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For all the unpredictability of Paris-Roubaix, one detail from inside the TNT Sports studio offers a revealing insight into how the race was felt beyond the cobbles. Speaking on The Gruppetto with commentator Rob Hatch, Matt Stephens admitted that those covering the race had quietly aligned behind o...

Tadej Pogaar rode one of Shimanos blue neutral service bikes at ParisRoubaix at the weekend, after he punctured with 120km to go. Shimanos neutral service provides support to all riders at some of the biggest races in the calendar, with the brand saying it is active on 450 race days a year. It isnt often we see the neutral service bikes used in anger, with riders teammates or cars usually within a fair distance to fix a mechanical or hand over a sponsored bike. Yet Pogaar had to use one of Shimanos bikes for roughly 5km before he was reunited with his Colnago Y1Rs, eventually finishing second behind Wout van Aert. This isnt the first time the Slovenian has received a hand from Shimanos neutral service, with the blue stig, Raf Pauwels, helping the Slovenian resit a chain before pushing him back into the action at last year's Tour de France. But his time spent on Shimanos blue bike had us wondering, which bike does the component brand use for its neutral service? Tadej Pogaar was helped by Shimano neutral service at the 2025 Tour de France. TNT Sports While Shimano wouldnt comment on the brand of bikes it uses, it told us it has multiple bikes and brands in [its] neutral service fleet, not only the ones featured in ParisRoubaix. However, there are some tell-tale signs from the blue bike Pogaar rode at ParisRoubaix 2026, and we believe weve identified the brand. Shimano neutral service bike brand For many years, the Shimano neutral service bikes were produced by the French manufacturer, Origine, with the brands Axxome chosen to be decked out in the blue Shimano livery. That looks to have changed, with the latest bike appearing to be a 2020/2021 Canyon Ultimate from what we can see. Weve come to that conclusion based on the visual similarities in the tube shapes, especially around the seatstay design. Its a bike that has since been updated by Canyon, suggesting Shimano has bought these frames rather than borrowed them from the German brand, remaining neutral. While the bike is up to date by many metrics, featuring disc brakes and some aero profiling, its still five or more years old, so we can see why riders are eager to switch to their team bikes as soon as the chance arises. There are some unique component choices made for the blue bikes' specific role, with a dropper post used so riders can set their saddle height quickly on the move. You may like ParisRoubaix 2026: these are the 6 biggest talking points you need to know about Van der Poel's pedals may have cost him ParisRoubaix victory, but his team says a decision from race organisers was more crucial This is Wout van Aerts Paris-Roubaix winning bike and theres nothing special about it

Ezra Caudell, the tallest rider in the men's race too, finished his debut Roubaix

Residents say infrastructure is not prepared for this saturation and criticise the manners of cyclists

The opening stage of O Gran Camio 2026 delivered late drama in A Coruna, as Julius Johansen produced a stunning ride to win the 15km individual time trial and take the first leaders jersey. The UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider overturned a tightly contested leaderboard in the closing minutes, stoppin...

The latest addition to Panaracers GRAVELKING line is the speed-focused, semi-slick GRAVELKING ZX, which they claim is their fastest-ever tire for mixed terrain. Find a quick look at the new model hereThe post The Semi-Slick Panaracer GRAVELKING ZX is Here appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The Belgian's Paris-Roubaix win wasn't just celebrated across Belgium

For our readers planning to attend the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, this weekend, wed love to photograph you and your bike! Well be shooting attendee bike portraits on Saturday morning for one hour, and we hope youll pop by. Find details hereThe post 2026 Sea Otter Classic Attendee Bike Portrait Photoshoot! appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Julius Johansen turned the opening stage of Gran Camio 2026 on its head with a late, decisive ride in the A Coruna time trial, claiming his first professional victory and the race lead in the process. On a day where the benchmark time shifted repeatedly, the UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider delivered...