EF Education-EasyPost rider suffered from injury over winter

Neilson Powless was one of the riders who marked the 2025 spring campaign with his surprising triumph over Team Visma | Lease a Bike at Dwars door Vlaanderen, but this time around he will be missing it. The American rider is missing out on several months of racing now after undergoing a surgery set...

"Starting to Dream Again" is an uplifting video from Bowhead featuring adaptive athlete Dave Sagal testing his new Bowhead RX prototype on a massive 12-hour journey through the rugged Canadian backcountry around Banff National Park. Watch it here...The post Starting to Dream Again (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Liv is adding a completely new e-bike to its stable. The new electric offering will bring the brands assisted pedaling options to three. Liv already had a hardtail and a full-suspension bike in the eMTB category: the Tempt E+ and Intrigue Advanced E+.Now, Liv adds the Embolden E+ to the mix, which, on paper, is relatively similar to the Intrigue Advanced E+. Both are 140mm bikes paired with a 150 fork, and both have fairly similar geometry. However, the new Embolden E+ shaves a few thousand dollars off the price tag when compared to the Intrigue.Liv Embolden E+ DetailsLivs ethos for the Embolden E+ is to help riders explore farther and progress with confidence. In both price and design, the new e-bike aims to encourage new riders to get out there a bit further. But Liv also feels they have built a quality platform that will allow them to provide a thrilling experience to even higher-level riders.The Embolden E+ features a linkage-driven, single-pivot called FlexPoint Suspension. Liv specifically tuned the suspension system to focus on stability and traction, delivering predictable handling when the trail gets chunky. The suspension system isolates the shock, providing incredible small-bump sensitivity throughout the entire wheel path.The rear stays flex somewhat, providing greater traction and predictability, especially under braking. This means fewer pivots, less weight, and less (and easier) future maintenance, and an overall easier system to live with. Also helping with braking traction is a good amount of anti-rise tuned into the FlexPoint system. Here, the suspension system helps prevent the fork and shock from squatting into the travel while helping maintain quality traction on the rear wheel.Likely keeping the price down a bit is the use of an aluminum frame across all three Embolden E+ builds. Liv uses its lightweight ALUXX SL-grade aluminum, crafted using advanced hydroforming and gravity casting techniques. Liv claims these frames deliver best-in-class strength-to-weight ratios.Plus, the incredibly smooth welds give a clean, nearly carbon look. Internal cable routing keeps things clean, and the motor and battery dont need to be dropped in the process.Also helping to keep the price down is a rather simplistic frame design. Dont get me wrong, everything looks well sorted, there just arent any adjustments or much to fuss with. Angle adjust and flip-chips are fine, but likely unnecessary with the slot the Embolden E+ is trying to fill.Drive UnitLiv uses two SyncDrive versions in the Liv Embolden E+ models. The higher specd Embolden E+ 0 and 1 see the SyncDrive Pro 3X drive unit, delivering up to 800W of peak power and 100Nm of torque.PedalPlus 6-Sensor technology helps detect pedaling cadence, force, speed, and rotation. Collecting real-time data, the system then creates the customized support the individual rider needs, providing smooth power when and where it is needed.Paired with the SyncDrive Pro 3X motor is an 800Wh battery. The system also includes the RideControl Dash 2 control screen, which mounts to the handlebars. Further tuning and control can be accessed through the RideControl App.The Embolden E+ 3 build features the SyncDrive Sport 3 drive unit, with 625W of peak power and 85Nm of torque. The SyncDrive Sport 3 has many of the same features as the Pro 3X, but with a bit less power and torque. However, it is also lighter, weighing in at 2kg (4.4lbs), whereas the SyncDrive Pro 3X weighs 2.6kg (5.7lbs).The SyncDrive Sport 3 is paired with a 625Wh battery. Both the Pro 3X and Sport 3 offer a 200Wh or 250Wh range extender for those wanting to go a bit further.E-Tuned SuspensionLiv equipped both the Embolden E+ 1 and 2 with their own suspension tuned specifically for e-bikes. According to Liv, this E-optimized suspension delivers consistent support, confident traction, and controlled stability throughout the entire stroke.E-optimization was achieved by increasing air volume, such as a larger air can on the shock. They also reworked the air spring curve to provide consistent support throughout the Embolden E+s travel range.They also wanted to provide a quality suspension package that is easier to set up but is robust enough to handle the extra weight and torque of an e-bike. To accomplish all this, they used the Giant STL 36 fork and Giant Crest FloTrac shock.However, on the Embolden E+ 0, Liv decided to spec the bike with a Fox 36 Rhythm fork and a Float X shock.Build SpecsLiv Embolden E+ 0Frame: ALUXX SL-grade, FlexPoint SuspensionSize: XSLFork: Fox 36 Rhythm, 150mm, Grip damperShock: Fox Float X, 140mmMotor: Giant SyncDrive Pro 3XBattery: 800WhWheels: Giant TRA2Drivetrain: Shimano XT/Cues 11-speedBrakes: Shimano XTTires: Maxxis DHF/Dissector (F/R)Price: $5,500Embolden E+ 1Frame: ALUXX SL-grade, FlexPoint SuspensionSize: XSLFork: Giant STL 36, 150mmShock: Giant Crest FloTrac, 140mmMotor: Giant SyncDrive Pro 3XBattery: 800WhWheels: Giant AM30Drivetrain: Shimano Cues 10-speedBrakes: Shimano Deore M420Tires: Maxxis DHF/Dissector (F/R)Price: $4,700Embolden E+ 2Frame: ALUXX SL-grade, FlexPoint SuspensionSize: XSLFork: Giant STL 36, 150mmShock: Giant Crest FloTrac, 140mmMotor: Giant SyncDrive Sport 3Battery: 625WhWheels: Giant AM30Drivetrain: Shimano Cues 10-speedBrakes: Tektro Orion 4-pistonTires: Maxxis DHF/Dissector (F/R)Price: $TBDSee the new builds at liv-cycling.com.The post Liv Embolden E+ Adds More Accessible Entry Point for Womens eMTB appeared first on Bikerumor.

The Seamus Kennedy Memorial promotion takes place in Co Meath this weekend, with no fewer than four races on offer, meaning dedicated races for all the categories. Promoted by Navan Road Club on Sunday, race headquarters is atNavan Racecourse on the Proudstown Rd, Navan, Co Meath. There will be separate races for C1, C2, C3 []

Defending the rejection of suggested reforms of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) this morning, the Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien, used the now-abandoned 30km/h default speed limit approach as an example of progress on road safety.At the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport, he also cited the improved driver test time as an example of progress within the RSA, but consultants paid for by the Department of Transport highlighted that testing was among a range of complex nationwide customer services that were a distraction from the authoritys claimed main function of reducing deaths and injuries. Minister OBrien expressed concerns that reforms would be a distraction and that a possible new agency would not report directly to the Department. He said: I believe the RSA should be reporting directly to the Department and to the Ministers. I think if we set up a separate agency that doesnt report directly, we wont get the direction thats required.But, as reported by this website in 2024, the Indecon Economic Consultants report, which recommended RSA reform, actually suggested bringing the Road Safety Authoritys road safety policy and education functions into the Department of Transport, and leaving operational customer-focused services such as the vehicle testing in the NCT and issuing driving licences to be retained in an operational-focused body. This would cut out the RSAs board and CEO, and would effectively follow what Minister OBrien now claims he wants, in that a section of the Department would report directly to the Department and Minister. But former transport minister Eamon Ryan went against this advice.The abandonment of a mix of the reform promised by the last government and recommended by Indecon Economic Consultants was raised by both Sinn Fin TD Louis OHara and Green Party leader Roderic OGorman.Deputy OGorman said that while the NCT and other operational functions of the RSA are important, the independent report into the function of the authority had shown a conflict in focus between such operational functions and road safety policy delivery. He said that the report said, Its important to recognise that a small non-commercial agency of the stage, such as the RSA, has a wide range of responsibilities and limited powers and constrained resources cannot on its own deliver the government road safety strategy.OGorman asked: When it has two entirely different jobs, which one isnt prioritising? Is it prioritising road safety? Or is it prioritising that operational side?Replying, Minister OBrien, said that theres a lot of synergies between both of those.While the Indecon report noted the road safety aspects of the NCT and driver training, it pointed out that these functions, which it termed operational customer-focused services, dominate the focus of the RSA, distracting from policy and delivery of the road safety strategy.But Minister OBrien said: I see them as complementary, if Im very honest with you, I think the Road Safety Authority. Need to do a better job and were supporting them to do a better job and they need to perform in a more efficient manner and in a better way.When OGorman asked if it just a question of personnel because youve spoken about kind of a lot of changes at the board is that where the problems were was it in personality? Minister OBrien mentioned improvements in private driver testing times as an example, highlighting how waiting times went from an average of 27.3 weeks in April 2025 to 10.6 weeks in December. So it shows you whats actually possible when theres proper organisation of work and a proper focus on priorities, said Minister OBrien. OGorman said that having driving testing as a main example of the agencys priorities, is part of the point that the Indecon report made.He said: Again, I think the facts that were talking about driver testing times, which is really important in an organisation that is trying to save lives on our roads, when 190 people died last year. I have a real concern about that focus issue. That it is doing two very important for two very different things and that has been identified as a problem.Minister OBrien said: Look, theres about 400 people in the RSA. Lets be straight about this as well. I think in relation to the focus on road safety, we have ring fenced 18 million in this budget, specifically in relation to public interest work in terms of education, awareness and campaigns, both last year, and for this year, that can happen as well and should happen as well.The Indecon report, however, outlined how A small percentage of staff resources is allocated to road safety promotion and road safety education. We note that in areas such as promotion or education, a lot of the activities are also outsourced. These important public interest activities are part of a small Partnership and External Affairs Directorate.Indecon also noted deficiencies in the RSAs research capacity and showed that, of the 445 staff the RSA had at the end of 2024, only 2.5% were in its research department. In the committee today, the Minister continued: I think breaking up the agency right now would have taken a focus off the important work that is being done.Deputy OHara said: Its clear that the RSA isnt fit for purpose in its current forum and as you know, last year you backtracked on the recommended to reforms that were in the Intercon report, and can I ask, why have you ignored the specific recommendations from that report?The Minister for Transport said: Ive answered some of that, but to answer it again, I said I want to focus on the tasks that they have at hand and what their responsibilities are. I think we could see the operational structure within the RSA, I believe, should be secondary to the work that they do.Theyre a well-resourced organisation with over 400 people working in the organisation, and they need to be organised in a better way and need to be to point themselves towards the priority areas of work. And thats what myself and Minister [for State Sen] Canney are supporting them and doing.When OHara asked the Minister what exactly is the work being done in that regard, the Minister used the abandoned 30km/h default limit as an example which was mainly a Department of Transport action in the road safety strategy to be implemented by local authorities who would be able to justify roads with high speeds.But when the default limit approach was avanded campainers and opposition have said it will make the 30km/h rollout harder, and take up more resources at the local authority level wheich could have been used for other safety issues. Minister OBrien said: If were looking at the focus particularly, if you look at the area of road safety, weve already brought in a reduction in the speed limits across the country, default speed limits to 30 kilometres per hour. Were looking further now at further penalties with regard to infringements and driver behaviour.So my focus is on their core areas of work, and thats what it should be. And I think the focus that some have and Im not dismissing it about a structural reform, splitting up of the agency, I think takes away from the core responsibilities that they have, he said.OBrien continued: I have to make a decision with Minister Canney, do we spend the next year or two years trying to structurally form the agency and try to split it up? Or, do we actually support them in, in doing their work and improving the work thats being done?

There are also concerns the Met Police aren't tracking cycling offences as a steep drop is recorded in new statistics

Irish rider Liam OBrien (Lidl Trek) has started strongly at Giro di Sardegna (2.1) after an opening stage that saw the gaps open as the pressure was applied on the climbs. However, the young Corkman came through that tricky test to ensure his very real hopes of a general classification result on this race are []

CyclistOmloop Nieuwsblad 2026 preview: Routes, favourites, how to watch and start listsOmloop Nieuwsblad is the first proper Classic of the year and for many purists marks the true start of the cycling season. Formerly run under the guises of the Omloop van Vlaanderen, Omloop Het Volk and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (theyve since officially dropped the Het), the one-day race will open the proper cobbled campaign on a route that visits Belgian staples including the Berendries, Tenbosse, Leberg and Muur Van Geraardsbergen.Last year, Opening Weekend was surprisingly one for the underdogs. The mens race ended in a bunch sprint where Uno-X Mobilitys Sren Wrenskjold prevailed, while a breakaway shocked the field in the womens race, with Arka-B&B Hotels Lotte Claes triumphing over Aurela Nerlo of Winspace Orange Seal for her first pro win.In 2026, Omloop Nieuwsblad will once again be the first litmus test for the Classics contenders form. It will be the first showdown for Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, the former racing Omloop for the first time and the latter coming back from a fractured ankle. It should also see stars in Tom Pidcock and Soudal-QuickSteps Paul Magnier stretching their legs on the first Classic of the season. In the womens race, favourites Demi Vollering, Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes will be looking to make their mark after Claess surprise win last season.Omloop Nieuwsblad 2026 key informationLuc Claessen/Getty ImagesDate: Saturday 28th February 2026Start: Ghent, FlandersFinish: Ninove, FlandersDistance: Mens 207.6km; Womens 137.6km2025 Winners: Sren Wrenskjold (Uno-X Mobility), Lotte Claes (Arka-B&B Hotels)Climbs: Mens Leberg, Eikenberg, Wolvenberg, Molenberg, Berendries, Tenbosse, Parikeberg, Muur-Kapelmuur, Bosberg; Womens Edelareberg, Wolvenberg, Molenberg, Leberg, Berendries, Tenbosse, Parikeberg, Muur-Kapelmuur, BosbergLive television coverage: Discovery+, TNT Sports, FloBikes, VRT & RTL-TVi, SuperSport, LEquipeOmloop Nieuwsblad 2026 mens routeThe mens route sits at 207.6km and sees the removal of the Valkenberg and an increase to two ascents of the Eikenberg. As usual, the peloton will depart from Ghents t Kuipke velodrome. From there, the race will weave its way around the East Flanders region before confronting the first cobbled sector, the Paddestraat, after 41km. The first climbs will arrive after 60km, but the real difficulty lies after 100km of racing when the peloton enters a spaghetti-like circuit around Oudenaarde. The bulk of the cobbled sectors and climbs will come in this section of the race, including Holleweg, Wolvenberg, Kerkgate and the Molenberg.From there, the peloton will encounter two new additions in the Tenbosse and Parikeberg, which have been added to make the parcours harder to try to avoid a bunch sprint, before the iconic Kapelmuur. Starting in the town, the cobbled climb spins its way up to a hilltop chapel rooted in Tour of Flanders history. After the Muur, the slopes of the Bosberg provide one last chance to shake up the race before the 12km run into Ninove.Omloop Nieuwsblad 2026 womens routeThe womens race is very similar to the mens, minus the frantic circuit near Oudenaarde. It spends the first 70km on relatively flat roads in East Flanders, avoiding the Paddestraat and only travelling over Lange Munte during the opening half of the profile.The duo of the Edelareberg and Wolvenberg will disrupt affairs as the road starts to get punchy. This relentless mix of cobbles and short sharp hills will persist until the Muur/Bosberg double whammy before the final sprint to the line or perhaps solo post-up in Ninove.Omloop Nieuwsblad 2026 favouritesJasper Jacobs/Belga/AFP via Getty ImagesThe mens race will be the first head-to-head between Van der Poel and Van Aert since the Belgians injury at Exact Cross Mol. It is one cobbled Classic that Van der Poel has never raced before, while Van Aert reigned victorious in 2022. Van der Poel is coming off a ferocious cyclocross season that saw the Dutchman win 13 consecutive races culminating in another rainbow jersey, and in case it comes down to a bunch sprint hell be a key cog of Jasper Philipsens leadout train.There will be plenty vying to stop a Van der Poel/Van Aert show though. Pidcock arrives following a strong performance at the Vuelta a Andalucia and is aiming to win his first Classic since the Amstel Gold Race in 2024. Theres no Tadej Pogaar for UAE Team Emirates XRG, but Tim Wellens is very capable of a big solo attack himself and is in form, winning Clsica Jan with a 76km solo escapade at the beginning of the month. Arnaud De Lie will be aiming to get his first on the board for the newly merged Lotto-Intermarch while Volta ao Algarve stage winner Magnier is one of a couple of cards to play for a strong Soudal-QuickStep squad.Elsewhere, its been a great year so far for Tobias Lund Andresen with a stage win and points classification victory at the Tour Down Under, with his Decathlon-CMA GCM team looking to rival the big dogs as the season progresses. Biniam Girmay, meanwhile, is hoping to make an early impact for his new team NSN Cycling, Unibet-Rose Rockets Luk Kubi is riding well in 2026 and hoping to upset the WorldTour teams, and defending champion Wrenskjold returns in hopes of an unlikely repeat.Last years champion on the womens side, Lotte Claes, was initially not pencilled in for new team Fenix-Premier Tech but will actually make the start line after all. Aurela Nerlo, the surprise runner-up, is absent though, having been provisionally suspended following a positive test for anabolic steroid Ligandrol. FDJ United-Suez superstar Vollering is always a favourite but is yet to win here having raced to second in 2022 and third in 2025. As always, SD Worx-Protime have a stacked lineup with Wiebes, Kopecky, Mischa Bredewold and Anna van der Breggen.Keep an eye on Movistar pair Liane Lippert and Cat Ferguson, who has two wins already in 2026, as well as fellow Brit Zoe Bckstedt for Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto alongside sprinter Chiara Consonni. Elisa Balsamo is here for Lidl-Trek as is Irish sprinter Lara Gillespie for UAE Team ADQ, Josie Nelson for Picnic-PostNL and Letizia Borghesi for AG Insurance-Soudal.Cyclistsmens ratings: Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech): Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), Tim Wellens (UAE Team ADQ), Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling): Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep): Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch), Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon-CMA CGM), Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling), Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike): Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost), Luk Kubi (Unibet Rose Rockets), Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek), Dylan van Baarle (Soudal-QuickStep)Cyclistswomens ratings: Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez), Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime): Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime): Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek), Liane Lippert (Movistar): Cat Ferguson (Movistar), Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ),: Zoe Bckstedt (Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto), Letizia Borghesi (AG Insurance-Soudal), Chiara Consonni (Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto), Thalita de Jong (Human Powered Health) Related Posts The best cobbled climbs in Flanders Classic climb: Muur van Geraardsbergen, Flanders greatest climb? Remembering the time Ian Stannard played QuickStep at their own game and won Cycling Spring Classics 2026: Race dates, Monuments, cobbles and live TV guide In praise of cobbles How to watch Omloop Nieuwsblad 2026Dirk Waem/Belga/AFP via Getty ImagesIn the UK and Ireland, Omloop Nieuwsblad will be available on Discovery+ and on TV on TNT Sports 3. In the US and Canada, both the mens and womens races will be aired through FloBikes as the race will be on VRT & RTL-TVi in Belgium, LEquipe in France, Eurosport 2 throughout Europe, HBO Max/Discovery+/Eurosport 2 in Asia and SuperSport Variety 4 in Africa.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. UK TV timesMens Omloop Nieuwsblad:Discovery+: 12:00-15:00TNT Sports 3: 12:00-15:15Womens Omloop Nieuwsblad:Discovery+: 15:10-17:00TNT Sports 3: 15:15-17:00Omloop Nieuwsblad 2026 start listsData powered by FirstCycling.comData powered by FirstCycling.comThe post Omloop Nieuwsblad 2026 preview: Routes, favourites, how to watch and start lists appeared first on Cyclist.

Tom Pidcock was part of INEOS Grenadiers from 2021 to 2024 and although he achieved a lot, his consistency is now on a sky-high level with Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team and his level is the highest its ever been. It is the opposite of a traditional evolution in the sport, but one that has its rea...