Specialized has filled out the Tarmac SL9 family, and the most interesting addition is the new Tarmac SL9 S-Level. It sits directly under S-Works and replaces the old Pro level in Specializeds road lineup. Same race-bike shape, same aero work, same top-tier drivetrain options, but a slightly heavier carbon frame and a parts kit that trims the price before it gets fully silly.When the Tarmac SL9 first arrived, it was S-Works only. That meant FACT 12r carbon, Roval Rapide CLX III wheels, CeramicSpeed bearings, the S-Works Power with Mirror saddleyou get the idea. It was all the top-of-the-line kit for the top-of-the-line offering. That is still the halo version, and Specialized lists the S-Works SL9 frame at 687g, with complete builds starting at 6.5kg. We reviewed it here, and loved it. (All Photo/Specialized)Tarmac S-Level SL9The new S-Level version keeps the core SL9 performance story but uses a different carbon recipe. Instead of the S-Works FACT 12r frame and fork, the S-Level gets a FACT 10r frame with a FACT 12r fork. Specialized says FACT 10r has the same aero profile, stiffness, and compliance as FACT 12r, just with a little more weight. Whats the difference? The real difference between S-Works and S-Level is a touch more weight and ride quality, if you can feel it. S-Works is the lightest frame, lightest finishing package, CeramicSpeed bits, CLX wheels, and every top-shelf touch Specialized can throw at it. S-Level is the same SL9 platform for riders who still want RED or Dura-Ace, a one-piece Rapide cockpit, and a properly race-ready build but dont need every last gram shaved from the bike.S-Level Still Gets the Fast StuffThe S-Level is not a dressed-up mid-tier frame with a fancy name. Specialized lists the Tarmac SL9 S-Level with an 822g FACT 10r frame, Roval Rapide CL III wheels, Roval Rapide integrated cockpit, and a claimed complete weight of 7.1kg. The Shimano version gets Dura-Ace Di2, while the SRAM build gets RED AXS; no mid-tier builds.The S-Level also keeps the SL9 aero features: the narrower Speed Sniffer head tube, Win Fin at the rear, dropped downtube, and Flow Fork. Not up to date on the Specialized vernacular? WellSpecialized says the Speed Sniffer is 4mm narrower, with a 10 percent reduction in frontal area, while the twisted-blade Flow Fork smooths airflow and reduces drag.Where S-Level Gives Up GroundThe S-Level saves money by stepping down around the edges, not by gutting the build. The wheels are Roval Rapide CL III, not the S-Works Rapide CLX III wheels. The saddle is a Power Pro Mirror, not the S-Works Power with Mirror. The S-Level also uses the S-Works Tarmac SL8 carbon seatpost, while the S-Works SL9 gets the newer tapered S-Works Rapide Post. Both S-Level builds still get dual-sided power meters. The SRAM RED AXS version uses SRAMs integrated power meter, while the Dura-Ace Di2 build gets a 4iiii Precision Pro dual-sided meter on the Shimano crank.So, no, S-Level is not cheap. But it is meaningfully less painful than S-Works. So you can save around $4,000 if you dont need the S-Works logo and the CLX wheels, but its a choice that only a few can actually afford. Plus, $10,000 for a bike is still wild, but not as wild as it can be, apparently.Specialized S-Level Tarmac SL9 PricingS-Level SRAM RED AXS build: $10,500 S-Level Shimano Dura-Ace build: $9,999.99S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS build: $14,000 Expert and Comp Join the SL9 PartySpecialized also added more normal-person SL9 builds, at least by modern race-bike pricing standards.The Tarmac SL9 Expert uses the same FACT 10r carbon platform, but gets a two-piece alloy bar and stem, Roval C38 carbon wheels, and the S-Works Tarmac SL8 seatpost. It comes with either SRAM Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2, with no power meter included. Cyclingnews lists the claimed weight at 7.55kg for a size 56, with pricing at $7,000 for the Force AXS version.The Tarmac SL9 Comp also uses FACT 10r carbon, but drops to DT Swiss R470 alloy rims on Specialized hubs. Drivetrain choices are SRAM Rival AXS or Shimano 105 Di2. Claimed weights are 8.14kg for Rival AXS and 8.21kg for 105 Di2, both in a size 56. Pricing is listed at $4,500.What S-Level Really MeansS-Level first showed up on the Crux, and now it makes even more sense on the Tarmac. The old Pro name always needed some explaining. S-Level is clearer: not S-Works, but closer to it than Expert.For racers buying their own bikes, that matters. The S-Works SL9 is still the lightest, cleanest, most expensive version. It gets the FACT 12r frame, CLX wheels, CeramicSpeed bearings, and the full halo build. S-Level gives up some weight and a few top-shelf parts, but keeps the race shape, the top groupset, the aero cockpit, carbon race wheels, and a power meter. S-Works is the dream build, but the S-Level is more of the real racers reality. specialized.com

The Mountain Bike World Championships begin this week in Val di Sole, Italy, taking place from August 26 to August 30, 2026.Twenty-one events take place across five days with five disciplines featured from Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Cross-Country Relay (XCR), Cross-Country Short Track (XCC), E-Mountain Bike (E-MTB) and Downhill (DHI).Mountain Bike World Championships 2026: Need to KnowFree Streams: UCI YouTube (select countries) / VRT, RTBF (Belgium) / RaiPlay (Italy) / L'Equipe (France)Watch Anywhere: Unlock your free stream with NordVPN (75% off)The biggest attraction is undoubtedly the arrival of cross-format stars such as Tom Pidcock and Mathieu van der Poel. Van der Poel will be particularly keen to win the XCO, with the MTB rainbow jersey still absent from his palmars. Alan Hatherly, Charlie Aldridge and Adrien Boichis will also be among the main contenders, making for a seriously strong men's field. The downhill will also be a huge feature thanks to Val di Sole's infamous Black Snake. Vali Hll goes after a fifth consecutive elite women's world title, but she faces the likes of Gracey Hemstreet, as well as Myriam Nicole, who beat Hll to the world title on this track in 2021. Lisa Baumann, Sacha Earnest and Marine Cabirou will also be worth watching. The men's downhill promises just as much as well, with defending champion Jackson Goldstone looking to retain his title on a course where he has an outstanding record. Jordan Williams, Finn Iles, Amaury Pierron and Loc Bruni will all have something to say about that, though, making it another race that could go right down to the final run.Below, Cycling Weekly has put together all the key information on broadcasters and live streams so you can watch the Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 wherever you are. Quick guide to watching the Mountain Bike World Championships 2026UK: TNT Sports /HBO Max (30.99/mon)US: FloBikes ($39.99/mon)Canada: FloBikes ($49.99/mon)Australia: Stan Sport ($29.99/mon)Free Stream: UCI YouTube (select countries) / VRT, RTBF (Belgium) / RaiPlay (Italy) / L'Equipe (France)Anywhere: Watch your local stream from anywhere with NordVPNCan I watch the Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 for free?The Mountain Bike World Championships are free to watch this week in select countries without a broadcaster on the UCI YouTube Channel. This includes territories such as New Zealand.As well as this you will find free streams in European countries on VRT and RTBF in Belgium, RaiPlay in Italy and L'Equipe in France.Coverage is geo-restricted, so if you're not in any of these countries right now then you'll need a VPN more on that below.How to watch Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 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 MTB World Championships 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 DealWant to know more? We have an explainer on the benefits, costs, and considerations of using a VPN... Should I use a VPN to watch cycling?How to watch Mountain Bike World Championships in the UKIn the UK, the Mountain Bike World Championships will be shown on TNT Sports which is available to live stream via HBO Max. Check the schedule here.The will also be available online and on mobile devices on HBO Max with a package price of 25.99 a month for a year's term.How to watch Mountain Bike World Championships in the US and CanadaFor North American viewers, you will need FloBikes to stream the Mountain Bike World Championships.In the US, FloBikes costs $39.99 a month. In Canada, a FloBikes subscription cost CA$49.99 a month, with big savings for long-term plans. How to watch Mountain Bike World Championships in AustraliaIn Australia, Stan Sport will be showing the Mountain Bike World Championships.Prices for Stan start at A$9.99/month with the Sport add-on a further A$20/month. Read More: How to watch cycling for free in 2026Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 - ScheduleWednesday, 26 August9am Womens Elite E-MTB Cross-Country10.30am Mens Elite E-MTB Cross-Country4pm Mixed Team RelayThursday, August 278.30am Womens Junior Cross-Country Olympic10am Mens Junior Cross-Country Olympic2.30pm Womens U23 Cross-Country Short Track3.30pm Mens U23 Cross-Country Short Track4.45pm Womens Elite Cross-Country Short Track5.30pm Mens Elite Cross-Country Short TrackFriday, August 289:30am Womens Junior Downhill qualificationFollowed by Mens Junior Downhill qualification2.30pm Womens Elite Downhill qualificationFollowed by Mens Elite Downhill qualificationSaturday, August 298.15am Womens Junior Downhill9am Mens Junior Downhill12.20pm Womens Elite Downhill2pm Mens Elite DownhillSunday, August 308am Womens U23 Cross-Country Olympic10am Mens U23 Cross-Country Olympic12pm Womens Elite Cross-Country Olympic2.15pm Mens Elite Cross-Country OlympicWe 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.

Without a dedicated leader for general classification but not lacking in ambition and grit; that's one way to characterize Visma | Lease a Bike's start to the 2026 Vuelta a Espana. In the race's first mountain test, Sepp Kuss rose to the top and on home roads in Andorra crossed finish line in fifth...

Ivn Romeo finished stage four of the Vuelta a Espaa 2026 in a large group that reached the line several minutes after Tadej Pogaar. The Movistar Team rider endured a brutal day on Andorran roads, set from the start by a blistering pace and a race that barely allowed any room for breakaways. The g...

The Vuelta a Espaa continues to explore new ways to connect with a younger audience, further removed from traditional cycling. The presence of content creators has become one of the races bets to broaden its reach on social media, although the strategy has been overshadowed in recent days by the c...