Welcome to BIKE Magazine July 2026July 2026 Front CoverTo read this issue online click hereTo subscribe click hereJuly is cyclings loudest month, and in this issue we lean fully into that noise the hum of carbon wheels on hot tarmac, the rattle of gravel under tyres, the roar of roadside crowds and, just occasionally, the quiet internal dialogue that gets us through the hardest kilometres.At the centre of it all sits the Tour de France. This years edition feels anything but routine. A Grand Dpart in Barcelona, an opening team time trial, and a route built less on tradition and more on tension it all points towards a race that wont wait politely for its narrative to unfold. From the first pedal stroke, this is a Tour designed to provoke. Climbers, rouleurs, domestiques and sprinters alike will be forced into the open far earlier than usual, and that, for fans, is exactly as it should be. July should feel unpredictable.But cycling has never been just one race, even in its most Tour-obsessed moments. Beyond the French spotlight, this issue captures a broader, richer picture of the sport at full tilt. In Austria, emerging riders will carve out their reputations on unforgiving climbs. In Brisbane, BMX racing strips cycling back to instinct and nerve, where races are decided in seconds rather than weeks. And in the Black Forest, endurance mountain biking continues to test the limits of resilience and pacing.What binds these events together isnt just competition its the sense of possibility. July invites breakthrough performances, unexpected stories and careers that pivot almost overnight. It reminds us that cycling is a sport of layers, where the biggest stage is only part of the picture.That idea runs through the rest of this issue. From the high-altitude theatre of the Maratona dles Dolomites, where thousands ride not just for challenge but for shared experience, to Scotlands expanding gravel networks, which redefine adventure closer to home, we see cycling in all its forms: communal, exploratory, deeply personal.There is also a quieter thread this month one centred on connection. Nahla Summers extraordinary Kindness ride across the American Midwest shows how the bicycle can be more than a machine for speed or distance. It can be a bridge. In a world that often feels divided, riding remains one of the simplest ways to engage with people and places, to move slowly enough to notice, and to stop long enough to connect.That balance between intensity and reflection is what makes July so compelling. It is a month of extremes: lung-bursting climbs and long caf stops, elite competition and everyday riding, global headlines and local discoveries. Whether you are watching the Tour unfold on television, tackling your own sportive, or simply stealing an hour on familiar roads after work, you are part of the same rhythm.So wherever you find yourself this month chasing a personal best, exploring new terrain, or just enjoying the ride lean into it. July doesnt come quietly, and it shouldnt be experienced quietly either.Ride hard, ride often, and above all, enjoy the noise.Nick BranxtonEditor, BIKE Magazine

La Stelvio Santini Adds Gravel to a Weekend Built Around Cyclings Sacred GiantThere are few names in cycling that carry the same weight as the Stelvio. Its hairpins, altitude and mythology have made it one of the sports great reference points, a climb that sits as much in the imagination as it does in the legs. In 2026, La Stelvio Santini will return for its 14th edition with a fresh twist, turning the established road granfondo into a full weekend of riding in the heart of Valtellina.Scheduled for Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026, the event will introduce the first Stelvio Santini Gravel ride alongside its traditional road programme. It is a significant expansion for an event already regarded as one of the standout dates on the amateur cycling calendar, with organisers keeping the focus on what has long defined La Stelvio Santini: enjoyment, safety and the chance to experience the roads and landscapes of Alta Valtellina by bike.The new gravel event takes place on Saturday 6 June, starting and finishing in Bormio. Riders can choose between two routes: a 70km long course with 2,000m of climbing, or a shorter 44km option with 1,400m of elevation gain. Organised in collaboration with 3T, the gravel debut will also feature riders from Team Reverb and the Reverb community from Bergamo, adding another layer of character to the opening day.Sunday remains the domain of the road event, with three routes heading from Bormio towards the Stelvio Pass. The long route covers 130km and 4,270m of climbing, taking in Rogorbello, the Mortirolo, Bormio and the final ascent to the Stelvio. The medium route measures 108km with 3,050m of elevation gain, while the short route offers 64km and 2,280m of climbing. As in previous editions, the event will use timed climbing sections to decide the rankings, preserving the granfondos competitive edge while keeping the broader ride experience central.Interest is already strong. With entries nearing their close, 1,267 participants have confirmed, including 139 women. Of those, 172 riders are set to line up for the inaugural gravel event, while nearly 1,200 are expected for Sundays road ride. The weekend format has also encouraged a notable crossover, with 83 cyclists signed up for the combined gravel and road option.La Stelvio Santinis international pull is clear. Riders from 42 countries are due to attend, with Italy leading the numbers on 393 participants, followed by Germany with 147, Switzerland with 93, the United Kingdom with 81 and the Netherlands with 78. Entrants are also travelling from further afield, including India, Colombia and Australia, underlining the global fascination with the Stelvio and the wider Valtellina region.For 2026, the event will also have a new centre of gravity. The Village and Expo Area will be based at the Bormio Sports Center, renovated following the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. This will serve as the hub for number collection, race packs and the official Santini jersey, which must be worn during Sundays road event. The village will also host sponsor stands, technical corners from partners and refreshment areas for riders and accompanying guests.The schedule is designed to make the weekend feel like more than a single day in the saddle. The Village and Expo Area opens on Friday 5 June from 3pm to 7pm, then again on Saturday from 8am to 7pm. The gravel awards ceremony will be held at 5pm on Saturday, followed by the road event briefing at 5.30pm. Sundays road awards ceremony is scheduled for 4pm.What makes La Stelvio Santini compelling is not simply the scale of the climbs, although they are formidable. It is the sense of place. Bormio, Alta Valtellina and the Stelvio provide the sort of setting that turns an amateur event into a pilgrimage, particularly for riders who have long dreamt of testing themselves on one of Europes most celebrated mountain roads. The arrival of gravel broadens that invitation, offering a different rhythm and a deeper way into the terrain before the road riders take on the classic ascent.Entries remain open until Saturday 30 May through the official event website, with organisers inviting riders to secure their place for a weekend shaped by climbing, scenery and the enduring pull of the Stelvio.

The June Issue Is Here: When Cycling Comes Fully AliveTo purchase a subscription click here.Theres something undeniably special about June on two wheels. Its the moment when cycling shifts from anticipation to actionlonger days stretch into golden evenings, roads warm under summer skies, and the riding calendar bursts into life in every direction. Whether youre chasing a start line, rolling out for a caf spin, or planning a bigger adventure, this is the time of year when cycling feels at its most vividand our June issue captures that spirit in full.A Season in Full FlowThis edition opens with a celebration of British cycling in all its richness and variety. From the grit and intensity of the National Series at the Tour of the Reservoir to the unmistakable spectacle of the Brompton World Championship, the UK scene proves once again that it thrives on contrast. Here, competition sits comfortably alongside community; serious racing shares the stage with playful participation.Mass rides like the London to Brighton Ride and Bike Oxford highlight cyclings unique ability to bring people together. Theyre not just eventstheyre gateways into a lifelong love of riding, where newcomers and seasoned cyclists alike find connection, challenge, and joy in equal measure.The Evolution of the RideBeyond Britains roads, cycling continues to evolve at paceand nowhere is that more evident than in the rise of gravel. The Gralloch in Galloway stands as a defining example of how far this discipline has come. What was once niche is now a thriving culture, blending elite competition with grassroots energy and a shared sense of adventure.Gravel riding today represents more than a categoryits a movement. It encourages riders to explore, to push boundaries, and to connect more deeply with the landscapes they traverse. In many ways, it offers a glimpse into cyclings future: diverse, inclusive, and endlessly adaptable.Journeys That InspireTravel remains at the heart of this issue, with features that span some of the most compelling riding destinations in Europe. We head to Albarracn, where raw and technical trails reward skill and curiosity in equal measure, before climbing into cycling mythology in Bormio. Here, the Stelvio, Gavia, and Mortirolo rise not just as physical challenges, but as icons of the sportclimbs that continue to captivate riders imaginations as much as their legs.Closer to home, we explore the gravel routes surrounding Edinburgh, proving that adventure doesnt require a passport. Sometimes, the most memorable rides are waiting just beyond the city limitsquiet roads, rugged paths, and a sense of discovery that feels worlds away from the everyday.One Sport, Endless MeaningsWhat binds all of these stories together is cyclings incredible versatility. For some, its about competition and performance. For others, its escape, exploration, or connection. Increasingly, its all of those things at once.June is the perfect reflection of that diversity. Its a month where cycling reveals its full spectrumfrom elite racing to first rides, from local loops to alpine epics. And more importantly, it invites everyone to take part, wherever they are on their journey.Step Into the SeasonOur June issue is a celebration of this momentof the energy, the opportunity, and the simple joy of riding. So however you choose to spend your time on two wheels this month, make space for it. The roadsand trailsare calling at their very best.Pick up the June issue now and be part of it.

Tommy Genon and Jules Langeard turn mountain biking into moving art in new film, PatternBelgian freeride star Thomas Genon has released a new video project, Pattern, a film that aims to blur the line between mountain biking and art.The edit sees Genon team up with French filmmaker Jules Langeard for a concept-led take on riding, with the pair building the film around the repeated actions that make up mountain biking. Rather than focusing purely on progression, big tricks or headline moments, Pattern explores the mechanics and rhythm of riding itself.You can watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhvn-Z8Iv1EGenon is no stranger to visually ambitious projects. The Belgian has built a reputation for creative riding edits that go well beyond standard contest highlights or bike park footage, and Pattern continues in that vein. This time, though, the emphasis appears to be less on individual tricks and more on the structure of movement on a bike.According to Genon, that shift in approach made the project feel different from the outset. He said most rider projects are built around a clear end goal, whether that is a particular trick, feature or standout sequence. With Pattern, the route was less obvious, and that uncertainty became part of the appeal.For Genon, the process offered a chance to step away from familiar habits and look at riding from a new perspective. In a sport that often celebrates bigger, faster and more technical, Pattern seems more interested in how style, repetition and flow can carry just as much impact.Langeards idea was to treat the film almost like a system, using the bikes basic functions as the framework for the project. The result is structured in five parts: Movement, Balance, Speed, Control and Continuity. Each section stands on its own, but together they are intended to represent a complete line and a complete picture of how riding works.That concept could make Pattern one of the more unusual MTB films to land this year. Rather than simply documenting what Genon can do on a bike, the film appears to examine why riding looks and feels the way it does when everything clicks into place. It is a subtle distinction, but one that could resonate with riders who appreciate the artistic side of the sport as much as the athletic one.It also plays to Genons strengths. Few riders combine precision, creativity and style quite like he does, and he has long been one of the scenes most distinctive figures when it comes to conceptual video work. Pairing that with Langeards eye behind the camera looks to have produced something more experimental than a conventional web edit.For fans of mountain biking films that push beyond the usual formula, Pattern looks worth a watch. It is a short project with a simple title, but the thinking behind it goes deeper than a straightforward trick reel.Quick detailsRider: Thomas GenonFilmmaker: Jules LangeardFilm title: PatternReleased: 8 May 2026Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhvn-Z8Iv1E

Capoliveri set for World Cup test as marathon specialists tackle Elbas toughest trailsThe HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup heads to the island of Elba on Saturday 9 May for its second round, with the Capoliveri Legend Cup once again promising a demanding examination of endurance, technical skill and race craft. Set against the backdrop of the Tuscan coast, the Italian fixture has become one of the defining events of the European marathon calendar and will see many of the disciplines leading names line up over a brutal 73km course with 2,600 metres of climbing.Capoliveris reputation rests not only on its scenery but on the character of the course. The route loops around the Capoliveri promontory and mixes long efforts with repeated technical sections, forcing riders to constantly adapt their rhythm. Competitors will move from the distinctive red, iron-rich dirt of the old mining areas, where grip can be unpredictable, to tighter singletrack running through Mediterranean scrub, where precision and concentration are likely to prove just as important as raw power.The womens race is headed by Anna Weinbeer, who arrives on Elba as the World Cup leader after victory at the opening round in Costa Blanca. The Swiss rider, who also finished as runner-up at the 2025 UCI XCM World Championships, has the form and the pedigree to start as favourite, but the depth of the field means she is unlikely to get an easy ride. Among those expected to challenge are Adelheid Morath and Sandra Mairhofer of Leecougan Basso Factory Racing, along with Paula Gorycka-Krmann, Lejla Njemevi, Claudia Peretti and Natalia Fischer of the Extremadura Ecopilas Team.The mens contest looks just as compelling. Belgiums Wout Alleman comes in as leader of the overall World Cup standings after taking the first round, but there is no shortage of rivals capable of overturning that order on Capoliveris unforgiving terrain. Andres Seewald starts as one of the key threats from second in the UCI ranking, while Samuele Porro, Gioele De Cosmo and the evergreen Leonardo Pez add further weight to a stacked field. With the climbs severe and the technical sections capable of creating gaps at any moment, this is a race that should reward both patience and boldness.Race day begins early, with the Elite Men scheduled to start from Viale Italia at 8.30am, followed by the Elite Women, Masters and amateur categories. While the elite field will tackle the full marathon distance for World Cup points, organisers are also offering a shorter but still demanding 45km route with 1,600 metres of elevation gain. The first elite men are expected at the finish at around 11.45am, with the leading women and Masters due roughly 45 minutes later before the prize ceremony at 12.45pm.The weekend programme also includes the HERO Race Talk on Friday 8 May at 4.00pm, an open event designed to bring fans closer to the riders. Weinbeer and Porro are due to appear, alongside Maria Zarantonello and Dario Cherchi, offering insight into training, racing and the demands of a season built around the biggest marathon events on the calendar. It is a fitting curtain-raiser for a round that has established itself as one of the sports showcase occasions.For those following from home, the organisers are giving the event broad international exposure. Live coverage is scheduled from 10.30am to 1.00pm CEST on RaiPlay, the official UCI YouTube channel and the HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup website, which will also host live timing and rider tracking for the leading elite contenders. That reach underlines the growing status of marathon mountain biking and the importance of Capoliveri within it.As the series begins to take shape, Saturdays racing on Elba should offer an early indication of who can combine climbing strength, technical poise and staying power over one of the calendars most distinctive courses. On paper, Weinbeer and Alleman arrive with the numbers and momentum, but Capoliveri rarely rewards reputation alone. On these trails, the favourites still have to earn it.

Santini and Mads Pedersen launch Momentum Series, bringing WorldTour aero thinking to everyday ridersSantini has unveiled the new Mads Pedersen Momentum Series, a capsule collection developed with the Danish star and built around the same aerodynamic ideas used by Lidl-Trek at WorldTour level. The range was previewed at Velodrom Odeon in Girona on Saturday 2 May, with Pedersen present in front of a large crowd of fans and riders.At its heart, this is a collection about speed, but it is also about identity. Santini says the line allows Pedersen to put his own stamp on a high-performance platform, combining his racing character with the brands latest aero development.The project grows out of MADSS, short for Mega Aerodynamic Speed Shell, Santinis concept focused on maximum aerodynamic efficiency. According to the brand, the key distinction is that MADSS is the technical framework created by Santinis research and development team, while the Momentum Series is Pedersens personal take on that same performance brief.Visually, the collection leans into motion. Its signature graphic uses arrows pointing left and right, a motif intended to represent drive, energy and speed. It gives the range a sharper, more individual feel than a standard team-inspired drop, and it helps separate this from a simple replica kit story.The headline pieces are the jersey and bib shorts. Santini says the jersey is based on its new Aero Race model and uses Polartec Power Dry with Recycled Carbon fabric, made through a CO2 capture process that turns industrial emissions into recycled polyester yarns. The brand states that the 128g/m fabric contains 91 per cent recycled carbon content and is designed to balance breathability, thermoregulation and race-ready performance.Santini also claims that, through this fabric technology, Polartec and Santini have reduced carbon footprint by as much as 66 per cent compared with garments made from virgin polyester, without sacrificing durability, comfort or technical performance. That gives the jersey an extra layer of interest beyond its aero credentials, especially at a time when brands are under growing pressure to show more substance on sustainability.In pure performance terms, the jersey is shaped for speed. Santini highlights a close, second-skin fit, carefully positioned rear panels and striped sleeves designed to use vortex generation to reduce drag. Raw-cut sleeves, a silicone gripper and three rear pockets round out the package. Riders will be able to choose from mint or navy block colours, or graphic versions in mint and chocolate tones.The bib shorts are pitched more towards all-day usability, with Santini promising comfort, muscle support and stability over long rides. They use an elastic, breathable Italian technical fabric to encourage quick drying, while calibrated compression is intended to support the legs without feeling restrictive. Seamless braces aim to reduce pressure points, and the C3 chamois uses a 3D construction with gel inserts for shock absorption on longer days in the saddle. The shorts come in off-white and chocolate.For riders chasing an even more aggressive setup, the collection also includes a road skinsuit inspired by the MADSS model. Santini describes it as the most aero-focused garment in the range, using a breathable Lycra upper, a low collar and woven striped sleeves to improve airflow. The lower half uses high-resistance Lycra with medium compression and extended raw-cut legs with internal silicone grippers, while the same C3 chamois is carried over for race and distance comfort.Beyond the core apparel, the line broadens out into a full riding system. Overshoes, socks and arm warmers are all included, with the latter also offering UV protection and stable thermoregulation. There is also an off-white vest and a matching 500ml water bottle aimed at training use.Off the bike, Santini has added a lifestyle layer with T-shirts, long-sleeve tops, hoodies and a cap, offered in mint and grey. It is a familiar move from a premium kit brand, but in this case it makes sense: the Momentum Series is clearly being sold not just as clothing, but as an extension of Pedersens image and racing mindset.Taken as a whole, the Momentum Series looks like a smart piece of crossover product design. It borrows heavily from top-end race development, but avoids feeling like a straight team issue copy. For riders who want a fast, polished kit with a stronger personality than the usual pro-inspired release, this one could have genuine appeal.

Galfer launches Disc Shark EVO MTB rotor with revised braking track, Kashima finish and wider compatibilityGalfer has unveiled the Disc Shark EVO MTB, a new version of its floating mountain bike brake rotor aimed at riders who want better heat control, more consistent braking and straightforward compatibility with existing systems. The Spanish braking specialist says the new rotor has been developed around the demands of modern MTB riding, including long descents, high temperatures, mud and rapidly changing grip.The Disc Shark EVO is positioned as the next step on from the brands existing Shark rotor, with Galfer claiming gains in control, power delivery and resistance to fade under sustained load. Rather than asking riders to change an entire braking setup, the company is pitching the rotor as a direct upgrade that works with leading MTB brake systems already on the market.That compatibility is central to the products appeal. Galfer says the rotor is designed to slot into a wide range of MTB systems without structural changes, and it is also fully compatible with e-bike systems and speed sensors. It adds that the braking track works with all pad types, including oversized pads.What is new with the Disc Shark EVO?The biggest talking point is a redesigned Shark braking track. Galfer says the updated shape increases both rotor mass and contact area, with the aim of improving friction performance and maintaining consistency when brakes are under prolonged stress. The company also says the new geometry delivers a more progressive, modulated feel through the lever, which should matter most on steep and technical descents where riders need to manage traction rather than simply generate outright stopping force.Heat management is another major part of the pitch. Galfer says the Disc Shark EVO uses more fins and perforations to improve airflow and spread heat more evenly across the rotor. In practical terms, the claim is lower risk of fading and more stable braking over long runs, particularly when temperatures build during repeated heavy braking.The rotors structure has also been revised. Galfer says the aluminium carrier has been developed through topological optimisation and CNC machining, and that it uses 7075-T6 aerospace-grade alloy to balance low weight with strength. The company also highlights a coplanar assembly design that is intended to improve stability, distribute braking forces more evenly and promote more uniform pad wear.Semi-rigid design and premium finishesLike the existing Disc Shark concept, the EVO continues with a semi-rigid construction, though Galfer says the connection has been optimised. The system uses 8mm hollow aluminium rivets, which the company says improve force transfer while helping to control stress through the structure. In theory, that should allow the rotor to balance responsiveness with a degree of ride comfort, particularly in rough terrain where a brake setup can otherwise feel harsh or grabby.One of the more distinctive details is the introduction of an original Kashima coating on the carrier. Galfer says this is more than a cosmetic exercise, claiming increased wear resistance and additional protection for the aluminium core in harsh conditions. The finish also gives the Disc Shark EVO a premium visual angle, especially for riders already running Fox suspension with Kashima-coated stanchions. Alongside Kashima, the rotor will also be offered in black anodised and raw aluminium finishes.Developed with racing in mindGalfer says the Disc Shark EVO has been shaped by years of testing and validation in MTB racing, including work with athletes and teams such as Atherton. According to the brand, that development process focused on thermal stability, modulation and consistency, rather than chasing a single headline figure for peak power. That is a sensible emphasis for gravity, enduro and aggressive trail riding, where dependable braking deep into a descent often matters more than how hard the system bites in the first corner.From a riding perspective, the claimed improvements suggest Galfer is targeting the common weak points that appear when brakes are pushed hard for extended periods. Better heat dissipation, a larger effective braking surface and a more progressive lever feel are all features likely to resonate with riders on alpine terrain, bike park laps and heavier e-bikes. Of course, whether those gains are noticeable on the trail will only become clear once the rotors have been ridden back to back with the current Disc Shark and other premium options. The manufacturers claims, however, are clear in where the focus lies.Sizes, standards and priceInitial availability begins with black 6-bolt versions in 180mm, 203mm and 223mm sizes from March 2026. Kashima and raw aluminium 6-bolt models are due from May 2026, while centre-lock versions are scheduled to follow in summer 2026. Recommended retail pricing, excluding VAT, is set to range from 85 to 125 depending on finish, rotor diameter and mounting standard.First takeOn paper, the Disc Shark EVO looks like a thoughtful update rather than a ground-up rethink. Galfer has kept the familiar floating rotor concept, then focused on the areas riders tend to notice most when braking gets hard and repetitive: heat, consistency, modulation and durability. If the real-world performance matches the claims, the Disc Shark EVO could become an interesting aftermarket option for gravity riders, aggressive trail riders and e-bike users looking for more stability on long descents without replacing an entire brake system.

Naturland Andorra set for pivotal third round of 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World CupThe 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup heads to the Pyrenees at the end of May, with Naturland Andorra hosting round three of the series on Sunday 31 May. Framed as the midway point of the international campaign, the Andorran stop looks set to be one of the defining weekends of the season, bringing together elite riders and teams from around the world for a demanding test on high mountain terrain.Organisers have laid out a two day programme built around both the race and the stories behind it. Proceedings begin on Saturday 30 May with the HERO Race Talk at 16:00, where elite athletes will discuss their expectations for the circuit and the significance of the Andorra round within the wider World Cup battle. It is a fitting curtain raiser for an event that sits at a crucial point in the calendar, with the first half of the series drawing to a close before attention turns towards the next phase and the HERO Sdtirol Dolomites in June.Race day itself starts early on Sunday, with the official start scheduled for 8:30. According to the event programme, the first finishers are expected at around 11:30, which should make for a tense late morning as the leading contenders fight for every second on a course described as both technical and highly demanding. The prize-giving ceremony for the Elite and Master License categories is then due to take place at 12:30, closing out what promises to be a packed morning of top level marathon mountain bike racing.Naturland Andorras place in the series is about more than geography. Organisers are presenting this round as a key strategic fixture in the international XCM season, thanks to the character of its trails and its timing in the championship narrative. The route is billed as a stern examination of riders limits, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pyrenees, and that combination of scenery and severity should make this one of the standout rounds for both racers and fans.From a sporting perspective, the importance of the race is obvious. By the time the riders roll onto the start line in Andorra, the overall picture in the World Cup should be beginning to take shape. That raises the stakes considerably. Riders already carrying momentum will have a chance to strengthen their standing, while those who have lost ground in the opening rounds will be under pressure to respond before the series moves on. Mid season races often reveal who can manage form, recovery and tactics over the long haul, and the Naturland course appears designed to expose any weakness.For spectators, the appeal is equally clear. This is a weekend that combines world class endurance racing with the atmosphere of a major mountain biking gathering. The organisers are pitching it as an unmissable stop on the calendar, a place where fans can hear directly from the sports leading names on Saturday and then watch them put those words to the test on Sunday. In that sense, Andorra offers the full package: scenery, technical terrain, international competition and a genuine sense of momentum in the World Cup story.If the series is to have a hinge point, this could be it. Naturland Andorra arrives with all the ingredients of a decisive round and a race that could shape the direction of the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup before it enters its second half.

Selle Italia doubles down on off-road racing for 2026Selle Italia is ramping up its off-road racing programme for 2026, backing a broad roster of teams and riders across cross-country, cyclo-cross and gravel as it looks to sharpen both its sporting presence and its product development pipeline.The Italian saddle brand says the expanded line-up underlines a deeper commitment to competition off the tarmac, with support stretching across several of the sports most demanding disciplines and a clear focus on using elite racing feedback to refine future products.Among the headline names are Alpecin Premier Tech and Fenix Premier Tech, two squads that give Selle Italia visibility across multiple terrains and formats, helped by star riders including Mathieu van der Poel and Puck Pieterse.In Olympic-style mountain bike racing, Selle Italia will also work with Thmus Maxon, home to current XCC world champion Alessandra Keller, as well as KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team and Lapierre PXR Racing. The brands 2026 strategy also extends firmly into marathon racing, where it will sponsor Buff BH Team, Klimatiza Orbea Team, Torpado Kenda FSA Factory and FOL Racing Team.Cyclo-cross remains a central pillar of the programme too, with specialist teams Creland-Corendon and Seven Racing included in the new season set-up. On the individual athlete side, Selle Italia points to Kate Courtney, identified in the release as the current XCM world champion, and Gaia Tormena, the reigning XCE world champion, as key figures in its off-road push.Gravel, unsurprisingly, is part of the picture as well. Selle Italia says it will partner with Ribble Outliers and support several leading gravel privateers as the discipline continues its rapid rise on the international scene.What stands out here is the way Selle Italia is positioning racing not just as a marketing platform, but as a test bench. The company says constant contact with athletes gives it valuable feedback for saddle development, with products tried at the highest level before reaching everyday riders.That gives the 2026 programme a dual purpose. On one hand, it keeps Selle Italia highly visible in some of cyclings fastest-growing and most competitive off-road categories. On the other, it reinforces a long-standing brand message that performance, comfort and design are best developed under real race pressure.For cycling fans, the breadth of the line-up is arguably the main story. From cyclo-cross mud to short-course cross-country and all-day marathon events, Selle Italia is making sure its saddles are represented across almost every corner of elite off-road racing in 2026.

Santini targets gravel racers with MADSS skinsuit built for speed and distanceSantini has expanded its aerodynamic MADSS line into the off-road world with the launch of the new MADSS Gravel skinsuit, a one-piece designed to blend road race efficiency with the practical demands of gravel riding and long-distance competition. It is pitched as an evolution of the brands established road model, but with details tailored to riders who need comfort, storage and hydration support when the terrain gets rough.At the heart of the new suit is the same focus on speed that underpins Santinis MADSS platform, short for Mega Aerodynamic Speed Shell. The Italian brand says the suit has been developed to deliver aerodynamic performance without sacrificing freedom of movement, with a close race fit intended to keep drag low while still coping with the varied body positions and repeated efforts that define gravel racing.The upper section uses a lightweight stretch microfibre fabric designed to be highly breathable and to help regulate temperature during hard efforts. Santini pairs that with a low collar and a second-skin fit to create a sleeker profile on the bike. The sleeves are especially important here. They are made from a ribbed fabric that Santini says was developed in a wind tunnel to improve the way air flows across the riders arms, an area that can make a meaningful difference to overall aerodynamic performance.What makes the MADSS Gravel stand out from a pure road skinsuit is the way Santini has adapted it for endurance use. Built into the upper back is a pocket for a hydration pack with a capacity of up to 2 litres. Fabric loops on both shoulders help route the drinking tube, while an extra rear loop allows the pack to be secured with a small carabiner. It is a smart nod to the realities of long gravel events, where riders often need to carry more fluid without resorting to bulky layering or compromising comfort. Five rear pockets add further carrying capacity for food and ride essentials, underlining that this is a race garment with genuine all-day practicality.The lower half is built from a hard-wearing warp-knit fabric with a compact structure, intended to provide medium compression for muscle support without restricting movement. Santini has also gone for an extended leg length, raw-cut hems and internal silicone grippers to keep the suit stable over rough ground. That should matter on gravel, where repeated vibration and constant movement can quickly expose any weakness in fit. A skinsuit that stays in place not only feels better over long distances, but also helps preserve the aerodynamic advantage it is designed to offer in the first place.For comfort in the saddle, Santini uses its C3 chamois, which includes anti-shock gel inserts and a 3D ergonomic surface. According to the brand, it is designed to absorb vibrations and provide support during demanding rides and gravel competition. That makes sense in a category where speed alone is not enough. Gravel racers are often looking for kit that can handle hours of seated effort, repeated impacts and changing surfaces, and pad quality can be just as important as outright aerodynamic claims.In terms of styling, the MADSS Gravel arrives in a single colourway with a printed, graphic upper section and a solid grey-dyed lower half. It is a relatively restrained approach for a garment that is otherwise quite technical, and one that should appeal to riders who want performance kit that does not look overly loud.The bigger picture is that Santini is responding to a shift in gravel kit design. As the discipline has become faster and more race-focused, brands have moved away from treating gravel clothing as simply relaxed roadwear with extra pockets. The MADSS Gravel appears to embrace that new direction, taking the aerodynamic logic of road racing and combining it with features that matter when rides stretch deep into endurance territory. If Santini has judged the balance correctly, this could be one of the more interesting one-piece options for riders chasing speed on mixed terrain.