty seconds, stewing like a carbonade flamande while the group behind worked together, biding their time. They had the numbers, they had the power but not the collective will. So easier said than done. Within no time Pedersen sensed the lack of will. He sprinted clear but Vermeersch, him again, had the move covered. Each of the individual pursuit efforts were got neutralised by Van der Poels denim deputies. The gap kept growing and with it the sense that there was a race for second place.Embed from Getty ImagesThe final hour the race became a giant advert for Brustor and with it, the chance to go and learn that Louis Brustaert founded the company that makes blinds (stores in French) in 1965. Bru + store = Brustor. Probably all over France and beyond attention was turning to other things too. Tables were being cleared, toilets flushing, dogs bouncing excitedly as their owners headed for the door brandishing leads and so on. By now Van der Poel was so far ahead you could measure it not by seconds, but cobbled sectors. You could see it too, he carved corners that cut up the others, even Tom Pidcock was starting to look ragged behind.Embed from Getty ImagesWhile he was getting handed up food from the team car, behind the chase split on the Mons-en-Pvle cobbles as Nils Politt, Jasper Philipsen, Mads Pedersen and Groupama-FDJ tandem Stefan Kng and Laurence Pithie rode away with 45km to go. FDJs luck was running low, first Pithie crash hard on a corner, then Philipsen accelerated on the Gruson cobbles and Kng was dropped.This left Politt, Pedersen and Philipsen as a trio hunting for the two podium spots. Politt doesnt have the sprint but he couldnt or wouldnt move. Sure enough in the final Pedersen went one way around him, Philipsen the other and it was Philipsen who finished second. A 1-2 for Alpecin-Deceuninck like last year.Embed from Getty ImagesThe VerdictA fine race with constant change and surprises, an outdoor elimination race until the final 90 minutes where Van der Poel personally relegated the field. His attack was incisive and bold, he left them with 60km remaining. There was still a large group behind but his team had every move covered behind, especially Gianni Vermeersch. From here on the finish lacked suspense and even the race for second place wasnt that lively, neither Kng nor Politt were able to put the sprinters under pressure. After a week dominated by reports of musculoskeletal trauma the consolation here was uninterrupted racing and a predictable outcome rather than crash carnage.Van der Poel wins but Alpecin-Deceuninck were formidable all day, hed do well to watch the video again and see just how his colleagues rode like prison guards to close down any escapees. While some teams have a flat hierarchy to the point where their riders are incentivised to go clear before a team mate does to get an option on the win, the Belgian team is much more traditional with an alpha leader supported by the rest of the group. Both options can work, the race missed Wout van Aert but also Lidl-Trek didnt come with their full squad either.The Amstel is next for Van der Poel, home soil but more awkward terrain. Then comes Lige-Bastogne-Lige, possibly out of his reach but hes finished sixth before and might fancy his chances in a move that goes clear before La Redoute and La-Roche-aux-Faucons. Hell have to play things very differently, he cant count on his team in the same way. And Tadej Pogaar might have something to say about things too.The post The Moment Paris-Roubaix Was Won first appeared on The Inner Ring.

The Sea Otter Classic has traditionally had a mountain bike focus and, while off-road riding still characterises the event, every two-wheeled discipline is now well represented in what has become North Americas biggest and most important cycling festival.As a result, there was no shortage of new road tech for us to hunt out in California, including new and recently released bikes from Blackheart, FiftyOne, Haro, ENVE, Van Rysel, BMC, Ritchey, Parlee, Giant, Bridge Bike Works and Canyon.From Blackhearts new alloy frame to Parlees endurance bike, via Haros diversion into drop bars and FiftyOnes addition of a stock road frame as well as big-name bikes from BMC, Giant and more theres something for everyone here.Blackhearts all-new Road AL alloy race bikeNew from LA-based Blackheart, the Road AL. - George Scott / Our MediaThe Road AL is Blackhearts newest model, launched at Sea Otter 2024.Its based around the same geometry as the LA brands Road Ti, launched last year, with racy angles and eight stock sizes, from 46cm to 62cm. The geometrys not too dissimilar from a Giant TCR in terms of stack and reach, and it has a steeper head tube angle.The frame combines the modern and the classic, with relatively simple tube shapes, dropped stays, an integrated front end and clearance for 32mm tyres.Subtle tube shaping for the Blackheart Road AL. - George Scott / Our MediaIts made from double-butted 7005 aluminium, with a subtle Kammtail shape to the down tube and gentle curving seatstays. The frame is finished with Cerakote, a heat-cured ceramic paint.Blackhearts representative at Sea Otter said the frame is designed around common standards, with no proprietary parts. Theres a threaded T47 bottom bracket, a round 31.6mm seatpost, SRAMs Univeral Derailleur Hanger, and compatibility with 1x and 2x drivetrains. There's clearance for 32mm tyres.Room for 32mm tyres. - George Scott / Our MediaThe frame costs $1,999 and 10 build options are available through Blackheart, starting with a SRAM Rival AXS 1x version for $3,649, and rising to $7,449 with 1x Campagnolo Super Record Wireless. That's with a set of DT Swiss A 1800 Alloy wheels Blackheart also offers a range of Hunt, Zipp and ENVE wheel upgrades.You can also upgrade the tyres, bottom bracket, rear derailleur cage and handlebar/stem, as well as adding a power meter or changing the handlebar width and stem length.We love high-end alloy. - George Scott / Our MediaThe Road AL was launched at Sea Otter 2024. - George Scott / Our MediaThere are 10 build options. - George Scott / Our MediaSRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger features. - George Scott / Our MediaA fresh look at Blackhearts Gravel ALThe Gravel AL also took centre stage on Blackheart's Sea Otter booth. - George Scott / Our MediaThe Blackheart range also includes an all-road bike, with aluminium and titanium frame options and 40mm of tyre clearance, and this, the Gravel AL, launched in January.The frame has clearance for 47mm tyres, but youll notice the relatively tight clearance at the rear of the bike. Blackheart wanted to combine a slightly slack angle (for stability) with a tight rear triangle to keep the handling relatively reactive.This one also starts at $1,999 for the frameset, with SRAM and Shimano build options.Clearance is quite tight with a big tyre. - George Scott / Our MediaThere's plenty of room up front. - George Scott / Our MediaThe Gravel AL also uses a T47 bottom bracket. - George Scott / Our MediaFiftyOne adds the Sika, a stock road frame with big tyre clearanceThe FiftyOne Sika also broke cover at Sea Otter. - George Scott / Our MediaFiftyOne is best known for its custom bikes, as well as for producing hard-hitting bikes for the likes of UFC star Conor McGregor and heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua.However, the Irish brand introduced a stock gravel bike, the FiftyOne Assassin, a couple of years ago and now has a production road bike, the FiftyOne Sika.Very pretty. - George Scott / Our MediaThe 690g claimed frame weight (size medium) is the headline-grabber here. The frame also has clearance for 40mm tyres and is based around a real-world geometry for everyday riders, not stretchy pros, according to FiftyOnes founder, Aidan Duff.Duff says FiftyOnes experience in building more than 500 custom bikes has fed into the development of the Sika, including fit data and tube shapes. FiftyOne's signature seatstay shape. - George Scott / Our MediaThe seatstays, in particular, are very distinctive, with a pencil-thin design that adopts FiftyOnes now-trademark shape.Other features include a 27.2mm seatpost with an external clamp, T47 bottom bracket, a Universal Derailleur Hanger and Sikas own one-piece cockpit.Big tyre clearance is all the rage. - George Scott / Our MediaWe love the finish on this. - George Scott / Our MediaFiftyOne is best known for its fully custom frames. - George Scott / Our MediaA round seatpost keeps things simple. - George Scott / Our MediaHaro drops into road bikes with the new RivetteWe didn't expect to see new drop-bar bikes from Haro. - Jack Luke / Our MediaThe Haro Rivette is a new aero-inspired race bike from a brand normally associated with BMXs and affordable mountain bikes.The bike demonstrates many traits of the contemporary all-rounder aero bike internal cable routing, truncated aerofoil tubing, lightly dropped chainstays and a beefy head tube are all present and correct.Jack Luke / Our MediaPictured is the top-spec Rivette, costing $7,999 with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200.Vision 45 SL wheels and a one-piece cockpit from BlkTec which is better known for its wild star-shaped wheels complete the build.ENVEs new Fray all-road bike with a Classified hubThe ENVE Fray launched a week before Sea Otter. - George Scott / Our MediaENVE released the Fray a week before Sea Otter, with the Utah firms latest bike sitting between the Melee race bike and MOG gravel bike in an expanding line-up.This is a genre-blurring bike that, with room for squishy 40mm tyres, some might call an all-road bike, and some might call an endurance bike, given how tyre clearance has ballooned in that sector over the past 12 months.ENVE is now working with Classified. - George Scott / Our MediaENVE had a rather special, custom-painted Fray on its booth at Sea Otter, but well save that for a separate round-up of some of our favourite custom bikes from the show. Watch this space.However, Classified also had a Fray on display, thanks to a new partnership with ENVE.With the Powershift hub replicating the work of a front derailleur, the drivetrain is streamlined. - George Scott / Our MediaClassified, if youre not familiar, produces a rear hub the Powershift which replaces the front derailleur. The idea is that Powershift offers the range and versatility of a 2x drivetrain, but with a streamlined 1x configuration up front.This new partnership means ENVE will be offering a range of wheels (the Foundation, G Series and SES Series lines) and Melee, MOG and Fray builds with Classified Powershift.Van Rysels RCR aero race bike is finally availableVan Rysel featured prominently at Sea Otter once again. - George Scott / Our MediaOkay, this one broke cover at last year's Sea Otter and was one of the standout highlights of the show but now, a year later, the Van Rysel RCR is finally available to the public.Since the 2023 show, Van Rysel has officially launched the RCR and re-entered the WorldTour peloton thanks to a new partnership with the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team.This Van Rysel RCR Rival looked very tasty. - George Scott / Our MediaVan Rysel is offering the RCR in SRAM Rival AXS (4,500 / $5,499), Shimano Ultegra Di2 (5,500 / $TBC) and SRAM Force AXS builds (5,500 / $6,999).There's also a replica of the team bike for 9,000 / $10,999, although that's temporarily out of stock (in the UK, TBC in the US) having sold through pre-orders last week.There's a SRAM Force AXS spec, too. - George Scott / Our MediaLow and very long. - George Scott / Our MediaFor the future WorldTour stars. - George Scott / Our MediaBMCs revamped Roadmachine in the fleshAnother look at the new BMC Roadmachine. - George Scott / Our MediaBikeRadars Oscar Huckle was on the launch of BMCs revamped endurance bike a couple of weeks ago and was seriously impressed you can read his BMC Roadmachine review.30mm rubber as standard. - George Scott / Our MediaStill, we couldnt resist swinging by the BMC booth to look at the recently released Roadmachine.A top-spec build for Sea Otter. - George Scott / Our MediaOnce again, big tyres are the headline here can you see a trend developing with the latest endurance road bikes? with room for 40mm rubber. Theres also nifty down tube storage, a neatly integrated rear light and Stealth Dropouts.The Roadmachine X is the gravel-inspired spec. - Jack Luke / Our MediaBMC will offer the new Roadmachine in road and gravel (Roadmachine X) builds, while theres also a Roadmachine AMP e-road variation.The Ritchey Montebello is a utilitarians dreamMudguards were out of place at a dry and dusty Sea Otter, but that doesn't make this bike any less delightful. - Jack Luke / Our MediaWith polished fenders sparkling resplendently in the Californian sunshine, mudguard magpie Jack Luke was drawn towards the new Ritchey Montebello from across the show.The Montebello is an all-new steel road bike that pairs relaxed geometry with mounts for a front rack and mudguards (with clearance for 36mm tyres or 4mm without fenders), and dynamo light routing.Time for something different. - Jack Luke / Our MediaTo prove the credentials of the brand's new randonneur bike, Ritcheys marketing manager, Fergus Liam, rode a pre-production Montebello at the 1,200km Paris-Brest-Paris event.Weve covered the Ritchey Montebello in more detail here.The silver finish kit is a great match for the red paint. - Jack Luke / Our MediaThe same seat clamp design is used across several of Ritchey's bikes. - Jack Luke / Our MediaRacked up and ready. - Jack Luke / Our MediaCut-outs were added to this iteration of the dropouts to reduce weight. - Jack Luke / Our MediaParlees nude Ouray turns headsParlee is back with the Ouray. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaAfter a couple of lean years, during which the brand was rescued from the brink of bankruptcy, Parlee was back with a bang at Sea Otter.The new Ouray turned heads on Parlees stand, thanks partly to the nude carbon finish, protected only by a lightweight but durable, according to Parlee wax coating.The Ouray has a nude carbon finish. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Ouray is a monocoque frame, made in one piece, and Parlee is so confident in the layup of the carbon fibre that it wants to keep everything on display, without any paint or even clear-coat lacquer, to distract from the finish.The Ouray joins the Z-Zero, RZ7 and Chebbaco in the Parlee line-up. Its a bike that points to the future, compatible with only electronic groupsets and, like the Blackheart and FiftyOne bikes also featured here, SRAM UDH.Neat and tidy. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaParlee says the Ouray is designed around open standards, and supplies the bike with custom, 3D-printed headset spacers for PRO, ENVE and FSA cockpits.Giant stays loyal to the TCROne of this year's biggest launches so far, the new Giant TCR. - George Scott / Our MediaFinally, heres the latest Giant TCR another bike launched in the build-up to Sea Otter.Weve covered the new Giant TCR in detail and have already reviewed this latest iteration so will keep this brief for now.Giant is staying loyal to the TCR marque. - George Scott / Our MediaWhile some brands are slimming down their ranges by combining their aero and lightweight lines into one do-it-all road bike, Giant has stayed loyal to the TCR name in launching this 10th iteration, while continuing to develop (and reduce the weight of) the Propel aero bike.The flagship TCR Advanced SL frame now weighs a claimed 690g for a size medium, while getting subtle aero upgrades both to the tube shapes and with the cable routing going internal and a new handlebar.The TCR's had a light aero makeover. - George Scott / Our MediaBridge Bike Works Surveyor race bike is a work of artThe Surveyor is Bridge Bike Works' first production bike. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaBridge Bike Works Integrally Threaded Carbon Bottom Bracket was a highlight of Sea Otter 2023.Most carbon bikes with a threaded bottom bracket bond an alloy sleeve into the frame, with the bottom bracket threading into this.Bridges design is unique, with the bottom brackets threading directly into threads moulded (not cut) into the frame.This wonderful colour is dubbed 'Isle of Man' green. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaAfter two years of development, the Canadian brand is now ready to bring a full bike to market, kicking things off with the Surveyor.Priced at around $4,000 with a stock paint option, the Surveyor is a road race bike with clearance for 40mm tyres.Despite that gravel-bike style clearance, Bridge says the Surveyors geometry figures are firmly road-like. It expects to see customers evenly split between true road builds and a gravel-lite spec, as pictured here.Canyon targets rugged riding with new Grizl:On e-gravel bikeWith a Bosch motor and RockShox suspension fork, Canyon is pitching this one at big adventures. - George Scott / Our MediaFinally, here's Canyon's new electric gravel bike, the Grizl:On.Launched in March, the Grizl:On is a new addition to Canyon's e-gravel line-up, joining the Grail:On.The Grizl:On uses Bosch's new Performance Line SX motor for relatively lightweight electrification, with the drive unit adding a claimed 4kg. It's not as powerful as full-fat ebike motors, such as the 90Nm Bosch Performance Line CX, but Canyon says its lower weight and torque results in a more natural ride feel.

Stage 5 of the Tour de Romandie will bring the race to a close. Carlos Rodrguez is now in the yellow jersey but has several riders within reach who may attack on the rainy day of racing. The sprinters may have it, but puncheurs such as Julian Alaphilippe and Thibau Nys also stand a chance of explod...

The last of the cobbled classics and the most exceptional one, in every sense. And yet the obvious outcome is a repeat of last Sunday with Mathieu van der Poel going away for a solo win.The Course: a 15 minute neutralised roll out and then 260km. Its 96km to the first cobbled sector and this first section is no parade. The road rises and falls, its the hilliest part of the course and theres plenty of exposed roads in the countryside and street furniture in the towns, especially Saint-Quentin.The cobbled sectors come after 96km. The graphic above shows the ratings. Look closely and youll see theres no #15 and #8 features twice and if you recon the route you discover there are also some brief unmarked cobbles too; this years ratings have three more stars than last year. Sectors are subjectively rated by difficulty but also a function of distance. So a short sector with stones jagged enough to puncture tires and dreams alike may not merit a diabolical rating. Its always worth remembering that in this 260km race, roughly 80% is are on tarmac and 90% is tarmac and the one, two or three star rated sections.The tarmac sectors are arguably as important as the pav, riders sprint to get into position for the cobbles and once theyre on the farm tracks the fight for position backs off, the racing eases off from sprint to time trial.The Arenberg Forest has long been a self-fulfilling strategic points as riders rush to be at the front in case of a crash which heightens the crash risk. The previous section (number 20) is one of the toughest. The Arenbergs traditional bowling alley approach altered with the chicane right-left-right turns onto the sector after the CPA rider union made an 11th hour request. The addition of these bends has generated a lot of interest but on race day the defining point is the 2.3km length and the jagged stones with their protruding edges.Now the sectors come thick and fast as the route twists and turns across Le Nord, a corner of France that always gets grim portraits, take your pick from Zola, Varda or contemporary socio-economic data.Mons-en-Pvle is a five star brute, three kilometres and often where the race is lost by many. With 20km to go the crucial sectors of Camphin and then the Carrefour de lArbre arrive. This final one is five-star, two kilometres and the hardest part comes towards the end where it starts to climb and this is the crucial moment to make the difference.The Finish: Held in the old velodrome, riders enter the 500m rough concrete track for one and half laps. The banking can be exploited by a rider lucid enough to remember how to sprint on a track, harder than it sounds after 260km.The ContendersEmbed from Getty ImagesMathieu van der Poel won it last year, he won the Ronde last week and each time with a confident solo win. It almost feels like a question of what can beat him rather than who can beat him, that a puncture or a mechanical could pose more of a problem than his rivals but even then hes in the kind of form where he can reverse the situation. Hes got a good sprint, and if hes lost sometimes in a sprint in the past its often because hed made many efforts before; these days he is more measured and experienced.The one weakness for Van der Poel is team work, Alpecin-Deceuninck look smart but not imposing. In Jasper Philipsen theyve got last years second place finisher but if he rides its a helper less. Hes famously quick but resilient too which counts as the sprint in the Roubaix velodrome is as much a test of stamina as speed.For all the rest its about how to get ahead of Van der Poel. Attacking before he does is necessary but far from sufficient. The right move has to go such that teams wanting to beat Van der Poel have cooperate. Not collude, there will be no alliance against the rainbow jersey, just the hope they can get riders up the road together and force Alpecin to chase instead of missing the moves and having to chase themselves.Embed from Getty ImagesLidl-Trek gave a textbook example of team work in Gent-Wevelgem to enable Mads Pedersen to beat Van der Poel. Now theyre diminished, no Stuyven nor Kirsch. Jonathan Milan is a battering ram but the real question is about Pedersens form. We got a rough answer last weekend where he was scattering energy around Flanders but at least he was able to do to this and should be fresher and more focused now. Can he afford to race patiently and hope Van der Poel is forced to work more; last weeks outing might convince him to sit tight.Embed from Getty ImagesPatrick Lefevere said that if Remco Evenepoel won Lige then everyone who had been criticising him would have to eat their words about Soudal-Quicksteps spring classics campaign. Thats alas not happening now. Still his team have won two semi-classics, more than most. Its been thanks to Tim Merlier. His limits only come when theres climbing but the hard part for him and the team is constructing the victory, to put him in a place where he can unleash his sprint in the velodrome for the win. Asgreen and Lampaert look made for the race but havent bloomed this spring.Visma-Lease A Bike are having a tough time as well and the absence of Wout van Aert is worth dwelling on as this was supposed to be his big day, a chance to return to the roads where mechanical mishaps cost him the chance to contest the win a year ago. Dylan van Baarle is strong but how to win? Christophe Laporte is much more the archetypal rider, packs a fast finish and absent Van Aert has the keys to the team bus but hes been ill so form is unknown.Embed from Getty ImagesNils Politt (UAE) has been on the podium before and arguably hes racing better than ever. As we all saw he lost a sprint to Jan Tratnik so its probably solo or bust. Tim Wellens adds depth but was probably better suited to last Sundays climbs while Mikkel Bjerg comes off fourth place in Flanders and gives more options.Like Politt, Stefan Kng (Groupama-FDJ) where has also been on the podium but the top step is a leap. This time he and Laurence Pithie can work together but all it takes is one crash or incident and things come undone, they have to hope fortune is on their side this Sunday.Fred Wright leads Bahrain after Matej Mohori is out. Movistar are visible with Oier Lazkano and Ivan Garcia Cortina, both muscular riders who be present in the final hour but how to win?Uno-X have a cohesive squad and Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X) looks to be made for the race but has actually struggled on the cobbles and only once made the top-10 while Sren Wrenskjold packs a sprint, Ramus Tiller is strong too. TotalEnergies need a result but a win would be more than an upset, still Dries Van Gestel and Anthony Turgis are their best cards to play.Paris-Roubaix has sometimes favoured the long-odds riders, the early breakaways and the stalwarts, and supplied fairy-tale endings. Once more? Its a romantic notion but runs up against the way the race is ridden these days with high speeds, teams not giving the early breakaway any space and the favourites being willing to launch early rather than waiting only to fade the finale. Florian Snchal (Arka-B&B Hotels) would be the local pick but his spring has been ruined by injury so a result would be even more of a story, instead Luca Mozzato and Jenthe Biermans can hope for a top-10. At 33 Oliver Naesen is getting into the grizzled category but said he had great form in the Ronde on his way to seventh place so look out for him on Decathlons home roads. John Degenkolb (DSM Firmenich-PostNL) is a past winner, was seventh last year despite a crash in the finish but he crashed on Friday so this isnt going to be easy for the 35 year old.As well old hands finally getting their reward for patience, Paris-Roubaix can also anoint young talent. Alec Segaert (Lotto-Dstny) and Josh Tarling (Ineos) are both are time triallists who can turn on the power while Ineos have Ben Turner too. Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-LAB) is in his debut too but might have less room to race for himself. Laurenz Rex (Intermarch-Wanty) won Le Samyn and is an outside tip for many at this race as hes a strong rider with a big build and a mountain bike background.Van der PoelPedersen, PhilipsenPolitt, Van Baarle, Laporte, MerlierRex, Kng, Pidcock, Naesen, Milan, Pithie, DegenkolbWeather: cloudy and a top temperature of 19C. Crucially a 25km/h wind from the SW which could gust to 40km/h. This means a tailwind for the first half of the race and then for the second half, a crosswind or at least in the general direction of travel as the race twists on its way northwest towards Roubaix.This is the one race where climate matters as much as the weather. Its been a very wet winter so the ground is soaked and muddy sectors can endure and over the winter the stones have moved, potholes have appeared in places. As importantly the sides are often soft and riders seeking relief from the pav by riding on the dirt and grass verges can get bogged down.TV: live from start at 11.10am CEST to the finish at 5.20pm CEST. Normally its on the same channel you watch the Tour de France on so France Tlvisions for locals and VPN users, and Eurosport in most other countries. Arenberg starts around 3.00pm.Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift: its today (Saturday) between 1.30pm and 5.30pm CEST with TV coverage for the final two hours, about where the first of the 17 cobbled sectors begins. This blogs clumsy pick is Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) but its notable that the team isnt winning as often this season and races are more open, well see if Marianne Vos (Visma-LAB) can add this to her prolific collection and look out for Zoe Bckstedt in her Roubaix debut. Youll find a better informed and proper preview over at procyclinguk.com.The post Paris-Roubaix Preview first appeared on The Inner Ring.

Trek has added to the growing number of radar rear lights with the new CarBack.Launched at the Sea Otter Classic show, the Trek CarBack Radar Tail Light combines a rear light with a radar that, according to the brand, can detect rear-approaching vehicles from up to 240m.The Garmin Varia is the best-known radar bike light out there, launched in 2015. Garmins latest option, the Varia RCT715, combines a rear light, radar and camera.Over the past couple of years, weve seen several competitor options hit the market, including the Magicshine Magene Seemee 508 and Bryton Gardia R300L. Now Trek has joined the Fray with the CarBack.Trek has added to the growing number of radar lights. - George Scott / Our MediaTaking a closer look at the Trek CarBack, as a light it has a maximum output of 90 lumens, with four modes: Day Flash (90 lumens)Day Steady (25 lumens)Night Steady (five lumens)Night Flash (five lumens)Trek claims the Day Flash mode is daytime-visible from up to 2km away. The brand has been something of a pioneer over the past decade when it comes to daytime-running lights, with the current Trek Flare RT one of our favourite bike lights.A silicone strap provides secure attachment to a wide range of seatpost shapes and sizes. - George Scott / Our MediaIn terms of its radar capabilities, Trek says the CarBack provides audio and visual alerts through your GPS bike computer. With both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, it can also connect with Treks Accessory app to display the position of oncoming cars in real time if you ride with your phone as a bike computer. If you keep your phone in your pocket, the app can provide audio alerts, Trek adds.Other features include a four-bar LED battery gauge on the side of the light and a USB-C charging port. The light weighs a claimed 87g.The Trek CarBack Radar Tail Light costs 169.99 / $199.99 / 199.99 / AU$299.99.

Great for teens, not so great for middle-aged men 6/10

INEOS Grenadiers were once the team to beat in most stage-races and the superpower of professional road cycling. Nowadays, the team fights to be at the top, but it will likely win it's first World Tour overall classification since the 2022 Tour de Pologne; as Carlos Rodrguez climbed his way into ye...

Saracen has released its new Myst downhill bike with a redesigned frame that places the rear shock lower in the frame.Two bikes are available at launch, with the range-topping Myst Team priced at 5,499.99 and featuring full Fox Factory suspension, while the Myst Pro has a more wallet-friendly spec list and comes priced at 3,599.99.As with the previous Myst, there's also a frameset option priced at 2,199.99, which comes with a Fox DHX2 Factory shock.Saracen offers the bike in three reach measurements instead of sizes, with the largest being 505mm and the smallest 455mm.Lower centre of gravityLowering the centre of gravity should make the Myst better in the corners. - SaracenThe new Myst is made from Saracens Series 3 custom-butted and hydroformed 6013 alloy, with both bikes using the same frame.A complete linkage overhaul sees the Myst using a shock tunnel through the seat tube to enable the rear shock to be placed closer to the bottom bracket.The Myst has spawned a new triangle on the top tube. - SaracenSaracen says this has moved the bike's centre of gravity more than 100mm lower and further back than the previous generation.The rear end now provides 211mm of suspension, up from 203mm on the previous design, while the front continues to be supported by a 200mm fork.We've seen many manufacturers opting for a dissected seat tube suspension system. - SaracenThe British brand says it has also integrated a floating brake tune into the seatstay and rocker linkage, increasing braking performance on rough terrain.Oversized and fully sealed bearings are used in all pivot locations. These are said to support the forces required for racing and ensure a long lifespan.The redesign sees a third triangle added on top of the Myst frame, with a strengthening tube helping to support a seriously slack seat tube.Saracen says all these refinements make the new Myst the fastest downhill bike the brand has ever made although it doesn't quantify this claim.Frame protectionThe Myst has plenty of plastic to protect the frame and components. - SaracenAt the top of the of the down tube, there are integrated fork bump-stops to protect the stanchions from making contact with your frame.Head tube cable routing should avoid the frustrations of integrated headset routing. - SaracenInternal cable routing enters the frame through the front of the head tube, making for a clean cockpit without the consequences of internal headset cable routing.There's a full-length chain protector on the driveside chainstay, which should not only keep the paint chip-free but also quieten the drivetrain on rough terrain.As with the previous generation, the downhill bike runs on a mullet setup, with the front using a 29in wheel and the rear 27.5in.It also looks as if Saracen has killed off its Myst Al, signaling that the days of 27.5in park bikes might be behind us.Gravity-focused geometrySaracen offers the bike in three sizes, with the smallest having a reach measurement of 455mm, the medium 485mm and the large 505mm.These reach measurements measure up similar to the previous model, with only the middle-sized bike 5mm longer.Specialized uses a similar sizing philosophy for its gravity-inspired bikes, deciding reach is a more important figure when choosing a bike for this discipline.The new Myst has a 63-degree head angle and an effective seat tube angle of 76.5 degrees.Chainstay lengths remain the same through all sizes at 450mm.Saracen Myst specification and price detailsSaracen Myst ProPrice: 3,599.99Fork: RockShox Boxxer Select RC, 200mmShock: Marzocchi Bomber CRDrivetrain: SRAM GX DH 7-speedBrakes: Shimano M520Wheels: Race Face Arc (rims), Formula (hubs)Tyres: Maxxis DHR II Maxxgrip DH 2.4Saracen Myst TeamPrice: 5,499.99Fork: Fox Factory 40, 200mmShock: Fox DHX2 FactoryDrivetrain: Shimano Saint 10-speedBrakes: Shimano Saint M820Wheels: DT Swiss FR541 (rims), KT (hubs)Tyres: Maxxis DHR II Maxxgrip DH 2.4

From the 26th to 28th of April we've got the Vuelta a Asturias on the menu. It is a race frequently used by a few Giro d'Italia contenders, but regardless of their presence, the race always delivers in the mountains. We preview the stage ahead.As we read on CyclingUpToDate, perhaps the queen stage,...

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, George Scott and Jack Luke look back over the best MTB tech they sniffed out at Sea Otter 2024.Neko Mulally's bonded DH frame is discussed, alongside the much anticipated Maxxis Aspen ST tyres, which have been teased by professional riders over the past couple of years.George and Jack also share their thoughts on Atherton's new S-Range alloy bikes, with the S.170 making its trade show debut after being released in February.We've also put together an article on all the new and oh-so-shiny MTB tech from the show, so be sure to check that out.How to subscribe to the BikeRadar PodcastThe BikeRadar Podcast takes you to the heart of the issues that matter for bike riders, whether you're a roadie, mountain biker, gravel rider or commuter.From the latest tech news, reviews and debates, to interviews with the biggest and most interesting personalities in cycling, the podcast is your direct line into the BikeRadar team.To make sure you dont miss a future episode, you can subscribe viaApple,Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts.