The2026 Vuelta a Espaawill be the third and final Grand Tour of the men's calendar and will take place from the 22nd of August to the 13th of September. Starting in Monaco, the World Tour peloton will travel through the eastern and southern half of Spain for a mountain-packed edition. Below, you...

XDS Astana have announced their first major signing of the 2027 season, taking to the transfer market to bring in Anthony Turgis from TotalEnergies on a two-year deal. The experienced Frenchman will ride with the team until the end of the 2028 season, bolstering their spring classics line-up as well...

Good morning and welcome to our liveblog of stage 8 of La Vuelta a Espana. Todays stage begins in Puol and appears to be one of the most straightforward days of the race so far. The route should favour the sprinters, although they will need to climb well to remain in contention for victory. It may...

Rapha has updated its Brevet range, with the latest Women's Cargo Bib Shorts introducing an easy-pee design a feature notably absent from the previous generation and a source of criticism among riders. Given that they are the bib shorts of choice for two-time Transcontinental Race winner Jana Kesenheimer, I was keen to see whether they lived up to their reputation.Kit worthy of TCR winners (Image credit: Rapha)Design detailsRapha says the shorts are constructed from lightweight, durable, high-performance Italian fabrics - a blend of 64% recycled polyamide and 36% elastane - chosen to withstand the demands of regular riding and repeated washing, something of a prerequisite for the best cargo bib shorts.The upper section incorporates Raphas nature-break design, using supple elasticated bib straps. Raphas nature break optimisation uses a simple pull-down system, now a familiar concept among premium cycling brands, allowing the shorts to be lowered without removing layers. The fabrics are engineered to recover their shape afterward, helping to maintain the chamois's correct position and comfort.Rear of shorts (Image credit: Emma Silversides)The chamois has been revised for Version III. Rapha describes it as a dual-density pad featuring an antibacterial topsheet and quick-drying foam layers, designed to maintain comfort and performance over consecutive days in the saddle.Chamois (Image credit: Emma Silversides)Storage is generous, with four compartments built into the design: two identical thigh pockets and two integrated lower-back pockets. One of the rear pockets is zipped, providing a secure place for valuables.Version III features fewer panels, low-profile flatlock stitching and laser-cut hems, all intended to improve comfort and reduce irritation on longer rides.The shorts are available in sizes XXS to XL, with three colour options: Black, Dark Olive and Dark Forest the latter two being muted military-inspired brown and green tones, which are often a favourite choice for gravel bike clothing.PerformanceIve been testing a size medium, as suggested by Raphas size guide. The fit is perfect, therefore, Id advise using its sizing guide. I did find the leg length to be longer than average. If you like short shorts, these might not be the best choice for you. The hot weather weve enjoyed recently has provided perfect conditions to assess fabric and chamois performance; on warm, consecutive days in the saddle, a poorly performing chamois can quickly become a source of discomfort, so its ability to manage moisture and maintain comfort is crucial.Raphas dual-density Endurance Seamless Chamois feels slightly stiffer than many pads Ive tested. That said, it has softened a little after several washes. In use, I found it to be well positioned within the shorts, while the neatly finished edge transitions smoothly into the main body of the garment. Combined with the pads sleek surface, this has delivered comfortable, irritation-free riding over extended periods. While cycling I never sensed a build-up of moisture inside the shorts, indeed the pad is among the quickest drying (post-laundering) that I have comes across.Chamois seam (Image credit: Emma Silversides)The main body of fabric dries remarkably quickly. Indeed, this fabric is wonderfully comfortable against the skin not overly compressive but snug enough not to budge over the course of a long ride. The raw cut edges and subtle grippers look and feel great. Talking aesthetics, I love the understated branding too, though a subjective point to be fair.(Image credit: Emma Silversides)The bib strap material is comparable to that used on Lussos latest Paragon Bib Shorts, feeling robust while still offering the stretch required for the comfort-break system to work. Im less convinced by the cross-strap arrangement, though. It can take a little adjustment to get the straps sitting completely flat when first pulling on the shorts. That is a relatively minor issue - once positioned correctly, the arrangement is extremely comfortable - but my main criticism is that it doesnt offer quite the same freedom of movement as some other pull-down designs, such as those from Lusso and Velocio. This may be partly down to the crossover straps, although the slightly taller rear panel here could also be denying wriggle room. In fairness, when paired with the Brevet Jersey tested alongside it, the higher-back design makes sense, as the jersey itself is shorter than average in the body. Personally, Id want a longer-bodied jersey and a lower cut short to aid easier calls of nature.The storage offered by the Brevet Cargo Shorts is among the most generous Ive encountered. When the bike's carrying capacity is limited, four pockets prove genuinely useful. Cargo shorts have been around long enough for manufacturers to have refined the design of thigh pockets. Maybe its no surprise then that Rapha has struck an excellent balance between capacity, reduced seam stress and security.(Image credit: Emma Silversides)I felt confident carrying my smartphone, complete with a 6.7-inch screen, in the thigh pockets, with no fear of it sliding out. The fabric and attachment points showed no signs of being overly stressed, either. My personal preference is to use thigh pockets for snacks, but a phone provides a useful test of both seam durability and security for weightier items. Theres easily enough room for six regular-sized energy bars in just one single thigh pocket.(Image credit: Emma Silversides)The rear pockets are less spacious, although no less practical. They comfortably accommodate items such as credit cards, a GPS cycling computer (removed from the bike when heading into a shop) and a multi-tool, among other essentials. Theres also an added sense of security for more valuable items (with one of these being zipped). For me, if Im wearing a traditional cycling jersey, rear pockets may compromise on comfort. However, they are undeniably brilliant if you are wearing a more casual top, or use them for storing valuable items when leaving the bike for short periods of time.(Image credit: Emma Silversides)The shorts feature integrated reflective detailing, although I'm not entirely convinced by its placement; positioned beneath the thigh pockets, it's ineffective when those pockets are full. Even empty, I wonder if the mesh pocket fabric (on the black shorts I tested) is partially hindering the reflective elements full potential? (Image credit: Rapha)VALUEFor me, the standout features of Raphas Brevet Cargo Bib Shorts are the chamois, the excellent main-body fabric, and the generous cargo storage. The comfort-break design is undoubtedly useful, but it isn't class-leading in my experience.Among the key rivals, Lusso's 140 /$191 Terra Bib Shorts offer two cargo pockets, though they lack the brand's Paragon comfort-break system. Velocio's Adventure Cargo Bib Shorts (219/ $299) feature the company's FlyFree design alongside three pockets, while 7mesh's MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts appear to be Rapha's closest rival on paper. Like the Brevet, they offer four pockets in similar positions, a dedicated Pull2P comfort-break system and a women's-specific performance chamois with higher-density foam. At 200/ $230 versus Rapha's RRP of 260/ 360, they may also represent better value. That said, I haven't tested the 7mesh shorts, so I can't draw meaningful comparisons on comfort, fit or long-distance performance.Overall, Rapha's Womens Brevet Cargo Bib Shorts impress with their comfort, storage and quality of construction. My only real reservation is the pull-down comfort-break design, which I found offered less freedom of movement than some rival systems. Whether that proves an issue will depend on individual fit, but at this price I'd be tempted to try the 7mesh MK3 before deciding whether Rapha's premium is justified.Tech specsPrice: 260/ 360Chamois style: EnduranceStorage:Four pocketsLeg type:ShortsColours:Black (tested), Dark Olive and Dark ForestSizes:XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL

Feedback unveils the worlds first lightweight and portable air lift bike repair stand, the fastest gravel wheelset on the market, and more from Ridley, Exposure, Quirk, Assos, Shokz

The headlines may rave about Tadej Pogacar's dominance or devastating solo attacks upsetting his general classification rivals, but there's often a whole peloton disappointed after the UAE leader surges to a stage win at a Grand Tour. In fact, often forgotten is the breakaway's heartbreak during Pog...

The 2026 Tour of Britain is upon us as the countdown begins to the September 2nd opening stage. With an exciting startlist brimming with sprint quality and classics specialists, five stages are on the menu from September 2nd to 6th. The first three stages are expected to offer flat bunch sprints for...

Looking back, 2025 was a great year for endurance bikes, with Cannondales Bike of the Year-winning Synapse and its beguiling mix of practicality, aero touches and fast, fun handling setting the standard for endurance bikes to follow.The modern endurance bike needs to keep the smooth ride and comfort that defines the genre, while embracing modern touches such as increased tyre clearance, and of course real aerodynamic development.Our 2026 Endurance Bike of the Year winner, the Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8.0 Di2, achieves this, narrowly beating Ribbles aero-optimised Ultra-Road and Vielos 1x special the R+1 Campagnolo Record in this year's test.From a shortlist of five, I selected these three bikes for our final showdown and, in a very close-fought competition, the Canyons blend of aero chops, smooth ride, practical design and great value for money saw it beat two brilliant rivals for the top spot. Read more on Bike of the Year 2026 Revealed: our Bike of the Year 2026 winners Why the Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 won our gravel category (and overall title) Why the Eddy Merckx 525R won our race category What is Bike of the Year? 2026 Race Bike of the Year shortlist 2026 Endurance Bike of the Year shortlist 2026 Gravel Bike of the Year shortlist The final three in our 2026 Endurance Bike of the Year test. Scott Windsor / ourmedia What we've tested the full 2026 Endurance Bike of the Year shortlist Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8 Di2 review 4,299 / $5,999 / 4,499 Cervlo Caledonia Force AXS (review coming soon) 5,250 / $6,500 / 6,499 Fairlight Strael 4.0 review (custom build) 3,909 / $N/A / N/A Ribble Ultra-Road 105 Di2 Aero review 3,799 / $5,215 / 4,880 Vielo R+1 Campagnolo Record review 7,999 / $N/A / N/A In third place: Vielo R+1 Campagnolo Record The Vielo R+1 certainly looks different from your average endurance bike. Andy Lloyd Vielos commitment to being a 1x drivetrain bike brand is commendable; a decade ago when it started, the British brand had a tough job with often compromised gear considerations.Now, with the advent of 13-speed drivetrain options from SRAM and Campagnolo on our test bike, Vielo has all but proven that 1x for the road is a viable alternative to the traditional 2x setup, especially when it's optimised like this. The R+1 is a quality ride and proves 1x for the road is a great 2x alternative. Andy Lloyd / Ourmedia The Vielo stands out, too, as a very sporty take on endurance riding. With plentiful tyre clearances and wide-range gearing (that features a derailleur with a clutch), the R+1 is a classy endurance bike that can go beyond the road.Vielo deserves extra credit for its buying model. The brand is happy to consult on builds, tune each element to suit your needs, provide fittings or work with your preferred fitter to make sure you get your ideal bike.Only the relatively high price and the small matter of the omission of mudguard/fender eyelets prevented the R+1 from moving up the podium. Forward-thinking Vielo is certainly a brand to watch. Endurance bikes are ideal for rolling terrain such as this. Andy Lloyd / Ourmedia In second place: Ribble Ultra-Road 105 Di2 Aero The Ribble Ultra-Road is a great example of a modern endurance bike. It takes second place in our test. Andy Lloyd Ribble's mix of ambitious designs and grounded prices is a winning formula in my book.The Ultra-Road is the final piece in the puzzle for Ribbles premium performance line that started with the radically aerodynamic Ultra-Aero. It was followed by the all-round race bike the Ultra-Race, and then aero-gravel in the shape of the Ultra-Grit. The Ribble Ultra-Road is a great bike for long rides. Andy Lloyd / Ourmedia Finally, we have the Ultra-Road, Ribble's endurance offering. It manages to blend the aero design of the rest of the range, but with a practical edge that bring generous tyre clearances, mudguard provision, down-tube storage, lots of buyer options on components and a full range of custom colours.This comes at a price few of the big international brands can get close to. If it werent for the Canyons marginally smoother ride and highlights in its specification, Ribble would have a champion on its hands. The wide fork offers bags of tyre clearance. Andy Lloyd Our Endurance Bike of the Year: Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8.0 Di2 The Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8 Di2 is our 2026 Endurance Bike of the Year. Andy Lloyd The latest Endurace is Canyons best yet. It has aero chops that put it very close to the WorldTour-proven Endurace CFR, raced by Mathieu van der Poel, and isn't far from the Canyon Aeroad either.It gains a more relaxed riding position, added comfort from some smart tech details and generous tyre sizing. That's not to mention practical details such as mudguard/fender provision and down-tube storage. This is one of the true greats of the endurance bike genre. Andy Lloyd / Ourmedia If that makes it sound like the sensible choice, this is tempered by the fact that its a seriously fun bike to ride. Fast, comfy and smart value, too the Endurace is a very worthy winner. Andy Lloyd / Ourmedia On the sweeping switchback descents of the Cambrian mountains and ribbon-like roads that traverse the Elan Valley, the Endurace CF SLX was a joy to ride. It provides comfort and efficiency when it comes to the challenging climbs, matched with a relish for speed on descents and a vibration-nulling ride that encourages you to go that bit harder.The Endurace CF SLX personifies the joy of a great road bike. It's equal parts smooth, stable, speedy and satisfying. It deserves its champion's accolade and will go down as one of the true greats of the endurance bike genre.