Cycling Becomes a Truly Year-Round Pursuit as Global Adventure Riding Continues to GrowBIKE Magazine November 2026 Front CoverTo read online click hereTo purchase subscription click hereThe traditional cycling season may be drawing to a close across much of Europe, but for an increasing number of riders, the end of summer no longer signals the end of their time on two wheels. Instead, cyclists are travelling further afield than ever before, embracing year-round riding opportunities in destinations spanning the Mediterranean, South America and beyond.From the sun-soaked mountain roads of Greece and Turkey to the vast landscapes of Patagonia and the high-altitude routes of Colombia, cycling tourism continues to experience significant growth as riders seek adventure, cultural immersion and memorable experiences long after the northern hemispheres racing calendar has concluded.Industry observers point to a shift in how people view cycling holidays. Rather than focusing purely on mileage or performance goals, many cyclists are now choosing travel experiences that combine sport, exploration and personal achievement. Whether through guided tours in the Italian Alps, bikepacking expeditions into remote wilderness or multi-day cultural rides across historic regions, modern riders are increasingly prioritising experiences over statistics.Among the events highlighting this trend is the legendary Maratona dles Dolomites, which celebrates its 40th anniversary as one of the most iconic gran fondos in the world. Set amid the dramatic mountain scenery of northern Italy, the event continues to attract thousands of participants from across the globe. Similarly, the HERO Sdtirol Dolomites mountain bike marathon has further cemented its reputation as one of Europes premier off-road challenges, drawing elite competitors and enthusiastic amateurs alike to the spectacular Dolomite landscape.The popularity of these events underlines cyclings unique ability to connect participants with destinations in a way few other sports can. Riders are able to cover significant distances while remaining closely connected to local culture, landscapes and communities, creating a deeper travel experience than many traditional forms of tourism.Sustainability and innovation also remain key drivers within the cycling sector. Manufacturers and industry leaders continue to invest in environmentally conscious products, materials and production methods as cycling strengthens its position as both a recreational pursuit and a sustainable mode of transport. At the same time, ongoing technological developments in bike design, equipment and rider safety are helping to shape the future of the sport.Beyond organised events and technological innovation, the enduring appeal of cycling is perhaps best illustrated through personal journeys. Charity rides, endurance challenges and self-supported adventures continue to inspire riders worldwide, demonstrating the versatility of the bicycle as a vehicle for exploration, fundraising and self-discovery.Closer to home, destinations across Wales, Ireland and London continue to showcase the richness of cycling opportunities available within the British Isles. From rugged coastal routes and remote mountain roads to quiet country lanes and urban escape rides, cyclists are discovering that world-class adventures often begin just a few miles from their front door.As winter approaches, the message from across the cycling community is clear: the cycling season is no longer confined to the warmer months. With growing access to international destinations, expanding cycling tourism opportunities and an increasing appetite for adventure, riders are finding new reasons to stay active throughout the year.For many, the bicycle remains one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to explore the world, whether that journey leads to a distant mountain pass or simply along a familiar road waiting to be rediscovered.

Cyclists spend more unfiltered time outdoors than almost anyone else with a hobby. A road ride or a gravel loop puts you directly on the verges, trailheads and river crossings where litter collects which is probably why World Cleanup Day, on 20 September this year, tends to land differently for riders than it does for most people scrolling past it on social media. Its not an abstract cause. Its the ditch you rode past on Tuesday.The event itself is bigger than a single day of picking up trash. What started in Estonia in 2008 as a country cleanup initiative has grown into a UN-recognised international day. Last years edition brought out an estimated 25 million volunteers across roughly 190 countries and territories. For cyclists, the more useful takeaway isnt the one day of action its the prompt to ask whats already happening the other 364 days, starting with what the stuff strapped to your head or hanging off your handlebars is actually made of.Thats a fair question to ask, and eyewear is a great place to start. Swiss-founded performance eyewear brand, VALLON, has built two sunglasses models, Watchtowers, and Ventures around that question: How can we make performance eyewear that has classic style, maximum performance, and is more sustainable than other models on the market? Both styles are built using frame materials that readily hold up against standard synthetic materials, while also carrying eco-credentials: These are sunglasses for riders who want to spend more time outside, while carrying and using gear ready to live up to whatever is thrown at them, and that do their part for the planet.Whats in the frame?Start with VALLONs Watchtowers: Their frame is made 85% recycled fishing nets fused into durable nylon-6. The lens tech is a wraparound shield made by ZEISS, with a RiPel coating so that sweat and rain bead off rather than smearing the lens. They are Cat. 3, block 100% UV400, and offer shatterproof eye protection worth knowing on a gravel line where kicked-up stones are a regular part of the adventure.The Ventures have Bio TR90 frames made of 45% recycled materials making them exceptionally lightweight and versatile for lighter cycling days hopping on and off the bike. VALLONs V52 polarized lenses with an ABBE value of 52 provide exceptional visual acuity and less distortion at the edge of the lens useful when youre scanning a descent rather than staring straight ahead also Cat. 3 and UV400 protected. At 26 grams, theyre light enough to disappear on a long ride. Between the two, its an easy case for choosing the lower-impact frame without giving up anything on performance.Tried and testedBIKEs team put the Watchtowers through testing and came away impressed. The read was that these sunglasses earn their keep on a genuinely tough ride: protective enough to trust on a fast, loose descent, comfortable enough to forget about after a few hours, and, more than one tester noted, good-looking enough to stay in rotation on the easy days too. The recycled-net build took on testing without any give on durability, which was the detail that stuck with the team most worth noting, the fixed lens cant be swapped for different light conditions, so riders who go out in everything from bright sun to flat overcast may want to weigh that trade-off. Read the full Watchtowers review for the whole gear download.Beyond the frameSeparately from the frame material, VALLON funds the recovery of 1kg of ocean-bound plastic waste, through accredited partner CleanHub, for every pair of eyewear sold. VALLON puts the cumulative total recovered by its customers at the equivalent of more than 10.9 million plastic bottles.A better way to gear up this yearBeing a more eco-conscious cyclist doesnt have to mean a trade-off between performance and principle. Gear built from reclaimed fishing nets or bio-based stock, backed by ZEISS or V52 optics that hold up on a genuinely hard ride, checks the performance box and the materials box at the same time. Add a cleanup programme funded by every sale, and whats left is a purchase that performs on the ride, looks good doing it, and is easy to feel good about afterwards too which, heading into World Cleanup Day, is about as much as anyone could ask of a pair of sunglasses.

From British Lanes to the World StageTo read online click here https://read.bike-mag.com/october-2026To subscribe for hard copy click hereOctober has always felt like cyclings most reflective month.The frenzy of summer racing begins to fade, the evenings shorten, and many riders start to think about winter miles, next years goals and the adventures still waiting before the season closes. Yet if this issue proves anything, it is that cycling never really slows down. It simply changes gear.In these pages we celebrate a sport that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the simple joy of riding a bicycle. We travel from the autumn spectacle of Il Lombardia and the growing influence of gravel racing to some of Britains most rewarding late-season sportives. Cycling has become more diverse than ever, and October is perhaps the perfect snapshot of that transformation.Adventure remains at the heart of this issue. We explore the cycling culture of Florida, where year-round sunshine and endless trails create an irresistible riding destination. We head into Peru to discover how travel can test resilience in the most unexpected ways, and we ride along the stunning Croatian coastline where every turn reveals another unforgettable view. From the cycling-first streets of Utrecht to the mountain bike playgrounds of Girona and the Dolomites, the bicycle continues to open doors to places and experiences few other forms of travel can match.For riders passionate about equipment, we bring you the latest innovations shaping the future of cycling. From the new Fantic Rhapsody e-MTB to the rise of electric bikes and sustainable products from brands such as VALLON, technology is rapidly changing how we ride, explore and connect with the outdoors.Perhaps the strongest message running through this issue is community. Whether it is riders tackling the Lionheart Sportive, friends sharing miles in the Peak District, amateur racers chasing gravel glory in Australia, or travellers helping one another through difficult conditions in Peru, cycling continues to bring people together in ways few sports can.As the season enters its final chapter, I encourage you to make the most of every ride. Seek out a new road. Join a local event. Plan next years adventure. Or simply enjoy the changing colours of the countryside from the saddle.Wherever your bike takes you this autumn, thank you for bringing BIKE Magazine along for the journey.Happy riding.Nick BranxtonEditorBIKE Magazine

Written by Richard Howard.Combining all-day comfort, impressive battery life and secure open-ear design, the new Shokz OpenFit Air 2 headphones offer riders a practical way to enjoy music on the move without compromising awareness of their surroundings.Ive been sent some really cool, recently released headphones from Shokz to see how suitable theyd be to wear whilst riding.Theyre made by Chinese company Shokz who already have a range of headphones on the market and some very impressive feedback from Amazon customers who have their previous releases. Based on that I had high hopes for this new release which is the OpenFit Air 2 released to the open market in the UK on 16th September 2026.The first thing that stood out was the very slick holder for the headphones. The oval shaped box is white along with the sleek headphones which have a flexible soft rubber piece that comfortably fits around any shaped ear and Im happy to say doesnt become uncomfortable if worn for long periods.Theyre 17% lighter than their previous model and have made some improvements for this release to ensure theyre a more of a tight fit and so less likely to fall off during a ride. They also come in white, black and my favourite is an ice blue colour.With the standard touch functions youd expect such as pause, next track and even volume up and volume down. The latter is not something all Bluetooth headphones have.The battery life is healthy at up to 36 hours with 8hrs usage on a single charge and during my long-term use of them Id say it pretty much reached that limit.It also only takes 10-15 minutes of charging to receive up to 3hrs of listening time which is ideal if youve stopped for a rest or lunch and are able to re-charge at the restaurant.In regards to the sound quality it was rather impressive, it was on par with my usual Anker headphones for sure and so whilst not as crisp Apple phones was nonetheless impressive.They come with isolated audiophile sound which ensures the best audio quality.The above is just my point of view of course. You can now purchase from their website or Amazon for 129 with the usual free returns, money back guarantee window and so if youre tempted then you have nothing to lose giving them a little trial.

BIKE Magazine September 2026Click here to get your magazineClick here to continue reading nowSeptember has always felt like cyclings month of reflection and renewal. The biggest races of the season are reaching their conclusions, riders are carrying the accumulated fatigue of a long campaign, and many of us are looking ahead to our own autumn adventures. It is a time when cycling reveals its extraordinary range, from the worlds grandest sporting stages to the quiet lanes and gravel tracks that keep us all coming back for another ride.This issue captures that diversity better than any I can remember.The road season reaches one of its defining moments with the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montral, where more than 1,000 athletes from over 80 nations will compete for cyclings most coveted rainbow jerseys. The city returns to the centre of the cycling world more than half a century after hosting the first World Championships ever held outside Europe. As we look ahead to the racing on the demanding Mount Royal circuit, we explore the events and storylines that will shape a remarkable month for the sport.Closer to home, the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men 2026 once again brings elite racing directly to British roads. From the cobbled climb of Michaelgate in Lincoln to the rolling terrain of the Scottish Borders, the race reminds us that some of cyclings greatest spectacles remain free to watch from the roadside.Yet cycling is about far more than professional competition. One theme running through this issue is exploration. Our feature on the FVG Bike Trail in north-eastern Italy celebrates the growing appeal of self-supported riding, where success is measured not by finishing position but by experiences collected along the way. The route through Friuli Venezia Giulia combines challenging riding, remarkable history and unforgettable regional food, reminding us that a bicycle remains one of the most rewarding ways to understand a place.Adventure continues in Nepal, where mountain biking becomes a gateway to Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries and communities rarely seen by conventional visitors. From the forests of the Everest region to the dramatic terrain of Lower Mustang, it is a story that perfectly captures the transformative power of travelling by bike.For those inspired by competition, our report from the Swiss Epic demonstrates the resilience and adaptability required in high-level mountain bike stage racing. Weather disruption, tactical battles and extraordinary performances combined to create one of the years most compelling off-road contests.Youll also find the latest gear and product news, from Sidis new Wire 3 road shoe to Tailfins colourful expansion of its bikepacking range, alongside stories of innovation closer to home, including our visit to Bristol-based Starling Cycles.What links every page of this issue is the idea that cycling rewards curiosity. Whether you are chasing a personal best, planning a bikepacking escape, watching the worlds best riders battle for a rainbow jersey or simply enjoying a quiet Sunday morning ride, there is always another road to explore.Enjoy the issue, ride safely, and make the most of those precious autumn miles.Nick BranxtonEditor, BIKE Magazine

BIKE Magazine August 2026Click here to get your magazineClick here to continue reading nowBIKE Magazine August 2026 Front CoverThere are some months in the cycling calendar that feel like a bridge between major events. August 2026 is not one of them.If anything, this issue of BIKE Magazine celebrates a cycling world that refuses to slow down. No sooner has the dust settled on the Tour de France than the sport launches into another extraordinary period of racing, adventure and achievement. From the Tour de France Femmes and the opening battles of La Vuelta a Espaa to the mountain bike world championships in Val di Sole, this month reminds us that cyclings story never stands still.What strikes me most while putting together this edition is the sheer diversity of experiences that cycling makes possible. In these pages youll find elite athletes competing on the worlds biggest stages, amateur riders conquering legendary climbs, adventurers crossing continents, and everyday cyclists discovering something profound about themselves through the simple act of turning the pedals.Take our feature on La Stelvio Santini, where more than 1,200 riders from 42 countries gathered to test themselves against some of cyclings most iconic mountains. The event reminds us that cyclings greatest rewards are not always measured by podium places. Sometimes success is simply reaching a summit that once seemed impossible.That same spirit of personal discovery shines through in Kait Keets remarkable account of a 1,200-kilometre solo bikepacking journey. What began as a trip plagued by illness, punctures and self-doubt evolved into a powerful lesson about resilience, kindness and learning to let go of expectations. It is one of those rare stories that extends far beyond cycling and speaks directly to the human experience.We also celebrate emerging talent at the highest level of the sport. Isaac del Toros podium finish at the 2026 Tour de France signals the arrival of an exciting new Grand Tour contender and marks a historic milestone for Mexican cycling. Meanwhile, mountain bike stars continue to redefine what is possible, whether racing across the forests of Germany, battling through the Pyrenees at the Andorra Epic or, in the case of Elias Schwrzler, riding on top of a flying hot-air balloon before launching into freefall. Sometimes reality is more impressive than fiction.Beyond racing, this issue explores the growing appeal of gravel, bikepacking and cycling travel. From Scotlands Gralloch Ultra to the dramatic roads of Corsica, riders are increasingly seeking experiences that combine challenge, exploration and connection with the landscapes around them. In an age dominated by speed, cycling remains one of the best ways to truly experience the world.That, perhaps, is the common thread running through this edition. Whether youre chasing a rainbow jersey, riding your first century, travelling across a continent or simply enjoying an evening spin after work, cycling offers something increasingly valuable: perspective.As summer reaches its peak, I hope this issue inspires you to find your own adventure, whether its around the corner or on the far side of a mountain pass.Ride safe, ride often, and enjoy the journey.Nick Branxton

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