Many national championships take place this week but often a countrys best rider is not taking part. Tadej Pogaar wont race in Slovenia, Jonas Vingegaard wont race in Denmark, nor Paul Seixas in France, Mathieu van der Poel in the Netherlands, Remco Evenepoel in Belgium and so on. This is causing a headache for national federations.Riders skipping the nationals isnt a new thing. Alberto Contador did it regularly. Chris Froome road the GB champs in 2010 before he was famous, and never again. But it does feel more pronounced. When Paul Seixas unveiled his plans to ride the Tour de France last April, this explicitly included skipping the nationals.Outwardly the national championships are a day, or rather several days with time trials and age categories, to award a title but theyre also an event promoted by national federations and one of the rare moments where the public gets to see the federation in action. Its a shop window and sometimes a money spinner if they can sell the TV rights and bank hosting fees. But this is diminished if the star power isnt there.The course can play a role, Vingegaard wont find terrain to suit in the Danish championships but then Mads Pedersen isnt riding either. Many riders dont live in their home country either. The explanation for the absence is that several riders with an eye on the Tour de France tend to skip the nationals because it gets in the way of their plans. Riders must leave altitude camps, the race itself is often gruelling meaning they have to rest after when theyd rather finish a couple of dedicated training sessions this weekend and early next week. Theres always the crash risk too. In short because the best riders are going to the Tour de France theyre by extension sitting out the nationals.The championships can still count, a rider who is on the long list for the Tour de France and wins their road race title this weekend might get the nod because of this. But this holds for riders well outside the superstar bracket who would draw audiences to the champs.Some federations are thinking about a date change. But what to do? One idea is to hold the championships around the time of the world championships, so riders could race nationals one week and the worlds the next, or vice versa. But not easy, other parts of the calendar might have to be moved to fit this, eg no Vuelta or Lombardia overlap. Plus come the worlds plenty of riders have effectively ended their season already and so a September slot is no guarantee of participation. Pick any slot on the calender and it clashes with other races and objectives. A post-Tour slot? Sure but how many tired riders would prefer to take a break.Another option is compulsion. In Belgium pro cyclists are obliged to take part. Only several high profile riders are not, like Remco Evenepoel and Tim Wellens. They risk being suspended by the Belgian federation for nine days which means being ineligible for the Tour de France start. But a doctors note can absolve them. Only if theyre in peak form ahead of the Tour de France, what does the doctor do? Is it ethical to fake a problem, or to exaggerate a niggle as sufficient to exclude them? Its happened before and itll happen again and risks making the federation look powerless.For Red Bull theres an added challenge because they lied about Evenepoel taking part in the Tour of Flanders, denying he would race it only to reveal in the build-up that he would take part, including releasing videos of him riding the route filmed during the Christmas holidays to show it was always part of the plan. Their media stunt grabbed attention but comes with a price and so whatever excuse they say about him now, nobody will believe them. This is not a huge deal, but does count.Different teams have different priorities. Some love them as a source of UCI points. Some sponsors crave a national champion, others are indifferent or even slightly averse. Many companies today have brand manuals that run to many pages detailing the corporate typeface, the exact design of their logo, the precise colour tones and so on in part predicted on a unique international corporate identity so merging this with a national flag can give marketing departments sponsoring cycling teams a cold sweat.ConclusionThe Tour de France dominates the calendar and now it is even casting a shadow over the national championships. It feels more pronounced and routine now to skip the championships this week. Theres no obvious solution to remedy this, a date change has consequences and as Belgian shows even compulsion doesnt work.Napoleon is reported to have said a soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of coloured ribbon and the same holds for a national jersey. For those on the startline its a special race with a year-long reward.The post National No-Shows first appeared on The Inner Ring.

Canyon hasreleased official details on the new, flagshipAeroadCFR ahead of the 2026 Tour de France. The brand claimsit has achieved a 198W drag score in independent wind-tunnel testing by TOUR magazine, making it, in Canyon's word, "unequivocally the fastest bike in the Tour de France". However, it's worth nothing that Canyon's wind-tunnel testing is based on the new Aeroad's LTD build in a SRAM 1x configuration. Mathieu van der Poel and his Alpecin-Premier Tech team-mates will use Shimano components, with a 2x crankset, at the Tour, though the Movistar team, also sponsored by Canyon, is supplied by SRAM (even if riders are more likely to use a 2x setup). Leaving that to the side for a moment, according to TOUR, the next-fastest bikesit hastested(which we expect to see raced at the Tour)arethe VanRyselRCR-F(200 watts),Ridley Noah Fast(202 watts) and Scott Foil RC (203 watts). Tadej Pogaars Colnago Y1Rs andJonas Vingegaards Cervlo S5 each scored 204 watts. The new Aeroad's improved aero claims are largely the result of Canyon's new CP0053 Race handlebar, which will now also be available to the public. Updates to the frame itself are very minor, limited to the addition of SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger standard. Canyon teased the new Aeroad CFR at the Eurobike show in Germany, where we first spotted it yesterday (our original story runs below this update), and has now followed-up with the bike's full release, so let's get into more of the details. How has Canyon made theAeroadfaster? TOUR magazine used an SLX-grade frameset fitted with the new Race handlebar for its testing. Canyon ThepreviousCanyonAeroadlaunched in2024and this latest updateis almost identical toits predecessor, so let's hone-in on where there is a key the CP0053 Race cockpit. Previously available only to professional riders,thisisnow availableas standard on the newAeroadCFR,to consumers through Canyon'sMyCanyoncustomisation programme,and as an aftermarket upgrade for compatibleAeroad, Ultimate andEnduracemodels. The CP0053 Race is the handlebar first spotted on van der Poel's Endurace back in March. Updates to the frame itself are very minor. Canyon Canyon claims the bar is 120g lighter than its CP0048 Pacecockpit,which wasspeccedas standard on the Aeroad previously,offers greater stiffness and savesapproximatelytwo wattsin the wind tunnelon its own. For context, thepreviousAeroadCFR, tested by TOUR magazine with a 2x Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 setup,DT Swiss 1100 ARC 50mm-deep wheels and a 25mm Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR front tyre, achieved a drag score of 204W. This suggeststhe other four watts saved can be attributed mostly to the SRAM 1x drivetrain, deeper wheelset and the 26mm Continental Aero 111 front tyreon the LTD-spec bike. The 198W-scoring build is currently on display at Eurobike. Canyon Arguably moresignificantly, Canyon says thenewcockpit's shape enables a more aerodynamic rider position. The bar features 14 degrees of flare, a longer effectivereachand a lowerposition than thepreviousPacecockpit. Thebrand saysthiscan help riders reduce their frontal area whileretainingcontrol on descents and insprints,andsuggests this could saveup toa further 25 watts. Butthatsnot reflected in TOURmagazinestesting, which onlyuses a lower-halfbody dummy with moving legs. The new cockpit is available in two widths(350 and 375mm)and seven stem lengths,configurable throughMyCanyon. UDH compatibilityand greater customisation The new handlebar, among other components, can be customised at point of purchase. TheAeroadframe has also been updated with a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) interface. Themove brings theAeroadin line withthegrowing number of high-end road bikes adopting SRAM's derailleur standard. Canyon says the change should simplify sourcing replacement hangers and improve compatibility with future drivetrain developments. Canyon says the switch to UDH should simplify sourcing replacement hangers and improve compatibility with future drivetrain developments. Canyon Aeroadbuyers canalsonow choose between multipleseatpostdesignsat point of purchase, including a zero-setbackoptionand Canyon's VCLS comfort-focusedseatpost. Additionalhandlebar-drop options are also available, enabling riders to prioritise aerodynamic positioning, sprintcontrolor a more compact fit. Wheel upgrades from Scope have also been added to itsconfigurator. Who will be riding the upgraded CanyonAeroadatthe Tour de France? Mathieu van der Poel is known to stick, rather than twist, with his bike setups. Dario Belingheri/Getty Images Canyon sponsors two teams at this years Tour de France: Movistar, and Mathieu van der Poels Alpecin-Premier Tech. Canyon also supplies Movistars womens squad and the Canyon//SRAM team set to race the Tour de France Femmes, too. All will have access to the updatedAeroadCFR for the big races. However, van der Poelis out of luck if he wants to ridesomething close tothe LTD-spec bike that achieved the test score,becausehisteam usesShimano components and Pirelli tyres, and he has exclusively run a more traditional 2x setup to date. Shimanodoesntofficially support the use of a 1x chainring setup with its flagship Dura-Ace Di2 R9200groupset, although we have seen some pros dabble in the conversion,most notably at Paris-Roubaix. Some SRAM-sponsored teams have used 1x drivetrains in races. Simon von Bromley / Our Media All things being equal, a 1x drivetrain generates less aerodynamic drag than a 2x configuration, thanks to the removal of the front derailleur and the small chainring. It also presents fewer chain-dropping concerns. The situation is different fortheMovistarteamsand Canyon//SRAM, though,allof which use SRAM drivetrains and therefore have access to the same1xsetup. That said,alluse Zipp wheels and Canyon//SRAM Schwalbe tyres. Such details are known to affect wind-tunnel tests such as TOUR magazines. While noprorider will be able to race theLTD-specbike,itsalso possible a pro teams setup would be more efficient if it were presented for the same tests. Wellbe on the ground at the Tour de France GrandDpartto bring you the latest setups van der Poel and company choose to run. Our original story from Eurobike (24/06/26) runs below. Words: Nick Clark A new Canyon Aeroad has been spotted at Eurobike, with the brand saying the unreleased aero bike has broken the sub-200 watts barrier in TOUR magazine's wind-tunnel testing. The new bike is said to have recorded 198W of drag, which the German brand puts down to the new CP0053 Race cockpit, designed for its pro racers to enable a longer, lower and more aerodynamic position. It's the same V-shaped, carbon monocoque bar that debuted on Mathieu van der Poel's new Endurace CFR earlier this year. While Canyon hasn't officially launched this bike yet, the display at the brand's Eurobike stand says the new cockpit is 120g lighter and two watts faster in the wind tunnel compared to the existing CP0048 Pace Bar, with its modular design and 'Gear Grooves'. As for the new Aeroad, Canyon's director of communications, Ben Hillsdon, remained tight-lipped, other than saying: "Simply put, this is the fastest Tour bike you can buy". The new Race Bar also has the option of an integrated computer mount. Nick Clark / Our Media Away from the handlebar, the bike looks to have been given various subtle updates, despite retaining a similar silhouette to the previous generation. It features a new dropout that is UDH-compatible, with the Aeroad CFR LTD on display making use of the Universal Derailleur Hanger thanks to the presence of SRAM's Red XPLR 1x groupset, although there is the option of running a double chainring. The new frame features SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger. Nick Clark / Our Media Canyon also says the bike features a world-class stiffness-to-weight ratio, but we assume more will be revealed when it is released formally. This CFR LTD edition also features DT Swiss ARC 1100 65mm wheels, booted in Continental's GP5000 S tyres. We'll bring you more on the new Aeroad when Canyon officially lifts the lid on the bike in the coming days. This 1x model features a cap over the front derailleur bolts. Nick Clark / Our Media The frame has a similar silhouette to the outgoing model. Nick Clark / Our Media More from Eurobike This Chinese brand looks set to revolutionise ebike motors and it's not Avinox 'Challenging what is possible': new Avinox MC Concept motor with integrated gearbox and regenerative braking spotted at Eurobike Supernova Superdropper is 'world's first dropper post with integrated tail light'

Netcompany-Ineos rider Oscar Onley has been ruled out of the Tour de France with a "significant shoulder injury", his team has confirmed. The 23-year-old Briton, who finished fourth at the race last year, abandoned the Tour Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes after crashing on stage six less than two weeks ago. At the time, Netcompany-Ineos announced Onley had dislocated his shoulder. A new medical update from the team has now revealed he will not be fit enough to start the Tour on 4 July. "Following Oscar Onley's crash on stage six of the Tour Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, further medical investigations have confirmed a significant shoulder injury," the team wrote in a statement. "Unfortunately, this means Oscar will be unable to compete in this years Tour de France."He has already begun rehabilitation and is making encouraging progress. We wish Oscar a full and speedy recovery." Commenting in the press release, Onley said: "Im gutted not to be able to line up for the Tour de France this year. My focus is now on recovering and getting my shoulder in a good place, but Im really motivated to try and make something out of this season. "I am looking forward to watching the boys racing in France in the coming weeks, especially knowing how hard everyone has worked."

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Brandon McNulty has no problems sacrificing himself for teammate Tadej Pogacar, because he knows the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader will more than likely deliver if he was to put in the hard work. The American all-rounder is preparing to support the Slovenian in his bid to win a fifth Tour de France...

I loved the Garmin Edge 850 I reviewed last year, lauding it for its screen and feature-rich user experience. While it's no doubt one of the best bike computers on the market, there's another stellar option from the American technology giant that lurks in its shadow - the Garmin Edge 550. Check out all the best Prime Day Cycling Deals - LIVEWith a user interface much like its Edge 850 sibling, the Edge 550 is up to the task and offers a detailed, intuitive cycling experience. I've currently got the Edge 550 on test, which, consequently, I'm nearly ready to wrap up. As it stands, it's Garmin's best-kept secret. Similar to the Edge 850, the Edge 550 gets a highly responsive 2.7-inch full-colour, transmissive LCD screen - both models look basically identical thanks to sharing the same hardware dimensions of 54.6 x 92.2 x 16.8 mm. The differences come in the form of features, including a touchscreen, a small speaker for navigation prompts, a digital bike bell, Garmin Pay, and double the storage (64GB vs 32GB)none of which is imperative for the cyclist, but are nice-to-haves. Currently, the Edge 850 and 550 can both return 12 hours of battery life during intensive use, and up to 36 hours in battery saver mode.At 20% off retail, this is certainly not the first or the biggest discount we have seen on some of the latest Edge models; however, if you are looking for the latest bike computer tech, it is not insignificant and is easily one of the best bike computers currently available.View DealWith a 17% savings, this Amazon Prime Day Garmin Edge 850 deal is also one not to miss. It's easily Garmin's best-kept bike computer, jam-packed with all the features you'll ever need.View DealYes, the 850 Edge gets a touchscreen and a couple of other little novelty features, but I much prefer the tactile experience of buttons - plus, there's also no chance of accidentally deleting your ride (as I've done many times with my own Garmin Edge 850). Call me a purist, or maybe I'm too obsessed with Strava and don't want to lose any of my logged rides. Anyway, I'm currently using the Edge 550 for all my time-trial races and hard sessions. This is because I do find that sweat can cause "ghost touches" on touchscreen bike computers, as it's highly conductive.Take it from a cycling tech tester: you'd be crazy not to consider the Garmin Edge 550. It's reliable, easy to use, has one of the best screens in the game, and is now available at a seriously impressive discount. Go on, buy it - you won't regret it.For all the best cycling deals this Prime Day, you can follow our live blog. If all you're interested in is the Garmin Edge bike computers and are outside the US, check the box below for the best deals in your region.

Netcompany INEOS have been dealt a major blow ahead of the Tour de France as Oscar Onley has been officially ruled out of the grand tour. The British rider suffered a shoulder injury after a crash at the TourAuvergne-Rhne-Alpes earlier this month. The british team's general classification leader s...