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Tag: Cycling

  • Paige Greco, Paralympic gold medalist, dies at 28

    ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Australian cyclist Paige Greco, a Paralympic gold medalist, has died. She was 28.

    A joint statement by the Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian cycling federation said that Greco “passed away in her Adelaide home after experiencing a sudden medical episode” on Sunday.

    “Paige meant everything to us,” her mother Natalie Greco said.” Her kindness, her determination and her warmth touched our family every single day. She brought so much joy and pride into our lives, and the pain of her passing is something we will carry forever.

    “While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and the way she represented Australia.”

    Greco, who was born with cerebral palsy, won the first gold medal of the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, breaking her own world record in the women’s C1-3 3,000-meter individual pursuit.

    She went on to add bronze medals in the road race and time trial.

    Greco also won multiple world championship titles and World Cup medals, after bursting onto the para-cycling scene with three world records, two gold medals and a silver at the 2019 track world championship — just a year after switching to cycling from para-athletics.

    Cameron Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Paralympics Australia said the loss one of the brightest young stars of the Australian Paralympic Movement was devastating.

    “The sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia today is a reflection of the enormous regard in which she was held,” said Cameron Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Paralympics Australia. “Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person.

    “Her achievements on the international stage were exceptional, but it was her kindness, her quiet determination and the way she uplifted people around her that will stay with us all. She had a rare ability to make people feel included and supported, and her influence will no doubt leave a lasting impression on so many.”

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    AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

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  • This Wildly Popular Bike Brand Is on the Brink of Going Bust

    Rad Power Bikes, once the largest e-bike brand in North America, is on the cusp of shuttering as sudden growth during the pandemic has dwindled. 

    A spokesperson said Monday that the Ballard, Washington-based company “may be forced to cease operations” after it was unable to locate outside partners or funding. The company filed a notice with the state on November 11 that said 64 workers in Seattle would be laid off. 

    Heightened demand during the pandemic forced several e-bike companies to up their inventories and operations. Now, sales are falling.

    Rad Power helped popularized electric bikes in the U.S. Founded in 2007 by Mike Radenbaugh and Ty Collins, the company produced affordable e-bike models that were easy to operate. At the time, their competitors were hitting higher price points—often more than twice as expensive.

    Shortly before the pandemic, Bicycling Magazine praised the Rad Power RadCity commuter bike as, “the affordable e-bike that can change your life.” The complete bike, shipped direct to your door was priced well under $2,000, while at the least, comparable options from Trek or Specialized ran from over $3,000 to $5,000.

    A decade later the brand was selling in Europe, operating from the Netherlands. And then when Covid-19 broke out, it folks sought bikes as a socially-distanced way to recreate and get outside.

    Between February 2020 and October 2021, the Rad brand raised over $300 million in investment. By 2021, it was valued at $1.65 billion. 

    But the company’s response to that surge in demand seems to have set it up to fail in the long run. 

    Rad Power “appeared to position itself for the kind of explosive growth it experienced during the pandemic but that waned in recent years,” said Micah Toll, a writer at Electrek.

    The company faced product recalls and lawsuits in response to a battery fire and the death of a 12-year-old rider in 2021.

    They began restructuring through layoffs in 2022 with a new CEO, and then hired another, Kathi Lentzsch, this past March. Lentzsch said the company would be focusing on brick-and-mortar retail. At the moment, Rad Power stores exist in nine cities across North America, including Seattle. 

    The company hasn’t made any final decisions, but it has said it’s committed to being transparent with staff about a potential closure. 

    The early-rate deadline for the 2026 Inc. Regionals Awards is Friday, November 14, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.

    Ava Levinson

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  • From a few to more than 350, children and parents ride together to school as a ‘bike bus’

    MONTCLAIR, New Jersey (AP) — On a sunny fall morning, children wearing helmets and backpacks gathered with their parents in Montclair, New Jersey, for a group bicycle ride to two local elementary schools. Volunteers in orange safety vests made sure everyone assembled in a neighborhood shopping area was ready before the riders set off on their 5-mile “bike bus” route.

    Every few blocks, more adults and kids on bikes joined in. Eventually, the group grew to over 350 people. Older students chatted with friends, while younger ones focused on pedaling. Cars along the way stopped to let the long line of cyclists pass. Pupils and parents peeled off toward the first school before the remainder reached the group’s final stop.

    It’s a familiar Friday scene in Montclair. For the past three years, what began as a handful of parents hoping to encourage their kids to bike to school has grown into a weekly ritual for both the township of about 40,000 residents and many of its families.

    “It was so fun,” second grader Gigi Drucker, 7, said upon arriving at Nishuane Elementary School. “The best way to get to school is by bike because it gives you more exercise. It’s healthier for the Earth,” she added.

    But traveling to school on two wheels isn’t just for fun, according to organizer Jessica Tillyer, whose are 6 and 8 years old. She believes that biking together each week helps promote healthy habits for the children and strengthens the sense of community among parents.

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    “And it really started because a small group of us, about five parents, all wanted to ride to school with our kids and just felt like it wasn’t safe. And for me, I felt kind of lonely riding by myself to school. So, bike bus just took off as a small effort. And now we can have up to 400 people riding together to school,” Tillyer said.

    The bike bus movement isn’t new. Hundreds of them exist throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as in Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia and Israel, according to Bike Bus World, a nonprofit organization that promotes and provides information about bike buses.

    Co-founder Sam Balto, who established a bike bus in Portland, Oregon, more than three years ago, said interest has grown so much that he offers free coaching calls to help others launch their own. He estimates there are more than 400 routes worldwide, and the number continues to grow.

    “Children and families are craving community and physical activity and being outdoors. And when you present that versus a school car line, people naturally gravitate to something that’s super joyful and community-driven,” Balto said.

    Organizers hope the bike bus movement will not only get more children on their bikes but also push elected officials in the United States and abroad to invest in safer biking infrastructure.

    While starting a bike bus may not be difficult, keeping it running year-round through different seasons takes more effort. Organizers of successful rides shared advice for parents hoping to create their own.

    Plan and communicate

    Andrew Hawkins, one of the leaders of Montclair Bike Bus, said that once enough families express interest, the first step is to plan a route carefully. That means identifying streets with low traffic while considering how many students can join at the starting point and along the way.

    “It took us a while to come up with a route we were happy with, but we’re still ready to adjust if necessary,” Hawkins said. “Things can change. It could be that new groups of students move into a certain block, or traffic patterns shift, and you have to adapt.”

    The Montclair group started via word of mouth and social media posts. As the number of participants grew, the organizers created a chat group to coordinate and share weekly updates. They also reached out to other families through PTAs, school forums and other parent communication channels.

    One unexpected benefit, several parents said, is the bike bus motivates children to get up and out the door more quickly on Friday mornings.

    “He’s more excited to get out of bed for the bike bus than for the regular bus. So actually, I have an easier time getting him ready for school,” said Gene Gykoff, who rides with his son to the boy’s elementary school.

    To keep momentum going all year, the Montclair Bike Bus team organizes themed rides on weekends and holidays. These events also allow families who can’t join on weekday mornings to experience what the bike bus is all about before committing to a regular schedule.

    Start young and go slow

    Montclair Bike Bus consists of multiple adult-led groups and routes that encompass all of the township’s elementary schools and middle schools. Organizers think the primary grades are when children benefit most from cycling with a group. Students in the first few years of school can learn about riding safely and apply those skills when they bike on their own or in small groups as they get older.

    The Montclair parents found that most elementary school students can handle a distance of 3-5 miles, and the group travels at a speed of around 6 miles per hour so the younger kids can keep up.

    “The slow speed can be tough for some of our older kids who want to go a little bit faster. We tell them there’s no racing on the bike bus — everyone gets to school at the same time. But there have been occasions where we’ve had to split the ride into two groups so that some of the older kids can go a little bit faster than the younger kids,” Hawkins said.

    Be consistent no matter the weather

    Keeping a bike bus going year-round requires consistency, which means preparing to pedal when it’s raining or cold outside, Balto and Hawkins said. Leaders monitor weather forecasts and decide whether to cancel a Friday ride due to unsafe conditions or to proceed as planned while reminding families to dress appropriately.

    “As it gets colder, we tell everyone to make sure they have the right gear — gloves, neck warmers, warm jackets,” Hawkins said. “The idea is that kids should feel comfortable riding all year.”

    The Montclair bike bus secured reflective vests and bike lights from sponsors to increase visibility on dark winter mornings. Leaders also carry basic maintenance tools, such as tire pumps.

    Weather is often more of a concern for adults than it is for children, Balto observed. “Kids want to be outside with their friends,” he said. “If you’re going to do this in all weather, just do it consistently. People will get used to it, and they’ll start joining you.”

    Just do it

    Despite all the planning and coordination involved in running a regular bike bus, experienced organizers say the key is simply to start. It can be as informal as two families riding to school together and sharing a flyer to spread the word, Balto said.

    “If you’re consistent — once a week, once a month, once a season — it will grow,” he said.

    Tillyer said she gives the same advice to anyone who asks how to begin: just go for it.

    “Don’t ask for permission. Don’t worry about what it’s going to take,” she said. “Find a small group of people, get on your bikes and ride to school. Once people experience it and enjoy it, more will want to join.”

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  • You Can Ride the Lectric XP4 for Over 50 Miles and Fit It In Your Car Trunk

    Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani

    Granted, this is probably only the case for big people like me (6’ 4”, 255 pounds, and with very broad shoulders) and it might not even register for average-sized people. In fact, at 6’ 4”, I’m an inch too big for the XP4, at least according to the brand, which says the bike fits riders 4’ 10” to 6’ 3”. But that extra inch feels negligible, as, over my first 150 miles on the bike, my legs have yet to feel hemmed in by my saddle height.

    Speaking of that saddle, the bike’s seat post features an integrated suspension coil, offering 40 mm of travel. While, in theory, some rear suspension is welcome, I felt as though, every time the coil compressed, it was actually my seat tube slipping down into the frame. It was a strange sensation and one I must admit that, some 200 miles into riding the bike, I haven’t quite gotten used to.

    Something else I don’t love about the XP4 is its old-school, one-sided kickstand. A bike of this heft should feature a motor-scooter-style stand that retracts from beneath the bottom-bracket, giving even support to both sides of the machine. The one-sided kickstand, however, often finds itself (and me!) fighting gravity when I’m trying to lock the bike up on anything resembling an incline.

    All told, those very few shortcomings are hardly enough to make me not love the XP4 750, as it’s smooth ride, extra-long range, handsome design, and litany of aftermarket add-ons make this a bike I would commute with for a long, long time.

    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani

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  • Philly nonprofit teaches young girls about the ‘Cycles of Healing’

    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — This Philly nonprofit is teaching girls how to know their worth.

    The organization focuses on empowering youth through their programming and mentorship.

    “Know Your Worth Girls Inc. is about providing a safe haven. We’re a nonprofit organization…Philadelphia based, helping those at-risk girls that really need it. Being able to give them that love and teaching them about self-love,” said Assistant Director, Kyasia Bess.

    They hopped on bikes this morning for their “Cycles of Healing” event.

    While riding through nature, they also stopped at their own stations to receive affirmations and process emotions.

    For more information, check out the video above.

    Also, check out their website.

    Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

    Nick Iadonisi

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  • Cycling team Israel Premier Tech rebrands and drops national identity

    Israel Premier Tech is changing its name and moving away from its national identity, the cycling team said Monday.

    The decision comes less than two weeks after the team was excluded from a race in Italy over concerns about pro-Palestinian protests, and less than a month after the Spanish Vuelta was repeatedly disrupted by protests against Israel Premier Tech.

    “With steadfast commitment to our riders, staff and valued partners, the decision has been made to rename and rebrand the team, moving away from its current Israeli identity,” the team said in a statement on its website. “In sport, progress often requires sacrifice, and this step is essential to securing the future of the team.”

    It said co-owner Sylvan Adams, an Israeli-Canadian billionaire, “has chosen to step back from his day-to-day involvement and will no longer speak on behalf of the team, instead focusing on his role as President of the World Jewish Congress, Israel.”

    “Although a new chapter awaits, one that will be revealed soon, the team will remain true to its founding promise: to develop cycling talent from around the world,” the team said.

    Premier Tech is a multinational company based in Quebec, Canada. It had already showed its intention to rebrand after the widespread protests against the team.

    Organizers of the Giro dell’Emilia race excluded Israel Premier Tech over possible disruptions if the team was to participate. During the Spanish Vuelta, several stages were disrupted, with some cut short and others interrupted.

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    AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling

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  • The Best Bike Helmets for Protecting Your Noggin

    Most helmets can be broken down into three distinct categories.

    A commuter or everyday helmet exists to keep your head safe and little else. Sure, some look cooler than others, some are more ventilated than others, and some offer a bit more comfort than others. But in the end, your everyday helmet puts safety at the fore.

    Road helmets take aerodynamics, ventilation, and weight into account. As befits a highly aerobic sport, a road helmet must consider factors like fighting the wind, regulating your body’s temperature, and keeping your neck comfortable, which are essential parts of road cycling.

    Mountain biking helmets offer more protection down the back of the skull, are often outfitted with sun-blocking visors (as aerodynamics are far less important on a mountain bike ride), and will sometimes even include clips to fasten eye protection or googles.

    You can really get into the weeds with helmets made for gravel riding, downhill or cross-country mountain biking, aero, or full-faced protection. Finally, remember that helmets are not meant to be worn after a crash. Even if the spill is minor and the helmet looks and feels perfectly fine, trash it and get a new one.

    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani

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  • Social Media Star Fontenoy Breaks World Record Cycling up Eiffel Tower

    PARIS (Reuters) -Cyclist and social media sensation Aurelien Fontenoy became the fastest athlete ever to climb to the second floor of France’s Eiffel Tower on an all-terrain bike, the monument’s operator said on Friday.

    Fontenoy on Thursday climbed 686 steps of the monument to reach the second-floor platform, the last accessible by stairs, in 12 minutes and 30 seconds, the Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel said in a statement.

    He broke the previous record by almost seven minutes. In order to claim the title, Fontenoy’s feet were not allowed to touch the ground.

    “I did not expect to take this little time,” Fontenoy said after the feat. The Eiffel Tower “is really a symbol, it is really the monument that I wanted to climb,” he added.

    As part of his project “The Climb”, Fontenoy cycled in 2021 to the top of the 140-metre high Trinity Tower, also in Paris, and this year he climbed Tallinn’s TV Tower in Estonia.

    (Reporting by Alessandro Parodi and Manuel Ausloos, editing by Ken Ferris)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Sept. 2025

    Reuters

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  • Pride and excitement as Africa hosts road cycling world championships for the first time

    KIGALI, Rwanda — On a busy roadside in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, Ronald Yiga bent over his racing bicycle, inspecting the wheels.

    Dressed in shiny black sweatpants, a yellow, red and green top and a helmet, the 32-year-old cyclist was preparing for the road cycling world championships in neighboring Rwanda, the first time the event has taken place in Africa in its 104-year history.

    For Yiga and colleagues from his Fun Cycling Club, a small but growing community of riders in Uganda, the competition offered a chance to race alongside their heroes and maybe catapult a sport in Africa that has long felt like a pastime.

    “This is so big for the continent,” said Yiga, who took up cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic to ride around lockdown public transport restrictions.

    Yiga said he will be excited to see Tadej Pogačar, the reigning road race world champion and four-time Tour de France winner, in this week’s championships in Rwanda. The Slovenian rider will compete Sunday in the men’s elite road race, with the women’s race set for Saturday.

    “I can’t wait to see him (Pogačar) … because I have been seeing him on TV in the Tour de France. I can’t wait,” said the full-time cellphone repairer, before setting out on a 100-kilometer training ride.

    For Aziz Ssempijja, Yiga’s teammate, it is more than just representing Uganda.

    “I might perform well in these championships and you never know I might get a team that can be able to spot my talent … that can push my skills to the next level,” he said.

    “This could open doors for us,” adds Rwandan national team cyclist Eric Manizabayo. “It’s about my future.”

    Like others from Mali or South Sudan, many African riders race with vintage rim-brake bikes when professionals ride much more expensive machines. Yet they remain undeterred.

    The championships could provide a breakthrough moment for Africa, said Jacques Landry, director of the World Cycling Center, a development initiative set up by world cycling body UCI.

    “They’re not a finality of what’s going on in Africa. They’re a rebirth of what can happen moving forward. I think for most of the national federations, they do see it as a way to ignite more activities in Africa, the linchpin of African cycling,” said Landry.

    Across sub-Saharan Africa, cycling is still considered low-key, often associated with commuters or those of modest means. But its popularity is rising, with more local competitions giving riders, including children, “a race to go to, whereas before there were no races,” said Landry.

    Thousands of visitors have descended on Kigali, where the competition runs until Sunday. A global audience of over 300 million is expected to watch elite riders from about 100 nations test themselves on courses, including the men’s 273-kilometer (179-mile) road race on Sunday up the Mur du Kigali with over 3,500 meters of elevation gain.

    “This is our moment to show the world Rwanda’s spirit,” said Eric Mupenzi, a motorcycle taxi operator navigating the capital’s police-controlled streets. “We will line the hills and roar for every rider, like the whole city is pedaling together,” he said.

    “We will cheer so loud that the world can hear us,” vowed Jean de Dieu Uwimana, a fan in Kigali.

    Rwanda has invested in turning its hilly terrain into a launchpad for world-class cycling.

    “We have gone from community competitions to hosting the world,” said Valentin Bigango, vice president of the Rwanda Cycling Federation. “This is about legacy, inspiring our young talents, growing tourism, and proving Africa is ready.”

    The championships crown years of effort by Rwanda to project itself through sport.

    President Paul Kagame’s administration has invested in venues like the $100 million BK Arena, which hosted the Basketball Africa League finals, struck partnerships with European soccer teams, and may bid to host Formula 1’s first African Grand Prix in more than three decades.

    “The sky is the limit,” Kagame said earlier this year while inaugurating a new sports facility in Kigali. “Sports can bring tens of billions to Africa, and we must be part of that story.”

    But Rwanda’s sporting ambitions are not without controversy. Rights groups accuse the government of repression and using high-profile events to “sportswash” its image. U.S. senators last year warned the NBA against complicity in abuses through its Rwanda partnerships.

    The conflict in eastern Congo, where Rwanda is accused of backing the M23 rebel group, had cast doubt on these cycling championships going ahead in Rwanda.

    Still, enthusiasm in the streets is hard to miss. Motorcycle taxi operators pause rides to talk about their favorite cyclists. Market vendors line the hillsides to watch. Children peer out from the crowd to cheer.

    Ugandan cyclists see it much the same. Yiga believes the races will lift not only Rwanda but the entire region’s tourism industry.

    “These championships have never been in Africa so it’s going to help us a lot. We Africans need to give a good performance so that Europeans can also know that Africans can do cycling,” said his teammate, Ssempijja.

    ___

    Mutsaka reported from Harare, Zimbabwe.

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    AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

    AP Africa sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports-africa

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  • Vingegaard concedes lead to Gaudu on tiebreaker rule as Turner wins 4th stage of Spanish Vuelta

    VOIRON, France — Jonas Vingegaard conceded the overall lead of the Spanish Vuelta just like he had hinted he would do in the fourth stage Tuesday, as the race left Italy and crossed into France.

    British rider Ben Turner won the stage in a sprint finish for his first victory at a Grand Tour, while French rider David Gaudu replaced Vingegaard in the red jersey.

    Gaudu and Vingegaard remain level on time but Gaudu went top based on the tiebreaker between the two riders, determined by adding all the stage results since the start.

    Gaudu needed to finish eight places ahead of Vingegaard on Tuesday and crossed 25th while two-time Tour de France champion Vingegaard was 42nd.

    “I’m going to do what I usually do in these types of stages. I’m not going to risk anything,” Vingegaard said before the stage.

    Gaudu, who won the third stage, donned the red jersey on home soil.

    Giulio Ciccone remained third overall, eight seconds behind.

    Turner was a late call-up to the Ineos Grenadiers team after some impressive recent results. But his chain came off during the race’s first sprint.

    “It was a crazy week,” Turner said.

    The 206-kilometer (128-mile) route from Susa to Voiron began with a series of climbs before a flatter finish.

    The race returns to Spain in Stage 5 on Wednesday with a 24.1 (15-mile) team time trial in Figueres. Vingegaard’s Visma-Lease a Bike team is among the favorites to win the team time trial — which would enable him to reclaim the red jersey.

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    AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling

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  • Salem adds e-bikes to Bluebikes sharing program

    SALEM — The city of Salem recently expanded its bike share program with the introduction of 20 pedal-assist electric bikes that are now available to ride at Bluebikes stations around the city.

    The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Shared Streets and Spaces grant program will fully fund the purchase of the e-bikes and fund continued program operations costs. The 20 new e-bikes, as well as about 100 conventional bikes, can be found at 18 stations in Salem.


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    By Michael McHugh | Staff Writer

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  • Today in History: October 22, Lance Armstrong stripped of Tour titles

    Today in History: October 22, Lance Armstrong stripped of Tour titles

    Today is Tuesday, Oct. 22, the 296th day of 2024. There are 70 days left in the year.

    Today in history:

    On Oct. 22, 2012, cyclist Lance Armstrong was formally stripped of his seven Tour de France victories and received a lifetime ban from Olympic sports after the International Cycling Union chose not to appeal doping charges against Armstrong by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

    Also on this date:

    In 1836, Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first constitutionally elected president of the Republic of Texas.

    In 1928, Republican presidential nominee Herbert Hoover spoke of the “American system of rugged individualism” in a speech at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

    In 1934, bank robber Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd was shot to death by federal agents and local police at a farm near East Liverpool, Ohio.

    In 1962, in a nationally broadcast address, President John F. Kennedy revealed the presence of Soviet-built missile bases under construction in Cuba and announced a naval blockade of all offensive military equipment being shipped to the Communist island nation.

    In 1968, Apollo 7 returned safely from Earth orbit, splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean.

    In 1995, the largest gathering of world leaders in history marked the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.

    In 2014, a gunman shot and killed a soldier standing guard at a war memorial in Ottawa, then stormed the Canadian Parliament building before he himself was shot and killed.

    In 2016, the Chicago Cubs won their first pennant since 1945, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. (The Cubs would go on to beat Cleveland in the World Series in seven games.)

    Today’s birthdays: Black Panthers co-founder Bobby Seale is 88. Actors Christopher Lloyd and Derek Jacobi are 86. Actor Tony Roberts is 85. Actor Catherine Deneuve is 81. Physician and author Deepak Chopra is 78. Actor Jeff Goldblum is 72. Actor-comedian Bob Odenkirk is 62. Olympic gold medal figure skater Brian Boitano is 61. Country singer Shelby Lynne and reggae deejay and singer Shaggy are 56. Film director Spike Jonze is 55. Argentine President Javier Milei is 54. Former MLB All-Star Ichiro Suzuki is 51. Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson is 49. Actor Corey Hawkins is 36. Actor Jonathan Lipnicki is 34. Rapper 21 Savage is 32.

    Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

    By The Associated Press

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  • Brompton Electric G Line Review: Stupid Amounts of Fun

    Brompton Electric G Line Review: Stupid Amounts of Fun

    I just had fun riding a Brompton. Actual, smile-inducing, adrenalin-fuelled fun, on a fold up bicycle. I’ve ridden many Bromptons and find them to be ingeniously portable feats of commuter engineering, but never especially fun. But here I am, careering along muddy forest paths, flying up hills and bouncing over tree roots … on a Brompton.

    My grin comes courtesy of the new Brompton Electric G Line, the most radical redesign in the brand’s 50 year history. It’s still unmistakably a Brompton; it still folds to a third of its size, can be carried (just), and pushed around train stations and subways with ease. But instead of the usual asphalt-friendly, weight-saving 16-inch tires, the G Line has 20-inch cushy Schwalbe G-One tan wall tires. For all intents and purposes, it’s a big wheel folding all-terrain gravel bike.

    A first-person view of the handlebars on the Brompton Electric G Line.

    Photograph: Chris Haslam

    The handlebars are wide, like a regular hybrid bike, and there are disc brakes (the first time on a Brompton) and a Shimano 4- or 8-speed gear system. It is available in electric and non-electric models, in Forest Green, Adventure Orange and Traildust White, both with and without rack and mudguards. There’s also a choice of small, medium and large sizes. With the standard Brompton you can choose the style and height of handlebars, and adjust the seat height accordingly, but with the G Line, the ergonomics are tweaked to offer better balance depending on your height. Just. Like. A. Regular. Bike.

    Smooth Operator

    I’ve been riding the Electric G Line for two weeks, and it just doesn’t handle like a Brompton. The wibble-wobble steering has gone, as has the bone-shaking ride over anything but smooth tarmac. London streets are not forgiving, but the G Line soaks up every bump with ease.

    That’s only enhanced further by the 250-watt rear-mounted hub motor (15.5-mph limit), which pushes hard when needed and removes any effort on the flat. According to Brompton, the new motor was put through its paces on a 24/7 durability rig, with more than 20 motors going through a combined mileage of over 1,000,000 kilometers (62,137 miles).

    I didn’t quite manage those numbers, but in real-world conditions, the motor kicks in smoothly and helps glide you along with minimal effort. There are three levels of power assistance, each impacting on the bike’s range, but for me, the mid-power option offers all the help I need, and makes for a fun ride—both on and off road.

    The redesigned battery pack clips neatly into the front bracket, and offers 345 kWh of power and a range of 20–40 miles (30–60 kilometers). It ejects easily, and takes around four hours to fully charge. There’s also an app, and while it wasn’t ready for my pre-launch test, it will include over-the-air updates, power mode controls, distance tracking and battery life information.

    On the Electric G Line, a nine-watt front light and one-watt rear light do a good job illuminating the road or trail ahead. There are mounting points on the elongated front set and forks for water bottle cages and packs, while the rear rack has ample space for more luggage. There’s also a range of luggage options, including generous satchels with battery storage built in. It will be interesting to see if this bike can carry enough for a bike packing or touring weekend.

    Heavy Lifting

    Until now, Brompton built bikes for cities. It has sold over a million since 1975, and the combination of teeny wheels and peerless folding mechanism makes them unbeatable for final-mile commuting. They also fold up small enough to be taken with you wherever you go. And they need to, because a Brompton chained up in London won’t stay chained up for long.

    But the G Line isn’t designed for commuters; it’s built for trails, and while the ride off road is assured, well balanced, comfortable and stupid amounts of fun, the bike is heavier as a result. A small-frame eight-speed non-electric G Line Brompton weighs from 30.6 pounds (13.9 kilograms), which is six-and-a-half pounds (three kilos) heavier than a standard model (24.2 pounds / 11 kilograms). The standard electric model weighs from 36.6 pounds (16.6 kilograms), and the design I’ve been testing clocks in at 42.9 pounds (19.5 kilograms), including the battery.

    A photograph of the Brompton GLine electric bicycle against a tree in a trail in the woods.

    Photograph: Chris Haslam

    A photograph of the Brompton Electric G Line electric bicycle while folded on a trail in the woods.

    Photograph: Chris Haslam

    That means carrying it for any length of time has the potential to be hernia-inducing, and makes the Electric G Line a chunk to carry up and down stairs. The way the folded frame is engineered means the weight is at least evenly distributed, but there’s no doubt that it’s heavy. Sensing this, Brompton has redesigned the rolling wheels to include bearings, making it significantly smoother to push (or pull) than a standard Brompton. If you are going to be taking your Electric G Line on public transport, be prepared to mix up carrying and wheeling to save your arms.

    That said, for a folding electric bike, the Brompton’s weight is in line with the competition. The £2,899 Volt Lite weighs a little less (39.6 pounds / 18 kilograms with battery), as does the £1,299 ADO Air 20, although ADO does have a sensationally light Carbon model that weighs just 27.5 pounds (12.5 kilograms). None of these bikes fold as elegantly as the Brompton though, nor offer the same big bike ride experience.

    A Blast to Ride

    While still champions of the folding bike sector then, Brompton is playing catch up with the electric market. And while I’m not faulting the performance, the battery pack design feels something of an afterthought. I look forward to a purpose-built electric Brompton (in Titanium) when it happens though.

    On first impression I thought the G Line was unacceptably bigger than a traditional Brompton. The tires are larger and wider, and the frame is chunkier, but when placed side-by-side (see photos below) there’s not really a huge amount in it—which is remarkable. I was worried about having to store the bike at home and take the G Line into an office or pub (see earlier comment about London) and while it is heavier to lift, I don’t think anyone will really notice much of a difference in small doses.

    A sidebyside comparison of the Brompton GLine and the standard Brompton electric bicycle.

    Photograph: Chris Haslam

    A sidebyside comparison of the Brompton GLine and the standard Brompton electric bicycle while folded

    Photograph: Chris Haslam

    It is unquestionably the most capable Brompton ever built, and an absolute blast to ride, especially off-road. I’m keen to ride the lightest non-electric version too, and see if the eight-speed gearing and smaller wheels do enough for a serious gravel ride. I suspect it might, but whether it’s enough to tempt serious trail riders is another thing entirely.

    Which brings us on to who precisely is the Brompton G Line for? It’s certainly a premium proposition, with pricing from £2,395 (my test version costs £3,495), but it is a Brompton, so many people won’t flinch at these prices. For comparison, the cheapest standard Brompton costs from £950, the lightest Titanium option costs from £4,250 and the flagship electric version, the P Line, costs from £3,695. So it’s in good company.

    I suspect the all-terrain fun will tempt many existing fold-up riders off their tiny 16-inch wheels. There might be a compromise on weight, size and transportability, but the ride and handling is beyond comparison.

    For the first time a fold-up bike has been as enjoyable to ride as a full-sized design, while still being able to fold down and fit in the trunk, or under the stairs. It’s a superb upgrade and should bring the brand to the attention of a whole new audience.

    Chris Haslam

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  • Emotional stage win for Castrillo in Spanish Vuelta on the day his team’s founder dies

    Emotional stage win for Castrillo in Spanish Vuelta on the day his team’s founder dies

    MANZANEDA, Spain (AP) — Pablo Castrillo picked up an emotional stage win in the Spanish Vuelta on Thursday, the day his team’s founder died.

    Castrillo gave Kern Pharma the victory in the 12th stage a few hours after the team said its founder and former president, Manolo Azcona, died at the age of 71.

    “How happy Manolo would be,” the team said in a statement. “This one is for you.”

    It was the first Grand Tour stage victory — and first professional triumph — for the 23-year-old Castrillo.

    “It really is a very special day,” he said. “I can’t believe I’ve won in my first Vuelta (stage). I dedicate this win to my team, to my family and above to all to a very special person, Manolo Azcona. I thought about him the whole stage, to win as a tribute.”

    There were no changes in the general classification after the 137.5-kilometer (85-mile) route that ended with a long climb into the city of Manzaneda in northwest Spain.

    Ben O’Connor kept the leader’s red jersey. The Australian remained more than three minutes ahead of three-time Vuelta champion Primoz Roglic and Enric Mas.

    Friday’s 13th stage will be a 176-kilometer (109-mile) route through the summits of Galicia.

    “Tomorrow is an extremely hard finish,” O’Connor said. “It will be one of the most important days since the start of this race.”

    ___

    AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

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  • US rider Kristen Faulkner sprints clear to win women’s road race at Paris Olympics

    US rider Kristen Faulkner sprints clear to win women’s road race at Paris Olympics

    Kristen Faulkner timed her attack to perfection to win the women’s road race at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, becoming the first American rider in 40 years to win a medal in the event.Related video above: Paris Olympics volunteers are the unsung heroes behind the gamesThe 158-kilometer (98-mile) route started and finished in Paris, with Faulkner crossing the line at the Trocadéro in a fraction under four hours.Faulkner finished 58 seconds clear of Dutch rider Marianne Vos, Lotte Kopecky of Belgium and Blanka Vas of Hungary, who were separated by a photo finish with Vos taking silver and Kopecky clinching the bronze.Faulkner and Kopecky caught up with Vos and Vas with about three kilometers left. As Faulkner attacked, the other three hesitated and then could not catch her.She only had the Eiffel Tower and glory ahead of her.The 31-year-old Alaska native is the first American to win a road race medal of any color since the 1984 Los Angeles Games when Connie Carpenter and Alexi Grewal swept the gold medals.

    PARIS —

    Kristen Faulkner timed her attack to perfection to win the women’s road race at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, becoming the first American rider in 40 years to win a medal in the event.

    Related video above: Paris Olympics volunteers are the unsung heroes behind the games

    The 158-kilometer (98-mile) route started and finished in Paris, with Faulkner crossing the line at the Trocadéro in a fraction under four hours.

    Faulkner finished 58 seconds clear of Dutch rider Marianne Vos, Lotte Kopecky of Belgium and Blanka Vas of Hungary, who were separated by a photo finish with Vos taking silver and Kopecky clinching the bronze.

    Faulkner and Kopecky caught up with Vos and Vas with about three kilometers left. As Faulkner attacked, the other three hesitated and then could not catch her.

    Thibault Camus

    Kristen Faulkner, of the United States, celebrates winning the women’s road cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

    She only had the Eiffel Tower and glory ahead of her.

    The 31-year-old Alaska native is the first American to win a road race medal of any color since the 1984 Los Angeles Games when Connie Carpenter and Alexi Grewal swept the gold medals.

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  • Tour de France Results

    Tour de France Results

    Thursday, July 18

    In France

    18th Stage

    A 111.5-mile race from Gap to Barcelonnette.

    1. Victor Campenaerts, Belgium, Lotto Dstny, 4:10:20s.

    2. Matteo Vercher, France, TotalEnergies, same time.

    3. Michal Kwiatkowski, Poland, Ineos Grenadiers, same time.

    4. Toms Skujins. Latvia, Lidl-Trek, 22s behind.

    5. Oier Lazkano, Spain, Movistar, same time.

    6. Bart Lemmen, Netherlands, Visma-Lease a Bike, same time.

    7. Krists Neilands, Latvia, Israel-Premier Tech, same time.

    8. Jai Hindley, Australia, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, same time.

    9. Wout van Aert, Belgium, Visma-Lease a Bike, 37s behind.

    10. Michael Matthews Australia, Jayco-AlUla, same time.

    Also

    25. Sean Quinn, United States, EF Education-EasyPost, 37s behind.

    38. Matteo Jorgenson, United States, Team Visma, 13:40s behind.

    66. Neilson Powless, United States, EF Education-EasyPost, same time.

    Overall Standings (Yellow Jersey)

    1. Tadej Pogacar, Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates, 74:45:27s.

    2. Jonas Vingegaard, Denmark, Team Visma/Lease a Bike, 3:11s behind.

    3. Remco Evenepoel, Belgium, Soudal Quick-Step/Bel, 5:09s.

    4. Joao Almeida, Portugal, UAE Team Emirates, 12:57s.

    5. Mikel Landa, Spain, Soudal Quick-Step, 13:24s.

    6. Carlos Rodriguez, Spain, Ineos Grenadiers, 13:30s.

    7. Adam Yates, Great Britain, UAE Team Emirates/UAE, 15:41s.

    8. Giulio Ciccone, Italy, LIDL-Trek/USA, 17:51s.

    9. Derek Gee, Canada, Israel-Premier Tech/ISR, 18:15s.

    10. Santiago Buitrago, Colombia, Bahrain Victorious/BRN, 18:35s.

    Also

    14. Matteo Jorgenson, United States, Team Visma, 22:18s behind.

    60. Neilson Powless, United States, EF Education-EasyPost, 2:40:10s.

    72. Sean Quinn, United States, EF Education-EasyPost, 3:00:57s.

    Team Standings

    1. UAE Team Emirates, 224:41:24s.

    2. Team Visma/Lease a Bike, 27:57s behind.

    3. Ineo Grenadiers, 52:14s.

    4. Soudal Quick-Step, 59:21s.

    5. LIDL-Trek, 1:29:03s.

    6. Movistar Team, 1:39:10s.

    7. EF Education-EasyPost, 2:08:08s.

    8. Bahrain Victorious, 2:11:47s.

    9. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, 2:17:45s.

    10. Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team, 2:34:20s.

    Climber (Red Polka Dot Jersey)

    1. Tadej Pogacar, Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates, 77 pts.

    2. Jonas Vingegaard, Denmark, Team Visma/Lease a Bike, 58.

    3. Remco Evenepoel, Belgium, Soudal Quick-Step/Bel, 42.

    4. Oier Lazkano, Spain, Movistar Team/ESP, 41.

    5. Richard Carapaz, Ecuador, EF Education-Easypost, 37.

    6. Jonas Abrahamsen, Norway, Uno-X Mobility, 36.

    7. David Gaudu, France, Groupama-FDJ/FRA, 30.

    8. Carlos Rodriguez, Spain, Ineos Grenadiers, 24.

    9. Ben Healy, Ireland, EF Education-EasyPost/USA, 21.

    10. Tobias Johannessen, Norway, Uno-X Mobility, 19.

    Youth-U26 (White Jersey)

    1. Remco Evenepoel, Belgium, Soudal Quick-Step/Bel, 74:50:36s.

    2. Carlos Rodriguez, Spain, Ineos Grenadiers, 8:21s behind.

    3. Santiago Buitrago, Bahrain Victorious, 13:26s.

    4. Matteo Jorgenson, United States, Team Visma, 17:09s.

    5. Ben Healy, Ireland, EF Education-EasyPost/USA, 37:13s.

    6. Javier Romo, Spain, Movistar Team/ESP, 51:14s.

    7. Ilan Van Wilder, Belgium, Soudal Quick-Step/BEL, 1:11:35s.

    8. Jordan Jeget, France, TotalEnergies/FRA, 1:25:27s.

    9. Tobias Johannessen, Norway, UNO-X Mobility/NOR, 1:26:02s.

    10. Oscar Onley, Great Britain, Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL/NED, 1:47:53s.

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  • Tour de France Results

    Tour de France Results

    Thursday

    Stage 18

    180 kilometers (112 miles) from Gap to Barcelonnette

    1. Victor Campenaerts, Belgium, Lotto Dstny, 4h 10m 20s

    2. Matteo Vercher, France, TotalEnergies, same time

    3. Michal Kwiatkowski, Poland, Ineos Grenadiers, same time

    4. Toms Skujins, Latvia, Lidl-Trek, 22s behind

    5. Oier Lazkano, Spain, Movistar, same time

    6. Bart Lemmen, Netherlands, Visma-Lease a Bike, same time

    7. Krists Neilands, Latvia, Israel Premier-Tech, same time

    8. Jai Hindley, Australia, Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe, same time

    9. Wout van Aert, Belgium, Visma-Lease a Bike, 37s

    10. Michael Matthews, Australia, Jayco AlUla, same time

    Overall

    (After 18 of 21 stages)

    1. Tadej Pogacar, Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates, 74h 45m 27s

    2. Jonas Vingegaard, Denmark, Visma Lease a Bike, 3m 11s behind

    3. Remco Evenepoel, Belgium, Soudal Quick-Step, 5m 9s

    4. Joao Almeida, Portugal, UAE Team Emirates, 12m 57s

    5. Mikel Landa, Spain, Soudal Quick-Step, 13m 24s

    6. Carlos Rodriguez, Spain, Ineos Grenadiers, 13m 30s

    7. Adam Yates, Britain, UAE Team Emirates, 15m 41s

    8. Giulio Ciccone, Italy, Lidl-Trek, 17m 31s

    9. Derek Gee, Canada, Israel Premier-Tech, 18m 15s

    10. Santiago Buitrago, Colombia, Bahrain Victorious, 18m 35s

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  • Gordon Ramsay shares jaw dropping injuries after cycling accident. ‘Lucky to be here’

    Gordon Ramsay shares jaw dropping injuries after cycling accident. ‘Lucky to be here’

    Chef Gordon Ramsay is revealing the horrific injury he suffered after getting into a bad bike accident.

    Chef Gordon Ramsay is revealing the horrific injury he suffered after getting into a bad bike accident.

    Screengrab from Gordon Ramsay’s Instagram page

    Chef Gordon Ramsay is revealing the horrific injury he suffered after getting into a bad bike accident.

    In an Instagram video shared on June 15, Ramsay revealed that he’s “lucky” to be alive after getting into an accident while riding his bike.

    In the video, Ramsay said that he’s in pain but “getting through it.” As he continued, he admitted the accident “really shook me” and stressed the importance of wearing a bike helmet.

    “Honestly, I’m lucky to be here.”

    “I have a very important message for all the dads out there,” the father of six wrote. “WEAR A HELMET!”

    Ramsay added that he doesn’t care how short the journey is, or how much helmets cost, you must wear a helmet. “They are crucial.”

    Chef Gordon Ramsay is revealing the horrific injury he suffered after getting into a bad bike accident.
    Chef Gordon Ramsay is revealing the horrific injury he suffered after getting into a bad bike accident. Screengrab from Gordon Ramsay’s Instagram page

    “This week I had a really bad accident while riding my bike in Connecticut. I’m doing ok and did not break any bones or suffer any major injuries but I am a bit bruised up looking like a purple potato,” he continued showing a peak at the massive bruise on his left side.

    “I’m thankful for all the doctors, nurses and staff at Lawerence + Memorial Hospital in New London who looked after me and checked me out, but most thankful for my helmet that saved my life,” Ramsay shared alongside the before and after pictures.

    The after photo showed his torn up jersey and a broken up bike helmet.

    Chef Gordon Ramsay is revealing the horrific injury he suffered after getting into a bad bike accident.
    Chef Gordon Ramsay is revealing the horrific injury he suffered after getting into a bad bike accident. Screengrab from Gordon Ramsay’s Instagram page

    Ramsay didn’t go into detail about how or why the accident occurred but credits his helmet with saving his life.

    “Have a great Father’s Day and be safe,” he concluded his message.

    Sara Vallone is editor of Mamas Uncut, the online place for moms. She writes about the latest in motherhood, parenting and entertainment – all with a mom-focused twist.

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  • Your Bike Tires Are Too Skinny. Riding on Fat, Supple Tires Is Just Better

    Your Bike Tires Are Too Skinny. Riding on Fat, Supple Tires Is Just Better

    A few months back, my friend and fellow bicycle enthusiast Eric prepared for his first 100-mile bike ride. Concerned about how sore he’d be afterward, he wondered what he could do to improve his ride.

    As a convert to the Church of Fat Tires, I was excited to share with him an idea I’d learned from other cyclists: Cram on the fattest soft-sided tires that will fit on your bike, then inflate them to a pressure that will seem surprisingly low.

    I’ve been a volunteer bike mechanic in Seattle for almost 10 years and have gently modified my own midrange 1988 Peugeot into something modern and capable. Yet nothing prepared me for the impact of fat tires with pliable (aka “supple”) sidewalls and inflating them to a pressure much lower than what I was used to. I remember my amazement riding down a big hill, listening to the different sound my tires made and experiencing the sure and solid feeling the bike suddenly had. It felt grippier, more comfortable, less twitchy, and maybe even faster. In car terms, it was like going from a well-cared-for old Camry to a modern sport truck. It was exhilarating.

    “Tires are probably the single most important component on your bike and the only part that touches the ground,” says Russ Roca, who has 175,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, The Path Less Pedaled, which focuses on enjoyment over speed and typically spotlights bikes that can ride on both gravel and pavement. “A wider tire means more volume and built-in suspension. It makes the bike feel more stable.”

    Roca says wider tires are just more fun. “You’re not being jarred to death. You’re not bouncing off of every rock and pothole. They are the most noticeable upgrade you can make to your bike.”

    This made sense, and I’d learn that not having my wrists and keister being jarred helped keep them from getting sore on longer rides.

    Yet somehow, fat tires still feel like a bit of a secret. Us cyclists put pads in our shorts and buy heavy suspension systems for off-road bikes, but we’re somehow reluctant to experiment with the part of the bike that actually touches the road to help make for a nicer ride. Big, global bicycle brands still seem unsure about embracing the trend, perhaps trying to ensure that you buy a skinnier-tired road ride and wider-tired gravel bike instead of one “all-road” bike that can do both.

    “Cycling has a lot of tradition, and sometimes we do things because they’ve always been done that way,” says Roca. “The industry says lighter equals good, which is easy to explain and market, but selling on ride feel and supple tires is more amorphous.”

    Plus, wide tires are relatively new to the market. Models with supple sidewalls made with high-thread-count fabric and a coat of rubber thick enough to protect the weave but thin enough to let the tire be plenty flexible have become widely available only in the last decade. Throw a pandemic in there, and an industry that’s long on inventory, and you can understand why adoption has not been widespread.

    Hidden in the buyers’ reluctance is the belief that a wider, softer tire is slower than a high-pressure skinny one, that the fatter tire weighs more and has more rolling resistance. But that’s not always the case.

    Last year, I hit a, um, milestone birthday and bought myself a fancy new all-road bike from Rivendell Bicycle Works. It accommodates tires north of 40 millimeters wide. (I currently use 38s.) The frame is made of steel, and the bike is not particularly light, but I love how it feels and how it encourages me to ride as much as possible—and fast. A lot of that has to do with the tires.

    Toward the end of a summer when I rode a lot, I ended up at a stoplight next to a spandex-clad racer on a skinny-tire bike. When the light turned green he shot off, and I thought: What the hell.

    Joe Ray

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  • I Rode This ‘Holographic’ Bike and Things Got a Little Weird

    I Rode This ‘Holographic’ Bike and Things Got a Little Weird

    Matson told me that he finds wearing a headset to be too cumbersome when you’re working out. In particular, parents told him that they can’t check out with VR because they need to know what’s going on around them. However, I prefer to not have any distractions, mainly because I’m horrible at exercise and will take any excuse not to do it.

    High-endurance athletes may find Saga’s offerings a bit slim, too. Matson says the company plans to ship the bikes with three to four trails in the system, each about 20 kilometers long. This is not very many rides, and those rides are not very long. By way of contrast, NordicTrack has an extensive library of rides of all lengths, levels, and programs, which also increase resistance and move up and down as you ride. Other bikes integrate with Zwift, the immensely popular online cycling platform, or collect intensely granular data that allows you to improve your fitness.

    Photograph: Saga Holographic

    As of yet, HoloBike doesn’t do any of those things. The augmented technology, however, certainly makes what you’re seeing seem more real. And in some circumstances, not being real is a bonus. If all the trails are virtually generated, I’d love to have the ability to safely traverse places I wouldn’t otherwise go, like the streets of Mumbai, or even something entirely fictional, like a delivery route from Paperboy, or Elliott’s big take-off from E.T.

    It would be cool if there were a possibility for users to design or contribute trails, too. I joked to Matson that they should make some version of a trail that goes all the way around the world, so you could circumnavigate the globe over the course of a year’s worth of rides, only to have him suggest creating a little onscreen pedal boat for when you’re crossing the Atlantic. With the HoloBike, the world really is entirely open and limitless. That’s enormously exciting.

    That being said, the bike’s starting price tag on Kickstarter is $2,599, with expected delivery in the winter of 2024-2025. That’s comparable to other video-enabled stationary exercise bikes, but a lot to shell out for potential. If I’m going to ride a bike, I need something that approximates the feeling of the open road a little more closely, and for a little bit longer.

    Marah Eakin

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