Top 5 Cycling Stories - September 22nd

1. Remco Evenepoel Takes Third Straight Men’s Time‑Trial World Title in Kigali

In the opening time trial of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali (first ever in Africa), Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel proved again that he’s the master of the solo ride against the clock. He won his third consecutive elite men’s World Time Trial title over ~40 km, finishing absolutely dominant.  

Tadej Pogacar had a rougher day — off his best, he slipped to fourth behind Evenepoel, Jay Vine, and Ilan Van Wilder. Pogacar blamed recent illness and less TT‑specific prep. It’s a reminder that even the very top riders are vulnerable to form and circumstance.  

For the women, the title went to Marlen Reusser (Switzerland), ahead of Anna van der Breggen and Demi Vollering; Britain’s Anna Henderson placed eighth.  

Why this matters:

• Evenepoel is showing consistency under pressure: three in a row isn’t just about power, it’s about mental game.
• High altitude + a challenging course around Kigali adds another layer: not everyone handles thin air well.
• The women’s time trial podium shows depth and experience – tight gaps, evolving pedigrees.

Original article: Remco Evenepoel wins time‑trial … (The Times)  

2. Oakley Meta Vanguards: Sunglasses That Shoot Video & Talk to Strava/Garmin

Oakley has released a new smart cycling sunglass, the Meta Vanguards (in collaboration with Meta), which do much more than block glare. Think built‑in ultra‑wide 12 MP camera, open‑ear speakers, PRIZM lenses, integration with Strava & Garmin, voice‑activated insights, and battery life to make longer rides feasible. Preorders are open; price is around $/£/€499‑549.  

The key features:

• High field‑of‑view camera (122°) lets you capture POV video without dealing with a phone or action cam.
• Open‑ear speakers + wind‑noise reduction, so you can hear directions or data prompts without sacrificing situational awareness.
• Support for overlaying stats (pace, elevation, etc.) on video/photos after the fact.
• Battery life: ~9h in active use; extra via carrying case charging.  

Why this matters:

• Makes capturing rides more seamless; less fiddly camera setups.
• Blends safety + data + fun in a wearable package.
• There are always trade‑offs (weight, lens change, durability); will be interesting to see long‑term rider feedback.

Original article: You can now take videos with your cycling sunglasses … (CyclingWeekly)  

3. TrainingPeaks Virtual to Power Echelon Racing League & USA Cycling Esports Nationals through 2028

The esports/training platform shuffle continues: TrainingPeaks Virtual has been confirmed as the platform for the Echelon Racing League and the USA Cycling Esports National Championships, running through 2028.  

What’s new:

• The platform includes drafting and cornering mechanics, GPXplore (so you can ride real‑routes via GPX files in virtual space), and omnium scoring formats added.  
• Riders must participate in at least one Echelon Racing League race to qualify for Nationals.
• A shift is clear: from prize money to sponsor merchandise in many esports events. The performance stakes still matter, but the rewards are evolving.  

Why this matters:

• Esports continues to cement its place in cycling, not just as novelty but as serious competition/training overlap.
• Tools that better simulate outdoor riding (GPX real routes, cornering, drafting) reduce some of the disadvantages virtual racing had.
• For people who train indoors or can’t always race outdoors, this gives more meaningful goals.

Original article: TrainingPeaks Virtual confirmed as … (CyclingNews)  

4. Zwift Academy Postponed Until 2026 as Platform Reassesses Elite Racing Role

Zwift has announced it is postponing the Zwift Academy program until 2026. Once a ticket for riders like Jay Vine and Neve Bradbury into pro ranks, Zwift is stepping back from elite racing, at least for now.  

Details:

• While the Academy is on hiatus, Zwift is focusing more on community racing, making improvements to fairness (anti‑botting, better ranking matching), and hardware interaction (controllers etc).  
• No cancellation: the plan is to revamp talent identification and how finals are handled. Some structural change ahead.
• Also, Zwift is moving away from elite categories in its own Zwift Games, UCI Cycling Esports World Championships are no longer hosted by Zwift.  

Why this matters:

• The path from amateur → pro via digital platforms has been a big story. Changes to that path affect lots of riders, teams, scouts.
• Reflects maturity: perhaps Zwift is acknowledging that talent discovery, elite structure, and fairness are complex and that “one model fits all” doesn’t really work.
• Will be interesting to see which programs replace or compete with Zwift Academy in that elite‑talent niche.

Original article: Zwift Academy postponed until 2026 … (CyclingWeekly)  

5. Garmin’s Big Mid‑Range Tech Push: Edge 550/850 & Rally 110/210 Pedal Power Meters

Garmin has rolled out two new bike computers (Edge 550 & Edge 850) plus two new pedal‑power meters (Rally 110 & 210). The timing is solid: just ahead of winter training season for many.  

What’s upgraded:

• Edge 550 & 850: longer battery (up to ~36h), new safety/hazard/weather alert features, onboard course creation, smart fuelling reminders. The 850 adds a touchscreen, speaker, MTB profile options, and gear ratio analysis.  
• Rally 110 & 210 pedals**: USB recharging (~90h), quick charge, improved accuracy (~±1%), compatibility with oval chainrings, versions for off‑road. Materials vary: all‑metal & carbon/polymer.  
• Pricing is premium for power pedals; computers are decent for the features offered. It looks like Garmin is trickling down tech from higher‑end units while beefing up usability.

Why this matters:

• Mid‑tier gear is getting smarter; features once exclusive to top‑end models are becoming more mainstream.
• For regular folks who ride many hours, these “marginal gains” (fuel reminders, hazard alerts) can reduce frustration or increase safety.
• The power meters’ compatibility with oval rings is helpful: that has been a sticking point for some riders in selecting components.

Original article: Garmin unveils Edge 550 … (CyclingNews)  

Broader Context & Some Funny Observations

• There’s a theme here of interfaces: how cyclists interact with tech (glasses, pedals, controllers), how platforms interact with riders (academy, esports), how governing bodies/society interacts with politics (protests, boycotts).
• Winter indoor/virtual training continues to eat into offseason or recovery periods: things like Zwift’s updates or TrainingPeaks Virtual speak to that. If you’re someone who rides indoors, this is good: more polish, more tools, better experience.
• Gear‑heads will be pleased: Campagnolo’s reviews (though older) plus Garmin’s mid‑tier push indicate the tech arms race is still alive in component groups and bikes.
• The geopolitical swirl around cycling (e.g. IPT and protests) shows that sport is unavoidably tied to current events; whether that’s good or awkward depends on the race.