CyclistCastelli updates the Gabba and Perfetto with new Polartec AirCore fabricThe Castelli Gabba has had a makeover, with its fourth generation switching from Gore-Tex Infinium fabric to Polartec AirCore. Now called the Gabba Pro, its joined by the new long sleeved Perfetto 4 and Perfetto Pro in using Polartecs new fabric.Castelli worked with Polartec to develop AirCore, which it claims is not only water-repellent and windproof, but also lightweight, highly breathable and PFAS-free.Launching the new Gabba Pro, Castelli global brand manager, Steve Smith said, Its always an exciting moment introducing a new Gabba into the range as its a jacket that revolutionised the cycling apparel market in the same way AirCore transformed how modern cyclists dress for colder conditions.The Castelli Gabba Pro uses 150gsm AirCore fabric, which Smith says is tuned for riding at higher speeds and intensity. It has a close-to-body fit and short sleeves and is designed to be worn with arm warmers when its cool. As well as the all-black option, theres a Race Edition, which comes complete with pro-style logos on the upper chest.Castelli says that the Gabba Pro weighs 196g in an unspecified size. Its available in mens fit only, in sizes XS to 3XL and is priced at 230 / $320 / 260. For the moment, its only available via Castellis website.Update to the Castelli Perfetto and the new Perfetto ProCastelli launched the Perfetto RoS 3 last year, the first use of this AirCore fabric worldwide.But Smith says that customer feedback on the Perfetto RoS 3 was that they wanted more warmth, so in response the Perfetto 4, designed for everyday riders, uses a more insulated 219gsm version of AirCore. Castelli says the Perfetto 4 is tailored for temperatures between 40C and 120C, with light showers a possibility. The contrasting shoulder taping that was a feature of the older Perfetto and the Gabba RoS is transparent on the new jackets.It has eliminated the venting zips, as it claims that the new jackets breathability is adequate without. Theres an updated tail to fend off road spray and metal drainage holes have returned to the pockets a feature of the original Gabba when it was launched in 2013.The Perfetto 4 is available in mens sizes from XS to 3XL and four colours and womens sizes from XS to XL and three colours. Castelli claims a weight of 286g for the mens and 239g for the womens jacket.Its priced at 280 / $330 / 260.As with the Gabba, the Perfetto 4 Pro uses the original 150gsm AirCore. Its cut differently to the Perfetto 4 too, with a closer, sleeker fit. It is available in mens fit only, sizes XS to 3XL and again in four colours. Its claimed to weigh 226g and is priced at 300 / $350 / 280.All three jackets provide excellent warmth, breathability and protection against intermittent showers but if torrential rain is forecast, wed recommend the Gabba R for complete waterproof coverage, says Smith.The three jackets arent the only Castelli products to use AirCore, with a raft of other jackets launched last year using the product, including the suitably named AirCore One and the Alpha 150, which uses an AirCore outer layer with a Polartec Alpha insulating layer underneath. The fabric also finds its way into the Polare bib tights and even the Estremo 2 shoe covers.AirCore is made from recycled polyester, with a very tight weave to repel water but retain high breathability, so that riders dont get drenched with sweat in place of rain. Polartec claims water vapour permeability of 25,000 g/m/24h and that AirCore will support a hydrostatic head of 5,000mm. Castelli and Sportful have exclusive use of the fabric for cycling garments.The post Castelli updates the Gabba and Perfetto with new Polartec AirCore fabric appeared first on Cyclist.

CyclistBikepacking in Europe: Where to ride, how to pack and how to take it even furtherWhat Dan Burden first described as bikepacking in a 1973 article in National Geographic would nowadays be called cycle-touring: he rode from Alaska to Southern Mexico over a year on a bike equipped with panniers carrying more than 20kg of luggage. The term bikepacking has come to describe a more aerodynamic and lightweight setup, although its widespread use sometimes covers anything from leisurely adventures to ultra-endurance racing.Europe is particularly well suited to all forms of bikepacking adventures thanks to its relatively dense population, temperate climate and many small roads. If youre looking for your next adventure, here are three excellent European destinations to keep on your radar along with some packing tips, plus suggestions for those wanting to take things a step further into ultra-endurance events.Three European destinations for bikepackingIrelands Atlantic CoastEmma KarslakeThe Wild Atlantic Way runs along Irelands western coast from Muff in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. It covers around 2,500km with 26,000m of elevation, providing enough terrain for a trip of several weeks, but individual sections can just as easily form the basis of a shorter bikepacking adventure.The route was originally signposted in 2014 as a tourism route for drivers, taking visitors onto small scenic roads along the Atlantic coast. Riders who prefer to be away from motorised traffic as often as possible might be better off following Eurovelo 1 signs, which lead to nearby cycle paths and greenways.The scenery changes considerably as the route progresses. County Mayos peat bogs and dark green hills have something of the character of Scotland, while further south, the craggy coastline offers a radically different landscape. In fact, I had to look twice at some pictures to differentiate between County Kerry and the South African coast.Getting there is relatively simple. Trains connect Dublin with Derry/Londonderry and Cork, putting riders within reach of the northern and southern ends of the route.There are plenty of B&Bs along the route, as well as campsites. Wild camping is tolerated in some remote areas, and it is often possible to find a friendly landowner willing to let you pitch a tent for the night.Best time of year to go: late spring to early autumn. Avoiding the height of midge season (July and August) is advisable if camping.Andalusia, SpainEmma KarslakeThe Andalusia region has many of the qualities that have made Girona a popular cycling destination, such as good roads and an established cycling culture, while also offering considerably more mountainous terrain.It is not difficult to see why professional riders such as Jonas Vingegaard enjoy the region for winter training. The mild climate allows for substantial mileage during the cooler months, while the near-empty mountain roads provide a great playground for keen climbers.Emma KarslakeFor a bikepacker, Mlaga makes a convenient starting point. From there, riders can head towards Seville, Granada and Crdoba, linking up major historic cities with white villages that pepper the landscape, enjoying breathtaking views and occasional dips in reservoirs on the way.Andalusia has many affordable guesthouses to offer, but few quiet campsites suitable for tents and wild camping is expressly prohibited, so the only option for a night under the stars is to set up a stealth bivvy.Best time of year to go: March to June and late September to December. Summer is best avoided as temperatures can become extremely high, especially inland.The Black Forest, GermanyEmma KarslakeThe Black Forest in southwest Germany is particularly suited to gravel bikepacking. The region has an extensive network of small paved roads and well-maintained forest tracks, allowing riders to construct routes that combine both surfaces without spending much time on major roads.It offers a useful combination of quiet riding, relatively straightforward logistics and enough climbing to make the route interesting.Emma KarslakeFreiburg im Breisgau is an easy starting point for a loop of 800km or more, taking in forest roads, local peaks and towns such as Baden-Baden, where hot springs feed fountains and spill from pipes and gutters.German campsites often charge around 30 a night, even for riders carrying nothing more than a small tent. Forest shelters, known as Schutzhtten, where overnight stays are tolerated, can provide a more scenic alternative. Guesthouses are mostly cyclist-friendly and often cost only a little more than campsites.Best time of year to go: Spring or autumn. Summer often gets uncomfortably warm, and swarms of horseflies can make extended periods in the forest less appealing.How can I pack efficiently without sacrificing the essentials?Emma KarslakeWherever you choose to go bikepacking, you will have to give careful consideration to your packing list. There is no shortage of ready-made packing lists from bikepackers, specialist websites and manufacturers, but ultimately the right setup depends on the rider and will be refined through trial and error.The questions to ask are: what are my non-negotiables for comfort? What temperature variations and rainfall am I expecting? Will I be camping?Here are some guidelines to start putting a list together without carrying superfluous items.Question the necessity of each itemMake a list based on the cyclist version of an overnight bag, then go through it again asking whether you need each item and what would happen if you left it at home.Then, ask yourself how much of each item you need. If you are travelling for a week, you wont go through an entire bar of soap, so cut it in half.Then, do a short test trip over a weekend. If an item comes home without having been used, consider striking off the list. A repair kit and first-aid bag are exceptions to this rule.On the other hand, a rider needs to know their non-negotiables. For example, I am a minimalist bikepacker able to carry a total of 5kg including camping gear, but I always pack at least two pairs of gloves and four pairs of socks wherever I may go because I have poor circulation in my extremities.If there is a particular part of your body, daily routine or sleeping routine that is disproportionately affected in tough environments, it is worth carrying what you need to deal with it.The triple-two rule for compact packingPacking is ultimately a compromise between weight and comfort, especially for those without a big budget. For space-efficient packing, I follow what I call the triple-two rule.First, as far as possible, make sure that no two things share a purpose. If I need something to eat with, I will normally choose either a fork or a spoon rather than carrying both, having found that I usually end up with a favourite implement a couple of days in.Second, make sure that every item serves at least two purposes. A thin scarf can double as a fast-drying towel; a cold-processed bar of soap can be used for personal hygiene and laundry.Third, make sure that containers hold at least two things if they are not full a pair of brake pads just about fits in the little box that contains my spare cleats.A few must-havesHere are a few items you should think twice about leaving behind:An adventure-ready repair kit containing what you would take on a day ride as well as an extra tube, a tiny bottle of lube or drip wax, and some tape or zip-ties. For a longer or more remote trip, consider carrying a couple of spare spokes. Even if you do not know how to fit them yourself, having the correct spokes available means that the first bike shop you reach can fit them without having to order in the right size.A first-aid kit and an emergency blanket for remote, cold or hot trips.Spare shoes. Even trips with very little walking planned warrant a spare pair of shoes to let your feet air out. Sliders are particularly useful because they are light, can be strapped to the outside of a bag and can be worn with socks on chilly evenings.A set of clothes that stays clean and dry no matter what. Camping in the rain is only made more miserable by the prospect of getting into dirty clothes at night. One shirt and a pair of shorts that took a lot of effort to keep smelling nice are sometimes a bikepackers only solace.Some items fall into the nice-to-have category. A Fiber Fix emergency replacement spoke is useful for a temporary repair without having to dismantle a cassette or rotor. I also use a Wippermann Connex chain link, which can be fitted and removed by hand. I regularly remove my chain, go and deep clean it in a sink, and fit it back on, all within a few minutes.Ready for a bigger challenge?James RobertsonAudaxAudaxes are non-competitive events (ie, without a finishers ranking) ranging from 200km to over 1,000km and where participants need to prove their presence at designated checkpoints via an app or in a more traditional way, by asking a local business to stamp a paper card. Up until a few years ago, audaxes were dominated by men over 50.While you may still see the odd 20-year-old aluminium frame featuring strategically placed cardboard and duct tape in an attempt to improve its aerodynamics, audaxes have recently enjoyed a revival with the emergence of ultracycling. Their ranks have been widened by riders of all ages using this informal setting to build the experience required for ultra-endurance events.For riders wanting to take the next step, there is now a broad range of ultra-endurance events in Europe. I asked ultracyclist and ultracycling coach Nathalie Baillon for recommendations. Baillon holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest womens cycling crossing of Europe from Tarifa to the North Cape, and regularly finishes on the podium at ultra-endurance events.Friendly ultrasFor Baillon, Desertus Bikus and B-HARD Ultra Race stood out as good events for first timers.Desertus Bikus (1,300km/13,000m elevation) has checkpoints located on gravel sections across Spain but allows riders to choose their own route between them. This gives the event a strong bikepacking character: route planning, navigation, food, sleep and mechanical decisions all form part of the challenge.B-HARD Ultra Race (1,215km/16,000m elevation) in Bosnia and Herzegovina was designed to promote tourism and so that riders enjoy local sites and hospitality instead of zooming through landscapes to get to the finish line. It has a reputation for good organisation and a friendly atmosphere, while the route provides substantial climbing and varied terrain.The Wild West Country (750km/11,000m elevation) is my personal addition to Baillons list. While the top participants are competitive and the route through Devon and Cornwall is challenging, some less demanding transitional sections and fairly generous cutoffs make it a good event for beginners. Its much tougher big sister, The Perfidious Albion (1,600km/23,000m elevation), is still a niche event so the atmosphere is friendly, yet it seems like a good playing field for record-breaking attempts.Competitive ultrasFor riders looking for even more challenging rides and competitive fields, Baillon points to the Transcontinental Race on road and Badlands on gravel.The Transcontinental Race (about 4,000km/40,000m elevation) has established itself as the holy grail of ultras. It has unforgiving cut-off times, strict rules, and combines extreme distance with self-supported racing, requiring riders to make decisions about routing, sleep, food and equipment while racing across Europe against a large pool of competitive athletes.Badlands (about 800km/16,000m elevation) offers gravel riders a comparable level of commitment on a very different type of terrain, with remote sections and significant elevation through southern Spain.Baillon also points to the Race Across Series of competitive events that offer a wide range of distances and features living bases where participants can stop to rest and receive assistance, otherwise forbidden in ultra-racing.Time to hit the roadBikepacking is not necessarily a route towards ultra-endurance. It can simply be a way of travelling with little luggage and a lot of freedom. For riders who eventually decide they want to race across a country or continent, however, it provides a useful education.The post Bikepacking in Europe: Where to ride, how to pack and how to take it even further appeared first on Cyclist.

CyclistUCI World Championships 2026 Womens Elite Road Race: Our form guideThe womens elite road race at the UCI World Championships takes place on Saturday, with 180.4km to decide who will wear the rainbow jersey in 2027. After a steady start, the race takes eight laps of the same 13.4km hilly Montreal circuit as the men, with the Voie Camillien-Houde (1.7km, 7.7%) and Cte de Polytechnique (0.8km, 5.7%) ascents. Last year, Canadas Magdeleine Vallieres claimed a surprise victory in Rwanda ahead of Niamh Fisher-Black (New Zealand) and Mavi Garca (Spain), and shell be at home this year to try to defend her title, with Montreal just two hours away from where she grew up in Sherbrooke.Demi Vollering (Netherlands)A.S.O./Billy CeustersEuropean Road Race Champion Demi Vollering has won a lot throughout her career, but the World Championships rainbow bands elude her. This might just be the season that changes however, coming off another ferociously dominant year with two Grand Tours win and collection of Classics riders spend their whole careers chasing, and this punchy Montreal course suits her.Her closest challenge came in the form of a silver medal in Glasgow in 2023. In 2024, she lost the sprint finish to come fifth, while in 2025 she won the sprint from the group of favourites but they lingered behind six others on the road. Shes unlikely to let a group get away again.Road victories this seasonGC, Tour de France FemmesStage 9, Tour de France FemmesStage 8, Tour de France FemmesStage 5, Tour de France FemmesGC, Giro dItalia WomenStage 8, Giro dItalia WomenStage 5, Giro dItalia WomenLige-Bastogne-LigeLa Flche Wallonne FemmesTour of FlandersOmloop NieuwsbladGC, Setmana Ciclista ValencianaStage 4, Setmana Ciclista ValencianaStage 1, Setmana Ciclista ValencianaLast five results8th: World Championship Elite Women Individual Time-Trial3rd: Vivi Zuricrit1st overall: Tour de France Femmes1st: Stage 9, Tour de France Femmes1st: Stage 8, Tour de France FemmesBest finish in World Championship Elite Road Race2nd: 2023Kim Le Court-Pienaar (Mauritius)A.S.O./Billy CeustersKim Le Court-Pienaar has made history pretty much every step of her career so far. In 2025 she became the first African rider to win a Monument at Lige-Bastogne-Lige, the first African rider to wear the yellow jersey at the Tour de France Femmes, and then also became the first to win a stage at the race too thanks to her Stage 5 victory.The Mauritian Champion stormed to another victory at the Tour this year despite having a tough season with injury and also had a spirited GC fight, ending the race ninth overall. Just a few weeks later she carried that form into the Tour of Britain, where she picked up a maiden GC win. Le Court-Pienaar has an excellent punch and a strong sprint finish, she should place highly here and has a really good chance at taking another famous victory. Road victories this seasonGC, Tour of Britain WomenStage 3, Tour of Britain WomenStage 6, Tour de France FemmesMauritius National Championships, Road RaceMauritius National Championships, Individual Time-TrialLast five results12th: World Championship Mixed Relay Team Time-TrialDNF: Classic Lorient Agglomration1st overall: Tour of Britain Women26th: Stage 5, Tour of Britain Women3rd: Stage 4, Tour of Britain WomenBest finish in World Championship Elite Road Race8th: 2025Paula Blasi (Spain)A.S.O./Gatan FlammeAn Amstel Gold Race win. A podium at La Flche Wallonne. Victory at La Vuelta Femenina. Fifth at the Tour de France Femmes. Thats just a snapshot of the incredible season Spains 23-year-old Paula Blasi has had so far. Barely more than a year into her pro career, Blasi been phenomenal to witness and could really do something on a hilly, attritional parcours at the World Championships.In 2025, Blasi scored third place in the U23 road race, so this will be her elite level debut and shes on co-leadership duties alongside UAE Team LImad teammate Mavi Garca, who finished third in last years race. This pairing could do something special.Road victories this seasonGC, Volta Ciclista a FemeninaStage 2, Volta Ciclista a FemeninaCIC-Tour Fminin des PyrnesDurango Durango Emakumeen SariaLa Vuelta FemeninaAmstel Gold RaceLast five results6th: World Championship Mixed Relay Team Time-Trial18th: World Championship Elite Women Individual Time-Trial2nd: Pointe du Raz Ladies Classic27th: Tout commence en Finistre Ladies Classic5th overall: Tour de France FemmesBest finish in World Championship Elite Road RaceN/ALotte Kopecky (Belgium)A.S.O./Gatan FlammeTwo-time World Champion Lotte Kopecky is utterly dominant at her best, crushing Classics and thriving in punishing conditions. However she hasnt been at her best in the last two seasons, with her win rate showing just that, decreasing from 16 in 2024 (including the rainbow jersey) to just three as things stand in 2026.Counting her out would be a dangerous move though. In 2023, she won the road race in a 5.6km solo attack, and in 2024 she won the small group sprint after a brilliant fighting performance and incredible support from Justine Ghekiere.Road victories this seasonStage 4, La Vuelta FemeninaMilan-San RemoDanilith Nokere KoerseLast five results6th: World Championship Elite Women Individual Time-Trial8th: Hingene-Bornem36th: Molenbeek-Wersbeek67th: Stage 2, Tour of Britain Women24th: Stage 1, Tour of Britain WomenBest finish in World Championship Elite Road Race1st: 2023, 2024Noemi Regg (Switzerland)Unipublic / Cxcling / Antonio BaixauliIts been a tough year for Noemi Regg, who fought back from injury sustained crashing out of the Vuelta while in the red jersey, but she scored multiple top tens over the opening three stages on home roads in Switzerland at the Tour de France Femmes. She loves hillys races and has one of the best kicks in the game. She has a strong team here with TT World Champion Marlen Reusser and could take inspiration from the success of EF Education-EasyPost teammate Magdeleine Vallieres last year.Read more: I found my place at EF: Noemi Regg Q&A Road victories this seasonStage 1, La Vuelta FemeninaGC, Womens Tour Down UnderStage 3, Womens Tour Down UnderLast five results3rd: World Championship Mixed Relay Team Time-Trial17th: Tour de Gatineau9th: Classic Lorient Agglomration10th: Kreiz Breizh Elites Fminin4th: Vivi ZuricritBest finish in World Championship Elite Road Race11th: 2024Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy)A.S.O./Billy Ceusters34-year-old Elisa Longo Borghini had a slow start to the season by her standards, missing out on a victory in the big Classics, but she achieved a huge third place at the Tour de France Femmes and still won stages across the UAE Tour, Giro dItalia and Tour de Suisse. One look at her palmars showcases her abilities in one-day races of all kinds over the years, whether it be the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix Femmes or Brabantse Pijl.The multiple Italian national champion has never quite had the edge to secure higher than a bronze medal in the road race, coming third in 2020 and 2024. She did help the team to a gold medal in the mixed relay team time-trial at the World Championships last week though, and had an impressive showing in the individual time-trial to finish fourth. Road victories this seasonWorld Championship Mixed Relay Team Time-TrialItaly National Championships, Road RaceStage 2, Tour de Suisse WomenStage 9, Giro dItalia WomenTrofeo Oro in EuroGC, UAE Tour WomenStage 4, UAE Tour WomenLast five results1st: World Championship Mixed Relay Team Time-Trial4th: World Championship Elite Women Individual Time-Trial8th: Pointe du Raz Ladies Classic12th: Tout commence en Finistre Ladies Classic3rd overall: Tour de France FemmesBest finish in World Championship Elite Road Race3rd: 2020, 2024Marlen Reusser (Switzerland)Dario Belingheri/Getty ImagesMarlen Reusser has one gold medal from these World Championships already, claiming victory in the individual time-trial by some margin. The Swiss rider isnt only fierce against the clock but it certainly helps her with solo attacks. Shes had a strong season leading up to this, going late for final day and overall victory at the Tour de Suisse and having an excellent Tour de France until she crashed on the final stage. Her best result in the road race came in 2023 where she finished fourth, but has been strong in hilly Classics this year, beating Demi Vollering in the sprint to win Dwars door Vlaanderen in April.Road victories this seasonWorld Championship Elite Women Individual Time-TrialChrono Fminin de GatineauStage 4 ITT, Tour de France FemmesGC, Tour de Suisse WomenStage 5, Tour de Suisse WomenStage 4 ITT, Tour de Suisse WomenDwars door VlaanderenLast five results3rd: World Championship Mixed Relay Team Time-Trial1st: World Championship Elite Women Individual Time-Trial1st: Chrono Fminin de Gatineau14th overall: Tour de France Femmes109th: Stage 9, Tour de France FemmesBest finish in World Championship Elite Road Race4th: 2023Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland)A.S.O./Gatan FlammeKasia Niewiadoma-Phinney has had a season to remember, collecting a plethora of podiums in the Classics before coming so close to overall victory at the Tour after a commanding victory on Mont Ventoux. She hasnt raced since the final stage of the Tour, so her form is somewhat of a mystery, but she always tends to show up in big races. Her best Worlds result to date is a bronze medal in 2021.Road victories this seasonStage 7, Tour de France FemmesLast five results3rd: Stage 9, Tour de France Femmes3rd: Stage 8, Tour de France Femmes1st: Stage 7, Tour de France Femmes18th: Stage 6, Tour de France Femmes3rd: Stage 5, Tour de France FemmesBest finish in World Championship Elite Road Race3rd: 2021OthersA.S.O./Billy Ceusters24-year-old Puck Pieterse (Netherlands) has been flying. She won the mountains classification at the Tour de France Femmes after a Classics season in which she finished second at both Lige-Bastogne-Lige and La Flche Wallonne and third at the Tour of Flanders. Franziska Koch (Germany) reigned victorious at Paris-Roubaix Femmes, doubled up in the National Championships and podiumed in the individual time-trial at the World Championships last week, it could be a step too far for her with the hills on offer, however nothing would be a surprise with the form shes shown.Keep an eye on Cdrine Kerbaol (France) too. She scored multiple top ten results across the Tour de France Femmes that resulted in sixth place overall and clocked fifth in the individual time-trial in Montreal.The post UCI World Championships 2026 Womens Elite Road Race: Our form guide appeared first on Cyclist.

CyclistIn the Drops: Albions patchwork Ultralight jersey and thermal bib shorts, Keelas jazzy Aeroshell Jacket, Cervlos racySoloist and Ravemens beefed up lightsIts nearly Worlds time a reason to celebrate but also a reason to mourn. Its almost the end of the season. Before we know it, Hill Climb season will be upon us and Ill be getting tricked into doing one in pursuit of editorial excellence. To keep up with the final spate of pro action weve got a Q&A with Michael Storer from the magazine, a Worlds Road Race form guide and a Pro Log roundup from Robyn.In the world of performance apparel, big moves are afoot too. After dusting off the wallet and buying Bristol-based luggage company Tailfin, Castelli has updated its iconic Gabba and Perfetto lines to include the Polartec AirCore Fabric. Ive tested it elsewhere, and it is effective stuff. Reviews of Oakleys banned Meta glasses, Scotts new Addict, and Scribes Elan Ultra 5 wheels are all live too.Its very nice to see some dedicated bikepacking content on the site too. Expert guide Emma Karslake has outlined her recommendations for bikepacking in Europe, which includes tips for packing and the best destinations. And if you get really reeled in, some races too.Now for a gentle descent into the drops.Albion Ultralight Insulated Jacket and ABR1 Thermal Pocket bib shortsBritish endurance specialist Albion isnt afraid to try out original designs in its quest to equip riders for the weirdest and most changeable weather imaginable. That means events like the Atlas Mountain Race, where it can be upwards of 35C in the daytime, and sub-zero at night.The Ultralight Insulated jacket is an unerring whisp of kit. The fabric used for the body and arms is Quantam NetPlus from Pertex. Full marks for the scientific name, but what does it actually do? Albion says its been chosen for the new iteration of this jersey because of its light weight but is also 100% recycled from fishing nets and fully traceable. I can attest that it definitely doesnt smell of fish either.The main design choice that sets it apart from other garments is the patched insulation. Albion has sewn Primaloft Gold Cross Core insulation into the upper arms and torso of the Ultralight a change from the last version. When you hold it up to the light, its very clear to see the difference, with the insulated sections clearly protecting the rider from the worst buffetings of cold wind.The ultralight insulated jacket is all about warmth to weight, and packability, says Charlie Stewart, co-founder and head of Product. A mens medium weighs about 96 grams, and its a jacket that just disappears into a pocket or a frame pack when not being used. The jacket uses a 40gsm Primaloft Cross Core insulation, technology originally developed by NASA to maximise warmth-to-weight, and its become a core item in the packing lists of bike packers and ultra racers all over the world.(No ones asking me, but surely extra weight in a gravity-free vehicle doesnt really matter? You have my details NASA).Albion has made a few other changes to the jacket, adding an elastic hem gripper and cuffs, different sizes for men and women and an internal mesh pocket for stashing the entire jacket into. It packs down into a hand-sized bundle.Mike MassaroElsewhere, Albions very well-reviewed ABR1 bib shorts now have an insulated option too. Weve retained the premium Italian knitted performance fabrics, our signature three-pocket cargo system, a pad by Elastic Interface for long distance riding and in our womens version a strap system for easy comfort breaks whilst making them useable in cold weather, says Stewart. The shorts use Thermoroubaix fabric by Miti Spa, a highly insulating, durable brushed back fabric with stretch, and for the pockets a brushed back grid fleece fabric for additional insulation. When used with our new Leg Warmers, the temperature range for these shorts can stretch from near freezing into the mid teens.If youre not a fan, Albion offers a 60-day return on used bibs so you can exchange them for an alternative or a refund. Im usually a Large in Albion kit, but a medium fitted just fine here, so its worth paying a bit of attention to the sizing grid.Buy now from Albion (195 and 205)Keela Aeroshell JacketYou can see where Im going with this. Surely these blue skies are heading elsewhere soon. Well, when they do, Keela has got you sorted. Its new Aeroshell Jacket, available in two very fetching shades of ultramarine (blue) and ignition (orange), is suited for a range of different outdoor pursuits, including cycling. The material incorporates its Flylite Dri Fabric, which is said to be both waterproof and breathable, allowing sweat and moisture to escape before you overheat. Handily, the hood is specially scooped out so that it fits over the top of a helmet, and can be rolled away when out of use. The zips Keela has fitted are all waterproof too, sealing up the entire package. The sizing range is massive, running from XS to 3XL, and the whole thing packs down pretty small, so it can live happily in a backpack when commuting or a seatpost or frame bag when out on a proper ride. Buy now from Keela (129.95)Ravemen FR1500 and CL200 lightsPersonally, the time of year doesnt affect my attitude towards lights. Its lights on, whatever the time, whatever the month. I cant count the number of times Ive seen drivers take a furtive look in their rear-view mirror at the sight of my flashing beam, just as their reaching arm (not indicator light) tells me theyre about to come charging left across the bus lane and bosh me into next week.The coming autumn signals more people using lights, more of the time. So its just as well that Ravemen has updated its highest-strength FR1500 front light. Ravemen is known for lights that have both a male and female computer mount fitting, meaning you can mount your computer on top of the 270 light. And that handy detail hasnt changed, but a number of things have been updated.There is a more refined build quality this time around, including additional heat-dissipating fins 1500 lumens is the brightest light Ravemen does and it gets hot! A cable is included so the light doubles as a 3500 mAh power bank if your computer is on the brink. That light has a range of up to 115 metres and includes an increased range of beam patterns but will last on its own for a claimed 60 hours depending on usage.This model (not the SE model) also includes an out-front mount that fits onto a round handlebar. My kingdom for a company that can make a universal out front mount. I must have about ten kicking around my draw, barely any of which fit any bike other than the one its specifically intended for. Unfortunately, none of the bikes I currently have in my possession has round handlebars so the photographs arent in situ.Its natural companion at the rear is the new CL200 tail light. This is designed to point out longways at a horizontal angle mirroring the visibility of the front light. Its smart too, with the internal monitor highlighting the light when it detects braking or abrupt deceleration. Ravemen claims it is 300 for the rear light. Both lights have some decent waterproofing too.In terms of attachment, it fits to rails or onto seat posts, including some longer aero seat posts, and these come in the box. Ravemen claims a 160-hour slow flashing run time on the 31g light which should do most people for a good few weeks of riding. Now, lets go and see about this rave.Buy now from Ravemen (94.95 & 54.95)CervloSoloistIve only had Cervlos updated Soloist on loan for a week, but Ive been impressed so far. I was lucky enough to test the last one back in 2023 and things have moved on quite significantly with big 36mm clearance, aero bottle cages, more integration, and a more refined profile.Unlike some other brands, Cervlois still intent on producing a triumvirate of WorldTour grade road bikes, with the Soloist filling the gap between the hella aero S5 and the hella lightweight R5. But this is no compromise bike. No sir. Cervloclaims its faster than the Tarmac SL8 in the wind tunnel and only a whisker over 7kg even in this 1x SRAM Force AXS build with a beefcake XPLR rear derailleur. Thats thanks to a general chipping away at every tube and join, although surface area is actually up overall.That said, its not a whole lot cheaper, ringing up at 7,000 in this spec. Thats the same price as the Factor Monza, which was positioned as a more accessible race bike, albeit with the emphasis heavily on aero. The Soloist is lighter and, if the claims are true, potentially more aero too especially with a 1x setup.Depending on your dint, other changes might charm or grate. Like the Aethos 2 I tested recently, Cervlo has moved the cockpit to totally internal routing with a spacer arrangement that perhaps isnt the most straightforward Ive encountered. But dont worry, those aero bottle cages take normal bidons too.Aesthetically, the changes are clear. As seems to be the general direction of travel, the frontal area is far smaller but the side on profile is larger. Are we moving into the Flat Stanley era of bikes, and away from chubbier tubing? It does seem that way.Keep your eyes out for more on the Soloist in the magazine as weve got a studio feature and then a full in-depth review to follow. My comments about the decidedly inoffensive colourways might not make the edit in print so Ill express my indifference here while I can. Come on bike brands, we can do better than white or black surely? Yes, theres a fresh turquoise frameset available but frankly, thats not enough.Buy now from Sigma Sports (7,000)What were into this week: AudaxThe end of summer means a wild scrabble to fit in a final Audax or two before things get really filthy out there. For me that means the 200km Saints and Sinners ride, which is running from St Albans to Bury St Edmunds and back again. Inevitably this will lead curmudgenous web editor Will Strickson to berate me once more that anything less than 300km isnt an Audax, but since Im yet to see him crack three figures this summer, I wont let his critiques damage my morale too much.As youd expect for that neck of the woods, its a mercifully flat one. That means packing the Soloist, rather than the Aethos, and teeing up some nice aero bits and pieces to go with it. A firm favourite for sportives this summer has been the Apidura Aero Bags, which I featured last year. Theyre just the same as a frame bag but designed in such a way that a delightfully smooth join around the head tube/top tube junction is created, like the bags Canyon fits to the Grail and claims are more aero on than off. You can believe it.The rest of the kit hasnt come together yet, but it could be some shoulder season business. Im thinking the thermal Albion bib shorts and some kind of long sleeve arrangement to go with it. Plus Ill be cooking up some oaty/ricecakey business the night before, so please do let me know of any recipes that work well.The post In the Drops: Albions patchwork Ultralight jersey and thermal bib shorts, Keelas jazzy Aeroshell Jacket, Cervlos racySoloist and Ravemens beefed up lights appeared first on Cyclist.

CyclistCompetition: Win a Wahoo Kickr Core 2 turbo trainer worth 500With winter on the way, the perfect partner to keep you riding is the Wahoo Kickr Core 2 turbo trainer. Its simple to set up, solid, accurate and compatible with your favourite training apps, and best of all, weve got one to give away to one lucky reader, just answer this simple question in the form below and sign up to the Cyclist newsletter before 20th October 2026 (hint: well have more competitions on the way so stay tuned).*What are the names of Wahoos bike computers?A. Bolt, Roam, AceB. Strike, Wander, StarC. Flash, Stone, JokerUK only, T&Cs apply.Competition answer* Cyclist NewsletterMusings, insight, opinions, teasers, offers, competitions and events. Cyclist PartnersOccasional emails from selected third-party sponsors and advertisers. Marketing CommunicationsOccasional emails from Cyclist about new issues, offers, and competitions. Cyclist Track DaysGet the latest news from our Track Days and Gravel Track Days, plus access to exclusive promotions. The post Competition: Win a Wahoo Kickr Core 2 turbo trainer worth 500 appeared first on Cyclist.

CyclistBig Ride: Ride of the Gods in GreeceA couple of millennia ago, Epidavros is where stressed-out Greeks would come to get away from it all. Dedicated to Asclepius, god of healing, this little enclave on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese was the original spa resort, offering a chance to escape the pressures of everyday Greek life in 3rd century BC and enjoy a more relaxed pace. Today, nothing much seems to have changed.The harbour town has its share of seafront restaurants and yachts bobbing on their moorings, but theres a sense that this is a million miles from the bars and resorts of the Greek islands. There are no sunburnt tourists or two-for-one cocktails, and the roads in the vicinity are completely devoid of tour buses. In fact, theyre seemingly free from any traffic at all, whether buses, cars or bicycles. Its part of what attracted Chris Ward to this area in the first place.Ive always taken a couple of cycling trips each year, just to escape to somewhere else, and I was riding through this part of Greece and thought, This is paradise. I was in my late fifties and had reached a plateau with work. I told myself, This is a dream. I could do this. I could make it happen.Its a familiar fantasy among cyclists: ditch the nine-to-five, buy a villa somewhere sunny, set up a cycle touring business and spend your days riding with clients. Only in this case, Chris actually did it.Having built up his own marketing agency, he sold up, stuck the money in the bank and then took a role as creative director at Comic Relief, which was followed by overseeing big global cause campaigns, working with the UN and hanging out with the likes of Desmond Tutu and Lewis Hamilton.It was an intense job, and within a few years Chris felt the need to shift down a gear and so set up Breakaway Greece with the aim of introducing cyclists to the region that he now calls home. Which is how Cyclist comes to be sweating up a hill behind Epidavros with increasingly expansive views out over the Saronic Gulf towards Athens.Chris reassures me that things will get easier once we descend to the coast road that will take us towards the Methana volcano.Then Ill tell you the story of how I found the house.Grand designsFor about 20km the road from Epidavros traces the coastline southeast, climbing gently at first before dropping down more sharply to the village of Kalloni. To our left a blue sea is dotted with islands and misty outlines of far-off mountains, while to our right the landscape is a mix of rocky escarpments and scrubby bushes. The road itself is wide and smooth as though designed to accommodate fast-moving traffic, only there are barely any other vehicles here even though its officially morning rush hour on a Tuesday.At a rare junction we turn off the main highway to head northwards on roads that are, remarkably, even quieter. A 3km climb brings us to a small church with whitewashed walls and a blue domed roof from where we can look back over the coast road weve just ridden down, stretching all the way back to Epidavros. From this viewpoint, if we had a strong enough telescope, wed be able to see the house that Chris bought a house, he says, he would never have found without some special help.My background is marketing, so naturally I thought that if Im going to run a cycle holiday company, I need people to know about it; what could I do to get it noticed on day one?Having decided that this part of the Peloponnese was where he wanted to be based, Chris and his wife put themselves forward for Channel 4 series A Place In The Sun, where couples are presented with properties they might be interested in, and viewers can enjoy watching them struggle to make a decision that will affect the rest of their lives.Buying the property on a TV show means we sort of paid for it with our credibility, Chris says, but I have to say the service was phenomenal. You assume these things are faked for TV, but they genuinely found five amazing houses for us to look at that we would never have found ourselves, for a price way lower than wed been seeing when we were doing our own research. So it was a really good experience.Good enough that Chris went back for more and recorded an episode of A New Life In The Sun following the first six months of the couple setting up Breakaway Greece, which aired in 2023 (its series eight, episode 20 if you want to find it online).As we make our way back down to sea level, I think ahead to writing this feature for Cyclist and come to a realisation: no wonder Chris built a successful marketing agency; he really does have this self-promotion thing nailed.Article continues belowAfter an initial climb, the ride follows the coast southeast on a long, straight stretch that looks like it should be a busy highway except there are hardly any cars.Patrik LundinPatrik LundinPatrik LundinPatrik LundinPatrik LundinHaving crossed a narrow strip of land onto Methana peninsula, we begin an anticlockwise loop skirting the Methana volcano.Patrik LundinPatrik LundinThis blue-domed church offers the perfect viewing point to look back down the coast to our start point in Epidavros.Patrik LundinFor much of the loop around Methana were clinging to the coast on roads that see little in the way of traffic.Patrik LundinPatrik LundinPatrik LundinThe grand, but now sadly defunct, Methana spa, where thousands once flocked to take in the healing water.Patrik LundinThe picture postcard port of Vathi, which would be a tourist hotspot if there were any tourists.Patrik LundinOn the return leg we head inland on climbs that prove harder than the topography suggests. It may not be the Alps, but its far from flat.Patrik LundinPatrik LundinPatrik LundinPatrik LundinPatrik LundinRush hour Peloponnese-style.Patrik LundinPatrik LundinThis part of Greece has a wonderfully undiscovered feeling to it, although Christopher Nolans movie version of The Odyssey may have alerted people to its charms.Patrik LundinThe odyssey may be over, but in this case it ends with calamari in Mike restaurant on Epidavross harbourside.Patrik LundinPatrik LundinPatrik LundinGreeks bearing whiffsMethana isnt an island but feels like it should be. Its a peninsula that is attached to the mainland by a narrow umbilical cord of land just wide enough to include a road. At the peninsulas centre is a volcano that thankfully hasnt erupted since the third century BC, but the area is still home to thermal springs, meaning it has been a place to take the waters for centuries.Having crossed the causeway, we begin an anticlockwise loop around the coastline, following the contours of the land until we arrive at Methana town. We can smell it before we see it. The air is laden with the whiff of sulphur the town of Methana was around long before the word methane was in use and as we roll past the harbour we see the grand edifice of the Methana Spa. Built in 1917 it made the town one of Greeces most popular destinations, attracting tens of thousands of visitors seeking relief from their various ailments or just looking to relax in opulence. However, after its heyday in the 1960s the spa became less fashionable, eventually closing down in 2000. As we drift past the shuttered building, it looks somewhat shabby and sad, but its possible to imagine a time when it teamed with people, soaking in the sulphurous waters.Methana is quiet today. We stop at a harbourside cafe for coffees and pastries before carrying on around the loop that takes us upwards and across the peninsula, hugging the slopes of the volcano. The roads are narrow and deserted and the landscape barren, although there isnt a point where you cant look over your shoulder and see the sparkling sea in the distance. As we near the other side of the peninsula we stop to greet some goats in the village of Megalochori before descending to the coast where a barely signposted side-road takes us to the harbour of Vathi.My first reaction is that something strange is going on. Vathi is a picture-postcard harbour village a horseshoe of cobbled pavement fringed by terracotta-roofed cafes, with colourful fishing boats rocking gently in the crystal water but theres hardly anyone here. True, its not peak season, but anywhere else this harbour would be thick with tourists and gift shops. The only people we see are actual fishermen and a guy selling fruit from a van. So we buy some bananas, take a last look around and continue on our way.The journey homeAfter completing our loop of Methana we cross back to the mainland and retrace our route along the coast towards Epidavros. But rather than head straight home, at around the 80km mark we turn off the main road near the village of Dryopi and take on the biggest climb of the day. Or rather its not a climb, its just that the road keeps going up.Thats the thing about Greece. Its not like the Alps or Dolomites where the climbs are well defined, its just a rugged, rolling landscape where one minute youre cruising by the coast, and the next youre looking down on the sea from a great height and your legs dont work anymore.As we head further inland, the road starts to twist and turn, and Im feeling the effort of all those climbs that arent really climbs. Therefore it comes as a relief when were brought to a halt by a tortoise crossing the road. Its doing so very slowly, as tortoises are inclined to do, so were a bit worried it will be squashed if a car comes along.At first we stop next to it, acting as a sort of barrier to any oncoming drivers, however our presence merely encourages it to disappear inside its shell and sit motionless in the middle of the road.Eventually we just pick it up and move it to the verge. It doesnt look particularly impressed by our intervention, but as far as Im concerned it owes us its life. Not that weve seen any cars while all this has been going on.It has been the same all ride. As we make our final descent back towards Epidavros, the traffic is non-existent and we havent seen another cyclist all day. Which seems odd considering this part of Greece is actually very cyclist-friendly. Its easy to get to a couple of hours from Athens airport and it has the combination of year-round warm weather, good climbs, good roads, great views and plenty of places to stop for a plate of calamari and a slice of spinach and feta pie.Perhaps the recent release of Christopher Nolans The Odyssey movie will make it more popular much of the action takes place in these parts and several sites around the Peloponnese were used as filming locations. And who doesnt want to take a selfie at the cave where the Cyclops lived? Or perhaps it just needs someone to do a decent job of promoting the Peloponnese as a must-visit region for road cyclists. If only we knew someone who was really good at marketing.Putting on a showEpidavros is home to an amphitheatre still in use after two millenniaIf you were an ancient Greek in need of a bit of R&R, you might be tempted to make the journey to Epidaurus the original name of Epidavros to visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius, god of medicine. Here you could relax, take in the healing waters, find a treatment for your ailments and, best of all, enjoy a show at the 13,000-seater amphitheatre. It was generally believed that music and drama were good for mental and physical health.Almost two and half millennia later, there may be no more spa baths but there are still the architectural remains, and the Theatre of Epidaurus (about a 20-minute drive from the town of Epidavros) is still in use, hosting plays and music think Sophocles more than Lloyd Webber. Now a Unesco World Heritage site, the amphitheatre is in remarkably good nick and is famed not just for its beauty but for the quality of its acoustics. Apparently a whisper on stage is audible in the cheap seats at the back.If youd like to find out for yourself, we suggest booking early. By all accounts getting hold of a ticket can be an epic of Homeric proportions. Go to aefestival.gr to find out more.How we did itTravelCyclist flew from London to Athens, which is well served from UK airports including London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol, depending on time of year. From the airport the only real option is to drive (car hire is plentiful and reasonably cheap), and its about a two-hour drive to the base at Breakaway Greece in the town of Epidavros.AccommodationWe stayed at Chris Wards house Villa Rosa in Epidavros, which doubles as the HQ for Breakaway Greece and enjoys the most amazing views across the sea to Athens. No wonder the balcony is so huge. With only a couple of guest bedrooms in the house, larger groups are booked into one of the nearby hotels in Epidavros, with evening meals taken at local restaurants, most of which serve authentic Greek food to authentic Greeks tourists are mercifully low in numbers.ThanksThanks to Chris Ward, owner of Breakaway Greece, for hosting us, planning the ride, pointing out the best restaurants, and not dropping us too noticeably on the climbs. Breakaway Greece offers the option of guided or unguided rides, either daily from the same base or multi-day tours around the Peloponnese, including The Odyssey for those whod like to ride the sites of the legend (and get home in less than ten years). For prices and details go to breakawaygreece.com.Thanks also to Dimitris Ginis, who took time out from his role as deputy mayor of Epidavros to drive our photographer and act as historical tour guide.The post Big Ride: Ride of the Gods in Greece appeared first on Cyclist.

Cyclist13 talking points from the UCI World Championships 2026Brandon McNulty and Demi Vollering claimed the rainbow jerseys in the road races at the World Championships over the weekend. Now that the dust is settling in Montral, Robyn looks back at 13 talking points from the men and womens races.The natural order of things?Dario Belingheri/Getty ImagesWell if Tadej Pogaar wasnt around to defend his rainbow jersey, it makes sense that another member of his crushingly dominating UAE Team Emirates XRG trade team should pick up the mantle. The United States team was incredibly strong, packing Matteo Jorgenson (second at Tirreno-Adriatico) and Quinn Simmons (National Road Race Champion) in addition to Pogaars super-domestique Brandon McNulty (third at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montral). It would be the latter that escaped off the front in the final 32.5km, riding solo to claim the biggest victory of his career so far.The chasing group did have him in their sights at one pointGroup two syndrome hits once moreGroup two syndrome. As frustrating to watch as it is to be in, I imagine. The second cohort on the road which contained former World Champions Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel plus young prodigies Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas could see the American tantalisingly close as his legs began to stall on the final ascent of the Voie Camillien-Houde.Then, with 10km remaining, the decisive blow. Group two riders refused to collaborate further and soft pedalled instead, leaving them strung out across the road with no formation whatsoever. The gap swelled back out to half a minute. Switzerlands Mauro Schmid launched an attack towards the 5km mark. Great Britains Tom Pidcock followed. It wouldnt change the outcome. The two remaining medals would be decided via a sprint. Michael Matthews (Australia) claimed silver as Van der Poel (Netherlands) took home the bronze.Get Paul Seixas a psychologistJean Catuffe/Getty ImagesWhen Schmid and Pidcock tried their hand, Seixas fell behind. The 20-year-old Frenchman clutched his thigh in the last 4km and Thomas Voeckler emerged from the window of the team car to put an arm around his shoulders. Cramp at the death. After he crossed the line, Seixas was very open in an interview with Eurosport in which he said: What I did today is a disgrace. Cramping up like that, its a rookie mistake. Ive never cramped up in my life on a bike, today I must have made a mistake somewhere.Im extremely disappointed, not only for myself because its what I deserve, but for all of France, for the whole team. They did an incredible job, they dont deserve a leader like me.Theres possessing a winners mentality and then theres an attitude to defeat thats bordering on unhealthy. Sure, the interview was in the heat of the moment, but France and Decathlon CMA CGM would do well to sit the young rider down with a sports psychologist to unpick the World Championships and the weight of a nation he is clearly carrying on his shoulders in an attempt to aid his mental state lest he burn out too quickly.Tom Pidcock says Isaac del Toro was working for Brandon McNultyGreat Britains Pidcock was incredibly active during the road race, attacking with all his might only to finish seventh overall. Speaking to Cyclingnews, he said: [Isaac] del Toro was obviously working for McNulty in the end there.While Del Toro (Mexico) and McNulty (United States) are of a different nationality, they ride for the same trade team in UAE Team Emirates XRG. However, as Escape Collective noted, Del Toro was doing more work than the other favourites on the front.Even though Del Toro sat next to the barriers appearing to sob after the finish, he still notched fifth place to improve on his seventh place in Kigali last year. Thats something to be proud of.Belgians leave empty handedEvenepoel was expected to do more in the road race having already won a gold medal in the time-trial, but the former rainbow jersey wearer could only scrape a 12th place. When Thibau Nys pulled out of the road race, he revealed that his teammate wasnt feeling too good, and it tracks when Evenepoel was looking as more of a follower and less of a main character on the 273.4km route around Montral.Wout van Aert did attack in the last 88km but couldnt equal the pace of Van der Poels group. He ended up switching to helping Evenepoel, yet neither had the legs expected on the day.Ben Healy does what Ben Healy does bestDuracell bunny Ben Healy was back in action at the World Championships having scored a bronze medal last year. The Irishman was frequently bounding off on attack after attack after attack, his typical tenacious spirit on show. He finished 10th overall.Vladimir Kovacik saves SlovakiaSlovakias team took a hit before the road race even started. National Champion Luk Kubi was prevented from riding by trade team Unibet Rose Rockets, while Matthias Schwarzbacher and Martin Svrcek were both injured. The loss of UCI points and sanctioning from the team not taking part would be critical for Olympic Games qualification.Step forward: team masseuse Vladimr Kovik. The 28-year-old previously rode from Continental team Dukla Banska Bystrica in 2016 with his last race in 2017 and was called upon to save the day. Save the day he did, as he rode over 100km before DNFing, his participation ensuring the UCI points were not lost.Demi Vollering and the Triple CrownDario Belingheri/Getty ImagesWhat a season this has been for the Netherlands Demi Vollering. It was only right that her year end in the rainbow jersey, such has been her dominance, and by doing so she secured the one big road race missing from her palmars.This feat achieved the Triple Crown where a rider wins the Giro dItalia, Tour de France and Worlds road race in the same year. Well have to start making up new achievement names at the rate Vollering is winning races.From France to CanadaTim de Waele/Getty ImagesThat being said, the road race title didnt come to Vollering easily. Puck Pieterse set her up to go on the offensive with 38.5km remaining. Behind, Polands Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Italys Elisa Longo Borghini splintered off from the chasers to hunt her down. And much like the shock when Enric Mas caught up with Pogaar in the Vuelta a Espaa, the duo surprisingly ended up locking onto Vollering rear wheel. It was the Tour de France Femmes podium in action. Naturally, the crme de la crme came to the fore.Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney tried and tried againI made the comment that Niewiadoma-Phinney didnt just look hungry during the road race, she looked starving. By that I dont mean she was craving a few gels, rather her fierce dedication to attacking gave me the sense that she would force this rainbow jersey onto her palmars by any means necessary. Attack, attack, attack. That felt like her motto. Sadly she would be undone by cramp just as the sprint finish between herself and Vollering got underway.Elisa Longo Borghini gets another bronzeItalys Elisa Longo Borghini tacked on another bronze medal to her collection at the finish in Montral. It matches her best results of third in 2020 and 2024. On her performance, which included an attack as the bell rang for the final lap, she said: Id rather lose like a champion than beat her like a loser.Missed feed damages Marlen Reussers hopesSwitzerlands Marlen Reusser successfully defended her time-trial title earlier in the World Championships and lined up for the road race having previously scored a best finish of fourth place in 2023. She was a strong engine when it came to trying to hunt Vollering down, but she was out of position at the crucial moment having returned to her team car for food. Utilising her time-trial skills, she had Longo Borghini and bronze in her sights yet ran out of road, finishing just four seconds off the podium.She also had some words for her rivals afterwards. There were a lot of people racing for second. Its right after the race and its just whats in me now. I need to watch it back. But my feeling is that we raced for secondYes, it was my choice and my mistake, but I know that if Im just sitting on, [Vollering] will have won. If you give her too much of a gap, the race is over. So I started pulling and I showed full commitment, and the others benefitted from that. I pulled and pulled, everybody attacked, and it was impossible to follow all the attacks.Injury updatesIt was a concerning moment when Caroline Andersson of Sweden looked motionless following the large 15-rider crash that took place 85km into the day. Fortunately an update was later given that the 25-year-old was conscious, but required surgery for a broken collarbone. Lauretta Hanson (Australia) was also affected with broken ribs.Defending champion Magdeleine Vallieres (Canada) hit the ground too. She reported no broken bones however was forced to abandon the race.For more on the UCI World Championships, visit our hub pageThe post 13 talking points from the UCI World Championships 2026 appeared first on Cyclist.

CyclistOpinion: Paul Seixas is being far too harsh on himselfWhat I did today is a disgrace, Paul Seixas said after riding to 15th place in the elite mens road race at the World Championships. The young Frenchmans interview with Eurosport began on a sour note and youd be forgiven for catastrophising from his words had you not witnessed the races final few kilometres.Cramping up like that, its a rookie mistake, he continued, Ive never cramped up in my life on a bike, today I must have made a mistake somewhere. Im extremely disappointed, not only for myself because its what I deserve, but for all of France, for the whole team. They did an incredible job, they dont deserve a leader like me.Possessing a winners mentality is one thing, however there is a fine line where this can tip into unhealthy territory. Seixas only left his teen years behind a handful of days ago yet hes already carrying the heavy weight of a nation on his shoulders. Not many 20-year-olds can say that.For his career to be as long and successful as he no doubt desires, its important for the psychologists and psychiatrist employed by the Decathlon CMA CGM squad to work on challenging this mindset not that it isnt a work already in progress and thats not to say he hasnt already returned from the post-race high in which many a soundbite is taken back in retrospect.His self-flagellating reaction nonetheless really stuck out to me. Cramping may not be a concept Seixas had experienced on a bike prior to his participation in Montral, yet its a fate that has befallen many a pro throughout history and will continue to hit at the most inopportune of moments. It unfortunately pairs with athletes like bread and butter, albeit not in as enjoyable a combination. His emotions are no doubt exacerbated by the fact the French team, notably Bruno Armirail, had been incredibly active in the race to splinter the field, presumably to set him up for success at the end. At least with cramp as an excuse, its likely something he can pinpoint the cause of and use as a learning experience to improve in the future.Seixas meteoric rise to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Already a World Champion from the junior ranks in the time-trial, he joined the WorldTour as its youngest rider in 2025 and has experienced a breakthrough season in 2026: second to Tadej Pogaar of all people in Strade Bianche and Lige-Bastogne-Lige, winner of La Flche Wallonne and fourth overall on debut at the Tour de France.Naturally, this is a man aiming for the highest of highs and clearly he has a mindset to match. An estimation of his trajectory only points towards future success in abundance given his achievements so far but then these expectations are likely one of the contributing factors to his harsh self-assessment in the first place.With the main favourite (and defending champion) Pogaar out of the running for rainbows, Seixas name was on many a contender list heading into the event. But its easy to forget this was only his second World Championships in the elite field having bypassed the U23 ranks altogether. Again, this is a man only 20 years of age. Better to get the learning experiences out the way now no matter how much they hurt.For more on the UCI World Championships, visit our hub page.The post Opinion: Paul Seixas is being far too harsh on himself appeared first on Cyclist.

CyclistClassic climb: Col dze, the Nice climb thats packed with pro historyFeeling strong? Dont worry, a visit to Nice will soon kick some humility back into you. The areas winning combination of mild winters, upscale Mediterranean living and the cycling equivalent of ski-in, ski-out access to the mountains has persuaded a good chunk of the WorldTour peloton to base themselves along this sparkling stretch of the Cte dAzur.If you somehow found yourself in possession of a Marauders Map-style plan of the city and its surrounding countryside, youd see names such as Neilson Powless, Matteo Jorgensen and perhaps even Monaco-based Tadej Pogaar or Pauline Ferrand-Prvot floating around it on any given day. As a result, even the most prolific of amateur KoM hunters will find themselves catastrophically cowed by a post-ride Strava scroll.Pro cyclist residents and the occasional visit from the Tour are far from Nices only links to the sport. Since 1933 the city has served as the spiritual and, most years, physical end point of Paris-Nice, connecting Frances first and second most-visited cities via a dramatic eight-day race.The route takes the peloton from the cold, often wet conditions of Paris in early March to the welcome warmth of the Riviera, where the surrounding hills have traditionally provided an arena for deciding the race. There are plenty to choose from, but one climb in particular has become inseparable from Paris-Nices history.Hiding in plain sightThe Col dze doesnt announce itself. Further north, iconic climbs such as the Col du Galibier and Alpe dHuez make themselves known from a distance. You can almost sense them on the approach without so much as lifting your gaze from the tarmac. Starting abruptly at a busy intersection near the city centre, the Col dzes unassuming 10km stretch of road radiates no such aura.The average gradient is a tame 5.8% and its summit sits at a modest 507m. On paper its the sort of climb you might skip when plotting a route in the Alpes-Maritimes, but numbers alone rarely tell the full story.The classic route follows the Grande Corniche the highest of three mountain roads that run east from Nice towards neighbouring Monaco winding its way past hillside residences and through trees before emerging to reveal panoramic views of the coastline below.Arriving at the beginning of the route means first negotiating the city. From the coast, this involves riding inland to the bustling neighbourhood of Saint-Roch. Here, the climb starts right out of the city, surrounded by apartment blocks and traffic lights, and soundtracked by the commotion of everyday life in residential Nice. Because of this, the best time to start is early in the morning, ideally at the weekend, when traffic levels are at their lowest.Article continues belowThe view out to the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula should help fuel legs.Andrew GrantThis sign marks the official start of the Col dze and makes you feel like a pro.Andrew GrantLeaving the urban sprawl of Nice, en route to this cols more arresting views.Andrew GrantThe distinctive Observatoire de la Cte dAzur.Andrew GrantThe start of the Col des Quatre Chemins section is a chance to refill your bidons before leaving civilisation behind (below).Andrew GrantAndrew GrantAndrew GrantAndrew GrantThe view out towards Cap Rouxs dramatic rock formations.Andrew GrantWere three-quarters of the way up, and now is the time to push if youre chasing a time.Andrew GrantThe final bend at the top of the climb before dropping down to the finish the end is nearly in sight.Andrew GrantThis summer, the Col dze was climbed four times on the final stage of the Tour de France Femmes, and proved pivotal in cementing Demi Vollerings overall victory.Andrew GrantAndrew GrantAndrew GrantIn for a shockThose who focus too heavily on the stated 5.8% average gradient are in for a shock during the first 3.5km. Rising out of Nice, the road feels decidedly steeper than advertised. Thats because it is. A long, flat stretch near the top and a 1% portion approximately halfway through bring the overall number down considerably. In reality, most uphill sections of the Col dze are more like 7% or 8%.That changeable rhythm is exactly what made this climb so appealing to race directors. There are ramps, plateaus, false flats and even a short descent. It isnt simply a question of watts per kilo. Knowing where to push, where to ease off and how to carry speed matters too. Its a climb that rewards consistent momentum and intelligent pacing.For decades, this was where Paris-Nice was won and lost. In 1969 organisers introduced an uphill time-trial from Nice up the Col dze, establishing what would become one of the races defining traditions. Eddy Merckx dominated its early years, Raymond Poulidor famously beat him here in 1972, and Sean Kelly later made the climb his own, winning five times during his record run of seven consecutive Paris-Nice wins between 1982 and 1988.The traditional Col dze ITT disappeared after 1995 but returned in 2012. Bradley Wiggins started in yellow and covered the course in 19 minutes 12 seconds, taking the stage and becoming only the second British rider after his childhood hero Tom Simpson to win Paris-Nice.Looking downAs the road climbs up towards the Observatoire de la Cte dAzur, levelling out as it hugs the side of Mont Gros, the city begins to lose its grip. Houses become less frequent, vegetation thickens and traffic thins out. Its at this point that the road reaches the Col des Quatre Chemins, offering a chance to replenish empty bidons at a roadside fountain to the right before the gradient kicks up again.From this point on, the character of the climb changes and the Grande Corniche begins to reveal the first of its famous views. The road traverses high above the Mediterranean, occasionally disappearing behind folds in the hillside before emerging to reveal stunning panoramas out towards the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the coastline beyond.For those chasing a time, this is where to burn some matches. Earlier restraint will pay off as parts of the road creep up towards double digits and the promise of flatter ground in a kilometre or two emboldens tired legs. Its here that the Col dze begins to deliver on the mountain-road atmosphere implied by its name.As quickly as it intensified, the slope relents, pulling you around a 90 bend to the left and into a long, straight downhill stretch. From here its just a short sprint to a summit that presents itself without fanfare.If youre not looking out for the sticker-bombed signpost, you could ride straight past it, which wouldnt necessarily be the end of the world given that youd soon find yourself in the village of La Turbie home to perhaps the best pain au chocolat within riding distance of Nice courtesy of Ma Premire Boulangerie. From here you can head back down into the city via the Moyenne Corniche or continue on into the mountains to tackle neighbouring climbs such as the Col de Braus and the Col de Turini. If its the latter, youve got a solid excuse to sample a few additional pastries.The post Classic climb: Col dze, the Nice climb thats packed with pro history appeared first on Cyclist.

CyclistPro Log: Demi Vollering and Brandon McNulty on top of the world; India to host Road World Championships in 2032; Il Lombardia 2026 route revealedWelcome back to another edition ofPro Log. Heres a rundown of the latest results before we get started:UCI World Championships, Mens Elite Road Race, Sun 27th September:1st Brandon McNulty, United States, 6h 17min 04sec; 2nd Michael Matthews, Australia, +13sec; 3rd Mathieu van der Poel, Netherlands, +13sec.UCI World Championships, Womens Elite Road Race, Sat 26th September:1st Demi Vollering, Netherlands, 4h 45min 09sec; 2nd Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Poland, +00sec; 3rd Elisa Longo Borghini, Italy, +04sec.UCI World Championships, Mens U23 Road Race, Fri 25th September:1st Ashlin Barry, United States, 4h 17min 35sec; 2nd Hctor lvarez, Spain, +53sec; 3rd Jesper Stiansen, Norway, +53sec.UCI World Championships, Womens Junior Road Race, Fri 25th September:1st Alejandra Neira, Spain, 2h 21min 00sec; 2nd Matilde Rossignoli, Italy, +00sec; 3rd Anja Grossmann, Switzerland, +00sec.Demi Vollering and Brandon McNulty win rainbow jerseysTim de Waele/Getty ImagesThe UCI World Championships culminated with the elite road races and boy, did they not disappoint. On the womens side, Demi Vollering (Netherlands) managed to grab the one main victory missing from her palmars despite her initial attack being snuffed out by Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland) and Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) who finished second and third respectively. Its been quite the time for Niewiadoma-Phinney who just penned a two-year deal with Lidl-Trek too.Brandon McNulty (United States), meanwhile, scored the biggest win of his career thanks to a 32.5km solo attack, a big helping of group two syndrome and some dogged determination. He managed to evade the chasers as a sprint finish decided the final two spots on the podium. Michael Matthews (Australia) raced to silver as Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands) grabbed bronze.India to host UCI Road World Championships in 2032Tim de Waele/Getty ImagesThe UCI has confirmed Pune in India will be the location of the UCI Road World Championships in 2032. It marks the first time that the country will host the events in what will be the 105th edition of the World Championships. The country will be the fourth Asian host, following Japan in 1990, Qatar in 2016 and the United Arab Emirates, which is due to host the Worlds in 2028.Pune is in the state of Maharashtra in southwest India and sits 119km as the crow flies from the countrys largest city of Mumbai.Il Lombardia 2026 route unveiledAs history dictates, the host and finish locations for Il Lombardia have swapped once again this year, meaning the mens peloton will cover 239km from Bergamo to Como on Saturday 10th October. The hilly parcours serves up the Madonna del Ghisallo 178km into the day, with a punchy finale thanks to two ascents of the San Fermo della Battaglia sandwiching the Civiglio.There will be a new winner this year as four-time consecutive defending champion Tadej Pogaar has ended his season through injury.Katy Marchant retiresTeam GBOlympic, World and European Champion Katy Marchant has retired from track cycling after 13 years. Marchant, who came to cycling later than most having started her career as a heptathlete, notably won gold in the womens team sprint alongside Emma Finucane and Sophie Capewell in the 2024 Olympic Games. The trio made history by becoming the first British Olympic champions.See you next week.The post Pro Log: Demi Vollering and Brandon McNulty on top of the world; India to host Road World Championships in 2032; Il Lombardia 2026 route revealed appeared first on Cyclist.