The Tour de France bursts into its second week with a Bastille Day cracker in Massif Central on Tuesday. With almost 4,000 meters of climbing and scorching temperatures, fans are eager to see a big general classification battle and even a breakaway fight on stage 10. One rider certainly not hoping f...

The world is rapidly becoming one which I no longer recognize. Even the summer bugs are different:While it may look like the gravel version of a ladybug, thats a spotted lanternfly in the nymph late stage, according to this chart:In cycling life cycle stages, that corresponds to:Nymph early stage Fixie, sneakersNymph late stage PNS jersey and a new CanyonAdult in flight Gravel bike, Unbound XL attemptAdult at rest Rivendell, sneakersLets see if the AI can pull that one off:Nope, not what I was going for at all, not even close. Also, this is supposed to be Grandpa passing down his wisdom?!? No sagely cyclist would ever put his leg through his bike like that:Hes going to wind up with a chainring tattoo that would embarrass even an early stage nymph.I do like that the grandson has unfurled some sort of prayer rug to prostrate himself before his elder as a gesture of respect, though, because frankly the cycling world could use a little less inclusivity and a little more genuflecting.Anyway, I mention the lanternfly because it makes me feel old. To me theyre weird and alien, but for kids growing up today they just mean the dog days of summer are coming, which is what the chattering of the cicadas always communicated to me. And you know what else makes me feel old? Video recording glasses:Yes, apparently you can hold a camera in your hand, but you cant use glasses that record video:But what I struggle to understand is why In the Tour de France can you quite literally vlog with a camera in your hand which is perfectly legalbut because the camera is in the glasses you get an automatic Disqualification?! Smith wrote.Yes, if I knew about the rule, I would have also never posted it on social media. Anyways, Ill take it on the chin.This makes sense, because the whole idea is to make the racing as dangerous as possible. See, you cant wear smart glasses, but you can hold a camera in your hand, or else pack a car full of journalists and drive it right into the crowd:Okay, so its *checks sexy fireman wall calendar* 2026. Weve got smart glasses, drones, and satellites so powerful we can count peoples arm hair from space. So why do we need journalists following the bike race in cars again?The driver of the car, containing journalists from the French newspaper LEquipe, reportedly fainted at the wheel less than 500 metres from the finish line in Ussel, the local authority told Agence France-Presse.LEquipe reported yesterdaythat eight spectators behind the barriers were injured in the incident, with two fans taken to hospital. One of them is reported to be seriously injured, though their condition is not described as life-threatening.In fact, why do we have journalists at all? Im certainly no journalist myself, but as a former semi-professional bike blogger Ive flirted with it here and there, and I can tell you from experience this is an entire profession based entirely on getting invited to stuff. In todays media landscape a car full of journalists driving in the middle of the Tour de France benefits absolutely nobody except the journalists themselves who get to wear passes around their necks and brag about how they got to drive in the middle of the Tour de France.Then again its important to keep in mind Im just an old crackpot whos still riding around on old rim brake bikes with dangerously skinny tires:Why do I persist in this behavior? Even I acknowledge wider tires are betterand yet I still enjoy the skinny ones, because theyre smooth and exhilarating, just as long as you use them on exactly the right surface and pay lots of attention. In this sense theyre like ice skates, and nobody tells ice skaters what theyre doing is stupid and that they should use running snowshoes instead, do they?[Snowshoe running is to ice skating what gravel cycling is to road cycling. Also, wheres his helment?]Skinny-tired bikes are also good for summer, because when its hot, the woods are teeming with insects, and you dont have a lot of time, putting on a few articles of stretchy clothes and doing a quick road ride on a pared-down bicycle with hot dog-width tires almost makes sense. In fact, forget the whole ice skating thing, because riding a road bike with skinny tires is more like wearing a thong: you feel naked and unfettered and its liberating, yet everyone around you is disgusted.The above was especially true with the Plimpton bike, which actually looks like a G-string, and which I rode more last summer than I care to admit:Speaking of whichTrek had a Y Bikes week and they didnt tell me?!? View this post on Instagram Why, Im the only person in the world to say anything even remotely positive about the Y-Foil in the last 28 years!Youre welcome, Trek. Youre welcome.

The prospect of seeing Tadej Pogacar at the 2026 Vuelta a Espana has moved a step closer. According to AS at the Tour de France, the Slovenian is seriously considering tackling the Spanish Grand Tour this summer and, as of today, that option is stronger than ever. Although the final decision is not...

In short, professional road cyclists dont poo during a Tour de France stage or they try to avoid it at all costs.It would be impossible for race organisers to provide, or schedule, facilities along the length of each stage.The fearsome pace of the peloton, combined with the practical challenges of stopping mid-race, also makes doing a number two about as unappealing as it is impractical. Mass toilet breaks are not unusual during a stage at least for men. Tim De Waele/Getty Images Riders caught short would have to drop back off the back of the peloton, stop, strip off a skinsuit, find somewhere socially acceptable to do their business away from watchful eyes, and then somehow get going again all while the race disappears up the road.As a result, riders are meticulous about managing their pre-race toilet timing to avoid any mid-race emergencies.Things are easier for a number one, where male riders can drop off the back of the bunch and do a pro piss in other words, wee out the side of their shorts while riding. Read more: How do pro cyclists pee during a stage of the Tour de France?Sometimes, the peloton will agree to stop together for some communal relief, but it depends on the race situation on the day.Four-time Tour de France winner, Chris Froome, infamously left President Franois Hollande waiting on the podium and upset anti-doping control after a 2013 stage that was so fast there was no time for riders to stop for a pee.However, Froome having to hold in a pee is small change compared to the public shame of gastric turbulence suffered by some here are three memorable moments from across the cycling universe that these riders would probably rather forget.Matteo Jorgenson We're not sure if this was pre- or post-incident. It's hard to tell Jorge Luis Alvarez Pupo/Getty Images Matteo Jorgenson was forced to make an unscheduled stop in the woods at the famously filthy 2021 edition of Paris-Roubaix.The wet conditions washed animal faeces onto the unpaved farm tracks riders race on.Speaking on Harry Sweenys YouTube channel, Jorgenson recounted that, having drunk from a contaminated bidon, on entering a rough cobbled sector, he was at high risk of shitting my shorts if I dont stop.Jorgenson was forced to discard his bike at the side of the road, finding a small section of the woods to do his business. Unfortunately for him, fans caught Jorgenson in his vulnerable moment although he later owned it, posting the unflattering picture to Instagram for the world to see.Tom Dumoulin Tom Dumoulin looked as if he had other things on his mind during the 2017 Giro d'Italia Stage 16 podium ceremony. Luk Benies/AFP via Getty Images Tom Dumoulin is one of the most accomplished riders of his generation, but his 2017 Giro dItalia win is forever tied to one of cyclings most infamous incidents.On Stage 16, the Dutchman was forced into an urgent roadside stop as the race rolled on without him. TV cameras lingered just long enough for viewers to realise exactly what was happening.Despite losing time that day, Dumoulin recovered to win the Giro overall making it arguably the most high-profile toilet break in cycling history.Mathieu van der Poel Mathieu van der Poel eyes up toilet-break opportunities during the UCI Road World Championships. Alex Broadway UCI - Pool/Getty Images Mathieu van der Poel credited his 2023 UCI Road World Championships, in part, due to an unplanned bio break.During the 271km race, a protest halted proceedings for nearly an hour. While most riders stayed roadside, Van der Poel seized the opportunity to deal with a more pressing issue, knocking on the door of a nearby house and asking to use the toilet.I have to do a big massive message, he later told press. I had to knock on the door of a couples house along the course. I really owe them I couldnt have carried on racing without their help.The homeowners ended up hosting multiple riders, but only one would go on to win the rainbow jersey. More Tour de France questions answered How do pro cyclists pee during a stage of the Tour de France? How dangerous is the Tour de France? Why is the Tour de France not on ITV? 3,302km in 76 hours: how fast is the Tour de France? What is the Tour de France caravan, and why does everyone love it so much? Tour de France jargon buster: all the cycling terms you need to know to understand the race

It is really hot in France at the moment. It might be too hot. This wont have escaped the attention of anyone watching at home, given how often it is mentioned on TV coverage, but it is probably the defining feature of the Tour de France so far. Last week, stage four was one of the hottest on record, stage nine was similarly close to the line. On stage three, fans were banned from the finish due to wildfires, while stage nine had its route changed to make it shorter amid a red heat warning; Tuesdays stage 10 has been moved forward by 10 minutes to make things a little cooler.France has been suffering through a heatwave for weeks now; some parts of the country are reporting a 25% rise in water usage due to temperatures, with 77 dpartments facing water restrictions at the moment. Wildfires have reached just outside Paris, with some monuments in the city closing early. In the heart of the Massif Central, where the Tour remains on Tuesday, there is still a red weather warning, with temperatures potentially soaring to 36C. Extreme heat events do occur within natural climate variation due to changes in global weather patterns. However, the increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of these events over recent decades is clearly linked to the observed warming of the planet and can be attributed to human activity, the UK Met Office said this week, adding higher temperature extremes mean that there is a bigger risk of regions becoming difficult for humans to live and work in. The climate crisis is here, affecting the country, and it is affecting the race too. Stages are being raced differently, riders are suffering more, with certain athletes conspicuous by their absence at the front due to the weather. This isnt a slightly warm week; this is the Tour and France facing an existential crisis at the same time. Temperatures are the talk of the paddock at the Tour, with riders and sports directors sharing various theories about what could be done. Some would like the race moved forward to the morning, to avoid the hottest part of the day, while others think that were getting to the point where stages need to be cancelled something local authorities have the power to do this year.Cutting 30km segments from the route or moving start times does rather feel like moving deckchairs around the Titanic after it has hit the iceberg. The yellow jersey at the Tour de France, Tadej Pogaar, thinks radical change is needed. In his press conference post-stage nine, he said: In my opinion it's a big topic to discuss but if I had [the] power to change all, I would change the whole calendarI would not race in July and in August in the hot place. That's something that we need to think through, and in the end it's not something I can do.If you forget the irony of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG riding for a team sponsored by one of the worlds most powerful petro-states, and XRG an energy investment company, then he has a point.(Image credit: Getty Images)Continuing as normal with the Tour in July, let alone the Vuelta a Espaa in August, feels a little ridiculous. A radical rethink of the calendar is needed, but the power still lies with people who wont want to budge. Today is 14 July, La Fte Nationale, Bastille Day to you and I, and the Tour always races on Bastille Day. The Tour has been raced in July since its first edition in 1903. Pogaar went on to say that he had mixed feelings about shifting the times of stages, saying that was "maybe the next step."Yesterday there was one proposal to start at 10, but for me that does not change anything because then you'd finish in the big heat."This arguably token change would at least prove that the organisers are prepared to be flexible. It might not suit broadcaster schedules, but it would result in less riding in the peak of the day. A calendar shift feels like a more sustainable step, though.The climate crisis doesnt particularly care about tradition or broadcasting deals. Whatever the scheduling headache, it's a far better problem to have than another July where riders needing ice baths and a billion bottles a day is normal.Part of the Tour's whole appeal is suffering. Thats the mythology, with riders battling the mountains and the weather, and each other. But there's a difference between the suffering that makes for a good story and the suffering that ends with an emergency. This suffering is probably getting too much. Would a June or a September Tour de France really ruin everything? No. Might it extend this travelling circuss lifespan for a few more decades? Yes. Will it happen? Well, probably not. Still, its good it is being discussed. A few more hot days and the needle might turn even further towards radical change.This piece is part of The Leadout, the offering of newsletters from Cycling Weekly and Cyclingnews. To get this in your inbox, subscribe here.If you want to get in touch with Adam, email adam.becket@futurenet.com.

The Tour de France. Its 21 stages across beautiful landscapes, even if the hotel rooms leave much to be desired.That was the case for Uno-X Mobilitys Tobias Johannessen and Anders Halland Johannessen, who were given a hotel room that had clearly seen better days.Halland Johannessen shared videos of the hotel room on his X account, which showed cobwebs and looked far from sanitary. Tadej Pogaar calls for radical overhaul of cycling calendar after Tour de France stage shortened due to heatwaveAs a result, the twin brothers took to sleeping on the balcony of their hotel room. Sharing the sleeping arrangement on Instagram, they said: The inside of the hotel: Questionable. The outside: reallyniiiice. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tobias Johannessen (@tobias_johannessen) When rest and recovery are so integral to Tour de France cyclists, the Uno-X Mobility riders hotel might seem a peculiar choice. But the reality is teams have little say in where they stay.Tour de France hotels are provided and booked by ASO, the organisers of the race. All teams are expected to stay in nice hotels and more budget choices, but they must stay in the hotel they are given. This is all in a bid to ensure equality across teams.Uno-X Mobilitys Magnus Cort, who documents where the team stays, shared a more detailed view of the hotel.2 nights in this room and the rest day. We also stayed here two years ago during the tour. And even though it was only 1 night it created memories that last. It has an amazing view and looks pretty good on the outside. But in reality it is amongst the worst places I have stayed, he said.We had a whole apartment that could sleep up to 8 people so Anthon and me couldnt complain about not having enough space. The apartment was in 3 levels with the button being entrances and toilet and bathroom. It wasnt completely soaked this time and only a small smell of rot. We also had the luxury of dry toilet paper. I had a sink in the closet that was nice to have so I didnt have to walk two sets of stairs during the night.It is hard to say much more positive things about this place. It was dirty no aircondition and no WIFI. It was very used with many broken things like the holder for toilet paper and shower head. Even though it was better than last time it will still only get 1 out of 7 stars, Cort added.Uno-X Mobility werent the only team to get a bad booking ahead of the first rest day of the race, and ahead of todays mountainous stage 10 from Aurillac to Le Lioran.Alpecin-Premier Tech stayed in the same hotel and shared an Instagram reel of Silvan Dillier and Tim Marsmans room and wrote, Turns out Tour de France riders dont exactly get the FIFA World Cup treatment.Dillier said the room was in need of renovation, and like Tobias and Anders, he also slept outside. But that was due to the noise of the air conditioning unit. More on the 2026 Tour de France The most influential Tour de France tech, ranked UCI changes Tour de France rules in light of extreme heat The Tour de France has lost some of its magic and that could spell trouble for cyclings future Forget VO2 max a Tour de France cyclist's defining quality is their frightening capacity to suffer Who is Isaac del Toro? 4 things you need to know about the Mexican who could be a future Tour de France winner A Tour de France breakaway only has a 2% chance of winning, so why join one? Every team bike at the 2026 Tour de France

In 2024, Jonas Vingegaard sprinted to victory in Le Lioran, beating Tadej Pogacar in a photo-finish sprint. Today, the Tour de France peloton goes through the same roads and the same finale, where the Dane hopes to be able to replicate the performance of two years ago. On that day, Pogacar attacked...

Produced by the organizers of the Trans Balkan Race, "Connecting Dots" provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to direct a self-supported bikepacking race, what happens when someone breaks the rules, and the pressure of making decisions in real-time. Watch the engaging 30-minute video and find a written reflection from organizer Beatrice Mezzena Lona here...The post Connecting Dots: The 2026 Trans Balkan Race Story appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Todays ebike market is vast, with some brands producing pricey, feature-laden bikes and, conversely, a barrage of new ebike brands popping up with surprisingly affordable offerings. As technology trickles down, it makes sense to see brands like Buzz putting out commuter ebikes at lower prices. With two options under $1000, Buzz is marketing these affordable ebikes towards students, but they are, of course, ideal for anyone commuting or riding recreationally.Buzzs Cerana 2 and Centris 2 ebikes prove you can get a reasonably powerful motor and battery, an aluminum frame, and handy commuter accessories for an affordable price. The main caveat seems to be plenty of non-branded parts, including suspension forks, brakes, motors, and batteries. Both Buzz bikes also only come in one fits most frame size. Lets check out all the details of these affordable ebikesBuzz Cerana 2 Commuter ebike Key Specs and Features:Buzzs Cerana 2 is a class 2 ebike, suitable for commuting or recreational riding. The Cerana 2 features an aluminum step-through-style frame, and the step-over height is just 15, offering easy mounting/dismounting. Frames come in one size only, but they are designed to fit riders from 52 to 63. The Cerana 2 also comes with a manually adjustable dropper seatpost (travel not specified), so you can easily change the saddle height with the push of a lever.The Cerana 2 rolls on 24 alloy rims with 2.5 tires. Up front is a 60mm front suspension fork, although the fork brand is not mentioned in Buzzs specs. This bike offers a 7-speed drivetrain, which includes a Shimano trigger shifter and cassette. Stopping is handled by mechanical disc brakes (again, no mention of brand).Buzz includes several commuter essentials on the Cerana 2: The bike comes with front and rear lights, fenders, a bell, and front and rear cargo racks. The front rack can carry 20lbs, and the rear can hold up to 50lbs.Drive System:Assist power is provided by an unnamed 500W rear hub motor. The drive system offers five assist levels plus a throttle, and its maximum assisted speed is 20mph.The Cerana 2s 500Wh battery provides a max range of 40 miles. The battery is easily removable from the frame with a key, and it can be charged either in the frame or off the bike. Charge time is 4-6 hours.A center-mounted LCD display shows your speed, assist level, battery life, and trip odometer as you ride. The Cerana 2 uses a handlebar controller that looks familiar (which Ive seen on more expensive ebikes).The Cerana 2 weighs 63lbs complete. Max load is 300lbs. The bike arrives 90% assembled, and assembly can be finished with simple tools.Regular retail price is $1000, but the Cerana 2 is currently on sale for $800. Frames are available in Black or Dusted Moss Green.Centris 2 Folding ebike Key Specs and Features:Photo by Strayer Media (Trevor Gay).The Centris 2 is a Class 3 ebike, and it features a folding frame. Ideal for those with space constraints or people who travel with their bikes (as long as you have two people to lift it, as its 71lbs), Buzz says the Centris 2 folds down in seconds. Its folded dimensions are 34x22x34.The Centris 2 is built around a 6061 aluminum frame, and its low-slung top tube has a step-over height of 16. The bike comes in one frame size only and should fit riders from 52 to 63. The handlebar is also height-adjustable.This folding bike offers a 60mm travel front suspension fork, but its brand is unspecified. It rolls on 20 alloy rims with cushy 4 wide tires. The Centris 2 gets a 6-speed drivetrain, including a Shimano grip shifter and cassette.The Centris 2 includes a set of hydraulic disc brakes (brand not listed) to ensure ample stopping power. It also comes equipped with commuter accessories like front and rear cargo racks, fenders, a bell, plus automatic head and tail lights.Drive System:The Centris 2 is assisted by a no-name 500W, 65Nm rear hub motor. The motor offers 65Nm of torque and delivers assist via a cadence sensor. This bike offers five levels of pedal assist, plus a throttle. Pedal assist maxes out at the Class 3 limit of 28mph, but the throttle tops out at 20mph.*All images c. Buzz unless noted otherwise.A 500Wh battery provides a maximum range of 40 miles and charges in 4-6 hours. The battery is easily removable from the frame for off-bike charging. Up front, a KDS LCD display screen shows riders their key info, and that familiar-looking handlebar controller allows riders to select assist modes, use the throttle, and switch the bike on and off.The Centris 2 folding ebike weighs 71lbs, and its max load is 300lbs. Frames come in the color shown only. Regular MSRP is $900, but its currently on sale for $720.Warranty:Photo by Strayer Media (Trevor Gay).Buzz covers their bikes with a three-tier warranty: They cover frames for 10 years, electronic components for 2 years, and consumable components for 6 months. Customers can also contact Buzz through their website for product support.buzzbicycles.com