Kristi – pedalnorth

GripGrab spring warmth cycling clothing for women

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:46:34 +0000

Spring warmth with GripGrab

Kristi Kuldkepp

GripGrab Winter Testing Review

Early Season Performance in Nordic Conditions

by Kristi Kuldkepp, Women’s Cycling Editor

Early season training in Northern Europe is always a challenge. Cold temperatures, wind, and constantly changing conditions demand cycling gear that is not only comfortable, but reliable over long hours on the bike.Too often brands forget this, working simply towards aero products, whilst not appreciating that comfort and movement equals performance.

Over the past weeks, I’ve been testing several pieces from the GripGrab PACR collection in real training conditions in Estonia – temperatures around +2 to +8°C, strong winds and typical early spring variability. Yes, cold for early spring, but ideal for testing women’s cycling clothing! The focus of this review is on functionality, performance and comfort during structured training (10–14 hours per week), rather than just first impressions. For me, as a semi-pro racer, clothing has first to perform, and that means that it has to be functional – style is an added benefit.
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Tested Equipment

• Women’s PACR Long Sleeve Jersey
• Women’s PACR Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey
• Women’s PACR Insulated Midlayer Vest
• Women’s PACR Thermal Bib Shorts
• Waterproof Knitted Winter Gloves
• Ride Thermal Leg Warmers
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Images by Diane Unt Photography

First Impression – Clean Design, Functional Fit

GripGrab follows a very clean and minimal design approach, but what stands out more is the fit. All pieces feel purpose-built for riding, with no unnecessary bulk or distractions. They use a body mapping process, meaning that the fit is performance-oriented but not overly aggressive, which makes it suitable for long endurance sessions without compromising comfort.

How did I find it: overall comfortable, and yes, it did have that necessary movement, whilst being quite simply a nice product to wear. Ultimately, if it’s comfortable and functional, then I feel better and I’ll perform better. Do GripGrab achieve this – yes, I think that they do.

The quality is good, with excellent cut and fabrics, and the pockets are strong and easy to reach, with a good quality zip on the security pocket. Small points matter with cycling kit, far more than loud aesthetics.
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Performance in Cold Conditions: Layering System – What Works

GripGrab produce technical fabrics and don’t over-complicate things. Their combination of:

• PACR Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey
• Insulated Midlayer Vest
• Thermal Bib Shorts + Leg Warmers

This proved to be a very effective setup in temperatures between +2 and +8°C. Ultimately, it kept me warm and I felt comfortable. Ultimately, that’s what we want to achieve. It’s unfussy and uncomplicated kit, that allows me the freedom to move on the bike and to relax in the cold temperatures of early spring. The leg warmers stayed firmly fitted and formed a “second-skin” feeling, which is necessary. They didn’t sag and they were comfortable at the upper hem, tucked neatly under the shorts. They were warm without being too warm, and had the right level of moisture beading for light rain. They have superb stretch, due to the quality of the material, which is always a bonus.

Layering and leg warmers are important in early season and races. Would I be happy to take these along to a race – absolutely.

The layering works especially well because:

• the vest adds core warmth without overheating
• the jersey regulates temperature effectively during changing intensity
• the system adapts easily as conditions change during the ride

This is particularly important during longer Zone 2 sessions where body temperature fluctuates over time. Maintaining layers when training in early season can be tricky. Clothes have to work and be comfortable – these are.
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On the Bike – Comfort and Stability

During longer rides (2–4 hours), the key factors for me were:

• Stability of the fit – no shifting or adjustment needed
• Breathability – no excessive overheating even during harder efforts
• Freedom of movement – especially noticeable in the upper body

I guess that this is due to the work carried out GripGrab to develop and use the right fabrics. They work closely with world teams such as UNO X, and that feeds down into these jerseys and shorts.

The PACR Thermal Bib Shorts combined with leg warmers provided a surprisingly versatile setup. They offer enough warmth for cold starts, while still feeling lighter and more flexible than full winter tights. Best of all, the compression and cut means that they stay firm and stable when I ride – like a second skin, allowing me to simply focus on performance.
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Gloves – Critical in Nordic Conditions

Gloves are often an overlooked but critical element of our cycling kit. GripGrab made their name with gloves, and they still stand out today. The Waterproof Knitted Winter Gloves stood out for me during these tests, as one of the most important pieces of kit in these conditions.

In temperatures close to freezing:

• hands stayed warm without overheating
• grip remained secure in both dry and damp conditions
• no loss of control or dexterity during braking and shifting

For Nordic riders, this is a key detail that can make or break a ride. The gloves fitted comfortably, had the necessary stretch and feel to them; and I was able to use my devices screens with them on – always a bonus. Gloves should never be a secondary thought, and these from GribGrab are a good option for early spring. They feel quality and are tough, and should last a long time.
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Breathability vs Protection

One of the most important aspects of early season gear is balancing insulation with breathability.
GripGrab manages this well:

• the fabrics protect against wind and cold
• but still allow moisture to escape during effort

This reduces the “overheating → cooling down → getting cold again” cycle, which is common in spring riding. The kit is stylishly simple, functional and offers that protection from the elements without sacrificing breathability.
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Who This Setup Is For

This kit is especially well suited for riders who:

• train consistently in cold or variable conditions
• prioritize functionality over aesthetics
• need reliable gear for long endurance rides

It’s priced in the right area to make it accessible for most riders, and will give you a comfortable ride – and ultimately, that is always a key focus. GripGrab design and produce cycling clothing and accessories that work. The kit is also stylish, in a cool and modern way, which I like. It’s not loud or garish – it simply works on the bike and fits my purpose, whilst adding that modern styling. Fundamentally though, it allows me to train in early spring, with those cold winds, and it functions on long rides in zone 2.
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Conclusion

GripGrab may not position itself as the most visible premium brand, but it delivers where it matters most: performance, reliability and functionality in real training conditions.

And for a rider, that’s exactly what counts. I’ve enjoyed testing their latest kit, and it does actually work. They’re a brand that doesn’t go for unnecessary headlines. Instead they focus on function and fit, which is what all cyclists want.

It’s time to ride!

Kristi

It’s time to ride!

with GripGrab

Ladies Cycling Blog – and The Development of ladies Cycling

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:42:11 +0000

Join the Revolution

Women's Cycling

The Growth & Development of Women’s Cycling

To the best of our knowledge, the population of most countries is a 50:50 split; and yet, when you go into most bike shops, you see one or two rails for women… if you are lucky, and endless rails of men’s clothing. In terms of the pro peloton, many women’s teams still struggle with financing and support; and worse still, talented women cyclists are abused, insulted and sexually attacked online, simply because they choose to look stylish, fit and good on a bike. Yes, how on earth can a woman who also happens to beaesthetically beautiful – as all people are in some way – ride up the Tourmalet 2 days running and still smile – that’s despite the fact that the female athlete in this case was a world-class triathlete in her sporting career. Unfortunately though, she chose to look, well… feminine and stylish. By all accounts this attracts unnecessary and sexist comments from too many men online, who quite frankly need to check the mirror first of all… and possibly their search history. Male arrogance and sexism isn’t a cycling skill, I’m afraid; and nor will wives and partners thank you for bullying women athletes online, simply for looking good.

Here at Pedalnorth, we’ve also witness so-called respected members of the cycling industry make sexist remarks about women athletes, simply because they chose to wear pink cycling shorts on a climb in Spain. The woman concerned was depicted simply riding up an alpine pass and concentrating on the climb. It was summer and the temperatures in the valley were hot – hence the shorts. After all, women deserve to tan their legs whilst they cycle, don’t they?

Now please, with the greatest of respect – actually, with no respect to such comments – how can this sort of behaviour and failure to recognise and support women as athletes still be acceptable in 2026? It simply shouldn’t be acceptable, and men now need to wake up and smell the coffee, and then realise that if you want your partner to look good when you go to dinner, to the cinema, to the theatre or elsewhere, they reserve the right to also look good when cycling.

Leading the way to a feminine future

Let’s cut to the chase and accept that cycling has been unbalanced for far too long; and yes, that’s a polite way of saying that cycling has been sexist in too many areas, and that women in cycling deserve more acceptance for who they are – women. It’s only in recent years that women’s bikes had their own place within many many world-leading brands. Ladies, or women’s cycling clubs are one of the fastest developing areas within the global cycle industry. Failing to recognise the growth and potential of women’s cycling development is a failure to place your own cycling brand in the best position to maximise growth in the changing global cycling community. ‘Pink it and shrink it’ is no longer acceptable. Yes, women are finally a central part of the global cycling scene, and women’s cycling blogs are taking a hold, as online portals for the very best information for women in cycling.

As a website, we’ve always operated on the premise that the best and hardest working writers will always get the most support and recognition. We’ve constantly championed and promoted women’s cycling blogs, and tried to lead the way in bringing women’s cycling products to the fore, too. Ultimately, cycling is a sport for everyone, and yet it’s only in recent years that any form of equality has been achieved – and there’s still a long way to go.

Here’s a few key stats for around cycling growth for women:

Key Growth Statistics & Participation

Cycling is the sixth most popular sport for women in England, growing at over 9% in the last five years.
Women’s cycling participation has increased by nearly 20% since 2019.
In the UK, female race license holders increased by 72%.
Female membership in Cycling UK grew from 22% to 25% between 2022 and 2025.
Women made up 23% of new Zwift subscribers in 2025, up from 18% in 2022.

TV has a role to play, as the more women’s races that are televised and publicised, the greater the increase of women cyclists will be:

69% of women surveyed said watching the Tour de France Femmes inspired them to ride.
The average Women’s World Tour team budget has doubled since 2022 to approximately €4.67 million.
Tour de France Femmes social media followers reached 2.6 million in 2024, with a 61% rise in video content engagement.

Women can be stylish when cycling… it’s their right

The demand for women’s community focused cycle events is high, with events like Limitlass and La Femme both selling out rapidly. Women’s cycling requires a different approach in so many ways.

It’s not simply that our women’s cycling jerseys and bib shorts need to be designed and cut differently; or that our cycling shoes need to be designed for women’s feet, taking account for our different build and physiology. It’s not simply that we want and yes need bikes that are designed and built for us. What is is, is the simple fact that women have fought hard for recognition within society; at work, at leisure, within families, and within sport generally. Women in cycling simply want a feminine future that is on a a par with the attention given to men’s cycling.

Did you know that it wasn’t until the year 2000 that women had their first ever world cyclocross champion. Yes, only 26 years ago, despite the history and longevity of the cyclocross discipline. It was Hanka Kupfernagel of Germany who was the first women’s elite cyclocross world champion, winning that inaugural UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship in 2000, held in Sint-Michielsgestel, Netherlands.

In terms of road cycling, it was 1958 and Reims, France, that marked the official introduction of the women’s road race to the UCI championship program – being won by Elsy Jacobs from Luxembourg. The context of this becomes apparent when you consider that the men had a world championship race in 1927 at the Nürburgring in Germany, where Alfredo Binda won.

Strictly female cycling information

Considering all of this, alongside the regular insults thrown at women wearing lycra cycling clothing, it’s time for a change. It’s time for men to accept that women can and do ride bikes. It’s time to accept that women have disposable incomes and want to purchase cycle clothing and bikes designed for them. It’s time for men to realise that the women being insulted , abused, attacked for looking feminine is somebodies daughter, mother, partner – a human being, and deserve respect, not insults. Women who choose to be mothers, deserve respect and decency from the cycling industry; not to be thrown aside as riders, writers, creators, simply because they no longer fit the mold.

Men need challenging by men when they insult or attack women cyclists, and those men with their own pregnant looking builds should realise that it’s not that hard to beat them up a hill on a bike, and that simply fitting a lighter cassette won’t help their own performance. If only they took as much care about themselves, as they do attacking real women athletes, whose only crime is riding, exercising and taking care of themselves.

Ladies, or women’s cycling, whichever way you refer it, is still the fastest growth area within the global cycling community. It’s an area of cycling where performance, style and quality always ride in perfect harmony; and yet is an area where true recognition is still in waiting. For us here at Pedalnorth, led by Nadezhda Pavlova and with talented athletes and writers such as Diane Vilarem, Fatima Berton, Kristi Kuldkepp and Teodora Sabina, this dynamic area of the Pedalnorth website continues to lead the way in showcasing the uniqueness and the lifestyle within women’s cycling, by bringing you the very best women’s cycling blogs in the world – on the world’s best cycling lifestyle and culture website!

Today is the time to join the women’s cycling revolution, and to continue to challenge this long unequal status quo. Women cyclists are already here and we’re riding fast, we’re looking stylish and leading the way across the vast and hopefully growing inclusivity within the varied and interesting global cycling community!

Women’s Cycling Blogs

Cycling Inspiration for 2026 – with Kristi Kuldkepp

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:49:10 +0000

Kristi Kuldkepp

Cycling into 2026

Kristi Kuldkepp – riding into 2026

Cycling inspiration for the season ahead

While many cyclists take a break over winter, for me the cyclocross season is something too good to miss and something that I love. Yes, it has highs and lows, but it also has challenges to overcome and keeps me focused.

My Cyclocross Season: Highs and Lows

Cyclocross has a funny way of humbling you one weekend and making you feel unstoppable the next. One lap you’re floating over the grass, nailing every remount, feeling like a hero.

The next, you’re knee-deep in mud, heart rate redlined, questioning why you ever thought racing bikes in winter was a good idea. It’s an emotional rollercoaster – simply surviving the cyclocross season, and yet I love it’ Ultimately, this is what the cyclocross season is – a mental and a physical challenge.

The Highs: Why We Keep Coming Back

For me, there’s nothing quite like the first race of the season. Fresh legs, clean kit, and that buzz on the start line and nerves kick in. When things click, cyclocross feels electric. Then it’s all of those things that merge together and make cyclocross such an electric experience:

• Finding your flow: Hitting a perfect line through off-camber corners or gliding through a technical section you’ve practiced all week is deeply satisfying.

• Small wins: Maybe it’s your fastest start ever, your first clean barrier remount, or finally beating that rival who always edges you out. In cyclocross, progress shows up in tiny, meaningful moments.

• The community: Mud-splattered smiles, shared jokes in the pits, and friends cheering even when you’re dead last. Cyclocross crowds and camaraderie are unmatched.

• That post-race glow: Legs destroyed, face frozen, but grinning anyway. You survived. Again.

Yes, cyclocross becomes a rich tapestry of all of these – and the mud, of course!

The Lows: Mud, Mistakes, and Mental Battles

Of course, it’s not all podium dreams and perfect lines. Bad days happen for all of us on the cyclocross start line, and this season has been no different. Missed pedals, dropped chains, blown starts, or that one crash you can’t stop replaying in your head. Cyclocross is unforgiving. My own season has embraced all of these issues and more: weather wars with freezing rain, axle-deep mud, or courses that turn into peanut butter by lap two. Sometimes the conditions win—and that’s okay. I’ll take those for the balance with the wins!

Then of course, there are the fitness reality checks; yes, this most unrelenting of cycle sports exposes everything: power, technique, recovery… all of it, and cakes it in mud for all to see. Some races are just pure survival mode. The mental fatigue of racing hard every weekend while juggling work, life, and training can wear you down faster than expected. Add to this the travelling involved across Europe for the best races – it can be a challenge in itself. You have to be tough, and cyclocross helps you to achieve that – once you decide to stay the course.

What the Season Teaches You

Cyclocross has a way of sharpening more than just bike handling skills. You learn resilience—how to keep pushing when things fall apart. You gain perspective—a bad race doesn’t define your season. And, you build confidence—because if you can race an hour at full gas in the cold and mud, you can handle a lot. As the cyclocross season ends and the road season opens up, you feel ready for the new challenges that await you; you feel fitter and those all-important bike handling skills and peripheral vision are honed for when it gets tights within the peloton.

Rolling Into the Off-Season

When the final race is done and the bike is finally clean (or at least cleaner), there’s a mix of relief and nostalgia. You’ll swear you need a break—but deep down, you’re already thinking about next year: what worked? What didn’t? What do you want to improve?

Those highs and lows are the reason cyclocross sticks with us. It’s chaotic, painful, joyful, and addictive all at once—and somehow, every season leaves us wanting more. I guess it’s like a drug, like that movie we always go back to even though it scares us, because it also excites us.

Why cyclo-cross can help cyclists during winter and in readiness for spring

High-Quality Fitness Without Endless Miles

Winter can be tough for long, steady rides. Cyclocross replaces hours of base riding with short, intense efforts that build aerobic capacity and top-end power fast. Those repeated accelerations, surges out of corners, and full-gas efforts mimic race situations—perfect prep for spring road, gravel, or XC races. You hit the season with strong VO₂ max, punchy power, and race-ready legs.

Bike Handling Skills Level Up
Yes, mud, grass, off-cambers, barriers—cyclocross forces you to be smooth and precise. You learn how to corner confidently on slippery surfaces, how to choose better lines under pressure, and how to brake less and carry more speed. Moving onto the roads in spring, you have improved handling on wet roads, fast descents, tight crit corners, and technical gravel sections.

Mental Toughness Gets Built in the Dark Months
Racing hard in cold, rain, and mud builds serious mental resilience. Cyclocross teaches you how to stay focused when you’re uncomfortable, tired, and things aren’t going perfectly. The spring payoff is easy – when races get hard or when the weather turns bad, you don’t panic. You’ve been here before.

Consistent Motivation Through Winter
Structured training is great, but winter motivation can fade fast. Cyclocross gives you clear goals and race days, keeping training purposeful and fun when daylight is limited.

Spring payoff: You arrive at spring motivated instead of burnt out from months of solo trainer sessions.

Strength Without the Gym (Mostly)
Running with the bike, riding low cadence in mud, and repeated explosive efforts develop functional strength—especially core, upper body, and stabilizing muscles.

Spring payoff: Better control on the bike and improved ability to handle surges, climbs, and rough terrain.

Smooth Transition to Spring Racing
Cyclocross naturally bridges the gap between off-season and race season. You stay race-sharp while still leaving room to shift focus to endurance and specificity later. The spring payoff here is simple – there’s no frantic fitness scramble in March—you’re already ahead.

The Big Picture

Cyclocross isn’t just winter survival—it’s winter advantage. It keeps cycling fun, builds real-world fitness, sharpens skills, and toughens your mindset. When spring arrives, cyclists who’ve raced cross don’t feel like they’re starting over—they feel ready. I feel ready! I love the cut and thrust, the pain the excitement, the anticipation, the challenges – mental and physical. Taking all of this together and weaving it into the bigger picture – cyclocross is a sensible choice for cyclists.

My cycling season goals for 2026

Because the road racing calendar in Estonia is relatively short, the focus for me is on quality racing, consistency and development. I want to make each race count in terms of experience and performance. I plan to include several gravel bike races this season to accumulate more race kilometers and stay competitive throughout the year – on all surfaces. I had a good season and surprised myself by winning a European AG title too – that felt good and has given me a lift for 2026!

Cyclo-cross is about intensity, skills and resilience.

The 2026 season is not just about results though, but about building a stronger foundation as a rider. By combining road, gravel and cyclo-cross racing, I aim to gain more experience, more race kilometers, and more confidence for the years ahead. I love riding bikes and I love challenging myself – I love racing. The feeling can be indescribable and I want that to continue to be a part of who I am.

Defining Cycling Culture and Style

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 15:03:05 +0000

Cycling Culture & Style

The changing face of cycling

Cycling culture and style

Understanding the changing face of cycling

Cycling culture is difficult to define, as there are so many facets to the global cycling community. And, as cycling has developed, particularly in recent years, it’s becoming harder to pin down what cycling culture and style means. In truth, it’s a tapestry of cycling types and styles, all woven together – often loosely – and yet all sharing one central them: seeking adventure and sharing a spirit for life. Whether your cycling lifestyle involves a short spin around town, taking in the coffee stop on the Chicago boardwalk; or a gravel biking epic across the white roads of Tuscany, we’re all part of that global village of cyclists. In truth, the greatest display of modern cycling culture is probably that seen daily within the Netherlands, and nearby in Belgium, where families exist with cycling as a way of life, a way of transport, a way of leisure and of sport. Elsewhere, we tend to add little bits and call ourselves cycling nations… but, are we really?

Pedalnorth always tries to be as organic as possible, evolving with the changing cycling scene – to be representative at least, of a few elements within the tapestry of the global cycling culture. In terms of our own cycling culture and style, this year we’ve taken on new writers from road racing, cyclocross, bikepacking and gravel biking, mountain biking and leisure cycling, and increased our women’s cycling blog area, to better represent the too frequently under-represented area of women’s cycling. We believe that cycling of all genres can sit together on one portal, and that our platform can provide relevant and interesting cycling lifestyle themes, such as our ‘Yoga for cyclists’ project with Diane Vilarem, alongside the bikepacking expeditions that Scott Cornish enjoys and once wrote about for us. We’re constantly reviewing what cycling culture and lifestyle means to us and to our readership. If it involves people having the best time on a bike, then it’s a good starting point for us.

Style too, evolves and changes within cycling as often as High Street fashions. It’s false and unrepresentative to try and focus solely on the urban centres, as London cycling culture can often have little in common with the club rider from the Yorkshire Dales. Converseley, cycling in any single geographical area or genre isn’t a full and accurate representation of cycling culture either – it’s merely a brief glimpse of a particular element.

The role of the cycling industry

A case in point is the recent issues surrounding the iconic Rapha brand within the global cycling culture scene. Whilst this iconic brand took off in London and the south of the U.K., it unfortunately never really made the same impact in the tough and rugged conditions of the northern National Park areas, where riders were more frequently seen in the Italian brands such as Castelli and Ale, or more reasonably priced and stylish home-grown brands. Ultimately, a jersey that costs up to £300 must do something special when the rain is hitting you and the wind is literally tearing at your face.Rapha do make excellent products. However, that special style element isn’t always going to be the tapestry of choice for all riders. In terms of the local bike shop too, they have to purchase multiple jerseys in varying sizes just to sell the size that fits you. Culture and style can come with a price tag.

And, when the sun has retreated and the cold weather warriors come out to play on the cyclocross race circuit, a £300 jersey just won’t cut it through the mud-strewn courses of Flanders and elsewhere. You need spiked shoes and the heart of a lion to climb the off-camber slopes and descend into the unknown of bike handling gymnastics. No, cyclocross refuses to take prisoners, and that expensive jersey will look just as dark and dirty as one half the price, when the battle is over. Cycling culture isn’t about Instagram poseurs looking aimlessly up into the air and pointing their cycling shoe toes like a somewhat ridiculous trainee catwalk model – men and women. Yes, I’ve seen some utterly ludicrous images of men on bikes, doing their best to look cool and striking the same overly-false and caraicature style pose on every image, in hope that some frankly limited thinking marketing exec will send them a few more jerseys to wear just once, as they continue with their inane act, producing unrepresentative and soulless images of modern social media cycling.

The best photographic representations of cycling culture often come from activity and motion, and those online images that seem to have movement within them. That may be a group of cyclists in the Netherlands using bikes as part of daily life; or it may be a group of friends tackling a climb together in the Yorkshire Dales. It may even be that group of friends at the cafe, or simply smiling naturally together on a ride out. However, social media has distorted the thinking of marketing agencies who confuse voyeurism with promotional success on Instagram in particular, as too often we see those aimless images of cycling statues.

Social media – in too many ways – skews our impression of what cycling culture and style is. Unfortunately, brands have frequently become drunk on it, as they continually throw out samples to aesthetic clothes horses who represent nothing more than their own egos, on an all-to-familiar journey towards false fame and hidden loneliness as just another forgotten Z-lister. This isn’t cycling culture, nor a sub-culture strand of cycling – it’s simply a sad reflection on modern life, where the influencer culture has become badly mixed in with that smaller group of genuinely talented and skilled marketeers within the online and social media world, who truly want to inspire, to encourage and to ride into adventure. And yet, their value and the culture that they portray has become diluted as the cycling industry wrongly aligns them with the pouting mannequins who look aimlessly into an empty sky.

Yes, good content that accurately reflects cycling culture and style costs money, because it costs good writers and good media creators time and effort to produce the content. Content that includes an abundance of knowledge, skill and familiarity with the truth of what cycling culture and lifestyle is… or could be. We need to press pause on the static pouting poseurs and mannequins – men and women – and start valuing those who want to inspire and encourage that spirit of adventure, and not simply influence through a false aesthetic that adds to the distortion of cycling culture and which ultimately harms the bottom line for already struggling cycling brands, desperate to find the pot of gold at the end of the culture rainbow.

The role of clubs in defining cycling culture

Cycling clubs have always been the bedrock of U.K. cycling culture, and indeed, cycling culture throughout the global village. Clubs such as Otley CC in Yorkshire, continue to produce world class riders such as Lizzie Deignan and Tom Pidcock, whilst the nearby town of Ilkley, surrounded by steep hills, has the largest cycling club in the U.K., enabling riders of all ages and all levels to find a group to ride with and to learn about the magic ingredients of cycling culture – the tea and cake stops, the quick bike fixes, and how to improve your performance on the bike as you serve your apprenticeship in the club cycling peloton.

It’s the same in Italy, Spain and France, too – and other European countries – which have a far richer and more vibrant cycling club foundation than the U.K… Clubs form the pattern of their cycling sport agendas, and help to support thriving race series’, feeding the higher tier clubs and teams that in turn feed the UCI with a conveyor belt of world class riders. Belgium is a testing ground for many young riders, who use the country as a base as they begin their journey, with the cold winds of Flanders testing them on winter training rides.

Technology and cycling culture

The online world and the cloud now have its own version of an international cycling culture and lifestyle, as apps such as Zwift, Whoosh, Rouvy and Wahoo allow cyclists around the world to easily interact and race each other from the comfort of their homes. Add to this the rise of gravel biking and those seeking off-road adventures and exploration, as people seek something different, to escape from chaotic and crazy society and world that too frequently seems to be filled with economic woes, wars and environmental destruction. Yes, joining in with the global cycling culture and finding your fix on 2-wheels can be therapeutic – both physically and mentally – adding to the changing face of the global cycling culture.

E-bikes have enabled far more people to enter our global cycling culture. Whether it’s simply a means to extend adventure, add to the adrenaline or for health reasons, E-Bikes are now a common site at trail centres and mountain venues, bringing a new cohort into the outdoors. In the main, pedal assist motors simply allow people to enjoy that aspect of cycling that adds something positive to our lives, and we all need to embrace and accept this new form of cycling culture. Festivals such as the U.K. ‘Ard Rock Endura’ at Swaledale have become the Glastonbury of off-road cycling, attracting riders from across the world, and with E-Bikes easily outnumbering traditional bikes.

No, it’s not always the big trade shows, and certainly not aesthetic and style orientated shows such as Rouleur Live that provide consumers with the best cycling shows in the world. It’s the absolute awesomeness of events such as ‘Ard Rock, Dirty Reiver (gravel), Roc d’Azure and L’Ardéchoise, a large, annual amateur cycling event held in the Ardèche department of France, and bigger than the Tour de France for participation community. These are the events that truly define our varied and simply beautiful global cycling culture. Not the fading menu of old fashioned trade shows, or the over-priced and over-inflated brand fests tucked away in cities, without even a defined cycle parking area, and which simply provides a very small and very expensive stage for the industry peacocks to show off their expensive feathers.

Modern cycling consumers want interactivity and particular vibe. EuroBike is developing this at its Frankfurt venue, but has a way to go still. Consumers want inclusion and action and bikes that can be seen to offer that adventure that so many cyclists are now seeking – at every price point. The aesthetic based trade events simply fail on every level to truly represent the average cyclist who still uses the average bike shop, and who still wants to pay a reasonable price.

Style versus substance

Style is always difficult to define, and it forms a central theme in cycling culture. Back in the day, cycling style was focused for many around their club kit and how they reflected their participation and membership of a defined group. In more modern times, cycling style has been more expressive and exciting, with brands such as Ale, Beihler SYN, Rosti, MAAP, Attaquer, and of course Rapha, redefining what cycling culture, community and style ought to be.

It’s easy to say that the price of jersey isn’t relevant, because it is. There is an invisible price-cap for many peoplle – and yet they still expect style and comfort and performance. Frankly, charging upwards of £250 for a short sleeved cycling jersey is obscene for most cyclists. It’s not supposed to be an iconic item of wearable art. They want a jersey to keep them warm, keep the sun at bay, hold off the wind and look smart as they tackle that tough climb or ride the rolling hills into the valley. Cycling culture is a social thing, a sporting lifestyle… not a competition to display your position in societies economic hierarchy. Let’s leave that to the golf clubs.

In terms of women’s cycling culture, the old-fashioned attitude of ‘Pink it and shrink it’ is no longer acceptable, as brands such as DS Pro and Jelenew have set new standards that balance performance, technicity, comfort, and feminine style in equal measure. Women are finally being allowed to look and feel like women on a bike – whilst sexism does still exist in many areas, including within the professional ranks, where the UCI has only recently grasped the issues. Cycling culture is accepting that women are built differently – funny really, when you consider that they haven’t just evolved with their own particluar form and requirements! The patriarchy has simply taken too long to accept that they might just have been wrong. Women have always been able to hold their own on a bike. However, how many bike shops have you been in and seen only two or three women’s jerseys on sale, whilst there are rows and rows of jerseys for me! Frankly, it’s a disgusting display of openly being sexist and failing to market towards a growing base of cyclists with a disposal income and a willingness to buy cycling products designed specifically for their needs – women!

Personal choice versus chasing personal fame

Ultimately, cycling culture is whatever we want it to be. I love riding with my cousin to the tea rooms at Jervaulx Abbey, returning along the 2014 TdF route. I also like nightriding across the technical trails and hills of Wharfdale on my mountain bike or sharing a city ride with my son in London. Colleagues here at Pedalnorth likewise mix up their riding; with Kristi riding road for a pro team in the summer and changing to cyclocross in the winter. Alex rides mountain bike as a pro in Romania and yet took to the Stelvio recently, along with Teo – albeit then descending the off-road alternative!

And then there is Nadezhda – a bundle of electricity and energy. Nobody here defines the spirit of cycling more, as she travels the world ,seeking new cycling challenges; climbing the Tourmalet not once but twice – 2 days running – before heading to Italy and riding in the early morning darkness, simply to see the sunrise from the top of the Stelvio. That for me is cycling culture. It reminds me of climbing trips in my youth, when we would travel in the early hours, hiking in to the mountains as dawn came, so that we could climb alongside the sunrise and feel the warmth on us as we ascended. Those magical moments are what define cycling culture, and style how we prepare and how we cloth ourselves in a way that outwardly displays our own indiviual spirit and personality. Cycling culture is defined by that seemingly endless stream of young cyclists in the Netherlands, making their way to school. It’s their parents on the cycle commute into work or into town to shop and socialise. It’s Nol Van Loon on a multi-stage gravel adventure on the Silk, Road. It’s Tudor Oprea in Romania, creating the TRIADA festival for off-road riders of all ages and abilities. It’s the Sunday morning club ride to the cafe, or the Thursday night mountain bike ride across the Yorkshire Dales with friends.

Cycling culture is ultimately up to you

Cycling culture is simply that spirit that lives within each of us – once we accept it and set ourselves free in pursuit of adventure! It’s not about the poseur on a bike that’s more expensive than their ability requires, and nor is it solely about the commuter on their £300 bicycle shaped object, wrapped against the morning cold on their way to work. It’s all of these and more, and cycling culture will continue to evolve and change, as new styles enter the global cycling community. Nobody owns it or has a more important place in our culture than anyone else.

Quite simply, cycling culture belongs to you, and it’s yours to define, as you ride in any way and in any direction you choose. It’s a revolution that will never end, and it’s simply quite beautiful, as independent spirits continue to take to 2-wheels and set themselves free.

Pedalnorth.com – where cycling culture & style lives in freedom

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my journey into cyclocross – Kristi Kuldkepp

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:23:11 +0000

Kristi Kuldkepp

My Cyclocross Journey

An inspirational account of
cycling's toughest discipline

My Journey into Cyclo-Cross

by Kristi Kuldkepp

Heading towards the seasonal mud fest

Coming from a sport other than cycling, I tend to take a philosophical view of it. I’m still learning I guess, and it is still great fun, which I believe it always will be – I’m a fun kind of person! I’ve been riding bikes seriously for about five years now, and cycling has become much more than just a sport for me – it’s a part of me and who I am. Yes, we’ve grown together and become inseparable.

In the beginning, I focused mainly on road cycling. I loved the speed, the endurance, and the structured training that road riding requires. Road cycling taught me discipline, gave me a strong physical foundation, and introduced me to the world of competitive cycling.

Intensity & quick thinking

However, after some time I realized that I was looking for something different—something that would not only test my physical endurance but also my technical skills, agility, and ability to adapt to unexpected situations. That’s how I found cyclo-cross – and it certainly does test my agility, my vision and strength of character – and my kit cleaning skills!

For the last five seasons, I’ve been competing in cyclo-cross at an amateur level here in Estonia. Very quickly, I discovered that cyclo-cross is the discipline that excites me the most. It is fast, intense, and constantly changing. Unlike road cycling, which usually demands long and steady efforts, cyclo-cross requires explosive power, quick decision-making, and precise bike handling. Every lap is a challenge: you might be sprinting across a flat grassy section one moment and then shouldering your bike to run up a steep, muddy hill the next. It is this variety and unpredictability that keeps me motivated and passionate about the sport.

Getting the right ingredients

One of the key factors that has helped me grow in cyclo-cross has been my training environment. I am fortunate to live in Tartu, where I can train twice a week close to my home. Even more importantly, I have the privilege of working with my coach, Caspar Austa. He is a multiple-time Estonian champion in mountain biking and also a talented cyclo-cross rider. His experience, knowledge, and dedication have guided me to improve not only my fitness but also my technical abilities and race tactics.

Whilst I’m now an experienced road racer, cyclocross requires a different approach and different tactics. Training under the supervision of Caspar has shown me how important it is to have a structured approach, and it has given me the confidence to set higher goals for myself each season. Yes, I like to constantly challenge myself, and I guess that every event in cyclocross is a unique challenge – physically, mentally and in terms of personal development.

Setting goals for the future

In Estonia, we are lucky to have our own cyclo-cross series, the CX Cup, which consists of five stages across the autumn months. The series always ends with the Estonian National Championships, which are the highlight of the domestic season. The atmosphere at these races is fantastic. Cyclo-cross in Estonia may not be as big as in Belgium or the Netherlands, but the community is passionate, supportive, and growing every year. The courses are demanding, the weather is unpredictable, and the competition is tough – but, all of this makes the racing exciting and rewarding.

This year, I am especially motivated because I plan to compete not only in the Estonian races but also on the international stage. My goal is to take part in the Cyclo-cross Masters World Championships, which will take place from November 28–30 in Varese, Italy. Preparing for this event gives me a new sense of purpose and a concrete target to work toward. It is both a challenge and a dream for me: to represent myself and my country at a world-level competition, to test my skills against riders from all over the globe, and to experience the unique atmosphere of a cyclo-cross World Championship.

Personal development through cyclo-sport

Cyclo-cross has taught me many valuable lessons. It has shown me the importance of resilience — ultimately because crashes, mechanical problems, or simply getting stuck in the mud are always part of the sport. It has taught me the importance of adaptability, since every course and every race demands a new strategy. It has also given me a greater appreciation for the community spirit in cycling: in cyclo-cross, the spectators, the organizers, and the riders themselves create a friendly and supportive environment that motivates me to keep pushing my limits.

Compared to road cycling, cyclo-cross feels more personal, more dynamic, and more unpredictable. It requires a different focus and mindset. It’s unrelenting and unpredictable in the extreme. Road racing is about endurance, tactics, and teamwork over long distances, while cyclo-cross is about surviving one hour of pure intensity, where every second counts and every mistake can cost you a place. This combination of technical skills, physical effort, and mental toughness is exactly what makes cyclo-cross so special to me. It makes me feel alive, from the moment I line up, to the finish of each race, when my mind is awash with thoughts and my body is splattered in the course debris, and my body aches – but I feel the emotion and exhilaration of it all.

Finding your soul in cycling

For me, cyclo-cross is not just another cycling discipline—it is a passion that challenges me, excites me, and inspires me to keep improving. As I look back at my five years in cycling, I realize that finding cyclo-cross has been the most important turning point in my journey. And as I look ahead, I know that I want to continue pursuing this sport, learning from every race, and hopefully achieving my best performance at the Masters World Championships in Italy later this year. I’ll take each race as an opportunity on the continual learning curve of this sport, and I’ll pause and reflect on every event, examining each intricate detail, each slope, each slippery descent and ascent; my nutrition plan, my kit choices and my mental preparation.

Hopefully, by the time I arrive in Italy, I will have honed my skills and my thinking into the athlete that I’ll need to be if I’m to stand on a podium, with my name being etched onto a medal. And, if the podium eludes me this year, I’ll be back again and continuing to test myself in this most brutal but beautiful and demanding of cycling disciplines – finding out who Kristi Kuldkepp is and what I’m capable of, and what makes my heart beat faster and in sync with my cycling soul.

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Finding inspiration within cycling

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:26:52 +0000

Finding ‘inspiration’ within cycling

Reality versus arrogance

We often talk about inspiration within cycling. At times, the meaning of inspiration gets confused and seems to operate across a huge spectrum. It’s this failure to truly understand the word ‘inspiration’ that seems to trouble the cycling industry. For me personally, inspiration can be defined by some of my friends: Ben Ralston, who passed away from Cancer aged only 44, and yet who fought like a Tiger, and took his 14 years of age son on a special e-Bike ride into the hills, only a few weeks before he left us. It’s defined by Nol Van Loon, from the Netherlands, who fights both the physical and mental challenges of remote bike packing events such the famed Silk Race across the roof of Euro-Asia, where the environment and the beautiful barren deserts are both enemy and companion.

It’s defined by my colleague, Nadezhda, who came back to sport from a truly serious and potentially life-changing injury; who still suffers bouts of regular pain, and yet who defies this to constantly travel and ride the mountain passes of Europe, with the warmest and brightest possible smile. It’s defined by my son, who has always challenged himself in life and sport, whatever the feelings or circumstances – his passion for cycling, for living with a sense of adventure and for bikes is infectious and unmatched.

It’s my friend, Fatima, from my early days as a cycling writer, who now finds more enjoyment in cycling with her young daughter and family, as she once did when racing as a pro rider. Now, making those sacrifices that all good and inspirational mothers make – dedicating themselves and their lives to parenthood. It’s about those special people who love cycling from the depths of the heart, and clearly love life and people, too.

False fame and fortune

And yet, I too often read the forums online – Facebook, LinkedIn and others – how inspirational is it to push out the most wattage and to be the person who finishes the ride first; or to be the person with the best and most expensive bike, or who simply poses like a stiff and stupid looking manequin, looking aimslessly up towards the sky. All of course, total nonsense and quite frankly, total bullshit.

Yes, this ridiculous fascination with wattage, being a Z Lister or aiming for aesthetic fame is what has caused the almost bacterial infection of ignorance, arrogance and stupidity within the cycling industry. Personally speaking, I’m fed up of people online who try to glorify themselves and continue in a pitiful attempt to milk a bygone era and long lost ability, in their search for a continued spotlight; when in truth, their light dimmed a long time ago and in truth, was never really that bright. They don’t inspire me. It’s frankly quite pathetic and sad; and yet, too frequently, these people end up in positions of influence in the cycling industry, purely based on being male (more frequently than not) and a past ability to turn a crank fast.

Accepting limitations

Now, you wouldn’t necessarily make Tiger Woods the head of sales at a global golf club brand, simply because he’s won a few events. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve been watching him play golf since his amateur days and he’s a legend at golf… but still not very inspiring for me, albeit I admire him as a golfer. Admiration and inspiration or seperate things – we need to learn that. Ability in one area of life and sport does not automatically translate into God-given abilities across the whole spectrum of our sport and the associated industry.

That truly inspirational moment, may be when a quite ordinary person steps across a bike for the very first time in later life, purely because they want to get healthier and do their utmost to live longer. We’ve forgotten about the meaning of cycling, as we’ve become drunk on false fame and apps such as Zwift. And yet, those truly fine people at Zwift – and yes, they are – simply wanted to create an app that could help all cyclists to be their very best version, and to be able to develop enough to take on any challenge. To ride the Silk Road; to ride the Stelvio 2 days in succession, or to simply ride that local cycling pathway with your family.

At a pro cycling level, that inspirational rider may be somebody riding in the shadows, such as Alex Sabin, who spends his working days guiding youngsters in the mountains, and trying hard to fit his training in, between work and having a family life too. Or Kristi Kuldkepp, who again like Nadezhda, took to cycling late in her sporting life and after a super-serious accident that would have stopped most of us in our tracks. And yet, both Alex and Kristi dedicate their time to simply having fun and challenging themselves, and supporting others. Their passion is in being at one with the world and in enjoying an active life, as they inspire others through simply riding with the same sense of adventure and fighting spirit that carries them through life.

The purity of passion within cycling

Cycling is about passion and heart and human emotions; which is why the Italians seem to understand it more than any other country. It’s why so many Italian brands continue to lead the way within the cycling industry; and it’s why we all love to visit and to challenge ourselves on the mountain passes of the Dolomites or on the white gravel roads that lie like ribbons, across the Tuscan landscape. We do it becuase the landscape, the people and the ambience of Italy seems to fit within our hearts.

Cycling inspiration is simple in truth. It’s about that sense of adventure, passion and the spirit of exploration that we all had as children, racing with the wind in our hair and smiles on our faces. When we truly set ourselves free and explore the world on 2-wheels, we can all be inspirational in some way. You don’t need the most expensive bike, and nobody actual gives a flying f#ck if you can push out more watts than others.

Finding inspiration is about being true to ourselves. It’s about discovery: of ourselves and of the beautiful landscapes that we’re often priviliged to cycle in. However, don’t just cycle through the mountains and hills. Make sure that you press pause and stop; visit a cafe, have coffee and take it all in. Yes, it’s time for us all to have a renewal with nature and with the child that still exists within us, and who once pressed their face against the bike shop window, all those years ago, dreaming of that bike. It’s time for us all to join the new cycling revolution, where a passion for life is more inspirational that the power you can put out!

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My cycling story – Kristi Kuldkepp

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:53:43 +0000

MY journey into the cycling world

Kristi Kuldkepp

I haven’t always been a cyclist—no, not before the age of 31. Yes, I’ve spent most of my life in the saddle, but over the years, that saddle has simply become narrower!

My athletic journey began at the age of nine, when I sat on a horse for the very first time. That moment marked the beginning of a 16-year relationship with equestrian sports—an experience that shaped me into a disciplined, patient, and determined person. Horses taught me that success doesn’t happen overnight and that trust, whether in an animal or in life, takes time.

Over those 16 years, I owned five personal horses. I started competing at the age of 11 in horse racing – yes, racing! My first year I raced in the pony class, and in the following two years, I successfully competed in the open class, where I managed to beat seasoned riders despite being only 12–13 years old. Later, I continued with show jumping, competing up to the 120 cm level. I guess that during this period I became aware that I liked sport, I liked being active and I had a competitive spirit. All of these are useful attributes for an athletic life, and I’ve loved being active, throughout my years.

Turning a negative into a positive

Who knows—maybe I’d still be riding horses today if it weren’t for an accident with my last competition horse. After that, continuing in the sport was no longer possible, and I decided to step away. But while I left equestrian sports behind, the joy of movement stayed with me. Without going into detail concerning the accident, it did involve me and the saddle parting company with my horse, and a visit to hospital.

What followed were three years of running—an entirely new chapter. I focused on half-marathons and completed one full marathon in Rome. That experience helped me realize that physical endurance is only half the journey—the real strength comes from mental clarity and purpose. Running was entirely different from the horse racing and eventing. It focused on purely me and what I was willing to give of myself – again, something that I’ve carried forward with me into my cycling journey.

However, after recurring knee and lower back injuries, I felt that I had to ease the strain of running. I decided to try triathlon, and of course, that meant I needed a bike.

Going forward on 2 wheels!

Now, six years later, my heart belongs to cycling. This sport blends freedom, motion, and constant self-challenge. Riding my bike is my form of meditation — the speed, the landscapes, and the steady rhythm help me stay grounded in the present moment.It’s almost hypnotic and meditative for me. It’s become a part of who I am.

I first rode a road bike in April 2019 during a triathlon training camp in Mallorca. Exactly one month later, I found myself at my very first road race —and, from that point on, I fell in love with cycling. In 2019, I still focused mostly on running, but from 2020 onward, I then dedicated myself fully to cycling – and I am so pleased that I made this decision!

Five years may not seem long in the grand scheme of life, but within that time, I’ve become a two-time Gran Fondo European Champion in the 19–34 age group. I’ve also won multiple Estonian National Championships in the amateur category—both in road races and individual time trials. I’m now in my third season racing in Belgium with the Baloise Minimax WB Ladies amateur team. I am especially grateful to my team boss, Ludivine Henrion, for welcoming me to the team and making this opportunity possible. Thanks to this team, I’ve participated in countless exciting races in Belgium and competed in many high-level UCI events alongside professionals. It’s been an invaluable experience and I’ve loved this journey.

Finding my rhthym

Although I truly love road racing, my favorite discipline is cyclo-cross. Yes, starting at 31 means I’ll probably never have the bike handling skills of those who began cycling as children. I’m not particularly skilled in cyclo-cross, but I simply enjoy it — it’s shorter, more intense than road racing, and I love rolling around in the autumn mud! Hehe – who wouldn’t! IT’s such an epic personal challenge, at each event.

I guess when I analyse all of this together, I can see that all these sports share one simple but powerful idea: it’s never too late to start. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your background is. What matters is daring to take the first step and learning to enjoy the process — even when progress isn’t linear and results don’t come right away.

I believe that it’s the small victories that carry us forward. Small acts change our world, and oak trees grow from acorns!

A great training session, a mountain climbed, a moment where you could’ve given up—but didn’t. These are the things that build lasting motivation. Burnout happens when we lose the joy and focus only on the destination.

My story isn’t about world records or medals — it’s about consistency, adaptation, and the desire to continually challenge myself. If someone reads this and feels even a small urge to start over or try something new, then I say this from the bottom of my heart: do it. Now is the perfect time. I’m very happy to have possibly inspired you to take on your own life challenges. Ultimately, for me, that’s as important as seeing my own goals achieved. Especially as a woman involved in sport; I’ve seen so many changes and I now see so many opportunities.

Now is the time for all of us to exploit them! It’s time for women everywhere to ride!

FUN FACT:
When I first started cycling, my first club was the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club, where one of my teammates was Madis Mihkels, who now rides in the World Tour. Today, my home club is Peloton, where one of my current teammates is former World Tour pro Tanel Kangert.

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Women’s cycling – levelling the road to success

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:18:31 +0000

Levelling the road
to success

Women's Cycling

By Robert Thorpe & Kristi Kuldkepp

How women’s cycling teams are fighting for parity

By Robert Thorpe & Kristi Kuldkepp

A few years ago, I was contacted by a group who’d been trying to put together a Crit race event in the local district. They asked if I’d be willing to take the lead, due my apparent organisational skills. However, on questioning them, once I’d seen their initial plan, I asked why they weren’t looking to put on a women’s elite race too, as part of the programme. They responded by simply saying that ‘we don’t believe that there’s sufficient interest.’ I responded by saying that the issue probably lay in their failure to correctly identify how to market the event idea to women’s cycling clubs and others. Accordingly, I turned down the request to help them. No races subsequently took place… of any kind.

Am I sad that the result was no racing at all? No, I’m not. I’m glad that I took a stand in support of women’s sport and the necessity of a level playing field. My older sister was a county champion runner and national standard. Far better than me, and yet I grew up with more opportunities to keep running after school. It has stayed with me into adulthood and through life, that women deserve better and that they deserve to get parity with men in sport – at all levels.

Let’s be clear, whilst we can send rockets into orbit and bring them back; and, we have smart phones that can control household devices from afar, we’ve only just managed to get women’s grand tour races that look something like the men’s equivalent. If we consider that this is at World Tour level, imagine then, how difficult it is as women cyclists try to climb the pro cycling ladder, from local and regional teams and onwards to Continental and Pro team levels, as they develop riders for the future women’s world tour peloton.

UCI changes and team financing

It was only in recent years that the UCI took steps to develop women’s cycling progression, through a new tiered system: Continental, Pro and World Tour level team structure. Their development plan also gave advice on creating events and supporting women’s teams. Consider that, for many at even Pro team level, the wages are such that they must work elsewhere, simply to be able to live. This is while men’s Pro level teams have wages that could support several women’s teams. Interestingly, this cost increase within men’s cycling has benefitted the women’s tour, as sponsors are slowly realising the financial benefits of supporting a women’s team, as a viable alternative to trying to keep up with the utterly ridiculous funding that is now required at men’s Pro team level.

Going Continental – the Baloise Minimax WB Ladies team

The Baloise Minimax WB Ladies team is a women’s cycling team from Belgium, competing at the club level for the past 5 years. Thankfully, after years of trying, through seeking sponsorship, brand support and their own hard work, they’ve just been accepted at UCI Women’s Continental team level; meaning that, instead of racing club and district events, from 2026, this inspiring young team filled with talented athletes will be travelling further afield and taking their bikes onto the long road towards pro level riding.

We wanted to follow their amazing progression, and to highlight their achievement, as a means of highlighting the wider issues still being faced by women’s cycling, as it continues to race towards greater parity with the men’s scene. Part of that journey is now possible, due to UCI changes that encourage more women’s races, and more women’s team invites in ‘next level’ races. This seemingly small change that occurred in 2023, will give the new Baloise Minimax WB Ladies Continental team, the opportunity to race in some international Pro level events from 2026, alongside their new Continental calendar. Founded in 2021, the team is the first all-female team in the cycling-mad region of Wallonia and is fast becoming an inspirational beacon to young women cyclists.

Their stated mission is to promote women’s cycling, by offering riders professional coaching and the opportunity to participate in numerous national and international competitions. Their organization’s goal is also to train young women, with the aim of taking them to the highest level – to the pro peloton. It’s time then to take a closer look at the team structure, the names and faces behind this exciting journey, and how they’ve achieved so much in a short space of time. They’re an example of what can be achieved and an inspirational group of professionals, dedicated to levelling the field, so that women athletes can have the same goals as men within cycling. It’s not about breaking the glass ceiling – the women of the Baloise Minimax WB Ladies team have set out to smash it into tiny fragments!

The journey so far

Originally, Baloise Minimax WB Ladies team focused on coaching athletes in the U23/elite categories; whilst over the years, with hard work and constant focus on the future, a clear and robust development-oriented structure has taken shape. In 2022, the junior (U19) category was added to the project, closely followed by the cadet (U17) team in 2023. In just five short years, the team has created a unique development pathway for young female cyclists, from the U17 category all the way to UCI Continental level, with the opportunity for riders to perform on wider platform.

The team has gone through several major and difficult moments – for example, in 2023, one of the team’s strongest riders, Nathalie Säfsten, was involved in a serious car accident during a training camp in Spain. She was in a coma for quite some time and has since lost her ability to walk. She is true fighter and has not given up. Every day, Nathalie works hard with the hope of one day getting back on the bike. She is officially a member of the Baloise Minimax WB Ladies team and entire team is fighting for Nathalie! #fightlikenathalie . Her spirit and strength are an inspiration, and her determination to beat her current circumstances, typifies the fighting spirit and willpower of many women athletes, seeking to show that women’s cycling at pro level, can and will succeed.

Adapting to a new challenge

The transition to a higher level of racing and the international scene, opens the door to Baloise Minimax WB Ladies to a more demanding race calendar, an increased international presence and greater visibility for the team partners. The team will take part in more high-level competitions, several of which will be broadcast on television – providing significant media exposure for the sponsors both in Belgium and internationally. Thankfully, women’s cycling is finally getting the media exposure that it deserves and is proving popular with fans across the cycling world. The team already draws in riders from across Europe, such as Nathalie (Sweden), and me – Kristi (Estonian) – alongside many others. And, importantly, behind the scenes, we have a terrific support team, ensuring that we race as one – a leading lady cycling team, ready to take on the world!

Meet the team

Leading the management element of the team is the inspirational figure, Luc Mayne – the project’s original founder, who remains the chairman of the board to this day. He is a well-known figure in Wallonia cycling races, and has superb connections, that continue to benefit the team. Although he was quite a good athlete in his youth, he came to cycling somewhat by chance. He started as a volunteer rider at Velo Club d’Ottignies and later became the general manager of the renowned semi-professional men’s team Veran Classic-Ago, before starting the current women’s team project.

The Baloise Minimax WB Ladies director is Ludivine Henrion; again, a well-respected member of the Belgium cycling community. Ludivine is a Belgian road cyclist and 2 times Belgium road race champion in 2007 and 2009. She also won the bronze medal in the road race at the 2006 World University Cycling Championships, finishing behind Ellen van Dijk and Eva Lutz. She competed in the women’s road race at 2012 Summer Olympics and brings an invaluable wealth of experience to the young riders.

At the sharp end of the management process, the Sports Directors are Eleonore Maeck and Yuri Feijtel, assisted by Robin Ernst as a team coach. Of course, we can’t forget our invaluable mechanics (Adrien Eloy, Loris Michel, Jean-Pierre Trisman) and soigneurs (Stephane Decamp and Roland Lefevre), without whom this team wouldn’t be what is it today – a cycling team that’s taking huge steps forward and being noticed for the right reasons.

The Baloise Minimax WB Ladies team is a very international group of riders, with members from a whole range of cycling nations: Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, France, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Poland, Estonia, Finland, Ukraine and Norway. Myself, as mentioned earlier; I’m from the Baltic nation of Estonia, regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world – something I’m proud of.

An exciting future for women’s cycling

Women’s professional cycling is entering a transformative era – one marked by rapid growth, increased visibility and long-overdue investments. With the introduction of tiered team structures by the UCI (Continental, Pro and World Tour) creating a realistic pathway for aspiring female cyclists that hadn’t existed before. The future has never been clearer or more promising, and these are exciting times for us as women within cycle sport! These structural changes not only provide a framework for talent development but also greater professionalism across all levels of the sport.

There’s a significant shift occurring in race calendars too. Women’s events are gaining prominence alongside their male counterparts, with major races such as the Tour de France Femmes, Paris Roubaix Femmes and Strade Bianche Donne receiving global broadcast coverage and large audiences – at the race and on tv. This increased visibility is attracting new sponsors, fans and media attention – all of which are critical to building a sustainable future for women’s cycling. It’s been a long road, with too many hills to climb! However, we’re finally showing that we women have a right for parity in the pro peloton ranks.

Riding a women’s cycling revolution

At the team level, growing support means more equitable salaries, access to professional coaching, nutrition and medical support – essentials long taken for granted in the men’s peloton. While disparities still exist, momentum is clearly building and it’s exciting to be a part of this. In many regions, grassroots initiatives and clubs are now focusing specifically on developing female talent from junior levels upwards, creating a stronger pipeline for the next generation of champions. Crucially, the narrative around women’s cycling is changing too. No longer treated as an afterthought, it is increasingly being recognised as a vibrant, competitive and commercially viable arm of the sport.

With more elite-level opportunities, improved race coverage and an expanding global fan base, the future of women’s cycling looks not only exciting – but unstoppable. I’ll be going along for the ride – so join me and the women of Baloise Minimax WB Ladies team, as we help to create the women’s cycling revolution!

Click here to visit the team website

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New Cycling Season – New Writers

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 18:46:44 +0000

Celebrate Cycling

Pedalnorth 2025

Let the cycling begin!

A new cycling season and new writers at Pedalnorth!

As the cycling season begins with the spring classics, we’ve watched as Demi and Tadej pick up the early season honours at Strade Bianchi. We’ve been busy indoors, or wrapping ourselves in Klimatik clothing from Alé and venturing out into winter on the roads and trails. Yes, we’ve attempted to stay fit and healthy and focused, and the new cycling season is underway!

Robert and Nadia are firmly embedded, jointly at the helm here at Pedalnorth; and we have some new faces for 2025, who’ll be writing about a whole spectrum of cycling lifestyle and kit issues, as they each bring something special to our website. Pedalnorth is renowned for covering so many aspects of cycle sport and cycling lifestyle, and our new writers add to this, each having a focus on different areas, and each ensuring that we remain as one of the world’s best independent cycling lifestyle website.

Off-road adventures with Alex Sabin Husariu in Romania

Alex has been a good friend of our website for some years, and has previously written guest blogs. He’s a talented writer and photographer, with his own blogging website too. In terms of his cycling, he’s one of the top ranked mountain bike riders in Romania, and a pro rider racing mountain bike marathon. Alex is also a qualified mountain bike guide, leading riders from all over the world, as they visit one of the most spectacular mountain areas in Europe – the Carpathians.

In the winter, this natural athlete also teaches skiing, and never seems to stop. Alongside his wife, Teo, they run OutVentures, a mountain activity company in Transylvania, Romania. Both Alex and Teo will be helping us by testing out gear and clothing for our reviews, and helping us to expand our already detailed database of great road and mtb routes in Romania. With his vast experience and knowledge, Alex joins us as a senior editor, and will be one of our lead writers for the future.

Kolja Grischa Keetman – Ka:Risma Concepts

Kolja brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to our website, and will working directly with Robert as our senior cycle industry advisor. Living and working in the south of Germany, across Austria, Switzerland and Italy, Kolja also supports ski brands in winter, and has an unparalleled knowledge of mountain sports, in summer and in winter. He runs the successful, high-performance outdoor industry marking and brand distribution company, Ka:Risma Concept, and works closely with many of the world’s leading cycling brands such as Enve, Marin, Lake and 3T bikes.

Teo Sabine – Mountain Guide and Adventure Sports Teacher

When you define a person, you look at where they seem to fit in the world. For Teo, her heart and soul lies in the mountains – in summer and winter. Whether she’s hiking, biking, mountain running or ski touring, this exceptional athlete and human being, inspires the younger generation within Romania to follow her life choices and embed themselves in a life filled with adventure.

As a member of the mountain rescue team, too, Teo is well placed to write about the best kit and equipment for a day in the hills. Read her informative blogs, alongside Alex, here at Pedalnorth!

Kristi Kuldkepp – Women’s Cycling Pro

As summer has progressed, we’ve also been joined by women’s pro cyclist and 2 x European Gran Fondo champion, Kristi from Estonia. This exceptional athlete and human being is here to inspire you on your won cycling journey, as she shares here cycling lifestyle and thoughts with you. Women’s cycling is changing – but not fast enough or deep enough. It’s still out of sync with cycle sprot generally, and here at Pedalnorth we want to continue to highlight the issues faced by women within our sport. Kristi is deeply enbedded within the European cycling scene, and knows exactly how the sport is developing and how it affects her and the many thousands of other women cyclists, who are simply asking for parity.

A former horsewoman and triathlete, Krisit didn’t start serious cycling until aged 31, and has already achieved so muchin a short time period. It’s a testament to her character and strength; and her writing is also world-class, as she shares her thoughts with you. Read her insightful blogs and let Krisit inspire you on your journey.

Read Our Blogs

Kristi – pedalnorth

GripGrab spring warmth cycling clothing for women

GripGrab Winter Testing Review

Early Season Performance in Nordic Conditions

by Kristi Kuldkepp, Women’s Cycling Editor

Tested Equipment

First Impression – Clean Design, Functional Fit

Performance in Cold Conditions: Layering System – What Works

The layering works especially well because:

On the Bike – Comfort and Stability

Gloves – Critical in Nordic Conditions

Breathability vs Protection

Who This Setup Is For

Conclusion

Kristi

It’s time to ride!

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