While thousands of riders who completed Europes biggest gravel race only had nice things to say, tracking failures, safety rows, and distracted driver allegations were all reported in the aftermath of the event in Girona

Lotte Kopecky finally secured her first stage win of La Vuelta Femenina 2026 on Stage 4, surviving a tense day of breakaway pressure before winning a reduced sprint after the last attackers were caught inside the final three kilometres and taking the Red Jersey as new race leader in the process. Aft...

Lotte Kopecky finally has the stage win she had been chasing at La Vuelta Femenina 2026 and, with it, control of the race itself. After opening the week with two second places and the frustration of her Stage 2 relegation, the Belgian delivered on Stage 4 in Antas de Ulla, sprinting to victory from...

UPDATED May 6, 2026 BY Guest Author IN Tour d'Afrique no comments Carried By The Iron Horse Across AfricaMasoud Riyazati was the Content Creator on the 2026 Tour dAfrique Cycling Expedition.In Nostalghia, a movie by Tarkovsky, a man walks across an empty pool holding a candle, and his task is to walk across the pool without the flame going out. He tries once. The flame goes out. He returns to the beginning and tries again, and this repeats over and over. The task is simple. But it demands everything. This scene is a cinematic version of life on a long-distance cycling tour.You start riding. Then something goes wrong. You get a flat tire. You fix it and you continue. Your bike breaks. You fix it and continue. You run out of water. You fill the bottles and continue. You wake up the next day and everything repeats.Over and over. Again and again. Nothing changes. And yet, everything does._________________________________________About three months ago, a group of strangers met for the first time with one goal: to cross Africa on their iron horse. In Khoekhoegowab, a click language spoken in Namibia, the bicycle is called iron horse. A simple name. But it felt like the right name for what carried us all the way from Egypt to South Africa.The 7,170-kilometre journey started in Egypt, then moved through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Each country had its own character.Egypt with its pyramids and endless yellow deserts.Kenya and the Maasai lands.Tanzania and Malawi, with their busy roads and children who run beside you, asking questions.The rusty bicycles that carry a family.Zambia and Zimbabwe, with their lush, green landscapes, climbs, and challenging roads.Botswana, with elephants casually walking on the road or standing by the roadside.Namibia Oh Namibia! An otherworldly, timeless place that feels like a different planet.And South Africa, a vibrant country with a complex and controversial history.Just like the countries, each person had their own character. We had people in their 30s and their 70s. Twenty-seven-year-old Ana and seventy-four-year-old Clyde. Fiona, with no experience in long-distance cycling. Adam, on a personal quest to take a new direction in life. Ralf, a retired engineer who was sometimes even faster than our trucks to reach the next campsite. His pace, from start to finish, was steady. And Fred, an enthusiastic doctor who joined us in Victoria Falls, was soon loved by everyone.They all had the same map, the same route, but different reasons to be here.And Africa, in its own way, gives something different to each of them._________________________________________We had storms that followed us wherever we went. Rain that stayed. Days when our tents filled with water and sand, poles bending under the wind.In Botswana, the night before the 217 km ride, my tent flooded, and there was nothing I could do. I lay in my tent, soaked, listening to the constant rhythm of water, hoping it would stop. It didnt. It carried on through the night. By morning, it was a shared experience. The campsite had turned into mud and scattered gear. You look around and see sleepless faces that still have to ride 217 kilometres.And then Namibia. The biggest surprise for all of us. You expect the desert to be dry. It wasnt. We were wrong. The storms kept coming. Some days, they never really left. Not to mention, we saw a river running beside the desert dunes._________________________________________Riding through shifting sand, corrugation, gravel, tarmac, rocks, and even riverbeds, across rugged plains, teaches you that survival is not just physical. It is about mental strength and finding joy in small, sometimes uncomfortable moments. Trusting that, in its own way, the road will provide.Like the day we were heading to Canyon Farmyard. The dam overflowed, and the road turned into a river. No way back, no way forward, but the road led us to a gin distillery, where the owner let us stay for the night. That unexpected change became one of the best experiences for all of us. Warm shelter, gins made with local flavours, and a quiet happiness on everyones faces._________________________________________These moments along the journey make the ride less about distance and more about the stories each person carries with them. You begin to hear them. Not all at once, not in big moments, but slowly, over days.People talk about their lives. About things they left behind. About things they are still trying to understand. And sometimes, they speak about people who are not here. Someone they wish they could share a moment with. A memory that returns unexpectedly in the middle of nowhere.One day, Fred and I sat together and talked. As we shared parts of our personal stories, he told me he misses someone. Someone very special to him. He wished she were here, to see what he sees every day.At some point, he showed me a message he had written to her. With his permission, I share it:_________________________________________Quote: Many years ago, I gave you a book called On the Loose at a coffee shop across the street from the Childrens Hospital. This old Sierra Club book is about sharing wilderness experiences together. I believe you too would have loved the torrential rain, lightning, and streams of water that overcame the campsite. All of my gear was soaked. I managed to find a chair in a tool shed, where I was fully committed to sleeping, before the crew found me and brought a tarp, mattress, and sleeping blanket into the shed. The sheds roof was leaky, but that didnt matter, because the raindrops were caught in a bucket. Oh, how I wish you and I had experienced the storm together. I believe you too would have loved the evening and sharing the experience.I believe some of us have similar messages written to someone special, but never sent._________________________________________Finally, there it is. The last day. One last early alarm.Packing up your wet tent.Checking the tires.Filling your water bottles.Getting on the bike with a tired body.Looking at the sky.Looking for Coke stops.For the lunch truck.For the hot soup waiting at the end of the day.Bucket showers.The small rituals that quietly held everything together.A long journey where each day opened a new, unfamiliar world._________________________________________As we approached the final city, Cape Town, a mix of emotions took hold. Relief, a quiet sense of happiness, sadness, accomplishment, and a question about how tomorrow will look when this is all over.Our stories continue, but we carry something from each other.And maybe that is what remains.In the words of Nelson Mandela: What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.RELATEDTOURTour d'Afrique The trans-African crossing from Cairo to Cape Town has long been one of the worlds epic journeys and an iconic goal for global adventurers. Over... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Carried By The Iron Horse Across Africa" Cancel reply

Jonas Vingegaard may not even have pinned on a race number yet at the 2026 Giro dItalia, but former Grand Tour rider and TNT Sports analyst Jens Voigt already believes he can identify the moment the race could swing decisively in Team Visma | Lease a Bikes favour. The race contains a tactical hin...

The decision to send Paul Seixas to this summers Tour de France has created enormous excitement across cycling, with the 19-year-old Frenchman already being discussed as one of the sports future superstars after a remarkable 2026 campaign. But while much of the reaction around Seixas Tour debut h...

The Tennessee titanium specialist attributes financial struggles to higher manufacturing and operating costs, low cash flow and fulfilment issues

The arrival of Paul Seixas at this summers Tour de France is already beginning to reshape the conversation around the race, with some viewing the 19-year-old as a potential disruptor to the sports established hierarchy after a remarkable breakthrough season. But while Danish cycling great Rolf Sor...

Enduras new AllTrack line operates according to a simple philosophy: Everything should work with everything else. In a sport that has a habit of producing gear so overly specialized, these apparel essentials make a bold counter-argument that your kit, at least, shouldnt be so confined to a single riding style.As trails open and days lengthen into peak riding season, weve picked our favorite Endura AllTrack items. Cut loose, mix up your rides, and see how these standbys can move capably between the worlds of road, gravel, and trail. Think of them as versatile off-grid players with MTB cred. Theyll extend your trail adventures, but carry your paved efforts home with not-too-tight, not-too-baggy fit details that ride just right.BROWSE ENDURA AT REIExplore Enduras AllTrack lineEndura AllTrack Ride Bibshort Mens & WomensTest your GPS with gravel-ready bibshorts that pack cargo pockets for stashed snacks, plus an 800-series pad that soaks up shocks and stops heavy-vibration numbness on gravel thats far rougher than the champagne best.Roam free in a relaxed fit of high-stretch Lycra that stays put with silicone-gripped cuffsand that stays cool with a breathable mesh back.SHOP WOMENSSHOP MENSAllTrack Ride Jersey L/S Mens & WomensThis jerseys lightweight, merino-blend knit body keeps you cool and comfy, while articulated sleeves provide a better on-bike fit.The ripstop outer provides off-road durability thats still super stretchy. Three drop-in pockets (plus a zipped security extra) complement the relaxed fit.SHOP WOMENSSHOP MENSAllTrack Ride Packable Jacket Mens & WomensWhen the elements dial up the dour, whip out this easy-stashing jacket with articulated sleeves and body, plus subtle elasticated trim on the cuffs and hem.Not baggy, but not tight, this lightweight performer is easy-breathing and water-resistant (DWR finish) with zipped security pockets to house essentials.SHOP WOMENSSHOP MENSAllTrack Resort Shirt UnisexSnap on the secure fastener of this fun, lightweight option that wicks and dries fast. Added pockets up the features of a top that packs the personality.SHOP NOWAllTrack Ride SS Tech ShirtThis relaxed-fit tee sneaks the features with a drop hem cover at the back and articulated ripstop sleeves for fit and durability.Ride unrestricted with this lightweight, super-stretchy merino-blend top that carries from road to trail.SHOP WOMENSSHOP MENSAllTrack Rout Scuba HoodieEver gulped down a bug or gotten a mouthful of pollen or dust on the trail? Youll instantly understand the impact of the Scuba Hoodie. Or maybe youll just enjoy the cooling fabric and UPF 40+ protection that can cover your face and power you through a hot and dusty ride.The tops articulated design and chafe-proof stitching offer maximum movement and ultimate protection.SHOP WOMENSSHOP MENSLoop Full Finger GlovePad your palm when the riding gets unpredictable. These snug-fitting gloves double up the fabric on the back to breathe and free up your sweat, with Palmisty gel pudding for secure bar grip. A soft, absorbent thumb panel manages sweat (and snot) alike.SHOP NOWMT500 Mips HelmetRide in hot weather? Clever venting augments the built-in breathability of this low-weight wonder that stops head chafing and delivers unrivaled impact absorption. Credit a full Koroyd core, plus the Mips Brain Protection System, designed to reduce rotational motion transferred to the brain from angled head impacts.Additional features include an adjustable peak, anti-bacterial padding, eyewear dock, clip-on accessory mount for a headlight or helmet-cam, plus the added assurance of Enduras Helmet Crash Replacement policy.SHOP NOWThis article is sponsored by Endura.The post Update Your Ride-Anywhere Kit With Endura appeared first on Bikerumor.

Hollywood Racks has been around for years and is known for its range of relatively affordable hitch bike racks, including several made for use with RVs and electric bikes. Generally speaking, however, Hollywood hasnt been one of the first brands that comes to mind when considering a rack for high-performance bicycles.Which is why it was noteworthy when the brand launched the CrossTrack in late 2024. This tray-style model uses dual wheel arms to hold bikes, making contact with the tires only. In fact, I believe the CrossTrack is the only rack in the Hollywood lineup that doesnt make any contact with your bike frame or even your rims.With the CrossTrack, Hollywood Racks finally made it on my radar, and I tested the original version when it came out. I was pleasantly surprised by its performance and felt it made the brand a viable option for performance-minded users who had previously avoided their frame-contact racks. Now, the updated CrossTrack addresses one of my main complaints about the original. A new tilt-release handle position opens the door for add-ons to expand capacity, while maintaining the same user-friendliness, stability, and versatile bike fit.Hollywood Racks CrossTrack 2-BikeCheck Price at Hollywood RacksSpecificationsMSRP: $750Number of Bikes: 2 (up to 3 with add-on)Receiver Sizes: 1.25" and 2"Rack Weight: 60 lbs.Per Bike Weight Capacity: 2": 66 lbs.Max. Wheelbase: 52" or 1,320 mmMax. Tire Width: 4"Wheel Size Compatibility: 20 to 29"Security: Locking hitch pin and keyed cable lock (wheel locks sold secparately)ProsHold bikes with no frame contactMore affordable than similar options from other brandsCompatible with 1-bike add-on and LED light kitRelatively sleek looksVersatile bike fitRelatively high weight limitConsLacks some refinement compared to higher-end competitorsOpening wheel arms requires 2 handsJeremy BensonThe CrossTrack has a now-familiar dual wheel arm design that only makes contact with your bikes tires. Hollywood Racks CrossTrack DetailsThe CrossTrack is a tray-style or platform hitch bike rack. The bikes rest on horizontal trays and are secured with opposing arms that sandwich the bike between the front and rear wheels. This style of rack has been around for years and was popularized by 1Up-USA and has since been employed by other brands, including Kuat, Saris, Rocky Mounts, and others.The wheel arms only make contact with the bikes tires, so there is nothing to scuff your frames paint or even your rims. The arms use a release button that needs to be held down when opening, and they ratchet closed when securing a bike or folding them down all the way.The wheel arms fit 20 to 29 wheels, and any tires up to 4 wide.Hollywood Racks states that the CrossTrack is compatible with 20 to 29 wheels and tires up to 4 wide. A 5-position adjustable spindle on the wheel arms accounts for changes in wheel size. Moving the wheel size spindle requires tools, but it is a fairly quick and easy process. If you need to change wheel sizes frequently, Hollywood Racks sells a knob version for $15, which makes it a tool-free affair. Its worth noting here that the wheel arm design is not compatible with bikes with fenders.Each tray also includes a wheel chock that is intended to add stability to the front wheel. These can be shifted on the tray (with tools and a few minutes), with two pre-drilled positions.The red button releases the wheel arm, while the wheel chock adds stability.The CrossTrack comes in 1-bike and 2-bike versions and in 1.25 and 2 receiver sizes. It has a per-bike weight limit of 66 pounds, which should work for the majority of bikes out there, including full-power eMTBs. The 1-bike rack retails for $400, and the 2-bike version sells for $750, which is very competitive for racks of this style.The 2 version has an anti-wobble cam, which eliminates play and stabilizes the rack in the hitch receiver. Its easy to tighten with a threaded handle at the end of the receiver arm. The 1.25 version does not include the anti-wobble cam. The CrossTrack is approved for use on Class B motorhomes.Each hole on the wheel arm is intended for different wheel sizes from 20 to 29.CrossTrack Specs1-bike or 2-bike versionsRack weight: 1-bike: 37.5 lbs., 2-bike: 58 lbs.Hitch sizes: 1.25 and 2Per bike weight limit: 66 lbs.Fit tires up to 4 wideWorks with wheel sizes 20 to 29Max wheelbase: 52 (1,320mm)No wobble hitch system (2 only)The CrossTrack comes with a hitch pin lock and an 8-foot-long cable lock, which are keyed alike. Wheel locks are sold separately.SecurityThe CrossTrack comes with a locking hitch pin with a fairly beefy metal lock pod as well as an 8-foot-long cable lock thats keyed alike. In the middle of the rack, a welded lock loop makes an easy spot to lock through, whether youre using the included lock or an aftermarket option. Hollywood also sells sets of wheel locks ($40), which can be keyed alike if ordered with the rack.The LED Light Bar is an optonal accessory for the CrossTrack.Other AccessoriesAdditional aftermarket accessories include a CrossTrack Loading ramp ($100) to roll heavy bikes into place on the trays. They also offer an LED light bar ($150) that functions as a brake light, turn signals, and emergency flashers. It connects directly to a 4-pin flat plug, but comes with an adapter to 7-pin round, too.The 2-bike CrossTrack set up with the 1-bike add-on and the LED Light Bar accessory.Add-OnsWhen Hollywood updated the CrossTrack, they changed the tilt-release handle design and location, making it possible to add on to the rack. They now sell a 1-bike add-on kit thats compatible with the 1-bike and 2-bike versions of the rack. The 1-bike add-on sells for $350.When used to add a 2nd bike tray to the 1-bike rack, the add-on has a weight limit of 66 pounds. When adding a 3rd tray to the 2-bike rack, the add-ons weight limit goes down to 50 lbs the 1st and 2nd positions stay at 66 pounds.All the parts of the CrossTrack before assembly.AssemblyThe CrossTrack comes in a fairly large box that weighs around 70 pounds. Inside, the rack is in a total of five pieces: the main hitch assembly/support arm, and each of the trays in two pieces. You can scan a QR code to watch an assembly video, and it comes with detailed printed instructions and all of the tools you need to complete the assembly. I found it to be relatively easy, and it took me just over 30 minutes to put the CrossTrack together.Assembling the rack is easiest wth the hitch assembly in your vehicles receiver. Then, you simply join the two halves of the trays with the junction brackets and bolt them on. The supplied tools work just fine, but I used my own socket wrench to expedite the process. The instructions are thorough, and I think most people should be able to put the rack together themselves with little difficulty.Right out the gate, I noticed the support arm had a little side-to-side play at the main pivot. This wasnt really an issue in use, but I still took a few minutes and tightened the large bolt at the pivot until the play was gone. Now it doesnt wobble at all, and the pivot still moves smoothly.The 1-bike add-on was straightforward to assemble and attach, too.I used the Cross Track in its 2-bike configuration for a few days, then installed the 1-bike add-on. This process took all of 15 minutes. All you need to do is remove the racks end cap, then bolt the rack extension in its place. After that, you join the halves of the add-on tray and bolt it onto the rack.I also got the LED Light Bar accessory, which I installed just recently. Again, this was super easy. It required removing the racks end cap, then bolting the LED bar in its place. The hardest part was routing the cable from the light to the 4-pin plug on my truck. Thankfully, Hollywood provides several stick-on clips for routing, plus a strap to contain any excess cord. I appreciated the inclusion of a 4-pin to 7-pin round adapter, which was needed for my setup.Tightening the anti-wobble cam to remove play in the hitch.InstallationLike most hitch racks, the hardest part of installing the CrossTrack is picking it up and carrying it to your vehicle. It weighs just 58 pounds in is 2-bike configuration, so it isnt super heavy, but it can be a bit awkward to carry given its shape. I havent weighed it with the add-on installed, but Im guessing it added ~15 pounds to the total.Regardless, all you need to do is insert the receiver arm into the receiver until the pin holes line up. Then, insert the hitch pin, and lock the rack onto the receiver. Turn the threaded knob on the end of the receiver arm to tighten the anti-wobble cam, and give a few shakes to ensure that all the play has been removed from the system.The tilt-handle is easy to reach when adjusting the racks angle.Using the CrossTrackThe CrossTrack folds flat up against the rear of the vehicle when its not in use, and it has a fairly slim profile and generally tidy appearance. Pulling up on the tilt release handle allows it to pivot to three other positions: 45 degrees for access to the rear of the vehicle, flat for use, or tilted down for vehicle access with bikes loaded. This handle is easy to reach, making it a one-handed operation to raise and lower the rack when its empty.Opening the wheel arms requires the use of both hands, which is my biggest complaint about the CrossTrack. You need to press and hold the red release button with one hand and use the other to open the arm. I quickly learned that this can get a little awkward if balancing a bike in one hand, and adapted my loading approach accordingly. I just started opening the arms before even wheeling the bike(s) out of the garage, or leaning the bike on the truck instead of trying to pull off some balancing act.My biggest gripe is that the red button has to be held down when opening the wheel arms, requiring two hand to operate.Comparatively, the piston-actuated arms on the Kuat Piston Pro X are very user-friendly, but that rack sells for over $1,500. Likewise, the latest racks from 1Up-USA have a one-hand-operable tab on the wheel arms thats easy to use and helps you avoid awkward balance games. 1Ups racks (with the one-handed tabs) are a bit more expensive than the CrossTrack, but they are also known for their legendary durability.With the wheel arms open, lift the bike into place on the rack with the front wheel against the wheel chock. Push the front and rear wheel arms tight against the wheels, and youre good to go. Racks like this can be a little prone to front wheel wobble, and the wheel chock reduces this significantly.The CrossTrack works just as well with my 30-pound trail bike or 52-pound full-power eMTB. The new Levo 4 Evo (right) is outrageous, by the wayThe 66-pound per-bike weight limit is more than enough for my needs. Ive been using it to transport a Levo 4 Alloy (54 pounds) and a Levo 4 Evo (52 pounds) at the same time, and that hasnt been an issue at all. Even with that much weight, it has been super stable at all times, and the bikes have remained super secure. Likewise, it handles my 30-pound trail bike and 25-pound Mach 4 SL cross-country bikes with absolute ease.Bike-on-bike conflict hasnt really been an issue for me while carrying the same types of bikes all the time. With three mountain bikes loaded at once, I was able to easily mitigate any possible handlebar interference by slightly offsetting the outermost bike (see photo below) so the tire wasnt resting on the wheel chock. If you were to run into any significant handlebar conflict, potentially a greater issue with drop bars, you can shift the position of the wheel chocks, although this requires the use of tools.Two Levo 4s and one superlight XC bike on the CrossTrack.With the add-on, Ive appreciated having the option to carry a third bike when needed. It adds a bit of heft to the rack, so tilting up and down is a little bit more cumbersome, plus the release lever isnt quite as convenient. Still, I havent found it to be problematic. The add-on is bolted on, so Im inclined to leave it on all the time. That said, I think it would probably only take about 15 minutes to install and remove it once its assembled.The LED light bar seems to work quite well. Its fairly bright and appears to be of decent quality. It also has a spring-loaded pivoting design, so you can shift its angle along with the orientation of the rack. All you have to do is pull a little handle, and you can rotate it 90 degrees so that its always facing straight back.The included cable lock and the welded lock loop.Optional wheel locks.In terms of security, the metal lock pod on the hitch pin seems pretty solid. The included cable lock is long enough to fit through 3 bike frames and the welded lock loop. I think its a nice inclusion and great to have as a theft deterrent for low-risk situations, but it could easily be cut by even simple tools like most cable locks.The wheel locks arent infallible either, but they add another couple of layers of security if you lock up both wheels. Seems like a bolt cutter could make quick work of them, but theyll definitely deter an opportunistic thief. Long story short, dont leave your bikes unattended on any rack if you can help it.The CrossTrack is a solid rack from a brand that many riders with fancy bikes have probably never considered before.Final ThoughtsThe updated Hollywood Racks CrossTrack builds on the solid foundation of the original version, which, in my opinion, already elevated the brand into a new performance category. While it may not be the most refined example of this style of rack, it is reasonably priced, and it doesnt have any compromises that would keep me from using it on a daily basis.My biggest complaint needing two hands to open the wheel arms is fairly minor and something thats actually pretty easy to get used to. Otherwise, the CrossTrack carries any bike in my garage with ease, its stable and secure in transit, and it doesnt look half bad, either. Its also the least expensive rack of this type that Im aware of. The 2-bike version is half the price of the Kuat Piston Pro X, and slightly less than the comparable 1Up-USA Heavy Duty, too.In my experience, the CrossTrack is an easy rack to live with and gets the job done while leaving little to complain about. Now, updated with add-on capability, you can build a 3-bike, no-frame-contact (or rim) rack for $1,100, which is very competitive. If youre searching for a new bike rack, I think the CrossTrack is another solid option thats worthy of consideration.hollywoodracks.comThe post Hollywood Racks Updated CrossTrack Gets Even Better with Add-on Capability: Review appeared first on Bikerumor.