The design team used photographs taken during flower season as a starting point, drawing on the shapes, patterns and colours of the flowers to create a series of new prints. The collection combines bright colours with muted, earthy tones, alongside fluorescent accents. The prints are layered with movement and flow to echo the rhythm of riding. 

The range includes several updates to CIOVITA’s existing jersey styles, starting with the Supremo Race Fit Jersey 3.0 (R1,699). The latest version features new fabrics and panel lines, mesh sleeves and side panels with high UV protection, a low-profile collar, a welded front hem and lightweight gripper elastic. It is available in new Deriva prints in Teal, Taupe and Midnight. It’s designed for summer riding, and equally at home as a layering piece in cooler conditions.

For riders who prefer a more relaxed fit, the Nucleo Classic Fit Jersey 2.0 (R1,499) has also been updated. The front and sleeve fabrics offer improved stretch and recovery, with a more natural drape designed to remain comfortable on longer rides.

Other styles featuring new colours and prints include the Librio Race Fit in Coconut and Fog, the Apex H1 Pro Fit in Viridian and Pink Metallic, the Apex Aero Pro Fit in Grey Frequency, and the Zipperless Jersey 2.0 in Desert Fig and Cobalt.

Like every CIOVITA garment, the collection was developed by CIOVITA’s design team at its Cape Town facility.

The Bloom in Motion range is available from the CIOVITA website.

The post Namaqualand’s Flower Power Inspires New Range appeared first on Bicycling.

How many Old Mutual Double Centuries have you done? Seven. The first was almost a decade ago, in a makeshift team that met for the first time on the morning before the start. The plan was to reach Swellendam in one piece – which turned out to be the whole plan!

Is there an edition that stands out? 2024 – my fastest. The early years were all about getting all 12 riders across the line together. Then a few ambitious riders started asking how fast we could go; and nobody wants to be the reason the group slows down, so everybody trained.

What’s your favourite part of the route? The top of Tradouw Pass to our first stop at 120km. The reward after the climb is a section of fast, rolling terrain where everyone briefly pretends that it’s easy. It doesn’t last.

And your least favourite? The Three Sisters at the end. That’s the printable name! The team’s time is taken in the middle of the group, so nobody gets to ride away from the problem. Everybody goes up. Slowly, if necessary.

1

What bike do you ride, and tell us about the set-up? There are two, and I know how that sounds… The Trek Madone SLR runs Shimano Ultegra components, with 30mm tyres, Bontrager RSL 51 wheels, Assioma Duo power pedals and a Wahoo Bolt computer. I can’t hide from the numbers! Then there’s the BMC Teammachine SLR01, which has a Dura-Ace drivetrain and 30mm tyres on Scope Artus 4 wheels. 

Both bikes are coming to Swellendam. The BMC is new, and a close friend and teammate gets the honour of riding it before I do.

What’s been your longest ride in the build-up? A few weekend rides of around 135km, followed by the One Tonner (160km), which was where I found out whether the winter training had paid off or if I’d just talked about it…

Whole food or gels on race day? Both. I aim for 60g of carbs an hour – that’s my ceiling. Somewhere between 120km and 160km, the thought of another gel becomes genuinely offensive, so from there the stops are for proper food.

Who do you train and ride with? There’s a weekly bunch, most of them stronger than me, which is the point. You don’t get faster riding with people you can drop. The rest is solo on the trainer at home, which is more structured and fits around work and family.

Are you the team captain? What makes a good captain at the Old Mutual Double Century? I’m vice-captain. The captain is Breyton Paulse, and ‘vice’ is a fair description of the gap! Breytie is a born leader, with decades at the top of professional sport, and we feel the benefit. A good captain understands what the group needs before the group does, and gets the message across in a way that tired riders can believe. My job is mostly to agree with him. 

What’s your post-race indulgence? Immediately afterwards, a chocolate Steri Stumpie, which I’ll have been thinking about since roughly the second Sister! Later, a braai, more pasta than is reasonable, and dessert. By then, the Three Sisters have their polite name back.

The post Seven and Counting for Sader appeared first on Bicycling.

It’s an appealing concept. But when it comes to aerodynamics, marginal gains have been flattened into a buying decision; one that often assumes speed can be purchased in isolation, with no downsides or consequences.

The reality is that for most riders, how aero equipment is applied matters far more than simply using the gear. For example: in the last few years, brands have turned to one-piece handlebar-stem combos to squeeze a few more watts out of their bikes in the wind tunnel. But this component can substantially impact your bike fit. If the stem length on the upgraded bar compromises your position, it can wipe out all the gains you hoped for – or even make you slower.

It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to aerodynamics, rider position outweighs almost everything else. Your body accounts for as much as 80% of drag.

Last summer, I rode two Trek Madones in the same size. One was a top-tier build with a one-piece carbon cockpit and deep-section carbon wheels. The other was the base model, with a two-piece alloy bar and stem and shallow aluminium wheels. Riding both bikes in my normal position at a steady 280 watts, the expensive bike was about 2km/h faster on a flat road. No surprise there. But when I rode the cheaper bike at the same watts – but now with a flatter back, hinging a little more at the hips, lowering my torso and narrowing my shoulders while keeping my elbows relaxed – I reduced my frontal area enough to cancel out the speed advantage of the expensive.

This is the part of the aero conversation that is often overlooked. Gains from fit and position can outweigh those from more pricey and faster-looking equipment.

In theory, stacking aero gains should mean going even faster. But in practice, that only works if the bike lets you stay in your best position. On the less-expensive Madone, dialling in my fit was easy. The two-piece bar and stem made it simple to adjust reach and drop. If something didn’t feel right, I could swap parts and try again.

The more expensive bike was a different story. Its one-piece integrated cockpit came in limited sizes, and required a full brake-line replacement to make changes. That set-up may test well in a wind tunnel, but it also makes experimentation harder and more expensive. In practical terms, for most of us, such a bike makes ‘close enough’ a more likely outcome than ‘just right’. That’s the trade-off with integration.

The fastest position isn’t the most aggressive one – it’s the one you can ride for an hour, two hours, or the length of your hardest race.

Simply getting into an aero position isn’t enough. You also need to be able to sustain it. The moment that getting aero interferes with your breathing, stability or power, your speed drops. The fastest position isn’t the most aggressive one – it’s the one you can ride for an hour, two hours, or the length of your hardest race.

This is where fit-driven aerodynamics consistently beats gear-driven aerodynamics. A good fit, which comes after experimentation with stem length, bar width and stack height until everything lines up, often produces more significant real-world gains than buying components that boast wind tunnel advantages.

Aero gear is not plug-and-play. Buying the fastest thing doesn’t guarantee you’ll go faster. Helmets behave differently depending on head positions and body shape. Wheels interact differently with various tyres and frames, and also perform differently depending on wind angle and speed. Any set-up that looks great in isolated testing can fall apart in the real world.

Wind-tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (using computer modelling to predict airflow) show results under clean, repeatable conditions. Out on the road? The wind changes direction, fatigue changes posture, and the bike moves beneath you. A product that looks impressive on a chart may deliver a fraction of that gain, or none at all, once it’s part of a full system.

Note that none of this is an argument against aerodynamics. It’s an argument for understanding the concept holistically, rather than thinking of ‘aero’ as an isolated performance improvement.

The ideal approach to aerodynamics starts with a good, thoughtful fit on a bike that gives you flexibility to easily refine your set-up. The aero gains you stack on that base are likely to be the gains that you can actually use.

The post Here’s the Real Secret to Getting Faster with Aerodynamics appeared first on Bicycling.

“Kettlebell work builds power, stability and physical durability in ways that transfer directly to stronger, more injury-proof riding.”

When you use good technique, kettlebell work builds power, stability and physical durability in ways that transfer directly to stronger, more injury-proof riding. They’re compact, relatively inexpensive, and perfect for riders who want to do efficient strength work without having to leave the house. The science is clear on the benefits of strength training for endurance performance. It’s no longer a question of if you should strength train to improve your ride, but how you should be doing it to maximise the outcome. “Strength training increases power output by improving force production and neuromuscular efficiency,” says personal trainer and cycling coach Stephanie Holbrook. “It also enhances core stability, which helps maintain control on steep climbs and prevents injury by addressing muscle imbalances.”

If you’re going to start strength training or want to add to your current workouts, there are few better options than kettlebells. Here are the biggest reasons we recommend them, plus some practical guidance to keep in mind when you’re starting out.

Build Functional Strength and Power

Kettlebell drills don’t isolate individual muscles the way gym machines do. They link the hips, core and posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, lower back) so you produce whole-body force that looks and feels similar to the demands of riding: powerful hip extension, stable torso, and smooth transfer of force.

Improve Core Stability and Power Transfer

A dynamic and strong core stabilises your torso during sprints, surges, and efforts in the aero position. Popular kettlebell moves like Turkish get-ups, windmills and single-arm carries train core anti-rotation and antiflexion under load.

Think of your core like the trunk of a tree: It keeps you stable while your arms and legs move. Anti-rotation under load means your core resists twisting when an external force tries to rotate your torso. Imagine holding a heavy kettlebell in one hand while someone pulls on your opposite shoulder. Your obliques and deep core muscles fire to keep your torso from turning. Anti-flexion under load means your core prevents your spine from folding forward under weight. Picture holding a heavy suitcase in front of you. Your core and spinal stabilisers activate so your torso stays upright without folding over.

Both are about bracing and control: learning to stiffen your midline while breathing diaphragmatically (taking deep belly breaths while inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling through your mouth) so that forces from your arms and legs as you ride transfer through your body efficiently, keeping your spine safe and letting you produce more power on the bike.

Because kettlebells require you to hold weight further from your body, they force your stabiliser muscles and core to work in the same uneven, dynamic ways your body does when you stand up and slam power into the pedals.

Increase Cardiovascular and Metabolic Benefits

Short, intense kettlebell sessions spike anaerobic capacity and improve metabolic conditioning in a way that complements endurance sports. Kettlebells allow you to string together exercises and make it easy to do circuit-style workouts, both of which raise your heart rate while preserving lean muscle mass — an ideal combo for cyclists who want to build endurance and increase power.

Reduce Injury Risk and Aid Recovery

Kettlebell work strengthens the posterior chain and improves upper-back strength, countering the forward and rounded posture that many cyclists develop. This lowers injury risk and reduces neck, shoulder, and lower-back pain, and annoying issues like hand numbness.

How to Get Started

Before you start swinging a kettlebell for the first time, master these basic moves. First, make sure you can comfortably do a hip hinge —  keeping your back straight while you push your hips back, engaging the hamstrings and glutes as you lower your torso down. Then, get comfortable with diaphragmatic breathing. Finally, check that you can properly brace your core; think of bracing as the tension you’d create in your midsection (especially your abs) if someone were about to punch you in the stomach. A poor hinge or an unbraced core is the fastest route to lower-back strain; a clean hinge is how you create efficient power.

Once you can do all that, it’s time to start swinging some ’bells. Start light and increase weight only when your form is flawless. Have patience and prioritise higher-quality reps first, then gradually increase load.

Click here for a kettlebell workout that will take your strength and conditioning to new levels.

This article first appeared on bicycling.com.

The post Why It’s Time To Go All In On Kettlebells appeared first on Bicycling.

Garmin’s new Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro multisport GPS watches introduce features designed to help athletes better understand their performance and manage their efforts. For cyclists, the key upgrades include enhanced stamina tracking, improved mapping and a new way to review multiple activities over time.

A better understanding of your endurance

Pacing is an important skill, particularly during endurance events.

The Fenix 9 introduces enhanced stamina tracking, including stamina zones and a stamina curve. These features help riders understand how their stamina changes during an activity, drawing on fitness gains and training history to provide additional context around endurance and pacing.

Rather than relying solely on how tired you feel, these insights can help you make more informed decisions about effort,  and help you understand how your endurance is developing over time.

See the bigger picture in your training

A single ride tells part of the story, but reviewing several weeks of training can reveal more about consistency and progression.

Garmin Epic, a new feature in Garmin Connect, allows users to group multiple activities into one shareable story. Cyclists can bring together rides from a training block, cycling holiday or multi-day stage race, review performance and health data, and add photos.

It offers a more cohesive way to look back at a period of riding rather than treating every activity as a separate entry in the training log.

Navigation for the road less travelled

Exploring unfamiliar routes is part of cycling’s appeal, but navigating remote gravel roads and mountain-bike trails can be challenging.

Both Fenix 9 watch models offer updated routable maps, with a more powerful map engine designed to make panning and exploring routes smoother. Garmin says map movement can be up to 30% faster than on the Fenix 8, while a new perspective view adds detail to help users anticipate what lies ahead.

With 64GB of memory for downloaded maps and music, riders can also keep information and entertainment close at hand when heading out for a long day.

Built for long days outdoors

Battery life, screen visibility and durability are some of the most important features of a smartwatch.

The Fenix 9 features a brighter AMOLED display, a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and leakproof buttons. The Fenix 9 Pro adds a titanium case and displays offering up to 3,000 nits of brightness, designed to make maps and performance data easier to read in sunny conditions. Solar-charging displays are available on selected Pro models.

Garmin quotes up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode for the largest Fenix 9, up to 31 days for the largest AMOLED Fenix 9 Pro, and up to 57 days for selected solar-charging Pro models. Actual battery life depends on settings and usage.

Stay connected on the move

Selected fēnix 9 Pro models offer satellite and LTE connectivity, enabling features such as voice and text communication, location sharing and LiveTrack notifications. When connected to a compatible mobile phone with a 3G connection, LiveTrack can alert selected contacts when an activity starts. You can also receive weather forecasts for specific locations directly on your watch.

Satellite and LTE features require an active subscription and are subject to network coverage, availability and jurisdictional restrictions. These connectivity services are not currently available in Africa.

Which Fenix 9 is right for you?

The standard Fenix 9 offers core training, stamina and navigation upgrades. The Fenix  9 Pro adds a titanium case, a brighter display and additional connectivity options, with solar charging available on selected models.

For cyclists, the appeal is less about having another gadget on the wrist and more about using the data to make better decisions, understand progress and feel more confident when exploring unfamiliar terrain.

The Fenix 9 and Fenix  9 Pro are available in 43mm, 47mm and 51mm sizes, with features varying by model.

Find out more at garmin.com

*Live track will only work

The post Garmin Fenix 9: Even More Features For Cyclists appeared first on Bicycling.

One of the biggest payoffs? Cardio benefits. Read on for how cycling boosts your cardio fitness and how it stacks up to other forms of cardiovascular exercise, like running and using an elliptical machine in the gym.

Cardio exercise is any exercise that increases your heart rate and respiration (breathing rate). Cardio exercise can be aerobic or anaerobic. Broadly, what makes cardio aerobic or anaerobic is the intensity level of the exercise (and physiologically, the source of energy for that exercise).

Anaerobic cardio exercise is high-intensity, and true anaerobic activity can only be performed for short periods of time; sprinting is a good example of anaerobic cardio exercise. Activities like skipping and mountain biking — and any of the aforementioned activities performed in high-intensity spurts — can also fit into this cardio category.

In any case, “cardio exercise often consists of extended periods of time with an elevated heart rate and an increase in oxygen demand,” says Alexander Rothstein, ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and strength and conditioning coach.

“Performing cardio exercise will stress the cardiovascular system, which will signal the need for adaptation and cause improvements in the body’s ability to supply and utilise oxygen,” he explains.

The goal of cardio exercise is to increase the efficiency of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system, thereby improving your overall fitness and endurance.

“Cardiorespiratory fitness reflects the ability of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to supply oxygen-rich blood to skeletal muscles during sustained physical activity,” says Joe Scarrella, triathlon coach and certified personal trainer.

This type of fitness “is vitally important to health and wellness, especially to the ability of engaging in normal activities of daily living without excessive fatigue,” he says. “Because of its heart-strengthening and overall health benefits, cardio training should always be near the top of priorities when allocating time to a fitness program.”

Yes, cycling is cardio exercise — an excellent form of it, in fact. Cycling requires continuous movement that increases your heart rate. When you pedal, your heart works harder to pump blood to your muscles. This steady effort challenges your cardiovascular system, helping it become more efficient over time.

A cycling habit brings about a lot of benefits, including:

• Increased heart rate: Even at a leisurely pace, cycling elevates your heart rate to levels that promote heart health and fitness. Cycling can also be anaerobic (high-intensity), which can further improve your fitness.
• Improved lung capacity: As your cardiovascular system improves, your lungs become more efficient at delivering oxygen to your muscles.
• Muscle engagement: Because cycling challenges two of the biggest muscle groups in the body (the glutes and quadriceps) cycling is a great way to improve muscular endurance along with cardio endurance.
• Room for progression: Cycling offers a lot of room for improvement in terms of gaining speed and improving stamina, so it’s a great activity to choose for long-term progression.
• Calorie burn: Depending on your speed, intensity, and bodyweight, cycling can burn a few hundred calories per hour up to nearly 1,000 calories per hour. This makes it a great form of exercise for individuals who are trying to lose weight or manage their bodyweight.
• Low-impact exercise: Cycling is low-impact, meaning it’s gentler on your joints than many forms of cardio exercise (such as running) while still providing a solid cardio workout.

While cycling is a fantastic form of cardio, it’s not your only option. Here’s a look at how it measures up to other popular forms of cardio exercise.

Cycling vs Walking

Calorie Burn: Cycling burns more calories per hour than walking, according to the Compendium of Physical Activity. Cycling at a leisurely pace (less than 15 km/h) can burn about 330 calories per hour for an 80 kg person. Walking at a leisurely pace (4 km/h) burns about 246 calories per hour for a person of the same weight.

Joint and Bone Impact: Both cycling and walking are low-impact exercises, making them ideal for those with joint pain or arthritis. Cycling allows more room for increasing speed or resistance without changing joint impact, which offers a more intense cardio workout for individuals with joint concerns.

On the flip side, walking is a weight-bearing form of exercise, while cycling is not, so walking could be the better choice for individuals with bone density concerns.

Accessibility: Walking is more accessible because it requires no equipment beyond a good pair of shoes. Cycling, on the other hand, requires much more gear: a bike and helmet, at minimum, plus safe space to ride outdoors. An indoor stationary bike or bike trainer is required for cycling inside, and while there are budget options, it’s still an investment.

Which is better for you?

If you’re looking for a simple, accessible form of low-intensity cardio, walking might be the best option. However, for a more intense workout that’s still easy on the joints, cycling is the way to go.

Cycling vs Running

Calorie Burn: Running tends to burn more calories than cycling, because it’s more difficult for many individuals to achieve the increase in heart rate that they may get from running, Rothstein says. It may take longer to burn as many calories as one would while running.

According to data from the Compendium of Physical Activity, cycling at a “self-selected moderate pace” burns about 573 calories in one hour for an 80 kg person. That same person may burn about 615 calories “jogging at a self-selected pace,” according to the Compendium.

Impact on Joints: Running is a high-impact exercise, which can place stress on your joints, especially your knees and ankles. Cycling, in contrast, is low-impact, making it a better option for people with joint issues or those recovering from injuries.

Muscle Engagement: Both running and cycling primarily work your lower body, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. During cycling, your core and back muscles may be recruited more to maintain posture on the bike, depending on the style of your bike. When running, your core, back, and arms all work to maintain posture and stability.

Which is better for you?

If joint health is a concern or you prefer a lower-impact workout, cycling is the better choice. Running is a viable option for people who can handle the joint impact and/or don’t have the means to invest in a bike or stationary bike.

Cycling vs Swimming

Calorie Burn: Swimming and cycling burn similar amounts of calories, depending on intensity. According to the Compendium of Physical Activity, swimming freestyle at a vigorous pace for one hour burns about 800 calories for an 80 kg person. The same person would burn about 818 calories cycling at 22 to 25 km/h, which may be a moderate or vigorous effort depending on your fitness level.

Impact on Joints: Swimming has virtually no impact on joints because the water supports your body, making it an ideal option for those with joint pain, injuries, or mobility issues.

Cycling is also low-impact but not quite as easy on the body as swimming. Depending on the type of bike, some individuals may struggle with mobility when cycling. (For example, on a road bike with drop bars, it can strain the neck and back to reach them. In such a case, a bike with an upright frame might be a better choice.)

Muscle Engagement: Swimming is a full-body workout, engaging both your upper and lower body, as well as your core. You’ll recruit more muscles in the arms and shoulders while swimming, compared to cycling, which primarily targets the lower body.

Which is better for you?

If you want a no-impact, full-body workout, swimming might be your best option. Keep in mind that sticking to a swimming plan requires having access to a lap pool, which isn’t feasible for everyone. Even though a bike can be a big investment, it may be the more accessible option in this case.

Cycling vs. Elliptical

Calorie Burn: Cycling burns more calories than elliptical training at the same effort level. For an 80 kg person, cycling at a moderate pace burns around 654 calories in 60 minutes, while a moderate 60-minute session on the elliptical burns about 409 calories.

Impact on Joints: Both are low-impact exercises, making them suitable for people with joint concerns. The elliptical may provide an advantage for people who struggle with mobility, because you remain in an upright position and don’t have to significantly flex the spine like on the bike.

Muscle Engagement: Elliptical machines engage both the upper and lower body, while cycling primarily focuses on your lower body, though the upper body and core are still engaged to some extent while riding a bike.

Which is better for you?

If you prefer a workout that engages your whole body, the elliptical may be the better choice. However, if you like the idea of getting outside and/or exercising with a community, cycling offers a more dynamic experience in that sense.

As always, the answer is: “It depends.”

Overall, “all forms of cardio are similar in their cardiovascular health and weight loss benefits,” says Rothstein. “The increased oxygen demand and overall cardiovascular stress will result in improved health and well-being. The ability to burn calories is also similar even if the rate might be different between types of cardio.”

Adaptations in stamina are where the most significant differences lie, says Rothstein. “We adapt based on the specific training stimulus, so in cyclists, stamina improvements will mostly be shown in cycling performance. For example, if you train cycling, you will not improve your running unless you also train as a runner. This is because even though both have cardiovascular adaptation benefits, the muscular adaptations will be specific to the type of training.”

In other words: Train what you want to be good at doing.

Cycling could be the best type of cardio exercise for you if:

• You have the means to purchase a bike and helmet, or a stationary bike (or access a gym or studio with stationary bikes).
• You like to exercise outside and have safe spaces to ride.
• You want to exercise with a community (we may be biased, but the cycling community is supportive and super fun!).
• You have joint concerns that take running off the table.
• You want an effective form of cardio exercise with lots of room for progression and improvements in fitness.
• You plan on doing other types of exercise to address bone health, such as walking or lifting weights.

This article first appeared on bicycling.com 

The post Is Cycling Good Cardio? Here’s How It Compares to Running and Swimming appeared first on Bicycling.

The opening 61km stage from Lourensford Wine Estate to Oak Valley Estate saw Torpado Kenda FSA claim their second victory in as many days, having also won the Prologue. The decisive move came on the historic Gantouw Pass, where Sosna-Pinelė and Marchet made better progress up the rocky wagon trail to open a gap of almost a minute over Sanders and Skarda.

However, Efficient Infiniti Scott Shimano made up the time on the technical descents and flowing singletrack, bringing the leading teams back together with around 20km remaining. The stage eventually came down to a sprint, with Sosna-Pinelė and Marchet edging out Sanders and Skarda for the win. Sarah Mare and Lilian Baber (Efficient Infiniti Insure) finished third.

Stage 2, a 64km loop through Oak Valley’s trail network, brought a change at the top of the general classification. Skarda set the pace before Vissie’s Magic, with Sanders bridging across after her teammate’s attack had split the leading group. The pair gradually extended their advantage over Torpado Kenda FSA to two minutes by the time they reached the new PC Play Park, 46km into the stage.

With just eight kilometres to go, racing at full speed on a descent, Sanders and Skarda overshot a turn and were forced to climb back up to the route as the chasing teams rapidly closed the gap, but the pair managed to hold on to win by 29 seconds. The result was enough to move them into the overall lead, with Torpado Kenda FSA second. Mare and Baber finished third again, moving into third on general classification ahead of e-Fort’s Margot Moschetti and Costanza Fasolis.

With just 29.6 seconds separating the top two teams, the 63km final stage from Oak Valley to Benguela Cove was set up for a close contest. Sanders and Skarda attacked early, but their rivals stayed in touch as the route climbed towards Houw Hoek.

The race took another turn at the foot of the Katpas descent when Marchet was forced to stop after a stick became lodged in her derailleur. Torpado Kenda FSA lost time, but a second navigation error by Sanders and Skarda near Beaumont Wines allowed them to regain contact. The leading pairs were together again by the second water point at Genevieve MCC.

The decisive move came on the climb alongside Karwyderskraal Road, around 46km into the stage. Sanders and Skarda finally managed to break clear and extended their advantage over the remaining kilometres to Benguela Cove, taking the stage win by more than a minute and securing the overall Elite Women’s title.

Sosna-Pinelė and Marchet finished second overall, while Mare and Baber completed the podium in third, rounding off three consistent days of racing with another third-place stage finish.

Click here for the full results.

Next in the Wines2Whales trilogy is the Pinotage, which takes places from 9 – 11 November, where E-Bikes take centre stage.

The post Sanders and Skarda Take 2026 Wines2Whales Title appeared first on Bicycling.

But behind the scenes, there are many things you have zero control over.

The first prize – always – is that the riders arrive at the start, ride 200km and finish the race, blissfully unaware of what actually happened in the lead-up to and during their epic ride.

You can’t control the weather, a collapsing road, a labour dispute, natural disasters, or the politics involved in closing public roads. Those issues become our problem, as organisers, and most of the time the riders know nothing about them. 

The first prize – always – is that the riders arrive at the start, ride 200km and finish the race, blissfully unaware of what actually happened in the lead-up to and during their epic ride.

RELATED: Double Century Survival Guide: What To Do Before, During and After

Roads to success

Roadworks have been a recurring challenge for us. About 12 years ago, serious flooding damaged Cogmanskloof Pass between Montagu and Ashton. The road had to be rebuilt and there was no way through, meaning we couldn’t do our traditional Double Century loop.

The provincial authorities eventually said we could use the route, but only if the contractors agreed; at that stage, the contractors had assumed legal responsibility for the road. Only one lane was open while they worked on the other, and they considered it too dangerous for cyclists.

We appealed, but they wouldn’t change their position. Eventually I tracked down their attorneys – and discovered that a senior person at the firm was someone I knew. Through discussions with them, we finally received permission to use the pass. We neutralised the race before the construction zone, and arranged to close the road for a limited period.

Disaster averted!

Driven to distraction

Once, two weeks before the DC, we received a call from the local taxi association.

The race was taking place near month-end, when people needed transport between Ashton and Montagu. Workers had to reach the Ashton canning factory, and residents needed to get into town to do their banking and shopping. We were told that we couldn’t close the pass, and the event might be boycotted.

We rushed to Montagu for a meeting with the association – and the municipal officials, road representatives, and other interested parties. After a lengthy discussion, I asked how many taxi trips would actually be affected by the closure. 

The answer: two.

We arranged for those passengers to be transported; problem solved. Subsequently, the taxi association has helped us with transport at the event! So, something that began as a potential confrontation developed into a useful relationship.

Nature knows best

The weather is less open to negotiation. 

In 2021, heavy rain fell on the morning of the race. The road through Suurbraak was flooded and unrideable, and we were receiving reports of rockfalls on Tradouw Pass.

We delayed the start by half an hour, and then by another half hour; but the rain did not let up. The traffic authorities told us we couldn’t delay indefinitely. Our advertised road-closure times affected freight, residents and other road users. If we waited much longer, the roads would have to reopen.

Then an official warned us that rocks were still falling on the pass. We didn’t know the full extent of the danger; but we had no doubt that if we sent riders through and somebody was struck by a rock, then as we had been warned about the risk, we would have been negligent.

We had to make a decision. The reputational consequences for the event and its sponsor were significant, but the safety consequences of proceeding could have been far worse. Ultimately, we cancelled.

Later that morning the sun came out, and it turned into a beautiful day. 

From the outside, it may have looked as though we’d made the wrong call. Some riders accused us of not understanding how much work it took to get a team to the start. But I understood it all very well! My team was due to start second, and I was standing there in my cycling kit. I, too, had trained and prepared. 

It was an extremely disappointing day, but I still believe cancelling was the correct decision.

There have been times when flood damage has forced us to find other solutions. On one occasion, roughly six weeks before the event, a section of road on the approach to Swellendam disappeared completely – water moving between dams above and below the road caused the surface to collapse. There was no obvious way to get riders from the second support point to the finish.

Working with local farmers, we found a small gravel road that crossed a dam wall and rejoined the route beyond the damaged section. Initially, the provincial authorities raised concerns about environmental approval and access across private land, but when we met the farmer, his response was simple: it was his land, he maintained the road, and we were welcome to use it.

We thought riders might still have to walk parts of the diversion. But on race morning the gravel was in excellent condition, and everybody rode it without difficulty.

RELATED: Insider Tips from the Man Who Helped Build the DC

Calming the cars

Traffic management has probably driven the biggest visible changes to the event. 

In the early years, riders had almost no support. Later, support vehicles were allowed onto the route – supposedly moving ahead of their teams, rather than following them. But in practice, many drivers followed their riders.

As the event grew, that became more dangerous. Vehicles stopped in unsuitable places, inexperienced drivers tried to manoeuvre between groups of cyclists, and faster teams arrived at speed just as slower teams were pulling back onto the road.

Removing support vehicles from the race route and creating neutral support zones was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Riders can stop safely now, meet their crews and refuel, away from moving traffic. Their race time is paused within the permitted limit, and they rejoin the route in a controlled environment.

Every rule usually has a problem behind it that we don’t want to experience again.

Some riders dislike neutral zones, but they exist for a reason. So do reverse-order starts, cut-off times, road closures, restrictions on support crews… Every rule usually has a problem behind it that we don’t want to experience again.

Anything can happen, and usually does

Agricultural politics is often part of our planning. The route passes through farming communities, so we maintain relationships with unions, municipalities and provincial departments. 

Over the years, there have been threats of farm-labour protests, linked to wage disputes. These may have nothing to do with the Double Century, but they can affect the accessibility of the roads we use; and therefore, they affect whether or not the event can proceed safely.

The same applies to fire. We monitor any fires in the region closely, particularly when strong winds are forecast. Wind itself is a constant concern; the south-easter can make an already difficult route considerably harder, especially for slower teams spending longer on the road.

These are all things that most Double Century riders never see. While they’re worrying about tired legs, team tactics and the next climb, we’re watching the weather, speaking to traffic officials, negotiating access, monitoring labour activity, and checking that the roads we use still exist!

But if we do our job properly, the riders will never need to know how close some of those problems came to changing their day.

The post Behind the Scenes of the Double Century: What Riders Never See appeared first on Bicycling.

Founded in 1917 in Italy, and headquartered in the US since 2014, Silca has built its reputation as the gold standard for cyclists who demand precision. With products like the iconic track pump found in pro team cars worldwide, titanium bottle cages, electric pumps, and tubeless tyre systems, Silca is synonymous with innovation and unrivalled attention to detail. Their products are still used at the top end of the sport. Silca Secret Chain Blend wax formula, for example, was developed in partnership with WorldTour team Visma-Lease a Bike – proof that when margins matter most, the world’s best teams turn to Silca.

Historically, Silca’s presence in the local market has been inconsistent, with limited stock and no real investment in bringing the brand’s full range to riders who want it.

South African cyclists have known the name, but not always the experience. Historically, Silca’s presence in the local market has been inconsistent, with limited stock and no real investment in bringing the brand’s full range to riders who want it. Artemis Brands has a track record of building trusted FMCG and baby care brands, and is applying that same discipline, consistent supply, retail partnership and long-term brand-building to the local cycling community for the first time.

Smooth is fast

A core focus of the launch is demonstrating how Silca’s range of products lowers the barrier to entry for chain waxing, a technology once reserved for the WorldTour peloton. The wax system, strip chips and endurance additives make waxing accessible to everyday riders who want faster, cleaner, longer-lasting drivetrains without the guesswork. Bicycling can confirm that the Silca Chain Waxing System is incredibly easy to use and gives you real performance gains on the bike – plus the peace of mind of not having to worry about lubing your chain the night before every ride.

The 600ml pot holds one length of chain, and the integrated chain stand and stainless steel chain coupler make it super easy to dip and dry your chain. If you’re prepping an older chain, the Silca Ultimate Chain Stripper and Wax Prep makes short work of grease and gunk, and the Secret Chain Blend wax chips melt into every roller to provide unrivalled lubrication and protection from penetrating grime.

If you’ve been put off waxing your chain because of the perceived complexity, the Silca Chain Waxing System will change your mind. It’s quick, simple and fun. Your drivetrain will be faster and more efficient, and your components will last longer. Chain waxing is a no-brainer.

Money Saver

While watt savings grab all the headlines, what’s often overlooked is the reduction in wear on your drivetrain, and the real Rand savings that come with it. Zero Friction Cycling’s (ZFC) 2024 Lubricant Test Data suggests that Silca Secret Chain Blend wax can reduce drivetrain wear by up to 4.5 times. On a top-tier groupset like SRAM Red XPLR, that works out to a saving of around R10 000 over 10 000km, even after you’ve factored in the initial cost of the wax and pot!

Find out more

For a list of stockists, or to become one, contact Artemis Brands: info@artemisbrands.co.za. Follow the journey on Instagram: @Silca_Southafrica

The post Legendary Italian Brand, Silca, Returns in SA appeared first on Bicycling.

Hugo Drechou (Gravel Nation) and Alexis Skarda (SCOTT-SRAM) each took prestigious final stage victories. Drechou outsprinted the lead group to claim his first stage win of the week, while Skarda soloed to victory after accelerating away from the Pro Women’s bunch in the final kilometres.

The final stage of 2026 Gravel Burn was shortened to 59.5km with 1,050m of climbing. The shorter day still proved thrilling from the start, as the GC contenders in both the Pro Men’s and Pro Women’s fields fought with everything they had overturn their time deficits on the gravel roads of Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

While the pros battled for points and positions, the rest of the field set off into Big 5 territory for the final stage. Some had ambitions of securing their place in the age-group categories, while others celebrated an incredible week on the bike with friends old and new. A final liaison through Shamwari Private Game Reserve led the riders back to the Burn Camp on Stage 7, capping off Edition #2 of the gravel stage race across the Great Karoo into wildlife country.

Pro Men’s Race:
The shortened route made for added pressure on Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM) and Tristan Nortje (Toyota Specialized Imbuko), who started the day second and third respectively. With fewer kilometres to race, there were fewer opportunities to attack and make up time on GC leader Matt Beers. But that didn’t stop them from trying.

“I loaded my XC legs this morning and made it as hard as I could.”

Colombo, who started the day just 32 seconds behind the Orange Jersey, was the most combative rider of the day, launching attack after attack in a bid to claw back time. “I loaded my XC legs this morning and made it as hard as I could,” he said.

The Toyota Power Climb, which came within the first 10km, was a pivotal moment in the Pro Men’s Race. Felix Stehli (SCOTT-SRAM) went all in for teammate Colombo, driving the pace up the climb to try to force a gap before dropping off once over the top. The pace was so high that Beers posted the fastest time on the section, though it had no impact on the final Power Climber standings.

Over the top, SCOTT-SRAM’s Colombo and Andri Frischknecht, along with Georg Egger (Orbea Speed Company), Marc Pritzen (Honeycomb 226ers), and Travis Stedman and Jaedon Terlouw (Toyota Specialized Imbuko), drove the pace and eventually distanced Nortje.

Teamwork came to the fore as Nortje was dragged back to the lead group by teammate Inus du Preez, an effort that undoubtedly helped secure Nortje’s third place on GC.

“I knew today was going to be super hard, and I started the day not feeling great,” said Nortje. “There were only 20 seconds between me and Filippo, and I got dropped. Big credit to my teammate Inus, who pulled me all the way back to the group. I don’t think I would have made it back to the front and been in the sprint without him.”

Approaching Alicedale, the 13-man lead group was dominated by the red and blue of Toyota Specialized Imbuko. The speed lifted on every incline, driven almost entirely by Colombo on his mission to claim the top step of the podium. Each attack gained him a few metres before Beers steadily reeled him back in.

With 5km to go, Marcel Camprubi (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling) attacked and opened a 40-second gap. Colombo took charge and pulled the bunch back to Camprubi’s wheel, setting up the final sprint of 2026.

As the finish line approached, Drechou launched from the back of the group and surged up the right-hand side to take his first stage win of the week. Stedman crossed the line second and Colombo third, both one second behind.

Beers finished sixth in the tight group, to claim his second Gravel Burn title in as many years.

“I love stage racing and I love gravel, so this suits me. I had a really lucky week and it was such a close race.”

“The racing was a lot more intense and tactical this year. Filippo made my life properly difficult and gave it everything,” said Beers. “There was too much wind to do anything today other than cover the moves. I just had to race a clever race. Sometimes it’s boring, but often that’s how you win.

“I love stage racing and I love gravel, so this suits me. I had a really lucky week and it was such a close race. Racing abroad is always really hard, but racing at home on a big stage like this is great. I always try to take advantage of it and represent South Africa.”

Beers and Colombo went head to head all week in a battle that will go down in the race’s history books.

“I got away a few times, but it was only ever a few metres, and Matt responded every time,” said Colombo. “Chapeau to Matt for an amazing ride; he deserved to win. I have no regrets. I loved the camping and being in the middle of nowhere. There’s no other race that can deliver an experience like this.”

Pro Women’s Race:
Stage 7 started with 56 seconds separating Nele Laing (Canyon DT Swiss ATR) from her nearest rival, Hayley Preen (ChemChamp Honeycomb). With just 59.5km left to race, the ball was in Preen’s court: she would need to make the racing if she was to have any chance of taking the Orange Jersey from Laing, who had held it since Stage 1.

On the Power Climb, Gravel Burn 2025 winner Axelle Dubau-Prevot (EF Education-Oatly) launched a fierce attack. The group reacted immediately, and Preen posted the fastest time of the day in the Pro Women’s Toyota Power Climber competition. The result secured her the jersey, though it wasn’t her main objective. She wanted to win on GC.

Alexis Skarda (SCOTT-SRAM), Olivia Hottinger (SCOTT-SRAM), Laing, Preen and Clara Koppenburg (Tudor Pro Cycling) went over the climb together. Preen tried to force a break, but Laing was quick to mark the move.

The group stayed together from there, with Laing’s eyes fixed firmly on her rival. That focus gave Skarda the opportunity to get away in the closing kilometres.

“I spotted the chance to get away as the GC contenders were so focused on each other,” said Skarda. “I used the momentum from the final descent and just accelerated hard. I was able to hold it to the line, and I’m super happy to win the stage and take sixth overall!”

The stage win was a result Skarda was overjoyed with after a tough start to the 2026 event.

Approaching the final finish line, Laing accelerated away from the bunch and showed why she had worn Orange since arriving at Blaauwater Farm after Stage 1. She took an additional 9 seconds out of Preen on her way to the top step of the Pro Women’s podium.

“Being here in this beautiful environment in South Africa is special, and being here with my whole team was the best way to end the season.”

“I was a little nervous this morning because I felt the pressure. We wanted to get the climber’s jersey back and keep the GC,” said Laing. “I was also quite excited about the race being shortened, as we knew the GC was pretty much safe. This was my first gravel stage race, and my first stage race this long. Being here in this beautiful environment in South Africa is special, and being here with my whole team was the best way to end the season.”

Preen finished third on the stage and second overall.

“It’s been an amazing season. Last year I finished third and this year second,” said Preen, having placed second overall in the 2026 Lifetime Grand Prix Series. “Obviously I wanted the top step, but I’m very proud of second. I did everything I could, and I’m really happy to have been on the podium for five out of seven stages, with my stage wins and the Toyota Power Climber Jersey. The racing has been so aggressive and fun, and women’s racing is only improving!”

Koppenburg finished third overall in the Pro Women’s Race, 4:28 behind Laing.

General Classification After Stage 7:

Pro Men

1. Matt Beers • Toyota Specialized | 17:47:42
2. Filippo Colombo • SCOTT-SRAM | 17:48:14 (+0:32)
3. Tristan Nortje • Toyota Specialized Imbuko | 17:48:41 (+0:59)

Pro Women

1. Nele Laing • Canyon DT Swiss ATR | 21:41:50
2. Hayley Preen • ChemChamp Honeycomb | 21:42:55 (+1:05)
3. Clara Marie Koppenburg • Tudor Pro Cycling | 21:46:18 (+4:28)

Teams Classification

Pro Men – Winners
Toyota Specialized Imbuko | 125 points

Pro Women – Winners
Canyon DT Swiss ATR | 140 points

2027 Nedbank Gravel Burn Entries Open on 5 November 2026.
The 2027 Nedbank Gravel Burn will be held over six days, compared to the previous two editions of seven. Entries to the event can be secured here: www.gravel-burn.com

The post Gravel Burn 2026: Beers and Laing Conquer the Great Karoo appeared first on Bicycling.