Santini unveils Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France 2026 collection inspired by the Hell of the NorthSantini Cycling has launched its new Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France 2026 collection, a range that pays tribute to one of the most iconic and punishing races in the sport. Designed around the mythology of Paris-Roubaix, the collection takes its cues from the cobbles, the suffering and the prestige that define the Queen of the Classics.At the centre of the range is a design language shaped by the races most recognisable feature: its brutal cobbled sectors. Santini says the uneven textures and raw visual details are intended to reflect the fatigue, resilience and glory associated with Paris-Roubaix, while the winners cobblestone trophy is used as a standout graphic on the jersey itself.The Italian brand has also leaned into the races folklore with the phrase Jadore les pavs, paired with a black and red colour palette that nods to the harsh reputation of the Hell of the North. It is a bold look, and one that will likely appeal to riders who want their kit to carry a little of Roubaixs grit and romance.The collection includes a short-sleeve jersey, bib shorts, baselayer, long-sleeve jersey and a selection of accessories, giving riders the option of building a full head-to-toe set around the theme.On the technical side, Santini says the jersey is built for lightness and versatility, using highly breathable fabrics to improve airflow and help riders stay cool. Raw-cut sleeves and microfibre panels are designed to improve comfort and deliver a close, streamlined fit on the bike.The bib shorts use a medium-compression fabric aimed at balancing muscle support with all-day comfort. Santini has fitted them with elastic braces, leg grippers and its GITevo chamois, with reflective details added to improve visibility on the road. According to the brand, the shorts are designed to offer comfort over medium-distance rides.Rounding out the range is a lightly brushed long-sleeve jersey and a set of accessories intended to make the collection usable beyond high-summer riding. The result is a kit that, while rooted in one of cyclings most brutal one-day races, is pitched as a practical option for both summer and mid-season conditions.Pricing for the collection starts at 16 for the socks and rises to 150 for the bib shorts. The jersey is priced at 110, the baselayer at 35, the long-sleeve jersey at 120, gloves at 35 and the cap at 18.Santini, founded in 1965, says all of its garments are made in Italy and built around four principles: fit, performance, comfort and durability. With the new Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France range, the brand is clearly aiming to bottle some of the races hard-earned mystique and turn it into a collection for riders who truly do adore the pavs.

These days, it seems like its becoming increasingly common for brands to launch new helmets along with news of their chart-topping Virginia Tech Ratings. And thats exactly what PIKIO (pronounced P Q) LABS is doing with its new Si road cycling helmet, featuring the brands OBLIK impact management technology. But unlike most new helmets, which have improved scores incrementally, PIKIO LABS has essentially dropped the floor out from under the competition.With Virginia Techs test lab becoming the de facto source for comparative impact testing, it seems to have sparked some competition among helmet brands. In recent years, weve seen the scores in Virginia Techs ratings creep lower and lower, and the lower the score, the better the performance in its standardized impact testing. Because helmets have been scoring so much better and, presumably, been getting safer, Virginia Tech even recalibrated its star-rating scale last year to account for it.And with new helmet models and impact-management technologies hitting the market, the scores keep going down, but the margins have typically been by fractions. Which is why the new PIKIO LABS Si helmets score is so impressive. With a score of 4.61, the Si helmet is 2.22 points lower than the #2 rated helmet, the Canyon Deflectr RLS. Thats not a step forward, thats a leap. So, who is PIKIO LABS, and whats up with this new Si road helmet and its OBLIK technology?The new PIKO Si helmet has the best (lowest) score in Virginia Techs helmet testing, and by a large margin.PIKIO LABSAccording to the press release, PIKIO LABS Inc. is a Canada-based company advancing helmet technology through research-driven engineering, biomimicry, and structural optimization. The company founder and CEO, Dr. Daniel Abram, has a PhD in Design Optimization and has spent more than 17 years developing head protection technologies, including the brands OBLIK impact management technology.This is the first weve ever heard of PIKIO LABS, and it appears that the Si road helmet is the brands first and only commercial product. On the PIKIO website, however, they state that the Si helmet is the result of years of structural research, test and refinement. Lets see what its all about.PIKIO Si HelmetOn the surface, the new PIKIO LABS Si helmet just looks like a standard helmet/ It doesnt have the most exciting appearance. In fact, it kinda looks a little bland. But according to PIKIO, thats a deliberate choice to reduce the chances of the helmets outer shell catching on surfaces during a crash. Along with its appearance, the brand states that the helmet is engineered to combine its OBLIK impact management, ventilation, comfort features, and structure as a unified system.OBLIKThe brands OBLIK impact management system is the biggest story here. It operates on the same principle popularized by MIPS, reducing rotational forces transmitted to the brain during oblique impacts, but with a unique approach that appears effective, given its impressive Virginia Tech score.Conventional helmets generally rely on a single foam liner designed to crush under load. Some designs incorporate a low-friction slip layer intended to help reduce rotational forces. While these approaches are effective to a degree, they are inherently constrained by the internal geometry of the helmet, which can limit how linear and rotational forces are managed during oblique impacts. We developed OBLIK to allow the helmet structure itself to respond more adaptively to oblique impacts.-Dr. Daniel Abram, founder of PIKIO LABSThe OBLIK system relies on independent modules and a deflection-sensitive nodal system.How is OBLIK different? Well, the brand tells us that Rather than relying on a single foam liner, OBLIK divides the helmets shock-absorbing liner into a base liner and independently moving modules connected through a deflection-sensitive nodal system. During impact, individual modules can move based on impact intensity, location, and direction, helping reduce linear and rotational forces.Weve seen numerous dual-shell designs before, but what stands out about OBLIK to us is that each piece of inner liner appears to be separate, allowing them to move independently and more locally as they respond to the forces of an impact.Additionally, the brand states that the dual-layer, dual-density structure uses macro-cavities. If youre wondering what a macro-cavity is, it is described as being inspired by bone structure and is an engineered void integrated into the liner structure that helps to absorb impact while reducing material and weight.Dual layers and dual densities of foam attached with a deflection-sensitive nodal system.PIKIO Si Design FeaturesModular Impact Architecture: Discrete modules are individually attached to a base liner.Deflection-Sensitive Nodal System: Nodal interfaces allow modules to move independently based on the intensity, location, and direction of the impact force.Biomimicry-Based Macro Cavities: Bone-inspired internal macro-cavities in the foam enhance energy absorption through deformation and compression.Dual-Density Foams: Optimized foam densities for both low- and high-energy impacts.Reinforced Layers: Polycarbonate reinforcement integrated into the modules to increase structural strength while maintaining low weight.Aerodynamic and Ventilated: Aero performance and airflow comparable to leading premium road helmets. Wind tunnel testing was conducted at the University of British Columbias Aerolab.Integrated Eyewear Dock: Built-in eyewear dock allows convenient storage of sunglasses when not in use.PIKIO LABS may be focused on safety, but at least they didnt forget about useful features like sunglasses storage.Aerodynamics and VentilationPIKIO claims that OBLIK improves ventilation through continuous deep airflow channels, larger strategically placed true-vents, and reduced internal material blockage. Additionally, PIKIO says that wind tunnel testing at the University of British Columbias Aerolab confirmed aerodynamic performance comparable to leading premium road helmets.PIKIO says its aerodynamics and ventilation have been validated by wind tunnel testing.WeightPIKIO states that OBLIK technology improves safety without adding extra weight. With claimed weights of 255g (S), 279g (M), and 298g (L), the Si helmet is not exactly in the running for the lightweight crown, but its certainly not what wed call heavy, either.Deep channels through the inner liner claim to provide good ventilation while keeping weight down.CertificationsIn addition to the Si helmets chart-topping Virginia Tech score and 5-star rating, it is also certified to the U.S. CPSC Bicycle Helmet Standard.Sizing and Color OptionsThe PIKIO Si helmet is currently available in four colors: Titanium Gray, White Pearl, Black Onyx, and Graphite Black. It comes in three sizes: Small (51-55cm), Medium (55-59cm), and Large (59-61cm).PIKIO Si Helmet: Pricing and AvailabilityThe new PIKIO Si helmet is available now in the U.S. and Canada on the PIKIO LABS website. It retails for $379 USD, and the brand states that Canadian customers will see pricing in CAD at checkout.Head to the brands website to learn more about PIKIO LABS, the Si helmet, and OBLIK technology.And with the lab-proven effectiveness of the OBLIK technology, its safe to assume well see it integrated into helmets for other sports and potentially licensed by other brands. We wont be surprised if we see more OBLIK-equipped helmets in the not-too-distant future. pikiolabs.comThe post Upstart PIKIO LABS New Si Road Helmet with OBLIK Technology Tops Virginia Tech Ratings By a Lot appeared first on Bikerumor.

On the 4th of April the peloton takes on the GP Miguel Indurain; and then from the 6th to the 11th the Itzulia Basque Country. Both races take place on the northeast of Spain, and are often combined, providing over a week of explosive racing on roads where the fans are very passionate.Here is when...

The narrative around Remco Evenepoel has taken an unexpected turn. After publicly ruling out riding the Tour of Flanders 2026, the chance of seeing him on the start line has grown within days. According to Wielerflits, the Belgian will join his Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe teammates on Thursday to re...

The past Sunday has been a throwback to the pre-Pogacar classics era when we followed closely which of the cyclocross duo Wout Van Aert-Mathieu van der Poel would prevail on the cobbles. And the 2026In Flanders Fields - From Middelkerke to Wevelgem provided us with another of these traditional duel...

The 2026 Volta a Catalunya brought together, on paper, virtually all the big names expected to fight for the general classifications at the upcoming Grand Tours. That is how Philippa York frames her analysis, noting the start list was hard to improve, with one major absentee:Tadej Pogacar, alongsid...

Tim van Dijkes display at the E3 Saxo Classic confirmed thathis second place at Omloop Nieuwsbladon his 2026 road debut was no fluke. The Dutchman lit up the race with a powerful move on the Taaienberg, where only Mathieu van der Poel could follow his wheel. He could be a major card for the Tour...

Nearly a year ago, after 38 years with GT Bicycles, Hans Rey announced his departure from the brand. The announcement came after years of ups and downs for the brand, culminating in a slow closure.Today, Hans announces a new partnership with not one but two brands: Santa Cruz and Bosch eBike Systems. Both brands represent innovation, performance, and a strong connection to the cycling community, he said, adding that these have always been important values throughout his career.Hans goes on to say that he has always highly regarded both brands, and Im more than excited to be partnering with them. He will be filling an ambassador role for both brands and serving as a key opinion leader.Obviously, the move to Santa Cruz makes sense. Both GT and Santa Cruz are brands owned by Pon Holding Group, with the latter acquired in 2015. And, from the look of the pictures, Hans continues to pay tribute to the brand he was with for nearly four decades.Along with Santa Cruz and Bosch, Hans continues to be supported by several other companies. Their ongoing support allows me to keep exploring new ideas and inspiring people to ride bikes around the world.SR SuntourSQ LabCrankbrothersDeuterShimanoFix MfgTroy Lee DesignReserve WheelsWith the support of all of his sponsors, Hans is excited to share upcoming events and projects. This includes an urban adventure film, SKILLS Parcours and Events, and the Wheels 4 Life charity.Were stoked to see Hans on a new bike (will it be weird?!) and, of course, would like to say: Congratulations!hansrey.comThe post Mountain Bike Legend Hans Rey Announces Santa Cruz and Bosch as New Sponsors appeared first on Bikerumor.

Look is a brand with an extensive history in cycling. Its also a brand that is incredibly proud of their French heritage. Looking to pay homage to one of their more iconic moments in French cycling history, Look has released a limited-edition version of its 795 BladeRS racing bike called Ciel du Nord, commemorating cyclist Laurent Jalaberts first stage win at the Tour de France, which happened to be a stage that started in Roubaix, France. The special edition bike features a grey-blue and pink gradient paint scheme meant to evoke the atmospheric conditions of that historic race day. Each frame is hand-painted at LOOKs facility in Nevers, France, making each bike unique.(All Photos/Look)The 795 BladeRS serves as LOOKs racing platform that is well suited for cobblestone racing conditions. The bike balances aerodynamic performance with vertical compliance to handle the rough pav surfaces characteristic of the cobbled classics. The frame accommodates tires up to 32mm with a T47 bottom bracket system, aero seat post, one piece aero cockpit, and disc brakes.LOOK offers the Ciel du Nord edition in two configurations: a complete bike with Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 12-speed groupset priced at approximately 7.6 kg, and a frameset-only option. The complete build includes Mavic Cosmic S42 carbon wheels, Continental GP 5000 TLR 28mm tires, and LOOKs integrated carbon components including aero seat post, stem, and handlebars. Each purchase includes commemorative items that match the theme with limited-edition Keo Blade Ceramic Ciel du Nord pedals, a puzzle depicting the 1992 victory, and a special edition bag. Only 167 frames and complete bikes will be available, with pricing currently set at $10,700. Look for one a few of these bikes to be raced by Look sponsored teams at the 2026 Paris Roubaix on April 12. lookcycle.comThe post Limited Edition Grey-Blue-Pink Look Ciel du Nord 795 Blade RS is Built to Say: Thank You le Nord appeared first on Bikerumor.

The three-year cycle moves on and the UCI Ranking grows ever more intense. The WorldTour cobbled classics (Tour of Bruges, E3 Saxo Classic and In Flanders Fields) and the Volta a Catalunya scooped up virtually all the points on offer over the past week. Other key races also mattered across the board...