Breakaway Media - IrishCycleSport

  A thrilling men's road race, a wide-open battle for the rainbow jersey — and two Irish riders who made their presence felt. The 2026 Elite Men's World Road Race Championship in Montréal delivered something we haven't seen too often in recent seasons: genuine uncertainty. With Tadej Pogačar absent, there was no overwhelming favourite dictating how everyone else had to race. Instead, we got an aggressive, unpredictable World Championship where attacks came from everywhere and the outcome remained in doubt deep into the finale. So it raises an interesting question: Was the World Championship actually more entertaining without Tadej Pogačar? That isn't a criticism of Pogačar. Far from it. He is arguably the defining rider of this generation, and some of his long-range attacks and dominant victories have been extraordinary to watch. But dominance and entertainment aren't necessarily the same thing. Nobody Could Control the Race Without Pogačar, Montréal felt genuinely ...

​ 🌈 McNulty Takes the Rainbow Jersey as Healy Battles to World Top 10 American Brandon McNulty produced a perfectly timed solo attack to win the 2026 UCI Elite Men’s Road World Championship in Montréal , while Ireland’s Ben Healy again showed he belongs among the very best one-day racers in the world, finishing 10th .  🇮🇪 Healy right in the battle This was far more than Healy simply hanging on for a top-10 finish. Over 273.7 km and roughly 3,800 metres of climbing , the race repeatedly split on the Mount Royal circuit. Healy was involved in several of the important moves and, with around 60 km remaining, attacked as the leading groups continued to reorganise.  He eventually managed to bridge across to a powerful group containing riders including Mathieu van der Poel, Quinn Simmons and Primož Roglič . That move put Healy right back into the fight for the rainbow jersey.  Then came the decisive moment. With roughly 33 km remaining , McNulty attacked while the favo...

  The Everyday Cyclist’s Guide — Issue 2 How to Choose the Correct Bike Size Publication date: Friday, 25 September 2026 By IrishCycleSport The correct frame size gives you a better starting point for comfort, control and efficient riding. Choosing the right type of bicycle is only the first step. The next question is just as important: what size do you need? A bicycle that is too large can feel stretched, awkward and difficult to control. One that is too small may feel cramped or place too much weight through your hands. The correct size should give you enough room to move, a comfortable reach to the controls and a sensible range of adjustment. Unfortunately, there is no universal sizing system. A Medium from one brand may not match a Medium from another, while two models from the same brand can fit differently because they are designed for different styles of riding. Use the size printed on the frame as a starting point—not as a guarantee. Begin With Your Height and Inside Leg ...

The Everyday Cyclist’s Guide — Issue 1 How to Choose the Correct Bike Publication date:  Tuesday, 15th September 2026 By IrishCycleSport The right bicycle is the one that suits where you ride and encourages you to get out more often. Choosing a new bicycle should be exciting, but the number of different styles available can make the decision feel complicated. Road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids and electric bikes are all designed for different purposes—and the best bicycle is not necessarily the lightest or most expensive one. The right bicycle is the one that suits where you ride, how often you ride and what you would like to achieve. This guide explains the main options and will help you narrow down your choice. Start With the Riding You Will Actually Do Before comparing brands, components or prices, ask yourself a few simple questions: Will most of my cycling be on roads, cycle lanes, trails or a mixture? Do I want to ride for fitness, commuting, leisure, competiti...

  Which Giant Road Bike should I choose ?                  If you are looking at a Giant road bike, there is a good chance you will eventually find yourself comparing three names: Defy, TCR and Propel . All three are performance road bikes, but they have been designed with different priorities. The simplest distinction is: Defy = Endurance and comfort TCR = Lightweight all-round performance Propel = Aerodynamic speed But there is considerably more to choosing the right bike than those three descriptions. The best bike isn't necessarily the fastest or lightest one. It's the bike that best suits where you ride, how you ride and what you want from your cycling . Here is our guide to making that choice. Giant Defy – The Endurance Specialist The Giant Defy is designed around endurance road riding. Think long days in the saddle, sportives, rougher Irish roads, Wicklow spins, touring-style road rides and riders who value comfort without wantin...