The stripped-back Colnago Y1Rs that propelled Tadej Pogačar to time-trial success on Stage 13 of this year’s Tour de France has sold for $190,500.

We covered the four iconic Colnago bikes up for auction by Sotheby’s earlier this week, when Pogačar’s bike had a bid of $16,000 and an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.

The bike is a lightened version of Colnago’s V1Rs that was specially made for the mountain time trials, with Pogačar going on to ride the bike up Mont Ventoux in a record time to defend his yellow jersey against Jonas Vingegaard.

This special-edition Y1Rs weighs just over 7kg, with a raw carbon finish helping with weight-saving and exposing the carbon weave below.

Pogačar’s continued use of the bike may have put the final nail in the coffin of dedicated climbing bikes in UCI-regulated races, with the aerodynamic performance appearing to outweigh the small weight savings.

The bike has been on display at St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi for the duration of the auction.

While $190,500 is a ludicrous amount of money for a Colnago Y1Rs, which retails for around £11,999 / $14,500, it isn’t a record-breaking figure for a bicycle at auction.

That honour belongs to a Damien Hirst-painted “Butterfly” Trek Madone ridden by Lance Armstrong at the Tour de France and auctioned off for LiveStrong for $500,000.

Other bikes sold in the auction sold were: Colnago track bike built to Eddy Merckx’s 1972 Hour Record dimensions ($12,065); Colnago C68 Rossa No. 1/90 ($21,590); Colnago C35 Oro Ferrari collaboration ($35,560).

This weekend we feature three very different race events, a ride for a cause, and a training ride for crazy people. See our picks below!

Team Fearless Annual Women’s Team Championships

Virtual Everesting Bootcamp

Group Ride to Support Ukraine

La Cyclo MedioFondo Foudre

CTT Winter Series on Zwift

How We Make Our Picks

We choose each weekend’s Notable Events based on a variety of factors including:

• Is the event unique/innovative in some way?
• Are celebrities (pro riders, etc) attending/leading?
• Are signup counts already high, meaning the event is extra-popular?
• Does the ride include desirable unlocks or prizes?
• Does the event appeal to ladies on Zwift? (We like to support this under-represented group!)
• Is it for a good cause?
• Is it just plain crazy (extra long races, world record attempts, etc)?
• Is it a long-running, popular weekly event with a dedicated leader who deserves a shout out?

In the end, we want to call attention to events that are extra-special and therefore extra-appealing to Zwifters. If you think your event qualifies, comment below with a link/details and we may just include it in an upcoming post!

The Attaquer OrbKnit Balaclava is a 3D-knitted balaclava that’s so stretchy it can be worn as a weatherproof layer over your helmet. If that sounds a little like an overshoe for your head, that’s because it sort of is, and I’m strangely drawn to it.

Attaquer says the £55 / $70 / €65 Balaclava is engineered using the brand’s most advanced single-piece construction to date, weaving Dryarn fibres into “targeted ventilation zones” to balance insulation, breathability and moisture management, sealing riders from winter’s worst.

Said to be inspired by the orb-weaver spider, the web-like perforations over the crown are knitted into the fabric to enable heat to escape from the top of your turnip, while a heavier ribbed brow panel is designed to wick moisture away from the face. 

A dropped, looser-fitting collar gives extra coverage around the neck and helps create a windproof seal.

• Read more: Winter cycling clothing guide: stay warm with our top recommendations

Wearing a balaclava under a helmet is standard enough for winter cyclists. 

Many riders wear a buff or other neck gaiter under their helmet. Some jackets, such as the Rapha Pro Team Insulated Gore-Tex jacket, even have a hood for this purpose.

But I can imagine the over-the-helmet fit of the OrbKit Balaclava creating a warmer, insulating pocket of air above your head, while avoiding the claustrophobic temple-squishing feel of wearing something under a helmet. 

“Vape shop robberies”

The reception to the Balaclava on social media has been mixed.

The unkind have quickly pointed out the resemblance to the balaclavas favoured by electric-motorbike riding phone snatchers: “For when you have a club ride in the afternoon and vape shop robberies to perform in the evening. Love it!”, read one comment on Attaquer’s official feed. 

Writing on Instagram cycling fashion feed maillotjawn, one commenter described it – seemingly favourably – as “sicko shit”, while another drew comparison to “Peter Parker’s first suit he made himself”. 

But, once you get past the initial visual shock, I still believe the concept is strangely compelling – for the dedicated winter rider who simply refuses to let a motivation-sapping finger of chill touch their delicate skin, it could be a great choice.

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Giant has announced that it has completed all refunds to migrant workers as a part of its Corrective Action Plan.

Earlier this year, the brand was issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after it had identified ‘forced labour indicators’ during an investigation.

Now, the brand says it finalised the second phase of all remaining refunds to current migrant workers on 1 December, bringing them up to date.

Giant says all refund calculations and procedures were implemented in accordance with recommendations from a third-party independent auditor, following international standards, and thorough fact-finding investigations and assessments.

All refunds are said to have been transferred to the workers’ accounts, which signifies the full implementation of the Zero Recruitment Fee responsible recruitment policy.

Giant says this marks an important milestone in the company’s human rights and labour governance efforts and responsible recruitment practices.

The Taiwanese brand says its corrective action plan is progressing on schedule as it pursues a swift revocation of the WRO.

Giant has also introduced enhanced grievance mechanisms internally, introducing the 1955 Hotline, a labour consultation and complaint service provided by Taiwan’s Ministry of Labour, and GTMCare.

This is said to ensure migrant workers can voice their concerns and obtain prompt support through more accessible and safer channels.

In a statement, the brand wrote: “Giant Group will continue advancing all CAP-related improvement measures, strengthen grievance mechanisms, and implement related measures to actively safeguard and enhance migrant worker rights. Should CBP or relevant authorities request additional actions, the company will fully comply.”