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Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB joins UTMB World Series as first event in US South

By
Gary
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Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB set to take place on June 4-6, 2027

The UTMB World Series has confirmed the addition of Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB, marking the circuit’s first event in the southern region of the US. The inaugural edition of the event is scheduled to take place on June 4–6, 2027, in Chattanooga, TN, taking runners to the Appalachian Mountains and the landscapes of Lookout Mountain.

Featuring 100km, 50km, and 20km distances, the race expands the international trail running series to 10 events across the US and more than 60 events worldwide.

Ginny Smith, Race Director for Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB, said “Chattanooga has always been a city that reinvents itself. We’ve become recognized as one of the best outdoor cities in the country because our community believed in something better. That’s what makes bringing the UTMB World Series here so exciting.

“Our trails are incredible; our river flows through downtown, but what truly sets Chattanooga apart are the people. Ultra Trail Chattanooga is a true local effort driven by volunteers, non-profit partners, land managers, businesses, and a community that always shows up. That’s the experience we want the world to discover.”

The event will feature a basecamp and start/finish venue situated adjacent to Erlanger Park, a recently transformed riverfront baseball venue in downtown Chattanooga, TN.

The marquee 100km distance is planned as a point-to-point course utilising Chattanooga’s River to Clouds Trail System, which connects downtown Chattanooga to Cloudland Canyon State Park in northern Georgia. The route traverses Lookout Mountain, finishing near the canyon vistas and waterfalls of Cloudland Canyon. Meanwhile, the 50km and 20km courses will start and finish near the downtown basecamp, exploring local mountain trails.

In preparation for the event, Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB is collaborating with non-profit organisations and conservation groups, including Lookout Mountain Conservancy, Lula Lake Land Trust, SORBA Chattanooga, Wild Trails, Outdoor Chattanooga, and Reflection Riding to support local trail stewardship and maintenance.

Susan Harris, interim CEO at Chattanooga Tourism, said “Welcoming the UTMB World Series to Chattanooga and the Southeast for the first time is a tremendous opportunity for our community. Trail runners and their families from around the world will stay at our hotels, dine at our restaurants and experience everything Chattanooga has to offer. This event creates strong economic impact for local businesses while showcasing Chattanooga’s position as a premier outdoor destination.”

Florian Lamblin, Executive Director at UTMB International, added “With now ten events across the United States, the UTMB World Series continues to grow alongside one of the world’s most passionate trail running communities. Bringing our first event to the Southeast was a natural choice: Chattanooga combines an exceptional outdoor playground with a strong community spirit that perfectly reflects the values of our sport.

“From the very beginning, this project has been driven by local organisers, volunteers, and partners working together to create an authentic event, deeply rooted in its territory. That collective energy is what makes Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB such an exciting addition to the series.”

Participants in the Chattanooga event will have the opportunity to earn Running Stones to gain qualification for the UTMB World Series Finals at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc.

Priority registration for Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB opens on August 18, 2026, with general registration opening on August 20, 2026.

The UTMB World Series was launched in May 2021 as a collaboration between UTMB Group and The IRONMAN Group, encompassing 67 events across 35 countries internationally.

www.utmb.world

 

Lloyds Tour of Britain expands broadcast and live data integration

By
Gary
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Lloyds Tour of Britain - image credit British Cycling - SWPix

The Lloyds Tour of Britain has announced a dual initiative for its 2026 women’s and men’s races, featuring enhanced free-to-air broadcast coverage alongside a landmark live rider performance data partnership.

Organised by British Cycling Ventures, the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women takes place from August 19–23, 2026, as part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, while the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men runs from September 2–6, 2026, as part of the UCI ProSeries.

Both events are free-to-attend and represent the largest road cycling races in the UK.

Under a new technology partnership, official race insights partner Elixirr is collaborating with Velon – the technology and media company owned by leading professional cycling teams – to integrate live rider performance metrics directly into race broadcasts. This initiative marks the first time live rider data has been integrated into the broadcast of a women’s WorldTour stage race.

The live feed will supply telemetry such as speed, power, cadence, and location to commentators and broadcast partners. Additionally, the event’s social media channels will use insights from Velon’s tracking devices to produce graphics and point-of-view camera content from riders and teams.

Jonathan Day, Director of Events at British Cycling Ventures, said “We are delighted to welcome Velon to the Lloyds Tour of Britain. Through our partnership with Velon and Elixirr, fans will enjoy a richer viewing experience, with access to live rider data and unique performance insight across both races.

“The transmission of live rider performance data at a women’s WorldTour stage race for the first time is a significant milestone, and reflects our shared commitment to use innovation to elevate women’s sport. We look forward to working with Velon and Elixirr to deliver an even more immersive Lloyds Tour of Britain for fans, teams, and riders alike.”

Graham Busby, Deputy CEO at Elixirr, said “We’re excited to build on our partnership with the Lloyds Tour of Britain and continue reimagining what the fan experience can look like. By bringing together technology, data and insight in new ways, we can help fans get closer to the action and understand more of what’s happening as the race unfolds. It’s about creating an experience that makes cycling even more engaging for everyone watching.”

Graham Bartlett, Chief Executive at Velon, added “Velon has been at the forefront of live race data for a decade now, always seeking new ways to bring the race alive for the fans and now to make it safer for the riders.

“Partnering with British Cycling and Elixirr for the flagship road race in the UK is something we are very excited about for both the women’s and men’s races. We know that Elixirr will bring a new way of using and showing the power of live rider data from Velon.”

Alongside the data integration, British Cycling Ventures has confirmed expanded broadcast arrangements across domestic and international networks. In the UK, ITV4 and ITVX will provide free-to-air coverage across both events. TNT Sports and HBO Max will also broadcast every stage live, while Warner Bros Discovery will air coverage across mainland Europe on Eurosport and HBO Max (excluding France). International distribution will additionally extend across territories in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

For the women’s race, daily highlights will air on ITV4 and ITVX, with live streaming available on TNT Sports and the official Lloyds Tour of Britain YouTube channel. For the men’s event, live coverage of stages 1–4 will be shown on ITV4 and ITVX, with stage five on ITVX, alongside daily ITV4 highlights and full live streaming on YouTube.

Darren Henry, Managing Director at British Cycling Ventures, said “We are pleased to be bringing free-to-air coverage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain to audiences across the UK as we work with our broadcast partners ITV and TNT Sports. The expanded coverage increases visibility for riders, teams host locations and partners, and further strengthens the Lloyds Tour of Britain as one of the UK’s leading sporting properties.

“We want to bring the UK’s premier cycling races to as many people as possible, so we are thrilled to be giving fans more ways to experience the joy of cycling whether they are in their homes, on the move or on catch-up, whenever is convenient.

“By working with several broadcast partners globally to bring both Tours to a wider international audience, we are reaching more sport fans than ever before across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. It is a huge opportunity to showcase the brilliant racing from the riders and teams at the internationally renowned event, as well as showing the best that Britain has to offer with the incredible backdrops across all ten stages.”

Niall Sloane, Director of Sport at ITV, said “ITV Sport’s impressive year of free-to-air sport continues this autumn as we broadcast the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women and Men across ITV and ITVX. We are providing a full broadcast package to our audience with the live races as well as highlights of the competition, showcasing the very best international cyclists across the Tours for our audience to enjoy.”

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women starts in Cockermouth on August 19, 2026, passing through Clitheroe, Blackpool, Mold, Great Orme, Llandudno, Llanidloes, and Hay-on-Wye, before concluding in Royal Leamington Spa on August 23, 2026.

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men begins in Lincoln on September 2, 2026, visiting Boston, Skegness, Hull, Beverley, Helmsley, and Leyburn, before finishing in Earlston in the Scottish Borders on September 6, 2026.

British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling in Great Britain, representing 2,000 affiliated clubs and supporting grassroots participation alongside the Great Britain Cycling Team. Event title sponsor Lloyds is a retail and commercial bank serving personal and business customers nationwide across the UK.

www.britishcycling.org.uk

 

Rapha’s second collab with artist David Carson explores freedom on and off the bike

By
Gary
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Rapha second collab with artist David Carson explores freedom on and off the bike

Pioneering artist and graphic designer David Carson has teamed up with UK-based cycling brand Rapha once more with a new collection of apparel. With the artist’s self-taught design language, this second instalment in the collaboration explores themes of freedom and self-defined success.

The capsule will be available on August 26, 2026, with early access for members of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) from August 25, 2026.

David Carson is an American graphic designer recognised for revolutionising print design with his bold style, earning him international influence. Carson was a top-ranked pro surfer before turning his focus to graphic design, later working as designer and art director on Ray Gun magazine in 1992.

Christina Lindquist, Global Marketing Director at Rapha, said “The open road has always been a canvas for escape. We invited legendary designer David Carson to explore what true freedom means, both in the saddle and on the page.

“While Rapha’s archival photography served as the initial spark for this journey, David quickly veered off the beaten path, allowing his own unapologetic, disruptive graphic language to take the lead. For David, the ethos of riding and the art of design are bound by the same relentless rejection of the rules.”

Reflecting on his approach to design, David Carson said “If everybody loves your work – your friends love it, your parents love it, it’s on the fridge at home – you’re probably playing it too safe. Freedom comes when you break away from the expected way of doing things and follow your own path, using one’s intuition and gut feelings.”

Carson’s style can be seen throughout his second capsule with Rapha. Motifs of clouds and sky are used to represent unrestricted thought, while uncontained typography is used to reflect breaking out of traditional design structures.

A new short film created by Rapha explores this approach, shot in the Caribbean where Carson spends his winters.

The Rapha and David Carson 2026 collection includes two short sleeve cycling jerseys, a men’s long sleeve aero jersey, men’s roadsuit, gilet, cargo bib shorts, socks and a cycling cap, all from Rapha’s performance Pro Team range. Accessories and off-bike items include a baseball cap, bidon, essentials case, unisex cotton t-shirt and unisex cotton hoodie.

Alongside the collection of on-bike apparel, ten Rapha Clubhouses worldwide will also stock custom-designed t-shirts featuring typographic treatment by Carson, exclusive to their respective locations.

Founded in London, UK, in 2004, Rapha designs cycling apparel and operates 18 Clubhouses in major cities globally, leading over 4,000 rides annually for its Rapha Cycling Club members.

www.rapha.cc

 

Continental goes wide open up-front with new Aero 111 32mm tyre option

By
Gary
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Continental goes wide open up-front with new Aero 111 32mm tyre option

With wider tyres growing in popularity across road cycling for their enhanced comfort, lower rolling resistance, and improved traction, Continental has launched a new 32mm size extension for its Aero 111 road tyre.

Developed in collaboration with DT Swiss and Swiss Side, the front-wheel-specific tyre is now available in a wider size. Continental adds that it offers drag-reducing performance to riders demanding high speed and added compliance over rougher terrain.

On the road, changing wind angles and uneven surfaces constantly challenge performance. The Aero 111 32mm seeks to address this with a patented tread pattern embedded with 48 precision cavities that act as ‘vortex generators’. By manipulating airflow around the front wheel to delay separation, the design is claimed to reduce drag while amplifying the sailing effect at all yaw angles.

Despite its wider profile, the tyre features Continental’s BlackChili compound to deliver low rolling resistance and grip in both wet and dry conditions. Puncture protection is handled by a Vectran Breaker layer, shared with the Grand Prix 5000 range, while the casing is Tubeless Ready and hookless rim compatible.

Now available in a standard black sidewall across three widths – 32–622, 29–622 and 26–622 – the Aero 111 caters to a range of road conditions.

Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager at Continental Tires, said “With the addition of the 32mm width, we truly are offering aero performance from every angle. Developing the Aero 111 alongside Swiss Side has allowed us to build a tyre like no other, one that performs across even the most demanding conditions.

“The Aero 111 has already proven the benefits of advanced airflow management but this additional width allows us to bring those same aerodynamic gains and crosswind-taming technologies to the modern road cyclist who refuses to compromise on comfort.”

Key features

  • Weight: 310g for 32–622, 280g for 29–622, 250g for 26–622
  • Dimensions: 32–622, 29–622, 26–622
  • Colours: Black
  • Technology: BlackChili Compound, Vectran Breaker
  • Aerodynamic tread designed in partnership with Swiss Side
  • Tubeless Ready
  • Hookless rim compatible

The Made in Germany Continental Aero 111 32mm is available worldwide through select retail partners and distribution channels, priced at €128.95 / £113.95 / US$140.94.

Continental is a tyre manufacturer founded in 1871, generating sales of €19.7 billion in 2025. Its bicycle division develops products such as the Grand Prix 5000 road range, Terra gravel range, as well as urban tyres utilising dandelion rubber.

www.continental-tires.com

 

With entries up 24%, Portland Marathon on track to sell out

By
Gary
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Portland Marathon presented by Nike Running

The 54th annual Portland Marathon presented by Nike Running is on track for another notable race year. Last year’s event sold out with nearly 12,000 registrations, and the event organiser Brooksee is expecting an even earlier sell-out for the 2026 edition with registration reportedly up 24% year-on-year.

This year’s event takes place on October 4, 2026. Alongside high demand for entries, local companies are signing on as partners at all levels. This includes Nike’s elevation of its sponsorship from official footwear and apparel sponsor to title sponsor, making the Portland Marathon the only event where Nike Running is the title sponsor.

Phil Dumontet, CEO at Brooksee, said “Our goal with the Portland Marathon presented by Nike Running is to not only provide an amazing racing experience for our participants, but to also showcase the incredible running community that is right here in Portland. Our efforts to spotlight and build that community are translating into major growth and major partnerships.

“Through our partnerships and local community engagement efforts, we are able to truly immerse our race into the local running community year-round, and build up a race experience that continues to draw a growing crowd.”

In addition to producing all event merchandise, Nike will curate pre-race experiences for runners, extend volunteer opportunities and offer registration discounts to employees. Nike’s partnership will also feature pre-race experiences, including multiple group long runs in partnership with Foot Traffic to support runners on their journey to race day, as well as a race weekend shakeout run.

The Portland Marathon presented by Nike Running offers four distances – a marathon, half marathon, 10km and the 1-mile Kids Run – which all offer scenic tours of Portland, Oregon.

The event also offers a spectator experience through its annual neighborhood cheer station competition, where running groups and neighborhood associations can gather to cheer on participants. This can include signs, music, dressing in costumes, or other ways the groups encourage the runners. Participants on the course vote for their favourite cheer station, and the group with the most votes receives US$1,000.

The Portland Marathon was established in 1972 and has grown into one of Oregon’s largest marathon events, hosting up to 15,000 participants. Event producer Brooksee is an endurance event production and services company founded in 2012 that organises premier road races such as the Portland Marathon, the Phoenix Marathon, the Las Vegas Marathon, the Mesa Marathon and the REVEL Race Series.

www.portlandmarathon.com
www.brooksee.com

 

DEKA announces inaugural EMEA Championship for May 2027

By
Gary
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DEKA athletes

Fitness racing brand DEKA has announced its inaugural EMEA Championship, bringing athletes from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa together for three days of championship racing on May 28–30, 2027.

The location for the event remains under wraps, with the venue due to be revealed when general registration opens at 09:00 BST on August 27, 2026.

The event will bring three DEKA formats – DEKA FIT, DEKA MILE and DEKA STRONG – together for the first time on one championship programme. The schedule will feature Individual and Team competition across all levels, alongside Ruck heats in each format for the Individual category.

Created by leading OCR event business Spartan, the DEKA FIT concept combines running with 10 functional fitness zones, while DEKA MILE delivers the functional challenge in a shorter format. DEKA STRONG removes the running to focus on functional strength and conditioning, and DEKA FIT Ruck adds a weighted load to the DEKA FIT course.

Entry to Age Group categories in the EMEA Championship requires no qualification, with the goal of making the start line accessible to first-time championship racers and experienced competitors. For Elite competition, DEKA’s performance standards apply. Elite Individual DEKA FIT competitors must have completed an Elite Individual DEKA FIT race within the previous 12 months, while Elite DEKA MILE and DEKA STRONG athletes require an official time recorded on the DEKA Global Leaderboard.

The top 15 ranked Elite and Age Group athletes in each category will be seeded into the first wave based on the DEKA Global Leaderboard, with limited wildcard entries available at the discretion of DEKA HQ.

While open to athletes internationally, participants must hold citizenship or nationality of a country within Europe, the Middle East or Africa to compete for the EMEA podium, regional awards, prize money and the title of DEKA EMEA Champion.

Emily leRoux, Vice President at DEKA International, said “The inaugural DEKA EMEA Championship marks an incredibly exciting moment for DEKA. We’ve watched our community across Europe, the Middle East and Africa grow into a truly connected movement, and this Championship gives that community a stage of its own.

“We’re bringing the full DEKA experience together for three huge days of racing, and we’re particularly excited about where we’re taking it. We can’t reveal the location just yet, but we know it will provide an incredible backdrop for the first DEKA EMEA Championship.

“What makes this Championship special is that it’s within reach of everyone. Whether you’re an experienced Elite athlete chasing a regional title or entering your first Age Group Championship, you can be part of this moment. The first EMEA Champions will have the chance to make history – and we can’t wait to see who makes their mark.”

www.deka.fit

 

Chris McCormack appointed Executive Chairman of One Hundred trail run series

By
Gary
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Chris McCormack appointed Executive Chairman of One Hundred ultra run series

International trail and ultra running series One Hundred has appointed former IRONMAN world champion Chris McCormack as Executive Chairman, strengthening its leadership structure as it enters its next phase of international growth.

The appointment, approved by the One Hundred board, sees McCormack (aka ‘Macca’) step into the Executive Chairman role after serving as President of Global Strategy and Performance.

As part of the revised leadership structure, One Hundred founder João Andrade moves into the role of Founder and Director. He will continue to play an active role in the strategic direction and growth of the organisation alongside McCormack, Chief Executive Officer João de Saldanha, and the wider leadership team.

João de Saldanha continues as Chief Executive Officer, leading day-to-day operations and the execution of the organisation’s international strategy.

The management changes come as the organisation continues to expand its footprint and build an international competition pathway across trail and ultra running.

João Andrade, Founder and Director at One Hundred, said “One Hundred was founded with a clear ambition to create something meaningful and lasting for the global trail and ultra running community. It has been incredibly rewarding to see that vision grow and evolve.

“Moving into the Founder and Director role allows me to remain closely involved in the strategic direction of One Hundred while supporting Chris, João and the wider team as we continue to grow the organisation internationally.

“We have built strong foundations, but there is still an enormous opportunity ahead of us. I’m proud of what we have achieved so far and incredibly excited about this next chapter for One Hundred.”

Chris McCormack, Executive Chairman at One Hundred, said “One Hundred has reached an exciting point in its evolution. João, João and the wider team have built strong foundations and a global vision for what this platform can become.

“There is a huge opportunity in trail and ultra running to build something that connects athletes, events, destinations and partners around a clear global pathway. My focus as Executive Chairman will be on that bigger picture, strengthening the strategy, opening opportunities and making sure we have the right structure and relationships around the business to deliver on our ambitions.

“I’ve spent my life in endurance sport, both as an athlete and in business and I believe enormously in the potential of One Hundred and where we can take it from here.”

João de Saldanha, Chief Executive Officer at One Hundred, added “This is an important next step for One Hundred and one that gives us an even stronger leadership structure as we look to the future.

“Chris brings an exceptional depth of experience across global sport, strategy and business, as well as an understanding of endurance sport that few people can match. As CEO, my focus remains on leading the business, delivering our strategy and ensuring we continue to build One Hundred into a world-class global platform for trail and ultra running.

“We have ambitious plans for One Hundred and I’m excited to work alongside Chris, João and the wider team as we take the next step in that journey.”

McCormack is a four-time triathlon world champion with a career spanning elite competition, sports entrepreneurship, event development and athlete-focused ventures. In June 2026, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.

One Hundred continues to expand its international portfolio, spanning multiple trail and ultra running distances across international markets.

www.onehundredtrail.com

 

British Cycling appoints Professor Pete Bonfield OBE as Chief Executive

By
Gary
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British Cycling appoints Professor Pete Bonfield OBE as Chief Executive

British Cycling has appointed Professor Pete Bonfield OBE as its new Chief Executive. Pete will join the national governing body in mid-November 2026 from the University of Westminster, where he has served as Vice-Chancellor and President since 2018.

A lifelong cyclist, Bonfield is a former British Cycling National Juvenile Circuit Race champion, represented Great Britain at the Junior Worlds and was a National Senior Road squad member. He has also raced, coached, managed, toured and commuted by bike, bringing personal connection to the sport alongside leadership experience across higher education, government, professional membership organisations and physical activity.

British Cycling adds that, during his career, Bonfield has led major organisations and programmes, advised government through independent reviews, and held senior board positions across national and international organisations. He has served as President of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, been a Non-Executive Board Member within UK Government, and was formerly Senior Independent Director of ukactive.

Between 2006 and 2012, Bonfield was seconded part-time to the Olympic Delivery Authority, where he helped co-create and deliver the London 2012 Sustainability Strategy and led work relating to construction products across the Olympic build programme, including the development of the velodrome and cycling facilities within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Chris Pilling, Chair at British Cycling, said “Following a rigorous recruitment process, we are delighted to appoint Pete as British Cycling’s next Chief Executive. Pete is an accomplished and values-driven leader with a strong track record of leading complex organisations, building partnerships and delivering meaningful change.

“His leadership experience, strategic vision and understanding of the opportunities facing sport and physical activity make him exceptionally well placed to lead British Cycling into its next chapter. We look forward to welcoming him to the organisation in November.

“I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Lee Gibbons for his exceptional contribution as Interim Chief Executive. Lee has led the organisation with great energy, skill and integrity during this period and has provided stability and momentum across a number of important priorities.”

Professor Pete Bonfield OBE said “I am delighted to be joining British Cycling at such an exciting time for the sport. Cycling has been a constant throughout my life, whether through racing, commuting, coaching or simply enjoying the freedom that a bike provides, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the national governing body for a sport that gives so much to so many people in diverse ways.

“British Cycling has an exceptional track record of supporting riders at every level, from local clubs and community programmes through to inspiring success on the world stage. With the opportunities ahead for our sport, I am looking forward to working with colleagues, members, volunteers, athletes, partners and sponsors to build on those strong foundations and help shape the next chapter for cycling in Britain.”

www.britishcycling.org.uk

 

Cycling footwear brand O2C steps out with Velovice as UK sales representative

By
Gary
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Launch of O2C as new performance cycling footwear brand focused on biomechanics

Performance cycling footwear brand O2C Cycling has appointed Velovice as its official sales representative for the UK. The partnership marks the next stage in the performance footwear brand’s international growth, providing dedicated, on-the-ground support for UK retailers.

Velovice is a UK-based cycling sales and market-entry agency specialising in helping international cycling brands establish and grow their presence in the UK. The company works directly with retailers and brands, providing sales representation, account management, product education, market insight and ongoing trade support.

The partnership will see Velovice lead O2C’s UK trade representation, working directly with independent bike shops, specialist retailers and key accounts to introduce the brand and develop a network of retail partners across the country.

O2C is a performance cycling footwear brand built around a simple principle that… ‘Cycling shoes should be designed around the anatomy of the human foot, rather than forcing the foot to conform to the shoe.’

Drawing on more than 17 years of experience in performance footwear design and development, O2C combines anatomical shaping, biomechanical research and advanced carbon construction to create footwear focused on natural alignment, stability, comfort and efficient power transfer.

The brand’s collection spans road, gravel and triathlon, from the flagship Axis RS1 and ultra-light Axis RK1 through to the Vector RC1 and RT2 models, alongside the recently introduced RG1 and RG2 gravel shoes.

The appointment of Velovice is designed to give O2C a stronger connection with the UK cycling trade as the brand continues to expand internationally.

Steven Nemeth, Founder at O2C Cycling, said “The UK is one of the most established and influential cycling markets in the world, so it was important for us to have someone on the ground who understands both the industry and the needs of independent retailers.

“Velovice brings that local knowledge and, importantly, shares our belief that building a brand is about developing strong, long-term relationships. We’re looking forward to working with the team to introduce more UK riders and retailers to O2C and our approach to anatomical cycling footwear.”

Through the partnership, Velovice will act as the primary point of contact for UK dealers interested in O2C, providing product presentations and training alongside ongoing commercial and account support.

Ryan Fleming at Velovice said “O2C is exactly the kind of brand we want to represent. There is a genuine product story behind the shoes, a clear technical philosophy and a range that gives retailers something different to offer their customers.

“The UK market responds well to brands that combine strong products with a compelling point of difference, and we believe O2C has both. We’re excited to start introducing the range to retailers and building the brand’s presence in the UK.”

O2C’s approach centres on anatomically correct footwear design. Its shoes incorporate features including anatomically shaped lasts, structured heel support, low-stack carbon sole platforms and extended cleat adjustment, with each element designed to improve the relationship between the rider, shoe and pedal.

The partnership in the UK forms part of O2C’s wider strategy to establish specialist retail partnerships in key cycling markets while maintaining the technical product knowledge and support expected from a premium performance brand.

UK retailers interested in O2C or arranging a product presentation can contact Velovice directly.

www.o2c-cycling.com
www.velovice.co.uk

 

Life Time Grand Prix unveils 2027 qualification format and calendar

By
Rufus Thomas
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Life Time Grand Prix unveils 2027 qualification format and calendar

Life Time has announced a new qualification format and expanded seven-race schedule for the 2027 Life Time Grand Prix off-road racing series.

The new system creates a performance-based entry process for the 25-woman and 25-man fields. The top 10 women and top 10 men from the final 2026 Life Time Grand Prix standings will receive automatic invitations for the 2027 season, alongside the top-performing woman and man from the 2026 U23 program.

The remaining 14 spots in each field will be determined through the new Sea Otter Grand Prix Qualifier during the Life Time Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA.

Riders competing in the Pro category will qualify based on combined results from two events: Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel on Thursday and Life Time Sea Otter Classic Fuego XL on Saturday. The gravel race will also serve as the opening round of the seven-event championship in 2027, with points counting toward an athlete’s overall score upon qualification.

In addition to the qualification changes, Life Time will introduce a new Pro category vetting process in September 2026 for riders applying to race in the Pro field at 2027 events.

The 2027 season marks a return to a seven-race calendar, featuring the return of The Rad Dirt Fest in Trinidad, CO, as the fifth round.

The full 2027 Life Time Grand Prix calendar includes:

Athletes will be required to start a minimum of six events in 2027, with their best six results counting toward the final standings. Riders who complete all seven races can drop their lowest score.

Kimo Seymour, President of Events and Media at Life Time, said “We’ve listened closely to athletes, agents and partners, and one opportunity we identified to enhance the Series is to create a performance-driven path into the Life Time Grand Prix. Establishing the field earlier also gives athletes greater certainty as they plan their seasons and partnerships.”

The remaining events on this year’s 2026 Life Time Grand Prix schedule include:

  • Life Time Chequamegon MTB Festival – September 19, 2026
  • Life Time Little Sugar MTB – October 11, 2026
  • Life Time Big Sugar Gravel – October 17, 2026

www.lifetimegrandprix.com

 

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