Maxxis all-new Minion DHX gives a new tougher downhill racing tread design and an all-new DH construction to the tire family that defined gravity for decades. With even more supportive shoulders than an Assegai, and more aggressive blocky center tread than a DHR, the new DHX promises more grip and control for high-speed gravity riding in dry and hardpack conditions. Now, pair that with a New DH casing that offers more structure and improved protection, and you get a wider range of tire pressures to play with to get the most out of the new grip across all conditions!Maxxis Minion DHX, all-new dry conditions gravity MTB tire(Photo by Joao Reis/Maxxis)While the Maxxis Minion dominated gravity riding and being the most reliable enduro & downhill bike spec for more than twenty years, its been years since it saw a real shakeup. Its been almost a decade since the DHR got its II update, or when Greg Minnaars signature Assegai finally added a totally new tread to the family. But Maxxis hadnt just been resting on their laurels, although there have been plenty of those, too Maxxis still counted 60 wins & almost a hundred more podium spots in DH & Enduro last season.Instead, theyve been building this all-new, front or rear, Minion DHX to take those proven Minions to the next level, delivering extra support and more confidence for the high speeds and hard surfaces tackled by todays gravity racers.All-new DHX tread(All other photos/Cory Benson)The most obvious shift is to bigger, blockier tread lugs across the board. Bigger knobs simply offer increased support, especially when loaded hard in high-speed corners. But they also offer more supportive edges for more precise braking and boosted stopping power, again shining most at high speeds.By lining up tighter-spaced tread blocks down the center, Maxxis says the new tread will roll faster over hardpack, helping maintain speed over rough, dry terrain, and also through packed berms. Then when pushed hard in more off-camber turns, the larger shoulder lugs that extend further down the sidewall keep the tire stable and bite hard for grip. Also, the new L-shaped center lugs promise a smoother transition onto the shoulder lugs as you push into a corner.While it was clearly developed to meet the needs of the high speeds pro downhillers attain on dry World Cup tracks, Maxxis also says it is their fastest tire for carrying speed in hardpack bikepark-style terrain, making it a solid choice for amateur gravity riders, too.New DH casingA lot of the new-found gravity performance from the all-new Minion DHX also comes from a completely reworked DH casing construction. Dubbed simply New DH, its core upgrades are a new more rigid butyl protection insert at the bead to combat pinch flats, wider casing overlap under the full width of the tread, and a new secret sidewall protection material tat makes the tires much harder to cut on exposed rocks in corners. Maxxis claims more than 20% improvements in cornering support, sidewall puncture resistance, tread puncture resistance, and pinch flat protection all at essentially the same weight as the previous DH construction.Why choose the new tread and new casing?My key takeaway from speaking with Maxxis race support team is that the new DHX is the new best tread for bikepark days or DH racing on dry tracks. As for the New DH casing, it is simply better on all counts. Perfect for racing where the added cut protection now means both less chance of missing out with a flat in no-longer-protected quallies, but also more security for pushing the rougher lines on race day. Plus, for us regular riders, that same protection means less having to worry about an unplanned ending to your bikepark day due to an unexpected flat. And the added bead and sidewall structure gives the tire more support, letting you toy with tire pressure even more to dial in the perfect grip, without losing support in the turns.Riding the Minion DHX (Photo by Joao Reis/Maxxis)Coming straight off an Assegai/Minion DHR II setup, I first got to try the Maxxis Minion DHX with New DH casing on the Leogang tracks just ahead of the World Cup earlier this season. The DH track itself was already closed for racing, so I spent my time riding the World Cup Enduro tracks before they were closed, plus a few wetter trails, too.Clearly, in the hardpack and loose over hard terrain, the all-new DHX tread did exactly what it promised fast rolling, stable grip in high-speed corners & berms, and reliable braking. with the New DH casing(Photo by Joao Reis/Maxxis)But also thanks to the ability to run the New DH casing at even lower pressures I went down as low as 22psi I was still able to maintain control in wetter, slightly muddy conditions. (I will say, I also tried a super slick, rooty trail in the rain just to see, and the DHX was quickly out of its element.)cuts & scrapes, but no flats thanks to New DH reinforcementAfter a few days riding some really rough tracks, with sharp rocks riding in berms and plenty of high-speed rock gardens, I was most impressed to see scratches and small cuts in some other riders tires, but no flats or even air loss. What clearly would have been a sidewall cut in a less robust tire, here was simply taken in stride by the New DH casing.Ive since ridden these new tires in a few other Czech & Polish bikeparks, and they continue to impress on dry or mostly dry tracks. And Ive had no issues in almost 2 months since I stuck these tires on my park wheels (with the new MaxxSeal sealant inside). Not even the small cuts or scrapes I noticed on a couple other journalists tires.If you are looking for a tough bikepark tire for your DH or enduro bikes, or a dry conditions DH race tire, you couldnt go wrong with some new Minion DHXes in the New DH construction.DHX & New DH Options & AvailabilityThe new Minion DHX will first be available in a New DH + 3C MaxxGrip for riding & racing downhill, starting in August in both 27.5 and 29 sizes. Then, from October youll be able to get more DHX options, including New DH or EXO+ casing, and either New MaxxTerra or a 29er-only (front?) EXO+ and MaxxGrip combo. By the end of the year, there will be DHXes in Double Down casings, as well.The New DH casing is a running update to Maxxis previous downhill casing, so from August youll start to find it on their core DH race ready tires all with 3C MaxxGrip rubber. That will include the new DHX in 2.5 widths for either 27.5 or 29 wheels. It will also include:Assegai 292.5 onlyMinion DHR II in 27.5 or 29 x both 2.4 & 2.5HighRoller in 2.4 for 27.5 or 29Notably absent, the DHF wont get the new casing. That tread wont go away for less reinforced constructions (at least not right away). But they figure anyone looking for a DH-level tire would prefer an Assegai, HighRoller, or new Minion DHX up front instead. Maxxis did say that more New DH options will come later in the years, also including some long-wearing New MaxxTerra rubber.New DH collection: Assegai, Minion DHX & Minion DHF (l-r; plus HighRoller, not shown)Pricing-wise, the new tread doesnt cost more than the others in its family. And the New DH should be about the same as the old. So we expect pricing to be about the same as they start to roll out of bikeshops next month.(Photo by Joao Reis/Maxxis)Maxxis.com

Paul Seixas began 2026 as one of the most exciting young riders in French cycling. Before the season is over, one of his biggest victories will already have been turned into a permanent part of Decathlon CMA CGM Team sports director Julien Jurdies personal history. Jurdie plans to add a tattoo this...

The spectator was treated by Tour medical staff after appearing to be hit in the leg just before turn 6 on the iconic climb

The last day in the Alps and a ferocious stage with hardly a metre of flat road.If you want to watch it live, note the early finish.Pacman: a group of 42 riders were away with Lidl-Trek pulling for Mads Pedersen whod made the move and managed to get over the big Col du Noyer. Among the group was Lenny Martinez, 7th overall at the start of the day. Valentin Paret-Peintre won the sprint on the climb to take a virtual lead in the mountains competition.Several riders from EF, Ineos, Visma towed the breakaway as fast as they could for their climbers which was a boost for Martinez. Having worked to pull the move clear for Pedersen, once past the intermediate point Lidl-Trek, Pedersen included, dropped back to pull the yellow jersey group to contain Martinez.The breakaway started Alpe dHuez with about three and half minutes on yellow jersey group and soon Martinez, Richard Carapaz and Sep Kuss left the others behind. Only they quickly started to attack each other, notably Carapaz who was frustrated by Martinez who was either baggage or bluffing. It was a bluff, and Carapaz made five moves, increasingly frustrated as he could not get away. At one point through the village of Huez the trio stopped pedalling as they looked at each other.Meanwhile Pogaar had set off solo, it was like watching an Australian-style handicap race where the best rider has to set off minutes behind the rest. In yellow, he was gobbling up riders from the breakaway like Pacman. Extrapolating his time gain per kilometre suggested the breakaway would be caught but you didnt need mental arithmetic to work this out as the lead trio marked each other and buried their chances.In the finish Carapaz and Martinez were able to latch onto Pogaar but he kicked one last time before the finishing straight and cracked Carapaz. Martinez was on the wheel of the Ecuadorian again and he probably took a pleasure in not moving and thereby ensuring Martinez could not win. Another stage for Pogaar. Easy to bank, to take for granted, to read as inevitable but this time with the Alpe record too.Among the GC contenders Remco Evenepoel came in two and half minutes down, taking 12 seconds on Isaac del Toro and 16 on Mattias Skjelmose and Paul Seixas. The relative loser was Juan Ayuso who lost almost four minutes to his GC rivals, slipping two places on GC. Martinez is up to fifth now and his Bahraini team management swept away all talk of a loss thanks to this overall gain.In the mountains competition Richard Carapaz leads by one point over Tadej Pogaar and seven points over Valentin Paret-Peintre. Carapaz has 91 points and theres the possibility to win 70 points on Stage 20 so all to race for. Pedersen now has 52 points lead on Jasper Philipsen, not arithmetically secure but much more comfortable now.One sour note was Einer Rubio leaving the race after the UAE team car slammed on the brakes going up Alpe dHuez, seemingly when a spectator was in front of the vehicle and the Colombian crashed into the back, sustaining heavy facial injuries and, unable to continue, needing 20 stitches. The upper part of the Col de Sarenne for the next stage is due to be closed to the crowds.The Route: 170km and 5,450m of vertical gain, a huge day in the mountains. The profiles speak for themselves.The Finish: the Col de Sarenne is a backroad that leads to Alpe dHuez and very different from the famous main climb. Its irregular along the way with an early descent and a flat section through Clavans. The upper part in black on the profile has a series of hairpins that come in quick succession.From the top theres still 14.4km to go, first across a plateau-like section thats awkward as anyone dropped before can flounder by themselves here.Once in Alpe dHuez theres a descent out of the ski resort and then the route picks up the final part of the traditional climb with 3.5km to go, some last ramps before crossing the resort to the same finish line as the previous stage.The Contenders: Tadej Pogaar (UAE) has his Alpe dHuez stage now, does he want another? Speaking after Stage 19 he hinted at this but also said he wants to help Isaac del Toro secure the white jersey and the podium.Richard Carapaz (EF) has been on the rampage two days in a row which makes a third time hard especially given all the efforts hes been making but by virtue of being in the polka-dot jersey hes got to be among the movers from the start.Valetin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-Quickstep) sat up on Stage 19. Did he fade from the efforts of pushing a big gear, or was it a case of reculer pour mieux sauter knowing how many points are on offer in this stage? Lenny Martinez (Bahrain) was almost carried to the foot of Alpe dHuez on a Sedan chair but stuffed up the finish. However his time gains have propelled him up the GC and so if he moves both Lidl-Trek and Decathlon-CMA CGM will want to chase. Still he is moving well.Sepp Kuss (Visma-LAB) gets even more climbing to suit and no GC menace.Netcompany-Ineos can still try, is Thymen Arensman the best bet or did Egan Bernal sit up yesterday to save energy. Both are climbing well but how to win against others look livelier.Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) is 9th on GC and at 21 minutes and he could take eight minutes and not worry Lidl-Trek or Decathlon but hes just been struggling on the climbs in recent days.Kuss, CarapazPogaar, VP-P, MartinezPidcock, Arensman, Bernal, Del ToroWeather: sunshine at times and 27C in the valleys but with clouds building and a good chance of rain at times.TV: KM0 is at 11.30am and the finish is forecast for 4.10pm CEST. The start of the Tlgraphe comes around 1.40pm and the top of the Galibier will be around 3.00pm and the Sarenne begins around 3.35pm.The post Tour de France Stage 20 Preview first appeared on The Inner Ring.

Mads Pedersen's quest of winning points classification does not get any easier in the final week ofthe 2026 Tour de France, however the Dane is doing everything in his ability to complete his mission. During stage 19, Pedersen once again jumped up the road alongside his teammates in search of point...

A councillor and chair of a Local Community Safety Partnership has said that there is a need for Garda to make a clear distinction between lawful pedal-assisted bicycles and illegal motorised vehicles.Cllr Marie Casserly, chair of the Local Community Safety Partnership in Sligo, has written to Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly about the issue.Cllr Casserly pointed out that lawful pedal-assisted cycles, otherwise known as Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs), are being confused with devices that often look the same and have pedals, but are classed as illegal motorised vehicles.The Department of Transport makes it clear that the phrase e-bike refers to legal electric bicycles, and this term is then also explained on citizensinformation.ie. But Garda have repeatedly used the term e-bike to refer to devices that have pedals but are too overpowered or run on throttles, so are classed as illegal mopeds or motorcycles.Because these devices are legally viewed as mopeds or motorcycles, they require registration, tax, and insurance, and their users must be licensed and wear a motorcycle helmet. Cllr Casserly mainly referred to how the Garda communicate the difference between the two, but the confusion between the devices also causes enforcement issues.For example, in the UK, the BBC reported this week on how West Midlands Police incorrectly confiscated and destroyed a legal 6,000 electric cargo bicycle, and wrongly issued the cyclist with a fixed penalty notice for the offence of riding without insurance.The bicycle was rented through a scheme funded by the city council but was crushed after police officers administered a flawed test on it. After the BBC covered the issue, the police force later apologised for their actions, said the charges would be dropped, and said the owner would be compensated. Garda communications In her letter, Cllr Casserly said: Given the increasing public discussion around this issue, I believe that adopting precise terminology will assist both An Garda Sochna and the wider public in understanding the distinction between lawful pedal-assisted cycles and illegal motorised vehicles, she said.Cllr Casserly said: I am writing to highlight the urgent need for greater clarity in the terminology used when referring to electrically powered bicycles and motorised two-wheeled vehicles. The current use of the term e-bike to describe all electrically powered bicycles risks creating confusion for the public, policymakers and those responsible for enforcement.It is important that a clear distinction is made between Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs), which comply with European and Irish regulations, and motorised electric bicycles or motorcycles that are capable of operating without pedalling, exceed the permitted power or speed limits, or have been illegally modified, she said.She said that pedal-assisted cycles are a legitimate and increasingly important form of sustainable transport that provide valuable mobility for commuters, older people, and those with reduced fitness, while encouraging active travel and helping to reduce traffic congestion.Explaining the differences, she said: Under the applicable regulations, assistance is limited to a maximum speed of 25km/h and is only provided while the rider is actively pedalling. By contrast, many of the vehicles giving rise to public concern are, in effect, electric motorcycles. They are often capable of travelling at significantly higher speeds without pedalling, meaning that they fall outside the legal definition of what is a legal electric bicycle.Referring to the illegal devices, she said: These vehicles present a much greater risk to both riders and other road users and should rightly remain the focus of Garda enforcement.She added: I respectfully suggest that Garda communications, operational guidance and any future legislative proposals consistently distinguish between compliant EPACs and illegally modified or throttle-operated motorised vehicles. Such clarity would support proportionate enforcement, improve public understanding, and ensure that legitimate users of EPACs are not unfairly associated with vehicles that operate outside the law.IMAGE: A mix of different types of bicycles and other devices on Capel Street in Dublin.

Sometimes, inspiration hits you when you least expect it. That seems to be the case for Kali Helmets Founder & Lead Engineer, Brad Waldron. For the latest Kali helmet, Waldron drew inspiration from his kids hockey helmets over 10 years ago. Looking at the titanium face masks, Waldron thought, Why dont we build a full-face bike helmet like that? Now that light weight full-face helmets have become the norm, it seems like the perfect time for the Kali Kru a helmet thats part MTB, part hockey (or looks that way, at least). The Kru features a 360 integrated titanium chin bar a construction approach the company claims is a first in the category. Rather than attaching a chin bar as a post-mold component via mechanical fasteners, Kali engineered a continuous titanium structure incorporated directly into the molding process. This required precise titanium tolerances to maintain structural integrity without relying on joints, resulting in a chin bar geometry the company describes as geometrically unobtrusive.Perhaps most impressively, the Kru meets ASTM F1952 downhill certification alongside CPSC and EN 1078 standards. True to form, Kali reports conducting additional internal multi-directional impact testing beyond mandated certification protocols (basically just repeatedly smashing the chin bar in the same place). The helmets construction incorporates Composite Fusion shell technology and an ERT (Energy Return Technology) low-density liner layer, targeting both impact and rotation mitigation and keeping the weight down. Finished weights are just 650g (S/M) and 680g (L/XL), very competitive figures for a certified downhill full-face helmet.Fit is addressed through Kalis Frequency Fit System with supplemental pad sets for size customization, available across two shell sizes: S/M and L/XL. Colorways at launch are limited to Solid Black and Solid White. The Krus UK market introduction is being handled through Oxford Products, with the product debuted at Ard Rock.The Kru will begin shipping on August 3rd, and will sell for $460. I can say that we really want to try this out the concept is sound, and Kali has made great helmets in the past. The real question is probably whether the off-the-wall looks of the Kru will keep riders from adopting the design.360 Titanium Chin BarA continuous titanium structure integrated into the helmet for exceptional strength, ventilation, and protection.ERT Low Density LayerAbsorbs low-g and rotational impact energies.Composite Fusion Fused shell and EPS construction for a stronger, more durable helmet.Certification ASTM F1952, CPSC, EN1078Kali Kool Draft Pads All-day comfort that stays cool and dryThree Sets Pads Lock in your perfect fitAdjustable, Moto-Style Visor Shields sun and debris, boosts visibilityFidlock Magnetic, pinch-free buckle for easy on/offHelmet Sock + Premium Helmet BagSizes XS-M (55-61CM) / L-XXL (60-63CM)Weight: 650g (XS-M) / 680g (L-XXL)

Lenny Martinez was one of the heroes of Friday's Tour de France stage 19. The young Frenchman finally cast aside conservativeness and joined the day's breakaway eyeing move up in the general classification and, who knows, perhaps a stage win. The Bahrain - Victorious leader entered the stage as seve...

Watch Tour de France 2026 Stage 20 live streams from anywhere in the world as Tadej Pogaar closes in on a record-equalling fifth yellow jersey on the penultimate day of the race.The UAE Team Emirates XG rider produced a sensational performance on Stage 19 up Alpe d'Huez, as he reeled in the leading group before pulling away to smash Marco Pantani's 1995 record ascent of the legendary climb by more than a minute. Pogaar now leads closest challenger Remco Evenepoel by more than seven minutes as the peloton prepares for the second of two consecutive summit finishes up Alpe d'Huez today (albeit via a different route).Tour de France: Need to KnowToday: Stage 20 Le Bourg D'Oisans to Alpe d'HuezFree Streams: SBS (Australia), France TV (France), RAI (Italy) RTBF (Belgium), RTVE (Spain), NOS (Netherlands)Watch Anywhere: Unlock your free stream with NordVPN (75% off)The end of the race is in sight, but Stage 20 doesn't get any easier, with three Hors Catgorie climbs and the Category 1 Col du Tlgraphe (an 11.9km climb at an average gradient of 7.1%) thrown in for good measure. The HC ascents begin with the Col de la Croix de Fer (24km at 5.2%), followed by the Col du Tlgraphe, before the peloton tackles the legendary Col du Galibier (17.7km at 6.9%) and the Col de Sarenne (12.8km at 7.3%). Behind Pogaar and Evenepoel, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG) and French hope Paul Seixas (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) are battling it out for the third step on the podium, while Richard Carapaz leads the King of the Mountains standings. Lidl-Trek's Mads Pedersen holds a commanding lead in the points classification.Below, Cycling Weekly has gathered all the key information on broadcasters and live streams so you can watch Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2026 wherever you are.Quick guide to watching Stage 20UK: TNT Sports /HBO Max (30.99/mon)US: Peacock ($10.99/mon)Canada: Flobikes ($49.99/mon)Australia: SBS (Free)Free live streams: SBS (Australia), France TV (France), RAI (Italy) RTBF (Belgium), RTVE (Spain), NOS (Netherlands)Anywhere: Watch your local stream from anywhere with NordVPNCan I watch Tour de France 2026 Stage 20 for free?Fans in Australia, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands can watch Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2026 for free.In Australia, the race is being shown on TV and online by SBS, the country's public service broadcaster. Streaming is available at SBS On Demand, with linear viewing available on SBS Viceland.In France itself, live coverage of the Tour de France is on host broadcaster France Tlvisions, with the action on France 2 or France 3 and online via France.TV.You can also watch for free in Italy through RAI Play online, in Belgium on RTL and VRT, in Spain on RTVE, and in the Netherlands on NOS.Coverage is geo-restricted, so if you're not in any of these countries right now, and these channels are your usual port of call, you'll need a VPN to get your usual coverage while abroad more on that below.How to watch Tour de France 2026 Stage 20 while abroadMost streaming platforms have geo-restrictions these days, which means they only work in certain countries. But being locked out of the races is a thing of the past thanks to a VPN.A Virtual Private Network is a piece of internet security software that can alter your device's location, so you can unblock your usual streaming services, even when you're abroad. Unlock your Tour de France stream with NordVPNWith super fast connections, multi-device support and able to unlock any platform, NordVPN is our favourite for streaming. 30-day money back guarantee 3 months extra free 75% offGet NordVPN today and unlock your streaming service from anywhere in the world.View Deal Should I use a VPN to watch cycling? Explaining the benefits, costs, considerations, and best VPNs for streaming the racesHow to watch Tour de France 2026 Stage 20 in the UKStage 20 is being shown live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max in the UK.Live streaming is available on HBO Max, with linear viewing on TNT Sports. Plans start at 25.99 per month, with rolling subscriptions available at 30.99.However, if you just want to watch highlights, these will be on free-to-air Channel 5 at 7pm this evening.Also, if you don't mind watching in Welsh, stage 20 is being shown on Welsh-language channel S4C.How to watch Tour de France 2026 Stage 20 in the US and CanadaFor US viewers, this year's coverage of the Tour de France is on NBC and Peacock.Both outlets come from the same NBCUniversal stable, with NBC available on many cable packages and Peacock which is showing stage 20 live on a pay per month basis. It'll cost you $10.99/month.In Canada, Flobikes is in charge of broadcasting stage 20. Subscriptions cost CA$49.99 a month, with big savings for long-term plans. The Flobikes TV app is available on Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and Apple TV, as well as on iOS and Android.How to watch Tour de France 2026 Stage 20 in AustraliaIn Australia, you can watch Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2026 for free via SBS On Demand.All you will need is an account with a valid Australian postcode (e.g. 2002).Stage 20 start and finish timesStageDateStartFinishDistanceTerrainStart timeEst. finish timeStage 2025 July Le Bourg d'oisainsAlpe d'Huez171kmMountain10:30am BST / 5:30am EST3:29pm BST / 10:29am ESTTour de France 2026 - General ClassificationPosRiderTeamTime1Tadej PogaarUAE Team Emirates-XRG67h 53' 00"2Remco EvenepoelRed Bull-BORA-hansgrohe+7:113Isaac del ToroUAE Team Emirates-XRG+9:424Paul SeixasDecathlon-CMA CGM+10:065Lenny MartinezBahrain Victorious+13:006Mattias SkjelmoseLidl-Trek+13:097Juan AyusoLidl-Trek+15:588Richard CarapazEF Education-EasyPost+21:159Tom PidcockPinarello Q36.5+21:3010Jordan JegatTotalEnergies+23:21We 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.