Mathieu van der Poel's schedule for the ongoing cyclocross season is one of the biggest questions in the discipline. The reigning World Champion's return is not assured, whilst racing only the World Championships could also be a possibility. Ive given it some thought, but honestly, I couldnt say...

Eddy Merckx won 525 races as a professional, a record that makes him the undisputed GOAT and sets an intimidating bar for any bike bearing his name. The previous 525 never quite cleared it. For the new 525R, the brand has started afresh, pairing deep aero profiles and a narrow cockpit with more relaxed, progressive geometry to deliver speed that more riders can use. Aero for the masses, then?Long before Eddy Merckx was a brand, The Cannibal rode frames built by Ugo De Rosa and Ernesto Colnago, with his own name already on the tubes. The company that followed has traded heavily on that legacy, but rarely on innovation. The previous 525 was a case in point: competent, unremarkable and lost in a crowd of race bikes. What you need to know about the Eddy Merckx 525R Highs progressive geometry makes an aero position easier to sustain combines aero race bike and endurance bike qualities durable CeramicSpeed SLT headset up to 34 mm tyre clearance Lows rather heavy overall, particularly the wheels at nearly 1,600 g no power meter as standard limited agility compared with some aero race bikes Key Facts 7.55 kg in size M progressive geometry with a 73 head tube angle and 75 seat tube angle in size M 55 mm deep DT Swiss ARC 1600 wheels 30 mm Continental GP 5000 S TR tyres 4ZA Nimbus Pro cockpit with 360 mm width at the hoods and 400 mm in the drops zero-setback seatpost only UDH derailleur hanger CeramicSpeed SLT headset fitted as standard lifetime warranty on the frame Until 2026, that is. Were at the legendary Rund um Kln, paying at least as much attention to the bikes on the team cars as to the race itself, when a black prototype on the Team Flanders Baloise car draws our eye. Monstrous head tube, deep tube profiles: has someone simply peeled the Ridley logos off a Noah? Not quite. The secret is soon out. This is the new Eddy Merckx 525R, a complete redesign rather than an update, and according to the brand it has the most progressive geometry on the market.The new Eddy Merckx 525R in detail: All in on aeroVisually, the 525R has very little in common with its predecessor. Massive aero profiles replace conventional tube shapes, with the broad downtube and head tube particularly striking. The resemblance to the Ridley Noah Fast is no coincidence. Both bikes emerged from Belgian Cycling Factorys in-house wind tunnel.The forks asymmetric profile is designed to improve aerodynamics.The asymmetric fork is designed to optimise airflow while providing clearance for tires up to 34 mm wide. At 7.55 kg in size M on our scales, however, the 525R is no climbing specialist. It does feature a UDH derailleur hanger and carefully chosen components, including the narrow Nimbus cockpit.The Nimbus cockpit measures just 36 cm at the hoods. And yes, our tester has already been told off for his lever angle, then again for his bar tape wrapping!Setback seatposts arent even an option.The CeramicSpeed SLT headset shows that Eddy Merckxs designers have paid attention to the details most riders will never see. Fitted as standard, the system comes with a lifetime warranty and is virtually maintenance-free according to the manufacturer. Thats a compelling feature on a bike with internal cable routing. After all, nobody wants to dismantle half the cockpit just to replace a worn headset.Eddy Merckx also have an extensive configurator, which lets you choose not just between different groupsets, but also wheels and paint finishes.The 525R comes without a power meter as standard. Normal in Eddys day, but hardly up to date now.The ARC 1600 wheels are aerodynamic, but lightweight they are not.The Eddy Merckx 525Rs spec: Deep wheels and narrow barsAt 6,999, our test bike is the most affordable 525R in the range. Shifting is taken care of by a Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 drivetrain, with 52/36 t chainrings and an 1130 t cassette, but sadly no power meter. The 170 mm cranks on our test bike in size M (56 cm) reflect the industrys steady move towards shorter crank arms. Given the geometry, though, we would have preferred 165 mm cranks to open up the hip angle even further.The 525Rs uncompromising aero concept extends to its wheels: 55 mm deep DT Swiss ARC 1600s with 30 mm Continental GP 5000 S TR tires. That said, at almost 7,000, the higher-spec ARC 1400 wheelset with aero hubs would have felt more appropriate.The 4ZA Nimbus Pro cockpit combines a width of 360 mm at the hoods with 400 mm in the drops and a 110 mm stem. The seatpost is only available with zero setback. The most conspicuous detail is whats missing: a power meter! If youre prepared to dig deeper into your pockets, the 525R is also available with a DURA-ACE groupset for 10,500 or Campagnolo Super Record for around 13,000. You can customise the frame and fork colours, too. A welcome bonus: Eddy Merckx offer a lifetime warranty on the frame.The geometry of the Eddy Merckx 525R: The anti-MerckxOne glance at the 525Rs geometry chart and you might wonder whether it should be called the anti-Merckx. Photos of The Cannibal show him with his saddle well back and his bars low. Most brands today are still busy shaving watts off the frame, but Eddy Merckx has taken a different route, putting the riders position first.SizeXSSMLTop tube length525 mm545 mm565 mm585 mmSeat tube length480 mm495 mm515 mm540 mmHead tube length125 mm140 mm160 mm185 mmHead tube angle73737373Seat tube angle74.5757576Chainstay length407 mm407 mm407 mm407 mmBottom bracket drop75 mm75 mm75 mm75 mmWheelbase964 mm990 mm1,011 mm1,043 mmReach377 mm398 mm413 mm437 mmStack535 mm550 mm569 mm593 mmThe 525Rs answer is progressive geometry. The rider sits much further forwards over the bottom bracket, opening up the hip angle. In theory, that makes it easier to lower your upper body into an aerodynamic position, but it has drawbacks for those who prefer to sit further back on the bike. Riders who like to push a big gear at a low cadence, in particular, may struggle with it.Unleash the beast!The slightly more relaxed geometry lets us ride the 525R without spacers.The recipe: a longer frame, a taller front end and steeper angles. The geometry chart lists a 73 head tube angle and a 75 seat tube angle, whereas most race bikes settle somewhere between 72 and 73 for both. Pushing the rider further forwards is central to the progressive concept, and a lower bottom bracket supports the same aim. On paper, it all looks fiercely aggressive. On the road, Eddy Merckx claims, it should feel considerably more relaxed, especially in an aero tuck.So the 525R takes a fundamentally different approach. It blends aero and endurance influences with progressive geometry, and the result is something without an obvious precedent. In theory it makes sense: a taller front end for a more sustainable aero position is the core idea of progressive geometry. But does it work in practice?The Eddy Merckx 525R on test: Aero for all?We headed to the northern Black Forest to find out whether the theory holds up on the road. Long valleys, steep climbs and fast descents were all on the agenda.The Lion of Flanders!No Flandrien test is complete without a few cobbles.The 525Rs biggest weakness? Weight. At 7.55 kg in size M, its no heavyweight, but nobody would call it light either. The wheels are the main culprit: DT Swiss claims 1,585 g for the set, including rim tape and valves, and you feel every gram when accelerating from low speed. Sprinting is a different story. Once the bike is up to speed, its aerodynamics take over.Like the Ridley Falcn RS we tested recently, the 525R lets its progressive geometry dictate the handling. Riders accustomed to a forward saddle, a long stem or similarly unorthodox adjustments will settle in immediately, since the frame delivers that position from the outset. Riders who favour a classic, rearward position will find the 525R unfamiliar. Its long reach, huge wheelbase and steep angles feel distinctly different from a conventional race bike. Perched further forwards over the bottom bracket, you gain a more open hip angle, and with it a fundamentally different pedal stroke. The force goes down through the pedals from above, not from behind, so the quadriceps take on more of the work and the glutes and hamstrings less. Anyone used to a setback seatpost should expect their legs to protest after the first ride. One thing that doesnt change is the reach to the bars: the longer front end is cancelled out by the forward saddle position. On flat roads, the position wins most riders over quickly; on climbs, the altered pedalling takes longer to accept. We felt at home almost immediately, though our usual setup was already close.The long wheelbase, above all, is a mixed blessing: it brings outstanding stability and confidence at speed, but costs the bike agility. The 525R is always easy to control, but it lacks the liveliness and razor-sharp edge of some of its aero rivals. In return, it remains composed and predictable even when things get hectic. Thats an important quality on a bike that puts so much weight over the front wheel. Another highlight is the 30 mm Continental GP 5000 S TR tires. They offer excellent grip, once again confirming their status as some of our all-time favourites.The 525R is fast. Seriously fast. Yet its full potential only emerges once a rider is on board. The aero profiles and 55 mm deep DT Swiss wheels keep drag low and deliver a noticeable sailing effect, but the real trump card is the riding position. A low front end may look aerodynamic, but what use is it if your back starts aching after 10 minutes? Theres a reason spacers under the extensions are increasingly common, even in time trials: a position needs to be fast, but above all it needs to be sustainable. Many riders also know the feeling of losing power the moment they tuck down. The taller front end and more open hip angle aim to minimise exactly that, mirroring a trend among time triallists, whose positions are moving ever further forwards and upwards. In practice, it works, at least for us: we lose less power when we bend our elbows. How much difference it makes, however, depends heavily on the individual.Fast enough to get you a ticket!The 525R isnt a fan of 30 km/h zones.This is exactly where the 525R comes in. The taller stack and forward saddle position create a long, high riding position with an open hip angle. With the hoods just 36 cm apart, its easy to bend your elbows. The result is an aero position thats surprisingly easy to hold, without folding yourself in half. Road time trials ridden without time trial bikes are known as Merckx-style time trials. And thats precisely where we see the 525Rs greatest strength.The aero position is more comfortable, but you can still make yourself suffer especially on the climbs.When it comes to compliance, the 525R remains a typical aero bike. The broad seatpost offers little flex, and the frame only takes the edge off bumps to a limited extent. Once again, the 525R finds its comfort in ergonomics. Its slightly more relaxed geometry already makes it more accessible than many uncompromising aero racers. Combined with the more open hip angle, it could even allow riders with limited flexibility to achieve a genuinely aerodynamic position on an aero bike for the first time. Tuning tip: Fit a power meter so you can see how many watts you save with the new position.Who is the Eddy Merckx 525R the right bike for?The 525R is particularly appealing if you want to ride fast without putting up with an extremely low, uncomfortable position. The progressive yet comparatively relaxed geometry fills an interesting gap between uncompromising aero race bikes and endurance bikes. If you prefer traditional geometry or sit further back on the bike, the 525R wont be for you. But if you want to ride in an aero position and havent been able to make it work so far, this bike could be the answer.Helmet Giro Eclipse Pro Spherical | Glasses Oakley VeloKato | Jersey ASSOS EQUIPE THERMOBOOSTER P1 | Shorts Q36.5 Dottore Pro | Shoes Specialized S-Works Torch | Socks FALKE BC ImpulseConclusions about the Eddy Merckx 525RFor the right rider, the Eddy Merckx 525R could mark a turning point for aero bikes. Instead of simply making the frame faster, it puts the rider at the centre of the equation, using progressive geometry to create an aero position you can hold for longer and bridging the gap between race bike and endurance machine. On fast, flat roads, it impresses with its efficiency and stability. Its weight and limited agility take some of the shine off, but for riders who struggle to stay low, the 525R makes aero speed more accessible than almost any race bike weve tested.TopsProgressive geometry makes an aero position easier to sustainCombines aero racer and endurance bike qualitiesDurable CeramicSpeed SLT headsetFlopsRather heavy overall, and particularly the wheels at nearly 1,600 gNo power meter as standardFor more information, visit eddymerckx.com.Der Beitrag Eddy Merckx 525R 2026 Review: Cannibal Speed for the Rest of Us erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

More Chinese bikes are coming to the World Tour peloton, you can now talk to your bike computer if you get lonely on rides, and, apparently, 30.5-inch wheels are a thing. There's a lot going on in the world of cycling tech, this November, as video editor Jamie outlines in our monthly nerd-out... Bahrain Victorious and Factor break upBianchi leaves the WorldTour for 2027 (Image credit: Getty Images)Bahrain Victorious have ended their partnership with Bianchi bikes, after just one year.Bianchi and the Bahrain Victorious team say that the termination of the contract with immediate effect was mutual. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Italian brand's parent company has until late May to renegotiate payments on its debts, amid a structural reorganisation, after the company accrued huge debts in the past few years.Announcing the end of the relationship, a representative from Bianchi stated: "We thank everyone involved for their commitment and professionalism, and wish the team every success in its next chapter."Bahrain Victorious' spokesperson added: "We have valued Bianchis support and the passion for cycling its people brought to the team. As we look ahead to our next chapter, we thank everyone at Bianchi for their dedication and wish the company every success for the future.Moving forward, the team will be using Factor bikes. Factor has been looking for a way back into the World Tour since stepping away from Israel Premier-Tech. Pardus in WorldTourThe SPK Evo G4 aero bike (Image credit: Pardus)Moving up in the world of pro cycling is Chinease bike brand, Pardus. The marque will be taking over sponsorship of the Total Energies team, and their development teams, in a multi-year partnership. Pardus take over from Cube, who will sponsor NSN next year, and it makes Pardus the second Chinese direct-to-consumer brand to be present in the pro peloton in just a few years, joining XDS. Just like X-LAB and XDS, before they joined the World Tour, you probably haven't heard of Pardus but the name is much more well known in the East. In fact, Pardus supplied bikes to the Chinese National team at the Rio and Paris Olympics, but clearly, its committed to boosting the brands recognition here in Europe too. The team will have access to the Robin Evo G3 climbing bike, which has a competitive frame weight of 740 grams, and the rather funky looking SPK Evo G4 aero bike complete with bayonet fork and the Gomera Evo TT bike.Newman launch 30.5-inch wheelsizeNewmen says it is "responding to growing interest" (Image credit: Newmen)Newmen has released a new gravel wheelset, the G48, which as the name suggests, is a 48mm deep set of hoops. The external width 45mm and the internal measures 27mm.More interestingly, these are available in 3 sizes: 28-inch, 32-inch, and, 30.5-inch. Whilst 32-inch wheels have been making headlines lately, this is the first time (that we're aware of), that the 30.5-inch option has been available for gravel riders. Commenting on the introduction, the German component brand told us: "this wheel size is still relatively unfamiliar within the gravel segment. With this expansion, Newmen is responding to the growing interest in larger wheel sizes and offering riders more choice across its gravel range."Garmin adds voice commands You can now speak to your Garmin (Image credit: Garmin)In October, Coros released its new Dura 2 Solar, whilst Garmin unveiled its Edge 1060.The two units look very different (we'll bring you a head-to-head test, soon), but, they both share one feature: voice commands.The Coros allows you to request the device to set up heart rate alerts, switch pages, set reminders, or leave post-ride training notes. The Garmin will let you ask for real-time performance metrics, set the screen brightness, control the map or your music or route to the closest coffee shop and even report a pothole. Would you use these features? Let us know in the comments below.Zwift+Zwift's new membership brings the virtual world to life (Image credit: Future)One of the main drawbacks or complaints of Zwift is the lack of realism, but, the brand has made steps to address that with its new Zwift Video feature, as part of Zwift Plus membership.Alongside Zwift Coach, which creates structured training plans based on rider goals, Zwift Video provides real-world riding routes. It could be said that this somewhat steps on the toes of Rouvy, which is recently acquired, but the brand says this is something it began working on before the merger. As for pricing, it is a fair bit more expensive than the standard tier of Zwift, that is around 18 a month, this is 29.99.

Arnaud de Lie is one of the most talented classics riders in the peloton, but a rider who often suffers from inconsistencies, injuries and illnesses. The latter, specially, hampered him in 2026 - a year where he's struggled deeply, and is looking to put it behind him. In 2024, De Lie was diagnosed...

At Roleur Live today, Sturdy Cycles is launching two new titanium frame kits: Fosse for the road and Drove for gravel. Both frames showcase the brands latest engineering and manufacturing techniques, replacing the 3D-printed junctions of its earlier frames with CNC-machined titanium parts. Designed, machined, welded, and finished in the UK, the new frames have a sleek, modern aero aesthetic and come in six sizes, each with three stack heights (low, medium, and tall), for a whopping 18 fit options.At the same time, Sturdy Cycles has also revamped its website, including new interactive tools to streamline the ordering process. With 18 fit options, the new size selector tool should make it easier for riders to compare geometry and find a near-custom fit. The new Cerakote finish selector tool allows buyers to preview colors and designs before committing to a custom finish. And if youre interested in learning more about the brands manufacturing approach, Sturdy has also added a selection of insightful Design and Engineering articles to the site.CNC-Machined and UK-MadeOne of the biggest stories with the new Fosse and Drove frames is the move from 3D-printed junctions to CNC-machined titanium parts. Sturdy tells us that these new parts are CNC-machined in-house, and that every other aspect of the frame production design, engineering, welding, and finishing is proudly done by hand in Frome, Somerset, in the UK.Sturdy says this new manufacturing approach introduces a sharp, modern yet minimal aerodynamic aesthetic, ensuring every Sturdy remains a unique proposition: truly functional UK engineering refined with handmade finesse.18 Fit OptionsThis flexible manufacturing approach also makes it possible for Sturdy Cycles to offer the Fosse and Drove frames in a whopping 18 fit options. Each model comes in six frame sizes, each with three stack heights low, medium, and tall to choose from. This should allow most riders to get close to a custom fit, without actually going full custom.Finding the right fit should also be easier with Sturdys new size selector. This interactive tool lets riders work off the measurements of their current bike and even compare bike geometries with a graphic overlay.Fosse Road Frame Kit: 6,000 (inc UK VAT) / 5,000 ex VATSturdy calls the Fosse a highly versatile titanium road bike. While they say the three stack height options let riders fine-tune the fit for speed, the Fosse is focused on long, endurance-style riding. It has a relatively low bottom bracket for stability, comes with an ENVE IN-Route Road carbon fork, and has clearance for modern road tires up to 700x35mm.Sturdy Cycles tells us the Fosse is named after Fosse Way: the Roman road that ran from Exeter to Lincoln, built in the first century AD. It still cuts an almost straight line across Somerset, a few miles from the Frome workshop.Drove Gravel Frame Kit: 6,000 (inc UK VAT) / 5,000 ex VATAccording to Sturdy Cycles, Drove is a modern gravel bike for going further off the beaten track. Compared to the Fosse, Drove has longer chainstays for stability and enhanced traction on loose surfaces. Of course, it has more tire clearance, too, fitting up to 700x55mm on the frame and 700x50mm on the included ENVE IN-Route Gravel fork. Drove frames also have a third bottle mount, top tube bag mounts, and mudguard mounts.Sturdy says this bikes namesake is Drove, or drovers roads: ancient rural routes once used to move livestock. Many are of unknown age, and some date back to medieval times. These rough tracks criss-cross the Somerset and Wiltshire landscape.Tech and Assembly StandardsAs mentioned above, the frames are machined, welded, and finished in the Sturdy Cycles workshop in Frome, Somerset. Each frame kit includes an ENVE IN-Route carbon fork, a titanium seatpost and stem (both machined in-house), an Enduro headset, a titanium rear thru-axle, a titanium UDH hanger with phosphor-bronze inserts, and titanium bottle boss bolts.Headset: Enduro stainless steel, lifetime warranty includedBottom bracket: T47-68 (68mm wide T47 threaded shell)Rear axle: 14212mm; titanium thru axle included (167mm long, M121mm thread)Derailleur hanger: UDH; titanium Sturdy edition with phosphor-bronze threads includedBrake mount: Adjustable for 140mm or 160mm rotors at the frame (fork: Fosse 140mm or 160mm, Drove 160mm or 180mm)Seatpost: Aero profile titanium seatpost machined in-house includedStem: Titanium, machined in-house includedFork: Fosse: ENVE IN-Route Road, 370mm design length. Drove: ENVE IN-Route Gravel, 395mm design length, with cargo mounts includedCable routing: Through the headset. Electronic groupsets only (SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo). Wire exit points for Shimano added if requiredBosses: Fosse: 2 bottle cage mounts in the front triangle and mudguard mounts. Drove: 2 bottle cage mounts in the front triangle, a 3rd under the down tube, top tube bag mounts, and mudguard mountsTyre clearance: Fosse: 35mm maximum recommended measured tyre width on a 700c rim (frame 38mm, ENVE fork 35mm). Drove: 50mm (frame 55mm, ENVE fork 50mm)Frame FinishesThe frame, stem, and seatpost all have a shot-peened raw titanium finish. When purchasing, the standard finish includes a downtube logo (oversize or small) in brushed titanium or your choice of nine Cerakote colors. For an additional 720 inc UK VAT / 600 ex VAT, riders can opt for a custom theme nine theme options and lots of colors to choose from. If thats not fancy enough, Sturdy has a bespoke finish option to go fully custom, starting at 2,400 inc UK VAT / 2,000 ex VAT.Again, Sturdys refreshed website has a new finish selector tool, where buyers can preview custom theme and color combinations before ordering.The standard finish (left) vs. one of the custom finishes (right).Builds and UpgradesSturdy Cycles offers the Fosse and Drove in a single, recommended build kit. Buyers also have the option to add the titanium upgrade and titanium crankset; details below. It is important to note that the price of the build kits below adds to the price of the frame kits, and complete bike prices start at: Frame kit and build kit together make a complete bike, from 10,511.60 (Fosse) and 10,137.60 (Drove) inc UK VAT.Fosse SRAM Force Groupset and full build kit, from 4,511.60 (inc UK VAT) / 3,759.67 ex VATSRAM Force E1 (2X) or Force E1 XPLR (1X) groupset, with brake rotorsSturdy road wheelsetPirelli P Zero Race TLR RS tyres, 32mmBjorn Rool handlebar and Bjorn Kort saddleEnduro Max Hit bottom bracket and Sturdy bar tapeDrove SRAM Force Groupset and full build kit, 4,137.60 (inc UK VAT) / 3,448 ex VATSRAM Force E1 XPLR (1X) groupset, with brake rotorsSturdy gravel wheelsetPirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres, 45mmBjorn Rool GR handlebar and Bjorn Kort saddleEnduro Max Hit DUB bottom bracket and Sturdy bar tapeOptions for Either Build KitTitanium upgrade: Sturdy titanium brake levers, jockey wheels and bar end plugs, matched to the groupset. +674 inc UK VAT / +561.67 ex VATTitanium crankset: Sturdy CNC-machined titanium crankset and 1X chainring (+1,116 inc UK VAT / +930 ex VAT), or titanium crank arms with the groupsets 2X chainrings on the Fosse (+804 inc UK VAT / +670 ex VAT)Another example of a custom finish.Titanium Forks Coming SoonSturdy Cycles also tells us that titanium forks for both bikes are coming in 2027. This upgrade will boost tire clearance to 38mm on Fosse and 55mm on Drove.AvailabilitySturdy Cycles new Fosse and Drove titanium frame kits and complete builds are available to order now. Each frame is made to order, and lead times are claimed to be about six weeks. Head to the Sturdy Cycles website to learn more, check out the new interactive size and finish selector tools, or place an order.sturdycycles.co.uk

David Morgan "used his vehicle as a weapon following a moment of road rage" in the shocking incident, and has now been convicted of murdering father-of-three Richard Smith despite repeatedly denying the offence

Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe have finished on the final podium of every Grand Tour in 2026. Next year they want to take the next step and begin to close the gap further on Tadej Pogacar, team manager Ralph Denk said. "I have a huge respect for what Remco achieved with us in 2026. Also for his involv...

Passive provision for a future Navan South station is included in changes.Iarnrd ireann Irish Rail is starting the second round of public consultation on the planned reopening of the railway line between Dublin and Navan. The project would be a 34-kilometre extension of the planned Dart+ network, with construction of the new electrified line expected sometime after 2030. The project is not funded as part of the National Development Plan to 2030,. A quote in a press release this morning attributed to Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien outlines that within the development plan provision has been made for the Navan rail line to secure planning permission before the end of the decade and enter construction shortly thereafter.Last year, it was revealed that the original timeline for submitting a Railway Order application, a type of planning application, by this year was being pushed back to the end of 2027, but earlier this year the timeline slipped again to 2028. This is in line with delays for a long list of rail, tram and BusConnects projects.The second consultation is part of the planning process for the company to obtain a Railway Order, which includes the compulsory purchase orders needed for the route, which is expected to have a travel time of 1 hour from Navan to Dublin City Centre and have the capacity to carry up to 4,400 commuters each way per hour.The State-owned railway company said that it intends to run trains at frequencies of up to every 15 minutes at peak times, running from a proposed Navan North station to Dublin City Centre, with stations also at at Dunshaughlin, Kilmessan, and around the former train station in Navan, which will be the Republics first station to be given the Central title. Irish Rail said its Preferred Route largely follows the alignment of the original railway line and what was presented during the first public consultation with what it calls targeted changes based on feedback and its assessment of the route. IMAGE: Route map with inserts highlighting the planned changes since the last consultation. Irish Rail said that there are changes to the proposed alignment in Rathregan and Leshemstown based on feedback received during the first public consultation, and changes south of Navan as passive provision for a future station in that location. The Dunshaughlin Park & Ride has also been moved closer to the proposed station.Irish Rail has repeated the claim that Navan is the largest town in Ireland not currently on the passenger rail network, although the town with this claim to fame is Swords, Co Dublin, which is not part of the continuous area of the city. The planned MetroLink to Swords will not change the fact that the town is not connected to the passenger rail network.The public consultation on the Navan route is to run until 5pm on Thursday December 10th 2026. Irish Rail said that it is looking for local knowledge and insight to inform the design and help it shape the project. Details can be found at irishrail.ie/navan-line, and consultation events are to be held as follows: LocationDateTimeNavan Solstice Arts Centre18 November 202616:00hrs20:00hrsKilmessan Station House Hotel24 November 202616:00hrs20:00hrsDunshaughlin Pastoral Centre03 December 202615:00hrs19:00hrsOnline webinar register for the webinar on www.irishrail.ie/navan-line01 December 202619:00hrsFollowing this, the Irish Rail project team is to review the feedback from the consultation, and proposals will be further refined. A Railway Order application is then expected to be prepared and lodged with the national planning board, An Coimisin Pleanla, in 2028. At that stage the planning board will run a statutory public consultation, and a planning inspector may or may not decide that an oral hearing into the project is needed. In a press release today, Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien said: This Government is committed to investing in Irelands public transport system, as evidenced by the 18 billion we will be investing in public transport infrastructure under the current National Development Plan to 2030. Within that, provision has been made for the Navan rail line to secure planning permission before the end of the decade and enter construction shortly thereafter.Mary Considine, chief executive of Irish Rail, said The Navan Railway will extend the Dart+ network, bringing an electrified rail service to thousands more customers daily. New communities in Meath, not currently served by the passenger rail network, will have access to high-capacity, high-frequency public transport.She added: Feedback through the public consultation process will help us deliver the best possible infrastructure and service to local communities and stakeholders.

Winspace has unveiled its new C6 bike at Rouleur Live in London. It bills the C6 as a performance endurance bike, saying it offers 40mm tyre clearance and endurance geometry, with vertical compliance at the rear of the frame.But while designed for longer rides and with a more upright ride position, Winspace says the C6 has racy handling with a performance-oriented steering geometry.Announcing the new bike, Winspace CEO Stephen Cai said: The C6 represents our belief that performance and endurance should work together. Weve taken our experience developing high-performance road bikes and applied it to a platform designed for riders who want responsiveness, efficiency, and the freedom to ride farther and faster. The C6 has 40mm tyre clearance, but Winspace says it still offers a performance-oriented ride. Winspace says it has engineered endurance comfort into the frame through its bowed seat tube and dropped seatstays, while a D-shaped seatpost is designed to increase the suppression of vibration from the road surface. There's in-frame storage in the down tube for your long-ride extras.Winspace also sells its Lun Hyper aero wheelsets and in September launched the G5 gravel bike, which retails at around half the price of competitors and offers 58mm front and 53mm rear tyre clearance. Winspace claims the rear of the C6 frame is engineered for comfort, while there's in-frame storage for ride essentials. We reviewed the Winspace M6 aero bike in September, commenting on its fantastic value for money and the broad range of customisation options available, which enable you to choose everything from the wheelset to cockpit dimensions and even crank length.Winspace is one of a number of Chinese bike brands making inroads into the Western market, while Chinese groupset brands are starting to nibble away at Shimano's dominance. At the end of October, the second-tier Team TotalEnergies announced it was swapping to Pardus bikes from Cube for 2027, along with a team-name change to XEFI as a new title sponsor takes over.Winspace says it will provide further details of the new C6 on 18 November, including specs, pricing and availability, so well update this post once we know more.