Weekly Cycling News Roundup — Monday, 8 September 2025
Here’s your brand-new lineup—five standout stories from the past week that span the peloton, the trails, and the tech lab. Each one brings fresh insight with a dash of charm (no AI clichés, promise).
1. Iffy Finish… and Cows! Geraint Thomas’ Farewell Gets Uniquely Welsh
In a scene that no screenwriter could’ve dreamed up, a herd of cows casually blocked the road during the final stage of the Tour of Britain—right as Geraint Thomas, perched on the verge of retirement, pedaled by. The former Tour de France champ got an unplanned, moo-ving farewell ride through the Brecon Beacons en route to Cardiff, his hometown .
Why it resonates:
Few farewells involve ruminants, but then again, few cyclists are as emblematic as Thomas. A guard of honour, barnyard interruption, and heartfelt applause made for a perfect full circle send‑off.
2. Vuelta Stage 15: Protests, Flags—and a Crash
At the Vuelta a España’s 15th stage, a pro-Palestine protester sprinted across the course waving a flag—and inadvertently caused a crash involving Javi Romo and Edward Planckaert. Both returned to the race, none the worse for wear, while Mads Pedersen claimed stage victory and defended his overall lead .
Why it matters:
Sport doesn’t exist in a vacuum, as this moment vividly showed. Protests are part of the landscape, and this time, the peloton got a reminder that activism and racing sometimes intersect in unexpected—and imperfect—ways.
3. Remembering Colden Kimber: Pedals in Harmony
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park hosted a moving tribute ride for Colden Kimber, a cyclist and semi-pro hockey player who was tragically killed defending others at a transit station. Over a hundred riders—including family and friends—circuited the park in his honour, pausing for painted-rock memorials and messages like “May you continue cycling in the heavens” .
Why it matters:
This wasn’t a race—it was relationship expressed on two wheels. Sometimes the most powerful rides are those that share our stories, not our stats.
4. Zwift’s Big Autumn Line: AI, Click Controllers, Virtual Champs & More
Zwift is ramping up for autumn with a flurry of enhancements: AI-driven training suggestions, a spiffy new “Click” controller, expanded Zwift‑Ready trainer options from brands like Wahoo and Tacx (starting around $299.99), and immersive new virtual worlds—including a virtual New York and tweed-clad virtual Brompton World Championships in London .
Why it matters:
Indoor riding just got a wardrobe upgrade and a GPS brain. Whether you’re chasing KOMs or simply chasing squirrels on sidewalks, it’s now easier—and more fun—to stay on the trainer through autumn and winter.
5. Still the Climb King? The Superlight Cervélo R5
Ultra-lightweight bikes still tug at the heartstrings—especially the Cervélo R5. Despite professional races favoring aerodynamics, the R5’s ethereal ~13.7 lb (without pedals) frame continues to enchant, particularly for climbers and those who just love what riding feels like. Pauline Ferrand‐Prévot famously piloted a version at the 2025 Tour de France Femmes .
Why it matters:
Not all thrills come from watts per kilogram. Sometimes the beauty is in the weight—an old love, recast with modern grace.
