As winter’s hold loosens, cycling’s calendar is filling with virtual races, gravel explorations and trail openings. Today’s briefing spans the return of Zwift’s stage series, next-gen tires and frames, new community trail networks and the shifting fate of legacy events.
🏁 Competitions
Zwift Games returns February 16–March 29 with five new routes—Kaze Kicker, Hudson Hustle and more—plus a bonus week of a Scotland TT and Crit City races, early course previews, make-up weeks and partner unlocks from Oakley and Shimano. Source
The Setmana Ciclista Valenciana preview outlines four stages (February 12–15) featuring late-race climbs like Alto de Barx and Alto Tudons, where GC favourites Demi Vollering, Cédrine Kerbaol and Liane Lippert will vie for victory. Source
Meanwhile, product innovation continues to shape the industry.
🚴 Products
FAST Suspension’s DC3 drop-in kit replaces the stock compression cartridge in RockShox ZEB R/RC forks, adding independent low-, mid- and high-speed damping adjustments plus 250 ml of oil and a shim kit for €279. Source
Basso’s third-generation Palta gravel frame, built in Italy from Torayca carbon, offers 50 mm tire clearance, integrated Fidlock-secured storage, six sizes, UCI approval and a frameset price of €3 299. Source
Vittoria confirmed its first 32″ tire—the 2.4″ Peyote XC Race—in Race Compound, now in pro-team tests and planned for public release in 2027 alongside gravel models. Source
Hiplok’s SWITCH 105 folding lock unfolds to 105 cm of hardened steel bars, weighs 1.17 kg, carries a Sold Secure Bronze rating and mounts to frame, belt or bag for $129. Source
Trek launched the Charter+, a Bosch Performance Line Sport e-city bike with 540 Wh or 800 Wh battery, optional Shimano Nexus Di2 5-speed belt-drive autoshift, integrated lights, fenders and MIK HD rack from $3 999. Source
Sea to Summit’s Telos Evo bikepacking tent uses recycled Ultra-Sil LS fabric, DAC alloy poles and a two-sack system to shed 270 g versus its TR2 predecessor while cutting MSRP to $580. Source
Shimano’s wireless XTR Di2 drivetrain and wheels deliver a year of crisp, reliable shifting with improved hub seals and a simplified brake-bleed process, though some riders miss a clutch-disengage switch. Source
On the business front, community programs and strategic reviews are reshaping the scene.
💼 Business
Texas’s new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park readies 16 miles of multi-use trails—4 ft wide natural surface and ADA-accessible routes—alongside 60 campsites, equestrian stalls and lake facilities, marking the first Texas state park opening since 2012. Source
RideLondon has been placed on indefinite pause after an operational and financial review, ending its decade-long post-Olympic mass-participation festival and elite races in the capital under the current format. Source
And beyond boardrooms, riders continue to make headlines.
👥 Riders
France’s Tour obsession turns to 19-year-old Paul Seixas, whose climbing talent and killer instinct position him as the next national prospect. Source
A spate of early-season injuries and illnesses has sidelined several WorldTour stars after only six weeks of racing, potentially reshaping spring objectives. Source
With virtual races back in full swing, new gear on the horizon and trail networks emerging, today’s news underlines cycling’s multi-faceted momentum. Tomorrow, expect deeper race analyses and the next wave of product and event announcements to keep the sport moving forward.