Karl Herzog and Georgs Tjumins will ride for Bora-Hansgrohe's development squad in 2025, and are now Red Bull athletes

The Criterium du Dauphin is definitely being an unusual race. Only minutes after two of the breakaway riders crashed on a descent during stage 6, the rest of the breakaway has taken a wrong turn after the race organizers ahead were oblivious to the correct direction.The incident occurred with 30 k...

Following a first-place finish at last year's Tour Divide, Ulrich Bartholmoes is lining up at the 2024 edition and also has his sights set on the Triple Crown Challenge record. Find his complete gear list and details on the bike he'll be riding here...The post Ulrich Bartholmoes 2024 Tour Divide Pack List + Triple Crown Challenge appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, deputy editor Jack Luke and technical editor Tom Marvin are joined by gravel racer and BikeRadar alumnus Ben Delaney to ignite the first episode in our gravel racing series with Canyon.The trio go over the fundamentals of gravel racing, look back at the early days of the discipline and outline the criteria you should consider when purchasing a new gravel bike.Delaney shares his experiences of competing in some of the world's most difficult gravel races and shares what he considers to be the best bike setup for long-distance events.Remember, we'd love to hear your opinions on anything discussed in this episode drop us an email at podcast@bikeradar.com with any questions or comments.How to subscribe to the BikeRadar PodcastThe BikeRadar Podcast takes you to the heart of the issues that matter for bike riders, whether you're a roadie, mountain biker, gravel rider or commuter.From the latest tech news, reviews and debates, to interviews with the biggest and most interesting personalities in cycling, the podcast is your direct line into the BikeRadar team.To make sure you dont miss a future episode, you can subscribe viaApple,Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts.

It is with great joy that we announce today that starting on Monday, Bike Easy will have a full time Education and Policy Manager, and her name is: Laura Harris!I met Laura 8 years ago when I moved to New Orleans. We became League Cycling Instructors at the same time, and since then it has been clear she is devoted to the mission of Bike Easy. Laura was actually our first intern way back when we were still known as the Metro Bicycle Coalition, so her history and connection with biking in New Orleans goes way back. Laura is also a great instructor, and has had a profound impact on the growth of our Education program: she truly has changed the lives of so many.For the last few years, Laura has gotten more involved with our Advocacy work at a local, state, and national level. Her insight and understanding of policy have been a great asset to our organization: we look forward to our continued growth with her new role.Please joining me in welcoming her by sending her a note tolaura@bikeeasy.orgFrom the BoardThe Bike Easy Board is ecstatic to continue and strengthen our organizational work in education and policy, and couldnt be more excited to welcome Laura as the new Education and Policy Manager. Laura has been an integral part of the Bike Easy team since 2017, strongly leading our education programming to reach over 700 people of all ages, annually. Laura brings a strong background in city planning and advocacy, having worked with the Complete Streets Coalition and as a Bike Law Ambassador during her tenure at Bike Easy, and recently graduated with a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans. This is an exciting day for the Bike Easy organization, Congratulations Laura!!From Laura:Im so grateful to continue and to advance my work for better biking in Greater New Orleans through my work with Bike Easy, an organization thats been in my life in some way, shape, or form now for about half my life! Since I was a kid, Ive had a strong passion for advocating for and educating on the importance of walkable and bikeable cities, so to be able to do this work where I can so directly contribute to improvements in our urban form and the lives so shaped around it, is truly an honor and a dream. I am forever grateful to the Bike Easy staff and board, both past and present, for supporting my growth alongside this organization, and I look forward to continuing to expand our impact and reach in the lives of anyone who moves through our streets. Lets keep it rolling!Calls to ActionFill out or Biking During Mardi Gras SurveyDeadline is today:Friday, March 14Reach out to our elected officials in regards to the increase in Hit and Run crashes this year Read more about it hereVolunteer to do Bike Valet We have a lot of opportunities coming up!Upcoming EventsWednesday, April 30:BIKE Talks Where ya riding?An exploration of nearby biking trails and pathsSaturday, April 20:Smart Biking FREE session on Bike Safety To learn more and to RSVP,click hereTuesday, May 7:Give NOLA DayFriday, May 17:Bike to Work DaySunday, May 19:Ride to Rememberat Metairie Cemetery a community bike ride in honor of National Bicycle Safety Month to highlight bike safety while honoring loved ones lost in fatal cycling accidentsAs always. please reach out with your thoughts and ideas!

Cycling is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. While physical strength, endurance, and technique are indisputably critical, a cyclist's secret weapon is often hidden in plain sight attentional focus. This potent mental tool can make the difference between merely finishing and clinching the victory.At Saddle Up Cycling, we understand the interplay between mind and body in achieving peak performance. Let's delve deeper into the concept of attentional focus and its profound impact on cycle training and racing.Understanding the Dual Facets of Attentional FocusThe realm of attentional focus is divided into two domains: internal and external. Mastering the art of cycling requires skilful navigation between these two states.Internal FocusWhen you adopt an internal focus, you turn your attention inwards. You monitor your breathing rate, muscle tension, pedal strokes, and other bodily responses. It's critical for optimizing your technique and maximizing efficiency. Consider Chris Froome, the four-time Tour de France champion. Froome frequently looks down at his power meter, a testament to his internal focus, adjusting his effort to maintain the optimal cadence and power output. However, one must be wary - an overemphasis on internal focus during a race can limit responsiveness to environmental changes and strategic decision-making.External FocusExternal focus, on the other hand, shifts your attention to the environment the road, competitors, weather conditions, or pacing strategies. Cyclists with an excellent external focus can adapt swiftly to rapidly changing circumstances like sharp bends, unexpected breakaways, or sudden gusts of wind. Peter Sagan, known for his audacious race tactics and victories, exemplifies an external focus. By responding proactively to changes in the race, he's managed to carve a niche for himself in cycling history. It's imperative, as a cyclist, to dynamically balance your attentional focus to handle various internal and external elements effectively.Long Intervals and FocusLong intervals demand strategic application of attentional focus. A deliberate internal focus can help monitor your body's response to sustained effort, thereby maintaining a consistent effort throughout. However, occasionally shifting to an external focusconcentrating on maintaining a steady speed or focusing on the next landmarkcan distract from the discomfort, enhancing endurance. Cycling maestros, such as Tony Martin, showcase this balance during their performances. They continuously oscillate their attention between internal sensations and external elements like the route and speed, maintaining a sustainable, efficient rhythm.Attentional Focus in Time TrialsTime trials throw a unique challenge. They demand a flawless transition between internal and external focus. Their solitary nature calls for a strong internal focus on pacing and energy management. Yet, they also necessitate an external focus to watch the clock, maintain an aerodynamic position, and navigate the course. Cyclists like Fabian Cancellara and Tony Martin, who've left indelible marks on time trials, exemplify this dual focus. They demonstrate an uncanny ability to balance their power output (internal focus) while adeptly handling the course's demands (external focus).The Role of Focus in Bunch RacingBunch racing, with its dynamic, unpredictable environment, necessitates a heightened external focus. Situational awareness, quick decision-making, and constant vigilance become crucial. However, an undercurrent of internal focus ensures energy output management, preventing early race exhaustion. Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan, both renowned for their prowess in bunch races, exemplify superior external focus. They expertly position themselves for sprints, managing their internal resources to unleash power when it matters the most.Striking the Balance: Internal and External FocusFinding an equilibrium between internal and external focus is pivotal in cycle training and racing. During training, a predominant internal focus can enhance technical skills and physical conditioning. It's about sensing how your body reacts to different exertion levels, how to balance on the bike, or how to perfect your pedal strokes.Come race time, however, a shift towards an external focus becomes essential. Keeping an eye on the route, tracking competitors' pace, and executing your race strategy demand your attention. Though some level of internal focus is necessary to monitor fatigue and exertion, an excessive internal focus can restrict your ability to respond effectively to external changes.Attentional Focus: Your Secret Performance EnhancerThe art of managing attentional focus directly influences your cycling performance. Research indicates that an external focus on the outcome of a movement, rather than the movement itself, leads to efficient motor learning. This principle is extensively used in coaching, where athletes are often guided to focus on the effects of their actions rather than the actions themselves. For instance, when perfecting your pedal stroke, focusing on the smooth rotation of the pedals (external focus) can prove more beneficial than concentrating on your leg movement (internal focus).Moreover, strategically shifting your focus during a race can significantly enhance your endurance. Athletes who dissociate from discomfort during a race (i.e., focusing on the surroundings or race strategy) report lower perceived effort and perform better. This highlights how a well-executed shift in focus can push you through the race's most challenging sections.Training Your Attentional FocusLike physical endurance, your ability to control attentional focus can be trained and improved. Incorporating mindfulness exercises and meditation into your routine can enhance your capacity to control your focus. These practices train your mind to observe without judgment, helping you perceive discomfort or fatigue without automatically reacting to it.Furthermore, integrating cognitive challenges into your physical training can prove beneficial. This might involve making strategic decisions during high-intensity intervals or practising technical skills while fatigued. Such scenarios emulate the cognitive demands of racing, improving your ability to maintain an effective attentional focus even under extreme exertion.ConclusionAttentional focus plays a pivotal role in cycle training and racing. Striking a balance between internal and external focus, understanding how and when to shift that focus, and actively training your ability to manage your focus can give you a decisive edge in your cycling performance. Remember, physical power propels the bike, but mental power propels the rider.At Saddle Up Cycling, we are dedicated to helping you strengthen not only your body but also your mind, enabling you to become a holistic cyclist. Ready to saddle up and conquer the road? Your journey to cycling excellence starts here.Start Your Journey With Us

The post How to Make the Most Out of Your Skedaddle Road Cycling Tour appeared first on Skedaddle Blog.

Banks recently revealed details of her nine month battle with anti-doping authorities which resulted in her receiving an unparalleled 'No Fault or Negligence' ruling

The Tour de Suisse begins this Sunday with an interesting day. In Liechenstein, the race begins with a short and very fast prologue in the capital of Vaduz where the first differences will be created. We preview a day where Stefan Kng and Stefan Bissegger will aim for a home win.The Swiss race thi...

This weeks Debrief features a redesigned Bianchi gravel bike, fluorescent bars and colorful bells, updated Brother Carbon MTB Forks, a debate on spoons vs. sporks, a new COLT FKT, Ortlieb's carbon footprint calculator, two events to follow live, and more. Find it all hereThe post Friday Debrief: Micro Racer, COLT FKT, Munda Biddi Trail Raffle, and More appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.