Another round of the breakaway world championships.Spectacle Sone et lumire: the month-long heatwave in France is ending. Among the complaints, one has been difficulty sleeping at night given the persistent high temperatures. Stage 12 did not help anyone hoping for a languid siesta in front of the torpor of a Tour sprint stage.A flurry of attacks showed intent from plenty to get away while the sprinters teams played whack-a-mole to knock back each attempt to escape. It worked andBaptiste Veistroffer went clear, almost too strong as he went solo and nobody joined him, no threat to the sprinters.If the curtain fell down on the peloton anyone hoping for 40 winks was disturbed by the intermediate sprint where Mads Pedersen sprinted across to the right and after a enquiry that saw his team convoked to the jury car and them him too, he was lucky not to get relegated.Soon after Ewen Costiou, Damiano Caruso and Matteo Vercher got across to Veistroffer while the peloton was in a long line for hours. If anything the bunch chased too hard as when the breakaway was caught this opened the way for more attacks. Lidl-Trek were firing riders forward.Mads Pedersen took a flyer and tiny Valentin Paret-Peintre, head tilting to the side as if wracked by severe torticollis, fought to thwart him. The moves kept flying and if they were desperate, that was half the entertainment.In the finish on the quays beside the Sone Fernando Gaviria overlapped his front wheel with Vlad Van Mechelen as he tried to squeeze into a gap and fell, causing many more to fall like skittles in a bowling alley. Van Mechelen got a yellow card and after leniency towards Pedersen further evidence that consequences weigh on the jury even if this not said aloud. Olav Kooij was luck to swerve around this but this put him out in the wind and with work to get back while Tim Merlier was able to kick for the line again to win. The average speed was 49.095km/h, no record but still in the top-10 fastest stages.Merlier gets his third stage, his Soudal-Quickstep team handling the post-Evenepoel era well and knowing Paul Magnier is waiting too.Merlier sits fourth in the points competition despite the scale being tilted towards the flat finishes, in part because hes been sitting out of the intermediate sprints. He told LEquipe the other day that in the sprint for the finish line he seems able to find more resources, mental and physical, than he can for a point along the way. In a post-stage interview he lamented how he came to road cycling late he was slopping around municipal parks of Belgium on the cyclo-cross scene with its euphemistic Super Prestige circuit and how this means he may have missed out on the Champs-Elyses sprint. Itll be interesting to see how many sprinters stay in the race now.The Route: 206km and 2,400m of vertical gain. This is the longest stage of the race.The intermediate sprint is in Mlisey, home of Thibaut Pinot of course. Its late in the route but which sprinters teams have an interest in contesting it to the point of trying to neutralise the race all day? Instead we might see some sprinters trying to infiltrate the breakaway and treat this as their virtual finish line.The Col des Croix is a regular road, a gentle introduction to the Vosges mountains.The Ballon dAlsace is 8.9km at 6.9% and very even with it, it feels as if the slope varies between 6.7% and 7.1% and all on a wide road. The matters as there are almost no tactical points along the way, even the hairpin bends are steady. Its a sub-25 minute effort today and so accessible to some.Theres a brief flat section over the top and 30km to go. The descent is even in slope but has many more hairpins and bends the first 5km on the way down before opening up. With 16km to go the descent eases and its onto wide, straight roads towards Belfort.The Finish: flat with a gentle downhill run past the fort that dominates the town. A right turn with 450m to go leads onto the finishing straight which bends gently and so the arch isnt visible until 280m to go.The Contenders: a good day for the breakaway, no sprinters can cope with the final climb, the teams with GC ambitions will hope to save energy here and theres no tale of revenge involving Tadej Pogaar and Belfort. So everyone else will want to crowd into the move and ideally a team identifies a winner to go in the move and sends a rouleur with them in support to help pull the break and close gaps later on.If Richard Carapaz (EF Education-Easypost) can get in the move hell be hard to contain on the Ballon dAlsace, and if not he can try tomorrow and leave team mates like Ben Healy, Alex Baudin and Georg Steinhauser to go for it.Movistar have numbers for the breakaway too, Raul Garcia Pierna, Pablo Castrillo and Javier Romo fit the bill on paper but even combined dont have the palmars seemingly required to land a stage win in this Tour.Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) isnt a climber but go to Lombardia and he can handle 20 minute climbs well but go back to Stage 12 and see the efforts he was making.The climb today should be too long for Romain Grgoire (Groupama-FDJ) but if its not raced hard and means hes facing a 10 minute effort then hes got a chance.Luke Plapp (Jayco) has a great 20 minute power on tap, especially when theres no climb before but today will involve a lot of work and racecraft to make the break. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto-Intermarch) is going well. Netcompany-Ineoss most suitable rider is probably Kvin Vauquelin but one factor that makes them harder to pick is the amount of punctures theyre having, from memory race radio announced three alone yesterday.Carapaz, PlappHealy, Grgoire, Baudin, Simmons, Romo, Tejada, Van Eetvelt, VauquelinWeather: sunshine and showers and a cooler 23C. The wind will blow from the west at 15km/h and could gust to 40km/h meaning a three-quarters tailwind for much of the stage. This wind direction is often the liveliest to split up the field as it whips the riders along and spreads them across the road.TV: KM0 is at 1.20pm and the finish is forecast for 5.25pm CEST.The post Tour de France Stage 13 Preview first appeared on The Inner Ring.

Tadej Pogacar emerged safely from the chaotic finale to stage 12 of the 2026 Tour de France, but the yellow jersey was left concerned after former UAE Team Emirates teammate Fernando Gaviria crashed heavily inside the final kilometre. Pogacar retained his 3:36 advantage over Jonas Vingegaard as Tim...

The 2026 Tour de France classifications will shift across three weeks of racing, from the Grand Dpart in Barcelona on 4 July to the final stage in Paris on 26 July. Across time trials, sprint stages, breakaway opportunities and the high mountains, each day can alter the shape of the race for yellow...

How many microphones are there here? asks Baptiste Veistroffer, sipping from a can of Fanta. One, two, three, four, he begins to count, but his Lotto Intermarch team bus is waiting and the tally is taking longer than he thought. Lets say around 15.As recently as a week ago, the Frenchman had never known such intense media attention. He was, with the utmost respect, a bit of a nobody a modest second-year pro, riding his debut Grand Tour. The UCI rankings placed him as the 1,266th best rider in the world. Journalists had had no reason to speak to him. But now, with a swarm of microphones closing in on him in the post-stage mixed zone, he seems surprisingly at ease. These huddles are now part of his daily routine. On stage 12, for the third time at this years Tour de France, Veistroffer pulled off his party trick; he went solo in the breakaway, won the combativity prize, and rolled across the line in the bunch, this time finishing a nondescript 161st. I didnt even mean to end up alone, he laughed to the TV cameras mid-stage. But such is the lure of adventure, the pull of panache, he couldnt resist going up the road once more. Its my game to give it a go, he told the reporters. I gave it my all again today. Unfortunately, it wasnt quite enough, but I hope itll pay off one day.(Image credit: Getty Images)Behind the media zone fence in Chalon-sur-Sane, a group of children bellowed the Lotto riders name Baptiste! Baptiste! hoping to draw his attention.Veistroffer's team bus has been mobbed by fans ever since his 144km solo foray on stage five into Pau. Its unlikely many of those chanting his name had heard of him prior to this years Tour; Google searches for Baptiste Veistroffer were basically nonexistent before July, save for a tiny blip when he won a stage of the Tour of Oman in February, his only pro victory to date. Over the last week, though, the searches have ballooned more than 5,000%. What does he make of his newfound popularity? Its crazy, he said, but thats the magic of the Tour.For the uninitiated, then, a short recap of Baptiste Veistroffer's life: born in Brittany, the 26-year-old grew up competing in triathlon, and only committed to cycling in 2020 during the Covid pandemic. He has a degree in climate engineering, used to work building ships for the French navy, and joined Decathlon CMA CGMs development team in 2023. Two years later, he moved to Lotto, where he has now become a cult figure. His nickname is the Wild Boar of Fouesnant, due to his strong build and attacking style. In fact, no other rider has dared to go in more breakaways than Veistroffer this season; hes the only one to surpass 2,000km up the road. The next closest rider has tallied 500km fewer.Its an enormous opportunity and an enormous pride to do that in front of the French fans, he said after stage five. I wanted to enjoy myself, and thats what I did right from the start, at kilometre zero. I thought about it, and then I just went for it. (Image credit: Getty Images)Ahead of Thursdays twelfth stage, EF Education-EasyPosts Alex Baudin passed Veistroffer a hand-written note. See you in the breakaway Wild Boar, it read. Try not to push me too hard. In the end, Baudin never managed to bridge across. The four that did only spent an hour or so in the Frenchman's company, then dropped back to the peloton and left him to his own devices again.It was a bit of a shame, but whatever, Veistroffer shrugged afterwards. Weve all got different strategies, different sports directors. [At Lotto] weve got sports directors whove got more of an attacking vision and try [to win]. But voil, Im on the podium and theyre not, he added with a cheeky smile. Its that attitude that has helped Veistroffer become the unlikely hero of this years Tour, the plucky antidote to a GC contest already bulldozed by Tadej Pogaar. The Frenchmans efforts haven't gone unnoticed, either. Ahead of Mondays rest day, he was presented with the race's Best Teammate award, thanks to his role in shepherding the unwell Arnaud De Lie through the opening stages. Lotto, its clear, feel lucky to have him. Hes really fun guy to work with. He's always motivated, said the team's sports director, Mario Aerts, in a Velon documentary about Veistroffers first week heroics. I worked with Thomas De Gendt for years, so I know everything is possible, Aerts added. So what is possible for Veistroffer on his Tour debut? Since De Lies abandon on stage three, the road has been open for him to attack, and hes wasted few opportunities. Some wonder if he's plotting a bid for the race's overall combativity award. I dont know much about how its voted on. Id prefer to get a stage win, he smiled. Stage 17 from Chambry to Voiron could be interesting.My legs still feel good. At worst, if I pay the price for it later, Ill have discovered a new limit for my body.Whether that stage win comes or his muscles pack in, Veistroffers race has already been a success. France has a new cycling sweetheart. The peloton has a new breakaway pest. They wont stop me as long as Im here, he vowed on Thursday. Expect to see the Wild Boar on the run again.

The tenth stage of 2026 Tour de France witnessed yet another great performance of Tadej Pogacar, but also multiple crashes in the group of favourites. Those caused notable problems for top-10 contender Tom Pidcock who not only crashed himself, but also lost crucial teammate Chris Harper who hit the...

Julian Alaphilippes performances and visibly subdued demeanour at the 2026 Tour de France have prompted stark concern from Jerome Coppel and Jerome Pineau, with both former professionals questioning what remains of the rider who once shaped the race through his aggression and exuberance. The two-ti...

Jonas Vingegaard has backed Mads Pedersens plan to retire after the 2029 World Championships in Copenhagen, months after the two-time Tour de France winner warned that he could no longer continue under the same demands himself. Pedersen would be 33 when the World Championships return to Denmark, bu...

Backcountry.com is one of the largest online retailers of outdoor sporting goods, selling everything from backcountry skis and rock climbing equipment to camping gear and casual apparel. Backcountry also sells a wide range of cycling products, including complete bikes, components, accessories, and a very large selection of apparel for gravel, road, and mountain bike riders. In the past couple of years, the online retail giant also began selling a small lineup of Backcountry-branded mountain bike apparel for both men and women.Backcountrys MTB apparel lineup now includes multiple pairs of shorts, pants, jerseys (DriRelease and button-up), liner bibs and shorts, a hip pack, and two styles of full-finger gloves. Its a relatively extensive collection that covers nearly all the bases, and is competitively priced, too. A few months ago, I got my hands on several pieces of the mens Backcountry MTB apparel to check out. Ive ridden in all of them numerous times, and have some impressions to share.Backcountry Empire Bike ShortCheck Price at BackcountrySpecificationsMSRP: $119Material: 88% recycled nylon, 12% spandex, PFC-free DWR treatmentInseam length: 13"Pockets: 2 open hand pockets, 2 zippered thigh pocketsMeasured weight: 259 g (size M)Available sizes: S-XXLProsReasonable priceGood lookingUseful pockets on and off the bikeTough materialGood cut and fabric for more aggressive ridingConsNot the best ventilationMore articulation in the waist wouldn't hurtJeremy BensonThe Empire is Backcountrys gravity-oriented short with a 13-inch inseam for extra leg coverage and a gap-free fit with knee pads. The 4-way stretch fabric is made from a blend of recycled 88% nylon and 12% spandex and is treated with a PFC-free DWR. At 259 grams in size medium, the material is in the midweight category, but it has a tough, durable feel.The Empire shorts have two jeans-style hand pockets, along with two zippered back-loading pockets, one on each thigh, the perfect size for a smartphone. A zipper fly with dual snaps comprises the closure, with external velcro tabs on both sides of the waistband to optimize the fit. The back of the waistband has a silicone dot texture for grip on liner shorts/bibs, plus a hang loop. Ventilation is limited to numerous small perforations on the inner thighs.Of the two pairs of Backcountry shorts I have, these are my favorite. They fit and feel similar to Foxs Defend gravity shorts, with a longer inseam and a durable fabric. With a mid-weight material and limited ventilation, they arent my first choice for the hottest rides, but Ive been wearing them quite frequently on enduro bikes and eMTBs basically any ride with knee pads.The medium fits my 32-inch waist well, they dont slip down while riding, and they are easy to adjust if/when needed. The pocket layout is functional both on and off the bike, and I think they look pretty good with just a single Backcountry Goat logo by the left knee. I wouldnt complain if they had a touch more articulation in the waist and some larger ventilation holes in the crotch, but at $119, the Empire Bike Short gets the job done for less than most gravity shorts.Backcountry Slickrock 11in Bike ShortCheck Price at BackcountrySpecificationsMSRP: $99Material: 85% recycled nylon, 15% spandex, PFC-free DWR treatmentInseam: 11"Pockets: 2 zippered hand pocketsMeasured weight: 204 g (size M)Available Sizes: S-XXLProsAffordableGood-lookingRelatively well-ventilatedStretchy, comfortable materialConsPockets aren't great for a phoneShorter inseam may not be for everyoneJeremy BensonThe Slickrock 11in Bike Short is more of a trail-oriented option with an 11-inch inseam and a lighter, stretchier material. The 4-way stretch fabric is made from a blend of 85% recycled nylon and 15% spandex, treated with a PFC-free DWR, and is very stretchy. They have a slim fit with slightly narrower leg openings. The zipper fly is topped with a single snap, along with an integrated belt that offers some waistband adjustment. A silicone dot print on the back of the inner waistband helps keep them in place.The Slickrock shorts have two zippered hand pockets. There are numerous large perforations for ventilation on the inner thighs, as well as just below the waistband on the back. In addition to the 11in version, Backcountry offers the mens Slickrock shorts with a 9in inseam. The womens Slickrock shorts are offered in 9in and 7in inseam lengths.The Slickrock shorts are lightweight and very stretchy, and the 11-inch inseam shows quite a bit more thigh than the Empire shorts described above. They definitely have more of a trail riding feel compared to their gravity-oriented sibling. The light material is breathable and quick-drying, while the ventilation holes do a good job of keeping the air flowing on hot days or hard efforts. The waist is easy to adjust, and I havent had any issues with them riding up or down.At the same time, they strike me almost as a crossover hiking/biking type of short. Minimal articulation in the waist and the pocket layout simply dont feel bike-specific. But, they still perform pretty well on the bike, and Ive also worn them hiking and to the gym. They arent really my style, but at $99, Backcountrys Slickrock 11in Bike Short is relatively affordable if you dont mind the hiking short look.Backcountry Slickrock DriRelease Tech T-ShirtCheck Price at BackcountrySpecificationsMSRP: $49Material: Cotton-soft DriRelease yarns: recycled polyester and Tencel blendFit: RegularPockets: 2 sideSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLColors: Fog, Oil Blue, Black, Kalamata/Turbulence, Sierra/TurbulenceProsComfortable and softDries very quicklyBreathes wellReasonable priceConsOpen side pockets seem a little oddJeremy BensonThe Slickrock DriRelease tech T is a lightweight short-sleeve bike jersey made from soft, moisture-wicking materials. The DriRelease yarns are made from blends of recycled polyester and TENCEL Lyocell and are made to create both the jersey knit front and shoulder fabric, as well as the jersey knit mesh on the back. Both materials are super-soft with a cotton-like feel, and strategically body-mapped for enhanced airflow and breathability.The DriRelease Tech T has two materials for body-mapped airflow and breathability.The Tech T has a slightly dropped rear hem, along with a drop-in pocket on each side. Backcountry says the shoulder seams have been strategically placed forward on the shoulders to prevent chafing from pack straps. There is a Backcountry Goat logo on the right shoulder, and the mesh back has subtle Backcountry print along with a reflective stripe for visibility. It comes in sizes S to XXL, and five colorways.A more cotton-like material on the front.Im 60, and I have the Slickrock Tech T in large, which fits me well. Ill point out that I also have the long-sleeve version in large, and it fits noticeably longer than the short-sleeve. Ive been wearing it quite a bit and have been very impressed by the softness and comfort of the DriRelease materials. It feels like a cotton T-shirt, yet it wicks moisture and dries faster than most of the other jerseys I have. It has been HOT around here this summer, and this shirt has been outperforming some of my jerseys that cost more than double.It works really well.An airier, mesh-like material on the back.I dont trust the drop-in side pockets, so I havent used them at all. Otherwise, the Slickrock Tech T looks pretty good and is very comfortable. At $49, I think its a killer value for any shirt made from a technical fabric, especially one that wicks and performs as well as DriRelease does.Backcountry Slickrock Lite GloveCheck Price at BackcountrySpecificationsMSRP: $35Weight: 33 grams (size L)Type: LightweightKnuckle Protection: NoTouchscreen Compatibility: YesProsVery lightweightBreathable and quick-dryingFull size nose wipeGreat, comfortable fitWorks great with touchscreenConsMinimal hand protectionLight materials may be more prone to damageJeremy BensonBackcountry sells two full-finger mountain bike gloves, both of which are rebranded Giro models. The Slickrock glove is the Giro DND, a light-midweight option that has been around for years. The Slickrock Lite Glove is the Giro Rivet CS, a true lightweight full-finger glove thats perfect for riding in warm to hot temperatures. It is made with a thin, ventilated Cool Skin microfiber palm with Giros Super Fit three-panel construction. The back of the hand is a super thin, Gradient polyester material that is both stretchy and moisture-wicking. They have a stretch cuff, wrist pull tab, and a soft nose wipe on the thumb.As mentioned, it has been HOT around here, and the Slickrock Lite gloves have become my go-to. I own probably 20 pairs of mountain bike gloves, yet these are the pair Ive been reaching for nearly every ride for the past couple of months. They are incredibly light, and the ventilated palm and back-of-hand materials breathe super well and dry quickly. They are so thin that it almost feels (and works with touchscreens) like Im not wearing gloves, yet they keep a layer of material between my sweaty palms and grips.The large fits me perfectly, just like every other Giro glove Ive worn in the past couple of decades. They slip on easily with a stretch cuff and a snug fit. Theyve got good articulation, and the Super Fit palm construction prevents any material bunching. I also think the grey color I have looks great, with a fairly subtle Backcountry logo above the wrist. With such lightweight materials, they dont offer any knuckle protection and certainly wont last forever, but no mountain bike gloves ever do. Im honestly surprised the Slickrock Lite have become my new favorite gloves, but here we are.Backcountry Liner Bib ShortCheck Price at BackcountrySpecificationsMSRP: $99Materials: 68% nylon, 32% spandex, recycled, bluesign approvedInseam: 7.5"Pockets: NoneSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLColors: BlackProsComfortableSeat pad is surprisingly goodModerate compressionSmooth non-stitched shoulder strapsReasonable priceConsMain body material is a little heavier/warmerNo cargo pocketsJeremy BensonBackcountrys liner bibs are a straightforward pair of padded liner shorts with bib straps to keep them comfortably in place. Unlike many MTB bib liners, these do not have any cargo pockets on the back or thighs to stash tools or snacks. The main body of the bibs is made from a nylon/spandex blend, with a dense mesh on the front of the thighs and mid back. The 1 -inch-wide bib straps are elastic and seamless, and the silicone leg grippers are 1.5 inches wide. Inside, the chamois /seat pad is moderate in both thickness and density.I cant stand pressure on my waist while riding, so Ive been riding in bibs and/or bib liners for as long as I can remember. Im 60 and 165 lbs, and I got these in a size medium. In that size, they fit snugly and feel moderately compressive, with a bit of tension in the straps over the shoulders. Overall, the fit feels pretty precise, and everything, most importantly the seat pad, stays in place while riding.The pad is well-shaped with a medium density that Ive found to be comfortable and supportive while riding. The straps are smooth, and all of the materials feel good against the skin. I havent experienced any chafing or discomfort from seams or anything else. That said, the main body material is a little denser and less breathable than most liner bibs I wear, and Ive found them to run warmer and soak with sweat on hot rides, comparatively. On cooler days, this isnt an issue, and sometimes even a benefit.While some might wish for pockets, I havent missed them I almost always ride with a hydration vest these days. Although they are somewhat basic and run a bit warm, at $99, Backcountrys Liner Bib Short is significantly less expensive than most of the other options out there. Assuming you dont require pockets or ride on the hottest days, they seem like a pretty good value to me.AvailabilityBackcountrys branded MTB apparel is only available directly from Backcountry.com. In addition to the products described above, theyve got a full womens lineup, plus button-down long- and short-sleeve jerseys, mountain bike pants, and more. Head to the website to learn more or pick up some of their reasonably priced gear for summer and fall riding.backcountry.com

Matthew Riccitello completes his collection of Grand Tour participations this July with Tour de France as last to be added to his resum. And the American is definitely enjoying the experience, even though consequences of a crash on third stage have been limiting his performance in the first week. "...

Exemption prompted by cases in suburbs in Dublin, Cork and Westport.Minister for State John Cummins at the Department of Housing is expected to sign the regulations exempting bicycle and bin storage at the front of houses from planning permission, but the exemption would only be for structures up to a maximum of 3.5 square metres and a height of only 1.4 metres.This rules out many standard bicycle sheds and lockers for more than two bicycles that can be accessed individually, as well as structures designed for cargo and adaptive bicycles and trikes. There have been a number of cases across the country which have gained media attention, including the one pictured above in Clontarf, which planners said caused significant visual clutter. It measured 3.84 square metres and was one of the most modest of structures, which was subject to planning enforcement action.In the case of a large shed installed in a driveway in Westport, Co Mayo, for a familys cargo bike, the resident involved said he was told planners cannot do anything about roadworthy trailers. So, he replaced his shed with a trailer, which has a larger visual impact and is less practical. IMAGES: A shed in a driveway in Westport was replaced with a trailer. Images provided by the resident. In another case in Cork, a then An Bord Pleanla planning inspector wrote a 16-page report rejecting the bicycle shed. Freeing up planning officials and providing clear guidance was said to be part of the reason for the exemption. In both the Cork and Westport cases, greening was used as screening to lessen the possible visual impact of the sheds.IMAGE: A bicycle storage unit in Cork, which prompted a 16-page report by the national planning board. Images provided by residents. Sources did not expect that the exemption would extend to sheds as large as the one in the Westport case, but the highly restrictive nature of the regulations rules out the use of more modestly sized products designed to hold cargo bicycles and three or more bicycles with easy access to and the ability to lock each bicycle.IrishCycle.com has seen a draft of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 4) Regulations 2026. For bicycle and bin sheds, it outlines a maximum area of 3.5 square metres, and a height of no more than 1.4 metres.The rules also state that the shed must be set back 0.6 metres from the house to allow space for access and maintenance and/or to maintain daylight access through any adjacent window, and the structure must not reduce the proportion of the front garden retained as open space by more than 50%.This website understands that the restricted measurements in the regulations would mean that most of the sheds subject to planning enforcement, reported by this website and others, which led to the exemption being drafted, would not comply with the exemption.It would also not cover a range of projects designed so that more than one bicycle is accessible and lockable without stacking or locking the bikes to each other, in a way that enables daily use by a family or household. As an example, CycleHoop, a well-known UK manufacturer of bicycle lockers, has a standard Bikehangar product with a width of 2578mm and a depth of 2030mm, which equates to 5.2 square meters. Their cargo bike version is 5.8 square meters, and even the Mini Bikehangar, described as a compact version, measures 1838mm x 2030mm with an area of over 3.7 square metres. Other manufacturers also offer similar-sized products.Under the Bikebunker branding, Dublin City Council is rolling out these structures on streets outside houses without rear access, and in many cases without any front garden or yard. The Bikebunkers are mainly in city centre locations, whereas all reported planning cases relating to bicycle sheds at the front of houses were in more suburban areas with driveways or larger gardens.Other similar products, such as the Dutch-produced Fietslocker, would be of a similar area, and also slightly fall foul of the 1.4 metre height limit.Most square wooden or steel products are designed to hold three or more standard bicycles, with access to each bicycle individually, also break the height limit. These generally come in at 3.7 or more square metres. For example, the two sheds pictured below, sold by the Kildare-based company Coola Living, are between 3.7 and 4.1 square metres. These would also exceed the height allowance by more than 60 cm.This website could only find one such bicycle locker or shed of under that size from Sheds Direct Ireland, but this would still exceed the height allowance. IrishCycle.com asked the Department of Housing how it came to the 3.5 square metre measurement, and if most of the sheds in previous cases would not be covered, does that leave the same issue in place. A spokesperson for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said: A balanced and proportionate approach was adopted in framing the exemptions.This measure is designed to accommodate around 3-4 average-sized regular bicycles or around 2 average-sized cargo bikes, a department spokesperson said. But IrishCycle.com could not find any bicycle sheds designed for cargo bicycles measuring close to 3.5 square metres. The Department added: Larger structures, such as the one set out in the query [sent by this website], may still be accommodated where planning permission is obtained from the relevant planning authority.Dave Tobin, vice chair of the Irish Cycling Campaign, a group that represents most Irish cycling campaigns, has written to the minister to ask for changes before the regulations are signed into law.He said that a larger 5-6 square metres allowance and a modest increase in the height allowance to 1.6 metres would allow for practical storage for cargo bikes and adapted cycles while remaining modest in scale and to accommodate practical storage designs without materially increasing visual impact.Firstly, the Irish Cycling Campaign would like to welcome this proposal. It is a practical and progressive measure that removes an unnecessary barrier to secure cycle storage at home. Making it easier for households to install secure storage is an important step towards supporting everyday cycling, reducing theft and enabling more people to choose cycling as a realistic alternative to car use, he said.Tobin wrote: The principal concern is the proposed maximum footprint of 3.5 square metres. While this may be adequate for one or two conventional bicycles, it is unlikely to accommodate many of the larger cycles that Government policy is actively seeking to encourage.Many people are unfamiliar with adapted cycles. They are not recreational equipment; they are essential mobility aids that enable children and adults with disabilities to travel independently or with assistance. Adapted cycles are often significantly larger than a standard bicycle and, like cargo bikes, require correspondingly larger storage. If suitable domestic storage cannot be provided under these exempted development provisions, disabled people may continue to face additional planning barriers that other households do not, he said. He said: Similarly, family cargo bikes are becoming an increasingly common substitute for a second car. These bicycles are longer and wider by design because they are intended to carry children, shopping or other loads. Commercially available cargo bike storage units already exceed the proposed 3.5 square metres limit despite having a relatively modest visual impact. The regulations, therefore, risk becoming outdated almost immediately as these bicycles become more common.Tobin added: I strongly welcome these regulations and appreciate the work that has gone into bringing them forward. My only concern is that, without some modest changes at this stage, they may unintentionally exclude the very cycle types that Government policy is encouraging people to adopt.The draft regulations also allow for external wall insulation to a house and any necessary works to facilitate its installation.The regulations include that the thickness of external wall insulation must not exceed 150 millimetres on the front, rear or gable walls of the building and that external wall insulation must not encroach on any public road. The regulations add: The external wall insulation and related works shall not materially affect the external appearance of the structure so as to render the appearance inconsistent with the character of the structure and that of neighbouring structures.