Bloggers – pedalnorth

Life as an aging athlete and cyclist

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 18:03:44 +0000

Accepting the Cycle of Life

The Philosophy of an Aging Athlete and Writer

Two years ago, I visited my doctor and was immediately admitted to hospital. My general health was significantly affected from that point forward, leaving me with a profound sense of the importance of simply being happy and content.

Since that time, I’ve thought through several issues, philosophised on life, and weighed the true character of many people I’ve known for years. I’ve always valued integrity over popularity, cherished altruism over arrogance, and memories over money. Unfortunately, not everyone I know shares these values, and at times this disappoints me. However, since my health changed, I’ve realised that these people were never really worthy of my attention.

I now take a self-preservation viewpoint regarding my daily life. I’m more inclined to cycle slowly and less frequently. I hike more, as I once did, and I visit cafes with my sons to drink tea, hot chocolate, and eat cake.

Lifestyle Over Trying to Be a Legend

Lifestyle is more important to me than trying to be something at 60+ that simply doesn’t make sense, or no longer deserves the time commitment. There are so many things still to do in life, so many sights to see and places to visit. I simply won’t commit to cycling four times a week. Why should I, when there’s a whole range of other activities that are just as rewarding and enjoyable?

Fundamentally, once we realise that we’re not likely to trouble younger, fitter pro cyclists, we ought to pause and reflect on the time, money, and effort we spend trying to replicate the pro peloton. At heart, our love of cycling was formed as free-spirited young children. We didn’t need Strava, Wahoo, or Zwift. We just needed a bike, friends, and the spirit of adventure.

Too often, somewhere along the timeline of aging, we’ve forgotten this. We’ve forgotten to ride slowly and in pace with others who aren’t willing or able to break records. We’ve forgotten what a social ride ought to be. And we’ve forgotten that life isn’t a dress rehearsal—we need to simply enjoy being relaxed, healthy, and loved.

Coffee and Cake Over Cycling Status

Sharing a slow ride with friends, followed by coffee and cake, is far more pleasurable than sweating your pants off on a turbo trainer every night of the week. My advice: check out a local night school or pick up a new hobby, but do add something cultural or interesting to your existence.

Yes, the last two years have had a profound effect on me mentally, physically, and philosophically. I no longer give a damn about certain things—and yes, certain people. I’m far more inclined to ride slowly along the ribboned lanes of the local countryside, stopping at quiet, neatly tucked-away tea stops in village halls, than I am to ride in faux pelotons, chasing dreams that never existed nor ever likely will.

Warmth, Integrity, and Happiness: A Three-Point Plan

For me, cycling, hiking, and climbing mountains have always been spiritual experiences that offer an opportunity to bond with nature. It strikes me that we’ve forgotten this in modern life. We’ve forgotten that memories are forever, and that helping others shouldn’t be conditional on getting something in return. Too many people have forgotten how to represent their friends in absent rooms, because at heart, their friendship is too often based on need rather than warmth. These same people value others’ perceptions of them over actually being themselves. Lives are too often lived in fantasy the moment a camera or social media is present.

Having a serious, life-changing health issue two years ago made me realise that when I ride my bike at age 61, I should be at my happiest breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the views—not struggling and breathing out of my arse in a pointless attempt at false online fame! The simple fact is that life is for the living. We get 86400 seconds in each day. We should use these in a varied and fulfilling way, ensuring that they generate smiles, whilst enabling us to spend time with friends and family as we explore the world – on 2 wheels or 2 feet.

Cycling for me as an important aspect of who I am and what I do. But, it’s not the most important aspect – it doesn’t come close. That honour lies with the time given over to creating memories… and cake of course! Don’t take life or cycling too seriously, and spend those 86400 seconds wisely!

Ale Crew Capsule kit for men and for women

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:44:12 +0000

ALE Cycling Crew Capsule

Built for the Ride, Designed for the Crew

Kit tested & Reviewed by Alex & Teo in Transylvania

There’s something appealing about a cycling collection that doesn’t try too hard to impress. ALE’s new Crew Capsule takes a clean, detail-led approach to team-inspired kit, combining performance, comfort and a strong visual identity across both its men’s and women’s ranges.

We rode the jersey and bib shorts extensively in the Carpathian Mountains, on long days in the saddle, shorter rides and a solid block of training. The Crew Capsule sits comfortably between performance kit and everyday style: technical enough for hard mountain days, yet refined enough to feel at home at the café stop. Consider too, that whilst it may now be autumn, you need good kit to take to the winter training camps, and for the hours on indoor cycling that lie ahead. No, there are no longer any seasonal kit changes for the avid cyclist. We ride all year – both indoor and outdoor and we travel extensively. And so, testing this ALE kit towards the end of summer made sense – in a modern kind of way.

The design

It looks simple, but the detail only really shows once you’ve ridden in it. The Crew Capsule avoids unnecessary visual noise, relying instead on clean lines, confident branding and a cohesive colour palette. It looks just as good on a solo ride as it does in a group. That sense of belonging is at the heart of the range. There’s a genuine “crew” feeling here: coordinated without looking overly uniform, and distinctive without becoming loud.

The capsule centres on two pieces:

• Short Sleeve Jersey Crew (men’s and women’s). Part of ALE’s PR.E line, it’s built for speed and long-distance comfort, using lightweight, highly breathable, quick-drying fabrics to cope with heat and sweat.
• Bib shorts Crew (men’s and women’s). From the top-tier R-EV1 line, they have an anatomical cut with light muscle compression to delay fatigue, breathable microfibre mesh straps, a stabilising lumbar panel, UPF 50+ sun protection and reflective details.

On the bike

As you’d expect from ALE, the focus is firmly on performance and comfort, and the Carpathians gave both a proper test. Long climbs, fast descents and changeable mountain weather are exactly where kit either earns its place or starts to annoy.

The jersey has a close, aerodynamic cut and stays remarkably comfortable as the pace rises and the temperature climbs. Its mix of Rap Dry Carbon and ultra-lightweight Micro Aero fabrics keeps air moving across the body and deals with sweat quickly, which mattered on the longer climbs.

The bib shorts proved just as dependable over long days. The light compression and stabilising lumbar panel kept everything settled, and the mesh straps stayed cool and unobtrusive. Good kit should all but disappear once you’re on the pedals, and the Crew Capsule comes close: secure where you need it, comfortable where it matters, and free of distractions.

Fit and sizing

One thing to know before ordering: ALE sizes small. The race-oriented cut is snug by design, so riders should check the size chart carefully and consider going up a size, especially with the bib shorts, where a too-tight fit is far less forgiving than on a jersey.

Men’s and women’s ranges

The most interesting thing about the Crew Capsule is that the men’s and women’s ranges feel like one collection, not two separate interpretations. The visual language is consistent, while the cuts are developed around each rider’s needs. That makes it easy for a mixed group to share a unified look without compromising on individual fit. It’s a small but important detail for clubs and groups of friends who want to look like a team without everyone looking exactly the same.

Value

This is where the Crew Capsule really stands out. Price-wise, it is far more reasonable than its main competitors, which is all the more impressive for kit genuinely made in the heart of the Italian cycling industry. Plenty of brands charge a premium for that heritage; ALE delivers it without one.

The verdict

The ALE Crew Capsule is a confident range that understands something increasingly important in cycling: performance and style don’t have to compete. After plenty of hard kilometres in the Carpathians, it proved comfortable, well made and easy to live with. With a clean aesthetic, genuinely coordinated men’s and women’s options, Italian manufacturing and a price that undercuts its rivals, it’s an easy recommendation for club riders and groups of friends. Just check the size chart, and consider sizing up on the bib shorts.

The kit is super stylish, fits well and will wick as required when your head is down and you’re pushing out those indoor training miles this winter. And, once you get onto the Spanish Isles or a winter ride in Girona, you’ll look and feel great too.

Finding the TIME for real cycling

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:40:59 +0000

Finding your cycling soul

Searching for excellence and inspiration

By Robert Thorpe

When we ride a bike, we don’t just experience physical exertion; we undergo a spiritual renewal. As the endorphins kick in and our eyes light up, we bond with the landscape, feeling the wind kiss our faces. It is an inspirational experience meant to be shared with friends—riding for coffee and cake, then sitting outside cafes in sublime landscapes. There are too many such halts to count here in the Yorkshire Dales, and far too many castles and abbeys along the way. The landscape is part of the journey; it becomes a part of who we are. At heart, we are all still that young child, exploring the world for the very first time. Forgetting about your best time on a Strava section allows you to properly reconnect with your cycling soul. Having the right bike helps, too—one that speaks to you, shares your personality, and becomes a friend.

These days, a conveyor belt of brands from China tells us to snap up their latest designs. Yet, in too many instances, these designs are mere copies of someone else’s. They hold about as much meaning and inspiration as a supermarket own-brand chocolate bar. Let’s be honest, there’s something special about a Toblerone—you simply cannot replicate that feeling. Cycling is exactly the same. In truth, it is not just a sport. You only need to look at videos of Mark Cavendish after a win in his epic career to see that. He lived and breathed every pedal stroke, every metre of the tarmac. It became a part of his DNA. A good, well-engineered bike does the same. It helps us discover who we are by taking us on those special journeys.

The evolving tapestry of TIME

Tucked away in Europe, TIME bikes continue the unique, legendary journey they began in France 40 years ago. The small, quiet town of Nevers, near Bourges, is where this iconic brand first began weaving braided carbon in 1987. Today, production is based in Gajary, near Bratislava. Yet artisans still use those same legendary looms to create braided carbon from over 16 different fibres, placing them over wax mandrels and using resin transfer molding to create some of the world’s best bikes.

Taking the path less travelled, founder Roland Cattin was a true visionary. He didn’t just create precision-engineered carbon bikes; he sparked a movement, a philosophy of cycling based on pure passion and the continual search for the perfect ride. That search continues today as skilled hands weave the evolving tapestry of TIME. Simply looking at the intricate patterns of my own nude carbon TIME Scylon is mesmerizing. It is a work of art that I could place on a wall and admire alongside the paintings at home—and my wife, thankfully, agrees.

Brands like TIME prove that the conveyor belt in Shanghai isn’t the only option. They show that bikes with a pulse and a personality are crafted elsewhere. In fact, calling them ‘made’ is almost an insult—they are brought to life. When you ride a TIME bike, whether here in the Yorkshire Dales or on roads further afield, you experience that special ingredient woven into every frameset: passion. That’s why, when I’m searching for my cycling soul, I instinctively look toward TIME, Look, or Bianchi. I look toward Europe and along the road less travelled. I look for where the beating heart of cycling still exists, searching out the innovative engineering excellence of the continent.

Inspiring excellence in others

There are also some new kids on the block in Europe, creating carbon wheels and handlebars that sit perfectly with the artisan framesets of TIME. Over in Barcelona, SISLENT are making themselves heard by quietly creating some of the most well-engineered wheels and cockpits in modern cycling. Despite being a boutique brand, they’re already attracting the attention of Nicolas Roche and Philippe Gilbert—former pro peloton riders who know the exact value of bicycle engineering.

Their products are smooth, stylish, and strong, tested in labs and wind tunnels as well as at the highest level of our sport. As a side issue, they’re also extremely light and responsive. Why is this a side issue, you ask? Because lightness can mean compromise, as too many cyclists have found out the hard way. TIME, for instance, focuses on the quality of the engineering and the ride, constantly seeking Le Défi—the challenge of the perfect ride. When you pair a TIME frameset with components from SISLENT, you create something both unique and special: a machine made in Europe, built with a soul.

Ultimately, cycling isn’t about the speed of the ride or the weight of the bike. It’s about how we feel and the journey we are taken on—both philosophically and physically. Riding a TIME Scylon paired with SISLENT components does just that. It lives and breathes every pedal stroke with you, allowing you to focus entirely on the pure experience of the ride.

Living le Defi – the ongoing challenge

Thankfully, with opportunities to work and ride with European brands such as these, and especially with the iconic Campagnolo, I get to live le Defi every single day. For these are the spiritual brands of cycling – old and new. These are the artisans who work in small factories and who create, who sculpt and who are constantly in search of what the perfect ride means. Yes, I record my rides now and then. The ultimate purpose of my cycling is however not physical. It’s purely about the ongoing challenges of life and how I can build something positive into each and every day.

At heart, I’m still a dreamer – especially when I have the opportunity to travel on roads such as the Great St Bernard Pass from Lake Geneva over into Italy, dropping into the Aosta Valley. Or when walking around the winding streets of Zurich, with the nearby foothills calling me for a ride, speaking to my poets soul. Yes, when I ride my own bike here at home or elsewhere, the clicks and flicks of the gear changes are like a heart beat for me. I seek out the hills, purely to change gear and to hear the rhythm as I begin the challenge of the pedal dance, and my body falls into balance with my bike.

High end European bike manufacturing is in a healthier place that it thinks it is. For as long as it has that magical flow of passion woven into every frameset, wrapped into wheels and cockpits such as those from SISLENT, for me the voices of the true artisans will still be heard. They’ll be heard as cyclists descend into Nice, when the gravel riders turn of the Tuscan trails into the Piazza, and their voices will create a cacophony of music in the Dales and Moors here in Yorkshire, as the cyclists flock to the hills to refresh their own cycling souls.

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Cycling and philosophising on Yorkshire country lanes

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:39:16 +0000

Cycling as food for the soul on solitary rides

by Robert Thorpe

Finding that perfect ride on North Yorkshire’s hidden lanes

Being a writer and editor about cycling, my rides aren’t as frequent as you might imagine. I’m often too busy planning and writing about rides and bikes, meaning that actual rides take second place. Then, if I rode with a club or large group, I wouldn’t be able to frequently stop and take notes, or a picture to remind me about something. For instance, yesterday I took a ride out to research a couple of informal refreshments halts across the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and the Vale of Mowbray. Small village halls and chapels that remain unlocked and have drinks and snacks avaiable for cyclists to prepare themselves and leave money towards.

Whilst these places fascinate me, a cycling group is usually more interested in Strava points, than constant halts to take these places in. For example, the village of Thornton Steward on the edge of the eastern Dales, is probably one of the most picturesque villages in the country – and yet it’s likely that you haven’t heard of it, nor of the tea stop at the village hall. Why… well, because it’s a cul-de-sac village away from the main cycling routes, and yet on superb winding lanes, and close to sublime landscape views such as nearby Jervaulx Abbey, or the histric bridge that crosses the River Ure, and which has six arches, is thought to date back to the 12th century, and it is thought that it is built on the old Roman ford crossing point of the river.

Too many cyclists miss this and miss the almost car-free riding on the quiet roads, and they miss the village hall at Thornton Steward, where you make your own tea or coffee and choose from the snacks avaialble, before sitting quietly and taking in the Dales views.

Cycling past castles and culture at every turn

On route to this amazing acility at Thornton Steward, I also get the chance to take in the sublime castle at Snape, which now forms a family house, with cottages and holiday lets surrounding its out-buildings. Again it’s a quiet and “off the beaten track” village that allows me time to quietly philosophise, think of cycling themes, test cycling shoes, clothing, or think up themes for my editorial role for legendary bike brand, TIME.

Yes, I know that you frequently see me riding this Bianchi – which is special to me – but I am also blessed with the opportunity to ride the best carbon bikes in the world, as the TIME global brand editor. Their TIME ADHX 45 is a thing of beauty and rides across the winding tracks and trails locally beautifully, connecting these quiet road, and taking me through even more history that the larger cycling groups simply miss due to their addiction to Strava segments.

Cycling, solititude and philosophy

For many people, cycling is a form of escapism from the chaos of the modern world. It allows us time to fresh our batteries and to recharge our souls. For me, that’s always best carried out alone or with select friends – those rare people whose mere presence is relaxing. I like to think and to free my poets soul when I ride. If I see a Hare racing across a recently harvested corn field, I want to stop and take in the beauty of the scene. I want to stop and watch how the sunlight dances off the River Ure and how the dappled light falls through the trees, and I want this magnificent expanse of nature to wrap me up and warm my heart before I have to retreat back into the real world.

We look at the physical benefits of cycling often. However, how frequently do we press pause and take on the mental health aspects. It’s positive endorphins, how it frees up our mind from the everyday complexities and allows us to retreat back to the inner childhood spirit that loves to feel the wind on our face as we swoop into the tight and twisting bends of the Dales roads, surrounded by the sound of silence and punctuated only by nature in its purest form.

Yes, for me cycling is a health treatment that I require fequently, and love having the opportunity to cycle in quiet solitude along these magical lanes, lined by trees as the beautiful sweep of the landscape falls before me and frees my cycling soul. Strava allows me to measure things, yes. However, my focus on how long I cycle for and where I stop for tea and cake – often choosing the “Cafe in the Park” at Ripon as my post-ride haunt, for lemon and ginger tea, accompanied by flapjack. Then, it’s home once more to find the right words to place upon the page for TIME, Lake cycling shoes or Pedalnorth, or some other brand that thankfully believes in my ability to weave the right patterns on the page.

Solitary cycling is food for the soul, and every now and then we can all benefit from it. And we can all benefit from visiting the informal cycling halts in places such as Snape and Thornton Steward, and cycling along country lanes where the wildlife is more frequently seen and heard than the motor car.

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POVEC C1 Performance Sunglasses

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:48:08 +0000

POVEC C1 Performance Sunglasses

Smart Vision for Changing Conditions

Cycling glasses should do more than protect the eyes from sunlight, wind and debris. They should provide clear vision, remain comfortable during long rides and perform reliably as conditions change. The POVEC C1 Performance Sunglasses achieve this by combining premium sports eyewear with electronically controlled lens technology.

After testing the C1 during my training rides, I found them to be much more than another pair of cycling glasses. Their combination of innovation, comfort and excellent visibility creates a genuinely useful performance product.

First Impressions

My positive experience began with the premium packaging and protective hard case. The glasses immediately feel like a carefully designed, high-quality product.

The large lens provides a wide field of vision, while the modern design looks distinctive without feeling bulky. At approximately 36 grams, the glasses also remain comfortable enough for longer rides.

Electrochromic Lens Technology

The defining feature of the POVEC C1 is its electrochromic lens. Unlike traditional
photochromic glasses, the C1 allows the rider to control the tint directly.

A simple swipe moves the lens between ten tint settings, with the transition taking approximately one second. This makes it easy to adapt the glasses when moving between bright sunlight, shaded roads and darker conditions without stopping or changing lenses.

The control is intuitive and easy to use while riding. Most importantly, the technology offers a genuine practical benefit rather than feeling like an unnecessary feature.

Clarity and Protection

The optical clarity has been excellent across the different tint levels. With a visible light transmission range of approximately 37% to 9%, the lens provides enough adjustment to make a noticeable difference as conditions change.

The wide lens also offers excellent coverage and protection from wind, dust, insects and small debris. Being able to adjust the tint while maintaining a clear view of the road improves both comfort and confidence during a ride.

Comfort and Fit

The C1 sits securely without creating uncomfortable pressure or requiring frequent adjustment. The frame feels balanced, and the technical components do not make the glasses feel heavy or awkward.

Once I begin riding, the glasses remain comfortably in place and allow me to concentrate fully on my training.

Battery Life and Practicality

POVEC states that the C1 offers up to 28 days of battery life when used for approximately four hours per day. This makes the glasses practical for regular training, racing and travelling, as they do not require constant charging.

Final Thoughts

The POVEC C1 Performance Sunglasses have made a very strong impression on me. The rapid tint adjustment gives the rider direct control as light conditions change, while the
excellent clarity, secure fit, wide coverage and long battery life make them suitable for
everyday use. I would confidently recommend them to cyclists and other outdoor athletes who want greater control and faster adjustment than conventional fixed-tint or photochromic lenses can provide.

POVEC has successfully combined innovative technology with real-world usability—and the result genuinely improves the riding experience.

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Racing mountain bike marathon in Austria

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:20:54 +0000

My Road to Salzkammergut

16th overall — 10h 07min — 202 km — 7,000 m of elevation

Salzkammergut is one of the toughest mountain bike races in Europe, and after finishing it, I can honestly say that the elevation profile doesn’t really tell the whole story. Austria has a particular image for all of us who love the mountains, and this race was something both beautiful and testing.

I had a small plan going into the race, but since this was my first time racing for around ten hours, I knew most of what I needed to learn would happen out on the course. The elevation profile makes it look like the biggest challenge comes at the beginning and the end; but in reality, the climbs in the middle are the ones that slowly destroy you. They don’t necessarily look impressive on the graph, but after hours of riding they become brutal. They slowly eat into you and your reserves of energy and willpower. The race is a battle in so many ways.

Planning and preparation

My only real preparation specifically for the race was getting used to waking up much earlier than usual during the two weeks before it. The start was at 5:00 AM, which meant breakfast at 3:00. I arrived in the area on Wednesday and, much to my coach’s frustration, rode a little more than planned because I wanted to recon as much of the course as possible. That turned out to be extremely useful, especially towards the end. I rode the final two long climbs, the last descent and several of the flatter sections between the villages, so I knew what was waiting for me when things got difficult.

The day before the race, the organisers also required an official bike inspection – something new for me. After racing, I understood why they take it so seriously: they check things like brake pad wear, possible cracks and other details that become important when you are asking a bike to survive 200 kilometres and 7,000 metres of climbing. In truth, these things are aspects that we all need to pay more attention to when riding into the mountains.

I managed a short nap during the afternoon and then slept around four hours before the race. For an event like this, the important rest happens in the days before because you probably won’t get much sleep on race night anyway.

Early starts for epic events

Anyway, at 3:00 AM, bright and early, I was awake and eating my special oats. And by the ungodly hour of 4:10 AM, I was already in the start area, with around 500 riders lining up for the main event. No sensible person would be awake and riding – but that’s what makes mountain bike marathon so special.

The weather forecast looked good, even though it had been raining continuously until about 30 minutes before the start. When the torches came on, we were off. My plan was to stay as controlled as possible. The first climb immediately started splitting the field, and you could already see some riders making the classic mistake of going too hard too early. It reminded me about focus and the need to stick to my plan, and I joined two guys and started ticking off the kilometres at a steady pace, following one of them on the descents because he clearly knew the lines better than I did.

A huge part of the course runs on incredibly smooth forest roads, which sounds easy but is actually quite dangerous from a pacing perspective. They make you want to ride very fast and can tire you out much more than you expect. It’s these elements that you really need to be disciplined when riding. Then, when the course suddenly changes and throws you onto a technical trail, you have to change your rhythm and concentration instantly.

Early injuries to test my willpower

That is exactly what happened to me around kilometre 40. After about 30 minutes of flying down forest roads, I entered a technical, rocky section, my front wheel locked up and I went over the bars, landing face-first into the rocks and my handlebars. I saw a white flash, then a lot of blood on my clothes and legs. The left brake lever moved inwards, and that’s how I rode for the rest of the race.

When I reached the first support point where Teodora was waiting, she didn’t tell me just how bad my face looked. I left the small backpack I had started with and continued. I didn’t feel any major problems, although every time I ate or drank my face burned badly and the bleeding would start again from time to time. I think half of the official race photos have me riding around with blood all over my mouth. And yes, the crash definitely affected me on the next few descents; but as long as I could pedal, I decided that everything was fine. Living and working in the mountains, I know that we have to be tough at times – and this was one such time.

By kilometre 95, everything was still more or less on schedule. We were around halfway through both the distance and the elevation, and I picked up my small backpack again for the next 40 kilometres. This was also where the longer course merged with some of the shorter races, creating a bit of chaos and causing me to lose the group I had been riding with. The next 20 kilometres alone were much harder than they looked on the profile. Actually, that became one of the main lessons of the race: many sections were considerably harder in reality than they looked on the graph.

Group riding for aided motivation

Then came around 30 kilometres of flatter riding, where I joined a group from one of the shorter races. It wasn’t exactly the pace I wanted, but riding with a group was better than doing it alone. I reached kilometre 140 with an average speed of around 20 km/h and started getting a little disappointed. The hardest climbs were still ahead, and I was convinced my pace would only get worse. Nutrition had worked almost perfectly for the first seven hours: around 120 grams of carbohydrates per hour. Then, little by little, I couldn’t take that much anymore, so I dropped to around 80 grams per hour, and during the final hour and a half I managed only one gel. Before the penultimate climb, I finally got rid of the backpack and mentally prepared myself for the suffering.

I knew this climb because I had ridden it three days earlier. It was brutal, with steep sections coming after many hours already spent on the bike, and my knees were beginning to give up. Somehow, though, I managed to maintain a surprisingly decent pace. I descended into the opposite valley and found Teodora waiting with a very welcome Coke. I had been racing for eight and a half hours and was around kilometre 160, so I told her I wasn’t going to make my ten-hour target. There were still 40 kilometres and another 1,000 metres of elevation to go.
And then something strange happened…

Almost inexplicably, I rode the final big climb at the highest pace of the entire race. Pushing around 320 watts after nine hours was an incredible experience and probably one of the best fights with myself, I’ve ever had on a bike. It was a truly unique and strange moment – but welcomed by me.

The final descent brought another surprise: the sky opened up. Cold rain, hail, almost zero visibility, and we were still flying down a forest road. I started counting the kilometres, just wanting to get back into the valley where I could see the sun again. The final ten kilometres became a time trial when I realised I might still be able to make my original target. I didn’t know the finish very well and thought the last five kilometres would be mostly asphalt, but instead the course sent us back onto trails around the finish area. That cost me a few minutes, and I eventually crossed the line seven minutes outside my original ten-hour target.

I didn’t get much time to celebrate because I had to go to hospital for some checks. Thankfully, nothing serious — just three nasty cuts on the inside of my lip that needed stitches. So instead of the burger and fries I had been dreaming about, I got a week of soup.

Was ten hours ever realistic?

Honestly, I had set the target without thinking about it too much. I wanted to raise the bar, but I wasn’t convinced I could actually do it, especially since I had never experienced how my body would react to such a long effort. And, in the end, I finished 16th overall. At one point I was even riding in the group fighting for the top ten, but for that level I still have a bit more bread to eat. The race itself is absolutely brutal. At some point I started thinking the organisers must have been laughing at us.

“You want to pedal? Fine. Here you go.”

When they designed the course, I imagine the conversation was something like: “Where should we take them?” — “Everywhere.”

And they really did. Forest roads, village roads, technical trails, buildings, lakes — at some point I genuinely felt like I had been riding for at least two days.

Racing with support

I also think it is extremely difficult to achieve a really fast time here without support. Pretty much everyone in the top 30 had someone helping them, with bottles and gels waiting at different points. Even though the race has aid stations roughly every ten kilometres, having someone hand you exactly what you need is incredibly valuable because you don’t have to carry so much with you. I started with a small backpack for the first two hours because I wasn’t sure exactly how Teodora would manage to get from one support point to another and didn’t want to take any chances. Officially, the rules are quite clear: outside assistance is allowed only in designated areas and cars are not allowed on certain sections of the course.

In practice, things are a little more relaxed. You don’t necessarily have to be exactly inside the designated area to receive support, especially because it isn’t always possible to reach every section by car. The same goes for the car restrictions: sometimes there simply isn’t another way to get somewhere, and nobody seems particularly bothered by it.

The race admin and organisation

The organisation is impressive when you look at the scale of it: around 1,000 volunteers spread across 200 kilometres, plus hundreds of spectators along the course. Putting this together is truly impressive and helps to make this a world-class event and worth travelling for.

The course itself isn’t heavily marked by Romanian standards. The organisers mainly use arrows and X signs at the major intersections, while smaller junctions are often completely unmarked. And yet, I didn’t see anyone getting lost. Everyone had the GPS track and everyone was paying attention. If we had a course marked like this back home, I suspect 70% of the field would get lost! Note for riders reading this: learn map and compass navigation!

I’ve said many times that mountain bike marathon racing is also about being able to read the terrain and understand where you are going, and I hope we eventually reach this level of experience at home. The public roads aren’t closed, and some aren’t even restricted, but the locals know about the race. They stop immediately when they see riders coming, check before leaving their driveways and give riders priority, while tourists sometimes find themselves completely stuck when a hundred cyclists suddenly come through.

I think I saw only two police crews during the entire race. In Romania, something like this would probably generate plenty of complaints, but we simply don’t have the same sporting culture yet, so I understand why things work differently here.

And it’s not like we can’t organise races well ourselves. We can. The difference is the customer.

The part nobody sees

The thoughts and emotions during a race like this are probably the hardest thing to explain. There were long moments when there was almost nothing in my head except rhythm: pedal, breathe, eat, drink, repeat. The thoughts became much louder during the moments of weakness, but I always knew someone I cared about was waiting for me at the next support point. I also knew that the longer I stayed out there, the harder it would be to recover, so the only option was to keep moving and finish as quickly as possible.

I don’t even know if this was my best result, but I know it was my hardest effort, especially considering the crash at kilometre 40. What I do know for sure is that this was the hardest race I’ve ever done.

And, having now competed in the race, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Seriously. The smaller races are more than enough. Now, if you are like me, you’ll probably take on the challenge anyway!

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Scicon Sports Aerobeam Titanium Photochromic Review

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:06:10 +0000

Scicon Sports Aerobeam Titanium Photochromic

My First Riding Impressions

Sunglasses are more important for cyclists than think. It’s not solely about keeping the sun out. They also ensure that road debris isn’t thrown into your eyes, and they can improve visibility of road hazards when cycling at speed – if they have high-quality lenses, which Scicon do. Yes, the top brands aren’t simply about style – they’re about purpose, and they involve lots of research with leading riders.
Time then to test the latest Aerobeam Photochromic lenses from Scicon.

Black Gloss / Multimirror Sunburst

When I first opened the box, one thing immediately stood out – the quality. The Aerobeam Titanium Photochromic sunglasses have a premium feel from the moment you pick them up. The White Matt frame combined with the Photochromic Red Mirror lens gives them a clean, modern racing look that also works perfectly off the bike.

I’ve tested many cycling products over the years, and I quickly noticed that these sunglasses weren’t designed only to look fast—they’re built to perform.

Comfort That Lasts

One of the biggest surprises with the Scicon Aerobeam was how comfortable they are during long rides. Yes, sunglasses can be uncomfortable, and yes this is important. We need to focus on cycling, not accessories. Like any other item of equipment, it has a purpose.

The medical-grade titanium temples feel incredibly light, while the ergonomic shape distributes pressure evenly around the head. Even after several hours in the saddle, I never felt the need to adjust them or take them off. The TactiGrip temple tips also keep the glasses securely in place. Whether climbing out of the saddle, descending at high speed, or riding rough gravel sections, they stay exactly where they should.

Photochromic Lens Performance

Function and form should go together and produce quality products that look great and perform well. Scicon know this and it’s reflected in these glasses. The highlight of these sunglasses is undoubtedly the Photochromic Red Mirror lens.

Living and training in Northern Europe means constantly changing weather conditions. That’s great for variety and for toughening you up, but it requires sunglasses that work in a particular way. During a single ride you can experience bright sunshine, clouds and shaded forest roads.

Instead of changing lenses, the Aerobeam Titanium automatically adapts to the available light. The transition is smooth and natural, allowing me to stay focused on riding instead of thinking about my eyewear. I also noticed improved contrast on the road, making cracks, gravel, wet surfaces and road imperfections easier to spot. This increases confidence – and also safety through this – especially during fast descents.

Crystal Clear Vision

Scicon don’t just produce a cycling sunglasses range for style. Too many other brands do this, and the actual performance and clarity can be found wanting. Thankfully, optical clarity is excellent with the Scicon Aerobeam, showing why they’re chosen by the world’s top riders. There is virtually no distortion across the wide shield lens, and the large field of view allows you to see more of your surroundings without turning your head.

For racing and group rides, this extra peripheral vision is a real advantage, which I found reassuring.

Premium Engineering

Three things are important in all areas of the kit we use as cyclists: comfort, performance and quality. Scicon Sports has clearly invested significant effort into engineering these sunglasses. Designed and engineered in Italy, the Aerobeam Titanium combines a lightweight Grilamid TR90 frame with medical-grade titanium temples. The result is an impressive balance between durability, comfort and performance. It’s a pair of sunglasses which will last you a long time and keep on performing.

Another feature I really appreciate is the patented EZSwitch lens changing system, which makes swapping lenses quick and effortless whenever conditions require it.

More Than Racing Sunglasses

Although they were developed together with UAE Team Emirates and Tadej Pogačar, the Aerobeam Titanium isn’t just for professional racers. They are equally suitable for long endurance rides, gravel adventures, daily training sessions and even casual wear thanks to their modern design and exceptional comfort. And, if you value the protection of your eyes, from the sun and from road debris and dirt, then quality sunglasses are an investment. Scicon put lots of time and energy and investment into creating some of the best cycling sunglasses in the world. Their Aerobeam lenses fit this label perfectly.

Final Thoughts

After riding with the Scicon Sports Aerobeam Titanium Photochromic sunglasses, it’s easy to understand why they represent Scicon’s flagship performance eyewear, chosen by the top riders in the world. The combination of lightweight comfort, premium Italian engineering, photochromic technology and outstanding optical clarity makes them one of the most impressive cycling sunglasses I’ve used. If you’re looking for one pair of sunglasses that performs in almost every riding condition without constantly changing lenses, the Aerobeam Titanium Photochromic is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight and comfortable
• Excellent photochromic performance
• Outstanding optical clarity
• Wide field of view
• Premium Italian design and engineering
• Secure fit on both road and gravel

Cons

• Premium product with a premium price tag

Overall rating: (5/5) Definitely among the best cycling sunglasses in the world currently.

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Cycling locations for adventure

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:15:22 +0000

Cycling away from the crowds

Finding cycling locations for adventure

Recent news articles have shown that those previously welcoming Spanish islands are no longer welcoming – in fact, that’s an understatement. Protests are now frequent, and the local transport services are frankly fed up with cyclists all over the road, blocking local traffic from free passage. Ultimately, they have a valid point. There are too many visitors on two wheels,all seeking fase fame. Rather than finding peace and tranquility in the mountains, it can be like cycling around Trafalgar Square in London – and that is no fun at all.

With this in the background to any cycling holiday you plan, the question then arises: where should I go? It can be difficut to decide, but fear not. Our riders search out amazing locations so that you don’t have to. They also live in amazing places, and get to ride some epic routes whenever they like. For instance, I’m lucky enough to live on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and a short ride from the North Yorks Moors National Park, or the Howardian Hills – each as spectacular as anywhere abroad, and all challenging. There are some 2 hour rides I can take when I see only a handful of cars as I pass through picture-postcard villages that look like film sets. And, if I plan correctly, I can ride all day and see very fewcars or people, weaving along winding country roads, and descending ribboned roads that fall magically across the sublime landscape.

Cafe stops for cyclists who love cake

One of the great things about riding here in North Yorkshire are the cafe stops. The baking is unrivalled, and the choice of teas and coffees is also superb. They’ve been catering for tourists for a long time, and they know exactly haow to refill and replenish those carbs.

Whether you choose the famed ‘Cafe in the Square’ at rural Masham, or the Leadout Cycling Clubhouse cafe at Bedale, you can guarentee that the refreshments will be worth a future visit. Fundamentally too, cycling should be about taking the time to relax with friends over coffee and cake, and shre those epic riding moments. Creating memories is far more important than collecting Strava kudos.

When I’m overseas, I also have favourite cafe stops. Lumos in Sibiu, Transylvania is amazing, nestled in the centre of this historic World Heritage Site city centre – a living musuem that burns into your heart and soul. Their toasted snacks and salads are to die for – following which you can cycle out to Paltinis with the Carpathian Mountains rising beside you. Or alternatively, ride out to one of the nearby villages, with Saxon history all around you – fortified churches, cottages and cobbles. And, if you visit Sibiu in July, you also get to see their world famous FITS Arts Festival – second globally to the famed Edinburgh Festival – but for me, Sibiu FITS is far better. There’s also the chance to cycle up the famed Transfagarasan Road in a closed road sportive event.

Jeremy Clarkson rightly called this ‘the best road in the world’, and having cycledit twice, I have to agree.

Cafe on the Square, Masham & Cafe Lumos, Sibiu

Cycling some of the best roads & trails in Europe

If Sibiu and Transylvania isn’t yet on your radar, then give your head a shake. As well as being home to writers here at Pedalnorth, Alex and Teodora, and previously to Larisa who wrote for us for 7 years, Sibiu and the surrounding Fagaras Mountains are home to some of the best road cycling routes in Europe. The UCI and UEC have also noticed the quality of the trails, with nearby mountan resorts hosting world class mountain biking championships.

There’s the epic TRIADA Mountain Bike race series throughout the year, with routes planned by former Olympian , Tudor Oprea. Whether you ride enduro, trail bike, cross country mtb or even gravel, the forested mountains will provide you with seemingly endless trails, and superb apre cycling in nearby Sibiu.

Alex and Teo run their own guiding company locally, and they’ve already hosted several overseas travellers in search of isolated adventures in epic mountain locations. The mountains of Transylvania are rightly regarded as Europe’s last great wilderness. When the crowds are packing the trails elsewhere, Paltinis can offer that escapism, along with some of the best road and mountain biking in Europe – with unequalled history and culture alongside.

Where are the best places to ride – be surprised

It’s an interesting question: where are the best places for a cycling holiday? I’m not convinced that its where it used to be – those crowded roads and crwded towns are not as welcoming as they once were. Thankfully though, both North Yorkshire and Transylvania share several key ingrediants for the best cycling trip in Europe:

Epic road cycling routes
Amazing landscapes
Great cafe stops
A wealth of accommodation choices at all price points
Brilliant bike shops
Easy access for transport
Tranquility

With international flights to either Leeds, Newcastle, or Manchester, North Yorkshire is as easy as stepping on a flight. For 2027, Max will also be offering his gravel and road cycling tours here in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with stays at the beautiful Swinton Castle hotel near Masham.

Likewise, Sibiu has an international airport, with direct flights from London, Munich, Madrid, Milan, Vienna and Rome, it’s even more accessible. Once here, you can stay in 4 star quality hotels, such as my own favourite, The Art Hotel in Sibiu’s old town, walking distance from everything, and with a pedestrianised city centre allowing you soak up the myriad of historic buildings. You can then plan your cycling or take on a guide, such as Alex for: road,mtb or gravel.

Yes, there are epic alternatives to the Spanish Islands for 2027, and hopefully we’ve given you some ideas to take further. Why not search our online routes database and put together your own unique cycling adventures. Don’t ever follow the crowd to the crowded venues and locations.

Join the cycling revolution and find adventure in epic places you hadn’t considered. After all, don’t we all seek that perfect ride, that spiritual cycling experience? It is still possible – you just need to know where to look!

CHECK OUT OUR ROUTES

Tour de France 2026 – history made and cycling dreams in Barcelona

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:41:51 +0000

Tour de France 2026

Barcelona Makes History while Pogačar Wins Hearts

For the first time in Tour de France history, the world’s biggest cycling race started in Barcelona, Spain — and what a way to begin the 2026 edition. For three unforgettable days, the vibrant and culturally rich Catalan capital became the centre of the cycling world, welcoming riders and fans with incredible energy, packed streets and a backdrop unlike anywhere else on the Tour calendar. Catalonia lit up the scene, and the greatest cycling event in the world became a festival of sport and Catalan culture.

Celebrations began with the official team presentation in front of the iconic Gaudi Cathedral of Sagrada Família, before the peloton rolled out for an exciting opening weekend that showcased Barcelona at its very best. Being in the heart of this activity was exciting, nerve racking and emotional, all rolled into one – an experience of a lifetime that will stay will me forever. And, as the cycling began, riders passed some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Mediterranean waterfront and Passeig de Gràcia to Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, before tackling the legendary climb to Montjuïc.

Yes, the combination of world-class racing, historic scenery and passionate fans created an atmosphere that felt more like a festival than the opening of a three-week cycling Grand Tour.

A Catalonia cycling festival in Barcelona

With only three days to capture as much as I could, I set about maximising my time – which included leading out the Q36.5 team and Tom Pidcock! Then, the opening team time trial immediately delivered drama. Team Visma | Lease a Bike executed a near-perfect ride, placing Jonas Vingegaard into the first yellow jersey of the race. A marker had been placed early, and I was there to capture it all. The new team time trial format, where riders received individual times depending on when they crossed the finish line, added another tactical dimension and rewarded both teamwork and individual strength. It was an exciting way to launch the Tour and set the tone for what would ultimately become another memorable edition.

But while Barcelona provided the perfect stage, the real story of this Tour was once again Tadej Pogačar. We’ve become used to watching the Slovenian do extraordinary things on a bike. His accelerations in the mountains almost seem effortless, his descending is fearless, and his race instinct is second to none. Yet what stood out even more this July wasn’t simply another overall victory — it was the way he raced. His whole attitude, demeanour and activity.

One of the defining moments came on Stage 2. Isaac Del Toro, UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s young Mexican star, attacked on the final climb to Montjuïc with Pogačar glued to his wheel. Most riders chasing a fifth Tour title would instinctively sprint for every possible victory. This time, Pogačar did the opposite. He sat up, celebrated with his teammate and allowed Del Toro to take the biggest win of his young career. After all, winning a Grand Tour requires teamwork, and Del Toro would repay this in spades as the tour progressed towards Paris.

And, that single moment perfectly summed up why Pogačar has become one of the most respected riders in professional cycling. He wins often, yes; but he never forgets the people around him – about the team. Throughout the Tour he consistently praised his teammates, acknowledged the work they did to protect him and made it clear that success belongs to the entire team — not simply to the rider wearing yellow.

Stage by stage,history is written

Later in the race, when Del Toro was battling illness while fighting for the white jersey and a podium place, Pogačar again put the team first. Rather than chasing another stage victory for himself, he helped his young teammate defend his position. Those gestures rarely appear in the final results sheet, but they say far more about a champion than another statistic ever could. Watching this close up, I was able to see the bonds that riders had and how teams interacted – it was enlightening and yes, kind of emotional. For three weeks they are a close-knit family, sharing raw emotions. In Barcelona, the smiles were of course evident. However, once the racing began, we can never see all that takes place behind the scenes pre-race and post-race. We can only watch in awe and soak it all up… and I did.

Of course, the racing itself delivered everything fans could hope for. The battle between Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard looked set to produce another thrilling chapter before Vingegaard’s Tour dramatically and unfortunately ended prematurely, following a crash. Remco Evenepoel then stepped up and into the void, to become Pogačar’s closest challenger, while the mountains once again belonged to the Slovenian. His breathtaking climbing performances — including a record ascent of Alpe d’Huez — underlined exactly why he continues to set the standard in modern cycling.

By the time the peloton reached Paris, with thousands of kilometres in the legs and hearts filled with emotions, Pogačar had secured his fifth Tour de France title, further cementing his place among the greatest riders the sport has ever seen. But statistics alone don’t explain why this Tour felt so special.

Celebrating cycling and its global family

The 2026 edition reminded us what makes cycling unique. It delivered unforgettable racing, stunning scenery and incredible crowds from Barcelona to Paris, but it also highlighted the values that make the sport so compelling: teamwork, respect and humility. Yes, I had witness history, and I had been fortunate to be at Barcelona and at Paris. I had been a part of events at Barcelona close-up, and I had talked with riders, with their support crews and with others. I had immersed myself totally in this unique and quite wonderful race, and I had loved every moment of it.

Barcelona had made history, by hosting the Tour de France for the first time, giving global cycling fans an opening weekend they will remember for years to come. And Pogačar had reminded us that the greatest champions are defined not only by how often they win, but by how they treat the people around them. Sometimes you see, the biggest victory isn’t crossing the finish line first. Sometimes, it’s earning the respect of the entire peloton — and in that regard, Tadej Pogačar may already be in a league of his own. Is he the greatest of all time – who can say. He is up there now, with the likes of Hinault, Induráin and Merckx. He has beaten times set by the great climbers such as Pantani, and he continues to ride into our hearts, challenging everything set before him.

The 2026 Tour de France may be concluded, but it still lives. It built on that unmistakeable global cycling community feeling and camaraderie that is cycling, and it showed me why cycling is so special. As Pogačar and Van der Poel raced through the cobbled streets of Montmartre, they weren’t just riding through the suburb of artists, they were painting history itself, and it was magical in its brilliance!

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ALÉ Women’s Summer Cycling Kit – 2026

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:20:36 +0000

ALÉ women’s summer cycling kit 2026

Cycling in the testing summer heat of Barcelona

By Nadezhda Pavlova | Pedalnorth

All over Europe there’s been a heat wave this summer, and it’s been critical that cyclists get the kit choices right. In many respects Barcelona in the middle of summer is one of the best places to test cycling apparel. Hot climbs, humid mornings and long hours in the saddle quickly reveal whether a kit truly performs or not. The sun in northern Spain does not take prisoners. It burns down on you, and the fabrics have to be protective in many ways – especially with UV protection and the ability to let air flow. Over the past few weeks, I have been testing the latest offerings for women cyclists from stylish Italian brand, ALÉ. Based in Verona in the north of Italy, ALÉ supply kit at World Tour level, and so have the right environment for knowing how well their kit works. I tested the ALÉ Sprinter 2.0 jersey, ALE Voltage bib shorts, and the ALE Focus Tri Suit. Here are my thoughts.

ALE Voltage Bib Shorts

The ALÉ Voltage bib shorts were probably the biggest surprise. The first thing I noticed was the raw-cut leg finish. They stay securely in place without digging into your thighs, so there’s none of that uncomfortable “sausage leg” effect that some bib shorts create. It seems a small point, but it’s not. raw-cut legs are super fitting and super comfortable on bibs – if brands get it right. The material also has to be strong and high-quality multi-directional too, so that it wraps you properly and stays in place.

Thankfully, ALÉ know all of this, and the Voltage bib shorts are made from high-quality fabrics, providing excellent supportive compression without feeling restrictive, while the lightweight bib straps and upper almost disappear once you’re riding. Bib straps are a key point and often overlooked. High-performance brands will use strong and flat elasticated weave straps that sit flat and stay unobtrusive and comfortable across the shoulders – as these bibs do.

They’re also designed with minimal seams, for an anatomically optimized fit, and that all-important sun protection too. The new Air Fix Snake fabric applied between the legs by ALÉ also ensures better adherence to the saddle for consistent power, whilst also looking kind of stylish. For me though, the chamois deserves special mention. I tested it on five-hour rides, including Barcelona’s fast 4 Chillies group ride, and it remained comfortable from start to finish. That’s no mean feat in the Barcelona heat on climbs. No pressure points, no discomfort—exactly what you want when spending hours in the saddle.

White bib shorts aren’t just stylish—they’re practical for summer too, reflecting the sun better than darker colours. Combined with the refined and anatomical fit, they quickly became my favourite bibs for hot days. It’s a thumbs up for the ALÉ Voltage bibs!

ALÉ Sprinter 2.0 Jersey

The new ALÉ Sprinter 2.0 jersey quickly became my go-to jersey for Barcelona’s summer heat. Alongside the Voltage bibs, I wore it on long rides – both solo and in fast group rides – and it handled the heat exceptionally well. Even during numerous long climbs, it stayed breathable and dried quickly, so I never felt weighed down by sweat.

The cut and fit, and the multidirectional fabrics used, feels like a true second skin without being restrictive. One of my favourite details is the ribbed aero fabric on the sleeves, which gives the jersey a premium race-inspired look while adding a subtle aerodynamic touch. The raw-cut sleeves are stylish and extremely well thought out and finished, and sit comfortably against the arms without squeezing, while the mesh style fabric side panels provide good extra ventilation.

The dropped rear hem keeps the jersey perfectly in place, and the three rear pockets easily carry everything needed for longer rides – viola. All on point so far.
In terms of the styling and colour, the berry colour is one of my favourite parts of the jersey. It’s bright, fresh and highly visible on the road, while pairing beautifully with the white bib shorts for a clean summer look. The finish and quality of fabrics and zips from ALÉ is always good, and this jersey proved that again to me. Overall, it has that unmistakable Italian class. Premium fabrics, elegant tailoring and thoughtful details remind you that Italians know fashion just as well as they know cycling.

ALÉ Focus Tri Suit (used as a cycling skinsuit)

Although the ALÉ Focus is designed as a triathlon suit, I chose to wear it as a cycling skinsuit for fast group rides. It makes sense at my level of riding, and is comfortable on those testing rides.

The moment I zipped it up, it gave me that race-day feeling. The fit is close and supportive without feeling restrictive, and the lightweight fabric remained comfortable even in Barcelona’s summer temperatures. The ribbed sleeve fabric adds to the aerodynamic feel, while the raw-cut sleeves stay perfectly in place throughout the ride.

Because it’s a tri suit, the chamois is naturally thinner than a dedicated cycling bib, but for high-intensity rides that’s exactly what you’d expect. The full-length front zipper also makes it easy to adjust ventilation, while the rear pockets comfortably carry ride essentials. I received several compliments while wearing it on fast group rides – and that’s always a good sign when testing clothing. Beyond the performance, it simply looks fast – fast and stylish, what we want. Every time I put it on, I felt like I was lining up for a race.

Verdict

What impressed me most with the ALÉ women’s summer kit options has been the balance between performance, comfort and style. The Sprinter 2.0 jersey and Voltage bib shorts proved themselves on the most testing rides – those long, hot summer rides. And, the ALÉ Focus Tri Suit became my ‘go to’ choice of cycle clothing whenever I wanted a more aerodynamic, race-focused feel. There is no higher recommendation, I guess.

Once again, ALÉ has managed to combine premium technical fabrics with unmistakable Italian style, giving all cyclists the same level of quality and performance afforded to their supported world tour teams. The result is women’s cycling apparel that performs on the bike while looking elegant off it — a combination that’s harder to find than you might think.

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