Tom Pidcock and his Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling team-mates have a new, limited-edition Pinarello Dogma F for the Tour de France. Pidcock is set to return to the Tour de France having missed last year's race, with his Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling squad being granted automatic entry into cycling's greatest race having finished the 2025 season as one of the top three second-tier teams in the UCI's rankings. Pinarello joined Q36.5 as title sponsor and bike supplier to the team ahead of the 2026 season, taking over from Scott. The team's Dogma F road bike typically has a black and gold finish, but Pidcock and co will ride a new colourway for the Tour, in what's described as 'matt-finished Titan and Luxter Venice tones'. It's designed to match the team's Q36.5 clothing for the race. The team has switched to this one-off Pinarello Dogma F for the Tour de France. Pinarello Pinarello and Q36.5 are both backed by South African billionaire and mining magnate Ivan Glasenberg, who took a majority stake in Pinarello from investment firm L Catterton in 2023, and is a primary investor in Q36.5. Pidcock has started the Tour de France on three occasions, finishing 16th in 2022 and 13th in 2023. The multi-discipline star also won stage 12 atop Alpe d'Huez in 2022, following a daredevil breakaway that saw the Briton famously give his breakaway companions a descending masterclass on the Col du Galibier. Read more ahead of the 2026 Tour de France Every Tour de France team as they're announced The 2026 Tour de France route: every stage explained 5 Tour de France tech trends that will dominate the 2026 race Tadej Pogaar annihilated everyone in the Tour de Suisse this is what it means 6 new bikes we expect to see at the Tour de France How to watch the Tour de France 2026 The bike is designed to match Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling's new kit for the Tour. Q36.5 The 26-year-old withdrew from the 2024 race with Covid having narrowly missed out on a second Tour de France stage win when he finished second on stage nine. Pidcock went on to defend his Olympic XC mountain biking title at the Paris 2024 Games later that month. This season, Pidcock's had something of a stop-start campaign, finishing an agonising second at Milan-San Remo behind Tadej Pogaar, and winning Milano-Torino, before a horror crash at the Volta a Catalunya saw him plunge off a mountain road and down a ravine. Pidcock bounced back to form by winning the Andorra MoraBanc Clssica. Getty Images Pidcock has since fully recovered and fired a warning shot to his Tour rivals by winning the Andorra MoraBanc Clssica one-day race ahead of Carlos Verona and Sepp Kuss on 21 June. Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling's Pinarello Dogma F specifications Frame: Pinarello Dogma F Cockpit: Most Talon UltraFast integrated cockpit Seatpost: Pinarello Aero Groupset: SRAM Red AXS Wheelset: Zipp 454 NSW Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro, 30mm Saddle: Prologo Nago R4 PAS, 137mm Bottle cages: Tacx Deva Bike weight: 6.8kg without pedals (size 53) Tyre clearance: Up to 32mm

The latest instalment of our new sentencing round-up series, analysing the state of play when it comes to sentencing for driving and cycling offences in the UK

Chris Horner has warned Decathlon CMA CGM Team that they must raise their level around Paul Seixas before the 19-year-olds Tour de France debut, after questioning the teams tactical management at the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Seixas has been confirmed in Decathlons eight-man Tour line-up alongsi...

The Tour de France 2026 starts in Barcelona, Spain, on the 4th of July. The Grand Dpart of the 113th edition starts Le Tour in style with an always thrilling team time trial around the Catalan capital.However, if your excitement is at fever pitch already, you can get ready for the Tour de France by streaming some of our favourite cycling documentaries from anywhere with NordVPN.Grab huge savings on one of the best VPN services from NordVPN.NordVPN has big discounts of up to 75% off across its three plans Basic, Complete and Prime. All offer a bonus 3 months free on top when signing up to a two-year plan. NordVPN is recommended by our expert colleagues at TechRadar as the best VPN service on the market, making it an unbeatable deal plus, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.Save 75% for 27 months with a huge 75% off; it works out at just $4.49 per month for the Complete Plan at NordVPN. It's the most popular VPN plan from Nord and offers numerous benefits, as well as being a super-fast and secure service. Nord has a handy comparison table to allow you to choose the best option, but the Complete Plan has the biggest reduction over the Basic (69% off), and the Prime (69% off).Check out thebest VPN packages for you at NordVPN.View DealTour de France: UnchainedTour de France: Unchained is a three-season Netflix docuseries that features unprecedented access to various WorldTour cycling teams and riders, capturing the drama of the peloton in a never-before-seen dynamic. TDF: Unchained offers a raw, highly dramatised look at the riders, managers, mechanics, and medical staff. Showcasing the highly anticipated showdowns between cycling heavyweightsincluding Tadej Pogaar and Jonas Vingegaard, and explores the immense pressure to capture the Yellow Jersey and the fierce rivalries that unfold on the road to Paris.Netflix has 3 seasons of Tour de France: Unchained filmed during the 109th-111th editions of the race. Episodes focus around the battle for Yellow, plus the races underdogs and outsiders highlighting smaller teams cyclists striving to topple the giants, and also the financial and psychological pressures of the race, capturing the internal conflicts and sacrifices made on the hunt for a stage win and a GC podium place.The Least Expected Day: Inside the Movistar Team Before Tour de France: Unchained hit our screens, The Least Expected Day: Inside the Movistar Team set the wheels in motion for the cycling docuseries. It gave viewers an inside view into the Spanish Movistar team, who at the time were one of the world's biggest cycling team. Netflix has 5 incredible seasons of El Da Menos Pensadoto, covering the internal team friction as top of their game riders like Richard Carapaz, Nairo Quintana, Alejandro Valverde and Mikel Landa battle their peloton rivals and each other across Grand Tour campaigns from 2019 to 2022, and for leadership with the Movistar Team.Season 5 Season 5 of The Least Expected Day: Inside the Movistar Team (subtitled Una Nueva Generacin/A New Generation) premiered back in January 2026, and unlike previous seasons it leans into a theme of transition, renewal, and the teams shift in identity.30 for 30: Slaying the badgerGreg LeMond, who is the first and only American to win the Tour de France. Slaying the Badger is the story of LeMond's 1986 Tour de France triumph and the fierce, bitter rivalry between LeMond and his French teammate/mentor Bernard Hinault (nicknamed "The Badger"). It explores betrayal, the complexities of team dynamics, and LeMond's historic triumph.Pantani. The accidental death of a cyclistPantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist is a documentary that chronicles the meteoric rise and tragic fall of Italian cycling superstar Marco Pantani. Widely regarded as one of the greatest climbing specialists in the history of the sport The Accidental Death of a Cyclist explores his historic 1998 Grand Tour victories in both Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, the pinnacle of his career, before debilitating addiction, doping scandals, and a fatal cocaine overdose lead to his untimely death at age 34.What is a VPN & how does it work? For frequent travellers or holidaymakers, a VPN is a simple piece of software that lets your devices appear to be in your usual location. So wherever you are, you can access your streaming services to enjoy the best cycling documentaries and, of course, all the Tour de France 2026 action from anywhere.If you subscribe to streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, or Peacock, you'll already know that viewing while travelling can often result in your service being blocked due to geo-restrictions. The best way to negotiate these is by securing a reliable VPN service.DisclaimerWe test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Specialized says its new flagship Tarmac combines a 687g frame with improved aerodynamics to outperform rivals including the Colnago Y1Rs, Cervlo S5 and Factor One on real-world race courses

Thymen Arensman is set to return to the Tour de France with a different status inside Netcompany INEOS. After two mountain stage wins in last years race and a career-best fourth overall at the Giro dItalia this spring, the Dutchman has become one of the teams most important cards heading towards...

With the new Tarmac SL9, Specialized sharpen their all-rounder even further, increasing aero optimisation across the frame, fork and cockpit, without turning the bike into a pure-bred aero machine. The Californians are staying true to their one-bike-fits-all principle, but how much Tarmac DNA is left in the visibly more muscular SL9?Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 | 6.66 kg in size 54 | 13,999.00 | Manufacturers websiteFor years, the Specialized Tarmac has been one of the most sought-after race bikes around. For many riders, the Californian all-rounder is the benchmark for modern road bikes, not least because Specialized used it to replace the pure aero Venge, putting the one-bike-fits-all approach firmly centre stage. The idea remains crystal clear today: a Tarmac should be light enough for long climbs, stiff enough for hard accelerations, and aerodynamic enough for sprints and high speeds. Details about the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 Highs Balanced handling Well-tuned comfort Lows Only available as a 13,999 S-Works model Key Facts 687 g FACT 12r carbon frame Tire clearance up to 32 mm Drivetrain: SRAM RED AXS, 50/37, 10-36 Almost exclusively in-house components With the new S-Works Tarmac SL9, Specialized continue to refine this formula, sharpening it up in clearly visible ways. The frame gains a little more surface area, while the fork and front end look more aerodynamically focused, without turning the bike into an uncompromising aero specialist. The DNA is still meant to be pure Tarmac as you would expect, just a little faster. We were able to test the 13,999 S-Works model ahead of its official launch.Evolution Instead of Revolution: The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 in DetailJust in time for the Tour de France, manufacturers are rolling out their fastest new race bikes. While many are pushing their bikes ever further towards aerodynamic optimisation, pursuing low weight suddenly feels almost rebellious. After all, deeper profiles and larger surface area usually leads to a heavier bike.Specialized look at the frame, rider, wheels and tires as one complete system. It is an approach familiar from Formula 1, and one that makes perfect sense for a brand that produces all of the components involved. The result is meant to be lighter, stiffer, and more aerodynamic. In doing so, Specialized stay true to their one-bike-fits-all principle, much like Cannondale with the SuperSix EVO.The system approach is convincing; at least where Specialized define the parameters themselves. In the accompanying white paper, Specializeds engineers have calculated, as you would expect, that the SL9 is the fastest bike in the field. Its rivals were tested in Specializeds own WinTunnel, using Specializeds own methodology, then evaluated with Specializeds own ride time calculations. The result? Specialized win.What stands out is that Cervlos S5 actually posts a better weighted CdA than the SL9 in Specializeds own comparison table, something Specialized explain through the SL9s weight advantage on climbs. That may well hold true in theory, but it also shows that the title of fastest bike is always a question of assumptions.At the core of the SL9 is the new FACT 12r carbon frame. To get the new model ready in time for the 2026 Tour, the American brand have tailored the bike sharply towards their pros: for now, it will only be available as the flagship S-Works model at a hefty 13,999, or as a frameset for 5,799. Whether more affordable versions will follow remains to be seen.Visually, Specialized pull out all the stops for the S-Works Tarmac SL9. While rivals such as MERIDA take a different route with the REACTO and its striking angular rear wheel cut-out, the SL9 sticks with a more traditional approach, curving the seat tube closely around the rear wheel. However, according to Specializeds own measurements with their dummy, the front end is where the biggest aerodynamic gains are made, and that is exactly where the most noticeable visual update sits: the fork is significantly bulkier, especially where it flows into the head tube. The latter still features the Speed Sniffer introduced with the SL8, though its not as pronounced, and has a more angular transition into the top tube.When it comes to tire clearance, the Californians take a classic, or perhaps simply realistic, approach. While the rest of the market is increasingly opening things up to 34 mm and beyond, with the science backing wider rubber when it comes to rolling resistance, Specialized draw a clear line. For the developers, tire clearance is not an isolated figure for more comfort or lower rolling resistance, but just one part of the overall picture.The credo from Morgan Hill: 32 mm is more than enough, even for the toughest Classics. Anything more would blur the calculated aero silhouette of the complete system too much. Whether 32 mm really is enough for every use case is definitely open to debate in our eyes, but the aerodynamic logic behind it is harder to argue with. According to the manufacturer, the frame weight increases by a homeopathic 2 g, giving the Tarmac SL9 a fighting weight of 6.66 kg on our editorial scales.The Spec of the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9When it comes to spec, Specialized stay firmly in-house: almost everything that gleams on the S-Works Tarmac SL9 comes from their own shelves. As usual, Specialized rely on a neatly integrated system of frame, wheels, tires and cockpit.The Roval Rapide CLX III wheels, introduced last year, use carbon spokes, making them extremely light and stiff. However, they are not fitted with the RapidAir TLR tires developed specifically for the Rapide CLX III, but with the new Cotton TLR tires instead. Although officially listed as 30 mm, they measure just under 29 mm on the wide Roval rims, allowing them to sit aerodynamically flush with the rim sidewall.Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 2026 13,999SpecificationsSeatpost S-Works Rapide Post D-ShapedBrakes SRAM RED AXS 160/160 mmDrivetrain SRAM RED AXS 2 x 12Chainring 50/37 TStem Roval Rapide Cockpit 90 mmHandlebar Roval Rapide Cockpit 380 mmWheelset Roval Rapide CLX III 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Specialized Cotton TLR 700 x 30cCranks SRAM RED AXS DUB 170 mmCassette SRAM RED XG-1290 10-36TTechnical DataSize 49 52 54 56 58 61Weight 6,66 kgSpecific FeaturesVery light and stiff Carbon-FrameThe drivetrain is the only place youll find any components from outside the Specialized range: the SRAM RED AXS groupset comes with 50/37 t chainrings and a wide 10-36 t cassette, giving the Tarmac a surprisingly climb-friendly gear range despite its race focus perfectly in-keeping with its all-rounder brief. The package is rounded off with the narrow 380 mm Roval Rapide cockpit, and the proven S-Works Power Mirror saddle.The Geometry of the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9The geometry of the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 makes one thing clear above all else: revolution was never the goal here. Specialized stick with the Tarmacs proven race concept, changing its character less through new angles than through its aerodynamically sharpened silhouette.In size 56, the sporty stack-to-reach ratio of 1.43 results in a stretched, efficient riding position. The narrow Roval Rapide cockpit fits neatly into that concept, helping the rider adopt a more compact posture. Interestingly, the narrower the cockpit gets, the more pronounced the flare becomes, ensuring that even the 36 cm version still meets the UCI limit of 40 cm outside-to-outside in the drops.The compact 410 mm chainstays across all sizes promises a direct rear end and crisp acceleration out of corners. At the same time, the generous 72 mm bottom bracket drop and slightly shorter 170 mm cranks in size 54 create a low, integrated feel in the bike, without reaching the limits unnecessarily early when leaning into corners.On paper, it reads like a classic Tarmac, with virtually identical geometry: aggressive enough for racing, stable enough for fast descents, and direct enough to keep its lively edge.Size44495254565861Top tube496 mm508 mm531 mm540 mm562 mm577 mm595 mmSeat tube433 mm445 mm456 mm473 mm494 mm515 mm545 mmHead tube100 mm109 mm120 mm140 mm157 mm184 mm204 mmHead angle70.571.872.572.573.573.574Seat angle75.575.5747473.573.573Chainstay410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mmBB Drop74 mm74 mm74 mm72 mm72 mm72 mm72 mmWheelbase970 mm973 mm975 mm986 mm991 mm1,005 mm1,012 mmReach366 mm375 mm380 mm384 mm395 mm402 mm408 mmStack501 mm514 mm527 mm544 mm565 mm591 mm612 mmThe Perfect Race Bike? The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 in ReviewThe Tarmac has proven to be one of the most versatile and well-balanced race bikes on the market for years; a bike ridden by pros and ambitious gran fondo riders alike. No wonder, then, that the Tarmac SL8 secured our coveted Best Buy recommendation in the last 2025 road bike group test.With its successor, the SL9, Specialized are now promising the next evolutionary step, as expected: lighter, stiffer and, above all, even faster. But what has really changed compared to the already outstanding SL8, and can you actually feel it in the saddle?We rode the SL9 on the winding roads of the Costa Brava, and on our home loops in the Black Forest, taking in steep climbs, fast flats and long descents. The most noticeable difference compared to its predecessor comes less from the frame and more from the wheels.With their stiff carbon spokes, the Roval Rapide CLX III wheels eliminate the last hint of sluggishness when you press on the pedals. Paired with the relatively new 29 mm Specialized Cotton TLR tires, they deliver impressively fast rolling performance, and a beautifully smooth ride feel.At the same time, the Tarmac stays true to its proven geometry. The SL9 retains the intuitive and predictable handling that we liked on its predecessor: the sufficiently low centre of gravity provides stability at high speeds and inspires confidence on fast descents. And because the rear end remains agile thanks to the short 410 mm chainstays, the SL9 is still a beautifully balanced bike.On climbs, the low weight of just 6.66 kg really comes into its own. When attacking out of tight hairpins or powering up long ramps, you can feel just how effortlessly the whole package accelerates. Unlike the wind-cheating gains of pure aero machines, which are most effective at higher speeds, it is an advantage even amateur riders can immediately appreciate.The SL9 retains an impressive level of comfort. The frame works effectively with the 3D-printed S-Works Power Mirror saddle to filter out vibrations, while the cockpit feels exceptionally comfortable in the drops.Overall, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 lives up to its reputation: a modern race bike that shines in almost every situation. Anyone coming from the SL8 is unlikely to feel much of a difference. But anyone looking for a bang-up-to-date race bike will once again find what is probably one of the best race bikes on the market. Tuning tip: order the new 360 mm narrow cockpit for maximum aero gains.Who Is the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 For?The Tarmac SL9 is the right bike for anyone who is not looking for a race bike for one discipline, but one bike for everything. Ambitious amateur racers who want to blast up punchy climbs on training rides and line up at a criterium at the weekend will find a machine that never feels out of its depth. On the climbs, its low weight impresses. In sprints, its the stiffness that stands out. On long rides, its the comfort. And all of that comes without any notable compromises.Available as a complete build for 13,999 or as a frameset for 5,799, the SL9 is aimed exclusively at well-heeled riders for now. More affordable versions have not yet been announced. Anyone who already has an SL8 in the garage simply does not need the SL9. And anyone focused purely on flat routes should know this: according to Specializeds own data, dedicated aero bikes still have the edge on pan-flat courses.Helmet Specialized S-Works Evade 4 | Glasses Oakley META Vanguard | Jersey Universal Colors Mono Short Sleeve | Shorts Velocio LUXE Bib Short | Shoes Specialized S-Works Torch Socks Specialized Air Tall Logo | Vest Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Stow Away GiletConclusionThe Tarmac SL9 is less of a revolution than we had hoped, and the differences to the already excellent SL8 feel smaller in the saddle than they look on paper. Regardless, Specialized prove once again that they have mastered the all-round formula. The Californians have refined the details, improving aerodynamics while maintaining the same weight and character. The intuitive handling, paired with impressive stability, continues to make it a first-class race machine that asks for no compromises on long climbs or in all-out sprints. Anyone buying into the platform for the first time, or looking for a contemporary top-end race bike, will once again find what is probably one of the best road bikes on the market.TopsWell-tuned comfort combined with high stiffnessMaximum riding funHigh level of stabilityComfortable cockpit and saddle ergonomicsFlopsTire clearance still limited to 32 mmFor now, only available as an S-Works frameset, or complete S-Works buildMore information at specialized.com.Der Beitrag New Specialized Tarmac SL9 2026 on Review: Aero Isnt Everything? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

When OneUp launched its mountain bike hubs two years ago, we figured it was just a matter of time before they got into the complete wheelset market. Today, with the announcement of OneUp Components Aluminum Wheels, that time has finally come. Built around the brands own hubs with 6069 aluminium rims and J-bend spokes, OneUp set out to make solid, no-nonsense wheels at a competitive price.OneUps new Aluminum wheels add to the brands ever-growing component range, which includes their highly regarded carbon and aluminum mountain bike handlebars and dropper posts, and has recently expanded to include clip-in pedals for both XC and trail. The brand says that, like their other products, the goal was to make the new wheels durable, dependable, and affordable. Lets check them out.Out for a ripOneUp Aluminum WheelsOneUp says it aimed to balance stiffness and strength so the new Aluminum Wheels provide a responsive ride feel on the trail. The goal was to keep the weight competitive while remaining strong enough to take the heaviest hits and keep on rolling. The Aluminum Wheels are available in 29 and MX configurations with Boost spacing only 12 x 148mm rear, 15 x 110mm front.HubsBlack Hubs only.Not surprisingly, the Aluminum Wheels are built around OneUp Hubs, which feature a fully-machined 7075 aluminum body with an integrated drive ring. They come with a 44T ratchet drive and are designed for use with J-bend spokes. When purchased individually or as a pair, OneUp hubs are available in a rainbow of colors; however, black is currently the only hub color option for the complete wheelsets.Rims27mm depth, asymmetric profile, and 30mm internal width.The 6069 aluminum rims feature dedicated front and rear designs with varying spoke counts and wall thicknesses to maximize compliance, strength, and stiffness at both ends of the bike. As such, the 28-hole, 29 rim is made for the front, while the 32-hole 27.5 or 29 rim is made for use in the rear. In addition to more spokes, OneUp added material to the bead and section walls, and reinforced nipple beds for increased strength and durability at the back of the bike.Bead retention tracksOtherwise, both rims share the same 27mm depth, 30mm internal width, angled bead walls, bead-retention tracks, and 3mm offset spoke holes. The rims are welded, shotpeened, powdercoated, and then heat-treated for added strength and a more durable finish. And, just like OneUps handlebars, they feature subtle black-on-black logos to give them a timeless appeal.Fillmore ValvesFillmore ValvesOneUp adds a little value to the Aluminum Wheels with the inclusion of Fillmore Valves. The brand says theyre such big fans of Fillmore that they licensed the technology so they could include them on their own wheels. If you arent already familiar, Fillmore Valves allow for three times the airflow of a Presta valve, making it much easier to seat tubeless tires while virtually eliminating the chances of your valves clogging with sealant. Along with Fillmore Valves, the rims come pre-taped with high-quality 3M tape to ensure an airtight seal.Low-key brandingAluminum Wheels Specs29 or MX WheelsetsBoost SpacingBlack OneUp HubsWeight (including XDr driver): 1996g (29), 1951g (27.5)Sapim, double-butted spokes with aluminum nipplesOneUp Fillmore ValvesXDr Driver Included with every wheelset(MS and HG Drivers are available for purchase separately)28h front wheel, 32h rear3mm Offset Spoke DrillingsFront- and rear-specific rim designWarrantyJust like the rest of OneUps products, the original owner of Aluminum Wheels is covered by a 2-year warranty against defects in material and manufacturing. Additionally, OneUp says that if you damage your wheels while riding (or crashing) your bike, their team is happy to help figure out a low-cost solution to get you back on the trails. If in doubt, OneUp says to reach out to its customer service team; theyre riders too, and theyre there to help.OneUp Aluminum Wheels: Pricing and AvailabilityOneUps brand-new Aluminum Wheels are available now and competitively priced at $599 USD / $799 CAD / 599 / 549. Head to the brands website to learn more or pick up a new wheelset.oneupcomponents.comThe post OneUp Components Keeps it Rolling With New Aluminum Wheels appeared first on Bikerumor.