Who do you think is the best in the world right now? The winner of our 2026 International Rider of the Year award will be decided by you, the Cycling Weekly reader. Simply click the name of the rider you want to see crowned in our poll below. Six riders have made the shortlist, all of whom have had exceptional seasons, even by their own, very high standards. Demi Vollering and Tadej Pogaar dominated, but this award isn't simply about the number of wins a rider chalked up. Other riders stepped up to the top of the sport in 2026, riding at a level they hadn't reached before. Not just winning, but recording a season of results that saw them progress to a higher standardIf you need reminding of what these riders achieved, simply scroll down to read a short summary of their season, and why we selected them. Voting closes on 15 November, and the results will be revealed in the 3 December edition of Cycling Weekly Demi VolleringDespite being the de-facto race favourite every time she pinned on a number, Demi Vollering still had two major events missing from her palmares. The first of which, the Giro d'Italia was firmly in her sights even before the season started; the date change meant the Dutchwoman was confident in targeting that and the Tour de France. The second was the World Championships road race. Both were ticked off in a year where she proved almost unbeatable. Even if she didn't dominate every race she was in, she won with an assuredness that is befitting of her status in the peloton. Her list of wins this season is nothing short of exceptionalMajor results: Giro d'Italia, Tour de France Femmes, World Championship road race, Tour of Flanders, Fleche Wallonne Femmes, Lige-Bastogne-Lige Femmes, European Championships road raceUCI ranking: 1(Image credit: Getty Images)Remco EvenepoelThe Belgian's move to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe set the wheels in motion for his best season yet. Second place at the Tour de France, along with a TT and summit finish stage win, made up for last year's disappointment, but what really impresses is his consistency. Third places at Flanders and Lige sandwiched his Amstel Gold win and more victories came after the Tour. It says alot that his 'worst' one-day result was 12. Unfortunately that was at the World Championships where he started as the favourite. Major results: World Championships ITT, Amstel Gold Race, Tour of Valencia, European Championships road race, Tour de France 2nd, UCI ranking: 2Tadej PogaarA fifth Tour de France win meant the Slovenian joined the Tour greats this year, while the rest of his results have everyone saying what we've long thought, that he is already the greatest of all time. Of all the races he started this year, he 'failed' to win two. At Paris-Roubaix he was beaten in a sprint by Wout van Aert and at the Vuelta he was taken out by a rock in the road. On every other day, he was unbeatable.Major results: Tour de France, Tour de Suisse, Tour de Romandie, Lige-Bastogne-Lige, Tour of Flanders, Milan - San Remo, Strade BiancheUCI ranking: 1(Image credit: Getty Images)Marlen ReusserThe Swiss rider's record in time trialling this year was almost 100%. The one that got away being a mountain TT at the Giro, where she was second to Anna van der Breggen. Her performances against the clock landed her world and European titles and a GC win at the Tour de Suisse. 14th at the Tour de France doesn't tell the whole story; she spent three days in yellow, only falling off the podium on the final stageMajor results: World Championship individual time trial, European Championship individual time trial, Tour de Suisse, Dwars door VlaanderenUCI ranking: 8Paul SeixasFew riders have made as big an impact in their first full year as a pro rider as Frenchman Paul Seixas did. The 19-year-old won on his second day of racing, then again on his sixth, eighth and ninth. He also finished his season with a win, the biggest one of the year, at Il Lombardia. On his Tour de France debut, he placed fourth amid all the hype as the country has a rider who almost seems destined to end their win drought.Major results: Il Lombardia, Flche Wallone, Itzulia Basque Country, Faun-Ardche Classic, 2nd Strade Bianche, 2nd Lige-Bastogne-LigeUCI ranking: 3(Image credit: Getty Images)Lorena WiebesNo rider finished the season with as many '1s' against their name as sprinter Lorena Wiebes. SD Worx Protime's leader won 25 times this season. 30 if you include points classifications which she topped in five of the six stage races she started this year. The Tour of Poland didn't have a points classification, but it's a moot point as she won all three stages and the GC. Top sprinters, male or female, are expected to win, but this year's win count was on another level. Major results: In Flanders Fields, Tour of Poland, Copenhagen Sprint, Tour de France Femmes x2 stages and green jersey, Tour of Britain Women x4 stages, Tour of Chongming IslandUCI ranking: 5

After the Tour de France, the route of the 2027 Giro d'Italia has been revealed. In May of 2027, the Corsa Rosa returns to the roads of Italy, with a Grande Partenza in the border city of Trieste. The race will feature summit finishes at Monte Zoncolan and Madonna di Campiglio; whilst the likes of t...

The organisers of the Giro dItalia have a problem. No, not how to get the violin soloist off the stage at their 2027 route presentation on Tuesday, although that was interminable, but a problem of identity.It is nothing new that the Italian Grand Tour sits in the shadow of the Tour de France, the Tour is the Tour, after all, but in this age of cycling superstars, it has become all the more important for RCS to tempt them to race in May. The Giro has done well at this in recent years, with Tadej Pogaar dominant in 2024, and Jonas Vingegaard similarly better than everyone else in the season just gone. It has meant a slightly softened race, an end to a hellish final week perhaps in order to support a rider who might tackle both the Giro and the Tour in quick succession . This is not an easy Giro however, with seven summit finishes and over 50,000m of elevation in three weeks. But it is one that could allow a double attempt. There are two individual time trials totalling 56.9km, one hilly, one very flat, perhaps an attempt to woo Remco Evenepoel, although there are also two at the Tour, and that will probably take priority for the Belgian. Pogaar has all but ruled himself out of the Giro as he chases an unprecedented sixth Tour win, and while not much is known of Vingegaard and Evenepoels plans for next year yet Well, the Tours the Tour. Hypothetically, then, if this starry trio was absent, it creates an interestingly open race. Like in 2025, when Simon Yates won, there could be a crowd of potential challengers for pink. Paul Seixas has hinted he could head to Italy next year; there would certainly be less pressure for the French golden child there. Isaac del Toro has unfinished business at the Giro, and needs his teammate Pogaar to be absent to launch a proper challenge at a Grand Tour title. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe could bring Giulio Pellizzari or Florian Lipowitz, or both, while Lidl-Trek have riches of GC riders to spread across the calendar, so Mattias Skjelmose or Juan Ayuso, or both again, could ride. Why not throw in Vuelta a Espaa champion Enric Mas too?Assuming one of these doesnt dominate, which Seixas or Del Toro have the potential to do, then a very open race is appealing, and could create a better narrative than an edition with one single standout rider. Maybe there is no need to chase the biggest names. I will not miss the typical brutal final week. While the endless sawtooth profiles might create excitement when the route is announced, they are so often stultifying in reality, with riders measuring their efforts across the week, rather than going all out on any one stage.The 2027 Giro route is pleasingly balanced, with opportunities for all types of riders. The sprinters might feel a little short-changed with difficulties thrown into the easier days, but a bit of chaos will enliven them. This piece is part of The Leadout, the offering of newsletters from Cycling Weekly and Cyclingnews. To get this in your inbox, subscribe here.If you want to get in touch with Adam, email adam.becket@futurenet.com.

Jonas Vingegaard could be tempted to defend his Giro d'Italia title in 2027 after the unveiling of a mountainous route that Eurosport commentator Jeroen Vanbelleghem believes suits the Dane considerably better than the Tour de France. With eight uphill finishes, including a climbing time trial, and...

Pro-level winter jacket or Halloween costume? The Q36.5 Vampire Hooded promises to keep out the cold and wet without leaving you stewing in your own sweat on the climbs. A close race fit, carefully considered temperature regulation and an integrated balaclava are meant to do the trick. How much warmth can such thin fabric provide? Does 450 buy you performance, or just a nasty bite out of your budget?Q36.5 Vampire Hooded Jacket | 320 g in size XS | 450 | Manufacturers WebsiteA winter jacket called Vampire? Its namesakes arent exactly known for their body heat. Q36.5, on the other hand, are obsessed with it: the brand name refers to an ideal body temperature of 36.5C and their stated aim of regulating and maintaining it through technical clothing. The Vampire Hooded jacket brings together high-end fabrics, a cut tailored to the demands of the pros and a dedicated base layer system. Its an intriguing approach for hard winter training and the shoulder seasons. Whether it works becomes clear when a sweaty climb gives way to an icy descent.The Key Facts About the Q36.5 Vampire Hooded Q36.5 Vampire Hooded Key Facts Key Facts Category: performance winter road cycling jacket Price: 450 Weight: 320 g in size XS (measured) Claimed weight: 292 g in size M (more on this below) Recommended temperature range: 010C, according to the manufacturer Membrane waterproof rating: 10,000 mm, according to the manufacturer Fit: close, anatomical race fit Packability: compact for a winter jacket, though fitting it in a jersey pocket can be a squeeze According to Q36.5, the Vampire Hooded was developed specifically for their own professional team and is made in Italy. That sets the brief: a close fit, minimal excess fabric and a construction designed for hard efforts. The brand recommend it for temperatures from 0 to 10C. How warm you actually feel inside will also depend on your layers, pace and how easily you feel the cold.Weather protection comes from a specially developed membrane, designed to keep rain out while letting sweat escape, with a claimed 10,000 mm waterproof rating and seams fully taped on the outside. For warmth, lightweight Air Insulation mesh fleece lines the front of the torso and arms. The back and inner arms stay unlined to let heat escape when youre working hard.The high, close-fitting collar protects your neck and gives the Vampire its name. Theres also an integrated, seamless balaclava that doubles as a neck warmer. Three rear pockets, reflective details and a two-way zip round out the features. If your usual Q36.5 size already feels snug, the brand suggest considering a size up.Whether its the collar that looks scary or this racers pose, well leave you to decideAn extensive base layer system lets you fine-tune the jackets inner climate. Q36.5 offer six different base layers, from lightweight summer options to warmer versions with long sleeves and hoods, priced at roughly 65 to 150. For a third layer, theres the Bullet Proof insulation layer, which costs between 120 and 145 depending on the version. Add several new base layers to your basket and an already expensive jacket quickly becomes a costly winter wardrobe. You dont need a full Q36.5 outfit, though: your existing technical base layers are an option too.Pair it with the right base layer and youve got a winning team.Q36.5 Vampire Hooded on Test: Can It Combine a Race Fit With Winter Protection?Trying it on makes one thing clear: the Vampire fits as closely as a superhero costume and is just as stretchy. Overdo it on the trick-or-treating and you might struggle to get the zip closed. Theres certainly little spare room in this race fit, but freedom of movement is another matter: our tester found that the fabric followed his riding position without a fuss.Hands on the bars, torso leaning forwards: there are no annoying folds around the arms or stomach, and the jacket feels more like a long-sleeved jersey than a bulky winter shell. The soft fleece inside still makes it feel comfortable against the body. Standing upright, the cut takes more getting used to: the short front can leave your lower stomach exposed. The Vampire fits best when the wheels are turning beneath you. For a long chat outside the caf, other jackets have a more comfortable cut.The Vampire is at its best when the pace picks up. On hard climbs, it stayed comfortable inside, with barely any moisture building up and no urge to peel it off immediately. At 12 C with drizzle and overcast skies, a thin summer base layer was all we needed, making it clear that the jacket can handle the shoulder seasons too. Thicker layers should extend its range to around freezing, and the fabrics generous stretch accommodates them without restriction. The right combination depends on how hard youre pedaling and how quickly you feel the cold.and a two-way zip to adjust the ventilation.Soft fleece up front, airflow at the backWe hadnt planned to explore its limits quite so spontaneously. At the foot of the Passo di Lavaz, the thermometer read around 20C. Summer base layer, short-sleeved jersey, bib shorts: all good. Still, we suspected the rules might change some 1,600 metres further up. The Vampire came along as a precaution, tucked into a jersey pocket for the climb. Packability? Check!At the top: 0C, patches of snow and meltwater. Our tester stands on the pass in short sleeves and shorts as the Danish national cross-country ski team put in training laps. Time for the Vampire to prove its worth.Jacket on, collar up, into the descent. We can say this much: we were glad wed brought the Vampire. We still got cold, though. Without leg warmers, that was hardly surprising: wed let the warm morning sunshine dictate our outfit a little too much. The Vampires wind protection, however, was excellent. Even at speeds of up to 80 km/h, we felt no wind getting through the fabric or in around the openings. The jacket stayed close to the body in a low riding position, with no flapping. For similarly frosty rides, wed still plan on more insulation next time. A windproof, insulated jacket cant magically make up for a lack of warmth elsewhere in your outfit.In wet weather, the Vampire showed its teeth. Drizzle and light showers beaded off the outer fabric without wetting it out, and we stayed dry underneath, with no unpleasant clamminess even at a brisk pace. For changeable weather, thats a convincing combination. Sustained heavy rain is the one test it didnt face: a good 1,500 km over two weeks spared us a downpour, so we cant say how long the jacket would keep one out.One detail we grew to appreciate on the road was the balaclava. Full face coverage, neck warmer or head covering: the thin fabric can be worn in several ways. When not in use, it lies against your back beneath the jacket without getting in the way. We used it particularly often as a neck warmer. Having it permanently to hand is practical, though you should stop briefly to pull it all the way up.Whether as a full balaclavaor just a substitute for a neck tube: the fabric is versatile.The two-way zip adds ventilation from below in milder temperatures, which is welcome when the next climb drags on. It feels sturdy, but was a little fiddly to use at times. The reflective details on the seams and logos catch the light from different directions, noticeably improving visibility in the dark.The scale brought a small disappointment. Our size XS sample weighed in at 320 g, 28 g above the 292 g Q36.5 claim for a size M, two sizes larger, and we dont know why. Its still impressively light for a winter jacket offering this level of protection from the cold and wet, but at 450, wed expect more accurate figures. None of this detracts from its packability: being able to carry it in a jersey pocket proved invaluable on our Dolomites ride.Who Is the Q36.5 Vampire Hooded For?Who Is the Q36.5 Vampire Hooded For?:The Q36.5 Vampire Hooded suits you if you like to push the pace even in winter. want your winter jacket to fit as closely as your jersey. want to cover winter and the shoulder seasons by choosing the right base layers. are willing to pay a premium for breathability, packability and weather protection.The Q36.5 Vampire Hooded is less suitable if you want a relaxed cut with plenty of room for thick layers. prefer easy rides with long stops and need lots of insulation. want to put together a complete winter outfit on a modest budget.The Vampire Isnt Just for Vampires!Would We Buy the Q36.5 Vampire Hooded?For our hard road rides: yes. The Vampire impressed most with its comfort during intense efforts and its wrinkle-free fit, while the balaclava adds practical value and the right layers broaden its useful temperature range. At 450 for the jacket alone, that combination has to earn its keep. Ride hard in foul weather and it will. If you mainly want to cruise through winter at an easy pace, your budget is better spent elsewhere.Conclusions about the Q36.5 Vampire HoodedThe Vampire feels at home when your heart rate rises on winter rides. It fits closely, moves freely with you and stays comfortable during hard efforts. Drizzle and light showers pose no problem either. Pair it with a thin base layer and it also works in the shoulder seasons. If youre looking for a winter jacket designed squarely for performance riding, this is a well-considered, high-end option. An impressive jacket for performance-focused riders, provided the fit, intended use and budget all line up.Topshigh breathabilityexcellent water repellencysmooth, wrinkle-free fit in the riding positionversatile balaclavaFlopsmeasured weight exceeds the manufacturers claimhigh priceFor more information, visit Q36.5.Der Beitrag Q36.5 Vampire Hooded Winter Cycling Jacket Review: A Race Fit With Bite erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Last fall MET completely revamped their flagship Trenta 3K Carbon road racing helmet with 16% more airflow & 40% increased safety. Now, those same improvements come to the slightly more affordable Trenta 2 without the carbon Airframe insert, but still the same MIPS Air Nodesystem and exact same overall light weight.2026 MET Trenta 2 MIPS fully-vented road bike helmet(Photos/MET)The Trenta has formed the basis of METs all-round lightweight, fully-vented road helmet for more than a decade. And with top-tier carbon and more conventional polycarb-only models, you could often find it on heads from World Tour road racing down to everyday road, gravel, and XC mountain bike riders. Now, just like the top 3K Carbon version that got its own safety and ventilation boost last year, now the standard model gets the same upgrades.So whats new?MET describes the new Trenta 2 as being designed around airflow as its first priority optimized in METs own wind tunnel. Bigger vents, more air in, less ventilation restriction inside thanks to the minimalist MIPS Air Node system and its reduced contact with your head, then more airflow out for better heat management.The revised helmet shape also offers deeper coverage at the back for better protection in a crash. And MET shifted to a dual-density EPS foam construction in strategic locations to get weight lower than ever without compromising safety.Overall, its now just as light as the top-tier 3K Carbon version, but at a more attainable price point.Tech detailsall-new in-mold polycarbonate shell with EPS linerselective dual-density EPS to maximize impact protectionMIPS Air Node ultralight anti-rotation impact protectionwind tunnel optimized ventilation24 open ventilation ports connected via continuous internal channelssunglasses port in front side ventsSafe-T Orbital full wrap-around dial & height-adjustable fit systemlightweight & adjustable Air Lite straps with plastic buckleEN CE, US CPSC & AS-NZ certificationsthree sizes: S (52-56cm), M (56-58cm) & L (58-61cm)260g weight claim (M)MET Trenta 2 MIPS Pricing, options & availabilityDeveloped to be a bit more of an all-rounder, the Trenta 2 is more affordable than the road racing Trenta 3K Carbon. The new MET Trenta 2 road helmet with MIPS Air Node sells for $350 / 300, including a soft helmet bag. It is available now in 3 sizes and four solid colors white, black, grey & red.MET-hemets.com

Jan Bakelants believes Remco Evenepoel would be making a serious mistake by adding the 2027 Giro d'Italia to his calendar, warning that such a decision could even be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his ability to win the Tour de France. The Belgian finished runner-up to Tadej Pogacar at this...