TheTour de Francehas only had five stages so far but every single day has been a great story. This Wednesday was no exception asMark Cavendishraced to Tour de France history with a record-breaking 35th win. Stage 6 is another chance for the sprinters to thrive but it will be very difficult to...

Phase one of the Kilmainham to Thomas Street cycle route is nearly finished the below video, map and images give an outline of the route.Theres some work left, including continuing the red surfacing and traffic lights for the crossing of the South Circular Road beside the Luas bridge at the new childrens hospital.The route includes a mix of interventions, including bollard-segregated cycle lanes, bolt-down kerbed two-way cycle paths, and a shared park through a linear park area.But it also includes a central section shared with cars (marked in red on the map below) around half of this shared section is mixed with two-way traffic, and the other section is mixed with a narrow one-way street with contraflow cycling allowed. Meanwhile, the consultation is ongoing for the redesign of the junction at the western end of the route, the junction between Suir Road and Davitt Road.The route as it stands:Black: To form part of a future phase of the project.Light green: Bollard-segregated cycle lanes.Red: Around half a mix of sharing with two-way traffic and half a mix with a narrow one-way street with contra-flow cycling allowed.Green: Two-way cycle path with rubber bolt-in kerbs (small section to be finished).Light blue: Shared path through the linear park area.Pink: Redesign of the junction between Suir Road and Davitt Road (at consultation)Images:

Tadej Pogaar has 12 stage wins - but it would take eight more years at this current rate to beat Cavendish

The 3rd of July 2024 is a day that will live long in the memories of cycling fans after the greatest sprinter of all time, Mark Cavendish reaffirmed his status by finally claiming a historic 35th Tour de France stage win, moving clear of the great Eddy Merckx in the process as the most victorious ri...

Want to run the Tour de France? Theres no vacancy today but its starting to be talked about.A front seat at the Tour de France, limitless food and wine, it sounds temptingChristian Prudhomme is the directeur du cyclisme at Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the organisers of the Tour de France. He 63 years old, the notional retirement age in France but its not compulsory and theres no vacancy yet. Still he is starting to evoked retirement, phrases like being closer to the end [of his career] than the start have emerged, talk even of succession.The job might not be what you think. The high-level business side like negotiating TV rights and wrangling with the UCI is done by people above like Yann Le Moenner, the directeur gnral of ASO, as in the chief executive. The technical side like crafting the race routes is largely led by Thierry Gouvenou, the race directeur ex-pro who seems happiest exploring new roads and discussing the days vertical gain rather than being a salesman.Pierre-Yves Thouault is Prudhommes deputy but hes the auxiliary, a support with technical skills who can go from discussing policing requirements to diesel generators the next. And if youve not heard of him that is almost the point.Prudhomme and his role of directeur du cyclisme is very visible. Its what defines the job; just as there are many technical tasks for the Giro and Vuelta too but the public face is Mauro Vegni or Javier Guilln.Read or listen to enough Prudhomme interviews and the same stories and lines often repeat. One of them is that his role is not really a job, its not a career even but a mission, often quickly chased by a line to say its nothing divine of course, just that it is consuming.Hes the one who presents the route every year and is the face in July but theres a lot of work the rest of the year to make it all happen. He travels around France to network with the politicians who are the clients of ASO. A mayor here, a senator there and prfets everywhere, a lot of time is spent in the millefeuille, Frances layercake of local and regional governments. Frances annual assembly of dpartments, the congress of mayors and the Paris agricultural fair the three unmissable appointments in the year.For all the meetings with politicians and technocrats Prudhomme and the Tour are largely apolitical, even if he was a signatory to a letter in 2017 where people in Frances sports sphere cautioned against voting for the far right in the presidential elections. Otherwise theres a convivial neutrality about the Tour in a country where everything can be politicised. Handing out stage of the Tour de France is not contentious, politicians who dont want the race dont apply so there are few losers left with an axe to grind; towns not satisfied by this years route often get a nod and a wink itll be there time soon.In July days are spent in the team car, partly to oversee the race but also hosting a VIP, possibly the French president. He can go to two dinners in an evening to satisfy expectant locals. Its not just the riders who go big on calories this month, the job almost requires a second stomach, a second liver even.Embed from Getty ImagesAnother physical requirement is a firm handshake. One Prudhomme quip is that his elbow has a memory of its own because when he goes to greet someone theres a brief moment where he struggles to recall their name but as his elbow unbends and his hand moves forward for the handshake, suddenly their name emerges on the tip of his tongue.In the job since 2007 Prudhomme has shaped the race. But has he made the race more TV friendly with never more than two sprint stages in a row, fewer time trials, more mid-mountains and special summit finishes like the Galibier and Granon because he wants this, or is this just what the TV market demands and technology allows? Probably both, the Tour has lent into this more than the Giro, borrowing from its sister race the Vuelta while visits to the Planche des Belles Filles or the Puy-de-Dme have had a personal touch. Exploring this is for another day.Until the 1980s a lot of the Socit du Tour, as ASO was called then, was staffed by ex-army types, colonels and lieutenants; now it has a large share of ex-pros. But the directeur has come from the media, whether Henri Desgrange, Jacques Goddet or Jean-Marie Leblanc, journalists from the in-house newspaper. Prudhomme was an outsider who came from radio and TV which explains plenty for a job that requires a lot of talking. Is the next candidate going to come from the media? Just as Leblanc picked Prudhomme and had him first as a deputy so he could be introduced to mayors and others before he took over, the same is likely to happen again.Could Marion Rousse be promoted? Why not. FranceTVs lead commentator Alexandre Pasteur could step in aged 53, a coincidence or not he is watching todays stage from Prudhommes car.When Leblanc started looking for a successor two decades ago he had several candidates in mind. He thought the job needed three qualities: you need to know cycling well, you have to like people, and you need have a sense of public interest and duty. These probably still hold if you want to polish your CV.The post The Top Job first appeared on The Inner Ring.

Leatt has released a new line of mountain bike components covering bars, stems, grips and pedals.The components will be available in two tiers, with the high-end 8.0 range featuring a magnesium construction and a ceramic-coated paintjob, which Leatt has coined Ceramag.A top-of-the-line CeraBone series features full titanium hardware, including pedal spindles, stem bolts and flat pedal pins.Four types of pedal designs have been released, with Endurance, ALL MTN and Gravity clipless pedals available alongside a Flat range.Leatt hasnt given an exact release date for the collection, with the first shipments expected this year.The South African brand is better known for its mountain bike protection, entering the market with the Leatt-Brace in 2003 and since launching multiple ranges of body armour, clothing and helmets.All the 6.0-level components are available in silver, bronze or black, with the 8.0 Ceramag coating coming in white or grey.Leatt Clip Pedal EnduranceThe Clip Endurance Pedals can be used for XC or gravel riding. - Nick Clark / Our MediaThe Clip Pedal Endurance uses a traditional clipless design with Shimanos SPD cleat system.A dual-sided retention system is used, with the sides of the mechanism featuring a platform to improve stability and power transfer, according to Leatt.Three bearings are used along the axle and two seals protect the inners from the elements.The same body design is shared between 6.0 and 8.0 pedals. - Nick Clark / Our MediaEntry and release adjustments feature on the rear of the pedal, with a small scale indicating how tight or loose the pedal is.The aluminium Clip Pedal Endurance 6.0 has a claimed weight of 382g per pair, while the magnesium Clip Pedal Endurance 8.0 is said to top the scales at 354g for the steel axle variant and 298g for the Endurance 8.0Ti.Leatt Clip Pedal Endurance 6.0: 139 / $159 / 159Leatt Clip Pedal Endurance 8.0: 189 / $219 / 219Leatt Clip Pedal Endurance 8.0Ti CeraBone: 299 / $339 / 339Leatt Clip Pedal ALL MTNThe Clip ALL MTN Pedals feature four pins on each side for added traction. - Nick Clark / Our MediaWith a larger platform, these mountain bike pedals are designed for more aggressive trail use and enduro riding.Similar to the Clip Pedal Endurance, the ALL MTN uses Shimanos SPD cleat standard, making it easy to find replacements in almost any bike shop.The retention system has five degrees of float built in, with release and entry tension being adjustable on the rear of the pedal.The aluminium Clip Pedal All-MTB 6.0 has a claimed weight of 466g per pair, while the magnesium Clip Pedal Endurance 8.0 is said to top the scales at 364g.Leatt hasnt released a Clip Pedal ALL MTN 8.0Ti Cerabone edition, but the 8.0 is compatible with a titanium axle upgrade.Leatt Clip Pedal ALL MTB 6.0: 165 / $189 / 189Leatt Clip Pedal ALL MTN 8.0: 229 / $259 / 259Leatt Clip Pedal GravityThe Clip Gravity Pedals are for enduro and downhill riding. - Nick Clark / Our MediaLeatt says the Clip Pedal Gravity offers the highest levels of grip in the range, with a large platform resulting in plenty of contact with your shoe.The pedals are said to be EFBE category 5 tested, which means an independent authority has rated the pedals to be strong enough for gravity mountain bike application.The platform and pins are designed to still be effective when disengaged from the retention mechanism, making it easier, Leatt says, to push on down the trail while trying to clip in.Leatt claims the Clip Pedal Gravity 6.0 weighs in at 522g (per pair), with the Clip Pedal Gravity 8.0 topping the scales at 419g.Similar to the Clip Pedal All-MTN, a titanium hardware CeraBone isnt available though the pedals can be upgraded to titanium axles.Leatt Clip Pedal Gravity 6.0: 175 / $199 / 199Leat Clip Pedal Gravity 8.0: 239 / $269 / 269Leatt Flat Pedal ALL MTNThe ceramic coating adds a grippy texture to the pedals. - Nick Clark / Our MediaThe Flat Pedal ALL MTN pedals are designed for enduro and downhill riding.A concave design should add plenty of traction, with Leatt claiming it's 5mm higher at the periphery compared to the centre.As with many flat mountain bike pedals, a narrow or wide platform is available, with the narrow measuring 100mm in width compared to 107mm on the wide pedal.The Cerabon variant with titanium hardware is only available in the narrow width.All pedals can be upgraded with the titanium axle. - Nick Clark / Our MediaTen pins are used on each side of the pedal to keep your feet in place, while the Ceramag coating on the magnesium models is said to increase traction compared to other pedals on the market.The Flat ALL MTN 6.0 has a claimed weight of 381g per pair, while the magnesium Flat ALL MTN 8.0 is said to top the scales at 309g.Leatt claims the range-topping Endurance 8.0Ti comes in at featherweight 256g for the pair.Leatt Flat ALL MTN 6.0: 149 / $169 / 169Leatt Flat ALL MTN 8.0: 219 / $249 / 249Leatt Flat ALL MTN 8.0Ti CeraBone: 279 / $319 / 319Leatt Stem Gravity 35Stem caps and spacers also feature a ceramic coating. - Nick Clark / Our MediaLeatt offers the Stem Gravity 35 in an aluminium or magnesium construction similar to the pedals, with the top-end CeraBone edition featuring titanium bolts.The stem is finished with CNC milling. - Nick Clark / Our MediaThe stem comes in 33mm, 40mm and 50mm lengths, and the faceplate features a wraparound design said to distribute force more evenly.Leatt Stem Gravity 35 6.0: 109 / $129 / 129Leatt Stem Gravity 35 8.0: 189 / $219 / 219Leatt Stem Gravity 35 8.0Ti CeraBone: 219 / $249 / 249Leatt Handlebar Kit Launch ControlThe handlebars are available in both black and silver. - Nick Clark / Our MediaLeatts new handlebars are only available to buy in combination with the brand's new Reaflex 6.0 grips.The bars are made from 7050 aluminium, feature 10 degrees of back sweep and are claimed to weigh in at 284g.The Reaflex 6.0 grips feature a material designed to reduce vibrations and hand fatigue, and come in a 29mm or 31mm diameter.Leatt says a pair weighs in at 106g and they can be purchased separately to the handlebars.Leatt Handlebar Kit Launch Control: 105 / $119 / 119Leatt Grips Reaflex 6.0: 25.99 / $29.99 / 29.99

Whilst Mark Cavendish's 35th Tour de France stage win on Wednesday in Saint Vulbas brought many an emotion to those watching, for the sprinting legend's Isle of Man compatriot, former teammate and longtime friend, Peter Kennaugh, things were especially emotional."It's insane isn't it! The longevity...

24kg longtail is available from 5,499

Remco Evenepoel is making his much anticipated Tour de France debut in 2024 and in credit of the Belgian, he has started very strongly, sitting second in the general classification after two stages, 45 seconds down on Tadej Pogacar.With Evenepoel seen by many as Belgium's best hope to end the long...

EUROBIKE is in full swing and were right at the heart of it! Thats reason enough to send you some nice greetings and impressions from our stand! For everyone on site: swing by and say hello, its worth it! Youll find us in Hall 12.0 B03, right next to our friends from Rotwild and Gobao, opposite Cosmic Sports. Come by, have a chat with us and pick up a few goodies weve got a surprise or two for you too!We came up with some ideas to give you sleepless nights and make sure that youll still think of us when you get home (but not in a weird way).Hey mister Postman! We offer our readers a special postcard service! Just write your postcards and well send them off for you, so you can treat your loved ones, friends and colleagues at home by sending them a piece of EUROBIKE feeling.Weve prepared something very special for all the coffee lovers. Take part in our coffee blind tasting for the DOWNTOWN Coffee Special. Test your taste buds and find out whether you can distinguish between different types of coffee maybe youll find your new favourite blend! No matter what you taste, theres one thing youll take back home: sleepless nights thanks to the excess of caffeine. Important only with pre-booking! Click here to register: Saturday 06.07.2024 (15:00 Uhr), Sunday 07.07.2024 (11:00 Uhr). We also have lots of cool stickers and posters to give away. Pimp your bikes, laptops, notebooks and tablets, and show everyone what youre passionate about!For industry guests: on Friday at 11 am well be celebrating our big cargo bike comparison test, which took us to the city of love, Paris! True to the Paris, Paris motto, well be serving croissants and coffee for free and something else you wont find in Paris: pick up your invitation in advance at our stand (Hall 12.0, B03)! We look forward to seeing you here!Sounds good? Were really looking forward to having a great time with you! Come along and lets have a chat, exchange ideas, gather inspiration and maybe even make plans for future stories!Hall 12.0, B03Kind Regards,The 41 Publishing crewDer Beitrag Greetings from EUROBIKE! erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.