Cyclings anti-doping authorities are testing whether riders power data can become part of the sports official intelligence system, with mandatory sharing potentially introduced for all professional mens road riders if the project is validated. The International Testing Agency has launched a two-...

Mathieu van der Poels performance in the Tour de Suisse confirmed his strong form ahead of the Tour de France, as he narrowly finished second behind Tadej Pogacar in the time trial. However, the Dutch riders effort was overshadowed by a post-race controversy after he sat in the hot seat without a...

Team Visma | Lease a Bike have confirmed the eight riders who will support Jonas Vingegaard at the 2026 Tour de France, with the Dutch squad making clear that its only objective is to reclaim the yellow jersey. The late withdrawal of Wout van Aert due to injury forced a significant adjustment to the...

Black Inc has a new halo road wheelset, just in time for a certain very important bike race in July.The new Black Inc HYPER 62 is a 62mm-deep carbon road race wheelset built around proprietary molded carbon spokes, a bonded hub flange design, hidden threaded spoke tips, and a TexTreme-reinforced rim structure. It now sits at the top of Black Incs road lineup, above the SIXTY TWO, 48|58, and 28|33 wheelsets.So, yes, this is the fancy one.Black Inc HYPER 62 WheelsetBut the HYPER 62 story is not simply deeper is faster. Black Inc is pitching this wheel as a complete system. Rim, spoke, hub, bond, stiffness, aero, structure, and ride feel are all supposed to work together rather than act as separate parts bolted into the same circle.That sounds like marketing until you get into the build. Then it starts making more sense.1298g for a 62mm WheelsetBlack Inc lists the HYPER 62 at a target weight of 1298 g for a SRAM XDR wheelset, with a production tolerance of 5 % depending on resin content, finish, and normal manufacturing variation.But the more interesting part is how Black Inc gets there. The HYPER 62 combines a deep rim, carbon spokes, hidden spoke hardware, a bonded hub interface, and extra rim-wall support without adding much weight.That last bit matters more than it sounds.Deep carbon rims can use very thin sidewalls. If those walls are not well supported, they can flex inward and outward under tire installation, impacts, or riding loads. Black Inc refers to that failure mode as oil-canning; basically, the rim wall flexes, internal damage occurs, and then the wall can pop back into shape as if nothing happened. Wild, right!?To address that, Black Inc uses a refined carbon layup with a TexTreme outer layer to improve wall stiffness and resistance to oil canning while keeping weight low. In simple terms, the rim is designed to stay light without becoming overly delicate, whereas deep rims can be more vulnerable.The Carbon Spokes Are the Main EventCarbon spokes are becoming more common on high-end road wheels, and it feels like every brand has a carbon spoke offering. But carbon spokes arent new territory for Black Inc, however, ones that are bonded to the hub are. The HYPER 62 uses a proprietary molded carbon spoke system developed in-house. That gave Black Inc control over the spoke shape, layup, stiffness, strength, and ride feel rather than buying an existing carbon spoke and designing around it.Thats the key tech story here.Spokes do more than hold the rim to the hub. They influence how a wheel accelerates, how it tracks under load, how it responds when you sprint, and how harsh or composed it feels on real roads. With molded carbon spokes, Black Inc can tune more of that behavior directly.The development started as an R&D project around carbon spoke construction. Early prototypes were built around 48mm wheels before the design evolved into the deeper 62mm HYPER platform. Those early wheels were very light and very stiff, which is promising, but also the kind of thing that can go sideways quickly if the ride feel is too sharp, or the structure is too narrowly focused.Black Inc says the Bugatti project helped accelerate the work and pushed the spoke concept toward production.That is a very Black Inc/Factor sentence. The Bugatti project helped move our carbon spoke wheel forward. Normal bike industry stuff. Very relatable.Bonded Hub FlangesThe HYPER 62 also uses a bonded hub flange architecture. Instead of relying only on a traditional mechanical spoke-to-hub interface, Black Inc bonds the carbon spoke system into the hub structure.The hub shell is anodized first, then laser-etched in the bond area right before assembly. That creates a clean, controlled surface for bonding and helps the carbon spoke and hub work together as one structure.This is not the detail anyone brags about at the coffee stop, but it is the kind of detail that decides whether the whole system works.If the spoke-to-hub interface is inconsistent, weak, or overly complicated, then the rest of the wheel is just expensive carbon optimism. The goal here is better load distribution, improved stiffness, and a more direct ride feel without adding unnecessary material.In plain speak: the wheel should feel sharper under power because the hub, spoke, and rim are not fighting each other.Hidden Threaded Tips Clean Up the RimThe HYPER 62 also hides the threaded spoke tips at the rim.This sounds like a small detail because, well, it is. But on a 62mm-deep race wheel, the spoke-to-rim junction is one of the little messy spots where airflow gets disturbed. Black Inc developed molded rim pockets and a hidden-threaded-tip solution to clean up that transition.Instead of exposed nipples sitting out in the wind, the spoke interface is tucked away into the rim. The idea is cleaner airflow around the rim-and-spoke junction, especially at higher yaw angles, when crosswinds start to matter.Black Inc says the HYPER 62 maintains similar low-yaw performance to its existing SIXTY TWO wheel while improving higher-yaw behavior thanks to the hidden-tip design and an updated front hub architecture.Wide, Mini-Hooked, and Built for Modern Road TiresThe HYPER 62 rim is 62mm deep with a 23mm internal width. External width is listed at 28.7mm at the rim hook and 31.55mm at the widest point.Black Inc calls the bead design a mini-hook, and the wheelset is tubeless compatible. Recommended tire widths are 28mm or 30mm, which are right in line with where modern road racing has gone.Maximum pressure is listed at 72 psi tubeless or 90 psi with tubes.Spoke count is race-focused and minimal: 16 spokes up front and 20 spokes in the rear. The hub shell is made of 6061 aluminum alloy, while the hub shaft is made of 7075 aluminum alloy. Bearings are Black Inc Ceramic.Freehub options include SRAM XDR, Shimano HG, and Campagnolo N3W. Rotor interface is Center Lock, and the system weight limit is 100kg / 220lb.Black Inc HYPER 62 Pricing and AvailabilityThe Black Inc HYPER 62 launches globally through authorized Black Inc retailers and distributors.Pricing is:USA: $3,899 USD ex VATEU: 4,599 including VATEU: 3,699 ex VATBlack-IncThe post Black Inc HYPER 62 Wheels Bring Carbon Spokes, Hidden Hardware & 1298g Deep-Wheel Speed appeared first on Bikerumor.

Today, POVEC is announcing its entry into the performance eyewear market with the launch of its first model, the C1. Designed specifically for use by athletes and outdoorspeople in rapidly changing light conditions, the brand hopes to set itself apart from the competition with its revolutionary solid-state electrochromic lenses. In fact, POVEC says that the C1 is the first to market with this lens technology, which can instantly shift your lens tint between Cat 2 and Cat 3 with the touch of your finger.With the C1, we arent just launching new sunglasses, we are introducing a new way of managing light, said James Zhang, PhD in Optical Science and R&D Director at POVEC. The C1 is our opening statement in performance eyewear and proves that the technology is effective and ideal for performance optics and athletes. Our ultimate vision for POVEC is to bring electrochromic optics to a wide variety of sport and consumer uses.A swipe of the finger on the temple adjusts the lens tint instantly.POVEC C1 Electrochromic SunglassesWith a lightweight TR90 frame and a large cylindrical lens, the POVEC C1 glasses look like many other cycling sunglasses. Hidden in the frame, however, is a touch sensor and a small battery to control and power the solid-state electrochromic lens. With a swipe of the finger, users can instantly switch between Cat 2 (37% VLT) and Cat 3 (9% VLT) as light conditions change. While that VLT range isnt quite as wide as many of the photochromic options on the market, it covers the bright to medium light conditions that most people are likely to encounter during the day.Of course, the electro in electrochromic means that there is electricity involved, and the C1 sunglasses will need to be charged occasionally. Fortunately, the claimed battery life is up to 28 days based on 4 hours of daily use. Charging the 40mAh battery reportedly takes 2 hours for a full charge. The battery and electronics are IP65 rated for water resistance. Despite the internal battery and electrochromic lens tech, the claimed weight of the C1 glasses is 36 grams.In addition to the electrochromic technology, POVEC says its lenses provide UV400 protection and enhanced optics to provide sharper definition and increased contrast in changing light conditions. The solid-state lens has also been engineered to provide impact protection and has been tested to the ANSI Z87.1 standards for sport optics. POVEC includes three interchangeable nose pads to customize the fit. They are available with Arctic White, Matte Black, or Denim Blue frames, with Gold Revo or Green Revo lenses.Specs and Features1-Second Tint Control: Instant adjustments in approximately one second, bypassing UV exposure delays.Dual Manual Tint Modes: Seamlessly toggle between Clear Mode (Category CAT 2 for lower-light/overcast conditions) and Dark Mode (Category CAT 3 for high-glare/bright sunlight).Solid-State Optical Protection: A fully solid-state lens system tested to ANSI Z87.1 drop-ball and high-velocity impact standards for sport-ready protection.Ultralight TR90 Frame: A flexible, durable wraparound frame weighing approximately 36 grams, tailored for long rides and runners.Extended Outdoor Battery Life: Up to 28 days of battery life based on 4 hours of daily use, featuring modern USB-C charging and optional Bluetooth control.IP65 Weather Resistance: Built to completely resist rain, dust, sweat, and changing outdoor conditions.Electrochromic vs. PhotochromicPhotochromic lenses have been around for years and are preferred by many riders for their versatility and adaptability in changing light conditions. But photochromic lenses dont change tint instantly; they typically take anywhere between 20 and 60 seconds to respond to changes in UV exposure.Electrochromic lenses take the photochromic concept a step further, allowing users to change tint instantly and on demand. This requires a very small amount of electricity, of course, but the lens tint changes in less than a second, basically as long as it takes to swipe your finger on the temple of the sunglasses.DevelopmentAccording to POVEC, the C1s optics are powered by the advanced technology of Ambilight, an innovator in the automotive sector that developed solid-state electrochromic programs for Audi and BYD. Given its use in the automotive industry, they say the technology has already been thoroughly tested in harsh conditions and extreme environments.POVEC says that adapting the technology from its automotive applications to sports optics took three years of research and development. After multiple iterations and comprehensive field testing, the engineering team was able to adapt the technology to a light and compact form factor capable of being integrated into performance eyewear.First to Market?On the C1 product page on the POVEC website, the brand says these are the worlds first electrochromic sunglasses. Thats a dubious claim at best, given that I tested the Chamelo Shield electrochromic sunglasses last year, and theyve been on the market for longer than that. Perhaps POVEC is referring specifically to their solid-state electrochromic lenses, but it isnt entirely clear. Regardless, the POVEC C1 is among the first performance sunglasses to feature electrochromic lens technology.Pricing and AvailabilityPOVECs first product, the C1 Electrochromic sunglasses, retail for $249 and are available now. To learn more about the sunglasses, electrochromic technology, or the brand, head to the POVEC website.povecoptics.comThe post POVEC Looks to Disrupt the Performance Eyewear Market with its C1 Electrochromic Sunglasses appeared first on Bikerumor.

Our hands are one of only three contact points we have with our bicycle, making gloves one of the most important, yet most overlooked pieces of bike gear we have. A glove needs to be comfortable enough that we dont mind wearing it, protective enough that our hands wont get shredded in the event of a crash, and thin enough that we can get feedback from the trail or road. The Giro LA DND womens full-finger glove manages to meet all of these criteria. Ive been happy with the glove on both the trail and the road. It also happens to be cuter and more affordable than many other gloves on the market, so theres not much not to love. For even more glove options, make sure to check out our list of the best womens mountain bike gloves.Review In A NutshellPros:Affordable, has the feel of a more expensive gloveEasy slip-on designCute designsCons:Run a bit smallTouch-screen compatibility doesnt always workPrice: $29.95 ListBuy at Amazon.comBuy at REI.comVideo ReviewAffordable Price TagIve learned that no matter how well made a glove is, Ill manage to destroy them within a season of hard riding. Thats why I liked the fact that the Giro LA DND gloves are cheaper than many comparable gloves. At $29, you wont be too sad when you get a hole in the thumb or one gets left behind and the trailhead.Slip-On Design Allows For Quick On and OffWhile wrist closure is largely a personal preference, I found that I really liked the slip-on nature of the Giro LA DND. By not having to fasten the wrist, I could quickly slip my gloves on and off for bathroom breaks, snack breaks, and photo breaks. Theres also a helpful tab on the back of the wrist to help you pull the gloves on.Smaller Fit Means You Should Order Up a Size From Unisex GlovesThese gloves run a bit on the small size. I have small hands and the size small gloves are pretty snug. In retrospect, I would probably order up a size. If you are accustomed to buying unisex gloves, be aware that these womens-specific gloves run a size smaller than you are used to. That said, they are not as crazy teeny-tiny as many other womens-specific gloves.So Comfortable Youll Forget Your Wearing ThemThe Giro LA DND gloves are some of the most comfortable gloves Ive worn. They dont have any weird seams to rub (I have REALLY sensitive skin), and theyre not bulky or hot. The padding on the palm will keep your hands comfy even on hour four of riding but arent so bulky that you lose the feeling of the trail. There are several ventilation holes in the palms as well, and I never felt my hands getting sweaty on the bars. One thing I really appreciate, is the expanding fabric at the middle joint. This allows your fingers to easily curve and grip the bars without any uncomfortable pressure. Many gloves dont have this feature, which can make the gloves feel tight around the middle joint. Great For 3-Season Trail and Road RidingThe Giro LA DND gloves are not warm enough for true cold-weather riding, nor do they have enough top-of-hand protection for aggressive downhill riding. But for spring, summer, and fall trail rides, they are just about perfect. Ive also been happy using these gloves on the gravel bike. Although theyre advertised as mountain bike gloves, for women (like me!) that prefer a full-finger glove on the gravel or road bike rather than a half-finger glove, these are perfect.Touchy Touch-Screen CompatibilityLike many gloves themselves as touch-screen compatible, the Giro LA DND gloves work with screens most of the time, but not 100% of the time. I found that if I wanted to make sure I got the picture, I would take the gloves off to make sure that it worked.If you are a frequent iphone photo taker or use Trailforks a bunch, and dont want to take off your gloves, you might want to look for a different pair of gloves.Bottom-Line: A Comfortable, Affordable Full Finger Glove For Road And TrailIf youre picky about the way your gloves feel, give the Giro LA DND gloves a try. (Just remember to size up a bit so that theyre not too small). Ive been happy with these gloves on both the road and the trail, and will use them summer, spring, and fall. The only application we wouldnt recommend them for is downhill riding or freeriding where you need more protection than these gloves offer.For everybody else, you probably wont find a better glove at this price point.Buy at Amazon.com*More Stuff Youll Love9 Ways To Increase Your Confidence On The Mountain BikeWomens MTB Clinics, Camps, & EventsWhat To Wear Mountain Biking: Everything You Need To Know!About The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Giro LA DND Womens Bike Glove Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

After a devastating crash earlier in the season left him with multiple serious injuries, Tobias Foss has fought his way back into form and is now firmly in contention for a Tour de France selection with Netcompany INEOS. The Norwegian time trial world champion endured fractures to his shoulder blade...

Well, this one stings.Cannondale has confirmed that 2026 will be the final World Cup season for Cannondale Factory Racing under the CFR banner. That means one of the longest-running, most recognizable factory teams in mountain biking is getting its farewell tour.Cannondales top-of-the-line Scalpel LAB71 is dressed in CFR team paint and sponsor components. (photo/Cannondale)Not a rider leaving, or a kit change, or a sponsor shuffle. The team.After more than three decades at the sharp end of elite mountain bike racing, Cannondale is closing the chapter on its official World Cup XC program and shifting toward a new model called Cannondale Rogues (more to come on this), launching in January 2027.Yes, really.(Photo/Cory Benson)Cannondale Factory Racing Final SeasonCannondale says the final CFR season will be treated as a celebration of the riders, mechanics, staff, fans, and everyone who built the program into one of the most recognizable names in XC. Thats the nice way to say it.Not sugar coating it: the factory XC program that helped make Cannondale feel like Cannondale is going away.The classic CFR colors (Photo/Cannondale)For many riders, Cannondale Factory Racing was never just a team. It was the place where the weird stuff got fast. The Lefty. The Scalpel. The team bikes. The old-school Volvo/Cannondale energy. The everything-is-slightly-different-but-somehow-it-works attitude, like baggies at the front of a World Cup race, because they did that.Cannondale racing has always had a little alien DNA. That was the charm.Left-Larry with his collection of Cannondale Volvo classic gear (Photo courtesy of Larry)And for anyone who listened to our BikeRumor Podcast episode with Lefty Larry, CFR, and the Cannondale suspension crew, that point came through clearly. The team was not just a logo on a jersey. It was a traveling R&D department with number plates. Lefty Larry, Steve Exstance, Murray Washburn, and the CFR crew talked through what it actually takes to keep Leftys dialed across World Cup courses, rider styles, travel chaos, and race-day pressure.That stuff matters.You dont get those details from a creator program. You get them from mechanics, engineers, and racers trying to win.(Photo/Cory Benson)CFR Was Still Winning The strange part is that this does not feel like a performance-based exit.CFR has not been limping around the World Cup. The program has been very much alive. The current roster includes Charlie Aldridge, Luca Martin, Jolanda Neff, Ana Santos, and Cole Punchard, and the team has continued to punch above its weight in a brutal XC field.Luca Martin just gave Cannondale another huge result with a World Cup XCO win in Lenzerheide.(Photo/Cory Benson)Last season, Martin and Aldridge were consistently in the conversation, including a Cannondale one-two in short track at Mont-Sainte-Anne. Before that, the program had an absolutely monster run with World Champion Alan Hatherly, Mona Mitterwallner, Simon Andreassen, and Aldridge.The 2024 season alone should go straight into CFR lore. Hatherly took the elite mens XCO rainbow jersey. The team stacked up major World Championship medals. Mitterwallner and Andreassen added marathon world titles. The Scalpel wasnt just sitting under riders for nice photos. It was winning.So this is not the team stopped performing.This is bigger than results.(Photo/Cannondale)Cannondale Rogues Is the Next ThingCannondales next step is the Cannondale Rogues program, a broader roster that will include racers, content creators, community leaders, and emerging voices across mountain, gravel, and whatever else fits between the lines. Im not fully ready to process this, so Im just gonna say its a very safe bet.The pitch is reach. More riders, stories, events, demo opportunities, and connections with everyday cyclists.On paper, you can see the corporate logic. Race teams are expensive. World Cup XC is a niche compared to the entire mountain bike market. Events, demos, and creators probably reach more riders directly than a few hours of live racing over the weekend.(Photo/Cannondale)But still. This is Cannondale Factory Racing were talking about, not Rock Racing (testing the age of the reader here)From where I stand, you can build a creator program without killing the race team. You can grow a community without walking away from one of the most recognizable factory banners in the sport. You can sell trail bikes and still keep the Scalpel in the fight.At least, thats what the race nerds like myself are saying, and I dont think were totally wrong, but this news is heavy.(Photo/Cannondale)What Happens to the Riders?This is where things get interesting.Cannondale says new athletes will join the broader family through the back half of 2026, but that does not automatically mean the current CFR roster rolls into Rogues. Maybe some do. Maybe some get hybrid racing/brand roles. Some leave immediately when serious race teams come calling.And they will come calling.(Photo/Cannondale)Charlie Aldridge is the obvious big-ticket name. Hes young, proven, marketable, and already has results at the highest level. If Cannondale is stepping away from a pure factory World Cup team, Aldridge will have options. Big options. A move to another top XC program would make sense. I would imagine Specialized, Scott-SRAM, Trek, Canyon, or he could join his ex-teammate, Simon Andreassen, on the new Orbea outfit.(Photo/Cannondale)Luca Martin might be even more interesting right now. Winning elite World Cups changes the market. He has the results, the trajectory, and the timing. If he finishes 2026 strong, he wont be looking for a place to ride. Teams will be looking for a budget.Classic Neff KROSS Racing with the World Champs kit (Photo/KROSS)Jolanda Neff is a different case. Olympic champion, World Champion, icon. She could land just about anywhere if she wants to keep racing full gas. She could also become exactly the kind of rider Cannondale wants in a broader Rogues setup: still credible, still beloved, still capable of connecting with riders beyond the tape. If Cannondale keeps anyone close, Neff would make a lot of sense.Ana Santos and Cole Punchard are the kinds of riders that smart teams watch closely. Development, upside, and the right amount of hunger. If Cannondale is pulling back, another program could scoop them up before they get expensive.(Photo/Cory Benson)Focus On The FutureThe awkward part is that 2026 is now both a farewell season and a job interview. These riders should be focusing on racing, not contacts. I guess thats what sports agents are for? But thats bike racing. Its emotional, weird, and always somehow underfunded, though a race MTB bike costs like $15K now.Cannondale Rogues may become something cool. It might put bikes under more people, support more riding styles, and bring the brand into places World Cup racing could never reach. Theres value in that.Where Do We Go From Here?Losing CFR still feels like losing a piece of Cannondales identity. Like theyre saying, World Cup racing isnt important anymore, even if they arent. However, it could signal internal issues with Cannondale that are much bigger than CFR. We wont really know until it eventually comes out, but Im hopeful that this is just a rebuilding phase and we might see a Scapel at the front of the Olympics in 2028.Until then, enjoy 2026. Because after this season, the CFR tent comes down.The post Bummed: Cannondale Factory Racing Is Done After 2026 appeared first on Bikerumor.

Mattias Skjelmose has opted to skip the Danish National Championships in Herning in order to remain in altitude training and maintain an uninterrupted preparation block for the Tour de France. Despite initially being listed for the time trial, LidlTrek decided that continuity in his build-up was mo...