At the end of the Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar was physically and mentally exhausted, and admitted thoughts of retirement from pro cycling existed. However these were never going to be put to action, neither was there a date for that to happen. He confirms this ahead of the 2026 Milano-Sanremo, whe...

BBC Radio 1 DJ completes eight-day cycle from Weymouth to Edinburgh, crossing the finish line at Murrayfield Stadium after 1,000km through England, Wales and Scotland

CyclistIn the Drops:Campagnolo Super Record X gravelgroupset, Giro Eclipse Pro helmet, Challenges 4 Stagioni tyres and Ekois new PW8 systemA nice confluence of new gear and pro cycling has meant this week has been a busy one on Cyclist.co.uk, with plenty of fresh content.Given its almost upon us, we updated our Milan-San Remo guide, opined on who might win and how they might need to go about doing so as well. A Volta Catalunya guide will follow the MSR content later today and rounding out the pro highlights was a thinkpiece on talented youngster Paul Seixas.Tech held up an end this week too. I put out my latest Tech Talk newsletter on the recent launches from Giant and Merida, and weve had reviews both a range of baselayers and gilets, including the Maap Thermal LS Tee, Rapha Core gilet, Q36.5 Base Layer 3, Endura Pro SL Primaloft Gilet II, Castelli Espresso gilet, with more to come later today.There were a couple of gravel focused launches as well, with Fulcrum releasing super-wide wavy Sharq GR and Sonix GR wheels and Look overhauling its off-road pedal range. In the Drops tops off a solid showing from the Cyclist team (though we do say say ourselves).Campagnolo Super Record XSam ChallisWhen Super Record 13 was launched in 2025, Campagnolo made plenty of noise about it only being the tip of the iceberg, as the groupset was just the first version in a five-strong family.Only the cyclist knows the application theyll have for the bike, so we want them to be able to mix and match components from the platform in a similar way to SRAMs AXS ecosystem, says Arjan Hoogesteger, Campagnolos export manager.Sam ChallisAlong with that 213 road variant, theres 113 road, 113 time trial, 213 all-road and this, the 113 off-road, which Campagnolo has denoted as Super Record X.In business terms Campagnolo is pretty unusual, says Hoogester. Were a reverse pyramid the top end makes up most of our business, so it made sense to offer more options at this level.Each version introduces their own distinct components to better tune Super Record for particular riding conditions. In the case of Super Record X, the drivetrain gets a makeover.Sam ChallisThe front derailleur and double chainring setup of the 213 system gets dropped, with the crankset receiving a single chainring available in eight sizes from 38-52 teeth instead. At the rear, a longer cage, clutched derailleur comes in to work with either a wider-range, 9-42 or 10-48 13-speed cassette.Sam ChallisThe Ergopower controls can stay the same, but to drop a little weight and cost, Super Record X comes as standard with a simplified left Ergopower control, which gives up shift paddles because all the gear changes can be done by the paddle (downshifts) and thumbshifter (upshifts) on the right Ergopower.For more information on Campagnolos Super Record X groupset, visit campagnolo.comGiro Eclipse Pro helmetSam ChallisIf the Eclipse Pro helmet looks familiar, thats because it should be by now. Visma-Lease a Bike used prototypes for the second half of last season.Pauline Ferrand-Prvot won the Tour de France Femmes wearing one, ditto Jonas Vingegaard at the Vuelta a Espaa, so the amateurs that can now buy the proper helmet should have no doubts about the designs efficacy at the top of the sport.Sam ChallisOstensibly an aero road model that takes over from the Eclipse Spherical, Giro says it nonetheless prioritised airflow in the update to make it efficient and comfortable enough to wear in all conditions, so it is just as valuable on high-summer mountain stages as it is in Spring Classics.I started work on the Eclipse Pro right after finishing up on the Aerohead II time trial helmet design, says Ash Lewin, Giros senior industrial designer. That formed a useful base of experience for how to make the design faster, which wind tunnel testing validated. At 50kmh the new Eclipse reduces total rider-bike system drag by five watts versus the old one. Helmet to helmet in isolation, its 17% faster.Sam ChallisAccording to Lewin, it was Giros focus on ventilation that unlocked more aero gains.We used a compact shell shape, but with features such as the U-shaped intake on the brow couple with internal channelling and the spoiler arrangement at the rear of the shell, we were able speed air throughflow up. That helps cooling, but also keeps the air attached to the helmet for longer, reducing the turbulent wake behind the riders head that increase increases drag.For more information on Giros Eclipse Pro helmet, visit uk.giro.comChallenge 4 Stagioni tyresSam ChallisThanks to its name, even those with just a basic grasp of Italian should twig that Challenges new road tyre is a designed for use year-round.The brand says it essentially started with high TPI carcass of a summer-best tyre to get suppleness, slipped extra casing protection underneath for durability and added its SmartHydro tread compound on top for better wet weather grip.Sam ChallisBy virtue of being handmade, Challenge says a new moulding process could be introduced to allowed it to pre-form the 4 Stagionis into a rounded shape that makes them easier to install.For more information on Challenge 4 Stagioni tyres, visit upgradebikes.co.uk Related Posts Cyclist Magazine Podcast: Aero mutinies and secret shorts with Castelli's Steve Smith Schrdinger's Seixas: The superposition of the supertalent Tech Talk: What are Giant and Merida thinking? Milan-San Remo 2026 preview: Routes, favourites, how to watch and start lists Eko C12 Pro PW8 shoes and pedalsSam ChallisIn the hunt for more performance, French brand Eko is turning its attention towards pedal stack height.Its PW8 system combines a new shoe with a compatible pedal to reduce the distance between the sole and pedal axle to 8mm around 45% lower than Looks pedal stack height. Eko claims this not only increases pedalling efficiency but is 11% more aerodynamic.The better integration of cleats inside the outsole reduces the drag of the complete system, as well as reducing the overall rider profile due to a lower seatpost height, says Ekos Alexandre Freliger.Sam ChallisContact area is another advantage of the made-to-match PW8 shoe/pedal design. It boasts 1,500mm surface contact more than double that of Look and Shimano pedals.This additional area means higher power transfer for the same applied effort, says Freliger. The pedal body itself is made from lightweight polyamide reinforced with carbon fibre, so a set of pedals and cleats weighs just 225g.Sam ChallisThe cleats are claimed to be self-lubricating thanks to a PTFE additive, and riders can swap between two reversible bolts with differing contours, enabling float options of 0 and 1.5 on one, and 3 and 6 on the other.So far, Eko is the only brand to make a compatible shoe, but is in active discussions with some major footwear brands to increase availability, says Freliger.For more information on Ekos C12 Pro PW8 shoes and pedals, visit ekoi.comThe post In the Drops:Campagnolo Super Record X gravelgroupset, Giro Eclipse Pro helmet, Challenges 4 Stagioni tyres and Ekois new PW8 system appeared first on Cyclist.

scar Freire won Milano-Sanremo on three occasions: 2004, 2007 and 2010. He is now no longer a pro rider and although he is a sprinter, he knows how to win this race in all its scenarios. He as shared his point of view on how UAE Team Emirates - XRG and Tadej Pogacar should attack the race so as to...

In the third episode of the Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series, filmmaker Gregg Dunham follows riders as they spin away from the bright lights of San Diego and head deep into the harsh, unforgiving desert. Join riders as they push, hike, and pedal through fatigue, traversing a stretch of the route where its often simpler to keep going than to quitThe post Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series, Episode 3: The Desert Changes Everything appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The 2026 GP de Denain saw two figures emerge stronger than the rest of the field: Per Strand Hagenes and Alec Segaert. The latter had more in the tank on the final decisive kilometers of the race however and perfectly timed the catch and attack against the Visma rider. There was questioning of Hagen...

The lockers will cost 1 per hour for the first two hours.A pilot project in Dublin City Centre will look at the benefits of short-term bicycle lockers for visitors to the area. These lockers are intended for short-term use, enabling visitors to securely park their bikes for a few hours while they socialise, shop, dine, or visit the city centres many attractions, a council spokesperson explained, outlining that the lockers are for short-term use and differ from Bike Bunkers, which residents rent yearly. The small pilot project with 40 lockers across the city centre, including at on and off-street locations, is supported by the National Transport Authority. The rollout of the lockers will be throughout Spring 2026, while the council said that this will be followed by an evaluation period of at least one year to assess their impact. The project is being managed by Bleeper on behalf of Dublin City Council.The council said that the pilot project will incorporate cycle lockers from several hardware and software providers, with each unit designed to hold one bicycle.The first lockers can now be used on Capel Street and Grafton Street Lower, with six lockers in each location. Using the lockers with payment and access via an app costs 1 per hour for the first two hours and 2 per hour from the third hour onward, with a maximum daily fee of 12. The cost stands in stark contrast to the provision of guarded bicycle parking in Dutch city centres and at train stations, where the first 24 hours are generally free and thereafter it costs only between 0.65 and 1.50 per day, with discounted yearly subscriptions also available for regular users. Providing free bicycle parking for the first 24 hours is seen as a political decision to encourage cycling. Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: I am delighted to launch this innovative pilot of cycle lockers in Dublin City, a practical step forward in building a more active, living and engaged city.We know that one of the biggest barriers to cycling is the simple question of where to leave your bike safely. This pilot tackles that challenge head on by providing secure, convenient parking in the very places people want to be, whether that is to meet friends, support local businesses, or enjoy everything our city centre has to offer, he said.Cllr McAdam said: If we are serious about creating an active city, we must make cycling easier. If we are serious about a living city, we must make it easier for people to spend time here. And if we are serious about an engaged city, we must remove the small, everyday obstacles that hold people back from participating fully in city life.He added: These cycle lockers may be a small intervention, but they represent a big shift in how we think about mobility, accessibility and the everyday experience of Dublin.Alec Dundon, a senior executive engineer with the City Centre Projects team of Dublin City Council, said: Installing these cycle lockers lets us see how secure shortterm bike parking works in busy urban spaces. This pilot will help us understand where lockers are most effective and how people use them, shaping future cycling infrastructure that is practical, reliable and supports more people to feel confident cycling into the city for short trips.Hugh Cooney, CEO of Bleeper, said: Were delighted to be working with Dublin City Council and bring our experience in shared mobility to this new Cycle Locker pilot for the city. This is another way for people to feel facilitated to cycle to the city centre.

The lines between road, endurance, and gravel bikes have been blurring for years. BlackHeart Bike Cos latest release leans fully into that shift with a new do it all design. The new Road Plus is a new versatile platform from Blackheart. It arrives in both titanium and aluminum, built for riders who want road-bike speed but dont limit themselves to perfect pavement.(All Photos/Blackheart)Rather than chasing a single category, BlackHeart designed the Road Plus as a flexible road machine that adapts to different terrain with a wheel swap. The frame clears 70042mm tires, which means it can be set up with fast road rubber for long pavement rides or wider tires for dirt roads and rough surfaces. Titanium Model Showcases 3D-Printed Frame DetailsThe Road Plus Ti takes a more technical approach to frame construction. The new Road Plus Ti is built from 3/2.5 double-butted titanium tubing. BlackHeart adds a handful of modern touches to make the frame more practical in everyday use.One of the most noticeable features is a 3D-printed titanium section of the seat tube. It ncorporates a sculpted cutout behind the rear tire for clearance but thats not all. Beyond its visual appeal, the design improves clearance for mud and debris. It also allows the frame to run full fenders even with large tires installed cool looking and practical.The bottom bracket shell includes expanded internal routing to simplify installation of the rear brake hose. The same goes for the chainstay; the brake port is internally flared to make routing easier during assembly. Out back, the rear dropouts are redesigned with integrated mounts for racks and fenders. This small addition makes the Road Plus more practical, otherwise a performance-oriented road frame.The titanium version also includes a removable direct-mount front derailleur hanger. Making it easy (and clean) to run either a 1 or 2 drivetrain, depending on the riders preference.Aluminum Version Alongside the titanium flagship, BlackHeart is also introducing the Road Plus AL, which uses premium 6066 double-butted aluminum tubing.Aluminum road frames have quietly made a comeback in recent years, and the Road Plus AL reflects that shift. BlackHeart says the frame offers ride quality and build weights that compete with many carbon bikes while maintaining aluminums well-known durability and long service life.Theres also an environmental angle here. Aluminum is fully recyclable, something the brand highlights as part of a more responsible approach to performance bike construction.Shared Frame PlatformWhile the two frames use different materials, they share the same overall design philosophy and hardware platform.Both the titanium and aluminum versions include an FSA-ACR headset system with internal cable routing and a T47-86 threaded bottom bracket. Other shared features include compatibility with the UDH derailleur hanger standard, a 31.6mm round seatpost, and support for electronic drivetrains in either 1 or 2 configurations.Tire Clearance and All-Road CapabilityThe defining feature of the Road Plus is its 70042mm tire clearance, placing it firmly in the growing all-road category.That flexibility is central to the concept. Instead of forcing riders to choose between categories, the Road Plus lets them adapt the bike to the ride.Sizing and FitBlackHeart offers the Road Plus in a wide range of sizes to accommodate riders of all heights.The Road Plus Ti is available in nine frame sizes, covering riders from roughly 50 to 70.The Road Plus AL is offered in eight sizes, fitting riders from about 50 to 67.Build Options and PricingThe titanium version is available both as a frameset and as a complete build.The Road Plus Ti frameset starts at $3,399, which includes the frame, an ENVE fork, seatpost, and headset. Riders who want a custom look can opt for Cerakote fork paint for an additional $300.BlackHeart also offers a Core Build for $6,799, which includes a BlackHeart carbon bar-stem cockpit, a SRAM Force AXS XPLR drivetrain with power meter, and Hunt 40 carbon wheels.For riders interested in aluminum, the Road Plus AL frameset starts at $1,699, again including the frame, ENVE fork, seatpost, and headset. Custom Cerakote paint for the frame and fork is available for $600.The Road Plus AL Core Build comes in at $4,049, equipped with a SRAM Rival AXS XPLR groupset, BlackHearts carbon bar-stem cockpit, and Hunt 40 carbon wheels.Warranty and AvailabilityAll Road Plus frames are backed by BlackHearts lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original owner, consistent with the rest of the companys lineup.Both the titanium and aluminum models are available now for pre-order through BlackHearts website and dealer network, with deliveries expected in 2026.With the Road Plus, BlackHeart isnt trying to redefine the road bike. Instead, its refining what many riders are already asking fora fast road platform that doesnt fall apart the moment the pavement does.Blackheartbikeco.comThe post BlackHeart Launches Road Plus: A Fast, Versatile Metal Road Platform in Ti and Aluminum appeared first on Bikerumor.