Movistar Team have secured the signing of reigning Belgian national champion Rune Herregodts from UAE Team Emirates - XRG, with the 28-year-old agreeing a three-year contract through to the end of 2029. After two seasons working in support of some of the biggest names in the peloton, the Belgian wil...

CyclistBehind the ride: How ROUVY brings real roads indoorsEvery cyclist knows the feeling: the steady thrum of tyres on real tarmac, the new vistas and horizons that open up with each hill crested, the sense of exploring new frontiers Its why we love cycling and why we dont want it to stop when the weather turns.Yet what if you could experience those same roads without leaving home? Thats the idea behind ROUVY, the real-world cycling app that brings actual roads and landscapes to your indoor trainer. Unlike platforms built around computer-generated worlds, ROUVY uses footage filmed on location, combined with augmented reality riders and accurate gradient data, to recreate the experience of riding the real thing.And theres a fascinating story behind every route. From scouting spectacular locations and filming in challenging conditions to transforming hours of footage into a rideable experience, bringing the worlds roads indoors takes a lot more than simply pointing a camera down the road.Once a target route has been identified, ROUVY travels to the location and films high-quality footage of the route from start to finish using GoPro cameras cutom-mounted on the front of a vehicle. The ROUVY app gives you access to thousands of routes that have been captured this way, covering nearly 400,000km in total.ROUVYMission statementStarted in the small Czech town of Vimperk by brothers Petr and Ji Samek in 2017, ROUVYs mission was simple yet ambitious: to combine sport and technology to create the most realistic cycling experience possible.When we started ROUVY, our vision was to bring real-world cycling indoors. Today, that vision is still the same, but the technology has come a long way, says Vojtch Hudeek, ROUVYs routes project manager.Fast forward to 2026 and its safe to say ROUVYs vision has been realised. The company employs more than 100 people and has built a collection of thousands of routes in 130 countries covering nearly 400,000km. It partners with leading sporting events such as the Giro dItalia and IRONMAN, works with elite athletes and teams, including WorldTour teams Lidl-Trek and Visma-Lease a Bike, and its routes are trusted for their authenticity and real-world accuracy.ROUVYFor everyday riders, theres a different appeal: the chance to explore the world and indulge your wanderlust through an ever-expanding library of riding locations. You can ride Grand Tour stages, ride iconic Alpine climbs or test yourself on gruelling Classics courses. Or you can venture further afield: rides in Morocco and India have recently been introduced, with Patagonia soon to follow. Near or far with ROUVY, its up to you.Wherever your virtual riding adventure takes you, each route is created with the same commitment to making it as close to actual riding as it gets. But how does ROUVY go about transforming a real-world road or iconic pass into an immersive, augmented reality route you can ride from home? Lets take a look at how it all comes together.ROUVYHow routes are builtROUVYs array of riding options covers every terrain and environment you can imagine, but it all starts with scouting.Before we plan any filming trip, we always do extensive research to consider all pros and cons, evaluating the benefits of filming the planned routes, Hudeek says.We look for routes that combine stunning scenery, iconic climbs and a great cycling experience. We focus on famous cycling destinations and major races, but we also love discovering hidden gems and exploring places that people normally dont visit. ROUVYOnce a target route is identified and fully researched, its time to capture the real-world footage that every ROUVY route is built on. Routes are filmed from start to finish using twin GoPros, high-quality video and imagery painstakingly captured through a custom mount attached to the front of a car.While the beauty of riding virtual routes from home is that you dont have to worry about traffic, adverse weather or unforeseen obstacles, the same isnt always the case when capturing those routes in the real world.You never quite know what to expect when filming in places like India, Morocco or Patagonia, Hudeek says. It could be unpredictable weather, heavy traffic, equipment problems, no GPS signal and other factors. That is part of the job we need to react very quickly, but this all makes the adventure behind every route in those locations unforgettable and usually all those uneasy moments become the best stories from the trip.Filming routes in unusual riding locations such as India makes for an adventure in itself, and that sense of exploration shines through when experiencing the finished route within the ROUVY app.ROUVYOnce the raw footage has been captured, its then edited and produced back at the companys headquarters in Prague by the ROUVY team. GPS data is converted into precise gradient and resistance profiles, then the final layer of virtual immersion is woven in: augmented reality (AR) through the addition of 3D riders, event banners and spatial realism elements. This is another key area that sets ROUVY apart from other platforms, and one that continues to develop as technology improves.Our AR experience is more realistic, and creating routes is faster and more efficient, Hudeek says. What hasnt changed is our passion for bringing the worlds most beautiful roads to cyclists everywhere around the globe.To claim your free ROUVY trial and explore thousands of real-world routes without leaving your own home, click here ROUVYCreate your own ClassicA step-by-step guide to creating your own routes in ROUVYFrom exotic travel destinations to world-famous climbs, ROUVYs extensive global network of routes really does offer something for everyone. But what about your local training loop? With ROUVY Route Creator, anyone can now bring their favourite real-world roads to ROUVY and share them with cyclists from anywhere, ROUVY routes project manager Vojtch Hudeek says.Thats right using the same tools ROUVY itself uses to create its routes, you too can film and upload routes and make them available to others within the platform. Heres a quick run-through of how it works:Step 1: Record your ride using a GoPro mounted on a car, bike or e-bike ideally around 140-160cm off the ground and facing forward. Early or mid-morning is best from a lighting and traffic point of view, and if possible, footage should be 4K quality. Cloudy or overcast weather is fine, but avoid recording rides in wet conditions.Step 2: Make sure your GoPro has GPS enabled, as this is essential for accurate gradient mapping. Keep the horizon level and centred, with a 50:50 split between sky and road. and record the entire ride in one continuous shot without pausing. Dont drive close behind other vehicles, and maintain a steady road position and speed while filming.Step 3: Import your MP4 video files into the ROUVY Route Creator software and shape your route into its final form using the editing tools. Define the start and finish points, remove unwanted sections and make sure the ride flows smoothly from beginning to end. Make sure the GPS data is correctly synced with your edited footage.Step 4: Submit your route to be published to the global ROUVY community or keep it private should you wish to use it for personal training purposes only.For more detailed information and tutorials on the ROUVY Route Creator, go to rouvy.com/route-creatorThe post Behind the ride: How ROUVY brings real roads indoors appeared first on Cyclist.

The days are getting shorter, and the temperature is dropping. Even if your indoor set up is dialed, sometimes you just have to get outside. The first couple of rides of the winter are the toughest. Once you get better acclimated to the cold weather and get your layering down, winter riding can be fun!The key is to recognize that different body parts require different levels of protection. The core has the ability to warm itself through exercise, while hands, feet and ears do not. Even on sunny, still days, you will generate a noticeable amount of wind while riding. Protecting yourself against the cold wind will do wonders for keeping you warm, and allow you to ride longer.Here are my top tips for surviving (and even thriving!) during the chilly winter months.#1: Wear Plenty Of LayersOne of the biggest challenges when gearing up for winter riding is getting your layering down. You will be coldest at the beginning of the ride. Since your core temperature will dramatically increase throughout the ride, you will want to shed some layers to avoid getting too hot. Everyone handles cold temperatures differently, so you will likely need to tweak the following suggestions to better accommodate your body and your rides.As someone who lives in a mountainous area, layering is important throughout the year. My rides will typically include long climbs followed by fast descents. When the temperatures start to drop, those descents get cold. Layering Suggestions For Cold DaysI have a lot of pieces that pack down small enough to fit into a jersey pocket, hip pack, or frame bag. Even if you dont usually ride with a frame bag, adding one in the winter can be really nice for stashing additional layerseven a puffy coat. In terms of layering, start with a merino (or merino blend) baselayer. Merino does an amazing job of wicking moisture and staying warm even when wet. I like a long-sleeved merino AND even wear a merino sports bra. A merino longsleeve is super versatile. It can be used as a baselayer for winter riding, and as a top layer for shoulder season riding. From here, depending on how cold it is, Ill wear a long-sleeved jersey, another merino layer or two, or even a puffy coat if its well below freezing. The final key is a windproof jacket or vest. You may choose to wear this for your whole ride or only on big descents. This could also be a waterproof layer depending on the conditions. A few of my favorite upper body layers:Icebreaker Merino sports bra (best for smaller chested women who dont need a ton of support)Velocio Merino Blend baselayer (pricey but incredibly warm and will last forever)Pearl Izumi Quest Barrier Jacket (converts from a windproof jacket to a windproof vest)Warmers Are Helpful For Cool (But Not COLD) DaysArm warmers and knee warmers are ideal for spring and fall conditions, but will likely not be enough for winter ridingunless of course you live in Arizona or Florida, in which case warmers are perfect for winter riding. Many people recommend covering knees once temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Even before you start to feel cold, the temperature can affect the viscosity of the synovial fluids in your knees. When the synovial fluid gets cold, it becomes more viscous and does not flow as freely, causing joint pain.Arm warmers have a small window of use, but they are great for those first few cold days. I always found arm warmers to be perfect when the sun starts to set earlier. When the sun starts to set, the temperature drops with it. Arm warmers are easy to pack, so throw some in your jersey pocket before that after-work ride just in case.Leg warmers are a great option between 45-60 degrees. They help keep your joints warm and pedaling efficiently. Photo by Matt Grummer.Our Fave Warmers:Pearl Izumi Womens Elite Arm, Knee, & Leg Warmers (Ive had a pair or Pearl Izumi warmers for close to 20 years and they are still going strong)Make Sure Your Pieces Are BreathableMany pieces designed for winter riding are engineered to breathe to keep riders warm while minimizing sweat. Unless you are planning to ride in the cold rain, you want to avoid truly waterproof clothing. While these jackets and pants are incredibly warm, they trap heat. At the beginning of a cold ride, this can seem like an appealing feature, but once you get moving, you will want the heat to dissipate slightly so you dont overheat.If you are riding in rain or snow, make sure to look for waterproof pieces that have plenty of ventilation. These cost more but are worth it if youre truly committed to riding in inclement weather.Our Fave Wet Weather Gear: *Showers Pass (Showers Pass makes fantastic rain gear for all types of ridingroad, commuting, mtb, you name it)#2: Keep Your Head And Ears CoveredHead and ear protection is going to be more personal than most other winter apparel. Riders with long, thick hair may not need as much added coverage than those with shorter hair. For chilly, shoulder-season rides, a headband or buff* should be enough coverage to keep you comfortable. Youd be surprised how much it helps to keep your ears covered and warm. Headbands are one of my favorite cold-weather accessories. They provide noticeable warmth while allowing heat to dissipate, helping maintain appropriate body temperature. Riders with shorter hair, or those in very cold climates, may want to opt for a hat or thin beanie. Many companies offer thin, yet warm, caps that fit comfortably under a helmet. For even colder days, there are hats with neck gaiters built-in, called balaclavas. These are ideal for days where it is so cold that having any exposed skin can lead to frostbite. Pairing a balaclava with goggles will make even the coldest fat bike ride feel like a cruise on the beach.Head And Ear Coverings I Use:A Merino BuffTerry Ponytail Beanie#3: Pay Extra Attention To Your ExtremitiesMost riders I know, myself included, start to feel the cold in hands and feet before the rest of the body. Hands and feet do not produce as much energy while riding, and need a little extra warmth to remain functional. While cold toes can be very painful and uncomfortable, they are not necessarily integral to bike handling. Cold fingers, on the other hand, can alter your ability to brake and shift, causing potential safety issues. FeetThere are many options for gloves, toe and shoe covers. I always suggest erring on the side of too warm when it comes to hands and feet. Keeping your feet and hands warm does not elevate your overall body temperature the same way a warm coat does. When riding in the snow, make sure your footwear is waterproof in case you need to plant a foot around a snowy turn. Photo by Kyle Phillips.For brisk fall and spring days, toe covers should suffice. On colder days, between 20 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you might want to opt for a full shoe cover. Those of you who plan to fat bike in the snow, or brave sub 20 degree Fahrenheit on the road or trail, a dedicated winter shoe or boot may be the best option. These (paired with a warm sock) are likely to keep your feet warm in nearly any conditions.A similar option for those that really suffer from cold feet are investing in electric heated shoe covers or insoles. These can be a bit bulky but worth it if cold feet are stopping you from riding. Wool socks can also make a big difference. The biggest issue with wearing wool socks is getting them to fit inside your regular bike shoes. You may choose to get a bigger shoe for winter cycling, or you can opt to look for cycling specific wool socks. They arent quite as warm as ski socks but are thin enough for most people to fit inside their bike shoes. If you are biking in wet weather, opt for socks with neoprene. Other slightly less fancy but effective ways to keep your feet warm and dry are tin foil and dog poop bags. You can put tin foil over your toes to help keep in heat, and dog poop bags over your feet to keep them dry in wet weather. Recommended Gear For Feet:Showers Pass Crosspoint Essentials Waterproof Socks (great for biking in wet weather)Darn Tough Alpine Wool Socks (these are intended for nordic skiing but work great for cycling too)GORE Shoe Covers (keep feet warm AND dry)Pearl Izumi Toe Covers* (helps cover vents and mesh holes)45NRTH Boots (these are mens boots but they have EU sizing, so you should have no problem finding a pair that fit)HandsKeeping hands warm, yet functional, can be tough to do. While it would be nice to be able to wear mittens on those frigid days, one cannot afford to lose dexterity on a bike. Many companies offer a broad option of gloves to accommodate a wide temperature range. For the 40-50 degree days, a lighter-weight, wind-resistant glove will do the trick. When the temperature starts to dip below freezing, look for a glove with insulation as well as a wind-resistant upper. Lobster gloves are a popular option for those that live in colder climates. These types of gloves provide the warmth of mittens while leaving your fingers free to shift and brake.Bar mitts (also known as pogies) are a popular addition to most fat-bikers winter arsenal. There are options for both road bikes and mountain bikes, but the flat-bar option is by far the most popular. Bar mitts affix to the handlebars to provide protection in frigid temperatures. Hands still have full access to braking and shifting, just inside the comfort of a neoprene bubble. Gloves I Like:Showers Pass Crosspoint Gloves* (these work great to just about freezing and they are waterproof too)Pearl Izumi Lobster GlovesRockbros Bar Mitts* (great for COLD weather)#4: Choose Warm Cycling Tights Or PantsLegs are tough to dress appropriately for cold weather riding. It can be hard to find tights that are warm enough while still comfortable to pedal in. While the materials are very similar, opt for a cycling-specific winter tight over a running or exercise pant. Cycling tights are stitched specifically to allow for comfort throughout the pedal stroke. You can find either tights or bib tights, and options with a chamois, or without.If youre on a tight budget, you can always throw on a pair of inexpensive fleece-lined leggings over your cycling shorts or cycling underwear. They wont have the same compression as cycling tights BUT its a good way to get started with winter cycling.If you prefer a pant rather than a tight, thats an option too. For pant recommendations, check out our list of the best womens mountain bike pants. Myr Favorite Winter Tights:Velocio Thermal Bib TightsTerry Winter Bike Tights*#5: Try An Embrocation CreamWhile there are many options for winter tights, some riders just cant get behind the idea of pedaling long hours in pants. Embrocation is a great alternative for those who cannot seem to find the right pair of pants. Embrocation is a rub designed to be used on your legs and back and provide a lasting, warming feeling. Sometimes it is hard to motivate to get out in the cold. Find a riding buddy to brave the weather with!#6: Pick Tires That Will Keep You SafeOne of the biggest deterrents to riding in the winter are snowy or icy roads. While there may be days where the conditions are truly too dangerous to ride, with the right tires you should be able to ride most of the winter.For light snow or sparse icy patches, simply try lowering your tire pressure. This will give you more traction and better contact with the road.If you usually ride with slick road tires, swap them out for something a little knobbier. Similarly, a gravel bike can be a great substitute for winter riding. Or, for riding on the road in truly treacherous conditions, swap out your regular tires for studded tires in the winter. This can keep you riding safely year round.Finally, trying a fat bike is also a great option. Big tires provide great traction in snowy conditions. While most people only think of riding fat bikes off-road, they can also be a tool for continuing to ride around town in the snow. If youre interested, check out our beginners guide to fat biking.#7: Make Sure To Eat And DrinkWhen its cold outside it can be easy to forget to drink. You simply dont get the same thirst cues you do in hotter weather.Still, you need to make sure youre drinking while you ride. If its super cold, you may want to fill up your bottles with hot water, and use insulated bottles to keep your water from freezing.You also need to eat. Biking in cold weather burns a bunch of calories, and riding in the snow makes a ride extra challenging. If you can, consider bringing hot food wrapped in tin foil. Boiled potatoes with salt and butter are a great option, or put hot soup in a thermos to stash in a bottle cage. #8: Plan Your Ride Around A Place To Warm UpDuring warmer months we tend to focus on riding as far as we can as fast as we can. In winter, you may need to take things a bit slower. Planning a ride around a destination can make the ride both more comfortable and safer. Can you stop at a mid-point coffee shop for a warm drink? Or a nordic ski warming shelter? Sometimes stopping even for 10-15 minutes can make finishing a cold ride more realistic. #9: Add Fenders And Lights To Your BikeFenders (also known as mudguards) are key if you plan to ride in wet weather during the winter. Even if its not actively raining or snowing, slush left behind on the road can splash up. Fenders are cheap and can make a big difference in keeping you dry and comfortable. Another accessory you should add are lights. The days are shorter in the winter, and even when its not pitch dark, the light is likely to be dimmer. Bonus Tip: Take Care Of Your BikeWinter riding is hard on your bike. Rain, mud, snow, salt, you name it, theres generally a lot more grime in the winter. This is complicated by the fact that you may not have an outdoor hose to wash your bike with in the winter. If you have a big enough shower, you might consider bringing your bike indoors to wash it. If not, weve had great success using a bucket of hot water, a garden sprayer (the type youd use to spray chemicals on your lawn), or even a watering can.Grab a friend and get after it!Not that youre nice and bundled up, grab a fellow dedicated friend and get out there! It can be hard to motivate to get out on those cold, dreary days. Having a solid plan with a couple of friends will be the best way to stay on track throughout the winter. Winter is typically the time to build your base fitness for next season, so rides will be more focused on endurance than speed. Theres nothing better after a long, cold day in the saddle than a nice cup of coffee with friends. More Articles To Help You Survive The WinterTips For Riding In The DarkTips For Riding IndoorsFat Biking 101: Everything You Need To KnowAbout The AuthorKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Tips For Biking Outside In The Winter appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Yesterday, NOBL Wheels expanded its product lineup with the introduction of the AR Series of all-road wheels. The new AR40 and AR50 wheelsets are built with the brands lightest road rims to date, starting at just 350 grams (AR40). These new AR Series rims combine NOBLs aerodynamic teardrop profile with 25mm internal widths and fully hooked beads to support increasingly wide road tires. The complete wheelsets are available in the more affordable Core version with NOBL hubs, or Custom builds with several hub and spoke options.NOBL AR Series Rim DesignFirst introduced on the FAR gravel race wheels, the AR Series rims utilize NOBLs aerodynamic teardrop rim profile. This design has the widest point of the rim not at the bead wall, but slightly below it. This is intended to help with aerodynamics when used with wider tires by smoothing around the bulbous leading and trailing edges. NOBL says It meets the rule of 105 with a 30c tire, which measures about 32mm on the ARs 25mm internal width.With a 25mm internal width and fully hooked beads, the AR-Series rims are designed for broad tire compatibility. NOBL states they are ready for tires from 28-45c and pressures up to 80 psi, with the confidence and security of a hooked bead.Riders can also ride with confidence knowing that NOBL offers a lifetime warranty on its carbon rims and lifetime service on its wheelsets, including truing, tensioning, and cleaning.WeightNOBL says that its new AR Series rims are its lightest road rims to date. They used T1000 carbon and their most advanced layup process to create what they say is among the lightest and strongest 25mm internal road rims with a hooked bead. The claimed weight of the 40mm deep AR40 rim is 350 grams, while the 50mm deep AR50 rim is a touch heavier at 380 grams. Despite the low weights, NOBL says the AR40 has passed impact testing up to 110J, while the AR50 has a 115J impact rating.Of course, these lightweight rims result in lightweight wheelsets. The complete Core wheelset with NOBL hubs weighs a claimed 1307g (AR40) /1367g (AR50). The lightest Custom wheelset DT180 hubs, Berd Polylight spokes, XDR driver is claimed to weigh 1124g (AR40) /1184g (AR50).AR Series SpecsNOBL Core AR40 / AR50 WheelsetRims: NOBL AR40 / AR50Hubs: NOBL Core Road Hub, 36t RatchetSpokes: Alpina Extralite / Sapim CX-RayNipples: BlackBrake Interface: Centerlock Driver: XDR / MS Road / HGGraphics: 4 Colour Options$1,999.00 CAD | $1,599.00 USDWheelset Weight: 1307/1367g (Alpina Extralite Spokes, XDR Driver)NOBL offers 4 decal options: gloss black, gloss white, chrome silver, and chrome gold.NOBL Custom AR40 / AR50 WheelsetRims: NOBL AR40 / AR50Hub Brands: DT Swiss / Chris King / Hope / Project 321 / Onyx / Industry Nine / SONSpokes: Alpina Extralite / Sapim CX-Ray / Berd PolylightNipples: BlackBrake Interface: CenterlockDriver: XDR / MS Road / HGGraphics: 4 Colour OptionsStarting at $2,279.00 CAD | $1,699.00 USDLightest Wheelset Weight: 1124/1184g (DT180 Hubs, Berd Polylight Spokes, XDR Driver)AvailabilityNOBLs new AR Series all-road wheelsets are available now. Head to the NOBL website to learn more about the Core and Custom builds, or order a set today.noblwheels.com