Mischa Bredewold completed a dominant day for SD Worx - Protime at La Vuelta Femenina 2026 by accidentally turning her leadout for Lotte Kopecky into a stage-winning sprint of her own, surging past her team leader in the final metres as the pair delivered a one-two finish in Astorga. After spending...

Relentless Components just updated its Spur Shot slingshot with a fully CNC-machined construction, a refined look, and several integrated tools. Learn more about the Relentless Spur Shot V2 here...The post The Relentless Spur Shot V2 Slingshot is Packed with Features appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

SD Worx lead-out rider Mischa Bredewold carried on for the win

The hopes of seeing cyclocross stars like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock compete for Winter Olympic medals appear to have suffered a decisive blow after the International Olympic Committee moved against the disciplines inclusion for the 2030 Games in the French Alps. Cyclocross...

Fans will be able to watch 107 hours of racing on TNT Sports, or watch highlights on DMAX

SD Worx - Protime could hardly have scripted Stage 5 of La Vuelta Femenina 2026 any better. Mischa Bredewold sprinted to victory in Astorga ahead of teammate and race leader Lotte Kopecky after the pair combined for a perfectly executed uphill finish that protected the red jersey while still deliver...

Do you like the Ares 2 road shoe? Do you wish they made an off-road version? Well, I have some news for you. The new Specialized S-Works Recon EVO takes the Ares 2 tech, fit, and Body Geometry Natural last and scales them to the demands of off-road.(Photos/Jordan Villella)What is it? Specialized S-Works Recon EVOThe Specialized S-Works Recon EVO is the new top dog in Specializeds off-road footwear lineup. But for those worries about the S-Works Recon, dont worry its sticking around (much like the Torch is for the Specialized roadside). The Recon EVO is an option for those who want a locked-and-loaded fit with massive foot retention and a slightly roomier fit.We could end this whole story with its the Ares 2but for dirt and boom, done and dusted. But theres more to say than that, especially on the fit. Sometimes what works well on the road might not translate one-to-one to the off-road world.Give Me A PowerHugThe new Recon EVO borrows heavily from the Ares 2 playbook; it basically copied it. The new Recon EVO used the Specialized PowerHug closure system and structure. The unique retention system uses wraparound hold through the midfoot and heel. For those unfamiliar with this tech, Specialized created it to keep the foot planted, reduce wasted movement, and make every hard effort feel a little more direct. How is the Recon EVO different from the S-Works Recon?The Specialized S-Works Recon EVO and the S-Works Recon have carbon-fiber soles at first glance, but the new EVO uses the Body Geometry Natural last. Its the same as what youll see on the S-Works Ares 2 and the S-Works Remco shoes. Instead of a boxy cone-ish shape, the new last fades away as the toes descend from the largest to the pinky. Most, if not all, of the updates come applied from the midsole forward. The result is a roomier toe box with less pressure on any digits (well go over it in detail below). The S-Works Recon uses the previous last, still roomier than the years before, but narrower than the updated version. They both use the same pontoon-style adjustable tread and the same rubber. But the main difference is that the new S-Works Recon EVO uses the Ares 2-style wrap-around fit and the roomier Body Geometry Natural last.The updated fit construction changes the shoes personality (and price) slightly but keeps the overall experience the same. Its an XC, marathon, or gravel race shoe, no questions about it.Its About The ShapeSpecialized announced a new last called the Body Geometry Natural Last, with the launch of the Ares 2. Specialized claims the updated last reduces forefoot pressure by 44 percent while maintaining alignment benefits. That includes the Specialized Varus Wedge, Longitudinal Arch Support, and Metatarsal Button setup. All these bits are meant to keep the foot better aligned, reduce hot spots, and avoid that numb-foot feeling that likes to show up right when a ride starts getting good.Thats the sort of feature set Specialized has made a real identity out of over the years. For plenty of riders, its the difference between a shoe that feels fast for 40 minutes and one that still feels good deep into a race or all-day gravel ride.Specialized says the adaptive fit zones in the Recon EVO are also there to soften the ride and reduce pressure across the upper, which should help the shoe feel more usable in off-road unique conditions.Off-Road TouchesThe Recon EVO features all the same sole experience as the S-Works Recon. That includes three rubber toe knobs and heel lugs for traction and protection. It comes with the same carbon sole construction and adjustable TPU pontoons to improve pedal stability.These pontoons are interchangeable, which gives riders a little more ability to tune how the shoe interfaces with the pedal and cleat setup. Im a big fan, and believe more shoes will be snagging this feature in future models. Plus, the S-Works Recon EVO gets the Dual-Dial BOA Li2 setup.Wins AlreadySpecialized is also backing the launch with a pretty stacked roster of riders, which is not exactly shocking for an S-Works product.Matt Beers won the 2026 Cape Epic in the Recon EVO, while Victor Koretzky, Chris Blevins, Haley Batten, and Sofia Villafae all helped shape the shoe through feedback. That list tells you exactly where Specialized sees this shoe landing: right at the intersection of modern XC, marathon, and fast gravel racing.Thats also probably the right call. Shoes like this are no longer designed for a single discipline. The overlap between XC race fit, gravel race efficiency, and long-haul comfort is big enough now that the best off-road shoes need to handle all of it, even if that means walking.S-Works Recon EVO Price and AvailabilityThe new S-Works Recon EVO is priced at $550. Yes, that is serious-money shoe territory. But that is also exactly where the top-end S-Works stuff lives, and Specialized is clearly positioning the Recon EVO as the off-road equivalent of a no-compromise race weapon.First Impressions How Do They Ride?Ive been riding the S-Works EVOs since mid-April. I didnt exactly go kicking and screaming, but I had a pair of off-road shoes that were dialed for my feet. However, on the road, I ride the Ares 2, so I figured these should translate nicely.Plus, while in Morgan Hill, I opted for some custom Specialized insoles. These are insoles that are heat-molded to your foot shape, and a service that Specialized shops offer, depending on the shops Retul Fit level.Custom Insoles Side Bar: I dont want the insoles to steal the show, but I have a high arch, had a few broken ankles (skateboarding rules), and a rod in my femur, so off-the-shelf doesnt always work.Previously, I used SoleStar insoles successfully, but they can be heavy and expensive, and they can significantly raise the stack height. The process for the MasterFit insole was simple and non-invasive.Place your foot in a customized bath of glass beads covered by a thin plastic layer. The fitter will build up a platform and ensure a proper sole transfer. Then the machine vacuums out the remaining air, and youre left with a rock-solid impression of your foot. Then the fitter takes the heated insole from the heating unit (like a tortilla warmer), you place your foot on it, and the magic happens. After a bit of slight massaging to get everything in place, the soles are placed in an ice bath to firm up. All thats left is to cut to the shoe spec and ride.Side Bar over.(Photo/Coal County Roubaix)First Rides My first rides on the S-Works Recon EVOs were my road/gravel commute to the Sea Otter Classic show. I wanted a short ride, just in case things went hot and spotty, but nothing of the sort transpired.The fit is nearly Identical to the Ares 2; the custom insole only makes that fit better. The wraparound fit, when paired with an off-road shoe, is excellent for heel retention and ride feel. I did most of my testing on my gravel bike paired with the Look X-One-G gravel pedals. The two made a killer pair for racing and pedal feel. I didnt have to adjust the pontoons for the Look interface, but there was a slight bit of extra sturdiness when I clipped in, like a mix of road and MTB shoe feeling right on for gravel.Race ImpressionsI wore my Recon EVOs to a local gravel race a few weeks ago, and the conditions were perfect for gear testing: hours of rain and mud. I spent 100k riding muddy gravel roads and logging paths with the EVOs and had no issues. The fit was dialed, the power transfer is excellent, and retention on the foot is tight without being overbearing. Another bonus, they wash up pretty well, and dont have one of those fabrics that dirt clings to.One thing I didnt expect (or feel during race efforts) was a slight scrape on the crankarm from the plastic BOA wire cradle. After washing my trusty steed, I noticed the cuts in the crank arm. It was kind of a perfect storm with the gravel acting as sandpaper on the carbon finish, but I wasnt stoked.The fit is supportive but allows the foot to move naturally while retaining it through the Powerhug. Letting some of the shoe expand slightly under effort when youre really cracking on. This is a good thing, as the shoe doesnt limit you, but the plastic cradle can cause some damage if youre not careful.Weight-wise, the shoes are fairly light (290g per shoe, size 42.5), but there are always some lighter ones. The main selling point here is the fit. Since touch points are among the most important factors in bike comfort, Id say theyre super important. But that leads me to my next point: would you put a price on that? If so, how much?S-Works PriceSpecialized S-Works Recon EVO comes in at $550. Oddly enough, thats not the most expensive shoe in the Speicalized line up. The Remco is $700, and the S-Works Ares 2 is $600. That said, these are the race shoes, the top-of-the-line kit; those pieces are usually priced for performance.But I feel like Specialized has another (expensive) winner on its hands. These shoes feel like they are already broken in when you put them on, and the wider fit is excellent. However, the jury is out on whether the material will stand up to the demands of cross-country and gravel. The Recon had some issues with the outer being supple and less cut-resistant than most would like. But only time will tell.Look for a long-term review after a full summer of racing and training. Specialized.com The post Specializeds New $550 S-Works Recon EVO Mashes Up Ares 2 Fit & Recon Dirt appeared first on Bikerumor.

Jonas Vingegaards decision to target the 2026 Giro dItalia before returning to the Tour de France has sparked debate across cycling, but former Tour de France white jersey winner Tejay van Garderen believes the Danes calendar shift is not about avoiding Tadej Pogacar at all. Instead, Van Garderen...

Santini targets gravel racers with MADSS skinsuit built for speed and distanceSantini has expanded its aerodynamic MADSS line into the off-road world with the launch of the new MADSS Gravel skinsuit, a one-piece designed to blend road race efficiency with the practical demands of gravel riding and long-distance competition. It is pitched as an evolution of the brands established road model, but with details tailored to riders who need comfort, storage and hydration support when the terrain gets rough.At the heart of the new suit is the same focus on speed that underpins Santinis MADSS platform, short for Mega Aerodynamic Speed Shell. The Italian brand says the suit has been developed to deliver aerodynamic performance without sacrificing freedom of movement, with a close race fit intended to keep drag low while still coping with the varied body positions and repeated efforts that define gravel racing.The upper section uses a lightweight stretch microfibre fabric designed to be highly breathable and to help regulate temperature during hard efforts. Santini pairs that with a low collar and a second-skin fit to create a sleeker profile on the bike. The sleeves are especially important here. They are made from a ribbed fabric that Santini says was developed in a wind tunnel to improve the way air flows across the riders arms, an area that can make a meaningful difference to overall aerodynamic performance.What makes the MADSS Gravel stand out from a pure road skinsuit is the way Santini has adapted it for endurance use. Built into the upper back is a pocket for a hydration pack with a capacity of up to 2 litres. Fabric loops on both shoulders help route the drinking tube, while an extra rear loop allows the pack to be secured with a small carabiner. It is a smart nod to the realities of long gravel events, where riders often need to carry more fluid without resorting to bulky layering or compromising comfort. Five rear pockets add further carrying capacity for food and ride essentials, underlining that this is a race garment with genuine all-day practicality.The lower half is built from a hard-wearing warp-knit fabric with a compact structure, intended to provide medium compression for muscle support without restricting movement. Santini has also gone for an extended leg length, raw-cut hems and internal silicone grippers to keep the suit stable over rough ground. That should matter on gravel, where repeated vibration and constant movement can quickly expose any weakness in fit. A skinsuit that stays in place not only feels better over long distances, but also helps preserve the aerodynamic advantage it is designed to offer in the first place.For comfort in the saddle, Santini uses its C3 chamois, which includes anti-shock gel inserts and a 3D ergonomic surface. According to the brand, it is designed to absorb vibrations and provide support during demanding rides and gravel competition. That makes sense in a category where speed alone is not enough. Gravel racers are often looking for kit that can handle hours of seated effort, repeated impacts and changing surfaces, and pad quality can be just as important as outright aerodynamic claims.In terms of styling, the MADSS Gravel arrives in a single colourway with a printed, graphic upper section and a solid grey-dyed lower half. It is a relatively restrained approach for a garment that is otherwise quite technical, and one that should appeal to riders who want performance kit that does not look overly loud.The bigger picture is that Santini is responding to a shift in gravel kit design. As the discipline has become faster and more race-focused, brands have moved away from treating gravel clothing as simply relaxed roadwear with extra pockets. The MADSS Gravel appears to embrace that new direction, taking the aerodynamic logic of road racing and combining it with features that matter when rides stretch deep into endurance territory. If Santini has judged the balance correctly, this could be one of the more interesting one-piece options for riders chasing speed on mixed terrain.

It is a sad day in both the motorcycle and mountain bike industries. Mert Lawwill, an inductee into both the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, passed away yesterday in Boise, Idaho. He was 85.Lawwill, the 1969 Motorcycle Grand National Champion, was a leading industry voice bridging the gap between moto and and what would become mountain biking. He was a longtime racer for the Harley-Davidson program, competing during one of the sports most competitive eras. Lawwills smooth style and sound mechanical intuition made him the perfect racer, developing his own racing chassis that would set a new standard for dirt-track racing in the 70s and 80s.He was further propelled to stardom with his Hollywood debut in the film On Any Sunday, starring Steve McQueen.This same enginuity would follow him after his moto career into the mountain biking sector, especially in suspension design. Lawwill designed and patented a four-bar suspension system found on early Yeti and Schwinn bikes. He also created the Lawwill Leader, a leading-link suspension fork that was ahead of its time.But even before the transition to bikes, Lawwill is credited with producing one of the worlds first production mountain bikes. In 1977, the PRO CRUISER was born.There is no doubt that Lawwill pushed both the moto and bike industries forward. Yet, the work he found the most joy in had a deeper connection. A fellow moto racer, Chris Draayer, lost his arm in a racing accident, and Lawwill was determined to see his friend back on a motorcycle. The result was Merts Hands, a prosthetic that connected a rider who lost an arm or hand to the handlebars, but released in the event of a crash.This type of forward thinking opened the door for adaptive riders to pursue the sport they loved and, according to Lawwill, was his most meaningful contribution.From an early age, I understood that my father lived a life that was anything but ordinary. As I began to recognize the respect and admiration people had for Mert, the attention that came with iteven being asked for my own autograph as a childfelt surreal. I started calling him Mert as a way to navigate that spotlight. As I grew older and pursued my own career in mountain bike racing, he remained my most steadfast supporter, always encouraging and standing behind me. It was never a question of prideI have always felt a deep sense of gratitude and honor to call someone so impactful my father. (Joe Lawwill, Merts son)The post Mert Lawwill, Motorcycle and Mountain Bike Pioneer, Has Passed Away appeared first on Bikerumor.