Mathieu van der Poel is not only one of the most successful riders in modern cycling, but also the sport's entire history. In virtually every aspect, he is a gifted athlete who was born to be a professional cyclist, and he has revealed values of his regarding physiological data. His rest heart rate...

This weeks Debrief features a Vittoria Peyote 32-inch tire, a Sklar Rack teaser, I9's S-series rims, limited-edition Magic Totes, the Singular Kookabura, and more. Find it all hereThe post Friday Debrief: 32-Inch Peyote, Your Favorite Bikepacking Experiences, Magic Totes, Tariff Troubles, and More appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

CyclistUAE Tour Men 2026 preview: Route, favourites, how to watch and start listThe stage races are coming thick and fast with the mens UAE Tour next, which runs from 16th to 22nd February and packs in a time-trial and two big summit finishes.Last years edition was won by Tadej Pogaar for UAE Team Emirates XRG ahead of Lidl-Treks Giulio Ciccone and Bahrain Victoriouss Pello Bilbao. Pogaar is not here this year, instead focussing on the Classics, but its set to be a tasty showdown between his teammates Isaac del Toro and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohes Remco Evenepoel. The regular climb up Jebel Jais has been sidelined this year for a brutal new summit finish on Jebel Mobrah, which is almost 15km in length with an average gradient of8.6% but a brutal maximum of 17%.Its not all GC action though. As usual there are plenty of pan-flat stages for sprinters. Last year, Tim Merlier and Jonathan Milan won two stages apiece. Milan will be looking to sweep up during this edition given Merlier is out of action with a knee injury, so he only has to deal with the likes of Sam Welsford for Ineos Grenadiers, SebastinMolano for UAE Team Emirates XRG, Merliers new understudy at Soudal-QuickStep, Alberto Dainese, and XDS-Astanas Matteo Malucelli, who beat Milan in one of the AlUla Tour sprints a couple of weeks ago.Theres also a 12km individual time-trial on Stage 2, which will cause some GC splits but also gives the likes of Josh Tarling, Ethan Hayter, Stefan Bissegger and Daan Hoole a first run-out against the clock of 2026.UAE Tour 2026 key informationDario Belingheri/Getty ImagesDate:Monday 16th-Sunday 22nd February 2026Start: Madinat Zayed MajlisFinish:Abu Dhabi BreakwaterStages:7Distance:1,004.2km2025 winner:Tadej Pogaar (UAE Team Emirates XRG)Live television coverage:Discovery+, TNT Sports 1, SBS, FloBikesUAE Tour 2026 route and stage-by-stage previewDario Belingheri/Getty ImagesAs has become typical for the UAE Tour, one of the newest stage races on the WorldTour calendar, the race will be mostly flat, with two mountain-top finishes. While Jebel Hafeet on Stage 6 is familiar territory, Jebel Mobrah on Stage 3 is new ground, and a much bigger opportunity to split the field. There could also be a GC shake-up on Stage 2s 12km time-trial or even on the flat stages with a potential for crosswinds in the desert. Related Posts Clsica Jan Paraso Interior 2026 preview: Route, favourites, how to watch and start list The Broom Wagon: Does this sound familiar? Pro Log: Cycling streaming moves to HBO Max in UK and Ireland; Wiggins is an AI coach now; Remco is red hot Pro cycling winners and losers in January 2026 Assessing the men's sprinting hierarchy in 2026 Stage 1, Monday 16th February: Madinat Zayed Majlis Liwa Palace, 144kmThe opening stage kicks off with a ride south towards two laps of a 18km circuit before the peloton turns back on themselves to finish at Liwa. Its a first opportunity to shine for the sprinters, though the final kilometre is slightly uphill, around 5%, which wont help Jonathan Milan.Stage 2, Tuesday 17th February: Al Hudayriyat Island Al Hudayriyat Island, 12.2km (ITT)Stage 2 takes place entirely on Al Hudayriyat Island for an individual time-trial over 12km. Its a copy and paste of last years Stage 2, which saw Josh Tarling beat Decathlons Stefan Bissegger and the UAE duo of Pogaar and Jay Vine. Its set to be a good competition here, and because its only short its anyones game.Stage 3, Wednesday 18th February: Umm Al Quwain Jebel Mobrah, 183kmGC contenders will be eyeing the latter half of this stage as the race heads to Jebel Mobrah. The climb is split in two, hitting an average of 7% in the first 6.5km before spending the next 2km heading downhill. From there, the main test begins as riders are immediately confronted with a 17% gradient, which then peters out for an average of 12% in the last 5km.Stage 4, Thursday 19th February: Fujairah Fujairah, 182kmStage 4 begins on the coast in Fujairah, heading inland for a loop around Masfut. Then its back to where they started for what should be another sprint opportunity.Stage 5, Friday 20th February: Dubai Al Mamzar Park Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, 166kmA typical sprint stage in Dubai. Will someone upset the applecart or is it a win for Milan?Stage 6, Saturday 21st February: Al Ain Museum Jebel Hafeet, 168kmThe last day takes the peloton up the 10km Jebel Hafeet, which has an average of 6.9% a welcome sight after Stage 3. It should be high octane with riders fresh from a completely flat ride to the foot of the climb.Stage 7, Sunday 22nd February: Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 149kmThe 2026 UAE Tour culminates with one final sprint stage towards Abu Dhabi Breakwater. Its been a constant finishing point in the past five editions, with Tim Merlier (2025, 2024, 2023), Mark Cavendish (2022) and Caleb Ewan (2021) all coming out victorious.UAE Tour 2026 favouritesMaximilian Fries / Red Bull Content PoolThe absence of Tadej Pogaar sets the scene for a mouthwatering clash between Remco Evenepoel and the UAE duo of Isaac del Toro and Adam Yates. Evenepoel has been on fire early this season, victorious in his first three one-day races in Spain and his first stage race at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana, where he won the time-trial and the queen stage.Del Toro has not raced yet in 2026 but comes off a breakthrough season that saw the him come close to a spectacular Giro dItalia victory. He swept up 14 wins in addition to GC triumphs at the Vuelta a Burgos and Tour of Austria as well as national titles in both the road race and time-trial. The pair havent raced against each other much. Since Del Toros breakthrough last year theyve only ridden three of the same races, at the World Championships and Il Lombardia, and the Belgian finished better at all three, but its tough to compare those to whats on offer here.Yates is arriving off the back of a disappointing podium finish at the Tour of Oman. Hes won the GC here before in 2020 and claimed the Jebel Hafeet stage in 2023.Theres still a handful of other strong riders all vying for a podium. Decathlon CMA CGM bring Felix Gall, who had a strong Vuelta a Espaa for a eighth place finish last year, as Ilan van Wilder (Soudal-QuickStep), Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) and Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling) will all hope to feature.CyclistsGC ratings: Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG): Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates XRG): Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious), Felix Gall (Decathlon-CMA CGM): Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling), , Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal-QuickStep): Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious), Finn Fisher-Black (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Pablo Castrillo (Movistar)How to watch the UAE Tour 2026UAE Tour/SprintCyclingAgencyThe UAE Tour 2026 will be available to watch in the UK onDiscovery+and on the TV channel with TNT Sports 1. In the USA and Canada, action is covered on FloBikes, while in Australia its on SBS.If its not being shown in your country, you may be able to watch coverage using a VPN Virtual Private Network which allows users to mask their IP address and watch geo-blocked content, provided they dont need to pay for a subscription. This is also helpful for watching paid-for coverage while travelling abroad in countries without access. Stage 1, Monday 16th FebruaryDiscovery+:10:45 12:45TNT Sports 1:10:45 12:45Stage 2: Tuesday 17th FebruaryDiscovery+:09:45 11:45TNT Sports 1:09:45 11:45Stage 3, Wednesday 18th FebruaryDiscovery+:11:25 13:00TNT Sports 1:11:30 13:00Stage 4, Thursday 19th FebruaryDiscovery+:11:25 13:00TNT Sports 1:11:30 13:00Stage 5, Friday 20th FebruaryDiscovery+:11:25 13:00TNT Sports 1:11:30 13:00Stage 6, Saturday 21st FebruaryDiscovery+:11:15 13:00TNT Sports 1:11:15 13:00Stage 7, Sunday 22nd FebruaryDiscovery+:10:45 12:45TNT Sports 1:10:45 12:45UAE Tour 2026 start listData powered by FirstCycling.comUAE Tour 2025 Jebel Hafeet stage highlightsThe post UAE Tour Men 2026 preview: Route, favourites, how to watch and start list appeared first on Cyclist.

On the 14th of February, the peloton will takle Portugal's first pro race in 2026, and its most prestigious one-day race: the Figueira Champions Classic. The race comes as a precursor to the Volta ao Algarve, providing opportunities for the climbers, sprinters and classics specialists all at once. W...

With her university degree, in food science, secured last year, a new base in Girona, and now a new World Tour contract with EF Education-Oatly, Caoimhe OBrien has the world at her feet. But how did she do it? How did a season destined to be split between riding for a British Continental team and []

On the 14th of February, the peloton will takle Portugal's first pro race in 2026, and its most prestigious one-day race: the Figueira Champions Classic. The race comes as a precursor to the Volta ao Algarve, providing opportunities for the climbers, sprinters and classics specialists all at once. W...

In the coming days, there will be a flurry of one-day races in the Iberic peninsula which will host many of the world's best: The Figueira Champions Classic, Clasica de Almeria and Clasica Jaen Paraiso Interior. Here is where and when to watch tem live and on TV, including in the United States of Am...

Riding bikes is one of my main passions in life. Its my primary form of exercise; I do it for fun and socializing; its my competitive outlet; and its a big part of my job. I get to ride bikes quite a bit, and for that, I am very thankful. While my life revolves largely around riding and writing about bikes, the vast majority of my time is spent doing other things.As mentioned in the first installment of Shifting Gear, lots of products cross our desks and through our hands, but not all of them are strictly bike-related. Ive recently acquired a number of bike-adjacent products that Ive really been enjoying. So, without further ado, here are a few of my latest beyond-the-bike favorites.Fabric Australian Hop FizzFabrics Hop Fizz drinks are a non-alcoholic post-ride beverage alternative, some with THC.Im not gonna lie, I LOVE beer. Post-ride beers are one of my favorite things in the entire world. Sometimes, I wonder if one of the reasons I ride bikes so much is so I can justify the number of empty beer calories I consume. Ill admit that, at times, it has bordered on being problematic. Plus, as a sometimes-competitive cyclist, consuming alcoholic beverages usually doesnt align all that well with my recovery or performance goals, regardless of how much I like them.So, as much a I love beer, I also appreciate the recent proliferation of non-alcoholic beverages on the market. The N/A beer scene has really taken off in the past few years, and some of them honestly taste pretty darn good. They scratch the itch, for sure. But along with the N/A beer explosion, there is a wealth of other non-alcoholic beverages to suit various tastes and preferences. With all these new options to choose from, I can still enjoy the post-ride ritual, just without the alcohol. I know that has always been the case, but now the options are better than ever.Ive got a good friend who works in PR, and she reached out recently to see if I wanted to try out these Fabric Australian Hop Fizz drinks. As a fan of other hop-water beverages, I was definitely intrigued but wary of the THC in a couple of them. Now, Im not opposed to THC, but the few times Ive tried it since I stopped smoking weed 15+ years ago, Ive gotten uncomfortably high. Quite a lot has changed in the years since, with recreational legalization in certain states, and a whole industry creating gummies, candies, drinks, and so many ways to consume THC, and in measured doses. Its a brave new world.The Clarity Hop Fizz has no THC.So, I decided to give them a shot. After all, Fabric makes three varieties of its Hop Fizz drinks, including Clarity, which has zero THC. Rhythm contains a super low 1.5 mg of THC, while Downtime steps up to 10 mg of THC. Additionally, all of them also include CBD and/or CBG, both of which are non-psychoactive cannabis derivatives typically associated with therapeutic properties. CBG is typically considered to be uplifting, while CBD is more relaxing. Regardless, each beverage is formulated to align with its name, Clarity, Rhythm, or Downtime.And, if, like me, youre wondering, how is this legal? Well, the Delta-9 THC used is derived from hemp, and hemp-derived products were legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill. Still, legality varies from state to state, so thats something to consider depending on where you live.And, of course, driving under the influence is obviously illegal no matter where you are.All of them are lightly flavored and lightly carbonated, brewed with Galaxy hops and fruity notes like lemongrass, orange peel, lemon, and blackberry. They have zero calories, fat, sodium, or carbohydrates, and the ingredients are easy to read. For example, the Clarity flavor is made with purified water, citric acid, lactic acid, Galaxy hop extract, Strata hop extract, lemongrass extract, desert lime extract, and CBG.In my opinion, they all taste great and are very refreshing. The Clarity flavor has just 10 mg of CBG and is quite similar to drinking a non-alcoholic hop water. I also really like the Rhythm flavor, which has 1.5 mg of THC, 5 mg of CBG, and 25 mg of CBD. Thats a very small amount of THC, and frankly, barely perceptible. After drinking it, I feel relaxed, but not intoxicated in any way.Half a can of the Downtime Hop Fizz does me right.Despite my reservations about getting too high, Ive tapped into the Downtime flavor as well. With zero tolerance, 10 mg of THC is more than I think I can handle, so I just drink half a can at a time. At that dosage, it makes me feel chilled out and calm. Theres no paranoia, and Im not concerned that Im gonna get way too high from eating some mystery edible or something. Its a pleasant alternative to a 3-beer buzz, and the next day it doesnt feel like I drank 3 beers, either.Regardless, Ive thoroughly enjoyed them all and will be keeping them in the rotation post-ride and when Im kicking it at home. While I doubt post-bike beers will ever be completely off the program for me, these are a good option for all the other times. Check them out at:drinkfabric.comCurious Creatures Hungry Horse JacketThis jacket is comfy as heck, and it gets more compliments than I can handle.Curious Creatures is an up-and-coming mountain bike apparel brand thats grown relatively quickly in popularity. Founded by Natasha Woodworth, an industry veteran with previous design experience at brands including Patagonia, the Bozeman, Montana-based brand brings a unique design approach and aesthetic to the market. Over the past couple of years, the Curious Creatures product lineup has expanded to include numerous models of shorts, pants, and jerseys for both men and women, all of which combine technical materials with casual, offbeat style.We reported on one of the brands latest products, the Hungry Horse Jacket, several months ago. This casual-wear jacket is a departure from the rest of the lineup, which is almost exclusively mountain bike apparel. Curious Creatures describes it as a rugged mens jacket that combines durable workwear grit with fleecy comfort for trailheads, tailgates, and everyday adventures.It looks kinda like a wool jacket, but its a synthetic material thats wool-like in appearance and feel. Its got what I would describe as a mountain-town hipster aesthetic, with a little ranch thrown in, likely inspired by the brands hometown of Bozeman, Montana.Tragically hipster.I got the Hungry Horse jacket a few months ago. I was initially pretty unsure about the style, and the material felt a little stiff, and it wasnt the softest right out of the gate. But I gave it a shot, and it has become one of my favorite things. The material has broken in wonderfully, and now its nice and soft. The style has grown on me as well. I throw this thing on with some Blundstones and a teenie-beanie, and watch out, world But seriously, the number of times Ive heard I like that jacket in the past few months has to be in the hundreds.My only real gripe is that the wrist cuffs are a little tight when snapped. Ive just been leaving them unsnapped, and it hasnt really been an issue. Otherwise, this jacket is comfy, cozy, and apparently, other people think it looks cool. Im a big fan. Curious Creatures makes the Hungry Horse Jacket for men and women, and it comes in Glazed Ginger Chambray and plaid.curiouscreatures.comFive-Ten Sleuth DLX 2Casual AF with Stealth rubber soles. Adidas Five Ten just launched the new Sleuth DLX 2 shoes a couple of weeks ago, and I was able to get my hands on a pair right away. These are a new version of the brands longstanding Sleuth flat pedal shoes, which have been a favorite of many BMX, dirt jump, and bike park riders for years. Like the previous version, the DLX 2 combines a grippy Stealth rubber dotty tread outsole with a softer flexing midsole, in a relatively casual-looking package.The style of the Sleuth DLX 2 is so casual, in fact, that they look a lot like the everyday white leather sneakers that so many people wear (in the white color, anyway). And I mean that in a good way; these shoes are stylish. I could wear them walking around downtown in Reno, Copenhagen, or New York City, and they wouldnt be out of place. And theyre comfortable, too. The soles are quite forgiving and flexible. I walked several miles in them the other day, and it didnt feel like I was walking around in flat-pedal mountain bike shoes.Im going to wear the heck out of these shoes in my everyday life. And when I jump on my townie to run some errands, that grippy rubber sole clings to the pedals well. Given the softer flex, I probably wont take them out for pedal-heavy trail rides, but that isnt really what theyre designed for, either. These shoes are made for the rider who appreciates a softer flexing sole for jumping, pumping, and pedal feel. And even though I dont really fit that description, Im pretty into the new Sleuth DLX 2 for kicking around town and casual wear. Theyre comfortable, and I think they look great. And if bright white isnt your thing, they come in black and cardboard (tan-ish), too.adidas.comThe post Beyond the Bike: Post-Ride Beverages, a Casual Jacket, and Crossover Shoes appeared first on Bikerumor.

Remco Evenepoel got off to a flying debut withRed Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, winning every race he participate in so far, however the first serious test is yet to come. The Spanish races definitely weren't enough to truly challenge the Olympic champion, but UAE Tour will have a whole different startl...

This all-new aluminum Merida Etmo mixes up some of the best bits of Meridas latest high-end Bosch eMTBs with versatile 140mm or 160mm trail-ready travel, everyday versatility, and a dash of newfound affordability. Much like Meridas premium carbon eMTBs, this new Etmo features all-mountain-ready geometry and solid builds, just at lower prices. And to not skimp where it really matters on modern ebikes, all 4 build levels of the new eMTB are available with Boschs top-tier Performance CX motor with the significant power, performance, and control upgrades they delivered last year.2026 Merida Etmo eMTB brings Bosch power down in alloyMerida describes the new Etmo as their most price-focused Bosch-powered e-MTB yet. Were still talking high-end German motor full-power ebikes, so even the entry-level starts at 3650 / 4380.* But thats still less than 1/3 the price weve seen for many top-spec carbon eMTBs that have hit the market in recent years. But, even a little restraint in exorbitant pricing seems welcome. And as one of the more affordable options for a Bosch CX-powered eMTB, this looks like one wed love to test over the long-term to compare to those more pricey carbon ebikes we often try.*note: all prices are approximate and vary from one European country to the nextOver the last two seasons, Merida revamped everything in their performance eMTB line-up from light-support e-One-Sixty SL carbon trail ebikes, carbon e-One-Forty & e-One-Sixty all-rounders, up to a gravity-ready alloy e-One-Eighty freeride ebikes. But unless your budget was over 5-6k, they didnt really have a feasible option for you, even at their most entry-level. But now, with a new aluminum frame inspired by that latest e180 and smart specs, Merida is back with an all-new entry-level aluminum eMTB family that gives you premium Bosch motor and battery options, travel options, and fully equipped commuter builds at more affordable price points.(All photos/Merida)We asked Merida why this ebike isnt named for its travel like all of their other models. They said its name is actually derived from the Greek ethmoid bone in the skull. But apparently not for any real reason, other than it sounds cool, and differentiates the new model from Meridas more expensive eMTBs.Whats new?The basic concept is to start with a similar, durable but light 6066 aluminum frame and the same linkage-driven faux-bar suspension design, like the recent e180. And the same lifetime frame warranty with a Category 4 enduro certification. Just this frame is simplified a bit to handle shorter travel 142mm at the rear for the two lower specs or 160mm with a longer stroke shock for the two higher spec builds. Either way, you get balanced trail-capable geometry with a mullet wheel combo, very similar to their longer travel eMTB. Slack enough for technical descending, but a forward weight balance for agility, even on a relatively heavy full-power ebike.Then, the most affordable two builds get the 90Nm Bosch Performance Line PX motor standard, while the top level gets the top 100Nm CX motor. But even there, those two entry builds offer a Pro option to upgrade to CX and the biggest battery, while keeping the rest of the affordable spec. Other than that, you either get the lighter 540/600Wh batteries or the bigger range 800Wh inside, always with the option for a 250Wh external range extender.And like the more expensive Merida eMTBs, you get integrated cable routing, a wired-in Leyne headlight & rechargeable taillight system, an integrated multi-tool under the saddle, and a future-proof UDH.Adapted GeometryGeometry is designed slack and capable around the longer travel 160/160mm variant but a bit steeper and more stable than the long travel e180. 27.5 rear wheel, 29 front. 65 head angle, 78.5 seatangle, 446mm chainstays & 20mm BB drop. The shorter 142/140mm bikes have the same shock eye-to-eye length, so the position of the rear stays mostly unchanged, but the slightly short front end steepens head & seat angles by a degree to match the shorter travel and lowers overall ride height a shade, too.Merida Etmo Pricing, options & availabilityThe biggest story, though about the new Merida Etmo is its more attainable pricing options from highly affordable entry-level options to highly trail-capable machines with fully-equipped EQ models for urban SUV riding, in between.Etmo 400Merida Etmo 400 EQEtmo 400 ProEtmo 400 is the cheapest at 3650 / 4380 with the shorter 142/140mm travel, an X-Fusion Migo 34 fork, the Bosch PX motor, 540Wh internal battery, the Merida dropper post, and a Shimano Cues 9-speed Link Glide drivetrain. For just 150 / 175 more, the Etmo 400 EQ adds full coverage fenders, a rear rack with an integrated taillight, and a kickstand. Or if you want the motor & battery upgrade, the 4100 / 5000 Etmo 400 Pro steps up to the more powerful Bosch CX motor & longer range 800Wh battery in the downtube.Etmo 500Merida Etmo 500 EQEtmo 500 ProThe same deal with the 142mm travel Merida Etmo 500. The base model at 3900 / 4700 gets 140mm SR Suntour Zeron 36X fork, the Bosch PX motor with a 600Wh battery, and a Shimano Cues 10-speed Link Glide drivetrain. Add 150 / 175 extra for the EQ model with rack, fenders & kickstand. Or step up to 4400 / 5280 for the Merida Etmo 500 Pro with the Bosch CX motor & 800Wh battery.Etmo 700The Merida Etmo 700 at 4600 / 5500 is the first to get the longer 160mm of travel front & rear. It features a proper RockShox Psylo Silver RC fork, Deluxe Select shock, a nice mechanical SRAM Eagle 70 12-speed direct mount drivetrain, and the Bosch CX motor paired to the smaller, lighter 600Wh internal battery. No other options for the 700 since it already gets the big travel and premium powertrain.Merida Etmo 800And lastly, the top-spec Merida Etmo 800 sells for 5250 / 6300 with a Marzocchi Bomber Z Air fork & shock combo, a Shimano XT LinkGlide 11-speed drivetrain, the top Bosch Performance Line CX motor, and its big 800Wh internal battery at a claimed 26.8kg complete.All are available now, although not all specs in all countries.Merida-bikes.comThe post Merida Etmo Makes Full Power, Trail-Ready Bosch eMTB More Attainable in Alloy appeared first on Bikerumor.