Tom Pidcocks dramatic ravine crash at the Volta a Catalunya has taken on a different shape in the days since, with his team now confirming there is still no clear timeline for his return as the full extent of his injuries remains unclear. The Brit had initially described himself as very lucky aft...

With the new Sliker X3, Thmus are launching a gravel bike that wants to be ready for anything. Race bike? Versatile gravel all-rounder? All-road machine? None of thats an issue, because Thmus dontdo compromises, except when it comes to speed. The only thing that really defines this bike is its unstoppable urge to keep pushing forward. It sounds exciting, but is the concept already too vague to really convince? We put the Sliker X3 through its paces.Thmus Sliker X3 | 8.65 kg in Size 56 | 10,000 | Manufacturers WebsiteWith the Thmus Sliker X3,, the innovative Swiss bike manufacturer wants to show that you dont need a highly specialised bike to hold your own in the gravel segment. Instead, theyre going all in on versatility. No matter what surface you ride on, what tire width you want to run or how many nights you spend on the road, the Sliker X3 is meant to be the ideal companion. To make that happen, it offers all the right ingredients, including generous tire clearance and mounting points for bikepacking bags, while also promising a perfectly balanced geometry. It sounds promising, but do those big claims stand up once you look more closely?All-Road or Gravel? The Thmus Sliker X3 makes it possibleAs an everyday-friendly concept, the Sliker X3 is designed to adapt to your daily routine. To make that happen, Thmus offer not only a custom build in consultation with your dealer, but also the perfect platform for it. Visually, the bike already makes a very promising impression. Thmus have deliberately gone for a clean yet premium look that combines performance with elegance. Classic race bike elements shape the design, while the slim front end, subtly aero-optimised profiles and dropped seat stays give the Sliker a modern, sporty appearance. Despite its clear focus on performance, the design still looks light and avoids radically sculpted aero surfaces. Finished off with the high-quality Carbon Green paintwork, the Sliker X3 is simply an exceptionally premium bike.Its hard to believe, but theres actually a storage compartment integrated into the slim downtube.Theres room for two bags inside, giving you enough storage for a puncture kit and emergency snacks.But good looks alone dont make a capable all-round gravel bike. Thats why Thmus have focused on maximum flexibility. The Sliker X3 can be built either in an all-road or gravel setup, and it is not just the choice of drivetrain that defines its intended use. A flip chip in the fork also lets you adjust the offset to suit the build. In the gravel setup, the offset is 50 mm, while in the all-road setup it is 45 mm. That allows the geometry to be tailored precisely to your needs and the ride feel you want.And thats not all. In our test setup, the Thmus Sliker X3 can run tires up to 50 mm wide, making it properly equipped for real gravel adventures too. A large storage compartment in the downtube, with space for two inner bags, lets you stash your puncture kit and snacks neatly without taking up extra room. The integration is especially well executed. Despite the generous capacity, the down tube never looks bulky from the outside.With the SRAM RED XPLR AXS groupset, Thmus have got it exactly right, covering everything from tarmac to gravel.The DT Swiss GRC 1100 wheelset paired with Schwalbe G-One Pro tyres is clearly aimed at gravel adventures.Swiss Precision without the Swiss Price Tag: The 2026 Thmus Sliker X3 up closeOur test bike comes with a custom spec and was supplied directly by Thmus. The Swiss manufacturer is keen to meet every customers wishes and offers each Sliker X3 with a tailored specification to match. In our case, that means a top-tier setup with a strong focus on performance and top-tier components.The Thmus cockpit is a perfect match for the Sliker X3 and takes a more classic approach, which is perhaps the best choice for this all-rounder.If you want to leave the trails in play too, or you are after a bit more comfort, Thmus also offer the option of fitting a dropper post.Drivetrain duties are handled by a SRAM RED XPLR AXS groupset with a 40 t chainring and 1046 cassette, although our bike does without a power meter. It rolls on DT Swiss GRC 1100 gravel wheelset with 50 mm rims, paired with a Schwalbe G-One R Pro up front and a Schwalbe G-One RS Pro at the rear, both 50 mm wide. The spec also includes a RockShox dropper post. The Reverb dropper fits the Sliker X3 perfectly thanks to the 27.2 mm standard and offers 50 mm of travel. Rounding off the build is a matching Thmus Performance Carbon Monocoque cockpit with a 400 mm width. In this configuration, the bike weighs 8.65 kg and costs CHF 9,180, or just under 10,000.Thmus Sliker X3 2026 10,000SpecificationsSeatpost Rock-Shox Reverb Dropper 27,2 mmBrakes SRAM Force AXS 160/160 mmDrivetrain SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1 x 13Chainring 40 TStem Thmus Performance Carbon Monocoque Cockpit 100 mmHandlebar Thmus Performance Carbon Monocoque Cockpit 400 mmWheelset DT Swiss GRC1100 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Schwalbe G-One RS / R Pro 700 x 50cCranks SRAM Force Dub 172,5 mmCassette SRAM Force XPLR 10-46TTechnical DataSize 48 51 54 56 58 61Weight 8,65 kgThe Geometry of the 2026 Thmus Sliker X3: sporty and well balanced?The geometry follows the same all-round approach. With a reach of 397 mm and a stack of 581 mm, the stack-to-reach ratio comes out at around 1.46, which points to a balanced, slightly more upright riding position. This puts the Sliker X3 right in the sweet spot for both ambitious rides and longer race efforts, placing you in a sporty yet well-balanced, centred position on the bike. The 157 mm head tube reinforces that impression, staying moderate enough for a comfortable hand position. A 72 head angle promises calm, stable steering, while the long 1,033 mm wheelbase adds solid straight-line stability. Short 424 mm chainstays and a bottom bracket drop of 72 mm also suggest an agile, responsive gravel bike.Size485154565861Top Tube522 mm536 mm556 mm569 mm584 mm627 mmSeat Tube460 mm485 mm505 mm530 mm550 mm575 mmHead Tube100 mm120 mm135 mm157 mm180 mm205 mmHead Angle71.571.572727272Seat Angle747473.573.573.573.5Chainstay424 mm424 mm424 mm424 mm424 mm424 mmBottom Bracket Drop72 mm72 mm72 mm72 mm72 mm72 mmWheelbase994 mm1009 mm1019 mm1033 mm1049 mm1068 mmReach372 mm380 mm390 mm397 mm406 mm417 mmStack525 mm544 mm560 mm581 mm603 mm627 mmGrip, speed and sheer fun: the Thmus Sliker X3 2026 on testAn exciting setup, but how does the Thmus Sliker X3 ride on our test track, the gravel roads around Girona? Out on test, the bike shows its playful and sporty side. Despite, or perhaps because of, the wide Schwalbe G-One tires, the Sliker X3 picks up speed impressively well. The wide tires add a touch of inertia, but in return they hook up brilliantly on loose surfaces and make it almost impossible to lose grip. The lively ride feel is backed up by the stiff frame and the sporty DT Swiss GRC 1100 wheels.That impression carries over into the handling too. The punchy acceleration is matched perfectly by agile, direct steering. Even on tarmac, the bike feels surprisingly lively, and it is easy to imagine just how much the Sliker X3 would come alive in its all-road setup. When it comes to comfort, the bike doesnt make promises it cannot keep. The frame and wheels offer little in the way of compliance, but the wide tires and the RockShox Reverb dropper more than make up for it. Drop the post by a few millimetres and it starts to work like a form of suspension, noticeably taking the edge off the ground beneath you. It is a clever feature, provided you are happy with the slightly altered saddle height.That leaves the question of whether the dropper post is really necessary on the Sliker X3 beyond the added comfort it brings. As a feature, it undoubtedly underlines the versatility of the Thmus, but even so, the Sliker X3 remains more of a bike for fast, sporty rides on quicker surfaces. A proper off-road outing where the dropper post can really show its full advantage will probably remain the exception, even for riders who enjoy venturing away from smooth gravel.All in all, the Thmus Sliker X3 is a highly sporty, agile and seriously fun gravel all-rounder that impressed us above all with its lively handling.Who is the 2026 Thmus Sliker X3 for?In our test, the Thmus Sliker X3 2026 stood out above all as an everyday companion for riders looking for a sporty bike. It shines especially on fast gravel loops, no matter how much gravel, tarmac or trail surface you mix into your ride. What makes the bike particularly appealing, though, is its handling and the option to run a setup with a stronger all-road focus. That means many riders will be able to build their ideal bike for both tarmac and gravel.Helmet Kask Protone Icon | Glasses Oakley Sphaera | Jersey MAAP Form Pro Hex LS | Bibs Straede Aero Shoes SIDI DOMINATOR XConclusions about the 2026 Thmus Sliker X3With the Sliker X3, Thmus introduce a hugely appealing bike designed to handle everything from all-road riding to gravel adventures. And the concept works: with its sporty handling, high-quality spec, and flexible build options, its an impressively versatile bike that performs brilliantly across every surface its meant to cover. The price is a pleasant surprise too. In a custom build with high-end components, our test bike comes in at just under 10,000, which is less of a Swiss premium than you might expect.TopsFrame storage compartmentGenerous tyre clearanceLively handlingFlopsnoneMore information at thoemus.com.Der Beitrag New 2026 Thmus Sliker X3 on Review: Road Bike, All-Road or Gravel Bike? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Sports fuel brand Torq has introduced its new 1:1 Proto drink and gel formula, designed to enable you to take on more carbohydrates without encountering stomach problems. The common sport science recommendation of a 2:1 fuelling ratio involves consuming two parts glucose to one part fructose. The reason for this is the body can only absorb around 60g of glucose per hour. By adding fructose, which uses a different pathway, you can absorb an additional 30g of carbohydrates per hour. The consensus is if you go beyond this, you're more likely to experience stomach issues, while the faster energy intake of the 2:1 ratio means you're less likely to suffer the dreaded bonk. Torqs research and testing has shown that if the glucose transporter in the gut is saturated at 60g per hour, via ingestion of glucose, you can absorb more fructose than in a 2:1 formula. Read more: The best energy gels for cycling in 2025 High-intensity endurance fuelling Torq's Proto 1:1 single-serve energy drink powders. Warren Rossiter / Ourmedia The formulation in Torq's new Proto 1:1 products mixes 20g of glucose and 20g of fructose, so 40g rather than the usual 30g servings found in most energy gels and drinks. The theory is that for high-intensity exercise you can up your carb loading with less risk of causing a stomach upset. 2:1 Torq units 1:1 Proto gels / energy drink Glucose (g) Fructose (g) Total carbs (g) Ratio 3 0 60 30 90 02:01 2 1 60 40 100 03:02 1 2 60 50 110 01:00.8 0 3 60 60 120 01:01 Edit Table Torqs Richard Samuels explains: If you are already working at 90g/hr, this can allow you to elevate to 120g/hr, by blending a 2:1 and 1:1 product together. You can then do a ride at 100g/hr using 1x 1:1 and 2x 2:1 product. The 1:1 Proto energy drink comes in this flavour-free option. Warren Rossiter / Ourmedia This can help on particularly high-intensity rides such as an Alpine summer sportive/race with higher temperatures. Samuels also gives the example of a triathlon, where it is easier to fuel on the bike than on the run. The system is versatile too we can look at the bike leg and the run leg as two separate sessions. You could use 1:1 @ 120g/hr on the bike and then revert to 60-90g/hr with 2:1 on the run. The triathletes we speak to do their highest carb intakes when the fuel is most readily available. Samuels adds: There is also a study that shows that higher fructose consumption while running, as opposed to cycling, can cause stomach distress. The energy drink range offers two fruit flavours (with more promised) and a Naked Flavourless option. With the natural higher fructose count, the 1:1 tastes sweeter than Torqs standard 2:1. Torq's 1:1 Proto gels come in three flavours. Warren Rossiter / Ourmedia The Torq 1:1 Proto range 1:1 Proto 60g gels Strawberry Yoghurt, Naked Flavourless, Forest Fruits, 40g 1:1 carbohydrate: 2.65 1:1 Proto 60g gel with Guarana Forest Fruits, 40g 1:1 carbohydrate: 2.95 1:1 Proto 43g energy drink sachets Orange, Naked Flavourless, Blackcurrant Per 500ml, 40g 1:1 carbohydrate: 2.65 sachet 1:1 Proto energy drink, 500g pouch Orange, Naked Flavourless, Blackcurrant: 19.95, 11 servings per pouch, scoop included

Very comfortable shoes with a wider fit than most, and finished to a high standard

Jonas Vingegaards 2026 season has already been defined by control and authority, but according to Jens Voigt, the most significant part of his campaign may still lie ahead. After securing overall victories at Paris-Nice and the Volta a Catalunya, where he took two stages and settled the race with o...

Team takes a softly-softly approach after Pidcock's plunge last week

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Capoliveri Legend CupThe 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup heads to the island of Elba on 9 May, with the Capoliveri Legend Cup hosting round two of the series after the opening race in Spain. Riders can choose between a demanding 74km marathon course and a shorter 45km classic route, both set against one of the most striking backdrops in European mountain biking.Capoliveri has long been a fixture on the Italian off-road calendar, and its World Cup status only adds to the sense that this is a race with real weight. The event has been bringing riders to the south eastern corner of Elba since 2009, building a reputation for rugged trails, spectacular sea views and a style of racing that rewards both technical skill and staying power. On race weekend, the small hillside town will once again become the centre of attention for marathon mountain biking.What makes Capoliveri stand out is the terrain. This is not simply a scenic Mediterranean spin with a race number pinned on. Riders will face a route that moves from the red, mineral rich soil around the old mines to tighter, more compact singletrack cut through dense Mediterranean vegetation. There are exposed sections on the mule tracks of Monte Calamita, sharp rocky passages hidden among rosemary and lentisk, and repeated steep climbs that can punish poor pacing as quickly as they punish poor line choice.For the elite field and Master licence holders, the main event is the marathon course, stretching to 74km with 2,600 metres of climbing. It is described as a route that never truly lets up, circling the entire promontory and demanding concentration from start to finish. Amateur riders can opt for the 45km classic course, which still packs in 1,600 metres of ascent and plenty of the same visual drama. It may be the shorter option, but there is nothing soft about it.That mix of beauty and brutality is likely to be a major part of the events appeal. Elba offers the kind of setting that can make riders pause for a glance at the coastline, even when the clock is ticking and the legs are beginning to sting. The organisers lean into that contrast, presenting the race as both a fierce sporting test and a journey through an island landscape shaped by both nature and industry.From a sporting point of view, the second round of a World Cup always matters. By the time the riders reach Italy, the first clues from the season opener will already be on the table, but the standings are still fluid and every point carries extra significance. According to the event information, the World Cup leader jerseys will be worn by Belgiums Wout Alleman and Switzerlands Anna Weinbeer of KTM SPADA Powered by Brenta Brakes, following their wins at the HERO Costa Blanca on 21 February in the opening round of the 2026 series.That gives Capoliveri an added layer of intrigue. Marathon racing is rarely won on power alone, and this course looks built to expose any weakness in rhythm, judgement or bike handling. Riders who can stay calm on the rockier sectors, manage their effort on the climbs and still find speed on the flowing sections should come to the fore. On a course like this, the strongest rider is not always just the one with the biggest engine, but the one who can best read the ground beneath them.There is also a broader story here about place. The Capoliveri Legend Cup is presented not just as a race but as a showcase for an island that has transformed part of its mining heritage into a destination for outdoor sport. In that sense, the event does more than host a World Cup round. It reinforces Italys standing on the international mountain bike map and gives riders a course that promises to stay in the memory long after the finish line has been crossed.If the season opener set the tone, Elba could sharpen the picture. Expect a race that is hard, technical and visually unforgettable, with a field of world class marathon specialists taking on one of the most distinctive venues in the discipline. For spectators and riders alike, Capoliveri looks ready to deliver the kind of day that reminds you exactly why marathon mountain biking can be so compelling.