Garmin has quietly unveiled three new models in its bike computer lineup, and a new addition to its smart indoor trainer Tacx range.The headline grabber is the new flagship Garmin Edge 1060 bike computer, replacing the top-tier Garmin Edge 1050. The new Edge 1060 adds an onboard microphone and speaker, plus intelligent navigation, improved battery life, and its signature high-resolution display. Elsewhere, the Explore 3 series caters to touring and recreational riders who prioritise straightforward navigation over deep performance metrics, with an Explore 3 Plus variant borrowing the 1060's voice and audio features.Perfectly timed for indoor riding season, Garmins Tacx division has released the Nra smart trainer, which offers the preinstalled Zwift Cog and Click virtual shifting system. The Nra also brings all-new multidirectional movement, with built-in motion pods designed directly into the unit for what they claim will be a comfortable and realistic ride.All the new Garmin devices are available now, and below you'll find more information and the all-important prices.Garmin Edge 1060The Corretto LS jerseys are the the first new products in the Castelli Transition range. (Image credit: Garmin)Taking over the top spot in Garmins computer lineup, the new Edge 1060 builds on the Edge 1050 with key hardware and navigation upgrades. It also becomes the most expensive bike computer on the market, launching at $799.99/699.99 and surpassing the 1050 by about $100/100.The headline addition is hands-free voice control. Powered by an integrated microphone and speaker, riders can trigger actions simply by saying "OK Garmin," keeping hands safely on the handlebars. The unit also integrates with the Garmin Messenger app to send and play audio messages on the go.Route planning gets a boost with real-time road closure alerts, interactive route previews, and a "free flow routing" mode designed to prioritise uninterrupted paths with minimal stops. On top of a customisable home screen and emergency reverse charging. Battery life ranges from 20 hours under heavy load to 60 hours in battery saver mode, the same as the 1050.There's no solar charging seen on other Garmin devices because the Edge 1060 uses a bright liquid crystal display panel (inherited from the Edge 105O and can't utilise the Garmin solar-harvesting Power Glass.Garmin Edge Explore 3 and Edge Explore 3 PlusThe Garmin Edge Explore 3 and Edge Explore 3 Plus replace the popular Explore 2 bike computer. (Image credit: Garmin )Expanding its bike computer lineup, Garmin has unveiled the Edge Explore 3 and Edge Explore 3 Plus. Succeeding the popular Edge Explore 2, Garmin says the new units are designed to be easy-to-use GPS cycling computersThe two siblings are the same size, with the Plus adding internal hardware.The main addition to the higher-spec Explore 3 Plus is hands-free voice control, thanks to a new onboard microphone and speakermirroring the tech on the Edge 1060. Both units get boosted navigation, including pin-drop navigation, live road hazard warnings, "free flow routing" to avoid frequent stops, and interactive previews of upcoming points of interest.Under heavy use, the standard Explore 3 delivers up to 16 hours of battery life, while the feature-rich Plus model offers 14 hours; both extend to an impressive 48 hours in battery saver mode.Elsewhere, the feature list includes Garmin Coach training plans, live tracking, incident detection, e-bike and smartwatch connectivity, and real-time carbon footprint metrics.Pricing for the Garmin Edge Explore 3 is $399.99/349.99, and the Garmin Edge Explore 3 Plus is $499.99/429.99.The Edge Explore 3 and Edge Explore 3 Plus are designed for ease of use. (Image credit: Garmin)Tacx Nra Smart TrainerThe Tacx Nra comes in a tradional cassette version or with the Zwift Cog and Click system. (Image credit: Garmin)Garmin, which owns Tacx, has expanded its indoor cycling ecosystem with the launch of the Tacx Nra, a performance smart trainer positioned alongside the premium Tacx Neo 3M and Tacx Neo 2T models. The unit is ride-ready out of the box, available with either a preinstalled cassette or a Zwift Ready configuration with the Zwift Cog and Click for virtual shifting.Built to handle heavy efforts, the Nra supports sprint efforts up to 2,200 watts, simulates gradients up to 20%, and maintains an impressive power and cadence accuracy within 1%. All new integrated motion pods deliver multidirectional movement, covering forward, backward, and side-to-side motion, for what they say is a comfortable, immersive ride feel. Connectivity is equally robust, with built-in Wi-Fi for fast virtual racing on Zwift or ROUVY, plus native syncing with compatible Edge computers and the best Garmin smartwatches.The Nra is also compatible with the Tacx Alpine hill climb and steering simulator, and can be collapsed and carried with foldable legs and a built-in carry handle.The standard Tacx Nra and the Tacx Nra with Cog and Click are priced at $999.99/859.99.(Image credit: Garmin)

Two stories with very similar headlines were near the top of Cycling Weeklys site last week. British Cycling implements action plan after survey reveals 'toxic' culture was one, and Picnic PostNL launch independent investigation after 'toxic culture' reports was the other. Two different stories, but very similar themes elite sports teams having their atmospheres criticised. Both have come under similar fire before over their management style, but both have pledged to investigate and change.Interestingly, both Picnic and the Great Britain Cycling Team were in winning form last week. The former won their first WorldTour race of the year with their mens team, at the Tour of Guangxi, while the latter was tremendous at the Track World Championships in Shanghai, winning six golds and topping the medal table. Its proof that both things can be true at the same time, that teams can be successful, while also not having the most harmonious culture; elite sport is ruthless. Picnic PostNL have had a bleak year across their mens and womens teams, with the former winning thrice, and the latter not winning at all. Its not a surprise, then, that stories criticising their management structure have emerged. If they were winning, as they have so often in the past, then concerns over management style or team atmosphere could be explained away or simply don't make the headlines. Its when youre not as successful that the vultures start circling. Clearly, as the investigations in Dutch media showed, there are questions to be answered over a seemingly tough environment. Different riders might respond to coaching styles in different ways, but when people say that they thought of self-harming, a line has been crossed, and something needs to change. British Cycling, meanwhile, is a juggernaut, and a reliable source of world and Olympic medals, especially on the track, but it is not the first time that teams culture has been criticised. Different circumstances to Picnic, but a similarly poor climate. The report referenced above was not even the only negative story about the GBCT last week, with Matthew Richardson sent home from the Worlds, reportedly under investigation for inappropriate behaviour. It requires some cognitive dissonance here, but BC had both a great week, and a poor week. That there is a toxic culture alleged at both teams does not astonish me, but that does not mean it should be treated as normal. As much as elite sport is a brutal environment, with world-class performances a harsh but tangible yardstick, no rider or staff member should have to suffer through something beyond the pale. It is clearly something that is normalised, sadly, even in this era of mental health awareness and care. It shouldnt take underperformance or a whistleblower to cause reflection, and bring about change BC and Picnic should take this opportunity to make sure this kind of report doesnt emerge again. The best teams arent necessarily the happiest, most lovely places to be, however, and many riders only respond when being pushed to a level which might be construed as negative in the normal world. Simply put, as ever, I am just delighted that Im not a professional cyclist; the pressure to perform and succeed is simply too great. What we cannot forget, however, is that the athletes we watch perform at the very top level are human beings, too. Somehow, those in charge of getting the best from them need to balance their approach, because theres no space for toxicity in the cycling I want to be part of. 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.

The Tour de France 2027 opening ceremony and team presentation in Edinburgh ahead of the British Grand Dpart will be a paid-for, ticketed event, the race organisers have announced. Around 9,000 tickets are expected to go on sale, with prices starting at 27. The event, scheduled to take place from 18:30 on Wednesday 30 June, will be held on the esplanade outside Edinburgh Castle, and will involve the producers of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a bagpipes and dance show that performs every August in the city. Tickets will go on priority pre-sale this Friday 23 October to people who subscribe to the Grand Dpart GB newsletter. Visit the Le Tour GB website to sign up. Members of British Cycling, Scottish Cycling and Beicio Cymru will then have a pre-sale window from midday the following day, Saturday 24 October. On Monday 26 October, the pre-sale will open up to customers of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Any remaining tickets will then go on general sale at midday on Friday 30 October. Fans without tickets will still be able to see the riders as they approach Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile, but will not able to access the presentation. The massed pipe band at the Royal Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, who are organising the Tour's presentation (Image credit: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo)It is highly uncommon, though not unprecedented, for the Tour de Frances opening ceremony and team presentation to require tickets. The event consists of all 23 teams (184 riders) riding on stage to be introduced to the crowds. Last years presentation took place at the foot of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. In Lille the year before it was in the citys Grand Place, while in Florence in 2024 it was at the Piazzale Michelangelo. All three were open free-of-charge to the public. The last time the Tour started in the UK, however, the opening ceremony and team presentation were ticketed, with more than 10,000 people attending inside Leeds Arena. The race will begin on Friday 1 July, two days after the opening ceremony, leaving Edinburgh for a stage finish in Carlisle. Stage two will stretch the following day from Keswick to Liverpool, and stage three from Welshpool to Cardiff.The full route for next years Tour de France will be officially announced in a ceremony in Paris at 10:00 (BST) this Thursday 22 October.

After two decades of association, Soudal Quick-Step are to switch Specialized for Merida bikes from next season, it was announced on Tuesday.Their sister Women's WorldTour team, AG Insurance-Soudal, are also making the switch from the American to the Taiwanese brand. The men's WorldTour team will also be known as Soudal Safety Jogger from next year.Specialized first joined with what was Quickstep-Innergetic for the 2007 season, and have been together since, apart from two seasons on Eddy Merckx bikes. It has been a long and fruitful partnership, through Classics domination with the likes of Tom Boonen and Grand Tour sprint success with Mark Cavendish, Marcel Kittel and latterly Tim Merlier. There have also been World Championship wins and a Grand Tour victory for Remco Evenepoel, who still rides Specialized at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.Now, it's goodbye to the S-Works Tarmac SL9 and hello to the Merida Reacto, along with the Time-Warp for time trialling. The deal runs to 2030 to begin with, and will see the bikes complete with Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets, wheelsets, and pedals, along with Continental tyres. There are also new saddles from Prologo, shoes from Sidi, and helmets from Lazer.Merida return to the WorldTour after one year out they were last ridden by Bahrain Victorious at the sport's highest level.According to a team press release, extensive research and evaluation was taken by the head of technical and development Nicolas Coosemans, along with performance coach Koen Pelgrim. "Products were extensively tested and assessed in controlled environments, including wind-tunnel testing, as well as in real-world on the road conditions," the press release reads. "This rigorous approach ensures that every element of the teams technical package has been selected to help our riders perform at the highest level.""We have been working on this project for more than one year, because decisions around technical partners have a direct impact on the performance of our riders," CEO Jurgen For said. "We wanted to look at every element of our equipment package and understand where we could make improvements, while also building on the strong relationships that we already have."What excites me most is not simply the individual products that our riders will use, but the expertise that each of these companies brings our teams. We want our technical partners to work closely with our riders and performance staff, sharing knowledge, data and ideas so that we can continue to develop together."We are very grateful to all of our new partners for the confidence they show in Soudal-Safety Jogger and AG Insurance-Soudal. We look forward to beginning these new partnerships and being able to show you exactly what we have been working so hard to deliver."

Iconic, dominant, legendary such superlatives are often overused and undeserved in the world of cycling, but in Alcyons case, all of them hit the mark. This remarkable bike was built in the mid-twenties, a period as momentous as it was triumphant for the French brand. (Image credit: Future)Founded in a western suburb of Paris in 1903, the brand had established its own cycling team within two years. It would own racing well into the thirties, winning the Tour de France seven times, Paris-Roubaix nine times, Paris-Tours nine times, and the Tour of Belgium 13 times. And thats just for starters. When, during the 1929 Tour, the team had the audacity to work, well, as a team in the Alps shielding star rider Maurice De Waele from attack race founder Henri Desgrange, in a fit of fury, responded by banning commercial teams. They wouldnt be welcomed back for thirty-one years.(Image credit: Future)They were winning across the board, says current owner Richard Hoddinott of vintage specialists The Velo Pages. Alcyon represented the pinnacle of that era of racing machines, and this particular bike is the best preserved 1920s racing bike I've ever seen. It took me eight years of negotiations to buy it from a collector in the south of France. Its completely original, right down to the tyres.(Image credit: Future)Its uncertain whether this is a team bike, but its survival intact is intriguing, as is its livery. Blue was always associated with the brand, inspired by the colour of the kingfishers plumage in the Greek myth of Alcyone and Ceyx. (Image credit: Future)Alongside talented French riders, such as the impossibly suave Andr Leducq, the team also signed many Belgian stars, including De Waele, Romain Maes, and Sylvre Maes. Consequently, its alleged that blue was chosen for the Belgian national team jersey as a tribute to Alcyon.

Olympic silver medallist Daria Pikulik has apologised after she was stripped of her results over an 18-month period due to an anti-doping rule violation.The Polish rider, who most recently rode for Human Powered Health, committed three whereabouts failures, according to the International Testing Agency (ITA), with Pikulik confirming on social media that this was due to missed tests.The 29-year-old finished second in the omnium at the Paris Olympics in 2024, behind Jennifer Valente of the USA, four years after she had taken a bronze medal in the same event at the 2020 UCI Track World Championships. In 2023, she won the Tour of Guangxi and a stage of the Tour Down Under, before she finished third at the European Championships road race in 2024.Her period of ineligibility has been set from 9 December 2024 to 8 June 2026, meaning all results within that time have been disqualified. Pikulik has not raced since March, and only finished three races in 2025, so the punishment is not a severe one. The ITA handles anti-doping for cycling's governing body, the UCI.Whereabouts is the name of the anti-doping system used by the ITA and UCI for out-of-competition testing, with details of where a rider will be; they have to give a daily window for where they will be available for testing. The statement reads: "The ITA reports that rider Daria Pikulik has agreed to the consequences for her ADRV under article 2.4 of the UCI anti-doping rules."Daria Pikulik committed three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period. The rider did not challenge the ADRV and agreed with the consequences proposed by the ITA. Accordingly, the case was resolved via an acceptance of consequences."In accordance with article 10.13.1 of the UCI anti-doping rules, the riders period of ineligibility is from 9 December 2024 until 8 June 2026. Additionally, all the riders competitive results within this period are disqualified including forfeiture of medals, points and prizes."In a post on Instagram in Polish, Pikulik wrote: "Many questions remain, and I must face them head-on. I'd like to explain why you haven't seen me racing since March. I was suspended for failing to report for three doping tests."This happened to me twice, in September 2023 and October 2023. Realising the seriousness of the situation, I tried to systematically complete my residence data in the system, but due to my oversight and a much greater workload, it happened a third time in September 2024."I spent the last two years trying to defend my good name, and ultimately CAS issued a judgment in March 2026 without a penalty, finding me guilty of omitting an inspection."In September, I was finally suspended from December 2024 to June 2026. It was a terribly difficult time for me and my loved ones. It was never my intention to violate anti-doping rules."Throughout my career, I have passed dozens of doping controls without any problems."However, I need to accept what happened and put it behind me. I apologise to everyone I've let down and thank everyone who has been with me through this time."Human Powered Health was contacted for comment.

Tao Geoghegan Hart will ride for EF Education-EasyPost next year after the American team "took a bet" that 2027 will be the year he regains his top form.Announced on Monday afternoon, the move ends the 31-year-old's three years at Lidl-Trek, which were dominated by his comeback from a horror crash in 2023, while he rode for Ineos Grenadiers. Geoghegan Hart won the Giro d'Italia in 2020, and was among the favourites to win at the 2023 edition, when he he fractured his left hip and femur in a crash. Since then, there has been a long process of rehabilitation, with glimmers of his past form. "Tao is an incredibly gifted rider with the perseverance and stubbornness to come back from a horrific crash injury," EF's CEO, Jonathan Vaughters, said in a press release. "While the fruits of his work to come back from injury have not blossomed yet, we are taking the bet that 2027 will be the year that this happens.""It started with a very interesting, personal conversation with EF Pro Cycling founder and CEO Jonathan Vaughters talking one-to-one about the difficulties Ive had since the injury three years ago, ideas around that, and opportunities for the future," Geoghegan Hart added. "There are a lot of people on this team Ive known for a long time, and also quite a few young riders Ive got to know recently whom Im excited to work alongside. On a personal level, its really about trying to re-find the condition I had in my best years the ceiling of that, the journey towards it, and the end results themselves. Its an exciting prospect to come into a new environment with new ideas, new perspectives, and different people.""Im much more interested in looking forward in the moment," he continued. "A good leader, in sport or beyond, is really aware of individual qualities, promotes those qualities in the people around them, respects them, and equally has empathy and understanding for all our inadequacies what we each bring and can contribute. Its about finding a way to make all those individual instruments line up and occasionally play a tune sometimes it sounds a bit cranky, but you still get the job done and steadily build towards something."Sounding raring to go, Geoghegan Hart added: "When I spoke to head sports director Charly Wegelius a few weeks ago, I said one thing I really love about cycling is the feeling of turning up to a race hotel with fire in your belly knowing you did really great preparation in the weeks or months leading in, with your eyes on the prize, whatever that prize may be. I look forward to chasing that feeling."It was revealed last week than Richard Carapaz would be leaving EF to move to NSN at the end of the season. See our full guide to 2027 transfers here.

Tadej Pogaar has laid out his 2027 schedule, with his choices being influenced both by events this year, and congestion in the 2028 cycling calendar, with the Olympics looming. Unsurprisingly, the UAE Team Emirates XRG star has his sights set firmly on a victory at the Vuelta a Espaa, with a win at the Spanish race being the only Grand Tour still missing from his impressive palmars. Pogaar also used the media event at a charity golf event in Volji Potok, in Slovenia, to answer some questions about his crash during stage eight of this year's Vuelta, which left him with multiple serious injuries, including a fractured collarbone, a vertebra injury and concussion, and around which several florid conspiracy stories have evolved, mainly around errant TV recording equipment. "It was a big stone," he confirmed to Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSlo. "Everything else is fake news." Also, very predictably, Pogaar is also intent on securing another win at the Tour, which gets underway in Britain on Friday 2 July 2027. If the Slovenian topped the General Classification for a sixth time, that would give him one more Tour title than Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain, all of who achieved five victories in their incredible careers, making him the most successful rider in the history of the Tour. (Lance Armstrong won seven consecutive Tours, between 19992005, but his titles have stripped from the record because of his doping.)The other main focus for Pogaar next year is UCI Road World Championships, which he missed this year because of injuries sustained during his calamitous crash in Spain. In 2027, the Worlds will take place in Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc, France, starting on 24 August, leaving Pogaar just a couple days of recovery before the beginning of the Vuelta a Espaa, which gets underway in Galicia on 4 September 2027. The hope for next year are of course the world championships, combined with the Tour and the Vuelta, Pogaar told reporters. Even if I would rather go to the Giro, I will have to check off the Vuelta at some point. So I think that will be the goal for next yearThe decision to prioritise the Vuelta next year, at the expense of the Giro d'Italia, was made more likely by the fact that the LA Olympic Games (which kick off on 14 July 2028) will be taking place hot on the heels of the 2028 Tour de France, scheduled to start in Reims on Saturday 24 June, which would make a successful stab at the 2028 Vuelta a stretch, even for someone with Pogaar's capabilities.

The Sidi Aeron shoes are the latest high-end off-road race option in the Sidi lineup, featuring the new, updated Millennium fit system that widens the toe box and straightens the last for a better fit on most feet. It still keeps some of the modular look Sidi has used for the past few decades, but it's more refined with the new Nuun 001C dials and a sleeker silhouette. Sidis famous heel adjustment system remains, but new materials such as the no-stretch Firmor X are designed to offer enhanced stiffness alongside the improved fit. Combine that with a carbon-fibre sole and high levels of breathability, and this is a shoe designed to excel in fast-paced, high-intensity off-road scenarios. To find out how good a gravel shoe this is, Ive racked up over 1,000km off-road from forest trails to canal towpaths, to really put them through their paces.The White/Black colourway paired with orange dials looks smartFuture - Andy TurnerThose dials are far better than the previous versionFuture - Andy TurnerHowever, quite as easy to use as BoaFuture - Andy TurnerDifferent fitting positions for the retention anchor on the insideFuture - Andy TurnerFirmor straps aid system stiffnessFuture - Andy TurnerRear ankle retention for added fit optionsFuture - Andy TurnerDesign details The Sidi Aeron shoes are a high-end gravel race shoe built upon a carbon-fibre sole with Sidis own Firmor X material, which is designed to provide support through its lack of stretch, similar to Dyneema. The shoe features a conventional tongue design, but the retention cable runs through the upper section. The retention dials are the new Nuun 001C dials from Sidi, now used across the entire range of its higher-end shoes. Three standard colours are available, with this white option, black, and an orange and black version. A lilac-and-fluoro-yellow special edition is also available for a slight price increase. Size-wise, the Sidi Aeron has a fairly expansive 36-48 size range with half sizes all the way up to 46.5. Design-wise, the shoe still features some of that more modular look Sidi used to have with the Ergo, Wire, and Shot range. However, fewer parts are now removable or replaceable, though the rear heel adjustment system is, and the stud treads on the sole can be, too.The tread are sturdy with spikes able to be fitted if requiredFuture - Andy TurnerCarbon sole is not overly exposed to protect it from scratches Future - Andy TurnerSpecifications The biggest change to Sidi shoes over the last two years is the introduction of the Millennium fit. This replaces the old long, narrow last with a slightly curved last that previous Sidi shoes featured, widens the toe box, straightens the last, and moves the cleat mounting plate further back on the shoe. This follows the design trend of nearly every major cycling shoe manufacturer over the last few years, with Sidi among the last to adopt it. With this shift in design methodology, the brand has also undergone a drastic design change. Previously, Sidi shoes featured many removable and replaceable parts, whereas now these have been trimmed down to reduce weight across the ranges. Customizable elements remain, with the upper retention fitment having three attachment points, while the ankle retention system remains but has been significantly slimmed down. The dials have been completely overhauled to the same Nuun 001C used on the Sidi Shot 3 shoes, which are now lighter and also sturdy, hence their use by Nasa apparently. These dials tighten by turning clockwise, rather than towards the exterior of each shoe individually, while a push-to-release system loosens them. These shoes feature two dials for upper and lower foot adjustments. Inside a fairly basic insole is provided which is lightweight but rather flat without any arch support. Externally, the shoe features a mesh-like structure for greater breathability, but the Firmor X fabric running through it prevents the panels from stretching. Combined with the stiff carbon fibre sole, the shoes are designed to offer the highest level of stiffness in Sidis off-road range. The external tread and removable toe studs provide security when walking over muddy terrain.Insoles are a tad basicFuture - Andy TurnerA bag is a nice inclusion for a shoe this priceFuture - Andy TurnerPerformance Wearing the Sidi Aeron shoes, the Millennium last is a huge improvement over the previous one. I had this with the Sidi Shot 3 as well, but I personally prefer the Aeron's retention system, with the dials on the side of the foot rather than on the tongue. However, you need to adjust the tongue into the correct position; otherwise, the internal wire mounting point can put uncomfortable pressure on the inside of your foot. In terms of toe-box room, however, it was fantastic, better than Shimano Wide-Fit and on par with Nimbl, Quoc, and Q36.5.The most impressive thing I have found about these shoes is their overall stiffness. The soles are incredibly stiff and transfer power well. I used these shoes with the WolfTooth DEL pedals, and the tread on the Aeron was the correct height to make use of the high contact patch on the pedals. When stamping down on them, the power transfer was direct, which I can attest to with various Strava KOMs gained across testing loops.On top of that, the Firmor X upper strands do a great job supporting the upper structure, so there is limited material flex across the top of the shoe. This was a slight issue with the Shot 3, but still far better than the Shot 2S. The biggest improvement is the dials, which clamp down on the foot fantastically without needing to over-tighten them. The tabs are easy to operate, even off-road with jarring ride surfaces. I also appreciate being able to flick them up or down, and I hope they'll last longer than other dial options. One issue, however, is that turning clockwise to tighten the right shoe is fine; on the left shoe, it feels counterintuitive. Most dials, such as Boa, rotate externally to tighten. There is also no micro-adjustment for loosening, instead a push to release system. This is, however, great for getting your foot in and out of the shoe easily, as the opening is large.I did, however, find the ankle adjustment somewhat superfluous for me. I have a narrow ankle/heel, and the Specialized S-Works 6, with its notoriously narrow heel, fit me perfectly. With the Sidi Aeron, I didnt need the adjustment, which, to be fair, is a testament to the retention system. I also thought the insole was a bit cheap. Im in two minds here, as Nimbl also offers a very basic insole, and I think if you spend over 300 on a shoe, custom insoles will offer a bigger performance gain. But then Shimano and QUOC offer brilliant customisable insoles at the point of purchase with adjustable arch support. Specialized meanwhile offers different insoles, but no option to choose at the point of purchase, annoyingly. I also have to say these shoes are heavier than I'd like for a high-end gravel race shoe. 407g for a size 45 is not bad, especially with the tread required on the outsole, but the Fizik Ferox 2 are 342g in the same size, while the Nimbl Urano are an insane 248g. When racing, accelerating, and riding at higher cadences, a 150g difference at the point of rotation is noticeable. For more casual riding, it isnt, but then these are race shoes. However, the Sidi Aeron is more durable than the Urano shoes, which I would personally save only for race days.Quite a shift from previous Sidi design methodology, but I like themFuture - Andy TurnerThe tread works well with modern gravel race pedals such as the WolfTooth DELFuture - Andy TurnerValue At 349, the Sidi Aeron is a premium gravel shoe. Thats to be expected with the carbon-fibre sole and other high-performance features. This is far cheaper than the Nimbl Urano (550) and the Specialized S-Works Recon Evo (399.99). However, the Fizik Ferox 2 are cheaper at 319.99, while the Specialized S-Works Recon SL are also 350 and claimed to be a fair bit lighter. From testing, I can confirm the Fizik Ferox 2 are a bit more comfortable, although the total system stiffness might lean toward the Sidi Aeron. However, the S-Works Recon SL are similar at that level and a fair bit lighter. I personally prefer their fit too, but the varus wedge works well for my foot; it wont for everyone. Honestly, system weight is the main deterrent from a gravel-race perspective. Those races have a strong bunch-racing element, where accelerations count, and they also tend to have a lot of elevation gain for the distance in UK events such as Gralloch and Graean. Where the Sidi Aeron have really impressed me is the comfort over longer durations and when doing more Fastest Known Time style rides where the pace is more consistent. Although stiff, they don't lack comfort, which can be difficult with gravel shoes, in my experience. I'd personally opt for something like the Sidi Dominator X, which has a carbon sole, a similar retention setup, the same last, and costs 226.Tech specPrice: 349 / 399 / $569.99Sole: CarbonSizes: 38-48 (half sizes 38.5-46.6)Weight: 407g per shoe (size 45)Retention: Dual dialsColours: Three (plus Coffee Grinder special edition)Cleat mounting: Two-boltScoring notesDesign and aesthetics 9/10I personally prefer the sleeker less modular design of these over previous Sidi shoes, while the colour palette is a good mix and impressively easy to clean mud off of.Fit 9/10The new Millennium fit is a huge improvement over previous Sidi fits. Its accommodating but not so big as to leave excess wiggle room. The heel adjustment works well but wasnt really needed for me personally. Insoles are a bit basic though.Performance 10/10When it comes to power transfer these shoes are excellent, perhaps not as locked in as the Nimbl Urano, but brilliant by comparison to most competitors. A more reward cleat fitting allows a better power generating fit personally as well.Weight 6/10This is where the shoes struggle a bit, as they are heavy compared to other similar specification gravel race shoes. Its not just a small weight penalty either, its a significant one that is perceivable in race efforts.Value 7/10These are expensive shoes and unfortunately do not offer the greatest value with the higher weight. There are similar performing shoes for less, or slightly less stiff shoes for a significant reduction in price.Total42/50

TNT Sports has extended its exclusive deal to show the Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Paris-Roubaix and more until at least 2032.The news, announced on Monday morning, comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) extended its own deal with the Tour's organisers, ASO, and the Vuelta a Espaa's organisers, Unipublic. It is an extension of the deal signed in 2024. It means the biggest race of the year will remain behind a paywall in the UK, after ITV gave up its rights last year. TNT Sports is also available through HBO Max, with monthly packages beginning at 30.99 a month, with 12-month contracts coming in at 25.99 a month. The races covered by the deal include the Tours, Roubaix, the Vuelta, the Vuelta Femenina, Paris-Nice, Lige-Bastogne-Lige and the Tour Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, among others. TNT Sports also has the rights to the Giro d'Italia until 2029."It is a privilege to act as the custodian of the biggest events in cycling including the Tour de France and La Vuelta and we welcome the opportunity to continue working in partnership with the EBU and ASO to showcase the very best of our sport," Trojan Paillot, SVP, Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndication at Eurosport and TNT Sports, said in a press release. "Over four decades, we have built a proven record of bringing fans quality cycling coverage and stories and have relentlessly pursued new ways to grow the sport. Our commitment to innovation, passion for the sport, and unmatched scale makes us the perfect partner to continue advancing cycling coverage for many years to come."More to follow...