It’s May and that means it is time for the Giro d’Italia!!! The Italian Grand Tour began in 1909 and this year will mark the 108th running of the Men’s Tour of Italy. The race begins May 9 in Durres, Albania and finishes June 1 in Rome. Eighteen teams will contest twenty-one stages totaling 3413 kilometers in their quest to bring home the Maglia rosa, the coveted pink leader’s jersey. The Women’s Giro meanwhile will contest its 35th edition from July 6-13, beginning in Bergamo, Tuscany in Northern Italy. The riders will cover 939.6 kilometers before finishing on the Dino and Enzo Ferrari autodrome in Imola.
Scenes from the 2024 Giro d’Italia. (Photo by Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse)
Q1. Which American rider has started the most Giros d’Italia?
Q2. Twelve Americans have won a stage in the Giro d’Italia, can you name them all?
Q3. Only one rider won every Giro he started…three in total. Despite the fact that the winningest nation (by far) in Giro history is Italy, this rider is NOT Italian!
Q4. In Giro d’Italia Women (begun in 1988 as the Giro d’Italia Femminile, later known as the Giro Rosa then the Giro Donne) who has won the most stages?
Q5. It is rare for overall winners of Grand Tours to also win the points and mountains jerseys but in the case of the all-time greats, it does occasionally happen. The Giro d’Italia Women’s is the longest running women’s grand tour and arguably the most consistently competitive and prestigious. Has any rider won all three major jersey competitions?
PeopleForBikes, the national trade association representing the U.S. bicycle industry, is preparing to send a formal letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting targeted tariff relief or a reinstated exclusion process for bicycles, components, apparel, helmets, and related accessories. Before the letter is submitted, PeopleForBikes is calling on brands and industry leaders to add their names, uniting the bicycle industry in a powerful show of support for meaningful tariff relief.
As the industry faces mounting financial strain and uncertainty — despite good-faith efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing and rebuild domestic production capacity — PeopleForBikes is rallying bike businesses across the U.S. to support this critical request.
If your brand is interested in signing on in support of the letter, please contact PeopleForBikes Vice President of Government Relations Dr. Ash Lovell at [email protected].
The PeopleForBikes Coalition, representing more than 340 U.S. manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of bicycles and related products, emphasized the industry’s longstanding commitment to reshoring supply chains, diversifying production, and investing in American jobs. However, the group warns that current and proposed tariffs, along with high input costs and soft consumer demand, are jeopardizing this progress.
“We are working every day to shift our supply chains, restore domestic manufacturing, and protect American jobs,” said Matt Moore, general and policy counsel for PeopleForBikes. “But without relief from current tariffs, companies across our industry are facing impossible choices, from layoffs and restructuring to closure.”
The letter to President Trump highlights the unique pressures faced by small- and mid-sized bicycle companies, especially those already assembling bicycles in the U.S., who rely on imported components and are now contending with higher steel and aluminum prices. The letter also raises specific concerns over tariffs on bicycle helmets, calling them counterproductive for consumer safety, and warns that apparel brands without viable domestic textile options are being pushed toward insolvency.
“We appreciate your focus on China’s competitive threat and are especially thankful for your leadership in closing the de minimis loophole,” the letter states. “To protect this quintessentially American industry, we need tariff relief for bicycles, bicycle components, apparel, and related accessories to help safeguard this important business sector.”
Despite the challenges, the bicycle industry remains committed to creating a more resilient and domestically rooted supply chain. However, with the average bicycle made up of more than 200 individual parts sourced from multiple countries, developing a viable U.S. supply chain will require time, capital, and supportive trade policy.
“The bicycle industry has enriched American lives for more than a century,” said PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice. “We urge the administration to give our businesses the runway they need to compete globally, invest domestically, and keep biking safe, affordable, and accessible for everyone.”
By Nancy Ziegler — My first self-contained bike tour was in 1974 when I was 24. I travelled through the Canadian Rockies. Here, on this tour, I am 74 and can proudly say I have done 50 years of bicycle touring. I have travelled all of North America including three self-supported trans-cons.
I chose to do a tour from my home in Duluth, Minnesota to Winnipeg, Manitoba to celebrate those 50 years. Again, like most of my tours, this was a solo, self-contained tour.
I hoped to do metric centuries each day until I reached my destination. It seemed only appropriate to do metric centuries since a decent part of my travel was in Canada and my destination was Winnipeg. The total trip ended up being 710 kilometers or 441 miles. I achieved my goal with a daily average of 65 miles or about 105 km. each day. So, here is the story.
Nancy Ziegler’s Duluth to Winnipeg bike tour route. Map from Google Maps
Day 1: 64 miles; Duluth to Aurora
It was spitting rain as I left my home and started heading north. The beauty of the light rain meant there was no wind. I did most of the climbing for the entire trip in the first five miles as I left the Lake Superior shoreline. After I did this first climb, I would be riding on the relatively flat glacial plain that extends far into Canada. The beginning of the route was quite familiar due to all of my training rides leading up to the trip.
The need for frequent eating and hydration has become more important as I have aged. I was well stocked with food items that would keep me going. I crossed the bridge at Island Lake where some folks were fishing. I greeted them with a smile and enjoyed the scenery of the Minnesota lakes I passed this day. The mosquitoes are quite bad as I had anticipated especially as I moved further north into bog territory.
Snack time using plastic bags on the ground for a seat. There was only pristine forest for many miles. Photo by Nancy Ziegler
This road had no rest stops. I finally reached the point when I had to stop for lunch. I saw a small gravel driveway leading into much harvested woods. I carefully laid my bike on its side and immediately went for the bug dope. I quickly opened the packets and coated myself with DEET before the mosquitoes had me for lunch!
My ride continued to be very easy with friendly winds. There was practically no traffic on these paved county roads. I had decided that this would be a luxury trip because I would be staying in small motels along my route rather than camping. And, I had made tentative reservations.
I got to the first motel in Aurora. There was a note on the door to call the owner. She told me how to open the key box hanging on the door to my room. I never saw her. The room wasn’t fancy but as clean as possible for an old place. I sat at the window watching it hail and rain about an hour after arriving. I was so pleased to be inside. I later walked uptown (two blocks) for a very reasonable meal. I engaged in conversation with the locals and slept well that evening.
Day 2: 67 miles; Aurora to Orr
This day started out wonderfully. I had good weather this morning with practically no traffic. I had to climb to the summit of the Mesabi Range. It was a minimal climb, barely a hill in the grand scheme of things: How many steep and long mountain passes had I climbed in those 50 years of touring? I crossed the beautiful, little Embarrass River. This river was so typical of the small rivers that cross Minnesota.
Nancy in front of the Embarrass River just over the summit of the Mesabi Range. Photo by Nancy Ziegler
I was running out of energy by around 10:30 that morning. There was a rest stop and I forced myself to take a half hour break. Of course, my regimen became: put the bike down; cover myself in DEET; then eat. There was a food store/gas station just a short distance from that stop. I walked around the store hunting for some good food, not junk, to eat. Nothing looked good. What was good were the directions the clerk at the counter gave me. It is always good to find locals who are willing to share information about routes.
The winds were picking up and a storm front was approaching. I rode along on a paved road with no traffic. I passed through forested regions and then the typical open, boggy areas that are so common in the northern part of Minnesota. I saw deer staring at me and then quietly running into the forest. And, of course, I had another meal on the side of the road that was shared with the mosquitos. I was getting closer to Rte. 53, a fairly busy highway that I would use to get to Cook. I was tired and needed to rest and refuel. I came to a tavern which is also a café for the locals shortly before I get to Rte. 53. I no more than got my bike next to the building when the skies broke open with a very heavy rainstorm. So, I rested and waited out the heaviest part of the storm. Then I donned my raingear and got to Cook where I could buy groceries for my evening and morning meals.
I pulled my wet bike into the shopping cart area of the grocery where it would be out of the rain. Cook is a pretty small town. I took my time in the store buying some good food to eat. I was suddenly “The Novel Bicyclist” in the store. I shared a brief, low key autobiography with the locals as it continued to rain. Finally, I pressed on down Rte. 53 with the rain eventually ending. Those 19 miles were like riding on the shoulder of a major interstate. The traffic was heavy as I had anticipated. The motel and treatment I received in Orr made up for those moments. The motel clerk even dried my laundry for me. Those little things in life suddenly seem so important.
There were many stormfronts passing through Minnesota during June of 2024. A week after I was in Cook, the Littlefork River flooded that entire area. I was so fortunate to have been ahead of the flooding.
Day 3: 57 miles; Orr to Littlefork
This day was the most exceptional of the entire trip. I had two possible routes to take to get to Littlefork. One meant more time on Rte. 53. The other was on a county road route that was not preferred by the locals. I chose “the road less travelled…and it made all the difference in the world.” There was practically no one using this newly paved, less popular route that led me into forested regions. I entered the Nett Lake Reservation and the forest became even more pristine and natural. It was so quiet. The feeling that came over me was like the peace I find when canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, but I was on my bicycle. It was incredible. At one point I saw a young moose staring at me before clumsily walking off the road into the woods. What a gift!
Superior National Forest in the Nett Lake Reservation. Photo by Nancy Ziegler
Then, like always I needed my morning food break. Voila! There was a picnic table under some trees outside the reservation’s community building. It was perfect! A woman came out and we conversed. One of the joys of cycling like this has always been the value of getting little snippets of the lives of individuals along the way.
When I went inside the building to use the restroom, I was greeted by the surprised expression of the young clerk behind the counter. She treated me as a heroine because she had heard that brief autobiography in the grocery store the day before. She allowed me to take her photo and she helped make my day.
I rode on through the woods until I knew I had to stop for a food break. No, the logging camp didn’t seem good. There was too much loose dirt there. I rode a bit further and stopped when I saw a large boulder where I could sit. No! That didn’t work! I kept sliding off into the brush and bugs. I threw some plastic bags on the ground, covered myself with more DEET and plopped down on the ground and ate.
When I got to Littlefork, I had to call the owner of the motel to get into my room. When I stepped inside, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It was a large room with spacious facilities: a table, a couch, a fancy bathroom with special oils and soaps. The owner did my laundry for me.
I actually had some walleye, Minnesota’s favorite fish, and conversed with a local logging family. I learned more about logging. These folks have been in the logging industry for generations. I learned the Littlefork River was the last river to be used for “log-running” that ended in 1937. And, they insisted on giving me the best route to Baudette where I would go the next day.
Day 4: 74 miles; Littlefork to Baudette
Unfortunately, I had a bad night of sleeping which made the beginning of my day difficult. But the winds were with me. There was no traffic on the route I was given. I had one of my breaks in front of the Linden Cemetery. There was nothing else in Linden. I was tired and sore. I folded my body over itself and just held the position trying to rest. I finally mustered up some energy, ate, and left the mosquitoes. Rte. 11 would take me into Baudette. It was fairly straight and flat as it ran along the Rainy River. Across the river is Canada. Today I saw an eagle carrying a critter in its talons. I was now in farm country. I had red-winged blackbirds dive bombing me at times when I was in their nesting territory. I saw pelicans feeding in the river outside of Baudette. When I was still 40 miles from Baudette, I came to the school in Indus. That is all there is in Indus. I pulled off and found the shaded entry way to the school. No one was there. I ate and then lay flat on my back and slept. I promised myself a day off in Baudette.
I traveled many miles on routes that had very little traffic. Photo by Nancy Ziegler
I travelled another 20 miles before I found any kind of store and human contact. It was too hot for me; around 78 degrees. When I arrived at the motel in Baudette, I again had to call the owner and wait for his arrival to get into my room. He is a farmer who is running the motel with his wife in order to make ends meet financially. He loved farming and I heard stories. The room had old furniture, but it was clean. His wife gave me a great smile as I complimented her on the upkeep of their motel.
Day 5: Day off; Baudette
I needed to let my body rest. Baudette’s population is about 950. Littlefork’s was 550. Baudette had a little more to offer for a rest day. I walked the entire town. I rested and probably could have done a half day of riding. Yet, it was wise to just relax. I had been in a quandary of where I would spend my next night. Oddly enough I learned a gas station/ Co-op in South Junction, Manitoba had motel rooms. It would be 64 miles for me.
Day 6: 64 miles; Baudette to South Junction, Canada
I rode to Warroad where I took a lunch break. I sat at the tables outside a bistro in this town of 2000. The folks in the bistro treated me like I was someone special. There was quite a bit of traffic for such a small place, but it was not too bothersome. As I sat and ate, a guy pulled up and asked if he had passed me that morning. He took my photograph. I proceeded past the Marvin Window factory and went through customs as I entered Canada. The customs guy was equally nice to me and wished me well. I was now on Rt. 12 with literally no traffic. The highway was straight and flat.
Nancy in transit on the outskirts of Warroad. Photo by Nancy Ziegler
My body was feeling good. That meant the rest day was good for me. The food I was eating was working to give me the energy I needed. I moved through a forested region and quickly moved into farmland which I would experience for the rest of the trip. South Junction was literally a gas station at an intersection. I was shocked it had motel rooms. I was told that the rooms were usually used by truckers, hunters or people who would go fishing. And, then there were other folks like me who stayed at the motel. The folks were very friendly and I felt safe.
Day 7: 66 miles; South Junction to Steinbach
I had a good conversation about weather and roads with the clerk at the Co-op before I jumped on my bike for the day. Rain was imminent. She told me to stay on route 12 rather than taking any other route. This is because I would have had to travel about 6 to 8 miles of gravel to get to asphalt if I chose my original route for the day. The pending rain would make that a very tough challenge. I trusted her and was glad I did even though I knew the traffic would get heavier as I approached Steinbach, a town with a population of 16,000.
Oddly enough, about the time I needed a refueling break, a rest area appeared. It had a covered shelter which ended up being a good place to don raingear since the rain had staRted. I checked all of my lights for visibility. The headwinds were increasing along with the traffic as the day drew long. The rain did help with bug control!
The only place I could find for a lunch stop was in a lot that was full of farm implements. It had stopped raining by now. I walked around the lot holding my delicious ham and cheese sandwich in hands again covered in DEET. I imagine that was the cause of bad diarrhea later that and on other DEET days.
The traffic staRted coming in waves. This ebb and flow of traffic made the approach to Steinbach quite stressful. It included many semis filled with livestock. Anyone who has toured on highways has experienced the behavior of the winds that suck one in after a semi passes. It is a serious experience.
Today, I must say I had the best semi experience of 50 years of touring! There were many livestock trucks on Rte. 12. I heard this one approaching. It was full of hogs. The driver saw me and started slowing down. I imagine he slowed to about 30 mph. That way he would not create a sweeping wind current as he would go by me. He pulled his truck over to the middle of the road so that there was about 3 feet between his truck and me. He went SLOW. It was like a truck passing in slow-motion. The traffic slowed behind him. And, then he ever so slowly passed me. And, the cars behind him were forced to go slow. I was amazed and ever so thankful. He made that part of the day pretty darn special.
After getting into Steinbach, I dealt with a fair amount of heavy traffic. I found my motel which was part of a disco/bar kind of place. I was a bit nervous staying there. It was a weekday so there was practically no partying. I slept well.
Day 8: 50 miles; Steinbach to Winnipeg
I relied on the advice of some locals to get me safely out of town that morning. I love talking to kind, helpful people. I ended up travelling on a road that started as asphalt and soon turned into soft gravel due to the rain. At one point, I was on a bike path some local hog farm had built for their workers. Then, I ended up walking my bike for another mile because I was sinking about 6 inches into soft, muddy gravel. And, as my good fortune goes, I came upon a retired farmer who could give me directions to most easily get back onto asphalt. I got close to the Pembina Highway which would take me into Winnipeg. And, as good fortune has it, the gravel shoulder on this highway was well packed and I cruised towards Winnipeg. As I got close to the cities belt-way, I found a bike path. This took me through the city to my destination. I arrived at my friends’ home with only a few blocks of road traffic. Amazing.
A welcome sign: Winnipeg. I had successfully completed my journey. Photo by Nancy Ziegler
This trip was quite monumental for me and a great celebration of having had 50 years of bike touring. My trips are all about living in the moment and being present to the folks along the way. I never felt afraid. There is a level of trust and belief in oneself and humanity. And, I treasure the smiles I receive and the beauty of nature. There is so much to see and experience here in America away from our large urban centers. My route was carefully chosen to avoid areas with much traffic. I recommend checking out the hidden gems in the United States and Canada off the beaten path.
LONDON, United Kingdom — The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has officially confirmed the return of its Lake Las Vegas T100 Triathlon weekend, set for October 25–26, 2025, in Henderson, Nevada. This year’s event will introduce a dramatic new bike course for amateur racers, set within the breathtaking expanse of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Lake Las Vegas T100 2024 , pro women Westin Resort, Nevada, USA (Photo: That Cameraman)
Returning to the scenic grounds of Reflection Bay Golf Club and The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa—now designated as the official headquarters of the event—the triathlon will again showcase the beauty and charm of the Lake Las Vegas area.
Lake Las Vegas T100 2024 , pro men Westin Resort, Nevada, USA (Photo: That Cameraman)
A highlight of the 2025 edition is the revamped amateur bike course for the 100km distance (comprising a 2km swim, 80km bike, and 18km run). The new 80km bike leg takes riders on a single-loop out-and-back route through Lake Mead, America’s first National Recreation Area. With sweeping desert landscapes, rugged canyons, and serene valleys, the course offers participants a raw and unforgettable journey through the untamed heart of the American Southwest—just minutes from the glitter of Las Vegas. The route promises both visual splendor and physical challenge, with over 3,600 feet of elevation, making it the most demanding amateur course on the T100 circuit in 2025.
Lake Las Vegas T100 2024 , pro men Westin Resort, Nevada, USA (Photo: That Cameraman)
The run segment will also see a fresh twist, culminating at the LED-lit T100 finish arch placed waterside at Reflection Bay—a picturesque setting to cap off a grueling race.
PTO CEO Sam Renouf expressed enthusiasm about the changes:
“We’re thrilled to unveil this major course upgrade for Lake Las Vegas in 2025. The inaugural event in 2024 revealed just how special this location is, and thanks to strong local partnerships, we’re now able to bring athletes into the stunning terrain of Lake Mead. It’s an extraordinary venue where the desert meets water in ways few places on Earth can replicate.”
Lake Las Vegas T100 2024 , pro men Westin Resort, Nevada, USA (Photo: That Cameraman)
The expansion of the amateur course is the result of close collaboration with local officials, including City of Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero, who played a key role in bringing the T100 series to the area in 2024 and facilitating improvements for 2025.
“Henderson has emerged as a premier destination for sports and entertainment,” Romero said. “Last year’s T100 drew a global audience and gave amateur and elite athletes alike the chance to compete in one of the most striking backdrops in the country. We’re excited to welcome the triathlon back and showcase our city to the world once again.”
Lake Las Vegas T100 2024 , pro men Westin Resort, Nevada, USA (Photo: That Cameraman)
In addition to the marquee 100km races, the weekend will also feature open water swims of 2km and 4km in the calm waters of Lake Las Vegas.
The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour kicked off earlier this month in Singapore (April 5–6), where Great Britain’s Kate Waugh and New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde claimed victories in sweltering conditions. They currently lead the T100 “Race to Qatar” rankings. The next stop on the tour lands in San Francisco on May 31, where the world’s top 20 female and male triathletes will take on the legendary Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon—a bucket-list challenge for amateurs and professionals alike.
Description: The recalled electric bicycles are sold with a 720W lithium-ion battery that sits inside a black case under the frame. “SANTA CRUZ” is printed on the sides of the downtube of the bicycle frame. “Heckler” is printed on the top tube of the frame and on the inside of the left chainstay. The bikes were sold in various colors, including Gloss Avocado Green and Maritime Gray.
Note: Do not throw this recalled lithium-ion battery or device in the trash, in the general recycling stream (e.g., street-level or curbside recycling bins), or in used battery recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores. Recalled lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of differently than other batteries, because they present a greater risk of fire. Your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center may accept this recalled lithium-ion battery or device for disposal. Before taking your battery or device to a HHW collection center, contact them ahead of time and ask whether they accept recalled lithium-ion batteries. If they don’t, contact your municipality for further guidance.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled electric bicycles, disconnect the battery from the bike and charger, and visit the manufacturer’s website at https://santacruzbicycles.com/pages/recall-heckler-9-lithium-ion-battery to determine if their bicycle is affected and, if so, to register for a free replacement battery to be sent to them. If their battery is involved in this recall, consumers will be required to write “Recalled” on the involved affected battery and upload a photograph of it to https://santacruzbicycles.com/pages/recall-heckler-9-lithium-ion-battery. These consumers should then dispose of the battery in accordance with local and state regulations following registration.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of fires, including some property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Santa Cruz dealers nationwide from October 2021 through January 2025 for between $8,750 and $13,900. Distributor(s): Santa Cruz Bicycles LLC, of Santa Cruz, California Manufactured In: United States Recall number: 25-244
SANTA FE, New Mexico (May 2025) – The Santa Fe Century rolls into its 39th edition on May 17–18, 2025, promising a vibrant weekend of cycling, community, and celebration.
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Century
Festivities begin Saturday, May 17, with the Gravelón and Gravelito rides at Rowe Mesa from 9 AM to 3 PM. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Railyard Park transforms into a hub of activity, hosting the Bike Swap & Expo from 12 PM to 7 PM. The day caps off with the Gravel Awards Ceremony at 5 PM, a lively Beer Corral from 2 PM to 9 PM, and live music from 7 PM to 10 PM.
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Century
On Sunday, May 18, the action shifts to the road. The Gran Fondo and Century rides launch at 7 AM, followed by the Medio Fondo and Half Century at 8 AM. The Expo continues from 11 AM to 5 PM, with the Gran Fondo & Medio Fondo Awards Ceremony at 3 PM. Throughout the day, riders and spectators can enjoy a Beer Corral from 12 PM to 4 PM, food trucks, and live DJ sets.
May 17-18, 2025 — Santa Fe Century and Gran Fondo, Santa Fe, NM, Century (106 mile tour), the Gran Fondo (106 mile timed ride), the Half-Century (54 mile tour), Medio Fondo (54 mile timed ride) or a 20 mile route, A scenic course that highlights the landscape of northern New Mexico, starting and finishing in downtown Santa Fe. Riders will pass through the Ortiz Mountains and the Galisteo basin, Santa Fe Century , 505-490-6387, [email protected], santafecentury.com
How tactical brilliance and raw power triumphed in America’s most grueling stage race
SILVER CITY, New Mexico (April 23-27, 2025) — The 38th Tour of the Gila unfolds across five challenging stages in southwestern New Mexico, where over 160 athletes in the UCI men’s and women’s races navigate a course that tests both physical ability and psychological perseverance.
Day 1: The Tyrone Individual Time Trial
The race begins with the Tyrone Individual Time Trial presented by Freeport McMoRan. Lauren Stephens (Aegis Cycling Foundation Mixed Team) claims the red New Mexico True leader jersey in the women’s competition, while Sidney Swierenga (TaG Cycling Race Team) dons the white Southwest Bone and Joint/Brian and Lynn Robinson Best Young Rider Jersey.
In the UCI men’s race, Eric Brunner of Competitive Edge Racing takes the top step and the red jersey, with Project Echelon Racing’s Jonas Walton earning the white jersey for best young rider.
Photo courtesy Tour of the GilaPhoto courtesy Tour of the GilaPhoto courtesy Tour of the GilaPhoto courtesy Tour of the Gilac
Day 2: The Mogollon Road Race
The Mogollon Road Race continues the Tour’s tradition of shattering pelotons on its final uncategorized climb. Before turning onto the challenging ascent, the UCI women’s field rides as a cohesive group. Lauren Stephens reaches the cattleguard at the mountaintop first, claiming the QOM lead while adding to her overall lead in the general classification.
Photo courtesy Tour of the GilaPhoto courtesy Tour of the Gila
Her teammate Emma Langley finishes just six seconds back, while Best Young Rider Sidney Swierenga follows 23 seconds later. The first sprint points of the race are also awarded, with Ellexi Snover (Fount Cycling Guild), Kenna Pfeiffer (Aegis Cycling Mixed Team), and Yareli Acecedo Mendoza (Pato Bike) claiming the top three positions in the women’s sprint classification.
Perhaps in anticipation of the ascent to the ghost town of Mogollon, the UCI men’s field rode a steady pace in a compact peloton for the most part today. A couple ambitious souls attempted to get a head-start on the finishing climb. In those final miles, though, José Muniz Vasquez (Olinka-Specialized), Kieran Haug (Project Echelon Racing), and Robinson Fabian López Rivera (GW Erco Shimano) rose to the top. We saw a fresh face breaking into a smile and posting up when Muñiz Vazquezreached the finish line before his competition in the UCI men’s field.
Second place stage finisher Haug earned the red New Mexico True leader jersey, while his teammate Jonas Walton held onto the Southwest Bone and Joint Institute/Brian and Lynn Robinson Best Young Rider jersey. The polka dotted Freeport McMoRan climber jersey went to Vasquez, and the green Gila Regional Medical Center sprinter jersey went to Conn McDunphy.
Photo courtesy Tour of the Gila
Day 3: The Inner Loop Road Race
Stage three takes cyclists through the remote terrain of the Gila National Forest. Riders ascend to elevations of 7,200 feet, descend 1,000 feet over just three miles, pedal rolling hills near Lake Roberts and alongside the Mimbres River, before finishing with a climb to the Chino Mine and a sprint into the historic military fort of Ft. Bayard.
Lauren Stephens secures her third consecutive stage win in the women’s race, while Fausto Esparza Martinez (Olinka – Specialized) claims his first Tour of the Gila victory in the men’s field.
Photo courtesy Tour of the GilaPhoto courtesy Tour of the Gila
Both Stephens and Kieran Haug maintain their red New Mexico True leader jerseys, as Sidney Swierenga and Jonas Walton hold onto their best young rider classifications. Robinson Fabian Lopez Rivera (GW Erco Shimano) and Emma Langley (Aegis Cycling Mixed Team) wear the polka dotted Freeport McMoRan climber jerseys heading into stage four.
Day 4: The Downtown Criterium
Saturday’s Downtown Criterium presented by the Town of Silver City offers spectators their best opportunity to witness the race up close. Amateur races begin at 8 a.m., with the UCI women starting at 1:30 p.m. and the UCI men launching their 40 laps at 3:10 p.m. Brad Sohner’s commentating adds excitement as fans line the 1.08-mile course through Silver City’s historic district.
Photo by Kevin Keller, Tour of the GilaPhoto by Kevin Keller, Tour of the Gila
A photo finish ends Lauren Stephens’ winning streak as Competitive Edge rider Galen Bolard crosses the line first in the women’s race, with Fount Cycling Guild’s Minori Minagawa taking third.
In the men’s UCI race, Above and Beyond Cancer’s Patrick Welch rides solo off the front for most of the criterium, only to be caught in the final dozen laps by Project Echelon Racing and Specialized – Olinka. Eric Brunner wins the bunch sprint, beating Brandon Rojas Vega (GW Erco Shimano) and José Muñiz Vazquez (Olinka-Specialized). Brunner now trails Keiran Haug by just 12 seconds in the general classification.
Photo by Kevin Keller, Tour of the GilaPhoto by Kevin Keller, Tour of the GilaPhoto by Kevin Keller, Tour of the Gila
Midday citizen fun races give everyone from three-year-olds up a chance to experience the thrill of competition, with registration available at The Hub Plaza between 9 a.m. and noon.
Day 5: The Gila Monster Road Race
The queen stage faces a last-minute adjustment due to a Red Flag Warning across southwest New Mexico. Race officials, organizers, and UCI men’s teams agree to shorten the men’s course by eliminating the portion leading to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitor Center.
Tour of the Gila. Photo by Dejan Smaic courtesy of Tour of the Gila
In the women’s race, Aegis Cycling Mixed Team demonstrates both strength and teamwork with a podium sweep. Lauren Stephens secures the overall victory, with Sidney Swierenga (TaG Cycling) earning a second-place finish (+2:23) and the Southwest Bone and Joint/Brian and Lynn Robinson Best Young Rider jersey.
The men’s race begins aggressively, with Robinson Fabian Lopez Rivera (GW Erco Shimano) ultimately crossing the mountain-top finish line first. Team Skyline’s Adam Lewis takes second place, while overall leader Kieran Haug cements his victory with a third-place finish.
The queen stage concludes in front of the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in the historic gold mining village of Pinos Altos. Though the course is shortened, it still takes competitors alongside the Mimbres River, through a region where meticulous potters established a community around A.D. 200. These Mimbres people are known for their famous black-on-white pottery, which inspired the handcrafted trophy bowls awarded to winners in each category—from amateur to UCI professional.
As the 38th Tour of the Gila comes to a close, Lauren Stephens (Aegis Cycling Mixed Team) stands atop the women’s podium with a 2:23 lead over Sidney Swierenga, while Kieran Haug (Project Echelon Racing) claims the men’s overall victory by a 12-second margin over Eric Brunner (Competitive Edge Racing).
The Cycle Effect Fundraiser Added to Rides & Vibes
GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (April 29, 2025) – In an exciting partnership with the Grand Junction Sports Commission (GJSC) and the Rides & Vibes Mountain Bike and Music Festival, The Cycle Effect (TCE) will host a community fundraiser challenge ride as part of the event with a goal of raising over $5,000 to provide bikes to young female riders in Mesa County. The fundraiser will include a specific ride, called The Cycle Effect Challenge, with the Sports Commissionand other groups providing matching funds per lap completed.
Rides & Vibes is a unique 2-day event in downtown Grand Junction, Colorado that features 15, 30, 40, and Pro mountain bike races that start and finish on Main St. The event also features 14 bands on 2 stages in the heart of Grand Junction, with outdoor industry vendors, spin & yoga classes, a costume crit and so much more.
Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Vibes & Rides
“Last year we had multiple athletes participate in Rides & Vibes through the community ride and Fresh 15 race,” said Jaz Oeinck, Mesa County Manager with TCE. “The impact for the girls to be a part of this incredible event and the sense of accomplishment was inspiring. We’re excited to add this new fundraiser which will expand our services andreach to more young female riders across western Colorado.”
Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Vibes & Rides
The Sports Commission and TCE are inviting various community leaders to participate in the event and create awareness for the fundraiser, as well as asking the general public to join in or donate to TCE. The ride will take place on Friday, May 9 at roughly 5:30pm, following the conclusion of the Kid’s Ride with a Doctor presented byIntermountain Health. Participation in all the events on Friday night, with the exception of the Men’s and Women’sPro Crits, are free for the public. Additional 15, 30, and 40 mile mountain bike races will be held on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Vibes & Rides
“One of the largest benefits to Rides & Vibes is the amount of support we’re able to provide to local partners,” said Ben Snyder, Executive Director of GJSC. “Over the last four years, this event has grown significantly and the amount of impact we have on the local economy and cycling organizations continues to rise. The partnership with TCE is both impactful and rewarding, I’m confident we will exceed our goal and create more opportunities for thesegirls.”
Information on Rides & Vibes including registration, music performers, event schedule, and more can be found at www.gjridesandvibes.com.
With the 2025 peak riding season approaching, the U.S. bicycle industry grapples with renewed tariffs and persistentsupply chain challenges. PeopleForBikes, the national trade and advocacy organization representing the bike industry, is leading a comprehensive response, offering advocacy, analysis, business intelligence, and coordinated action at a moment of risk for the bike business.
Tariffs Threaten Industry Growth and Rider Access
As new and reinstated tariffs raise costs on bikes, parts, and accessories, particularly from China, the impact will likely hit entry-level and casual riders the hardest. According to PeopleForBikes’ participation data and demographictrends, these price-sensitive customers include younger riders, families, and lower-income household groups thatwere central to the industry’s post-pandemic growth and remain critical to its future.
“Tariffs risk pricing out the very riders we need to keep,” said Jenn Dice, President and CEO atPeopleForBikes. “These are casual riders, the parents buying first bikes for their kids, the future of our industry.”
Further, according to PeopleForBikes’ research, casual riders are more likely to be younger and dependent on bicycles for affordable transportation and recreation. Rising prices on entry-level bikes and accessories could suppress new ridership and delay purchases or upgrades, undermining efforts to make cycling more accessible.
5 Ways PeopleForBikes Is Leading Industry Action
Fighting for Fair Trade and Tariff Relief – PeopleForBikes is working with policymakers in the S. HouseRepresentatives and U.S. Senate for renewed tariff exclusions and trade policies that give the industry time to adapt, highlighting China’s current advantage in materials and manufacturing, especially for entry-level bikes.
Delivering Insight and Actionable Resources – Through real-time updates, monthly policy memos, industrywebinars, and a public-facing FAQ, PeopleForBikes helps companies understand shifting regulations and respond with clarity and confidence.
Building Strategic Coalitions to Amplify Industry Voices – By uniting suppliers, brands, retailers, andpartners, PeopleForBikes is shaping a shared advocacy agenda and building consensus for long-term change.
Giving Members a Direct Seat at the Table – Members participate in Washington D.C. fly-ins, and outreachcampaigns, including templated letters to Congress, to ensure decision-makers hear company specific challenges.
Convening the Industry to Solve Emerging Challenges – PeopleForBikes will host the Electric MountainBike Summit, June 2–3, 2025, in Bentonville, Arkansas, bringing together land managers, recreation officials,and industry leaders to tackle access, infrastructure, and e-bike regulations. For more information about PeopleForBikes’ work building recreational access on public lands, please clickhere.
The Stakes Are High and So Is the Potential
Cycling contributes to a $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. Tariffsthat raise costs threaten business growth and limit access for the very riders the industry aims to serve.
All this while ridership is growing. Participation is up 14% since 2016, more than triple the growth of the U.S.population. New riders are discovering bikes daily, and the industry has a chance to continue this momentum. PeopleForBikes and the industry are petitioning the administration and Congress to keep this participation momentum going.
3 Things You Can Do
Join our Executive Fly-In – Convene in Washington, C. on June 11–12, 2025, or schedule a local meetingwith your congressional delegation. You can also use our easy letter template to share the direct impact of tariffs on your business (letter template) | Contact PeopleForBikes’ VP of Government Relations, Ash Lovell Ph.D. at [email protected] to get connected.
Sign On – PeopleForBikes is urging the Administration to grant exemptions for bicycles and bicyclecomponents imported from Contact Ash Lovell Ph.D. at [email protected] to add your brand to the official letter.
Join the Movement – Become a member of PeopleForBikes and join a powerful coalition of 325+ companies united to drive positive change in the bicycle
About the artist: I’m a freelance illustrator and graphic designer from Bedfordshire, England. My work combines my love of cycling and illustrating.
Milano Sanremo – La Primavera, by Jen Lewis. Copyright Jen Lewis
Title of piece: Milano Sanremo – La Primavera
Medium and size: Drawn by hand using Adobe Illustrator. Print sizes A4, A3 and A2.
About the piece: With a distance of 298 km Milan San Remo is the longest professional one-day race in modern cycling. It is the first major classic race of the season and one of the five ‘monuments’ of cycling. This print features the riders in the small and colourful town of Campo Ligure in the Ligurian hills which marks the start of the first major climb, the Passo del Turchino, at 117km. The riders then head south to tackle the famous Cipressa and Poggio climbs before the finish in San Remo.
Artist’s statement: My journey as a cycling artist started when I was climbing the Stelvio Pass in Italy on my bike and the sheer beauty of the place made me want to capture it in my vintage illustration style. I love combining my passions of illustration and cycling, and all my fine art prints have been drawn by myself using Adobe Illustrator. A modern method with a vintage style. For me, cycling gives me a feeling of freedom that I’ve not experienced with any other sport and when I’m out riding I often get inspired with ideas for new illustrations. Travelling out to witness the excitement of The Tour de France and Tour of Flanders have been a great inspiration as well as watching the other major tours and classics on TV. I’ve cycled abroad many times and been inspired by the mountains – especially the Italian Alps and Mallorca. I’ve competed at local cyclocross events in recent years but these days I love nothing more than getting out on the trails on my gravel bike. Commissions also undertaken.
Where can people find or buy your art: https://jenscyclingart.etsy.com
Instagram: @jenscyclingart
Facebook: Jen Lewis Cycling Art
X: @Jenlewis20 (JensCyclingArt)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Join the Huntsman SportsFest 140—a 140-mile ride through stunning Utah landscapes—on June 14, 2025 in support of life-saving cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute. As the kickoff to the Utah Triple Crank, this epic endurance challenge is your chance to make every mile count in the fight against cancer.
Now in its 16th year, SportsFest brings together thousands of community members to run, walk, cycle, play, and volunteer, with a 2025 goal to raise $550,000 in support of life-saving cancer research, prevention, and education. Since its launch, the event has generated more than $6.5 million to fund innovative breakthroughs at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Photo courtesy Huntsman SportsFest
The SportsFest 140 is the crown jewel for cyclists—offering a scenic, professionally supported long-distance ride for those ready to go the extra mile in the fight against cancer. It’s also the first leg of the Utah Triple Crank, a prestigious endurance challenge for cyclists who complete three 100+ mile rides: SportsFest 140, the Iron Lung Ride, and the LoToJa Classic.
For cyclists looking for other options, SportsFest also includes routes of 16, 30, 50, 80, and 100 miles, making it accessible for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re conquering the 140 or pedaling a shorter route, every turn of the crank brings us closer to a cancer-free future.
Photo courtesy Huntsman SportsFest
Participants can also direct their fundraising to specific cancer types, allowing every dollar raised to make a targeted impact. In 2024, the addition of the 1K Stroll and SportsQuest scavenger hunt opened new doors for families and casual participants, and both events are back for 2025 alongside the Kids Fun K, 5K, and 10K Trail Run—which now features a new route that winds through the heart of Huntsman Cancer Institute itself.
New this year: Riders and participants who raise $200 or more will receive an invitation to a special celebration dinner on Friday, June 13, a meaningful way to connect and gear up before race day.
Photo courtesy Huntsman SportsFest
“Huntsman SportsFest 140 is more than just a bike ride—it’s a bold commitment to push limits, rally support, and ride with purpose,” said Jen Murano, Director of Events at Huntsman Cancer Foundation. “It embodies the spirit of SportsFest and the determination of our community to defeat cancer.”
Registration is open now at www.huntsmansportsfest.com and closes at midnight on Sunday, June 8. Onsite registration will also be available at packet pickup on Friday, June 13.
Take on the ride. Fuel the fight. Be part of Huntsman SportsFest 140.
Mauritian Rider Surges Past Favorites in Dramatic Finale; Triumph of Grit, Tactics, and Belief
LIÈGE, Belgium (April 27, 2025) — On the broad, sweeping finish of the Quai des Ardennes, amidst the spring sunlight and the roars of a passionate crowd, Kim Le Court pulled off the most stunning victory of her career — and one of the most heartwarming moments of the cycling season.
The 29-year-old rider from Mauritius, competing for AG Insurance–Soudal Team, captured the ninth edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes on Sunday afternoon, outsprinting an elite group of rivals to claim her first-ever Monument victory. Overcome with emotion, tears streamed down Le Court’s face as she crossed the line ahead of Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) and Demi Vollering (FDJ–Suez), with Cedrine Kerbaol (EF Education-Oatly) a close fourth. Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx–Protime) won the sprint from a chasing group for fifth, 24 seconds behind the leaders.
“I can’t believe it. It’s crazy,” Le Court said, still gasping for breath moments after the finish. “I suffered a bit today with my breathing. I couldn’t breathe, I was dropped back several times, but I never gave up.”
A Race of Endurance and Resilience
The 147-kilometer race, which began on the outskirts of Bastogne, saw 137 starters after three late withdrawals — including former world champion Chloé Dygert. Early on, an unfortunate crash took out UAE Team ADQ’s Silvia Persico, while Liane Lippert of Movistar Team was able to remount and rejoin the peloton.
Tactically, the race was animated by an aggressive start. Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck) was the first to crest the Côte de Saint-Roch, but it wasn’t until the 45-minute mark that a breakaway of eight riders — including Victorie Guilman (Cofidis) and Tiril Jorgensen (Coop-Repsol) — finally established a rhythm ahead of the main field. At one point, their lead stretched to nearly four minutes.
However, the peloton, helmed by Vollering’s FDJ-Suez squad, always kept the leaders on a short leash. As the climbs intensified — Côte de Wanne, Côte de Stockeu, Côte de Haute-Levée — the breakaway steadily unraveled.
Segolene Thomas (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93) briefly surged ahead over the Col du Rosier, but it was Maeva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) who launched the most daring solo attack as the race entered its final third. For a moment, it seemed Squiban might create a decisive gap, but she was reeled in on the legendary Côte de la Redoute — a climb that would crack several contenders, including former champion Elisa Longo Borghini.
Tactical Battles on the Final Climbs
As La Redoute shattered the peloton into fragments, Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck) seized the moment, launching a daring counterattack joined by Anna van der Breggen (Team SD Worx–Protime), Cedrine Kerbaol, and Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto).
Their effort, however, was short-lived. Evita Muzic and Juliette Labous, towing the remnants of the favorites group, clawed them back just before the fearsome Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons.
It was on that punishing 1.3 km climb at 11% gradient that Puck Pieterse made her move — a searing acceleration that only Vollering, Kopecky, and Kerbaol could match. Le Court, struggling with breathing issues, was momentarily distanced, but showed extraordinary resilience to claw her way back into contention.
“At the end, I saw that I had the legs in La Roche-aux-Faucons,” Le Court recalled. “I really settled into my rhythm. I told myself not to push too hard at the beginning and to save a little for the end.”
Kerbaol launched a bold solo attack with 12 kilometers remaining, creating a three-kilometer solo adventure that briefly looked promising. But the trio of Pieterse, Vollering, and Le Court worked together methodically to close the gap with nine kilometers to go, setting up an electric sprint finish.
A Perfect Sprint
As the four survivors raced onto the Quai des Ardennes, the tension was palpable. Le Court, receiving final instructions from her sports director Jolien D’Hoore over the radio, knew exactly what she had to do.
“My DS Jolien told me to start the sprint on Demi’s wheel if we arrived in a group with her, and that’s what I did,” Le Court said. “I cramped too when I started sprinting but I never gave up.”
Timing her acceleration to perfection, Le Court surged past Vollering and Pieterse in the final meters, winning by half a bike length. Pieterse, reflecting on her second-place finish, was nevertheless upbeat.
“It was a nice race and I’m happy to finish off the Spring season like this,” Pieterse said. “I was still there in the final as one of the strongest. It’s super cool that we have some races on the road that have exactly those kind of climbs. It’s been a good Spring, and I’m happy I could end it like this with three podiums in a week!”
For Le Court, the victory was about far more than just strength — it was about perseverance, belief, and teamwork.
“My sports director and all my teammates gave me so much motivation every time I came back,” she said. “Julie van de Velde’s effort to get me back in the peloton played a big role. It’s proof that you should never give up.”
On the biggest day of her career, Kim Le Court refused to — and in doing so, she carved her name into cycling history.
LIÈGE, Belgium (April 27, 2025) — As the spring sun bathed the cobbled streets of Liège in gold, a familiar figure once again stamped his authority on cycling’s oldest Monument. Tadej Pogačar, wearing the unmistakable rainbow bands of the world champion and the yellow hue of the reigning Tour de France winner, soared to a commanding solo victory at the 111th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday. With it, he etched his name even deeper into the history books — one Liège closer to the seemingly untouchable legacy of Eddy Merckx.
With a searing attack on the famed Côte de La Redoute — the very same climb he used as his launchpad one year ago — Pogačar blew apart the race with just over 35 kilometers to go and never looked back. What followed was a time trial disguised as a solo escape, with the Slovenian’s metronomic power and unshakable resolve carrying him alone to the finish line on Quai des Ardennes.
“It feels great to finish the first part of the season like this,” Pogačar said at the finish, casually draped in a Slovenian flag, mud-splattered and smiling. “It all went perfect so far. I didn’t really plan to attack at La Redoute. The pace was hard before and I saw that some of my rivals didn’t have many teammates anymore. I decided to test my legs and then assess at the top, depending on the gap, if I would keep going or not. I committed because I had the legs.”
He certainly did. The attack came not just with legs, but with tactical clarity and killer instinct — a signature blend that has become Pogačar’s hallmark. Behind him, chaos reigned. Chasers scrambled in vain, with Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) and Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) eventually emerging as the strongest of the rest to round out the podium.
Pogačar’s 35-kilometre time trial to the line was, in a word, devastating. His victory marks his third at La Doyenne, and it caps a spring campaign that now borders on the mythical. He podiumed in all four of cycling’s Spring Monuments — third at Milan-San Remo, second at Paris-Roubaix, and victorious at the Tour of Flanders. Only Sean Kelly in 1984 and Merckx himself, in 1969 and 1975, had previously accomplished that.
“This is a perfect Classics campaign,” Pogačar said, almost in disbelief. “I’m not here to write any books, I just enjoy bike racing. I can be happy and humble that I’m so good at it. For sure, the victories are the best but the experience in Roubaix was something I never imagined I could do. We created a lot of nice memories this spring.”
That list of memories now includes one of the most dominant solo rides in recent Liège history — a race that, more often than not, is decided in the final kilometer, not 35 from the finish.
From Bastogne to the Ardennes: How the Race Unfolded
A total of 174 riders rolled out of Liège at 10:35 a.m. under cool spring skies. One notable absentee was George Bennett (Israel-Premier Tech), a non-starter. A breakaway of 10 formed early, with Hannes Wilksch (Tudor Pro Cycling) and Jack Haig (Bahrain Victorious) among the animators. They were joined later by Mathis Le Berre and Johan Meens, but the peloton, marshaled diligently by UAE Team Emirates, Soudal–Quick-Step, and Lidl-Trek, never allowed more than 5’50” of breathing room.
Tension simmered at the Col de Haussire, where Ineos Grenadiers’ Bob Jungels and Tobias Foss launched a stinging attack. UAE’s Domen Novak, however, remained ice-cool, reeling them in by the Côte de Wanne. The decisive moment came on the fierce slopes of La Redoute (1.6 km at 9.4%), where the race imploded.
“The plan wasn’t set in stone to attack there,” Pogačar later explained. “But when I saw Quick-Step drop off the front, and Remco [Evenepoel] wasn’t there anymore, I knew the time was right.”
Indeed, Evenepoel — a two-time Liège champion and one of Pogačar’s presumed main rivals — had disappeared from the sharp end of the race. Behind, a chase group featuring Ben Healy, Giulio Ciccone, Tom Pidcock, and Julian Alaphilippe formed, but none could match Pogačar’s relentless pace.
Healy and Ciccone eventually shed their fellow chasers to claim second and third, respectively — both delivering performances of grit and tactical savvy.
“This is what I have worked all winter for,” said Healy, still catching his breath. “The podium was the goal. Had I been able to win, it would have been great… but I’m super happy to finish off some great teamwork.”
The 23-year-old Irishman had previewed his form with a top-five finish in Brabantse Pijl, but Sunday marked his arrival among the elite.
For Ciccone, the result was a welcome confirmation ahead of the Giro d’Italia.
“I feel really tired, but at the same time very happy,” said the Italian. “When Tadej Pogačar attacked, I just focused on myself and setting my own tempo. I knew I didn’t have the legs to follow him, so I just made the best use of my energy. It means a lot to finish on the podium, just a few months after doing the same at Il Lombardia.”
For Pogačar, this win isn’t just another laurel — it’s another thread in a narrative that increasingly parallels Merckx’s. Both riders now share a unique distinction: winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège while wearing the world champion’s stripes and reigning Tour de France title — a feat last seen in 1972.
Still, the 25-year-old remains grounded in his charm and simplicity.
“I’m just super happy. We can be proud of what we’ve achieved,” he said, beaming as if he’d just completed a Sunday club ride.
If this spring campaign proves anything, it’s that Pogačar doesn’t just race to win. He races to define the sport. And in the rolling hills of the Ardennes, he has come one Liège closer to the greatest ever.
Tadej Pogačar Joins the Legends with Victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège
With his commanding performance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday afternoon, Tadej Pogačar secured his ninth Monument victory, a milestone achieved by only five riders before him.
At just 26 years old, the Slovenian superstar continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Already one of cycling’s all-time greats, Pogačar added another layer to his extraordinary record by winning “La Doyenne” for the third time, after previous victories in 2021 and 2024. His latest triumph crowns a phenomenal spring campaign that also saw him claim victories at Strade Bianche, the Tour of Flanders, and La Flèche Wallonne.
With 9 Monument wins (4 Il Lombardia, 3 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and 2 Tour of Flanders), Pogačar now stands alongside Sean Kelly, Costante Girardengo, and Fausto Coppi. Only Roger De Vlaeminck (11) and the legendary Eddy Merckx (19) remain ahead of him. Notably, Pogačar is unrivaled among 21st-century riders — Mathieu van der Poel follows closely with eight Monument wins.
Sunday’s victory also placed Pogačar among the select group of riders — Alfred De Bruyne, Léon Houa, and Alfons Schepers — who have won Liège-Bastogne-Liège three times. He now eyes the higher marks set by Alejandro Valverde and Moreno Argentin (4 wins each) and Eddy Merckx (5 wins).
Making history yet again, Pogačar became the first rider ever to finish on the podium at six consecutive Monuments, starting with his 2024 Liège-Bastogne-Liège win.
Adding to his growing list of accolades, the 26-year-old also completed the rare Tour of Flanders–Liège-Bastogne-Liège double in a single season — a feat previously accomplished only by Eddy Merckx, who did so twice (1969 and 1975).
Finally, Pogačar’s performance on Sunday set a new record for the fastest-ever edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, finishing with an average speed of 41.983 km/h.
There seems to be no ceiling to Tadej Pogačar’s dominance — and history suggests he’s only just getting started.
It’s easier than ever to ride Moab’s iconic trails.
MOAB, Utah (April 22, 2025) – Porcupine Shuttle has always focused on excellent customer service and easy travel to the Moabs’ most sought-after mountain bike trails. For the 2025 season, Porcupine has joined the Utah-based Loam Pass,which provides discounted access to more than 50 mountain bike destinations throughout North America. And, to help riders safely transport their bikes and gear to Moab, Porcupine is now linked through Send My Gear.
Bryan Nickell founded Porcupine Shuttle in 2006. Now-owner Kacey Hazam worked for Nickell, driving shuttles,meeting guests, and watching Moab’s mountain bike scene evolve, for 12 years before purchasing the business in 2023.
Photo courtesy Porcupine Shuttle
“I love enabling our clientele’s mountain biking habit. They’re so pumped to ride the incredible and unique trails here. We get to share in that stoke as we take them to the trailhead and streamline their day,” says Hazam. “Porcupine has the best repeat guests, and I’m excited to be able to offer them more value through the Loam Pass, as well as a safe way to get their own bikes to Moab through Send My Gear.”
Porcupine Shuttle operates out of Double Down Bike Shop, which is owned and operated by Dustin Dickey at 255Williams Way in downtown Moab. When a guest ships their bike through Send My Gear, the Double Down team can build the bike and have it ready to ride for the morning shuttle.
“Owning a business in Moab is so rewarding,” notes Hazam. “The family of business owners here really support each other and work well together.”
Photo courtesy Porcupine Shuttle
Porcupine Shuttle offers multiple trailhead drop-offs on a regular schedule. The Whole Enchilada, which drops through the forested La Sal mountains to the desert and includes the iconic Porcupine Rim Trail, is one of the most popular destinations. The recently completed fast and flowy Raptor Route provides a taste of quintessential Moab riding. The Magnificent 7 trail system includes classic trails like Bull Run, Gold Bar Rim, and the Portal. Additional services include airport transfers and transportation to the San Juan Hut system.
Ready to Ride a Porcupine?
“Our vans are always clean, the tunes are good, and when you call you’ll get me on the phone every time,” saysHazam. But she also warns: “Use the bathroom before getting in the shuttle–we don’t make any stops along the way to the trails.”
PROVO, Utah (April 21, 2025) — Celebrate cycling and community at the eighth annual 2025 Golden Spoke Bike Ride, taking place on the second Saturday in May. This exciting event highlights the growing network of paved trails connecting Ogden to Provo and welcomes riders of all levels—from beginners to seasoned cyclists.
This year’s ride will finish at the new Skippers Bay Trailhead at the Provo River Delta, drawing attention to this recently developed recreational hub. Participants can choose from several ride options, ranging from short, family-friendly distances to 100-mile endurance rides. Everyone is encouraged to explore the ride maps and details available on the event website.
To support sustainable travel, UTA will provide all participants with a free transit pass. All registered riders will receive a complimentary water bottle, and the first 200 to sign up will also receive a $10 food voucher to enjoy at the finish line celebration.
All routes travel north to south and conclude at Skippers Bay, where the end-of-ride festivities will take place. The celebration will feature a family ride around Skippers Bay, a bike rodeo, a scavenger hunt, and kid-friendly activities. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, music, community booths, and a volunteer service project. Outdoor lovers can also watch birds from the viewing tower, go fishing, or take a boat out on the water.
The Provo River Delta, developed as part of the state’s efforts to save the June Sucker, officially opened to the public last year. The Golden Spoke Bike Ride offers a fun and active way to experience Utah’s stunning trails, connect with the biking community, and celebrate the remarkable trail system built and maintained by riders like you.
