Happy Friday folks. We’re one day closer to another episode of The Last of Us, but more on that later.
This week has been very busy at Cyclist, but notably so for tech editor Sam Challis. He covered the launch of the new 4th-gen Cannondale SuperSix Evo and delivered both a first ride review and a deep dive into to the details of its frameset. Sam also gave us the lowdown on the updated SRAM Force AXS groupset and reviewed that too.
It’s been a big week for Shimano too with the component giant announcing a major shake-up of its entry level groupsets – Tiagra, Sora and Claris will all eventually be phased out with the takeover of Shimano CUES. The brand also debuted a snazzy champagne colour option for its S-Phyre road shoes.
Meanwhile Colnago launched the gravel-adjacent C68 Allroad endurance bike and we got word that Victor Victor Campenaerts will be racing on the Classified Powershift hub this season.
My new series Pro Log kicked off alongside road cycling’s Opening Weekend, as features writer Emma caught up with ultracyclist James Hayden for a cracking interview. Now onto another edition of In the Drops!
Le Col Women’s Pro Long Sleeve Jersey
Despite winter’s insistence to keep us in its cold clutches, spring is eventually coming, and this new lavender colour of Le Col’s Womens Pro Long Sleeve Jersey slots right into place. It’s thicker than other Lycra jerseys I own, which makes it ideal for avoiding any gilets or jackets on slightly nippier days.
Made from a four-way stretch brushed-back Lycra, this jersey is designed to bridge the gap between days when arm warmers are needed, but thermal and protective wear isn’t. There are also three rear pockets, but I like the fourth one that the orange Tribe bar pokes out from – a nifty concealed waterproof for valuables like phones. Those are pretty important.
Buy now from Le Col (£160)
Pas Normal Studios Women’s Mechanism Long Sleeve Jersey
It’s jersey central round here. The weather has been colder again lately, and I’m not a fan of that. I am, however, a huge fan of the colour red. The Mechanism Long Sleeve Jersey from Pas Normal Studios is incredibly soft inside due to the fleece lining, but can be worn either as a heavy base layer or with a jacket should temperatures plummet further. Which unfortunately looks likely.
Designed as part of the Mechanism collection that prioritises a racy fit, this jersey is aimed at high-intensity training and racing – but if you like a calmer spin on the pedals, this works too.
Warm and comfortable with a good stretch, the colours available help with some extra visibility. Because who doesn’t like attention?
Buy now from Pas Normal Studios (£175)
Jumbo-Visma’s All-In documentary
All-In is a documentary made by the Jumbo-Visma team throughout the 2022 season. The six episodes follow riders such as Tom Dumoulin, Wout van Aert, Primož Roglič and Jonas Vingagaard on their respective and intertwined journeys. For those in the Benelux region, all parts will be available to watch on Amazon Prime. Unfortunately even a VPN won’t grant access anywhere else.
The second episode focusses on Dumoulin’s relationship with teammate Koen Bouwman. Dumoulin’s help as part of a breakaway at last year’s Giro d’Italia resulted in Bouwman’s first Grand Tour stage victory. From there, a large chunk is dedicated to the team’s Tour de France ambitions, Jonas Vingegaard’s victory and his ensuing welcome home celebrations in Copenhagen. The final episode – Le dépassement de soi, or ‘surpassing oneself’ – trails Roglič at the Vuelta a España, Van Aert during the World Championships and Dumoulin’s retirement decision.
The cycling documentary market is booming this year, with the impending release of Netflix’s documentary on the 2022 Tour de France and a Mark Cavendish one said to be in the works. I’ve always enjoyed seeing this aspect of the sport since the days of Dan Jones at Orica-GreenEDGE (now Team Jayco-AlUla), and it will be interesting looking at what teams choose to show.
Watch now on Amazon Prime in the Benelux region.
Ad feature
Dream bikes at affordable prices from Bike-room.com
Bike-Room
Bike-room.com is the trusted global platform for buying and trading pre-owned bikes. It’s easy, innovative and safe to buy and sell a high-end, authentic and certified pre-owned bicycle.
What can you find on Bike-room.com?
Bikes from the world’s best brandsLimited edition bikesBikes from WorldTour professional teams, made available to enthusiastsPre-owned, refurbished and certified bikes from sellers all over the world
Each Bike is inspected and serviced by Italian professional WorldTour mechanics to ensure it is ready to ride the moment it pops out of the box.
Bike-room handles the entire process to make sure you can lie back and enjoy a stress-free sale. Visit Bike-room.com and check the latest drops, including bikes from Ridley Team Lotto Soudal, Scott Team DSM and Bottecchia Team Androni.
Ad feature ends
What we’re into this week: The Last of Us
I tend to avoid apocalypse films and TV shows. Yes, I grew up watching The Walking Dead – which peaked when exploring the Rick and Shane dynamic, by the way – but there’s enough doom and gloom out there already without me exploring more hopeless dystopian content.
However I’m also a sucker for the stoic father figure and stubborn-yet-loving girl media trope. Pedro Pascal’s casting as emotion-suppressing smuggler Joel Miller in The Last of Us, a series based on the popular video game, is perfect. As is Bella Ramsay’s performance as Ellie, humanity’s potential saviour from the fungal infection.
Both featured on hit show Game of Thrones and I’ll admit I couldn’t get past its second season. Based on the ending and reactions to it, maybe that was a good thing? However, I look forward to the inevitable development of another season for The Last of Us. Just be warned if you’re reading this and thinking about starting to watch it: prepare yourself for emotions.
Here’s Pedro Pascal on a bike for good measure. Happy Friday!
Tags: In the Drops
