While locked down, Canyon eSports is building a U23 development team – Virtual racing was already set to explode before the global pandemic locked us all back inside in varying levels of self-quarantine. There’s never been a better time to ride your indoor trainer and never a better opportunity to try out virtual online racing. Canyon ZCC has already been crushing it indoors, racing in cyberspace from the safety of their trainers. And now they are expanding out to the next generation of online eRacers by forming a development squad.
In this day-and-age where many young riders are not able to race due to the pandemic, eRacing is more relevant than ever. Canyon eSports is building out a youth squad, and has opened applications for U23 racers to apply. They’ve seen the positives & potential in eRacing from the start, and think it’s time to bring the next generation into the fold.
The new youth squad will consist of around 20 riders aged between 16-23 years old, with a representative mix from across the globe. Eligible riders have the opportunity to directly apply for a place, simply by filling out an application form that takes into account their ambitions, attitude and results. The development squad will race in the striking pink ‘fan’ kit that Canyon launched earlier in the year, as well as receiving an essential support package from Canyon and its other team sponsors. Not only this, but successful applicants will receive invaluable mentorship from Canyon’s existing men & women riders – something team manager Rhys Howell feels is the most valuable aspect to the setup…
“When you join our team, you’re joining a family that supports one another; team culture is something we really cherish. Our riders can provide invaluable advice in the same way we have supported Canyon’s other professional road teams like Alpecin-Fenix. With the increasing exposure of eRacing, we can support the full ambition of young riders looking to progress in the world of cycling“.
The application process is simple at: CanyonZCC.com from now through Aug 30, with
successful applicants notified in September 2020. CanyonZCC.com
Where (else) to Race or just Ride
- Rouvy takes to virtual Col de la Croix-de-Coeur racing – Part of the Marmotte Series by Tour de Stations, Rouvy is bringing virtual racing to Switzerland this weekend.The race will take place on the beautiful & punishing climb of Col de la Croix-de-Coeur. Dubbed ‘The toughest one-day cycling race in the world’, now you can experience the Valais Alps from the safety of your home pain cave. Drop in Saturday, August 8 at 17:00 CET with racers from all over the world, then try not to get dropped on the 1100m climb, and be happy you’ll miss out on the last 2km gravel secteur at 19%. Win prizes from a Tissot chronograph watch to jerseys, caps & backpacks. Rouvy.com
- Val di Sole is open to shred now! – Last weekend Italian BikePark Val di Sole opened back up their adrenaline rush. On August 1st, the bike park in Commezzadura-Val di Sole opens is back in business with updates to the ‘Wild Grizzly’ track. DH-day is getting closer in Trentino, Northern Italy with their world famous Black Snake DH track. in the World, the Black Snake.
- Register to race BC Bike race 2021 – Been dreaming of sweet singletrack? Thinking one day you’ll make it out to the BC Bike Race? Maybe 2021 is your year. The mountain bike classic, British Columbia Bike Race is planning for next summer when things get back to normal. Race dates are July 4-10, 2021 with a compact race schedule that allows for fewer days away from work in the new format. Expect a new prologue, then some multi-stage days next summer – with new routes, new trails, new communities, more exciting basecamps, new pricing structure & new ways to join by camper #vanlife with your riding buddies. BCBikeRace.com
Gear & Contests
- While you’re at it, win a Pivot Trail 429 with IMBA – Trails need us all so Pivot Cy
- Get your classy Chater-Lea Grand Tour Crankset now – The first of Chater-Leas’s premium, classic UK-made alloy cranks go on sale today. They aren’t cheap, but oh… do they look pretty. Looking to build up a retro classic road or gravel bike, but with modern knee-friendly sub-compact or 1x gearing? These shiny Grand Tour cranks may be just what you need to finish off your setup.
- Darimo adds more ultralight non-round carbon seatpost upgrades – We’ve covered Darimo’s unbelievably lightweight carbon seatposts created to replace the proprietary post that came with your aero bike – from just 95g. Now, they added more options: You can replace the heavy stock posts on your Specialized Tarmac, BMC Teammachine / Roadmachine / Fourstroke, Cervélo R5, Canyon Aeroad, Giant Revolt D-Fuse, Colnago C64, and with more on the way from just 320€. Darimo.eu
- Rapha pops-up on Canary Wharf – From last weekend at through the last weekend of September, Rapha is spending their London summer at a Canary Wharf pop-up Clubhouse. With a busy event schedule exploring the docks, quays & waterways of London’s East End the ephemeral club house could be your summer road, gravel & commuting base. Find them at: Canary Wharf, 2 Reuters Plaza, London, E14 5AJ, England through Sep 27, open everyday. Rapha.cc
- Fizik’s super vented, light Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave in Movistar blue – I’ll admit that I’m a sucker for the idea of an ultralight mesh road shoe with simple velcro straps. (I rode in the gravel Powerstraps to work today.) And these special Movistar Edition shoes look even better than the all-black original Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave. All the light, airy tech is still there, just now in special edition blue for an extra ten bucks. Fizik.com
