Biniam Girmay had a premature end to his 2024 Giro d'Italia, abandoning in the very first days as a result of two crashes in a short span of time. He will resume racing before the end of the Giro, looking to return to his winning ways in well suited races.My withdrawal from the Tour of Italy was a...

Jonathan Castroviejo has been linked to the INEOS Grenadiers structure, formerly Team Sky, since 2018, when he left Movistar Team after 6 years to join the British team. Although there were rumors of a possible departure of the Spaniard, everything indicates that he will remain attached to the Briti...

Giro d'Italia stage 14 is quickly approaching and with it the arguably most important day of the second week of racing in Italy. For Geraint Thomas, it will be chance to get a revenge after a disastrous first week time trial where Thomas suprisingly lost large portion of time in last part of the chr...

Is it so much to ask to be cute AND comfortable while shredding the trail?! Why no, no its not. You shouldnt have to sacrifice style for performance when it comes to a mountain bike jersey, and weve rounded up jerseys that prove that you can have both.These are jerseys that Ive tested and continue to wear, and that our Femme Cyclist team and community has recommended as well. Theyve been bikepacking with me, vacationed in Sedona, and adorned me on countless rides from my backdoor. These jerseys have been sweated in, bled on, and subjected to dozens of wash cycles. Note that these are mountain bike style jerseys. If you are looking for a more race-oriented, zip-up jersey, check out our list of the best womens cycling jerseys. To complete your look, pick a pair of bottoms from our top picks for womens mountain bike shorts. Our Top PicksWhat We LovePriceSHORT SLEEVE JERSEYSPactimo Range TeeStink free merino, comfortable$95PNW Ozone Trail TeeSuper soft, affordable$49Wild Rye SalidaFlattering fit$75Showers Pass Apex JerseyDurable, merino$85Club Ride BandaraSomething different!$59Pearl Izumi SummitBreathable, good for hot days$65LONG SLEEVE JERSEYSShredly Beyond TechSeamless, stink resistant$88Club Ride Livn FlannelCozy and warm$79Dharco GravityRoom for elbow pads$74Pactimo Range TeePrice: $95Pros:Stink free merino blendLoose, airy fitDries quicklyComfortable on sensitive skinCons:Limited colorsHow do you determine what your favorite mountain bike jersey is? The one that you dig through the dirty laundry to find! I wear the Pactimo Range Tee more than any other mountain bike top I own. I wore it for 4 days straight on Smoke N Fire. It has been on every bike trip Ive been on in the last two years. I rarely go a week without wearing it.Why do I like it so much? The Range tee is made of stink free merino (so yes, sometimes I really wear it straight out of the dirty laundry bin). It dries really quickly, stays warm when wet, and is soft and comfortable.Even on hot days, I dont mind the Range tee. It has a roomier fit that feels airy. I also have really sensitive skin, and the Range tee doesnt have an seams, nor does it cling.If you are into a more tailored, form-fitting look, this might not be the jersey for you, but otherwise I cant think of a reason not to recommend it. Well, maybe the lack of colors. I wish it came in more so I could have it in five different colors.PNW Ozone TeePrice: $49Buy at PNWComponents.comPros: Really soft merinoHides dirt wellAffordableCons:Not for hot daysThe PNW Ozone Tee might be the softest mountain bike jersey Ive worn. The merino blend is incredibly comfortable and cozy. Like other merino tops, it resists stink and stays comfortable when wet. The fabric is thicker than other merino options on this list, which makes it a good fit for most riding days, but I tend to avoid it if the temps are over 80 degrees. In addition to the stink-less merino blend, the colors are hide dirt really well, making this an excellent option for traveling or bikepacking trips. I frequently wear it two days in a row.The slimmer fit (particularly on the sleeves) was flattering on my body type, but will be less so on curvier gals. Finally, this is a shockingly affordable top. The quality is just as good as the more expensive options listed here. Read Review: PNW OzoneWild Rye SalidaPrice: $75Buy at Wild-Rye.comPros:Merino front / mesh backFlattering, non-boxy cutUPF 50Comes in numeric sizesCons:May be too long for shorter torsosWild Rye makes my favorite mountain bike shorts, and their jerseys are pretty darn cute too. If you are tired of boxy, unflattering or overly clingy mountain bike jerseys, youll appreciate the Wild Rye Salida short sleeve mountain bike jersey.Its long enough you wont have plumbers crack (maybe too long for some?), loose enough that you wont feel claustrophobic, and pretty enough that youll be able to wear it to the pub patio after your ride.Like all of my very favorite mountain bike jerseys, the front has is made of a merino blend. Butand this is where the Salida is uniquethe back is a breathable mesh. This means the jersey maintains all of the comfort and stink-free benefits of merino BUT you wont overheat in hot weather.Also, unlike nearly every other mountain bike jersey on the market, the Salida comes in numeric sizes (0 to 18) so you can get a good fit. Read Our Review: Wild RyeShowers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-ShirtPrice: $85Buy at ShowersPass.comPros:Lightweight merinoCan be worn for daily use Flatlock stitchingFlattering fitCons:Limited colorsThe Showers Pass Apex jersey is a merino wool blend tech tee thats lightweight and airy. Thanks to the fabric, this jersey stays stink-free, wrinkles shake out, and it stays dry even in sweaty or rainy conditions. This jersey is comfortable in hot summer conditions, but works well for layering with a flannel in cooler weather as well.The fit is looser and does a good job of hiding any belly rolls. But the loose fit doesnt mean it looks frumpy. It fact, this jersey can easily be worn around town. If you have sensitive skin like I do, youll value the flatlock stitching which means there arent any seems to rub. Your skin will also appreciate the UPF 40 protection. The only bummer is that it comes in limited colorscurrently only blue and black. Read Our Review: Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-ShirtClub Ride BandaraPrice: $59Buy at ClubRide.comPros: Fun, bold designsLightweight, breathable fabricReflective accents & UPF 30PocketsCons: Tight in the chest for larger bustsThe Club Ride Bandara is the jersey that I throw on when Im looking for something just a little bit different. This is the more feminine version of the very popular mens Club Ride western-inspired tops, and it comes in a ton of fun colors and prints.The fabric is durable, doesnt fade in the sun, and even after several years of use, still looks basically brand new. The shirt does have some reflective accents, which while popular on a road jerseys, is something you dont see much on mountain bike jerseys. Since I usually ride on road to access trails, often as daylight is waning, I appreciated this.Also unusual for a mountain bike top, is the fact that it has pockets! There is one on the chest as well as a small zippered rear pocket.The fabric has recently been updated, and is lighter, silkier, and breathable than the previous versionmuch appreciated! The fabric has sun protection (UPF 30) and, thank to the collar, it provides more neck protection than most.It does run a little small, especially in the chest, so keep that in mind when ordering. Read Review: Club RidePearl Izumi SummitPrice: $65Buy at PearlIzumi.comPros:Keeps you cool and comfortable in hot weatherProvides sun protection Available in a range of colors and printsCons:Doesnt match the softness or odor resistance of Merino woolThe Pearl Izumi Summit jersey is an excellent choice for women seeking a breathable and comfortable mountain bike top for hot weather. Its airy design and UPF 25 sun protection make it ideal for summer rides. The jerseys lightweight material, with tiny perforations for enhanced breathability, keep me cool and comfortable even in 80-degree temperatures.Despite its thin fabric, the Summit jersey is surprisingly durable. The relaxed cut offers a flattering fit that isnt too baggy.Available in a variety of colors and prints, including both one-tone and two-tone options, the Summit jersey adds a touch of visual interest to your ride. While the polyester material isnt as soft or odor-resistant as Merino wool, the jerseys performance in hot weather is a reasonable trade off.Read Review: Pearl IzumiShredly Beyond TechPrice: $88 (long sleeve version)Buy at Shredly.comPros:Size inclusiveStink resistantNo seamsCons:Spendy for a synthetic jerseyThe Shredly Beyond Tech jersey comes in several different versions including long-sleeve (pictured here), short-sleeve, and tank options. The material is lightweight and slightly stretchy. Gals with sensitive skin will like that there are no seams at alledges are bonded rather than sewn. And its highly stink resistant. According to Shredly, the jersey is treated chemically-free with FAR infrared ray and negative ion technology to achieve anti-bacterial and odor properties. No clue what that means, but it seems to actually work!The jersey comes in several fun colors/designs and a wide variety of sizes (XS to 3X). The fit is loose and fits true to size (maybe even a little big). While the Beyond Tech jersey isnt prohibitively expensive, it is about $10 more than the comparable Dharco Gravity jersey.Club Ride Livn FlannelPrice: $79Pros:Vents for breathabilityZippered pocketReflective detailsCons: Fully synthetic = stinkyEvery mountain biker needs a good flannel. They are easy to layer, durable, and keep you warm when the temps start getting cold.Designed specifically for biking, the Club Ride Livn Flannel ensures warmth without sacrificing breathability, thanks to its unique mesh vents under the arms. This design prevents overheating, even during more intense efforts.One of the key features of the Livn Flannel is its small zippered pocket, perfect for securing essentials like an ID or cash, though its not large enough for a phone. Additionally, the flannel incorporates reflective details, making it a great choice for low-light rides on the road to and from the trailhead. Its important to note that the Livn Flannel isnt true flannelits not cotton, it is full synthetic. This gives it a little more stretch than your average flannel, but it also means it gets stinky quickly. I prefer to wear it as a layer over a non-stink merino tee rather than on its own. Read Review: Club RideDharco GravityPrice: $74Buy at Backcountry.comPros:DurableRoom for elbow padsGood airflow (for a long sleeve)Cons: Limited sizingDharco makes some our favorite pants for mountain biking, and the Dharco Gravity jersey is a perfect match. Its designed for downhill riding with ample room for elbow pads, and breathability for hot days in the bike park. The fabric has tiny perforations and mesh at the sides to help with airflow.Aesthetically, the jersey is pretty and comes in several different designs (that you can match to the Gravity Pants). Functionally, the jersey is top notch too. There is a zip pocket big enough for your keys, snacks, or lift passsomething thats hard to find with mountain bike tops.Finally, the durability is impressive. Ive crashed in this top and washed it over and over, and it has held up beautifully. The only bummer is the lack of inclusive sizing. The jersey comes in sizes XS to XL and thats it. Additionally, it can be a bit tricky trying to use the size chart to find the correct fit. Things To Consider When Shopping For A Mountain Bike JerseyType Of RidingThe jersey you want is largely dependent on the type of riding youre going to be doing and how much coverage and protection you need.For cross-country racing, you likely want a tighter fitting jersey with pockets. Most cross-country racers dont want to carry a hydration pack, so having pockets is key. If this is you, you probably want to consider a cycling jersey rather than a looser fitting mountain bike jersey.For casual trail riding, focus on comfort. I like looser fitting (though not boxy) jerseys that allow for freedom of motion. Youll also want to look for a jersey that is quick-drying as youll sweat on uphills and cool down on downhills.Finally, for enduro and downhill riding, opt for a 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve jersey that provides additional protection AND has plenty of room for pads. Weather ConditionsRiding in hot weather? Look for a jersey with mesh panels or other breathable features built in. You also want quick drying materials so youre not soaked in your own sweat.For cooler and wet weather, we love merino wool. It stays dry, is reasonably breathable, and will keep you warm. Pockets Or No PocketsMost mountain bikers ride with either a hydration pack or a hip pack. In that case, you dont really need a jersey with pockets. That said, there are other women who dont like carrying a pack (especially on shorter rides) and really like having pockets on their jersey. If thats you, then look for a jersey with pocketsthough you wont find many mountain bike specific jerseys with pockets. Material And DurabilityBefore buying a jersey, I always like to take at least a cursory glance at the material its made from. Is it breathable? Is it sustainable? Will it last a long time? These are some of the things that might matter to you. Personally, I like to buy pieces that I know will last for YEARS. Sometimes you have to pay a little bit more for these jerseys, but its usually worth it over the long run.More Mountain Bike Gear You Will LoveBest Womens Mountain Bike Shorts & How To Choose!Best Womens Bike SaddlesBest Womens Mountain Bike HelmetsAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life. Kristens favorite disciplines are mountain biking andbike commuting, although youcan also find her crankingout a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son. If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, and she runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.IG:@femme_cyclistThe post Best Womens Mountain Bike Jerseys appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Want to increase your cycling speed? In this post, I'll share five effective strategies to help you pedal faster and ride farther. These strategies will help you to take your cycling to a new level.The post Pedal to the Metal: 5 Tips to Boost Your Cycling Speed appeared first on Average Joe Cyclist.

Behind phenomenal Julian Alaphilippe, it was between Quinten Hermans and Jhonatan Narvez for the second place and the Ecuadorian champion ultimately had more in the tank. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider thus settles for third place on the day, which gives the Belgian a lot of optimism into the rest of...

The third stage of 4 Jours de Dunkerque once again provided an opportunity for the fast men of the 2.Pro race peloton. And it was once Sam Bennett who seized the opportunity, supported by great job of his Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale teammates. The back-to-back victory further increases Irishman's lea...

In Thursday's opening stage of Vuelta a Burgos Feminas,Elisa Balsamo andSofia Bertizzolo were both involved in a horror crash where the ladies' impact sent safety barriers flying.Balsamo's team Lidl-Trek now provides us with first update on Italian's health."An initial assessment and scans have r...

The traditional Emilia-Romagna sprint stage. Theres not much to preview as you can surely already tell from the preview above that its a sprint stage and Jonathan Milan is the pick.. but we can review as well.Al commando: an anarchic stage that saw many attempts to get in the breakaway. No soon had the main move established itself did the attacks fly as the group was too big.Julian Alaphilippe and Mirco Maestri took off with 127km to go. Madness? On paper yes but behind the group was so big and chaotic that every chase attempt doomed itself. If Filippo Ganna took a long turn to help Jonathan Narvaez then others were sitting on for free. The same again and again. If riders attacked hoping to form a smaller group of more committed riders, others closed it down. This chaos went on for hours all while Alaphilippe and Maestri shared the work ahead, often with only a minutes lead but clear of the chaos behind.Further behind Bahrain towed the peloton, again to defend Alberto Tiberis fifth place as Jan Hirt was up the road and gaining time. At one point they accelerated hard to try and exploit crosswinds but it didnt last. It shows the slim pickings behind Pogaar have their value.On the final climb of the day, the hardest, Alaphilippe rode away from Maestri while the chasers were closing in, including Jhonathan Narvaez. Alaphilippe crested the climb solo and stayed away for the win and now has a stage in all three grand tours, among all his other wins. It was a masterpiece of a ride but also marked a change, the rider once able to leave rivals drowning in their own lactic acid up short climbs went long. Peter Sagans raid to Tortoreto in the 2020 Giro came to mind; ditto Philippe Gilberts Paris-Roubaix win.It was a lively day with end-to-end action, but no movement among the GC contenders needed to make it a stage for the age. Pogaars weakness, if he has one, is to come in the very high mountains.The Route: 179km and 150m of vertical gain, a number boosted by bridges over railways and the autostrada. Its as flat as a piadina, the local dish.The Finish: flat of course, but with a series of corners. Theyre not the kind where anyone has to stop pedalling, even braking might be optional but theyll line out the peloton in the streets of Cento.The Contenders: a stage for the sprinters, theres only Stage 18 and 21 left for them so their teams will be keen to get a chance today. Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) is the obvious pick, two stage wins and his team are providing a valuable assist. Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quickstep) and Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) are running him close and theyll be queuing to be on Milans wheel. If Milan is one of the top sprinters here he could be the most valuable lead out rider ever with his speed and size but of course that would be a step back.Its hard to pick another name to get past all three but as ever things are hectic and well have to see.MilanMerlier, GrovesWeather: sunny and 22C, almost no wind.The race feels far away but northern Italy is struggling with heavy rain and the risk of flooding and the Giro is getting closer to the mountains.TV: KM0 is at 1.10pm CEST and the finish is forecast for 5.15pm CEST. Tune in for the sprint finish.Postcard from CentoCento is not famous for much but it does have the Fava factory. Fava? It makes industrial pasta machines, the kind where flour and water go in one end and out come dried fusilli, penne or conchiglie. In the case of Fava, 12 tonnes per hour from their biggest unit. Chances are if youve bought pasta in a supermarket it went through a Fava machine.Cento is a pleasant town, nothing fancy but charming. Its one of those places where if the sun is shining and you add some pink decoration it looks just great. Its the place take a stroll around town, buy a copy of La Gazzetta Dello Sport and stop at the Piazza Guercino to sit down and soak it all in, literally with a coffee.Gazzetta is the house newspaper of the race, owned by RCS which organises the Giro. The maglia rosa is pink because Gazzetta is printed on pink paper. Yet despite all this, coverage in the Gazzetta is brief, typically four pages a day but one is the classifications, half a page is an ad, leaving a two page spread which has big pictures. It can take longer to leaf through the thirty or more pages of football coverage to get to the Giro bit than it does to read about the race once you get their. Plus their chief reporter Ciro Sconomiglio tweets all the transfer gossip so you dont have to buy the newspaper to read the scoops.All this is wistful lament. Itd be ideal if La Gazzetta was required reading and an essential part of the Giro routine for two reasons. First as a definitive account of the race written on the ground, but second because La Gazzetta is the most widely read newspaper in Italy. If the Giro had ten pages then this would signal greater popular interest in the race.Its a subject discussed in yesterdays post-stage Processo alla Tappa show on Italian TV: why did Frances LEquipe put VPP on the front page but when Milan wins he didnt feature on the front page of two of the three sports newspapers in Italy, and on La Gazzetta he just got a small mention (screengrab above). So buy a copy of La Gazzetta but if you order a coffee to accompany your reading, perhaps make it an espresso.The post Giro Stage 13 Preview first appeared on The Inner Ring.

Jacco Verhaeren will succeed Merijn Zeeman at Visma | Lease a Bike. After this cycling season, Zeeman will leave for football club AZ in Alkmaar to work as general manager. As a result, the position of sporting director at the cycling formation has become available.Several sources have indicated to...