Brandon McNulty will make his first appearance in the rainbow jersey at the Giro dellEmilia on Saturday, beginning a late-season Italian campaign that could see the new world champion race as many as five more times before closing his 2026 season. McNulty's place in UAE Team Emirates-XRG's Italian...

Cyclists will chase watts almost anywhere. Faster tires, waxed chains, ever-narrower bars, shorter cranks, aero helmets, even aerodynamic socks. If there is a little speed to be found, someone is going after it.Shoes usually get less attention, which is odd considering every watt has to pass through the foot and into the pedal. That makes fit an outsized part of the performance equation. If the foot moves around inside the shoe, or the upper doesnt hold it securely under load, some of that effort is wasted before it reaches the bike. BOA has been intently focused on quantifying (and improving) that connection with the BOA Fit System, and the results are eye-catching. Here are five reasons theyre worth a closer look.1. The Shoe Is Part of the DrivetrainIn cycling, the shoe is one of the bikes main contact points, and it sits at the center of power transfer. The foot pushes into the shoe, the shoe drives the cleat, and the cleat drives the pedal.The BOA Fit System is more than just getting the shoe snug. Most enclosure systems can do that. BOA helps stabilize the foot inside the shoe so the rider can put power down without extra movement in the upper or hot spots.For riders, that means better foot retention, a more stable platform, and cleaner power transfer when the effort gets tough or all out.2. BOA Has Numbers Behind the ClaimBOAs Human Performance Fit Lab points to measurable gains from its fit configurations: 2 watts in time trial conditions; 4 watts while climbing; and up to 22 watts when attacking.The harder and longer the effort, the more that fit matters. In a time trial, a couple of watts over a long effort is enough to get attention. On a climb, keeping the foot stable becomes more important as fatigue sets in. In an attack or sprint, much more force goes through the shoe, and the foot has to stay planted while the rider pushes and pulls through the stroke.That is why the 2-watt, 4-watt, and 22-watt figures are interesting. Riders spend plenty of money chasing smaller gains than that. The 22-watt number grabs the headline, but the more useful point is that better foot retention can keep more of the riders effort going into the pedalinstead of being lost to movement inside the shoe.Equipped with BOA Fit System shoes, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (CanyonSRAM Racing) claims Stage 7 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes atop Mont Ventoux.3. Weve Felt the Difference OurselvesWhen BikeRumor reviewed the Specialized S-Works Recon EVO, the takeaway matched the same performance story the BOA numbers support. In muddy gravel race conditions, the shoe held the foot securely, put power down cleanly, and stayed supportive without feeling overdone. That is the off-road side of the results: rough terrain, uneven cadence, hard accelerations, and plenty of moments when the shoe has to keep the foot stable while the ground does something stupid.With the Specialized S-Works Ares 2, the road-race angle is more direct. We noted the pressure-spreading fit and how the BOA hardware helps settle the upper around the foot instead of loading one narrow section. That matters in high-output road efforts, especially when the rider is sprinting, climbing, or pulling hard through the stroke. Plus, our editors found them surprisingly comfortable, earning them nods as go-to picks.The Canyon TEMPR Road proves that theres more than one brand whose high-performance shoe concept relies on the BOA Fit System. We reviewed the Tempr CFR MTB platform and covered the newer Tempr Road shoe. Canyons TEMPR family has cleanly integrated the same fit-performance thinking into a high-performing on/off-road platform.4. The Same Fit Story Carries Across Road and DirtThe Recon EVO proves the BOA Fit System carries over to gravel and off-road racing. The rider deals with mud, loose surfaces, rough roads, hike-a-bike moments, and hard seated or standing efforts where the foot cant slide around inside the shoe.The S-Works Ares helps apply the wattage gains that add power on pavement. This is the sprint, climb, and high-power shoe. The story is foot hold, pressure distribution, and staying connected when the effort spikes.The Canyon TEMPR Road broadens performance. It confirms BOAs fit demonstration is not locked to one brand or one kind of rider. The same idea applies across different shoe platforms because the foot-shoe-pedal connection is always there.5. Fit Is an Overlooked Place to Find SpeedSimply put: You cant make power without precision. A locked-in fit helps a rider produce power most effectively.Frames, wheels, tires, and drivetrains get most of the watt talk. BOA has now shown that footwear deserves a closer look, not simply because of its ability to adjust, but because fit can affect rider stability and foot retention when power goes through the shoe.In the end, shoe fit is not the flashiest place to look for speed, and it takes more than numbers on a chart to decide what to buy. It is, however, one of the few pieces that touches every pedal stroke. Choosing the right shoe with the right fit will save you watts, because precision creates power.This article is sponsored by BOA.

CyclistBikepacking in Europe: Where to ride, how to pack and how to take it even furtherWhat Dan Burden first described as bikepacking in a 1973 article in National Geographic would nowadays be called cycle-touring: he rode from Alaska to Southern Mexico over a year on a bike equipped with panniers carrying more than 20kg of luggage. The term bikepacking has come to describe a more aerodynamic and lightweight setup, although its widespread use sometimes covers anything from leisurely adventures to ultra-endurance racing.Europe is particularly well suited to all forms of bikepacking adventures thanks to its relatively dense population, temperate climate and many small roads. If youre looking for your next adventure, here are three excellent European destinations to keep on your radar along with some packing tips, plus suggestions for those wanting to take things a step further into ultra-endurance events.Three European destinations for bikepackingIrelands Atlantic CoastEmma KarslakeThe Wild Atlantic Way runs along Irelands western coast from Muff in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. It covers around 2,500km with 26,000m of elevation, providing enough terrain for a trip of several weeks, but individual sections can just as easily form the basis of a shorter bikepacking adventure.The route was originally signposted in 2014 as a tourism route for drivers, taking visitors onto small scenic roads along the Atlantic coast. Riders who prefer to be away from motorised traffic as often as possible might be better off following Eurovelo 1 signs, which lead to nearby cycle paths and greenways.The scenery changes considerably as the route progresses. County Mayos peat bogs and dark green hills have something of the character of Scotland, while further south, the craggy coastline offers a radically different landscape. In fact, I had to look twice at some pictures to differentiate between County Kerry and the South African coast.Getting there is relatively simple. Trains connect Dublin with Derry/Londonderry and Cork, putting riders within reach of the northern and southern ends of the route.There are plenty of B&Bs along the route, as well as campsites. Wild camping is tolerated in some remote areas, and it is often possible to find a friendly landowner willing to let you pitch a tent for the night.Best time of year to go: late spring to early autumn. Avoiding the height of midge season (July and August) is advisable if camping.Andalusia, SpainEmma KarslakeThe Andalusia region has many of the qualities that have made Girona a popular cycling destination, such as good roads and an established cycling culture, while also offering considerably more mountainous terrain.It is not difficult to see why professional riders such as Jonas Vingegaard enjoy the region for winter training. The mild climate allows for substantial mileage during the cooler months, while the near-empty mountain roads provide a great playground for keen climbers.Emma KarslakeFor a bikepacker, Mlaga makes a convenient starting point. From there, riders can head towards Seville, Granada and Crdoba, linking up major historic cities with white villages that pepper the landscape, enjoying breathtaking views and occasional dips in reservoirs on the way.Andalusia has many affordable guesthouses to offer, but few quiet campsites suitable for tents and wild camping is expressly prohibited, so the only option for a night under the stars is to set up a stealth bivvy.Best time of year to go: March to June and late September to December. Summer is best avoided as temperatures can become extremely high, especially inland.The Black Forest, GermanyEmma KarslakeThe Black Forest in southwest Germany is particularly suited to gravel bikepacking. The region has an extensive network of small paved roads and well-maintained forest tracks, allowing riders to construct routes that combine both surfaces without spending much time on major roads.It offers a useful combination of quiet riding, relatively straightforward logistics and enough climbing to make the route interesting.Emma KarslakeFreiburg im Breisgau is an easy starting point for a loop of 800km or more, taking in forest roads, local peaks and towns such as Baden-Baden, where hot springs feed fountains and spill from pipes and gutters.German campsites often charge around 30 a night, even for riders carrying nothing more than a small tent. Forest shelters, known as Schutzhtten, where overnight stays are tolerated, can provide a more scenic alternative. Guesthouses are mostly cyclist-friendly and often cost only a little more than campsites.Best time of year to go: Spring or autumn. Summer often gets uncomfortably warm, and swarms of horseflies can make extended periods in the forest less appealing.How can I pack efficiently without sacrificing the essentials?Emma KarslakeWherever you choose to go bikepacking, you will have to give careful consideration to your packing list. There is no shortage of ready-made packing lists from bikepackers, specialist websites and manufacturers, but ultimately the right setup depends on the rider and will be refined through trial and error.The questions to ask are: what are my non-negotiables for comfort? What temperature variations and rainfall am I expecting? Will I be camping?Here are some guidelines to start putting a list together without carrying superfluous items.Question the necessity of each itemMake a list based on the cyclist version of an overnight bag, then go through it again asking whether you need each item and what would happen if you left it at home.Then, ask yourself how much of each item you need. If you are travelling for a week, you wont go through an entire bar of soap, so cut it in half.Then, do a short test trip over a weekend. If an item comes home without having been used, consider striking off the list. A repair kit and first-aid bag are exceptions to this rule.On the other hand, a rider needs to know their non-negotiables. For example, I am a minimalist bikepacker able to carry a total of 5kg including camping gear, but I always pack at least two pairs of gloves and four pairs of socks wherever I may go because I have poor circulation in my extremities.If there is a particular part of your body, daily routine or sleeping routine that is disproportionately affected in tough environments, it is worth carrying what you need to deal with it.The triple-two rule for compact packingPacking is ultimately a compromise between weight and comfort, especially for those without a big budget. For space-efficient packing, I follow what I call the triple-two rule.First, as far as possible, make sure that no two things share a purpose. If I need something to eat with, I will normally choose either a fork or a spoon rather than carrying both, having found that I usually end up with a favourite implement a couple of days in.Second, make sure that every item serves at least two purposes. A thin scarf can double as a fast-drying towel; a cold-processed bar of soap can be used for personal hygiene and laundry.Third, make sure that containers hold at least two things if they are not full a pair of brake pads just about fits in the little box that contains my spare cleats.A few must-havesHere are a few items you should think twice about leaving behind:An adventure-ready repair kit containing what you would take on a day ride as well as an extra tube, a tiny bottle of lube or drip wax, and some tape or zip-ties. For a longer or more remote trip, consider carrying a couple of spare spokes. Even if you do not know how to fit them yourself, having the correct spokes available means that the first bike shop you reach can fit them without having to order in the right size.A first-aid kit and an emergency blanket for remote, cold or hot trips.Spare shoes. Even trips with very little walking planned warrant a spare pair of shoes to let your feet air out. Sliders are particularly useful because they are light, can be strapped to the outside of a bag and can be worn with socks on chilly evenings.A set of clothes that stays clean and dry no matter what. Camping in the rain is only made more miserable by the prospect of getting into dirty clothes at night. One shirt and a pair of shorts that took a lot of effort to keep smelling nice are sometimes a bikepackers only solace.Some items fall into the nice-to-have category. A Fiber Fix emergency replacement spoke is useful for a temporary repair without having to dismantle a cassette or rotor. I also use a Wippermann Connex chain link, which can be fitted and removed by hand. I regularly remove my chain, go and deep clean it in a sink, and fit it back on, all within a few minutes.Ready for a bigger challenge?James RobertsonAudaxAudaxes are non-competitive events (ie, without a finishers ranking) ranging from 200km to over 1,000km and where participants need to prove their presence at designated checkpoints via an app or in a more traditional way, by asking a local business to stamp a paper card. Up until a few years ago, audaxes were dominated by men over 50.While you may still see the odd 20-year-old aluminium frame featuring strategically placed cardboard and duct tape in an attempt to improve its aerodynamics, audaxes have recently enjoyed a revival with the emergence of ultracycling. Their ranks have been widened by riders of all ages using this informal setting to build the experience required for ultra-endurance events.For riders wanting to take the next step, there is now a broad range of ultra-endurance events in Europe. I asked ultracyclist and ultracycling coach Nathalie Baillon for recommendations. Baillon holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest womens cycling crossing of Europe from Tarifa to the North Cape, and regularly finishes on the podium at ultra-endurance events.Friendly ultrasFor Baillon, Desertus Bikus and B-HARD Ultra Race stood out as good events for first timers.Desertus Bikus (1,300km/13,000m elevation) has checkpoints located on gravel sections across Spain but allows riders to choose their own route between them. This gives the event a strong bikepacking character: route planning, navigation, food, sleep and mechanical decisions all form part of the challenge.B-HARD Ultra Race (1,215km/16,000m elevation) in Bosnia and Herzegovina was designed to promote tourism and so that riders enjoy local sites and hospitality instead of zooming through landscapes to get to the finish line. It has a reputation for good organisation and a friendly atmosphere, while the route provides substantial climbing and varied terrain.The Wild West Country (750km/11,000m elevation) is my personal addition to Baillons list. While the top participants are competitive and the route through Devon and Cornwall is challenging, some less demanding transitional sections and fairly generous cutoffs make it a good event for beginners. Its much tougher big sister, The Perfidious Albion (1,600km/23,000m elevation), is still a niche event so the atmosphere is friendly, yet it seems like a good playing field for record-breaking attempts.Competitive ultrasFor riders looking for even more challenging rides and competitive fields, Baillon points to the Transcontinental Race on road and Badlands on gravel.The Transcontinental Race (about 4,000km/40,000m elevation) has established itself as the holy grail of ultras. It has unforgiving cut-off times, strict rules, and combines extreme distance with self-supported racing, requiring riders to make decisions about routing, sleep, food and equipment while racing across Europe against a large pool of competitive athletes.Badlands (about 800km/16,000m elevation) offers gravel riders a comparable level of commitment on a very different type of terrain, with remote sections and significant elevation through southern Spain.Baillon also points to the Race Across Series of competitive events that offer a wide range of distances and features living bases where participants can stop to rest and receive assistance, otherwise forbidden in ultra-racing.Time to hit the roadBikepacking is not necessarily a route towards ultra-endurance. It can simply be a way of travelling with little luggage and a lot of freedom. For riders who eventually decide they want to race across a country or continent, however, it provides a useful education.The post Bikepacking in Europe: Where to ride, how to pack and how to take it even further appeared first on Cyclist.

Magnus White was 17 years old when he was struck and killed while riding his bike near Boulder, Colorado, in July 2023.He was training for the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. Set to represent the United States in Scotland just days later. White was already a U.S. junior national champion. He was a multi-discipline athlete. White raced cyclocross, mountain bike, and road at the national-team level, with a bright future ahead.Three years later, his family is asking the cycling community for help again.The driver, Yeva Smilianska, was convicted of reckless vehicular homicide in April 2025. She was sentenced that June to four years in Colorado state prison, followed by three years of mandatory parole. The jury found that Smilianska acted recklessly. She drove while severely fatigued, left the roadway, and struck White from behind as he rode on the shoulder of Highway 119.According to Magnus father, Michael White, Smilianska now has a parole hearing scheduled for October 15, 2026. The family and The White Line advocacy group are asking supporters to submit letters to the Colorado State Board of Parole by October 8.(Photo/White Line Foundation)Write In For MagnusFollowing Magnus death, his family created The White Line. A nonprofit focused on road safety, stronger crash investigations, and protections for cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. The organization has since pushed for several pieces of legislation in Magnus name, including Colorados recently enacted Magnus Law.Now the group has created a letter-writing tool to make submitting a statement ahead of the parole hearing easier.(Magnus White and family after a National Championship win. Photo/White Line Foundation)How You Can HelpYou dont need to have known Magnus personally. The family is asking cyclists, runners, pedestrians, drivers, and anyone affected by road safety to explain why the case matters to them.Send Emails Letters can also be sent directly to the Colorado Department of Corrections Victim Service Unit at doc_vsu@state.co.us, using:SMILIANSKA, YEVA DOC #204149Colorados Victim Service Unit has previously used the same email address and DOC number for public statements related to Smilianskas release proceedings.Smilianska was previously denied placement in Boulder County Community Corrections earlier this year. In June, she also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft in a separate case involving duplicated paychecks from a former employer.For Magnus family, that means returning to the case and asking the public to get involved once again.It takes a few minutes to write an email. For those of us who spend a lot of time riding on open roads, Magnus story has always hit especially close to home. He was doing exactly what thousands of us are lucky to do: riding his bike, training, and heading home. This could have been any of us.Act Now Before October 8thSubmit letters by October 8, ahead of the October 15 parole hearing. The White Lines letter-writing tool is linked through the organizations current campaign.

CyclistCastelli updates the Gabba and Perfetto with new Polartec AirCore fabricThe Castelli Gabba has had a makeover, with its fourth generation switching from Gore-Tex Infinium fabric to Polartec AirCore. Now called the Gabba Pro, its joined by the new long sleeved Perfetto 4 and Perfetto Pro in using Polartecs new fabric.Castelli worked with Polartec to develop AirCore, which it claims is not only water-repellent and windproof, but also lightweight, highly breathable and PFAS-free.Launching the new Gabba Pro, Castelli global brand manager, Steve Smith said, Its always an exciting moment introducing a new Gabba into the range as its a jacket that revolutionised the cycling apparel market in the same way AirCore transformed how modern cyclists dress for colder conditions.The Castelli Gabba Pro uses 150gsm AirCore fabric, which Smith says is tuned for riding at higher speeds and intensity. It has a close-to-body fit and short sleeves and is designed to be worn with arm warmers when its cool. As well as the all-black option, theres a Race Edition, which comes complete with pro-style logos on the upper chest.Castelli says that the Gabba Pro weighs 196g in an unspecified size. Its available in mens fit only, in sizes XS to 3XL and is priced at 230 / $320 / 260. For the moment, its only available via Castellis website.Update to the Castelli Perfetto and the new Perfetto ProCastelli launched the Perfetto RoS 3 last year, the first use of this AirCore fabric worldwide.But Smith says that customer feedback on the Perfetto RoS 3 was that they wanted more warmth, so in response the Perfetto 4, designed for everyday riders, uses a more insulated 219gsm version of AirCore. Castelli says the Perfetto 4 is tailored for temperatures between 40C and 120C, with light showers a possibility. The contrasting shoulder taping that was a feature of the older Perfetto and the Gabba RoS is transparent on the new jackets.It has eliminated the venting zips, as it claims that the new jackets breathability is adequate without. Theres an updated tail to fend off road spray and metal drainage holes have returned to the pockets a feature of the original Gabba when it was launched in 2013.The Perfetto 4 is available in mens sizes from XS to 3XL and four colours and womens sizes from XS to XL and three colours. Castelli claims a weight of 286g for the mens and 239g for the womens jacket.Its priced at 280 / $330 / 260.As with the Gabba, the Perfetto 4 Pro uses the original 150gsm AirCore. Its cut differently to the Perfetto 4 too, with a closer, sleeker fit. It is available in mens fit only, sizes XS to 3XL and again in four colours. Its claimed to weigh 226g and is priced at 300 / $350 / 280.All three jackets provide excellent warmth, breathability and protection against intermittent showers but if torrential rain is forecast, wed recommend the Gabba R for complete waterproof coverage, says Smith.The three jackets arent the only Castelli products to use AirCore, with a raft of other jackets launched last year using the product, including the suitably named AirCore One and the Alpha 150, which uses an AirCore outer layer with a Polartec Alpha insulating layer underneath. The fabric also finds its way into the Polare bib tights and even the Estremo 2 shoe covers.AirCore is made from recycled polyester, with a very tight weave to repel water but retain high breathability, so that riders dont get drenched with sweat in place of rain. Polartec claims water vapour permeability of 25,000 g/m/24h and that AirCore will support a hydrostatic head of 5,000mm. Castelli and Sportful have exclusive use of the fabric for cycling garments.The post Castelli updates the Gabba and Perfetto with new Polartec AirCore fabric appeared first on Cyclist.

The cycling community is mourning the death of Damien Girard, who died suddenly at the age of 24. The news was announced late Monday evening by Team Estrel Cte dAzur, the Var-based amateur club with which Girard was racing this season Born in Tours, Girard began racing with UC Vendme before maki...

Bruno Armirail may not have been anywhere near the finish when Brandon McNulty became world champion in Montreal, but the Frenchman had already played one of the most demanding roles in the race. Armirail was given a clear assignment by France: make the race hard from the moment the peloton reached...

The World Championships in Montreal have brought several changes to the UCI teams ranking, with the biggest movements concentrated away from the very top of the classification. UAE Team Emirates - XRG remain comfortably in first place, but Team Jayco AlUla were the major beneficiaries of the points...