Richard Plugge, the team boss at World Tour squad Visma-Lease a Bike, said the team had no option but to accept the sudden retirement of Simon Yates, which came at a time of year when he is impossible to replace with someone else of the same calibre. Yates, who two weeks ago announced his decision []

The Corsa lineup moves beyond steel as Eddy Merckx launches bikes built around Italy-made titanium framesets, blending classic Merckx geometry with UDH compatibility, wide tyre clearances and versatility

Alexander Kristoff spent close to two decades at the highest level. Besides the invaluable experience, that also offers the 37-year-old Norwegian unique perspective on how would the previous generation of Classics stars such Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen compare to the nowadays overlords, namely...

The merger of Lotto-Intermarch was one of the most ambitious - and chaotic - projects cycling witnessed in recent years. Within less than a year, two WorldTour-level teams with nearly 60 riders (90 if you count development teams), had to combine to create only one new team. It didn't come without c...

Well, here we go! Heres some news about the future of the32 wheel, which seems tobe more of a realityeveryday. Up until now, its been quite challenging for wheel builders to even find spokes long enoughto build 32 wheels.(Photos / Berd)But Berd has just announced that they may have just solved that problem with the release of two new spokes. The first are the PolyLightX Extreme SPokes designed specifically for Downhill and eMTBs. The second is their flagship PolyLight Spoke in lengths up to 340mm.Lets take a look. PolyLightXBerds PolyLightX spokes are designed specifically for riders who need extra durability for enduro, downhill, or eMTB applications. These spokes feature a diameter thats 50% larger than Berds standard PolyLight spokes, resulting in a 44% increase in stiffness and more than double the abrasion resistance compared to the original design.The PolyLightXs design focuses on the specific demands of aggressive riding and high-load situations. Despite the increased strength, PolyLightX spokes weigh just 3.5 grams per spoke, which is only 1 gram heavier than the standard PolyLight version. This weight difference is relatively minimal for riders who need the added performance characteristics for challenging terrain and riding styles.PolyLightXPolyLightX spokes use 14-gauge (2.0mm) threads, which means they work with standard nipple systems that most bike shops and home mechanics already use. The spokes are available in lengths from 270mm to 340mm, covering common wheel sizes including 27.5, 29, and 32 wheels.Berd PolyLightX Spokes DetailWeight: 3.5 grams per spokeDiameter: 2.7 mmThread type: Standard 14-gauge thread (2.0 mm)Compatibility: Hook Flange Hubs onlyUse Cases: Downhill, enduro, and eMTBBerd Spokes for 32 WheelsThe bike industry is preparing for a significant shift as it starts to develop and flirt with the 32 wheel. And theres word that the UCI is preparing to allow 32-inch wheels in World Cup cross-country racing starting in 2026. This change has prompted bike manufacturers like BMC to develop prototype bikes, while tire companies like Maxxis are already producing compatible rubber. The larger wheel format promises better rollover capabilities, improved traction, and faster speeds on select race courses.Berds spoke manufacturing is based in the USA. So, this allowed them to pivot quickly and prepare for the early stages of the 32 wheel revolution. The company now offers its PolyLight and PolyLightX spokes in lengths up to 340mm, in increments of 1mm. Additionally, these new spokes utilize the same polymer technology that has established BERDs presence in professional racing.While 32-inch wheels require spokes approximately 32mm longer than their 29-inch counterparts, Berds polymer spokes add only 0.07 grams per spoke, which means just 3.8 additional grams for a complete wheelset. In comparison, traditional metal spokes face a much steeper weight penalty, adding 26-46 grams per wheelset when scaling up to 32-inch wheels. When your spokes are this long, spoke weight more important than ever. 29 wheel (left). 32 wheel (right)Berd is no stranger to podium-winning spokes and wheels. Over the past two seasons, riders using 29-inch wheels with Berd spokes have achieved more than 50 World Cup podium finishes. This includes four of the six medal positions at the 2024 Olympic mountain bike races. The spokes vibration-damping properties and low weight have made them popular among competitive cross-country riders, characteristics that should transfer directly to the new 32-inch wheel format.Berd PolyLightX Spokes DetailWeight: 2.6 grams per spoke (340 mm spoke)Diameter: 1.8 mmThread type: Standard 14-gauge thread (2.0 mm)Compatibility: Jbend, straightpull, or hook flange hubsPotential use cases: XC MTB, gravelGet more info at the link below! berdspokes.comThe post Berd Launches Longer Spokes for 32 XC Wheels + PolyLightX Extreme Downhill Spokes appeared first on Bikerumor.

Short cranks have been the topic among technical geek circles ever since the start of 2025 when the reports of Jonas Vingegaard sporting ultra-short 150mm cranks, following the example of Tadej Pogacar, have spread. Since then, a season has passed during which we have seen this "innovation" in actio...

Eddy Merckx is a brand known not only for building high-quality, good-looking bikes but also for their affordability. The brand offers complete gravel builds with a steel frame for under $2,500 USD.Aluminum options start at around $2,000 USD.So, are Eddy Merckxs new titanium bikes hitting an affordability pricepoint? In a word, no. But, these are easily some of the best-looking bikes they make.Eddy Merckx TitaniumFor their entry into the Ti space, Eddy Merckx chose two options to extend its Corsa bike range. On the gravel side, they chose the race-ready Corsa Strasbourg and, for all-road, the race-ready Corsa Pvle.Both bikes use Columbus Hyperion titanium tubing, with frames handcrafted in Italy and assembled in Belgium. The Corsa Pvle and Strasbourg feature bespoke 3D-printed UDH dropouts, enabling the use of T-Type drivetrains. Both frames also offer integrated dynamo cable routing.Each Ti offering includes a selection of groupset build options or can be frame-and-fork only. Build options can be selected via the online Eddy Merckx configurator. There, youll also be able to choose customizable accents and logo colors on the heat tube and downtube.These colors can also be matched to select small part offerings from Wolf Tooth.Corsa Pvle TiEddy Merckx brings titanium to their all-road offering, creating the Corsa Pvle Ti. They designed Corsa Pvle with a slightly lower bottom bracket than their road bikes. This lowers the center of gravity, providing greater stability and control for the rider.The Corsa Pvle is also slightly shorter than a modern gravel bike, providing responsive, agile handling. The result is a balanced bike that can handle on- and off-road adventures. Plus, the Ti option offers unique ride characteristics, weight savings, and aesthetics that only a titanium bike can deliver.The Corsa Pvle Ti is available with a 1x or 2x drivetrain. Tire clearance is a touch slimmer with the 2x drivetrain, allowing for 38mm tires. On 1x drivetrain Corsa Pvle Ti bikes, 40mm tires will fit. The bike also has mounting points on the top tube for accessories, as well as mounting points for a mudguard.Eddy Merckx has eight groupset builds, both road and gravel-focused, for the Corsa Pvle Ti. They also offer a frame-and-fork option.Shimano Ultegra Di2Shimano Dura-Ace Di2SRAM ForceSRAM RedCampagnolo Super RecordSram Force XPLRSram Red XPLRCampagnolo Super Record XCorsa Strasbourg TiEddy Merckx designed the Corsa Strasbourg Ti to handle rough gravel and singletrack with poise and confidence. They designed the bike around longer and lower geometry, providing a lower center of gravity for a more composed ride feel. This also gives the rider greater control in corners and on rougher descents.The Corsa Strasbourg Ti sees 50mm tire clearance for performance and comfort, especially on longer rides. It also has multiple mounting pointsframe and forkfor bags and accessories, making it a capable bikepacking option. And, like the Corsa Pvle Ti, it also has mudguard mount points.Eddy Merckx sells the Corsa Strasbourg Ti as a frame-and-fork set. They also have a few groupset build options, all of which are 1x drivetrains.SRAM Force XPLRSRAM Red XPLRCampagnolo Super Record XTo view the new Ti offerings from Eddy Merckx, including details and prices, visit eddymerckx.com.The post Eddy Merckx Introduces Titanium Versions of the Corsa Pvle and the Corsa Strasbourg appeared first on Bikerumor.

One day before the cycling season 2026 officially begins for most cycling fans with the Tour Down Under on Tuesday, January 20, a Grand Tour will start in... India! No, we haven't gone crazy, but neither Giro, Tour or Vuelta is involved. Instead, the so-called "Pune Grand Tour" will feature as India...

Despite priding himself on understanding how to thrive as a middle-aged cyclist, Phil Cavell was perilously unaware the 'shark' circling him a heart condition hiding in plain sight

Italy can look forward to a return of one of its most iconic races in 2026. Giro di Sardegna is back on the UCI calendar after a 15-year hiatus for a 30th edition. Granted the 2.1 category, the five-day stage race will circle the whole island, with stage 3 start placed in the biggest city of Cagliar...