What should have been a routine training ride turned into a prolonged and frightening ordeal for former Belgian road champion Jesse Vandenbulcke, who says she was chased for kilometres, intimidated, and deliberately hit by a car while preparing for the upcoming road season. The 2019 Belgian champion...

Battling subzero windchills, cracking ice and mechanical failures, Eric McKinney became the first rider to bike across lakes Erie, Ontario, Huron, Michigan and Superior

CyclistAll the WorldTour cyclists retiring in 2026The 2026 season has only just begun and already weve seen some big names step away from the sport, and there are several more fan favourites, serial winners and cycling legends calling it quits at the end of the season. Weve rounded up those who have decided to end their professional cycling careers this year, from Grand Tour champions to loyal domestiques. Enjoy them while you can.Simon Yates (Visma-Lease a Bike)Luica Bettini/Getty ImagesSimon Yates surprised the cycling world when he announced his retirement on the eve of the season. Even more so when he had been pictured in Visma-Lease a Bikes 2026 kit over the winter. The reigning Giro dItalia winner hangs up his cleats at 33 years of age, saying he had been thinking about it for a long time.Retirement date: 7th January 2026Simon Clarke (NSN Cycling Team) Con Chronis/Getty ImagesSimon Clarke enjoyed a 17-year professional career riding for the likes of Jayco-AlUla, EF Education-EasyPost and Israel-Premier Tech. In that time, he was a valued team member who helped others to their own successes but still found chances to win stages across all three Grand Tours, including an iconic Tour de France cobble stage in 2022. He retired this month in Australia with his last race the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.Retirement date: 1st February 2026 Related Posts The 9 most anticipated head-to-heads to look forward to in 2026 Simon Yates retiring at the top is the perfect send off Simon Yates retires from professional cycling Bauke Mollema (Lidl-Trek)Presse SportsDutch rider Bauke Mollema became part of the furniture at Lidl-Trek, his career spanning over a decade in a partnership with the squad that brought two Tour stages and one-day race victories including the Clsica de San Sebastin and Trofeo Laigueglia. Though perhaps his finest day on the bike came at Il Lombardia in 2019, where Mollema launched a solo attack on the penultimate climb to take a memorable Monument victory.Retirement date: End of 2026Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek)Lidl-TrekAmanda Spratt is stepping away from cycling having spent almost her entire career with Jayco-AlUla, though she finished it off with a four-year stint at Lidl-Trek. Spratty has always thrived on home roads in Australia, winning both the National Championships road race and the Womens Tour Down Under three times. She won a silver medal for Australia at the World Championships in 2018, has several GC podiums to her name at the Giro dItalia, and has been a key road captain throughout the years. Her presence will be missed but shes no doubt inspired the generation of strong Australian riders were seeing coming through now.Retirement date: End of 2026Mavi Garca(UAE Team ADQ)Mavi Garcais such a cornerstone of the womens peloton that, despite her 42 years of age, it still feels weird writing about her retirement. The Spaniard has been enjoying some of her best results to date as her career draws to a close, becoming the oldest stage winner at the Tour de France Femmes in 2025, racing to a bronze medal in the World Championships road race and opening 2026 with a second place at the womens Tour Down Under. She could go out with a bang.Retirement date: End of 2026Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious)UNIPUBLIC / SPRINT CYCLING AGENCYDamiano Caruso is another who has loved life on home roads, boasting a second place at the Giro in 2021, a fourth place in 2023 and a fifth place in 2025 for Bahrain Victorious. The 38-year-old, who turned professional back in 2009, also has a Vuelta stage win and GC podiums and Tirreno-Adriatico, the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de Romandie to his name.Caruso was handed a one-year back-dated suspension for a doping infraction that occurred prior to him turning professional, which voided all his results from October 2010 to October 2011.Retirement date: End of 2026Luka Mezgec (Jayco-AlUla)A.S.O./Pauline BalletSlovenian rider Luka Mezgec has spent a decade calling Jayco-AlUla home and will end his career with the Australian outfit. As a leadout man and strong domestique, he had played a big role in others successes as well as taking one national title and one Giro stage for himself. Retirement date: End of 2026Ion Izagirre (Cofidis)A.S.O./Charly LpezWith a professional career spanning over 15 years, Ion Izagirre is synonymous with breakaways and classic Basque flair. He has raced to victory in stages in all three Grand Tours and spent time riding for Euskaltel, Movistar, Bahrain-Merida, Astana and finally Cofidis since 2022. His older brother Gorka retired at the end of 2024.Retirement date: End of 2026Elena Cecchini (SD Worx-Protime)Italian track and road racer Elena Cecchini will also retire in 2026. The 33-year-old signed for SD Worx-Protime in 2021 and has developed into a key road captain for the squad. She originally planned to retire at the end of 2025 but has decided to delay it by a year.Retirement date: End of 2026Probably retired: Chris FroomeA.S.O/Thomas MaheuxChris Froome has been keeping quiet on retirement plans. He was out of contract at Israel-Premier Tech at the end of 2025 and NSN Cycling didnt sign him up for the new era of the squad, but Froome has yet to make an official announcement on his future yet.Froome is one of the most successful Grand Tour riders of all time, winning all three three-week races including the Tour de France four times, becoming one of the defining riders of the 2010s for Team Sky. However he has not been the same after a horrible crash in 2019, struggling throughout his time at Israel-Premier Tech. He had another nasty crash in 2025, which will make it even tougher to get back into the WorldTour at 40 years old.The post All the WorldTour cyclists retiring in 2026 appeared first on Cyclist.

For much of the past decade, Team Visma | Lease a Bike built their performance identity around a polarised training model. Long, easy volume paired with short, extreme intensity became a defining feature of the Dutch squads rise to the top of mens stage racing. But from inside the peloton, that pi...

Pas Normal Studios has launched its 2026 Spring/Summer Off-Race collection. Just what is an off-race collection, exactly? The clothing is designed to bridge the gap between performance cycling apparel and everyday urban clothes. With this collection, Pas Normal Studios says it focused on practical adaptability.(Photo / Pas Normal Studios)For example, they incorporated cycling-specific features like thoughtful pocket placement, zippered storage, and easy layering options. And, each piece includes some nice weather-protection elements, while still maintaining a clean and understated look that works perfectly beyond the bike.The collection uses premium materials and construction techniques to create off-the-bike apparel that looks good and still performs. Cycling can influence how people navigate urban environments and move through their daily routines. So, Pas Normals Off-Race Collection pieces work as transition wear, suitable for getting to and from rides or simply moving around the city.Some other key design elements of this new collection include functional storage solutions that are based on real cycling needs. The pieces are lightweight and pack down for easy layering. The brand selected materials specifically for their durability, breathability, and comfort across different conditions. The waterproofing doesnt look overly technical, which helps keep the collections aesthetic refined and minimalistic. This helps make the pieces versatile enough to integrate naturally into non-cycling activities.Off-Race 3-layer Poncho A waterproof shell designed for commuting in unpredictable weather. Constructed from a 3-layer woven fabric with a hydrophobic membrane and fully taped seams. Cut with a loose, extended silhouette for coverage while riding. Helmet-compatible adjustable hood maintains side visibility. Zippered front pocket for on-the-go storage. Reflective logos front and back for visibility.Off-Race Utility JacketA lightweight, weather-resistant layer designed for transitional conditions. Made from 100% nylon with a water-repellent finish. Features include a magnet chest pocket, a larger zippered back pocket, a two-way front zip, a rear vent for airflow, adjustable hem, and snap cuffs. Slightly extended back length provides additional coverage when riding. Reflective heat transfer logos enhance visibility.Off-Race Light Fleece Half-ZipA versatile mid-layer built for changing conditions. Front panel constructed with windproof, water-repellent nylon stretch treated with C0 DWR. Sleeves and back use 207gsm Polartec microfleece (100% recycled polyester) for warmth, breathability, and quick-drying performance. Features discreet zippered hand pockets, sleeve utility pocket, key loop, adjustable hem, and reflective logos.Off-Race Light Tech ShortsLightweight everyday shorts designed for warm-weather movement. Breathable nylon stretch fabric with C0 DWR finish offers quick-drying comfort and resistance to light rain and stains. Relaxed fit with elasticated waistband, adjustable integrated belt, two front pockets, and zippered back pocket. Reflective logos front and back.Womens Off-Race Tech SkirtA functional utility skirt designed for movement on and off the bike. A-line wrap construction with elasticated waistband. Features an internal hook system to secure the garment while riding on a bike. A C0 DWR coating provides light protection from rain and road spray. Includes zippered side and back pockets for essentials.The collection also includes a tech bucket hat, woven nylon fabric caps, a bandana, and cotton t-shirts. Check the link below for more from Pas Normal Studios.PasNormal.comThe post Pas Normal Studios Launches its Spring/Summer Off-Race Collection appeared first on Bikerumor.

CyclistIn The Drops: Mnstry Immune Sticks, Magic Shine photochromic glasses, Smart Lever tyre tool and the Latvian Eurovision selectionJanuary is now done and dusted, and spring is in sight. Dont let the Winter Olympics fool you. The suns now setting beyond 5pm until October. But before we place our lights into retirement for another year, lets take a moment to round up all things Cyclist on the website this week. On the tech side, weve been cockpit-focussed this week with a round-up of the best gravel and carbon handlebars on the market. Otherwise, weve been reviewing the best all-road builds and inner tubes of 2026, with a comparison of Campagnolo and SRAM groupsets for extra measure.In other news, the European pro season is back, with both the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and toile de Bessges taking place this week. In the meantime, we gathered up all the key info for the Valencian race, as well as the womens UAE Tour, which is well underway. If youre longing for the past however, Robyn has also served up a round-up of the class of retirees from the peloton this year, which includes Monument and Grand Tour winners no less.Weve kept it focussed on racing in the podcast studio this week, as James Spender and Will Strickson sat down with TNT Sports commentator Brian Smith to discuss his career both on the bike in the 90s and off it over the past couple of decades.Anyways, lets get a move on and shift into the drops.Mnstry Immune SticksThe latest addition to German nutrition brand Mnstrys range is the Elderberry Immune Sticks.These sticks are little sachets of crimson powder, which when mixed with water create the ideal drink for recovery, with a natural and clean taste. The contents provide practical support for your immune system by strengthening defences against the duration and severity of cold symptoms. And as we know, after an intense training session that is much-needed.Like all Mnstrys products, the Immune Sticks use plant-based and natural ingredients to improve your performance on and off the bike. In this product, the brand utilises natural elderberry extract, lemon juice powder and cane sugar to optimise nutrient uptake. The sticks also contain natural antioxidants in the form of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and vitamin C to help you fight against the stresses of winter riding or even a busy travel day.Every batch is laboratory-tested by Informed Sport and certified safe for use for amateurs and pros, including the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team. Perhaps this is the secret behind Remco Evenepoels incredible start to 2026.Buy it now from Mnstry (24.90)Magic Shine Mopher photochromic sunglassesWho doesnt love a bargain? At just 69.99, Magic Shines Mopher sunglasses boast some top-tier claims while preserving a classic look.At a claimed weight of just 38g, these shades offer a wide field of view courtesy of the impact-resistant lens, which is wrapped in a hydrophobic and oleophobic lens coating for easy cleaning and scratch resistance. The temples and nosepiece are also encased in a wavy pattern to improve retention and vibration damping.In terms of ventilation, the lenses boast four anti-fog holes, but if youre looking for extra ventilation on hotter days, you can unclip the lower half of the frame for a cooler feel too.These glasses are fitted with UV-protected photochromic lenses, which are perfect for this time of the year when sunlight is something of a liability. The lenses adapt to the surrounding light and dim accordingly, so you get a clear field of view throughout the ride perfect for those overcast rides through your local lanes, commutes in changing light or forays into the woods.Buy it now from Magic Shine (69.99) Related Posts Would cyclocross be better off without Mathieu van der Poel? 'I remain grateful for the amazing support I still receive': Julian Alaphilippe Q&A Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2026 preview: Route, favourites, how to watch and start list UAE Tour Women 2026 preview: Route, favourites, how to watch and start list Smart Lever tyre leversWeve all found ourselves wrestling against a tyre, desperately trying to hook the bead with a pair of flimsy neon-coloured levers. Its one of the most infuriating tasks attached to cycling, one associated with frustration and pinched fingers (and inner tubes). Luckily, especially if youve torn up as many index fingers as I have, theres a solution to this laborious task with the Smart Lever.The tool fits tyres by lifting the bead while pushing the tyre over the rim. All you have to do is place the tools purple groove on the rim edge and push the Smart Lever around the wheel to install tyres quicker and easier than conventional levers. If a tyre is especially tight, the tool offers extra leverage too. The lever locks firmly under the bead and acts as a pivot, allowing you to pull the tyre up with a few pushes on the lever end.Removing a tyre is just as straightforward. Lever the tyre bead over the rim, then rotate the handle to gain leverage against the outside of the rim. All thats left is to push the handle toward the wheel and hey presto, the tyre will come off.At just 14cm in length, it slots right into your saddle bag. Its also compatible with a tubed, tubeless or clincher tyre setup, as well as hooked and hookless rims. Buy it now from Smart Lever (22.50)What were into this week: Latvias Eurovision selectionLSM/Lauris ViksneWhile I may be a cycling journalist, one of my most intense interests is the Eurovision Song Contest. In fact, I was obsessing over Europop well before Id even heard of the Giro dItalia. So, let me tell you that this time of year is like the Eurovision equivalent of the Spring Classics as each country chooses its artist and song ahead of the big night in May.Its fair to say that plenty of wind has been blown out of my Eurovision sails following the decision to keep a certain country in the contest, but there are still some interesting songs floating around the ESC bubble this year. Ukraines selection show this weekend proposes some stellar entries, including a comeback for Go_As frontwoman Monokate, who you may remember from TikTok hit Shum in 2021. Otherwise, weve seen the comeback of Eurotrash band A*Teens in Sweden, along with an Adderall-infused number from Greece titled Ferto, which has now risen to second place in the bookies odds.The selection Im most invested in this year, however, is Latvia. Their selection show Supernova has combined entries from across musical genres, with nods to Billie Eilish, Baltic synthpop and traditional sounds. Below, you can check out my favourite from the show, Te un Tagad. Its a song about procrastination, but its safe to say they didnt sleep on the stage performance. Its a three-minute-long spectacle filled with clever camera tricks, played out to the sound of familiar northern European indie.On the off chance that anyones got a Latvian SIM card, send them a couple of votes on my behalf.The post In The Drops: Mnstry Immune Sticks, Magic Shine photochromic glasses, Smart Lever tyre tool and the Latvian Eurovision selection appeared first on Cyclist.

Stage 3 of the Etoile de Besseges ended with a reduced sprint after a relentlessly aggressive final hour finally snapped back together inside the last 15 kilometres, setting the scene for Henri Uhlig of the Alpecin-Deceuninck team to take a dramatic first professional victory of his career. The stag...

Washingtons long-time carbon wheel brand, Light Bicycle, just released what might be the first widely accessible 32 carbon MTB wheelset. Starting at a little over $1,400, the new Anax32 XC is ready to purchase now and carries a 5-year Pro Warranty.(Photos / Light Bicycles)Light Bicycles Anax32 XC wheelset is at the front of the pack on the emerging 32-inch mountain bike space. The wheelset is geared towards the cross-country rider, so the set is relatively light. That being said, we arent sure what is actually considered light in this category yet. But each carbon hoop weighs 380g.Keeping the weight low allows complete builds to match the weight of current 29-inch race wheelsets, while keeping the ride characteristics of the larger 32-inch diameter.Mainly because the new 32 spoke lengths have limited availability, the wheelset is available exclusively as a complete custom build. The Anax32 XC wheelsets are built through Light Bicycles hand-building program. When purchasing the new wheelset, riders can choose from several hub options, including DT Swiss 350 and 240 models, Industry Nine 1/1 and Hydra variants, Hope Pro 5, Erase, and Chris King hubs. Anax32 XC Retail & DetailRetail: $1,464, with 5-Year Warranty. A Lifetime Warranty upgrade is available for an additional $10032 carbon hookless rim30mm internal width380g rim weight (each)Tubeless readyWheelset-only buildsCustom hub, spoke, & nipple selectionFor those cross-country riders out there ready to tackle the new 32 craze head-on, the Anax32 XC represents an early and easy point of entry into the new segment. Like Star Trek, Boldly going where no man has gone before. Just sayin. Light Bicycles new Anax32 XC wheelset is available now through Light Bicycles website at the link below.LightBicycle.comThe post The New Anax32 XC is a 32 Carbon MTB Wheelset from Light Bicycle Thats Available Now appeared first on Bikerumor.

For Biniam Girmay, Stage 3 of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana delivered a mixed verdict. The yellow jersey stayed on his shoulders after the hardest day of the race so far, but a stage that had been shaping up for a reduced sprint slipped away in the final kilometres. The days profile and the w...

If youre itching to get on a 32 mountain bike, Vassago could make that a reality sooner than later with its Maximus Ti 32er hardtail. Undoubtedly spurred by the massive interest generated by our interview with Dicky about his custom Vassago singlespeed 32er, the brand is opening orders for the Maximus Ti, with frames and complete bikes reportedly becoming available in the first quarter of 2026.The 32 hype train has been rolling along at a steady pace, but it appears to be picking up speed as we head towards spring. It seems like its getting much easier to build up your own 32 mountain bike with quality parts, compared to just a short time ago. Weve got new 32 wheels, 32 tires, and 32 suspension forks that you can buy. And now, you can order up a Vassago Maximus Ti hardtail frame to go along with them, too. Now you can be like Dicky and order up a Maximus Ti 32er hardtail.The details are a little sparse; for example, geometry measurements arent yet specified, but heres what Vassago has to tell us about the Maximus Ti. Big Wheels are in our DNA. 20 years ago, Vassago was at the forefront of the 29er revolution long before all the cool kids. The Maximus Ti 32 is the next evolution of big wheels to roll over everything in their path.Maximus Ti Features:Handmade by some of the finest frame builders in the industryVassago 32 size specific 3AL/2.5V titanium tubingS-Bend and ovalized oversize chainstays and SeatstaysShort ZS headtubes to accommodate lower stack heightsSliding dropouts with options for boost 14812 geared or singlespeed applications148mm rear spacing, 73mm threaded bottom bracket, 30.9 seatpost, 34.9/35.0 SP clampInternal Dropper post routingTire clearance for up to 2.6 32 tiresStandard 160mm postmount rear dropouts3 water bottle bossesExternal upper waterbottle boss to allow longer dropper postsSome nice looking welds on Dickys Vassago Maximus Ti.Pricing and AvailabilityThe Maximus Ti frame is listed at $1,999 on the Vassago website. The product page states that the Maximus Ti is currently sold out, but also that they will be available 1st quarter 2026 as frames or complete bikes. CONTACT US for more details or to reserve a frame! So, what are you waiting for? Contact Vassago and order a frame so you can be just like Dicky.vassagocycles.comThe post Vassago is Taking Orders For Its Maximus Ti 32er Hardtail appeared first on Bikerumor.