Enric Mas enjoyed a special day at Movistar's headquarters in Madrid, where he celebrated his 2026 Vuelta a Espaa victory with company employees. The event offered a chance to look back on a career shaped by hard work, perseverance and the ability to overcome setbacks. It also gave Mas the opportun...

The Sidi Aeron shoes are the latest high-end off-road race option in the Sidi lineup, featuring the new, updated Millennium fit system that widens the toe box and straightens the last for a better fit on most feet. It still keeps some of the modular look Sidi has used for the past few decades, but it's more refined with the new Nuun 001C dials and a sleeker silhouette. Sidis famous heel adjustment system remains, but new materials such as the no-stretch Firmor X are designed to offer enhanced stiffness alongside the improved fit. Combine that with a carbon-fibre sole and high levels of breathability, and this is a shoe designed to excel in fast-paced, high-intensity off-road scenarios. To find out how good a gravel shoe this is, Ive racked up over 1,000km off-road from forest trails to canal towpaths, to really put them through their paces.The White/Black colourway paired with orange dials looks smartFuture - Andy TurnerThose dials are far better than the previous versionFuture - Andy TurnerHowever, quite as easy to use as BoaFuture - Andy TurnerDifferent fitting positions for the retention anchor on the insideFuture - Andy TurnerFirmor straps aid system stiffnessFuture - Andy TurnerRear ankle retention for added fit optionsFuture - Andy TurnerDesign details The Sidi Aeron shoes are a high-end gravel race shoe built upon a carbon-fibre sole with Sidis own Firmor X material, which is designed to provide support through its lack of stretch, similar to Dyneema. The shoe features a conventional tongue design, but the retention cable runs through the upper section. The retention dials are the new Nuun 001C dials from Sidi, now used across the entire range of its higher-end shoes. Three standard colours are available, with this white option, black, and an orange and black version. A lilac-and-fluoro-yellow special edition is also available for a slight price increase. Size-wise, the Sidi Aeron has a fairly expansive 36-48 size range with half sizes all the way up to 46.5. Design-wise, the shoe still features some of that more modular look Sidi used to have with the Ergo, Wire, and Shot range. However, fewer parts are now removable or replaceable, though the rear heel adjustment system is, and the stud treads on the sole can be, too.The tread are sturdy with spikes able to be fitted if requiredFuture - Andy TurnerCarbon sole is not overly exposed to protect it from scratches Future - Andy TurnerSpecifications The biggest change to Sidi shoes over the last two years is the introduction of the Millennium fit. This replaces the old long, narrow last with a slightly curved last that previous Sidi shoes featured, widens the toe box, straightens the last, and moves the cleat mounting plate further back on the shoe. This follows the design trend of nearly every major cycling shoe manufacturer over the last few years, with Sidi among the last to adopt it. With this shift in design methodology, the brand has also undergone a drastic design change. Previously, Sidi shoes featured many removable and replaceable parts, whereas now these have been trimmed down to reduce weight across the ranges. Customizable elements remain, with the upper retention fitment having three attachment points, while the ankle retention system remains but has been significantly slimmed down. The dials have been completely overhauled to the same Nuun 001C used on the Sidi Shot 3 shoes, which are now lighter and also sturdy, hence their use by Nasa apparently. These dials tighten by turning clockwise, rather than towards the exterior of each shoe individually, while a push-to-release system loosens them. These shoes feature two dials for upper and lower foot adjustments. Inside a fairly basic insole is provided which is lightweight but rather flat without any arch support. Externally, the shoe features a mesh-like structure for greater breathability, but the Firmor X fabric running through it prevents the panels from stretching. Combined with the stiff carbon fibre sole, the shoes are designed to offer the highest level of stiffness in Sidis off-road range. The external tread and removable toe studs provide security when walking over muddy terrain.Insoles are a tad basicFuture - Andy TurnerA bag is a nice inclusion for a shoe this priceFuture - Andy TurnerPerformance Wearing the Sidi Aeron shoes, the Millennium last is a huge improvement over the previous one. I had this with the Sidi Shot 3 as well, but I personally prefer the Aeron's retention system, with the dials on the side of the foot rather than on the tongue. However, you need to adjust the tongue into the correct position; otherwise, the internal wire mounting point can put uncomfortable pressure on the inside of your foot. In terms of toe-box room, however, it was fantastic, better than Shimano Wide-Fit and on par with Nimbl, Quoc, and Q36.5.The most impressive thing I have found about these shoes is their overall stiffness. The soles are incredibly stiff and transfer power well. I used these shoes with the WolfTooth DEL pedals, and the tread on the Aeron was the correct height to make use of the high contact patch on the pedals. When stamping down on them, the power transfer was direct, which I can attest to with various Strava KOMs gained across testing loops.On top of that, the Firmor X upper strands do a great job supporting the upper structure, so there is limited material flex across the top of the shoe. This was a slight issue with the Shot 3, but still far better than the Shot 2S. The biggest improvement is the dials, which clamp down on the foot fantastically without needing to over-tighten them. The tabs are easy to operate, even off-road with jarring ride surfaces. I also appreciate being able to flick them up or down, and I hope they'll last longer than other dial options. One issue, however, is that turning clockwise to tighten the right shoe is fine; on the left shoe, it feels counterintuitive. Most dials, such as Boa, rotate externally to tighten. There is also no micro-adjustment for loosening, instead a push to release system. This is, however, great for getting your foot in and out of the shoe easily, as the opening is large.I did, however, find the ankle adjustment somewhat superfluous for me. I have a narrow ankle/heel, and the Specialized S-Works 6, with its notoriously narrow heel, fit me perfectly. With the Sidi Aeron, I didnt need the adjustment, which, to be fair, is a testament to the retention system. I also thought the insole was a bit cheap. Im in two minds here, as Nimbl also offers a very basic insole, and I think if you spend over 300 on a shoe, custom insoles will offer a bigger performance gain. But then Shimano and QUOC offer brilliant customisable insoles at the point of purchase with adjustable arch support. Specialized meanwhile offers different insoles, but no option to choose at the point of purchase, annoyingly. I also have to say these shoes are heavier than I'd like for a high-end gravel race shoe. 407g for a size 45 is not bad, especially with the tread required on the outsole, but the Fizik Ferox 2 are 342g in the same size, while the Nimbl Urano are an insane 248g. When racing, accelerating, and riding at higher cadences, a 150g difference at the point of rotation is noticeable. For more casual riding, it isnt, but then these are race shoes. However, the Sidi Aeron is more durable than the Urano shoes, which I would personally save only for race days.Quite a shift from previous Sidi design methodology, but I like themFuture - Andy TurnerThe tread works well with modern gravel race pedals such as the WolfTooth DELFuture - Andy TurnerValue At 349, the Sidi Aeron is a premium gravel shoe. Thats to be expected with the carbon-fibre sole and other high-performance features. This is far cheaper than the Nimbl Urano (550) and the Specialized S-Works Recon Evo (399.99). However, the Fizik Ferox 2 are cheaper at 319.99, while the Specialized S-Works Recon SL are also 350 and claimed to be a fair bit lighter. From testing, I can confirm the Fizik Ferox 2 are a bit more comfortable, although the total system stiffness might lean toward the Sidi Aeron. However, the S-Works Recon SL are similar at that level and a fair bit lighter. I personally prefer their fit too, but the varus wedge works well for my foot; it wont for everyone. Honestly, system weight is the main deterrent from a gravel-race perspective. Those races have a strong bunch-racing element, where accelerations count, and they also tend to have a lot of elevation gain for the distance in UK events such as Gralloch and Graean. Where the Sidi Aeron have really impressed me is the comfort over longer durations and when doing more Fastest Known Time style rides where the pace is more consistent. Although stiff, they don't lack comfort, which can be difficult with gravel shoes, in my experience. I'd personally opt for something like the Sidi Dominator X, which has a carbon sole, a similar retention setup, the same last, and costs 226.Tech specPrice: 349 / 399 / $569.99Sole: CarbonSizes: 38-48 (half sizes 38.5-46.6)Weight: 407g per shoe (size 45)Retention: Dual dialsColours: Three (plus Coffee Grinder special edition)Cleat mounting: Two-boltScoring notesDesign and aesthetics 9/10I personally prefer the sleeker less modular design of these over previous Sidi shoes, while the colour palette is a good mix and impressively easy to clean mud off of.Fit 9/10The new Millennium fit is a huge improvement over previous Sidi fits. Its accommodating but not so big as to leave excess wiggle room. The heel adjustment works well but wasnt really needed for me personally. Insoles are a bit basic though.Performance 10/10When it comes to power transfer these shoes are excellent, perhaps not as locked in as the Nimbl Urano, but brilliant by comparison to most competitors. A more reward cleat fitting allows a better power generating fit personally as well.Weight 6/10This is where the shoes struggle a bit, as they are heavy compared to other similar specification gravel race shoes. Its not just a small weight penalty either, its a significant one that is perceivable in race efforts.Value 7/10These are expensive shoes and unfortunately do not offer the greatest value with the higher weight. There are similar performing shoes for less, or slightly less stiff shoes for a significant reduction in price.Total42/50

Euskaltel Euskadi has put the finishing touch on its season with a prestigious victory in Panama. Gotzon Martn won the Vuelta Clsica Provincia de Chiriqu (2.2) after defending his lead on the second and final stage. The result allows the Basque team to end the campaign with a major sporting goal...

Photos by Adrien Catel, Alexe Root, Jeremy Rubier, and Laurence Blanger Known for other outdoor pastimes, we thought it was high time the Laurentians got on the map for their []The post La Grande Boreale appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

While many races have a low-key reveal of their route on their website or drip-feed it piecemeal in press releases as and when stages are inked in, the Tour de France does it differently.The biggest show in town as far as the cycling world is concerned unveils its routes for the following summer in a glitzy show in its Paris home.ASO, the organiser, invites the great and the good of the cycling world to Palais des Congrs (Paris Convention Centre) to see the route now routes, since the 2022 addition of the womens race, the Tour de France Femmes that race directors Christian Prudhomme and Marion Rousse have cooked up. The room is filled to see where the Tour goes next. A.S.O./Maxime Delobel This route presentation often feels like cycling out of context, with pro riders almost exclusively seen at races decked out in Lycra, helmet and sunglasses pitching up in Paris in their finery. Prudhomme and Rousse in conversation on stage. A.S.O./Etienne Coudret They will be quizzed on their initial thoughts about the announcement and will rarely offer up anything more than platitudes such as it looking like a tough route and it being a big fight for the yellow jersey. Prizes to those who can put names to the faces of these four out-of-context pro cyclists. A.S.O./Maxime Delobel The elephant in the room of all this show is that the route 'reveal' is often anything but.Firstly, the Grand Depart, which typically covers the opening three stages of the route, has already long since been officially revealed.For 2027, the Tour de France makes a much-anticipated return to Great Britain, after the phenomenally successful Yorkshire start of 2014. Valentin Paret-Peintre offers his thoughts on the 2026 route last year. A.S.O./Maxime Delobel Unofficially, the route has already been at least partially sometimes completely pieced together. The Tour de France is, of course, the biggest show of the cycling season and reporters, bloggers and fans don't sit around idly waiting for the route to be delivered on a plate.Local news may be struggling everywhere, but one thing it remains effective for is in revealing murmurings of local Tour de France hosting duties.These individual stories add up up to something greater than the sum of their parts and one man more responsible than most for building this jigsaw is Thomas Vergouwen of velowire.com, who has been on the Tour de France route beat for the past couple of decades.He uses a combination of open-source journalism, sifting through local French media, whove already announced that the Tour will be starting or finishing in X town, and more crafty enquiries to hotels to establish whether the behemoth of the Tour de France has block-booked them out for a particular day in July.Sometimes, his stitched-together route is indistinguishable from the real thing; while precise stage details are missing, the starts, finishes and rough shape of the route around France are often in place.2027 routes: what we know and what we think we know This week (Thursday at 10am UK time to be precise) the routes for the 2027 races will be shared by Prudhomme and Rousse.What we know for certain is that this is the first time that both mens and womens races have started in the same country, outside France, in the same year and will provide a spectacular six days of top-tier racing for British cycling fans in July and August.The mens race begins in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July with a 184km stage that crosses the border with England and finishes in Carlisle.Its followed up with a stage 2 that covers a huge amount of ground (223km), from Keswick through the hilly Lake District and Forest of Bowland before a flat finish in Liverpool. The Trough of Bowland is a regular fixture of British bike racing, included in the Milk Race, Tours of Britain and, shown here, the 1996 Tour of Lancashire. Graham Watson/Getty Images Stage 3, completing the trio of Great British nations, takes place entirely in Wales (Welshpool to Cardiff) and matches the distance of stage 2 (with more climbing thrown in for good measure).The nine-day womens race opens in Leeds on 30 July with an 85.7km stage that crosses the Yorkshire-Lancashire border into Manchester.Its followed up with arguably the hardest route across either Grand Depart and its smorgasbord of Peak District climbs between Manchester and Sheffield (154.4km). The Grand Depart finale is in London, where an 18km team time trial ends as in the Olympics road races in front of Buckingham Palace on The Mall.Thats where the officially unveiled stages end and the rumours begin. Given its long history, this happens far more extensively for the men's race than the women's.Rumours on Velowire include a return into France from Britain with a stage in Cherbourg (after a Monday rest day), Alpine summit finishes on Grand Colombier and Les Saisies, and Col de Portet at the end of the race in the Pyrenees.Elsewhere among the French press, there have been rumours since scotched but nobody knows for sure that the Montmartre climb of the final stage in Paris has been axed. Given its impact on the past couple of editions, that would be a mistake, on a sporting level at least. Col de Portet is a new Pyrenees climb that was introduced in 2018. Getty Images None of this is confirmed, but we don't have long to wait to find out for sure. The presentation can be viewed this Thursday from 10am UK time across the world on ASO's website, in the UK on HBO Max and TNT Sports, and across Europe on Eurosport.