Crashes, illness and withdrawals are an inevitable part of any stage race, and the Volta a Catalunya 2026 is no different. From fast and technical finishes to demanding mountain stages, incidents can quickly reshape both stage results and the overall classification. Here is a full overview of the ra...

From the Maratona dles Dolomites to the Sellaronda, Alta Badia delivers bucket-list riding in the heart of the Dolomites.Epic mountain passes, traffic-free riding and some of the most iconic roads in the sport make Alta Badia one of Europes great cycling destinations.Set in the South Tyrolean Dolomites, Alta Badia has long held a special place in the imagination of cyclists. Surrounded by peaks recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a region where road riding, gravel adventures, e-biking and mountain biking all come together in one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. More than simply a base for a cycling holiday, Alta Badia offers direct access to some of the sports most legendary climbs from the Pordoi and Sella to Gardena, Falzarego, Giau and even the formidable Tre Cime di Lavaredo.What makes the area stand out is not only the quality of the riding, but the breadth of it. Strong road cyclists can test themselves on long Alpine ascents and famous mountain passes, while less experienced riders can explore the region on gentler routes, guided tours or pedal-assisted e-bikes. Add in Ladin culture, mountain cuisine and a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, and Alta Badia starts to feel less like a destination and more like a complete cycling ecosystem.The Maratona remains the main eventFor many riders, Alta Badia is synonymous with the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel, one of Europes most celebrated granfondos. The 39th edition is scheduled for Sunday 5 July, and organisers reported 32,400 applications from 85 nationalities, underlining the events international draw. This years theme is Pax, with the event positioned not only as a sporting challenge but also as a symbolic ride built around the idea of peace and shared experience in the mountains.The appeal of the Maratona has always been the route itself. Riders take on some of the Dolomites best-known passes, including Campolongo, Sella, Pordoi, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola. There are three traffic-free options: the full 138km Maratona route with 4,230 metres of climbing, a 106km medium course with 3,130 metres, and the shorter 55km Sella Ronda course with 1,780 metres of elevation gain. It is this combination of challenge, scenery and atmosphere that has elevated the event to near-mythical status among amateur cyclists.There is also a newer challenge for riders wanting to push even further. The SuperMaratona, presented with mountaineer Herv Barmasse, strings together all the climbs featured across the Maratonas history in a single 285km route with 8,400 metres of elevation gain over 13 Dolomite passes. It is described as a personal challenge above all else less about racing, more about measuring yourself against the terrain and the history of the event.Alta BadiaTraffic-free days in the DolomitesEven for those not lucky enough to secure a Maratona place, Alta Badia still offers unforgettable riding. The Sellaronda Bike Day and Dolomites Bike Day provide rare opportunities to ride major mountain roads without motor traffic, opening up the passes to cyclists of all levels in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere. No entry is required, and that accessibility is a big part of their appeal.The Sellaronda Bike Day takes place on 6 June and again on 12 September, with roads around the Sella Group closed from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The counter-clockwise route covers 53km and includes 1,637 metres of climbing. A few weeks later, on 20 June, the Dolomites Bike Day rolls out over the Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola passes, tracing a 51km loop with 1,370 metres of elevation gain, with road closures in place from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Both events capture something increasingly rare in modern cycling: the chance to ride iconic roads in peace, surrounded only by mountains and fellow riders.More than a road cycling destinationWhile Alta Badias reputation has been built on road cycling, the regions appeal stretches much further. In June and July 2026, it will again host Bike Guided Tours, with five weekly outings from Monday to Friday, led by local cycling experts. Among the featured destinations are classics such as the Sellaronda, Passo Fedaia and Passo Giau, with participation priced at 40. For visitors who want local insight without the stress of planning every climb and turn, it is an easy way into the best riding the region has to offer.For riders who prefer a less demanding day in the saddle, Alta Badia is investing heavily in e-bike access. Its E-Bike Sharing service allows cyclists to collect and return bikes at the upper stations of the Col Alto, Piz La Ila and Piz Sorega lifts, making it possible to reach panoramic points and the Movimnt parks at around 2,000 metres altitude without the full physical toll of a major Alpine climb. The lifts can also transport bikes, reducing the need for car travel and making it easier to link different areas of the valley in a more sustainable way.Mountain bikers are equally well served. The Bike Beats Movimnt trails offer flowing downhill lines with berms and jumps, while the area also provides access to the Sellaronda by MTB, a high-altitude circuit best tackled with an experienced guide. For gravel riders, the region has expanded its offer with routes through forests, meadows and traditional Ladin settlements, including beginner-friendly rides and tougher mixed-surface itineraries near the Fanes-Senes-Braies and Puez-Odle natural parks.Built around the cyclistPerhaps the most convincing argument for Alta Badia is how comprehensively it caters to riders. Maps, guides, hire services, specialist shops and cyclist-friendly restaurants are all part of the offer, while certified Bike Expert and Bike Friendly accommodation includes secure storage, washing and repair areas, maintenance tools, laundry services and rider-focused food options. Even the lifts transport bikes free of charge, removing another common friction point for cycling holidays in the mountains.Partnerships with major cycling brands such as Castelli and Cicli Pinarello reinforce the resorts standing, but Alta Badias real strength is not branding it is the riding itself. Few places can match the sheer concentration of famous climbs, varied terrain and organised cycling experiences found here. Whether you arrive chasing a personal best on the Maratona route, looking for a family-friendly e-bike holiday, or simply wanting to ride spectacular roads without traffic, Alta Badia makes a persuasive case as one of the finest cycling destinations in the Alps.

New rule allows athletes selected for the Life Time Grand Prix to defer their spot to the following season if they become pregnant

Christophe Laporte does not look like a rider rebuilding. A stage win early in the season and a strong ride at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad point to someone already back at a high level, already embedded again in the rhythm of the Classics. Which is exactly why the scale of what came before it has been so...

Carys Lloyd struggled to process what she had just done. In a race built for the fastest sprinters in the world, the 19-year-old Brit delivered the biggest win of her career at the Ronde van Brugge Women 2026, catching the favourites off guard in a chaotic sprint finish. The Movistar rider had not b...

April Racing, Cape Epic Drama and New Ways to Ride: Inside the New Issue of BIKE MagazineBIKE Magazine April 2026Start reading BIKE Magazine April 2026todayRead onlineSubscribe for hard copy delivered to your doorAprils arrival marks one of the most decisive periods in the cycling calendar, and the latest issue of BIKE Magazine captures the sport at its most revealing, from the chaos of the Spring Classics to the endurance test of the Cape Epic, alongside new technology, destination riding and standout cycling photography.In professional cycling, April is widely seen as a month that leaves little room for uncertainty. With a calendar packed with cobbled Monuments, Ardennes climbs, unpredictable weather and decisive stage races, the sport shifts into one of its most demanding and closely watched phases of the season. The new issue of BIKE Magazine reflects that intensity, focusing on the races, riders and stories that define cycling at its most uncompromising.At the centre of the road racing coverage is the Spring Classics season, where reputation and form are put under sustained pressure. Races including Dwars door Vlaanderen, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and the Ardennes Classics headline a stretch of the season in which tactical judgement, positioning and resilience can be just as important as pure power. These events, linked together by stage race interludes, form one of the richest narratives in the sport, a sequence where plans often unravel as quickly as they are made.The issue also places strong emphasis on the continued rise and importance of womens racing during this same period. Rather than existing in the shadow of the mens calendar, the womens Spring Classics are presented as a central part of Aprils rhythm and significance. With growing depth, intensity and tactical sophistication, the womens races now stand as headline events in their own right, adding a parallel layer of drama to one of cyclings biggest months.Beyond the road, BIKE Magazine turns its attention to one of the sports hardest endurance events, the Cape Epic. Known for demanding both physical fitness and psychological resilience, the race remains a benchmark for mountain biking under extreme pressure. Coverage of the 2026 edition focuses not only on the closeness of the mens competition and the commanding nature of the womens race, but also on the qualities the event continues to expose: decision-making, teamwork, composure and the ability to respond when things begin to go wrong.Mechanical failures, shifting race dynamics and physical fatigue are all part of what makes the Cape Epic such a significant test. In this issue, the event is framed as more than a race against terrain or rivals. It is presented as a test of character, where riders are repeatedly forced to adapt, recover and make clear choices under pressure. That sense of honesty, the idea that the bike only responds to what a rider does next, forms one of the key themes of the coverage.The magazine also broadens its focus beyond elite racing, exploring how cycling continues to evolve in quieter but equally meaningful ways. One feature looks at the Garmin Varia RearVue 820, highlighting technology aimed at improving rider awareness and making increasingly busy roads feel more manageable. In contrast to racings intensity, other stories explore more reflective forms of riding: vineyard roads in Vaud, forest gravel routes and lakeside loops that offer a reminder that cyclings value is not always measured by speed or suffering.Across these features, the issue suggests that progress in cycling does not have a single definition. It may mean riding faster, but it can also mean riding more safely, seeing hazards earlier, making smarter choices or simply finding ways to stay out on the bike for longer. By moving between performance technology, endurance events and more relaxed riding experiences, the magazine presents a wider view of what cycling means in 2026.Photography plays a major role in this edition as well, with BIKE Magazine showcasing work from its latest Photography Contest. The competition brought together a broad range of interpretations of cycling, from the intensity of racing and the practicality of everyday transport to the solitude of bikepacking and more experimental visual storytelling. The selected images demonstrate how cycling can embody multiple identities at once: speed and stillness, utility and obsession, competition and freedom.According to the issues framing, these photographs do more than record moments. They expand the way cycling is seen and understood. Many of the most striking entries capture fleeting scenes that might otherwise have gone unnoticed, reinforcing the idea that the culture of cycling is shaped not only by races and equipment, but also by attention, perspective and memory.Taken together, the new issue of BIKE Magazine is built around a single recurring idea: clarity. April clarifies who is ready to win. Hard routes clarify form. Endurance events clarify character. And the best stories, whether told through reporting, travel, technology or photography, strip cycling back to its essentials.As the sport enters one of its defining months, BIKE Magazines latest issue offers a broad but focused snapshot of cycling under pressure, on the move and seen from every angle.

Summer will be here before you know it, and Pearl Izumi has a couple of brand-new pieces designed specifically to keep riders comfortable in hot temperatures. The new Red Collection consists of a lightweight jersey, bib shorts, and shorts, available in both mens and womens versions. With modern cuts, compressive fabrics, and cooling technology, Pearl Izumi aims to provide comfort in the heat and muscle support during long endurance rides.And dont let the potentially confusing Red Collection name fool you, the bibs and shorts are black, and the jersey comes in three color options. Lets check them out.The mens Red Jersey does actually come in red, along with two other colors.Pearl Izumi Red Jersey: $160The new Red Jersey is sleek and form-fitting with a full zip and a modern, body-contouring fit and cut, including a low-profile collar, shortened torso, and a longer sleeve length. Its made with an ultra compressive Italian-knit fabric with UPF 30+ sun protection and GoFresh anti-odor treatment. Pearl Izumi says that the material also incorporates In-R-Cool sweat-activated HeiQ Smart Temp technology, which reportedly triggers cooling as your body temperature climbs.Aloe WashCherry TomatoCitadelPearl Izumi makes the new Red Jersey for men and women. The mens version comes in four sizes, S to XL, and three solid color options: Aloe Wash (off-white), Cherry Tomato, and Citadel (light blue). The womens Red Jersey comes in five sizes, XS to XL, and three colors: Aloe Wash (off-white), Balsam Green/Silver Blue, and Wild Wind.Aloe WashBalsam Green/Silver BlueWild WindFeaturesUltra-compressive Italian knit supports muscles, enhances circulation, and maintains a secure, aerodynamic fitIn-R-Cool sweat-activated HeiQ Smart Temp technology triggers cooling when body temperature risesGoFresh anti-odor treatment keeps fabric fresh through long, hot ridesUPF 30+ sun protection guards against harmful raysLow-profile collar and shortened torso minimize drag for a refined on-bike silhouetteYKK semi-locking front zipper enables secure closure and easy ventingThree rear pockets with internal divider provide organized storage for essentialsBioViz reflective elements ensure 100-meter visibility in low lightMade with recycled materials for reduced environmental impactPearl Izumi Red Bib Short: $180Like the jersey, the Red Bib Shorts are designed for long, hot days in the saddle with lightweight materials, compression, breathability, and cooling technology. Made with a lightweight nylon fabric with targeted compression, raw edge leg openings with silicone grippers, wide shoulder straps, and a mesh back panel, theyve got all the hallmarks of a quality pair of bib shorts. Add in Pearl Izumis dual-density Elite 3D Levitate chamois, and In-R-Cool cooling tech, and these should help keep you comfortable and cool on those hot endurance rides.The Red Bib Shorts are available in mens and womens sizes, XS to XL. The straps and mesh back panel are white, while the main body of the shorts is black. In addition to the bib shorts, Pearl Izumi also offers the Red Shorts for those who prefer riding without bib straps. Otherwise, the specs are the same, and they retail for $160.FeaturesLightweight, compressive nylon fabric supports muscles and enhances circulation for lasting performanceIn-R-Cool infrared technology with coldblack reduces heat buildup from the suns rays and provides reliable UV protectionDual-density ELITE 3D Levitate chamois minimizes abrasion and pressure while maintaining stretch and contourItalian lightweight mesh back panel ensures maximum breathability and rapid moisture evaporationElastic mesh bib upper offers secure comfort with minimal bulkRaw-edge leg bands with silicone grippers provide a sleek, stay-put fitZero inseam construction eliminates friction for all-day comfortBioViz reflective elements enhance visibility up to 100 meters in low-light conditionsInseam: Mens: 10.5, Womens: 8.5Pearl Izumi Red Collection: AvailabilityThe new Red Collection is available now through the brands website or your favorite Pearl Izumi retailer.pearlizumi.comThe post Pearl Izumis New Red Collection is Made for Long Rides and Hot Days appeared first on Bikerumor.

Ethan Vernon converted control into victory on Stage 4 of the Volta a Catalunya, with NSN Cycling Team timing their sprint to perfection on a day that offered little beyond a long, controlled run-in and a tense uphill finish. After missing earlier opportunities through a puncture and a misjudged run...

Stage 4 of the Volta a Catalunya was marked by an important route change that completely altered the nature of the day. The stage had originally been designed as the first real clash between the climbers, with a summit finish at Vallter 2000, but the organizers removed the final ascent, turning wha...

Ethan Vernon powered to victory on Stage 4 of the Volta a Catalunya, timing his effort perfectly on the uphill run-in to beat Dorian Godon and Tom Pidcock in a reduced bunch sprint. The Brit delivered a controlled and decisive finish after a tense and hesitant sprint build-up, with Godon forced to s...