The Warrior Games, organizers of the popular Iceni and Tour de Boudicca series, have just announced the next edition of their annual Tour de Andrasta women’s 3-stage race series, starting October 17. See all the details below!

About the Name

Andrasta was an Iceni war goddess invoked by Boudicca in her fight against the Roman occupation of Britain in AD 60. Described as “their name for Victory,” her name has been translated as meaning “indestructible” or “unconquerable”.

Schedule and Route Details

The races have just one time slot, at 10:30 PT/13:30 ET/17:30 UTC. Stage 1 has an extra time slot at 16:00 PT/ 19:00 ET.

Stage 1 – Friday, October 17: InnsbruckConti (1 lap)

Welcome to the Tour de Andrasta! The race begins with a right turn out of the pens, following a reverse Innsbruck loop. Riders will power through the sprint, tackle the Leg Snapper, and make the most of the final flat stretch before facing the decisive big climb.

• Format: Hilly Points Race
• Length: 12.9km
• Elevation: 479m
• Finish Line Points: based on the number of riders participating, down to 1 point for last place.
• Intermediate Point (scored 10,8,6,4,2,1): Innsbruck QOM Reverse
• Powerups: Burrito/Feather/Aero

Stage 2 – Saturday, October 18: Coast Crusher (1 lap)

Stage 2 is here to test your legs! Roll through a charming seaside village, tackle a challenging climb, and loop around the midway point – halfway there! Then descend through a tunnel and head back along the coastal road, hitting multiple sprints as you pass scenic forests, bustling towns, and themed settlements, finishing strong at the final sprint.

• Format: Points Race
• Length: 42.7km
• Elevation: 210m
• Intermediate Points (scored 10,8,6,4,2,1):
  • Stoneway Sprint (FTS)
  • Acropolis Sprint (FAL)
  • Sasquatch Sprint (FTS)
  • Woodland Sprint (FAL)
  • Woodland Sprint Reverse (FTS)
  • Sasquatch Sprint Reverse (FAL)
  • Acropolis Sprint Reverse (FTS)
• Finish Line Points: based on the number of riders participating, down to 1 point for last place.
• Powerups: Draft/Steamroller/Aero

Stage 3 – Sunday, October 19: The Magnificent 8 (1 lap) 

Stage 3 kicks off in downtown Watopia before winding past volcanoes, waterfalls, and the route’s only big climb. After a blast through the flats and coast, it all comes down to the final push back to town. Get ready for a fierce finish!

• Format: Scratch Race
• Length: 29.1km
• Elevation: 155m
• Finish Line Points: based on the number of riders participating, down to 1 point for last place.
• Powerups: Ghost/Feather/Aero

Sign Up

Want to race the series? Start by signing up for the race events! Numbers attract numbers, so women are encouraged to sign up early.

See all upcoming Tour de Andrasta events at zwift.com/events/tag/andrasta >

Key Rules and More Info

• All entrants must be able to participate in all three stages to have their result stand on Tour de Andrasta league standings. 
• Participants must have a ZwiftPower account (learn how to sign up) 
• Heart Rate Monitors (HRM) are obligatory for all categories.
• Steering will be disabled.
• Smart trainers and dumb trainers with power meter only, no Zpower racers.
• Riders must match their Zwift profile name and ZwiftPower name, e.g. Jane Doe [XTeam].
• Riders should ensure power meters and smart trainers are calibrated / zeroed out prior to each stage.
• Zwift Racing Score will be disabled. 
• Zwift pace group category enforcement will be enabled.

For complete rules and other info, see the Tour de Andrasta Google doc. You may also join The Warrior Games’ Discord to ask specific questions: https://discord.gg/mjZ8ksybkv

Results

Both a team and individual GC will be calculated for the series:

• Team GC: Points earned across Stages 1, 2, and 3 will count toward the Tour de Andrasta Team GC league to decide the 2025 champions.
• Individual GC: Determined by cumulative finish time over all three stages, with the overall winner crowned Tour de Andrasta 2025 champion in every category.

Sigma Sports has a flash sale running this weekend, starting today. Sigma’s Big Deal Days are focused on road and gravel products, and it’s a great opportunity to update your wardrobe or stock up for winter riding.

There are discounted prices on almost 500 products, including electric pumps, smart trainers and wheels. There are also some bikes on sale, if you’re looking for something new.

To save you hunting through Sigma’s site, we’ve picked out some top products that are on our shopping list. You’ll need to sign up for Sigma+ to get access to the best prices.

• Shop the full Sigma Sports Big Deal Days sale

Van Rysel RCR-R PRO Dura-Ace Di2 2025 £10,000 £7,999 (save 20%)

This is one of the most talked-about bikes of 2025, combining low weight and aerodynamic frame features in one race-ready package.

Ridden at the highest level by the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team, the Van Rysel RCR-R PRO is proven in the world’s toughest road races.

This model features Shimano’s flagship Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and SwissSide Hadron Ultimate 500 Carbon Tubeless aero wheels.

• Buy the Van Rysel RCR-R PRO Dura-Ace Di2 Road Bike 2025 from Sigma Sports for £7,999

Silca Italian Army Knife Venti 20-Piece Multi-Tool £55 £44 (save 20%)

This multi-tool from boutique brand Silca combines beautiful design with every tool you’ll need.

There are 20 hardened steel tools, including a chain tool with a magnetic slide-lock design for increased length and ease of use. There’s also a hidden storage area for a spare chain link.

The tool is coated with high-grip chrome plating and weighs 172g.

• Buy the Silca Italian Army Knife Venti 20-Piece Multi-Tool from Sigma Sports for £44

Specialized Mondo TLR Road Tyre £55 £40 (save 27%)

The Mondo is Specialized’s endurance road tyre – and one that’s designed to be quick, too. So much so, it was used in the Spring Classics by Specialized’s sponsored WorldTour teams.

The Mondo uses the brand’s Gripton T2/T5 dual-compound construction to balance speed, grip and durability.

It’s available in three sizes: 700x28x, 700x32c and 700x35c.

• Buy the Specialized Mondo TLR Road Tyre from Sigma Sports for £40

Wahoo KICKR CORE Smart Turbo Trainer With Cassette £499 £404 (save 19%)

It’s indoor training session and the Wahoo KICKR CORE has everything you need to get started. It’s a direct-drive smart trainer, meaning the resistance will automatically change when the gradient rises or you start an interval on an indoor training app.

The KICKR CORE can simulate gradients of up to 16 per cent, while also being capable of measuring power to an accuracy of two per cent.

It will also be supplied with a cassette, so you just need to hop on your bike to get going.

• Buy the Wahoo KICKR Core Smart Turbo Trainer With Cassette from Sigma Sports for £404

Trek CarBack Radar Rear Light £170 £99 (save 42%)

The CarBack from Trek combines a 90-lumen rear light with radar technology to detect rear-approaching vehicles from up to 240m. The light then delivers audio and visual alerts through your paired GPS unit.

There are four modes to choose from: Day Flash (90 lumens), Day Steady (25 lumens), Night Steady (5 lumens) and Night Flash (5 lumens).

Trek says the Day Flash mode is visible from distances of up to 2km, making this a light that features the latest in safety tech.

• Buy the Trek CarBack Radar Rear Light from Sigma Sports for £99

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Mini wireless headphones £169 £143 (save 15%)

With turbo season upon us, now’s the time to get set up to keep yourself occupied indoors.

The Shokz OpenRunPro 2 bone conduction headphones are a lot more comfortable than in-ear and over-ear designs when training. They will run for up to 12 hours and five minutes of charging will give you 2.5 hours of use.

Sigma Sports also has a discount on the standard OpenRun headphones.

• Buy Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Mini wireless headphones from Sigma Sports for £143

Selle San Marco AllRoad Supercomfort Racing Saddle £160 £116 (save 28%)

If your gravel bike needs a saddle upgrade, this Selle San Marco option includes variable-density extra-dense padding and a wide cut-out. The brand says this adapts to your saddle movement and ensures long-distance comfort.

The claimed weight is 213g, and there are three colours on offer to match your gravel bike. Sigma Sports has a range of other saddles on offer from Prologo, Selle Italia, Fizik and more.

• Buy the Selle San Marco AllRoad Supercomfort Racing Saddle from Sigma Sports for £116

SunGod Ultras Photochromic sunglasses £190 £149 (save 22%)

The SunGod Ultras feature a frameless lens for good peripheral vision, also offering a low 26g weight. Three nosepieces allow you to tailor the fit so they shouldn’t slip around when riding.

The photochromic lens is a great option for off-season riding, offering between 34 per cent and 79 per cent light transmission, to see you through sun and shade on sunnier winter days, as well as gloomy ones.

There are other SunGod sunnies and lens options on offer, as well as discounted sunglasses from Oakley, 100% and more.

• Buy the SunGod Ultras Photochromic sunglasses from Sigma Sports for £149

Scope Artec 8.T wheelset £3,499 £2,974 (save 15%)

Scope claims its Artec wheels offer best-in-class aerodynamics thanks to its fishscale-like surface finish, in a wheelset that weighs only 1,384g in this 85mm depth. The 23mm hookless internal rim width will support wider tyres for lower rolling resistance, and the carbon spokes contribute to the low weight.

If you’re after a choice of flashy wheel upgrades, Sigma Sports has a similar discount on Princeton CarbonWorks Grit and Peak wheels.

• Buy the Scope Artec 8.T wheelset from Sigma Sports for £2,974

SeaSucker Mini Bomber 2 bike carrier £550 £440 (save 20%)

Transporting your bike on a car usually involves clamping hardware to your vehicle.

The Seasucker bike racks do away with that, using large suction cups to attach to your car roof, so there’s much less hardware to stash away when not in use.

It works via the same suction cups as used by glazers to move large panes of glass and high-rise window cleaners to keep them aloft.

We’ve tested it and it really does work. Sigma Sports has the three-bike model with the same discount as this two-bike rack.

• Buy the SeaSucker Mini Bomber 2 bike carrier from Sigma Sports for £440

Lazer Z1 KinetiCore helmet £230 £159 (save 31%)

Lazer updated its classic Z1 helmet in 2024, adding its KinetiCore crumple zones for additional rotational impact protection. The update also removed weight, with our size-M helmet coming in at 236g.

Along with the large vents, the KinetiCore treatment in the shell makes the Z1 KinetiCore a very well-vented helmet, too. Sigma Sports has a range of sizes and colours in stock.

• Buy the Lazer Z1 KinetiCore helmet from Sigma Sports for £159

Specialized Aethos Expert road bike £5,500 £3,499 (save 36%)

The arrival of the updated Aethos 2 means the original Aethos is at a discount. If you can bear to have your brake cables exposed – the horror – this SRAM Rival AXS spec gets you a similarly lightweight frame to the Aethos 2, but for £2,000 less cash than the updated bike.

Sigma Sports has sizes from 54cm up available in a couple of colours, both equipped with a Rival power meter and Roval C38 carbon wheels paired with 28mm S-Works Turbo tyres.

• Buy the Specialized Aethos Expert road bike from Sigma Sports for £3,499

Challenge Gravine XP Handmade TR gravel tyre £88 £59 (save 33%)

Available in 40mm and 45mm widths, Challenge’s gravel tyres’ aggressive, spaced-out lugs are designed for grip in muddy conditions or over rocks, so they’re ideal for the coming winter.

The tyre is built on a 260 tpi casing for a supple ride feel and is compatible with hookless rims. There’s bead-to-bead puncture protection and Challenge’s high-durometer rubber compound for good wear resistance and low rolling resistance.

• Buy the Challenge Gravine XP Handmade TR gravel tyre from Sigma Sports for £59

Fumpa electric bike pump £139 £112 (save 19%)

We’ve been blown away by electric pumps here at BikeRadar, to the extent that Warren has thrown away his mini-pump collection. Fumpa was the original portable electric pump maker and this pump will get a 25c tyre up to 100psi in around 25 seconds.

There’s a built-in pressure gauge and the capacity to inflate five or six tyres on a charge, with USB-C fast charging replenishing the battery in just one hour. The more portable miniFumpa is also discounted in the sale.

• Buy the Fumpa electric bike pump from Sigma Sports for £112

Lezyne Power Pro 115+ StVZO front light £100 £69 (save 31%)

At 310 lumens, Lezyne’s alloy front light puts out more illumination than its name suggests. It can run for up to 4.5 hours in peak mode, or 27 hours in economy mode, so runtimes are better than some lights with greater headline output.

What’s more, the light is StVZO-compliant, so its lens is designed not to dazzle and annoy oncoming traffic, but direct the beam downwards for good illumination of the road ahead.

• Buy the Lezyne Power Pro 115+ StVZO front light from Sigma Sports for £69

Shop the full Sigma Sports Big Deal Days sale

Derek Gee has said he terminated his contract with Israel–Premier Tech following “serious concerns related to racing for the team” and a “personal-belief standpoint”. 

Gee revealed in August that he had terminated his contract with Israel–Premier Tech, while the team said the Canadian’s contract was valid until 2028. Gee was pulled from the team’s Vuelta a España squad at short notice. 

Providing an update on his situation yesterday, the 28-year-old said in a statement published on social media that he is facing what he understands to be damages of approximately €30m. 

When Gee first announced the termination of his contract with Israel–Premier Tech, he said “certain issues simply made my continuation at the team untenable”.

Gee explained yesterday: “I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under existing circumstances.

“The decision was not taken lightly – it followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team, both from a safety and personal-belief standpoint that weighed heavily on my conscience.

“But what moves me most is how, when human issues are involved, money becomes the headline; money was not the issue that led to my termination. Leaving has meant the risk of having no team or protection if I get injured without [a] contract. It is a risk I was – and still willing – to take, as I was simply unable to continue racing for the team.

“I understand the team sees it differently, and that this will be for the competent authorities to decide; however, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person.

“These are not the kind of numbers, or the kind of situation, any athlete expects when they dream of becoming a professional cyclist, and I believe it flies in the face of the very values that sport seeks to uphold. These actions are also a reflection of the very issues that led to the breakdown of the relationship to begin with.

“It strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.”

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Israel–Premier Tech were the subject of continued protests throughout La Vuelta from pro-Palestine demonstrators, who objected to their participation in the race and accused the team of “sportswashing”.

The protests led to stages being shortened and the team removing ‘Israel’ from their jerseys. 

Since the race, Factor and Premier Tech, two sponsors of Israel–Premier Tech, threatened to withdraw their support if the team did not change its name.

On Monday, it was revealed that Israel–Premier Tech would change its name and national identity, while co-founder Sylvan Adams will also step back from his day-to-day involvement and will no longer speak on behalf of the team. 

The all-new 3T RaceMax² Italia takes 3T’s original gravel race bike template and adds fully revised geometry, more tyre clearance and lower drag.

The RaceMax² Italia sports a steeper head angle, longer fork offset and increased bottom bracket drop than the previous incarnation.

This is combined with super-short 420mm chainstays. That’s the shortest I’ve seen on a bike with tyre clearances of 50mm or more.

The new geometry is intended to make the new RaceMax² much more of an all-road all-rounder, with a road-steep 71.5-degree head angle, 74-degree seat angle, low stack and long reach.

3T says the aerodynamic improvements to the new RaceMax make it the brand’s fastest gravel bike yet.

• Best gravel bikes in 2025: top-rated carbon, aluminium, titanium and steel gravel bikes reviewed
  

Less drag, more speed

Alongside the new geometry is a frameset with all-new aerodynamics. At the front end, a fresh head tube design combines a pointed front nose and elongated tail. It’s a design feature more common to the latest aero road bikes, such as our current race bike of the year, the Cervélo S5.

Even the fork dropouts have seen aero optimisation, with a caliper bolt cover smoothing the fork’s leading edge, and there’s no thru-axle hole in the fork on the driveside.

The front end is completed with a combination of 3T’s aerodynamic More stem and Aeroghiaia aero-gravel bar.

3T says it will also have updated cockpits built to suit the Racemax² early next year.

The down tube is massively oversized at 75mm. This enables it to fully shield a bottle mounted there.

The down tube also features a wheel cutout on the underside, behind the fork, with a new, large storage port with two positions for the bottle cage on the Fidlock magnetic mini-hook locking cover.

Inside is a custom storage bag made for 3T by Miss Grape.

At the rear end, the aero-profile seat tube features a wheel cutout, which helps keep the chainstays short.

The lowered seatstays meet the seat tube via an aerodynamically sculpted junction. It’s topped by an aerodynamic seatpost that incorporates a clip-in rear light.

Despite the short stays and aerodynamic optimisation, the RaceMax² is compatible with both 1x and 2x drivetrains, with a maximum chainring size of a whopping 52 teeth.

3T claims this has given the RaceMax² a 1.5% aerodynamic improvement over the previous RaceMax Italia – previously the brand’s fastest gravel bike. That may be a small gain, but when you factor in it’s with a 50mm tyre, it’s quite the achievement.

Less weight, more speed

Even with the aerodynamic overhaul and increased tyre clearances, 3T has managed to shave a few grams. The frame remains the same at a claimed 990g. This rises to 1,050g when you include the Miss Grape internal storage bag.

The fork loses 5g down to a claimed 380g for a size-medium frameset.

3T claims weights as low as 7.9kg for a complete bike (SRAM Red XPLR, Zipp 303 XPLR).

3T RaceMax² Italia GRX Di2 spec details

My sample test bike tips the scales at 9.21kg (56cm/L including storage bags, integrated rear light and 2x bottle cages).

The bike comes equipped with Schwalbe’s 45mm G-One RS Pro tanwall tubeless tyres wrapped around 3T’s own Discus 45/40 LTD wheelset. That’s surprising for a brand that pioneered 1x drivetrains on the road and for gravel.

This model comes with Shimano’s 2x GRX Di2. The pairing of a 48/31 chainring and a 12-speed Ultegra 11-34 cassette should give a usable range for trail and road.

The bike is finished with 3T’s dedicated aero-shaped carbon seatpost with integrated rear light. That’s topped by Fizik’s 3D-printed version of the classic Antares saddle.

Up front, it’s the combination of 3T’s More stem and Aeroghiaia gravel bar.

At first glance, the RaceMax² combines its compact wheelbase with steep angles, making it look far more like a fast all-road take on gravel.

It’s more similar to the similarly priced Cervélo Áspero 5 than a trail and technical-capable bike such as Parlee’s Taos.

I’ll have a full test of the RaceMax² Italia as soon as I’ve had a chance to get plenty of miles in on it.

3T RaceMax² Italia range and pricing

Framesets

• Racemax² Italia with 3T More stem and 3T Aeroghiaia Integrale LTD handlebar: £4,425 / $6,499 / €4,917

Complete bikes

• Racemax² Italia with Shimano GRX 2×12 and 3T Discus 45|40 LTD wheels: £7,303 / $10,999 / €8,114
• Racemax² Italia with SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1×13 and 3T Discus 45|40 LTD wheels: £7,304 / $11,699 / €8,115  
• Racemax² Italia with SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1×13, Torno Wide crank and 3T Discus 45|40 LTD wheels: £7,745 / $11,699 / €8,605
• Racemax² Italia with SRAM Red XPLR AXS 1×13 and ZIPP 303 XPLR SW wheels: £9,368 / $13,899 / €10,409
• Racemax² Italia with SRAM Red XPLR AXS 1×13 with Torno Wide Crank and ZIPP 303 XPLR SW wheels: £9,368 / $14,399 / €10,409
• Racemax² Italia with Campagnolo Super Record 2×13 Gravel and 3T Discus 45|40 wheels: £9,662 / $14,599 / €10,736

This weekend’s big events are the double XP Zwift Unlocked rides, but we’re also seeing some really popular races popping up from community organizers. See our picks below!

Zwift Unlocked Stage 1

La Cyclo MedioFondo Foudre

HISP London Minitour, Stage 3

TNP Bologna Smash

DBR Social Ride

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!

Lime has just published its financial reports for 2024, revealing a surge in revenue as its ebike rentals continue to grow.

The Uber-backed company’s latest accounts reveal its revenue in the UK jumped by 75 per cent last year, to £111.3m. In 2023, its revenue was £63.5m, and in 2021 it was just under £9m. 

The accounts also show the company’s pre-tax profit dropped from £2.1m in 2023 to £1.7m in 2024.

The financial records cover all of Lime’s activities in the UK, including ebike and e-scooter rentals across Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham, Oxford and Milton Keynes. But it’s in London that the company has seen particularly large growth.

• Bikes stolen at train stations after being left for more than two hours will not be investigated

Londoners made 16 million journeys by Lime during commuting hours in 2024, while the company saw an 85 per cent increase in total journeys.

This summer, there was also a spike in the usage of Lime ebikes, which was partly caused by tube strikes. Lime saw a 50 per cent increase in rentals on Tuesday 9 September compared to the same day in 2024 due to the strikes, according to the Financial Times.  

London saw 1.33 million daily cycling journeys in 2024, which is a 5 per cent increase over 2023, according to Transport for London. Cycling in the City of London has increased by more than 50 per cent in the last two years, according to the City of London Corporation, which said dockless rental bikes, such as Lime bikes, “have quadrupled since 2022 and now account for one-in-six bikes on City streets”.

Lime’s growth in the capital also means it has a larger presence than Transport for London’s Santander Cycles rental scheme. It is predicted that Lime has at least 20,000 bikes on London streets (the figure could be much higher), while Santander has 12,000. 

But the presence of Lime’s electric bikes in the capital has led the company to face growing scrutiny. Trauma surgeons have reported an increase in injuries linked to the heavy ebikes, including fractures that have been called ‘Lime bike leg’.

Elsewhere, boroughs have begun to address the growth and use of Lime bikes. In August, Hounslow council ended its two-year trial allowing the bikes in the borough, after they were claimed to be parked in dangerous places.

Hackney council also capped Lime ebike fares at £1.75, making them the same price as a bus, in September. 

Lime’s UK results come after the US group announced in February that its gross bookings were $810m (£602.7m) and its revenue rose by 32 per cent to $686m.

Look has added a wider Q-factor option for its Keo Blade pedal range. Until now, the Keo road pedals have been available in only one spindle length, with a 53mm Q-factor. Look has now introduced an option with a 3mm longer spindle, extending the Q-factor to 56mm.

With 5mm of lateral movement available via cleat positioning, that enables you to obtain an effective stance width of between 53mm and 58mm on the longer-axle pedals and down to 50mm on the short axles.

Incorrect Q-factor – or more correctly stance width – can be a factor in knee, foot and hip discomfort while cycling and even lead to injuries.

Research has shown that a narrower stance width is usually more efficient, as well as being more aero. But what’s efficient for a shorter rider with a narrower pelvis may not be optimal for a taller rider, who may benefit from longer pedal axles. 

Look has until now been the only major pedal manufacturer not to offer multiple stance widths. Shimano offers its Dura-Ace and Ultegra road pedals and XTR XC pedals with both 52mm and 56mm Q-factor. Time XPro pedals are sold with 51mm, 53mm and 57mm Q-factor.

Speedplay pedals offer the most options, although only for the Speedplay Zero pedals, which can be bought with 53mm, 56mm, 59mm and 65mm Q-factor. Along with the high adjustability of the cleat’s float and release angle, that has long made Speedplay pedals a favoured choice for bike fitters.

• Q-factor explained: why it matters to cyclists and how to adjust yours
  

More release-tension options for the Keo Blade

Keo Blade pedals rely on a ‘blade’ carbon leaf spring to close the cleat retainer. The 56mm Q-factor Keo Blade pedals will be sold only with the mid-range 12Nm blade, but Look is now offering two different release-tension options pre-installed across its 53mm Q-factor Blade pedal range.

So, whereas the top-spec Keo Blade Ceramic Ti (190g a set) has formerly been sold only with a 16Nm blade installed, there is a new 12Nm option available.

The Keo Blade Ceramic (without a titanium axle but with ceramic bearings) will now be sold in an option with an 8Nm blade installed, in addition to the current 12Nm option.

Finally, the Keo Blade with steel bearings will be sold with a 12Nm blade option, in addition to the current 8Nm blade pedal.

Look already sold its 8Nm, 12Nm and 16Nm blades as an aftermarket upgrade, as well as a 20Nm blade, which it reckons is only suitable for pro riders who usually aren’t going to have to clip in and out except at the beginning and end of a race or stage.

It also sells replacement axle kits in 53mm and 56mm lengths in CroMo steel and titanium, so you can potentially change your pedals’ Q-factor yourself.

Look’s power-meter equipped Keo Blade Power pedals will for now only be available in the current 53mm Q-factor. 

Look has been steadily working on its pedal design and variants for a few years, with the fourth-generation Keo Blade pedals launched in 2024 claimed to be more aero than their predecessors. 

SRAM has said it welcomes the suspension of the UCI’s planned trial of gearing restrictions, after the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) ruled yesterday that the initiative may breach competition law and unfairly harm SRAM and its sponsored teams.

The American brand brought the case to the BCA last month and said the cycling governing body’s planned trial of gearing restrictions at next week’s Tour of Guangxi unfairly targeted its equipment. It alleged that the UCI’s protocol was “adopted without consultation or transparency” and amounted to an abuse of competition law.  

• Read more: UCI ordered to halt gearing restriction trial after BCA decision sides with SRAM

In a statement released yesterday, SRAM said: “On October 3, SRAM participated in an emergency hearing before the Competition College of the BCA in Brussels to contest the UCI’s newly imposed gearing restriction – a rule that was fundamentally unfair to SRAM riders, teams, and SRAM itself.

“The BCA initiated formal anti-trust proceedings under European and Belgian competition laws on September 17. Nine professional cycling teams voluntarily joined the process to oppose the restrictions.

“At the hearing, SRAM and the teams advocated for an open, non-discriminatory, and objective rule-making process in professional cycling – one that ensures a level playing field, fosters meaningful safety improvements, and respects rider choice.” 

The UCI issued its own statement explaining that the trial at the Tour of Guangxi will not go ahead, but it criticised the BCA’s intervention “on a subject desired by all stakeholders of cycling”, referring to the ongoing discussion around how to improve rider safety. 

However, SRAM’s CEO Ken Lousberg said it is time to “reshape how the sport’s key stakeholders engage”.

“The UCI, teams and riders, sponsors, race organizers, and the cycling industry must collaborate to build a better future for the sport and its fans. The best outcomes happen when everyone has a seat at the table,” Lousberg said. 

“We’re more optimistic than ever that through open communication and shared goals we can create a safer, more inclusive sport. Innovation and safety are not opposing forces – in fact quite the opposite. They go hand in hand,”  he added. 

Gearing restrictions and their effect on rider safety has been a contentious debate throughout the current road cycling season. Critics have claimed it would have no effect on peloton speeds and even claimed it would “make everything more dangerous”.

The debate is part of a wider controversy over the UCI’s new technical regulations, which include rules on handlebar width, wheel depth and helmet design, and has prompted widespread criticism of the governing body. 

EF Pro Cycling founder and CEO Jonathan Vaughters responded on X to the UCI’s statement on the BCA’s ruling, encapsulating much of the current debate around safety in road cycling. “Perhaps things like making sure parked (and still moving) vehicles are not on the race course, blind corners with rock piles in the apex are not on race courses, and motorcycles aren’t part of the peloton take precedence over gear restrictions, sock lengths, and handlebar width?” Vaughters wrote. 

The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has ordered the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to suspend its planned trial of gearing restrictions at next week’s Tour of Guangxi, ruling that the initiative may breach competition law, and unfairly harm SRAM and its sponsored teams.

In a decision issued on 9 October, the BCA said the UCI’s ruling – which sought to cap gearing at 54x11t – “does not meet the required conditions of objectivity and transparency” and risks creating “serious and difficult to repair” harm for SRAM.

The authority recognised the UCI’s responsibility to regulate to improve safety, but said “the procedures for determining technical standards enacted for this purpose… must meet essential conditions of proportionality, objectivity, transparency and non-discrimination in view of the economic consequences of these standards”, in a statement.

The BCA noted that SRAM – which brought the case to the BCA –  is “the only one that does not currently have a product meeting the requirements of the Maximum Gear Ratio Standard”, and that the rule “adopted under disputable conditions, is likely to cause harm to SRAM… [and] extends to professional cycling teams equipped with SRAM [drivetrains]”.

Last month, the American brand said the gearing restriction unfairly targeted its equipment, alleging the rule was “adopted without consultation or transparency” and amounted to an abuse of competition law.

The BCA therefore ordered the UCI to suspend the rule immediately, and barred it from imposing any similar transmission ratio limits “until the UCI adopts a new safety measure based on a transparent, objective and non-discriminatory procedure, or until a decision on the merits is adopted”.

UCI vows to appeal

The UCI responded with a strongly worded statement, confirming the trial will not go ahead in Guangxi but criticising the intervention.

“The UCI expresses its surprise at the intervention of a competition authority on a subject desired by all stakeholders of cycling, the scope of which was limited to analysing the effects that limiting gear ratios may have on riders’ speed and therefore on safety,” the statement reads.

The governing body added that it “deeply regrets that riders’ safety does not appear to be a shared objective with those who challenged the implementation”, and reaffirmed that the protocol was recommended by SafeR – the body representing riders, teams and organisers.

The UCI said it will appeal the BCA’s decision and may adjust the protocol “to allow for the implementation of the tests desired by all stakeholders in professional road cycling”.

What happens next?

The BCA’s statement also required the UCI to publish a press release acknowledging that the gearing rule is suspended and to reference the BCA’s decision, warning that penalties may follow if the UCI fails to comply.

For now, the gearing restriction will not apply at the Tour of Guangxi, and it’s unclear what will happen next.

SRAM CEO Ken Lousberg said last month that UCI’s rule “penalises and discourages innovation and puts our riders and teams at a competitive disadvantage”. 

He added that the company’s gearing had already been publicly labelled as non-compliant, causing “reputational damage, market confusion, team and athlete anxiety, and potential legal exposure”.

The UCI has consistently defended the measure as a safety initiative, recommended by SafeR, the group representing riders, teams, organisers and the governing body.

However, scepticism remains across the pro cycling sphere.

Ahead of the Arctic Race of Norway, Tom Pidcock said: “Limiting gears will only make everything more dangerous.”

Elsewhere, Dan Bigham of Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe said his analysis showed the change would have no effect on peloton speeds and therefore “would not improve safety”. 

• Read more: ‘If Pogačar has a life-changing injury, we will have blood on our hands’ – Dan Bigham says the UCI’s gearing restrictions won’t make a difference to rider safety

By contrast, Chris Froome and Wout van Aert have both suggested gear restrictions could be a reasonable way to manage the progression of equipment for safety reasons.

The controversy comes as part of a broader wave of UCI technical regulations in 2025, including new rules on handlebar width, wheel depth and helmets, most of which have drawn criticism from riders, teams and manufacturers.

• Read more: The UCI has just clarified its new helmet regulations – but it’s left me with more questions than answers

Zwift Unlocked is set to be one of the biggest event series on Zwift—and it started this week. In our top video, learn everything you need to know about this fresh tour!

Additional picks this week focus on getting started on Zwift, one rider’s comeback to Zwift racing, a Zwift Racing League win, and a review of the Zwift Ride.

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Dylan Vandenstorme, of Team Flanders-Baloise, will line up at the UCI Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands this Sunday aboard an all-new prototype titanium gravel bike from legendary Belgian brand Eddy Merckx.

It shows the latest direction from the brand, which is known for doing things a little differently. Back in 2019, Oliver Naesen, of AG2R La Mondiale, rode an all-steel Eddy Merckx in the Tour de France. Until then, it was a material that hadn’t been seen in the Tour this century.

The Eddy Merckx Corsa line of bikes is due for a major update in 2026. It will see the brand continue making high-end steel and aluminium bikes, although this Corsa gravel prototype shows it is expanding into titanium. That’s a great choice for gravel bikes, thanks to titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio and longevity.

• The best titanium gravel bikes you can buy in 2025 – Plus our in-depth buyer’s guide
  

Titanium for the win

Titanium has been a proven material at the highest level, with Lotto riding titanium GT Edge bikes in 1999 and Robbie McEwen taking the green jersey in 2002 aboard a titanium Litespeed.

However, it was perhaps Magnus Bäckstedt’s 2004 win at Paris-Roubaix aboard a custom titanium Bianchi that signalled a heyday for this wonder metal.

Merckx claims the new prototype gravel bike combines the durability, corrosion and fatigue resistance of titanium with a “refined blend of vintage allure and contemporary flair”. This titanium prototype has a tyre clearance of 47mm. It also features a SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger and internal cable routing.

I love the look of the prototype, although I’d like to see the tyre clearance pushed out beyond 50mm to take advantage of the new wave of larger tyres for gravel.

Columbus Hyperion is not your average titanium

The Corsa prototype is made using tubing from Italian specialist Columbus. The Hyperion titanium tubing, which launched in 2024, is a 3Al-2.5v grade 9 material that’s cold drawn into butted tubing.

Columbus claims the process and material used for its tubes leads to a strength of 200[kNm]/kg. When compared to standard titanium tubing, which is rated to 156[kNm]/kg, it means a 22% increase in ultimate tensile strength (UTS).

Compared to aluminium, it’s a 40% increase, and 15-20% lighter than Columbus’ high-grade steel tubing, with a density 40% lower than traditional steel, which should mean a more compliant frame over rough terrain, making it a great choice for gravel.

Hyperion is the lightest titanium tubeset Columbus has ever produced.

Custom build

The bike put together for Vanderstorme certainly has some very personal touches.

The drivetrain sees the latest wireless Shimano XT rear derailleur matched to a Dura-Ace crankset running a single Wolf Tooth 50-tooth chainring.

Wolf Tooth also provides plenty of matching blue anodised parts, with the headset, seat collar, bolts and thru-axles all coordinated.

FFWD provides the latest version of its gravel-specific Drift wheelset, and these are wrapped with Vittoria’s Terreno tyres here in Dry spec, although that could change, of course, if the weather takes a turn for the worse this weekend.

Titanium is coming

Eddy Merckx has announced that new bikes made from titanium are coming next year and I can’t wait to see what it has in store with these new models.

I’ve been a long-time fan of titanium and still own both a Kinesis ATR and a custom Lynskey. Perhaps the next gravel bike on my wishlist could be a metal Merckx.

Dylan Vandenstorme, of Team Flanders-Baloise, will line up at the UCI Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands this Sunday aboard an all-new prototype titanium gravel bike from legendary Belgian brand Eddy Merckx.

It shows the latest direction from the brand, which is known for doing things a little differently. Back in 2019, Oliver Naesen, of AG2R La Mondiale, rode an all-steel Eddy Merckx in the Tour de France. Until then, it was a material that hadn’t been seen in the Tour this century.

The Eddy Merckx Corsa line of bikes is due for a major update in 2026. It will see the brand continue making high-end steel and aluminium bikes, although this Corsa gravel prototype shows it is expanding into titanium. That’s a great choice for gravel bikes, thanks to titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio and longevity.

• The best titanium gravel bikes you can buy in 2025 – Plus our in-depth buyer’s guide
  

Titanium for the win

Titanium has been a proven material at the highest level, with Lotto riding titanium GT Edge bikes in 1999 and Robbie McEwen taking the green jersey in 2002 aboard a titanium Litespeed.

However, it was perhaps Magnus Bäckstedt’s 2004 win at Paris-Roubaix aboard a custom titanium Bianchi that signalled a heyday for this wonder metal.

Merckx claims the new prototype gravel bike combines the durability, corrosion and fatigue resistance of titanium with a “refined blend of vintage allure and contemporary flair”. This titanium prototype has a tyre clearance of 47mm. It also features a SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger and internal cable routing.

I love the look of the prototype, although I’d like to see the tyre clearance pushed out beyond 50mm to take advantage of the new wave of larger tyres for gravel.

Columbus Hyperion is not your average titanium

The Corsa prototype is made using tubing from Italian specialist Columbus. The Hyperion titanium tubing, which launched in 2024, is a 3Al-2.5v grade 9 material that’s cold drawn into butted tubing.

Columbus claims the process and material used for its tubes leads to a strength of 200[kNm]/kg. When compared to standard titanium tubing, which is rated to 156[kNm]/kg, it means a 22% increase in ultimate tensile strength (UTS).

Compared to aluminium, it’s a 40% increase, and 15-20% lighter than Columbus’ high-grade steel tubing, with a density 40% lower than traditional steel, which should mean a more compliant frame over rough terrain, making it a great choice for gravel.

Hyperion is the lightest titanium tubeset Columbus has ever produced.

Custom build

The bike put together for Vanderstorme certainly has some very personal touches.

The drivetrain sees the latest wireless Shimano XT rear derailleur matched to a Dura-Ace crankset running a single Wolf Tooth 50-tooth chainring.

Wolf Tooth also provides plenty of matching blue anodised parts, with the headset, seat collar, bolts and thru-axles all coordinated.

FFWD provides the latest version of its gravel-specific Drift wheelset, and these are wrapped with Vittoria’s Terreno tyres here in Dry spec, although that could change, of course, if the weather takes a turn for the worse this weekend.

Titanium is coming

Eddy Merckx has announced that new bikes made from titanium are coming next year and I can’t wait to see what it has in store with these new models.

I’ve been a long-time fan of titanium and still own both a Kinesis ATR and a custom Lynskey. Perhaps the next gravel bike on my wishlist could be a metal Merckx.

Van Rysel has revealed the RCR and D500 smart trainers – two new models that look set to challenge the big names in indoor cycling.

Following the naming convention of its WorldTour-proven road bike, the RCR Pro, the RCR smart trainer is a new high-end model with a spec sheet that competes with rivals such as the Wahoo Kickr V6 and Tacx Neo 3M.

The D500, meanwhile, is a mid-range model targeting competitors such as the Wahoo Kickr Core 2, JetBlack Victory and Elite Rivo.

As we’ve come to expect of the French brand (which is owned by Decathlon), both trainers are priced competitively – at £749.99 / €798.99 for the RCR and £349.99 / €399.99 for the D500.

Buried in its spec, the RCR also has one standout feature that every smart trainer on the market ought to have, but few do – an Ethernet port.

• Best smart trainers 2025: 10 top-rated turbo trainers for every budget
  

RCR smart trainer

The RCR looks set to replace Van Rysel’s existing D900 smart trainer, which we tested in February 2024.

While that trainer featured impressive ride feel and specs for its relatively low price, it suffered some issues with data accuracy and lacked a few quality-of-life features present on its competitors (such as Race Mode, network connectivity and sensor bridging).

The new RCR trainer, though, promises +/- 1 per cent accuracy, with no calibration required, compared to +/- 2 per cent on the D900, as well as a higher maximum power of 2,800 watts.

The flywheel weight isn’t specified, but Van Rysel says the RCR can simulate gradients of up to 27 per cent, if you’re that way inclined.

It also features a motor that can drive the flywheel on descents for a more realistic simulation of riding downhill.

The RCR features both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, but lacks Wi-Fi – something that has become almost ubiquitous on the latest mid-level to high-end smart trainers.

In place of Wi-Fi, though, it features a simple Ethernet port, which enables it to be hard-wired into your local network or connected directly to whatever smart device you’re using.

This, Van Rysel says, ensures “ultra-responsive, latency-free training that’s ideal for competition”.

This is a breath of fresh air compared to brands such as Wahoo and Tacx, which feature proprietary ports that require riders to purchase additional ‘dongles’ for their trainers should they wish to use a wired connection.

It also features a USB-C port that can be used to charge smart devices while you ride.

Good job Van Rysel.

Beyond this, the RCR trainer features folding legs and a handle to make it easier to stow away between uses. It costs £749.99 / €798.99.

This includes a Zwift Cog and Click V2 set, which makes the trainer ‘Zwift Ready’ and unlocks virtual shifting on the popular indoor cycling app, as well as compatibility with “almost any 8- to 12-speed bike”.

Van Rysel RCR smart trainer specification

• Model: Van Rysel RCR
• Price: £749.99 / €798.99
• Maximum power: 2,800 watts
• Maximum gradient: 27 per cent
• Claimed power accuracy: +/- 1 per cent
• Claimed noise level: 56dB at 25kph (measured at 1.5m)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Ethernet

D500

The D500, meanwhile, also looks like an exciting prospect.

Priced at £349.99 / €399.99 (also including the Zwift Cog and Click V2 bundle), the D500 replaces the existing ‘Interactive Turbo Trainer D500’, which was part of Van Rysel’s 2024 smart trainer range.

In contrast to that outgoing model, the new D500 features a Wahoo Kickr Core-inspired design akin to Van Rysel’s excellent budget trainer – the D100.

It features a 1,500W maximum power ceiling, can simulate gradients of up to 15 per cent and has a claimed power accuracy rating of +/- 2.5 per cent.

Assuming it performs as claimed, those specs should be plenty for all but the most powerful cyclists to enjoy the full range of joy indoor cycling can offer (or not, if you’d prefer your indoor training to be boring).

Unlike the Wahoo Kickr Core 2, JetBlack Victory and Elite Rivo, the Van Rysel D500 lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, and only features Bluetooth and ANT+.

It does, however, undercut all three of those trainers on price, by £50 to £150 (depending on the model in question).

The D500 sadly lacks the Ethernet port featured on the RCR trainer, and it remains to be seen whether it offers Race Mode over Bluetooth, as some smart trainers do.

Van Rysel D500 smart trainer specification

• Model: Van Rysel D500
• Price: £349.99 / €399.99
• Maximum power: 1,500 watts
• Maximum gradient: 15 per cent
• Claimed power accuracy: +/- 2.5 per cent
• Claimed noise levels: 56dB at 25kph (measured at 1.5m)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+

See zwiftinsider.com/tiny for current Tiny Race details.

British Transport Police has clarified its position on thefts of bikes from train stations, following widespread criticism of the policy, announced last week.

British Transport Police (BTP) announced it would no longer investigate bike thefts from stations if the bike had been left for more than two hours or if the bike’s value was assessed at less than £200.

With more than 14,000 bikes reported stolen from outside train stations between 2021 and 2023, this policy has been heavily criticised for giving a green light to bike thieves and penalising lower-income groups. 

It has also been revealed that this policy has been in place since August 2024, at a time when bike thefts from stations have been increasing, with a 39 per cent reported increase in such crimes between 2022 and 2023.

Now, the BTP has sought to clarify its position, issuing a statement, while BTP assistant chief constable Ian Drummond-Smith defended the policy when interviewed on the BBC’s Today programme.

“We’ve targeted hot spots where bikes are stolen, using a whole variety of police tactics. In some of those hot spots, we’ve reduced cycle crime by up to a quarter.

“What we simply can’t do is watch tens of hours of footage for a single bike theft. So far this year, we’ve arrested 55 people for cycle theft,” Drummond-Smith stated.

• Bikes stolen at train stations after being left for more than two hours will not be investigated
  

“Not decriminalising bicycle theft”

In its statement, BTP refutes the claim that bicycle thefts have been decriminalised, stating: “Bicycle thefts have not been de-criminalised as some headlines have suggested. When we do not have a clear time or location for the offence, or if there is a lack of CCTV, witnesses or other evidence, it can be very difficult to solve a crime.

“If it is available we will review around two hours of CCTV footage to try to identify the incident, but it is not proportionate to review longer periods.” 

BTP states it is working with train operating companies to look at other ways of investigating bike theft. Drummond-Smith suggested that in future BTP might employ AI to screen footage and identify suspects, although he didn’t identify any specific projects planned to achieve this. 

Knowing how to lock your bike securely, using a quality, security-rated bike lock, registering your bike and having adequate cycle insurance remain your best safeguards against having your bike stolen and the financial loss incurred.

Shimano has announced another set of polished-silver limited-edition components – this time for its 1x 10-speed CUES U6000 drop-bar groupset.

Following on from its GRX Limited groupset, which launched to great fanfare three years ago, the Japanese brand says the special-edition polished-silver CUES groupset is designed to celebrate its “heritage of metalworking excellence”.

Unveiled at the Bespoked bike show in Dresden, Shimano says the groupset will feature on two custom bikes at the show.

Is this a sign Shimano is finally listening to riders and embracing its continued love affair with metal components? Let’s find out.

Classic Shimano

The special-edition CUES U6000 groupset consists of six components, each with polished-metal parts.

As a 1x 10-speed groupset, there’s a polished-silver crankset and chainring spider, plus a rear derailleur, an 11-48t cassette, and a set of brake calipers and matching shifters.

There are also polished-silver hubs to complete the look, although it seems you’ll need to source your own rims and spokes to build these up into something you can ride.

As with GRX Limited, not every part of the components is polished to a shine, but there’s an elegant mix of silver and black, reminiscent of Shimano’s iconic Dura-Ace R9000 groupset.

As things stand, there are only options for the CUES U6000 1x 10-speed drop-bar groupset, with shifters for hydraulic or cable-actuated disc brakes.

The new special-edition parts are widely cross-compatible with other parts in the CUES ecosystem, though, so riders can “mix and match” them to build their preferred setup.

Shimano CUES Polished Silver range

• RD-U6000 10-speed rear derailleur
• CS-LG400-10 cassette, 11-48t
• FC-U6030-1 crankset, 40 or 42t chainring, 170-175mm crank lengths
• HB / FH-QC400 rear and front hubs
• BL-U6030-L and ST-U6030-R hydraulic dual control levers
• BR-U6030 flat mount hydraulic disc brakes
• BL-U3030-L and ST-U3030-10R mechanical dual control levers

We asked Shimano for details about pricing and availability, and will update this article if we receive a response.

More to come?

An intriguing question raised by this launch is whether it’s a signal of more to come.

GRX Limited launched to an incredibly warm reception, and Dura-Ace R9000 and 7800 – the last Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets to feature predominantly polished-silver components – are still widely regarded as among the most desirable the brand has made in the modern era.

It’s fair to say polished-silver parts are – in some quarters – seen as distinctly retro. After all, it’s what bike parts used to look like before the introduction of carbon fibre, and a desire for everything to mimic that took over.

But there’s something to be said for celebrating the materials being used, and in a sea of black everything, something like this can help a bike or component stand out from the crowd.

While I think the standard, matt grey CUES U6000 looks fine, for example, the new silver crankset and rear derailleur, in particular, look fantastic – and far more premium than the original versions.

Aside from a brief flirtation with carbon cranks in 2007 with the FC-7800C, though, Shimano has stuck steadfastly with alloy cranksets through thick and thin – even as a global recall of its bonded Hollowtech II aluminium cranks threatened to dent rider confidence in the design.

Despite this belief in the material, Shimano has tended to hide that fact behind paint in recent years.

The last non-limited edition silver groupset it produced was 105 R7000 (which was available in gloss black or matt silver), and we’ve since had a succession of excellent-but-slightly-dull black and grey road bike groupsets from the Japanese giant.

Recent developments might give riders reason to hope change could be on the horizon, however.

Shimano’s XTR Di2 R9200 mountain bike groupset, for example, features a decent amount of polished-silver accents, while ENVE’s new SES 4.5 Pro wheelset – as used by man of the moment Tadej Pogačar – also features polished-silver hubs and spokes.

Could we see polished silver make a return in some form for the next-generation Dura-Ace Di2 R9300 groupset, then?

When we put this to Shimano, it told us it wouldn’t comment on future developments, but did say that “if there is an increased demand for a polished silver line-up across the range, Shimano may consider future silver editions and expanding this to higher-end models”.

It seems, then, that Shimano is listening after all.

See zwiftinsider.com/route/dun-dash/

Cyclocross could be added to the Winter Olympics by 2030 in France, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has predicted, alongside cross-country running and judo in a bid to keep the Games relevant. 

This isn’t the first time adding cyclocross to the Winter Olympics has been suggested, with World Athletics and the UCI holding talks about its inclusion last year. 

But Coe is reported to be increasingly optimistic it will be added to the Games due to the support of the new International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Kirsty Coventry, and UCI president, David Lappartient, according to the Guardian. 

Coe, who is part of the IOC’s “fit for the future” working group, says: “I think there’s a good chance it’ll happen. And I think it’s come at the right moment, because Kirsty is certainly prepared to think differently about the programme, and what could go out of the stadium, and that mix between winter and summer.”

Following conversations with Lappartient, Coe says there was already a provisional plan to have the cyclocross and cross-country running on the same course in the French Alps. 

“I’ve always wanted to see cross-country back in for all sorts of reasons. Some are emotional. But it also gives Africa a proper presence in the winter Games, which, if we are being honest, it doesn’t really have,” Coe says.

“And sharing the same course in 2030 with cyclocross is really where our thinking is going. We’ve already had good conversations.” 

There is movement elsewhere towards adding cyclocross to the 2030 Winter Olympics. La Planche des Belles Filles submitted a formal bid to host the discipline, L’Équipe revealed in June. 

One of the iconic features of the Tour de France, La Planche des Belles Filles has positioned itself as a potential venue for cyclocross at the 2030 Games. 

Documents obtained by L’Équipe revealed the application promised to deliver “an unforgettable venue” to enhance the image of the winter Olympics.

Thibaut Pinot is among the backers of the project, and is said to be ready to come out of retirement. “One day in February 2030, I’ll finally get my victory at La Planche,” the three-time Tour de France stage winner said in the dossier. 

Lappartient is said to support the bid, alongside former French prime minister Michel Barnier, who attended the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships, hosted in Lievin, France. “I was very impressed by the popular success of cyclocross,” Barnier said at the time.

British steel bike maker Pashley has launched another new bike that extends its range in a novel direction.

The Pashley Skyline takes inspiration from mini velos designed for city riding, with 20in wheels and disc brakes, but it’s also intended to handle loaded excursions and light gravel use.

Pashley says the Skyline is designed to be “fun, versatile and practical”. 

Three specs are on offer at launch, with flat-bar and drop-bar options. Full bike prices range from £1,795 to £1,895, and there’s a frameset-only option for £995.

• Best commuter bike: What’s the best bike for commuting in 2025?
  

Versatile riding options

As with all of Pashley’s bikes, the Skyline is made from steel and hand-built in its Stratford-upon-Avon factory. Its frame is fillet brazed from a mix of Reynolds double-butted tubing: 725, 631 and 525.

According to Pashley CEO Andy Smallwood: “This bike is all about maximising the unique experience you get from a small-wheeled bike. You could be riding through the city, local village, commuting to work or just out for fun – simply enjoying the exhilaration you get on two wheels.”

Pashley says the geometry is designed for “a controlled and comfortable riding position, with direct, confident handling across a variety of terrains”. The top tube is a little longer, which it says adds stability to the ride, while the chainstays have been kept short for snappy acceleration. 

The 2.3in tyre clearance enables you to set up with knobbly tyres if you want to head off-road for some light gravel riding and Pashley fits two of its three builds with Schwalbe Smart Sam treaded tyres.

You can also fit mudguards, front and rear racks, and bottle cages for extended load-lugging. With 20in wheels, Pashley says the Skyline is easy to store, too.

Pashley has aimed to support a wide range of configurations for the Skyline, which it offers with both riser and dropped handlebars. You can also choose to fit the frame out with derailleur, singlespeed or hub gears and even add a dropper post.

Branching out

Founded in 1926, over the last couple of years, Pashley has been diversifying rapidly from its classic British bikes, often complete with a basket, which would grace a television series set in the 1950s.

It’s had the retro-racer style Guv’nor in its range for a while, but more recently that bike has been joined by the Roadfinder SL, which Warren Rossiter described as “the first steel bike I’ve truly desired in 30 years”. 

Not only that, there’s an electric Roadfinder and Pashley has launched the Wildfinder, a drop-bar gravel/MTB hybrid with 2.4in tyre clearance and geometry to fit a suspension fork.

Pashley Skyline builds and prices

Pashley will sell the Skyline in three builds – two with flat bars and one with drop bars.

There’s a choice of MicroShift Advent derailleur or Shimano Alfine hub gearing, as well as a frameset option. You can choose a custom colour from £75 / $125 / €100 / AU$170.

• Pashley Skyline Alfine 8 Flat Bar: from £1,895 / $2,895 / €2,495 / AU$4,395
• Pashley Skyline MicroShift Advent Drop Bar: from £1,895 / $2,895 / €2,495 / AU$4,395
• Pashley Skyline MicroShift Advent Flat Bar: from £1,795 / $2,695 / €2,295 / AU$4,195
• Pashley Skyline frameset: £995 / $1,495 / €1,295 / AU$2,295