From oversized gravel wheels to summit-deciding finales and freeride frame launches, today’s news spans cutting-edge prototypes, tactical Classics insights and Giro stage previews as the season’s intensity builds. Ahead, discover 32″ wheel gravel debuts, new freeride kits and essential viewing times for stage 16, plus recaps of key women’s races.
🏁 Competitions
Antwerp Port Epic Ladies reaffirmed its selective identity as Femke Markus soloed clear on the gravel-cobbled, exposed circuit, while SD Worx-Protime completed a podium sweep with Marta Lach and Femke Gerritse. The race showed its evolving tactical depth far beyond a simple reduced sprint. Source
Vuelta a Burgos Feminas crowned Yara Kastelijn after her decisive attack on the final climb to Lagunas de Neila, with Évita Muzic second and Usoa Ostolaza taking a home-race podium. The short four-day race again hinged on its summit finish rather than its sprint opportunities. Source
Giro d’Italia 2026 stage 16 resumes after the second rest day with a 113 km mountain stage from Bellinzona to Carì, starting at 12:45 BST and finishing around 16:01 BST on TNT Sports and HBO Max in the UK. Expect concentrated climbing and a steep uphill finale. Source
Meanwhile, product innovation continues to shape the industry.
🚴 Products
Unbound 200 sees a leap to 32″ wheels as defending champion Cameron Jones and Robin Gemperle debut Scott’s custom 32″ aero gravel prototype. The RC concept pairs a new carbon frame and fork with custom Industry Nine rims, Shimano 1×12 Di2, a 4iiii powermeter and D-shaped posts. Source
Mondraker’s Anark freeride bike blends a Stealth Alloy EVO aluminium frame with mullet wheels, 180 mm front/170 mm rear travel, Zero Suspension kinematics and a flip-chip for geo adjustment. Available as the €4 999 XR with Öhlins, SRAM 90 T-Type and e*thirteen wheels, €3 999 R with RockShox and SRAM 70, or €2 599 frameset. Source
Ortovox Sequence Free kit features merino/TENCEL jerseys (LS €120/TS €100), versatile MTB shorts (€140), a Gore-Tex Performance shell (€500) with PFAS-free ePE membrane and a 3 L hip pack (€100), balancing temperature control, weather protection and storage. Source
Specialized’s Evade 4 road helmet refines the silhouette with a 12 % cooler shell, a wider interior, FS2 Boa fit, MIPS Air Node Pro and a “mouthport” vent. At 329 g (M) and $350 USD, it aims for unmatched combined speed and comfort. Source
On the business front, several brands are strengthening partnerships.
💼 Business
No major updates in this category today.
And beyond boardrooms, riders continue to make headlines.
👥 Riders
Pauliena Rooijakkers announced her pregnancy and will pause her 2026 racing season with UAE Team ADQ, leaving the door open for a future return after this new life chapter. Source
Disqualified Giro rider Enrico Zanoncello describes his expulsion over a headbutt as unjust, arguing the full context of the clash went misunderstood in the media and by race officials. Source
From wheel-size experimentation to one-day tactics and stage-race previews, today’s brief blends technology, competition and human stories across road, gravel and freeride scenes. Tomorrow, look for fresh gear leaks, stage reports and rider insights as the season unfolds.