The Department of Transport has defended freezing active travel funding at its 2020 level, effectively amounting to a 29% cut over the last six years.Yesterday, campaigners and an opposition spokesperson criticised the unwillingness of the Government to keep active travel in line with inflation.As reported by this website, to keep pace with inflation since October 2020, the 360 million-a-year investment in active travel would need to rise to over 510 million today. This is based on the Society of Chartered Surveyors Irelands construction Tender Price Index, as most active travel funding goes to planning and building walking and cycling infrastructure.A spokesperson for the Department said: The Department of Transport welcomes its Exchequer allocation of over 5.5 billion in Budget 2027 in light of strong competing demands across Government. This significant overall investment in transport allows for the maintenance of the high level of funding for walking and cycling into next year, totalling over 360 million.The continuation of this funding demonstrates the Governments ongoing commitment to the delivery of safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure across the country, supporting healthier communities, reducing transport emissions and providing people with more sustainable travel choices, the spokesperson said, The Department of Transport said it recognises the inflationary pressures faced by all areas of public investment and, as a result, is aiming to ensure that the funding made available is used as effectively as possible. In this regard, it pointed to the National Transport Authoritys Cost Management Guidelines, which it said should be referred to by local authorities to both ensure value for money and to maximise delivery while remaining within budget.It also said: In tandem, all Active Travel projects are subject to robust appraisal, cost control and oversight arrangements.The funding allocated to the Active Travel Programme allows for the continuation of support for a substantial pipeline of projects nationwide, at all stages of development, design and delivery. The benefits of such investment are evident, from health to environment to economic benefits as outlined in a recent report commissioned by the NTA. This report found that every 1 invested in Active Travel generates 4 in benefits for society, the Department spokesperson said. The spokesperson added: The Departments focus remains on sustaining record levels of investment in walking and cycling and continuing the rollout of walking and cycling infrastructure across Ireland, over 1,200km of which has been delivered since the start of the decade.As reported yesterday, Ciarn Ferrie, a founder and spokesperson for I Bike Dublin, a campaign group, said: The Government has once again failed to invest adequately in active travel. The capital funding allocation of 360m for 2027 is exactly the same as it has been every year since 2020.In 2013 the NTA published the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan which promised to expand the cycle network from 500km to 2,800km by 2021. Now, 13 years later, most of that network remains unbuilt as the plan gathers dust, he said.Ferrie added: If the government is really serious about helping people with rising fuel costs, they need to invest in sustainable transport to offer viable alternatives to the private car.READ MORE: Budget 2027: Active travel funding still frozen at 2020 level effectively means its a 29% cut

On the 8th of October, the Italian autumn classics continue with another one of its main races: Gran Piemonte. The hilly race has a history of sprinters, climbers and classics specialists winning in it - and this year it is wide open. Below, you will find the startlist of the race. Download the star...

The cycling market has just produced one of the most surprising stories of recent weeks. Daniel Benson, one of professional cyclings best-connected journalists, raised the possibility on Wednesday, 07.10, that Egan Bernal may be considering retirement. It is unexpected news for a rider who is still...

Tadej Pogacar did more than simply entertain the idea of defending his European title on home roads. UAE Team Emirates - XRG CEO Mauro Gianetti says the Slovenian pushed hard to make an extraordinary comeback little more than a month after the crash that ended his Vuelta a Espana. Pogacar ultimately...

Giant and its sister brand Liv have just announced new builds for their XC mountain bike platforms, the Anthem (Giant) and Pique (Liv). Both models were completely redesigned for the 2026 model year, and they now come in new Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro builds. Additionally, both are being made available in top-of-the-line Advanced SL Special Edition builds. These feature specs normally reserved for World Cup XC racers and include CADEXs brand-new Max XC WheelSystem and exclusive, limited-edition paint jobs.To avoid any potential confusion, well be discussing Giants Anthem and Livs Pique models as if they are the same bikes, because in many ways, they are. But its important to point out that while it is nearly identical to the Anthem, the Liv Pique has been developed with a women-first approach, including input from Liv athletes, and frame sizing and suspension tuning that cater to female riders.The Anthem Advanced SL SEAnthem and Pique Advanced SL SEThe new Advanced SL SE (Special Edition) models build on the World Cup-proven Anthem and Pique platforms introduced last fall with an elite-level component package and exclusive limited-edition paint schemes. These builds go all-in with speed-focused specs, including RockShox Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM XX Transmission, Motive Ultimate brakes, and Giants Contact SLR XC integrated cockpits. If that wasnt enough bling, theyre rolling on CADEXs brand-new Max XC WheelSystem with bonded carbon spokes.The Advanced SL SE models come with CADEXs fancy new Max XC WheelSystem and integrated carbon cockpits.And if that werent enough, the Advanced SL frames with 120mm of FlexPoint Pro rear suspension get some truly eye-catching limited-edition paint. And its not just the frames; the graphics extend to the suspension decals, brake levers, and brake calipers for a full custom look. And each frame has been finished by hand, so theres some natural variation and no two are exactly the same.The Pique Advanced SL SE comes in an exclusive Stella Storm colorway.The Pique Advanced SL SE comes in the exclusive Stella Storm colorway: Electric purple runs through layers, nebula-like effects, and raw splatter textures to create a finish that reflects the energy and intensity of racing.The Anthem Advanced SL SE gets a similar treatment, although its referred to as Stormfire Spirit.The Anthem Advanced SL SE comes in the unique Stormfire Spirit colorway.Key Special Edition HighlightsRockShox SID Flight Attendant suspensionSRAM XX SL Eagle TransmissionQuarq power meterAll-new CADEX Max XC WheelSystemExclusive Stella Storm (Pique) and Stormfire Spirit (Anthem) colors and graphicsCustom RockShox Flight Attendant suspension decalsExclusive detailing on SRAM Motive ULT brake calipers and leversThe top-tier Advanced SL Special Edition bikes retail for a cool 14,000.Advanced SL Special Edition PricingThe Giant Anthem Advanced SL SE and the Pique Advanced SL SE represent the pinnacle of XC performance, and they come at a pinnacle price to match. They are listed at a retail price of 14,000.Anthem and Pique Advanced Pro and X Advanced ProThe Pique Advanced Pro (left) and Pique X Advanced Pro (right) bring XC performance down to a much more accessible price point.The Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro models are built around Giant/Livs Advanced-grade composite frames. These frames aim to provide lightweight XC performance and incorporate the same modeling technologies used for the Advanced SL frames, but with a different grade of composite material to keep the price down.Both frames get 120mm of FlexPoint Pro suspension travel and feature adjustable geometry via a flip chip in the upper shock mount.The Advanced Pro version of the Anthem and Pique (pictured) are still speed-focused, just less expensive.With 120mm of travel front and rear, the Advanced Pro aims to provide the same speed-focused cross-country performance as the Advanced SL at a more accessible price point. Its aimed at riders who prioritize speed, efficiency, and responsive handling. The X Advanced Pro builds on that same responsive, efficient platform, but bumps up to a 130 mm travel fork to add a bit more trail capability and confidence on rougher, steeper, or more technical terrain.The X Advanced Pro models get more fork travel for more aggressive riding, plus in-frame storage.With the longer-travel fork and more trail-oriented use case, the head tube angle of the X Advanced Pro model is about 0.5 slacker than its XC-oriented Advanced Pro counterpart. In the high geometry setting, the Advanced Pros head tube angle is 67 while the X Advanced Pro is at 66.5. Also speaking to that trail-oriented, adventurous use case, the X Advanced Pro frames also include in-frame storage for tools, tubes, snacks, and more for self-sufficiency on longer rides.Crest SuspensionThe Crest FloTrac XC shock on the Pique Advanced Pro.The Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro both rely on Giant/Livs own Crest suspension components. This includes the Crest FloTrac XC rear shock, which has been custom-tuned around the FlexPoint Pro suspension platforms suspension kinematics. It includes Triple Flow Path technology, which manages damping across different shaft speeds to balance pedaling efficiency, small-bump sensitivity and support over larger or repeated impacts.The 130mm Crest XC Comp fork on the Pique X Advanced Pro.The Pro models use the Crest XC Comp fork: 120 mm on the Advanced Pro and 130 mm on the X Advanced Pro. The Crest XC Comp uses a twin-air spring system and XC-tuned damper to combine initial sensitivity, traction, and controlled support under power. These in-house suspension components also help to keep the price of the Advanced Pro models more accessible.SpecsIntegrated alloy cockpits on the Advanced Pro models.Beyond the aforementioned difference in fork travel, the Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro models share almost identical component specifications. Another difference worth mentioning is that the Advanced Pro comes with a remote lockout for the rear shock, while the X Advanced Pro has a three-position switch. In that same vein, the Advanced Pro comes with speed-oriented Maxxis Rekon Race tires front and rear, while the X Advanced Pro switches to a Rekon in front to add a bit more grip. Otherwise, the specs are the same.The Praxis Cadet cranks and 12-speed mechanical Deore drivetrain on the Anthem X Advanced Pro.Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro Spec HighlightsAdvanced-grade composite frame, 120mm FlexPoint Pro suspensionCrest XC Comp Fork: 120mm Advanced Pro, 130mm X Advanced ProCrest FloTrac XC shock: 120mmShimano Deore M6200 mechanical 12-speed drivetrainPraxis Cadet cranksTektro Orion HD-M6041 hydraulic disc brakesGiant XCA 2 WheelSystemGiant Contact SL XC integrated handlebar stemGiant Contact Switch AT DropperThe Anthem and Pique Advanced Pro models bring XC performance to a more accessible price point.Advanced Pro PricingWith Advanced-grade composite frames, in-house Crest suspension components, and budget-friendly builds, the Advanced Pro models land at the other end of the price spectrum compared to the Advanced SL SE described above. They retail for 3,900.AvailabilityThe availability of the Giants new Anthem and Livs new Pique Advanced Pro and SL SE models varies by region. Head to the Giant or Liv websites to check availability in your region, complete build specs, and geometry details.giant-bicycles.comliv-cycling.com

UPDATED October 7, 2026 BY Guest Author IN South American Epic no comments A Football Pitch And A Church What We Really Need To LiveBenjamin Levin is the Content Creator on the 2026 South American Epic.I have not showered for three days. Admittedly I have gone longer, but usually when I am at one of the few places I call home I shower a little more consistently. Nonetheless, here I am in Salinas de Garcia Mendoza, the self proclaimed Quinoa capital of Bolivia, smelling my feet as I write this blog. The last two days we have spent in Ardamarca and Santuario de Quillacas. Heard of them? I had not either until we camped there. Picture a town, 50 km away from any other town. It might have paved roads, it might not. It might have a hotel, it probably does not. It might have a shop, it probably does actually have a shop. But you know what it definitely does have? It has a football pitch and a church. 50 km away from the middle of nowhere in Bolivia, the small town you are picturing has a football pitch and a church.So, what do you really need to live? I do not really need to shower every day. You come to learn, or remember, that sort of thing when you travel like this. On a cross-continental cycling expedition, your idea of what is essential and what is not, starts to change.And over the course of these trips, your opinion on what you need changes. That 4 kg of skincare products you have hidden in your permanent bag becomes a four-in-one shampoo-conditioner-bodywash-facial cleanser Those 4 pairs of rest-day jeans become an overseas express package back to Europe that will arrive after you get home in 2 months. On these trips you are stripped down to the bones of who you are and what you need. And in facing the reality of this, you find that you really do not need so much.Today riding into Salinas we saw some dogs on the road that looked keen to chase some riders and snap at some ankles. We stopped and Cristiano and our Bolivian local support Ana-Marie walked over to chat with their owner to see if she would mind locking them up for a while in order to let our cyclists pass unaccosted. She lived in a stone house. There was no running water, no electricity. When we first saw her, she was walking with a few litres of water from a well 200 metres from her house. She lives by herself with no form of transportation, 10 km from the closest town. None of us can imagine living like that. She does. She lives this way every day. It makes me reflect on what I need.Now I sit in that town, 10 km away from this woman tending her llamas and dogs. And you know what they have in this town? They have a football pitch and a church. And you know what I am hoping to have later? A shower, maybe.RELATEDTOURSouth American Epic This challenging expedition offers you the best opportunity to explore the vastness and diversity of South America by bike. In keeping with the TDA... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "A Football Pitch And A Church What We Really Need To Live" Cancel reply