Author: John Dodgin

Pink Park Slayer!

Small Rider. Big Mountains. Zero Compromises.

Built for a week of alpine bike park laps and mountain adventures, this custom Nukeproof Scout proves that great bikes aren’t defined by rider size. Drenched in Toxic Barbie Pink highlights and packed with premium components from RockShox, Hope, Burgtec, Reserve and SRAM, this is a bike built to charge hard, ride fast and stand out in a sea of black bikes. Playful in colour, serious in intent, and ready for everything the Alps can throw at it.

The Pink Park Slayer has been built to handle the demands of a typical alpine bike park.

 

Custom Nukeproof Scout Specification:

• Frame: Nukeproof Scout 275 Alloy
• Fork: Rock Shox Pike Ultimate CHARGER 3.1 RC2 -27.5” 37 Offset C2: Gloss Black 140mm
• Crank: Hope Evo 155mm
• Chainring: Hope R22 Spiderless Boost 28T Black
• Bottom Bracket: Hope Stainless Black 30mm
• Rear Cassette: Sram T-Type Eagle 12 speed 10-52T
• Rear Derailleur: Sram Eagle 90 T-Type 12-Speed
• Chain: Sram GX T-Type Eagle 12-Speed
• Shifter: Sram Eagle 90 Trigger 12-Speed
• Handlebar: Burgtec Ride Wide Alloy Enduro 35mm Clamp, 30mm Rise
• Stem: Burgtec Enduro Mk3, Toxic Barbir Pink, 35mm reach, 35mm clamp
• Stem Spacers: Burgtec Toxic Barbie Pink
• Stem Top Cap: Burgtec Toxic Barbie Pink
• Grips: Burgtec Bartender Pro, Super Soft, Josh Bryceland Signature, Black
• Saddle: Burgtec Cloud Boost Nebula
• Dropper Seatpost: OneUp V3
• Dropper Lever: OneUp V3
• Brakes: Sram Motive Silver-Black Ano
• Brake Rotors: Sram HS2 180mm 6-bolt rear, HS2 200mm 6-bolt front
• Wheelset: Reserve 30 HD 27.5” rims, i9 hubs
• Front Tyre: Continental Kryptotal Enduro Soft Compound, 27.5”x2.40”
• Rear Tyre: Continental Kryptotal Enduro Soft Compound, 27.5”x2.40”
• Tubeless Valves: Muc-Off 44mm, Pink V2
• Pedals: Burgtec Penthouse Flat Mk5, Toxic Barbie Pink

 

This Nukeproof Scout is adorned with some very special components including Hope cranks and Burgtec pedals in Toxic Barbie Pink.

 

The starting point for the Pink Park Slayer custom bike was the tough, light and agile alloy Scout frame.

 

Cut-down Burgtec Ride alloy Enduro handlebars with Bartender Pro grips will keep our young shredder in control when things get sketchy.

 

Components or jewellery? Some of the pink Burgtec components are so pretty it’s a close call.

 

Continuing the Pink Park Slayer theme is the super-cool Burgtec Cloud Boost Nebula saddle.

 

Bombproof carbon 27.5″ Reserve 30 HD rims are fitted with Continental Kryptotal Enduro tyres for ultimate control.

 

The Rock Shox Pike Ultimate CHARGER suspension fork with 140mm of travel can handle challenging alpine trails and gnarly bike parks.

 

This custom-build Scout features a nicely spec’d cockpit to accommodate our young rider’s dimensions.

 

Burgtec Penthouse Flat Mk5 pedals Toxic Barbie Pink complete the look.

 

Bike-park-ready, the Nukeproof Scout with an 140mm travel Rock Shox Pike Ultimate CHARGER fork is ready to drop in.

 

The Nukeproof Scout is the ultimate Pink Park Slayer!

EF Education-Oatly take on the Tour De France Femmes Avec Zwift

The 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is underway and is already delivering a compelling chapter in women’s cycling. EF Education-Oatly arrive with one of the most exciting line-ups in the peloton including the current Road Race World Champion, Canadian Magdeleine Vallieres and Noemi Rüegg, coming back from injury and starting the race in her home country of Switzerland. The team is renowned for racing with confidence and flair, and we’re excited to see how they fare over nine days of super-exciting racing.

The EF Eductation First-Oatly team will compete on the roads of Switzerland and France onboard the Cannondale SuperSix EVO.

 

World Champion Magdeleine Vallieres’ combination of climbing ability, racing intelligence and determination makes her a genuine contender on the race’s defining stages. Ongoing safety concerns around large scale wildfires may yet effect the race route but at the time of writing we’re most excited about the ascent of the iconic Mont Ventoux. Few climbs in world cycling carry the same reputation, and Vallieres’ ability to maintain a relentless tempo on long, demanding gradients could prove decisive as the race reaches its most dramatic moments.

How will Magdeleine Vallieres perform on the iconic Mount Ventoux?

 

Marginal gains, efficiency and confidence all play a crucial role when the road points skyward, and this is where EF Education-Oatly’s equipment suppliers become an important part of the story. The team’s Cannondale SuperSix EVO offers the blend of lightweight performance, responsiveness and aerodynamic efficiency demanded by modern stage racing.

Follow the fortunes of the EF Education First-Oatly team at the Tour De France Femme Avec Zwift 2026

 

Watch the team’s daily Vlog at the Tour France Femmes Avec Zwift 2026.

 

Join us in following EF Education-Oatly through every stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and make sure you tune into their daily YouTube Vlog for all the latest action and behind the scenes insight. Should Vallieres fulfil her potential on the slopes of Mont Ventoux and beyond, she’ll do so onboard her SuperSix EVO adorned with the Rainbow Stripes of World Champion. For those of you inspired by the performances of cycling’s elite, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO range represents a direct connection to the bikes being raced at the very highest level of the sport.

 

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 1 SL Was £8,995 NOW £6,995

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 3 Was £6,995 NOW £5,499

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2 Was £5,995 NOW £4,950

 

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 Was £5,495 NOW £4699

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 5 Was £4,495 NOW £3,799

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2 Was £6,250 NOW £3,799

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 3 Was £4000 NOW £2699

Staveley. Tuesday 7th July

The final round of the 2026 Wheelbase Lakeland Lanequest series brought the curtain down on another fantastic summer of evening adventure riding, with riders gathering at Wheelbase and Wilf’s Café in Staveley for the sixth and final event of the series.

Over six weeks, Lanequest has once again proved why it remains one of the most enjoyable and inclusive cycling events in the South Lakes. From experienced racers chasing every available checkpoint to families, e-bike riders, friends riding in pairs and those simply looking for an excuse to explore some quiet Lakeland lanes, the series truly offers something for everyone. As always, route choice, teamwork and navigation mattered just as much as fitness and speed.

A strong field lined up for the final round and the competition at the sharp end was as close as ever. In the Solo Men category, Tom Gibbs took the win with an impressive score of 288, narrowly ahead of Matt Bond on 285, helping to cement his position at the top of the overall series standings.

 

More Than Just a Competition

One of the things we love most about Lanequest is the variety of riders it attracts. On any given evening you’ll find seasoned club cyclists, mountain bikers, gravel riders, e-bikers, juniors, families and complete newcomers all sharing the same map and the same challenge. Everybody rides the same two-hour format, but each participant can tailor the evening to suit their own goals, whether that’s topping the leaderboard or simply discovering roads and trails they’ve never ridden before.

The atmosphere around Event HQ in Staveley perfectly reflected that spirit, with riders swapping stories, comparing route choices and enjoying plenty of post-ride chat after returning from the surrounding lanes and bridleways.

Thank You.

Wheelbase is proud to support the Lakeland Lanequest series alongside the volunteers who make these events possible. A huge thank you goes to everyone who has ridden, helped, supported the charity partners or encouraged others to get involved throughout the summer.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year. If you’ve never tried a Lanequest before, make 2027 the year you give it a go – you might just discover your new favourite cycling event. See you on the start line next season!

 

Photos by Jumpy James

Full Photo Gallery: HERE

 

Here at Wheelbase we love road bikes that refuse to be pigeonholed.

Over the last few years road cycling has become increasingly specialised. Need the lightest climbing bike possible? There’s a bike for that. Chasing every aerodynamic gain? There’s a bike for that too. Want something comfortable enough for all-day adventures? Choose and endurance road bike, and so on..

But what if you want one bike that can genuinely do it all?

That’s exactly the question Cervélo set out to answer when they launched the original Soloist. Positioned neatly between the featherweight R5 and the uncompromisingly aero S5, the Soloist quickly became the bike of choice for riders who simply wanted a fast race bike they could ride anywhere, on any road and in any situation.

Today Cervélo officially launch the all-new MY27 Soloist and while at first glance it might almost look like the same outgoing bike, dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a machine that’s significantly faster, lighter and more capable than before.

Watch now.

 

What’s that disappearing up the road? It’s the all-new Cervélo Soloist.

This fast all-rounder just got faster. The design brief to create a bike which is both lighter and more aerodynamic has always been one of the toughest challenges in road bike design and traditionally, adding aerodynamic tube shaping means adding more material, which in turn means more weight. As we’ve seen time and time again, chasing one performance target often means compromising another.

For the MY27 Soloist Cervélo’s engineers weren’t interested in compromises. Their goal was simple; make the bike significantly faster, reduce overall system weight and maintain the balanced handling characteristics which made the Soloist so popular in the first place, and the numbers they’ve achieved are seriously impressive:

• 8.6 watts faster.
• 267 grams lighter as a complete system.
• Just 6.85kg out of the box for the flagship model.

 

Aerodynamics without the weight penalty.

Like most modern performance road bikes, the Soloist’s aerodynamic remodeling began with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) software. This allowed Cervélo’s engineers to identify areas where airflow could be improved without simply making every tube larger and heavier. The result is a chassis that looks noticeably more purposeful than the previous Soloist while simultaneously reducing weight.

Key changes for improved aerodynamics include:

• A deeper head tube.
• Deeper fork legs.
• Improved bottom bracket and rear wheel interaction.
• Refined overall frame surfacing.
• Improved cable routing integration.

The outcome of all that development is an impressive 8.6 watt reduction in aerodynamic drag over the outgoing Soloist. As we’ve seen with some of the best modern road bikes, meaningful aerodynamic gains aren’t necessarily about making one part dramatically different. Often, it’s the cumulative effect of dozens of small refinements working together and that’s exactly what’s happened here.

The 2027 Soloist is more aero.

 

 

Faster AND lighter? Apparently yes.

One of the most interesting aspects of the new Soloist is how Cervélo have managed to reduce weight despite increasing the aerodynamic surface area of both the frame and fork. The frame gains 3% more surface area and the fork gains 8% more, yet the frame and fork are both lighter than the outgoing Soloist; in fact the flagship SRAM RED-equipped Soloist tips the scales at just 6.85kg complete, putting it right on the UCI weight limit straight out of the box.

Rider and machine – faster together.

Another standout feature of the MY27 Soloist is its new HB18 one-piece integrated cockpit. Fully integrated cockpits are quickly becoming standard equipment on premium race bikes, but Cervélo haven’t simply added one for aesthetic reasons. The HB18 bar and stem system is:

• 5.8 watts faster than the previous cockpit.
• 134 grams lighter.
• Cleaner aerodynamically.

 

Fully integrated for improved cable management.

Importantly, Cervélo also recognise that bike fit matters. A fast cockpit is only useful if it fits the rider.  That’s why every Soloist purchaser can request an alternative handlebar and stem size combination free of charge within the first 60 days of ownership; now that’s a genuinely rider-focused approach which deserves a mention.

Aero bottles which actually make sense.

At first glance, aerodynamic water bottles don’t sound particularly exciting, but stick with us, this might be one of the cleverest details on the entire bike. We all know countless hours are spent optimising airflow around a frame, only for riders to immediately bolt two round bottles into the airflow and undo some of those gains. The new Soloist includes specially developed aero bottles and cages which reduce drag by a further 4.3 watts compared with conventional round bottles, and if you prefer, the cages still accept conventional round bottles.

Geometry built for racing.

One of the reasons riders have always loved the Soloist is its versatile ‘real world’ balance. It is:

• Fast enough to race.
• Comfortable enough to train on every day.
• Confident enough to ride all day long.

The new Soloist shares its fit geometry with Cervélo’s R5 race bike creating a familiar position for riders looking for high-performance road handling. Updates include:

• Size-specific seat tube angles.
• Lower bottom bracket position.
• Refined handling characteristics.
• Improved stability with modern wider tyres.

 

Fast on the climbs. Fast on the flats. Fast everywhere.

The new Soloist boasts future-ready performance; with modern road bikes continuing to evolve around wider tyres and improved real-world capability this versatile road bike embraces that trend with clearance for tyres up to 36mm wide. That’s a substantial increase over traditional race bike standards and opens the door to:

• More comfort.
• More grip.
• Better control.
• Greater versatility across mixed road surfaces.

Race-ready from day one.

Another significant shift with the new Soloist is Cervélo’s approach to specification. Every complete bike now comes equipped with:

• Carbon wheelsets.
• Integrated cockpit.
• Power meter.
• Premium race-focused build kits.

Whether you’re lining up for your first road race, chasing personal bests on your local climb or riding hard in the Tuesday night chain gang, the Soloist doesn’t need immediate upgrades straight out of the box.

 

The takeaway.

The all-new Cervélo Soloist represents a significant evolution of what was already one of the most versatile performance road bikes available. Our takeaway highlights include:

• 8.6 watts faster than the previous Soloist.
• Up to 267 grams lighter as a complete system.
• 6.85kg flagship build weight.
• New integrated HB18 cockpit.
• Aero bottle system delivering additional drag savings.
• R5-inspired fit geometry.
• 36mm tyre clearance.
• Carbon wheels and power meters across the range.

For riders who don’t want to choose between a climbing bike and an aero bike, between race day and training day, or between performance and practicality, the new Soloist makes a compelling argument that maybe you don’t need to choose at all. Fast, lightweight, beautifully integrated and more versatile than ever before — the all-new Soloist looks set to continue its reputation as one of the best all-round race bikes in cycling. Look out for the all-new Cervélo Soloist arriving at Wheelbase online and in-store soon..

 

Soloist Red £9,000

Soloist Force £7,000

Soloist Ultegra Di2 £7,000

Soloist Rival £5,500

 

We’ve put together a full Cervelo Soloist Model Breakdown Guide, where we discuss which model has which features. You can read that here.

Tom Armstrong wins the Lancaster Grand Prix!

Watch the race video and bonus post-race interview HERE.

 

National Road Series Round 4

For Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli there are wins, and then there are wins that mean a little bit more.

On Sunday, Tom Armstrong took his biggest victory on UK roads so far, winning the Lancaster Grand Prix, one of the UK’s premier road races and a round of the National Road Series – the highest level of domestic road racing in Britain. The victory marked Tom’s first ever National Road Series win and came on roads that we know better than most.

Whilst not quite on our doorstep, Lancaster has always felt like a home race for the team. The rolling roads on the edge of the Forest of Bowland are only a short trip from Wheelbase’s Lake District headquarters, and the event attracts plenty of support from friends, family, sponsors and local cycling fans. That made the result even more special.

Tactical teamwork

In hot temperatures the race covered around 150 kilometres of relentlessly challenging terrain and was raced from start to finish at an uncompromising pace. Attacks flew from the gun and the field was quickly whittled down as riders fought to establish themselves in the decisive moves.

Wheelbase CabTech Castelli were active throughout. New signing Adam Hartley featured in the early attacks, while Tom Martin was a constant presence at the front as the race began to split apart on the demanding Quernmore circuit.

For Armstrong, it wasn’t quite so straightforward.

The National Road Series leader found himself having to repeatedly chase back moves as the race exploded. Time and again he was forced to bridge across gaps as the strongest riders emerged at the head of the race.

The race was fought out on the tough roads around Lancaster and the Forest of Bowland.

As the laps ticked down, a select group formed at the front as the race headed towards the famous uphill finish in Williamson Park beneath the Ashton Memorial.

Tom Martin had worked tirelessly to aid Armstrong in the final miles; he constantly shut down riders jumping off the front and drove the pace to prevent further attacks. Drilling the pace one last time up the last climb towards Williamson Park Tom Martin swung off and left Tom Armstrong to enter the park well positioned for the sprint. After more than three and a half hours of racing Armstrong opened up his sprint and distanced his rivals to power clear and take a hugely significant solo victory.

The result comes just days after Tom’s win at the Guildford Grand Prix and continues what has been a remarkable season for our defending National Circuit Series champion.

Tom celebrated his first National Road Series victory with the team.

The success was about more than just one rider.

Wheelbase CabTech Castelli also claimed the team prize on the day, while Tom Martin’s aggressive racing throughout earned him victory in the Climber’s Competition. Together, the team’s performance reinforced its position at the top of the National Road Series standings.

For us, this was a particularly emotional result.

We have spent years building towards moments like this. From local regional races through to national competition, everyone involved with the team has worked tirelessly to establish Wheelbase CabTech Castelli at the very highest level of British cycling. To see a local rider achieve his first National Road Series victory in what feels like our home race is incredibly rewarding for the whole team and for the team’s title sponsor Wheelbase.

Victories in races of this calibre are never guaranteed and should never be taken for granted. This one will live long in the memory.

Tom Armstrong takes the Lancaster Grand Prix victory and extends his lead in the National Road Series.

All photos by Dan Monaghan

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Race Results:

• Tom Armstrong 1st
• Tom Martin 7th
• Dexter Leeming-Sykes 9th
• Aaron King 14th
• Adam Hartley 30th

National Circuit Series Round 4

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s 2025 National Circuit Series defending champion Tom Armstrong got the monkey off his back at the Guildford Open Grand Prix, by winning the sprint from a breakaway group of four riders.

Tom doesn’t like to stand out in a crowd.

 

Last season Tom had secured the overall series win without taking victory in any individual round, in a show of consistency which reflected his years of experience of racing fast, technical crit circuits. This year he was keen to get a win under his belt and Guildford was the race he could finally put his hands up in the air.

Tom and Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli teammate Joe Griffiths.

 

Armstrong, who took fourth place at the same race last year found himself in the move of the night forming part of a small but collaborative break of four riders who took advantage of the short, technical nature of the course stay away from the chasing pack.

Tom’s superior bike handling skills paid back handsomely on such a technical course.

 

A fantastic bike handler, honed from his early years as a cyclocross racer, this technical circuit with multiple tight turns and short, sharp climbs was brilliantly suited to Armstrong. Those skills combined with his light frame and explosive riding style played to his advantage with Tom jumping away from his breakaway partners on the final climb, crossing the line clear of the others with enough time to celebrate.

Tom crossed the line with a victory celebration imitating getting the monkey off his back.

 

Tom Armstrong on the podium, celebrating his win.

 

Despite fielding a reduced team of three riders at Guildford the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team came away with a strong hold on the overall team standings with Armstrong’s win along with Aaron King in 11^th place and Joe Griffiths in 27^th also giving them the team prize on the night.

The Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli continue to lead the team standings.

 

All race photos by Mark James

We love this time of the year! Just a few days ahead of the Tour De France; the next three weeks are packed full of promise as the roads of France write their captivating story in real time. As well as the human story about to unfold it’s also a time to nerd out at all the new ‘Tour Tech’ about to go public for the first time as the world’s leading road cycling brands choose Le Grand Depart to reveal their latest products to a global audience.

Launched just ahead of the 2026 Tour de France, the all-new ORBEA ORCA AERO has officially broken cover! Eagle-eyed cycling fans will no doubt already have spotted it being piloted by the Lotto Intermarché pro team at races including the recent Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes where it was put to work by one of the most successful teams in professional road cycling.

With the world’s biggest road race just days away, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. A brand-new aero platform, developed at the highest level of the sport and refined under race conditions, is now out in the open — and it’s an absolute weapon.

What’s that slicing through the air? It’s the all-new ORCA AERO.

Aero bikes are having their moment, both in the pro peloton and more generally amongst us mere mortal amateur road cyclists. Speed is nothing new in the aero bike category — but redefining how speed is achieved? That’s where things get interesting.

The all-new ORCA AERO has been developed under a philosophy the ORBEA designers are calling ‘Aero 360º’ — a relentless pursuit of performance that looks beyond traditional wind tunnel figures and focuses on real-world speed.

The design and engineering team have not just focused on reducing drag in a straight line but instead explored every angle so that the finished bike optimises performance in the constantly changing real world out on the road.

A different approach to Aero.

Traditionally, aero bikes have been designed with a focus on head-on wind resistance — the classic 0º yaw angle. But out on the open road, things are rarely that simple. The ORCA AERO has been engineered to perform across a wide range of yaw angles, meaning it maintains aerodynamic efficiency whether you’re riding into a headwind, dealing with crosswinds, or hammering through exposed sections of road in unpredictable conditions. Put simply — it’s faster where it matters.

Rider and machine – faster together.

One of the standout aspects of this new platform is its specific focus on the bike-rider system. Rather than treating the bike as an isolated object, the designers have looked at how the rider interacts with the machine and related that to:

• Stability at speed
• Consistent rider positioning
• Efficient power transfer

All of this contributes to reducing wasted energy and maximising forward momentum. The ORCA AERO’s increased bottom bracket drop enhances stability, helping keep the rider planted and composed — particularly at high speed or in crosswinds — while also reducing subtle side-to-side movements that can create unwanted drag. The result? A bike that doesn’t just cut through the air — it helps you stay locked in and efficient while doing it.

Real-World gains, not just wind tunnel numbers.

It’s one thing to create a fast aero bike in controlled conditions… it’s another entirely to replicate that performance on open roads and in pro racing scenarios. That’s why ORBEA followed a layered testing process using a mix of:

• Advanced computer simulations
• Controlled lab testing
• Real-world validation at the highest level of racing

That last point is significant. The ORCA AERO has been extensively tested AND raced by some of the most talented pro cyclists in the world, with Lotto Intermarché really putting the bike through its paces in the heat of professional competition.

Future-ready performance.

Another big shift with the all-new ORCA AERO is ORBEA’s forward-thinking approach to modern race setups. With tyre trends evolving rapidly and seemingly growing ever wider, this bike has been designed to stay ahead of the curve with:

• Generous tyre clearance (optimised for 29–35c tyres)
• Compatibility with evolving performance standards
• A geometry setup that balances aero efficiency with real-world handling

Why have pro cyclists and amateur cyclists alike moved over to wider tyres? Well, they mean more grip, more comfort and more control — without sacrificing speed. It’s clear that this isn’t just a bike built for today’s racing… it’s built for what’s coming next.

The aero feeling — free speed, delivered.

Let’s be honest — there’s something addictive about riding a great aero bike. That sensation of speed. That feeling of power translating directly into forward motion.  Those “free watts” you can genuinely feel working in your favour. The all-new ORCA AERO takes that sensation and amplifies it. By combining refined aerodynamics with improved stability and rider integration, it delivers a ride experience that feels:

• Faster
• Smoother
• More efficient

Whether you’re sprinting, pushing into a headwind, or holding pace in a fast-moving group — this is a bike that gives back.

Designed for the biggest stage in cycling.

It’s impossible to ignore the timing of this launch. With the 2026 Tour de France just around the corner the ORCA AERO is about to hit the sport’s biggest stage in full view of the world. From launch day to race day in a matter of days — it doesn’t get much better than that!

The takeaway.

The all-new ORCA AERO represents a significant step forward in aero road bike design:

• True real-world aerodynamics (not just wind tunnel gains)
• A fully integrated rider + bike performance system
• Enhanced stability and efficiency at speed
• Future-ready tyre clearance and versatility
• Developed and tested at World Tour level

Fast, refined, and purpose-built for modern racing — this is aero, evolved.

With the global launch of the ORBEA ORCA AERO now official and the Tour de France fast approaching, we can’t wait to see this bike in action on the biggest stage in cycling.

The all-new ORCA AERO will be available at Wheelbase — more details, full specs and availability will be coming soon…

London Nocturne 2026

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli made the long trip south to the big city as elite road racing returned to the Square Mile for the London Nocturne. A full day of racing saw the technical circuit lined with large groups of spectators consisting of long-time fans of the sport and curious passers-by as cycling had its moment to shine on the busy streets of central London. With multiple competitions taking place throughout the day, including a Brompton race, a city bike race and even a penny farthing race the crowds continued to grow leading up to the elite men’s race which kicked off at 9pm as the sun began to set.

This stand-alone event was well positioned in the racing calendar just ahead of the busy British Cycling National Circuit Series and would be a good opportunity for the Wheelbase team to dust off their crit racing skills. A packed field of super-talented riders, which included international pros, national champions and former Olympians, would put our small team of three riders to the test on the mean streets of London.

Watch now on YouTube

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s Tom Armstrong, the current Rapha Super-League leader and 2025 National Circuit Series overall winner came into the race with high ambitions on a technical course which would suit his wily style of racing and superb bike handling skills. The team’s star sprinter Tim Shoreman would position himself at the head of the race alongside teammate Aaron King to be ready mark breakaways and be on the front for a bunch sprint if that was how the race played out.

The action kicked off immediately with National Crit Champion Cameron Mason launching the first attack from the bunch. The technical nature of the city centre circuit meant that breakaway groups would be hard to catch once they’d escaped the pack and very quickly a small group formed. Over the following laps the race lead swapped multiple times as small groups of never more than four or five riders broke away and attempted to establish a stable gap to the chasing peloton.

 

As the race continued to string out a four-strong lead group finally formed and would ultimately contest the sprint for the win while Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s Tom Armstrong and Tim Shoreman battled hard to stay at the head of the chase group ready to contest the sprint for the remaining places. Elsewhere Aaron King’s race was affected by a loose shoe cleat which was a frustrating outcome for him on the night after showing good form early in the race. With the gap continuing to stretch out Tom Armstrong made one last attempt to pull the bunch across to the break but with the leaders now holding a minute’s advantage it was time for Armstrong to recalibrate and start to consider his overall lead in the Rapha Super-League.

All photos by Mark James

With a magical mix of clever positioning, sublime bike handling and well-timed accelerations Tom was able to cross the line in 7^th place consolidating his overall position in the Rapha Super-League with a 21point lead. The London Nocturne was a fantastic event with huge crowds and entertaining racing throughout the day and into the evening. The Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team show great form going into the busy crit season and are ready to race again at the first round of the British Cycling National Circuit Series at the Colne Grand Prix in Lancashire on Tuesday the 16^th of June, back in the north, on a more familiar circuit. We’re excited to see how they perform!

Results

Tom Armstrong 7th

Tim Shoreman 40th

Aaron King 49th

 

More London Nocturne by Mark James photos below..

 

 

 

 

Endmoor, Kendal. Tuesday 2nd June

All Photo Credits to Jumpy James. See the full photo gallery HERE

 

Lakeland Lanequest Round 1 took place on Tuesday 2^nd June 2026 in Endmoor just outside of Kendal with cyclists seeking multiple checkpoints within two hours. The route options included plenty of elevation on some of the most scenic and traffic free lanes available in the South Lakes. A total of 74 riders took advantage of a break in the poor weather to enjoy a pleasant evening of riding and good company finished off with pizza and good chat at the event HQ.

Wheelbase Lakeland Lanequest, Round One, category winners:

• Tom Gibbs, Solo Men
• Jo Cleary, Solo Women
• John & Sam Roberts, Generation Pairs
• Rebecca Delbridge & Mike Ullyart, Mixed Pairs

Full Results HERE

 

Johnny from the Wheelbase marketing team tagged on to the fast pairing of Wheelbase owner Toby Dalton & Son to see what Lanequest was all about. See the video below.

Click the link to see Lakeland Lanequest 2026 Round One.

 

Five more evenings of adventure

Missed the first round? No worries, you’ve got five more evenings of adventure to enjoy!

Open to all

Lanequest is a simple idea with endless possibilities: a two‑hour cycle‑orienteering challenge on quiet country lanes, bridleways and backroads. You choose your route, collect as many checkpoints as you can, and race the clock to get back before time runs out.

It’s low‑pressure, sociable and genuinely great fun — the kind of event where you’ll see families, seasoned riders, e‑bikers, club members and first‑timers all heading out together.

• Six Tuesday evenings across June and July
• Start anytime between 5.30pm and 7pm
• Best four results count, so you don’t need to make every round
• Suitable for all ages, all abilities and all bikes (including electric)

Whether you’re chasing points or just exploring new lanes with friends, Lanequest is built for everyone.

 

2026 Event Dates and Locations

Each round starts from a different venue, with a new map, new checkpoints and a new charity partner. Here’s this year’s full lineup:

Date	Location & Address	Postcode	What3Words	Charity
2 June	The Club Inn, Main Street, Endmoor	LA8 0EU	elects.passions.handbags	Bendrigg Trust
9 June	Rookhow, Rusland	LA12 8LA	maker.submerge.clouding	Rookhow
16 June	Sizergh Castle Café and Shop, Ashbank Lane	LA8 8AE	racks.performed.plotted	Patterdale Mountain Rescue
23 June	Wilsons Arms, Torver, Coniston	LA21 8BB	perfected.encounter.magazine	Friends of Thurston
30 June	The Tavern, Hale, Milnthorpe	LA7 7BH	clocked.umbrellas.overpower	Parkinsons UK
7 July	Wheelbase, Staveley Mill Yard	LA8 9LR	watchdogs.comically.tarred	World Bicycle Relief

Each event supports a different local or cycling‑related charity, and all profits go directly to these organisations.

Ride as a pair or go solo!

The Wheelbase Lakeland Lanequest welcomes pairs working as a team to collect as many checkpoints as possible while navigating their way by the map which is provided on the night. Solo riders may prefer to go it alone and see if they can beat their personal record for checkpoints collected; you’re welcome to ride any type of bike you like including e-bikes, just remember to bring your helmet. Lanequest isn’t all about speed, you’ve got two hours to get to as many checkpoints as possible so efficient route planning is a must!

How to Enter

No pre‑entry, no fuss — just turn up and ride. Cash or Card.

• Registration from 5pm
• Adults: £10
• Under 18s: £3
• Under 12s: Free

Bring a bike, a helmet, a pen, and a sense of adventure. Maps are provided on the night.

Full event details can be found at www.bmbo.org.uk
Event queries: hejacko@me.com
Organised in partnership with Kendal Cycle Club

Why Lanequest Matters

Lanequest has become a summer tradition — a chance to explore hidden corners of the Lakes, ride with friends, support local charities and enjoy the long, light evenings in the best way possible.

Whether you’re aiming for the leaderboard or simply want a weekly excuse to get out on the bike, we’d love to see you on the start line.

Let’s make 2026 the biggest and best Lanequest yet. See you at round two!

 

 

 

All Photo Credits to Jumpy James. See the full photo gallery HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli heads to Ireland with high hopes.

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli are back in action in Ireland at the Ras Tailteann between 20th-24th May.

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli are sending a small but super-strong team of riders to the famous Ras Tailteann stage race in Ireland. The squad boasts a high level of collective experience which will serve them well during this demanding multi-stage race which plays out on some of Ireland’s most challenging roads. The talented squad features past Ras Tailteann stage winners, most notably Tim Shoreman who sprinted to win two stages of the 2025 edition along with experienced stage racers in the form of the two Toms who have both raced for continental teams in Europe.

Tom Armstrong, Mitchell McLaughlin, Aaron King, Tom Martin and Tim Shoreman bring strength and experience to the squad for Ras Tailteann.

Turning the clock back further to the 2024 edition of the Ras it’s worth noting that Shoreman took the overall Green Points jersey in another showing of strength and consistency which was backed up by some excellent teamwork throughout the race. Can he recapture that sort of consistency in 2026? Time will tell.

The tight-knit Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team can be relied upon to work selflessly for one another during the five day race.

With team riders on good form and following two recent podium spots for Tom Armstrong at the Cicle Cassic and the Lincoln GP confidence is high as the lads board the ferry over to Ireland. Stu Reid will be behind the wheel of the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team car again, sharing his tactical nous in what promises to be a stage race packed full of drama thanks to a challenging parcours, unpredictable weather and a peloton packed full of national and international racing talent.

Follow the team’s fortunes on Instagram @wheelbase_cabtech_castelli and @wheelbase.co.uk

 

The 71st edition of Rás Tailteann will take place from May 20th to May 24th, 2026. See full details HERE

 

Stage 1: Portlaoise, Co Laois to Kilmallock, Co Limerick

(Distance: 161.6 KM)

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

The race will get underway in Portlaoise before making its way to the historic Limerick town of Kilmallock which also hosted the Stage 1 finish in 2024 and produced a fantastic turnout of spectators.

The opening half of the stage will take place on mostly flat roads through the countryside of Laois and Tipperary. The race then tackles its first climbs of Rás Tailteann 2026, dipping into the Silvermines at Dolla. A further climb at Old Pallas on the run-in to Kilmallock is sure to shake things up.

A fast final 20 kilometres could allow things to come back together — or provide an opportunity for a decisive move.

 

Stage 2: Rathmore, Co Kerry to Banteer, Co Cork

(Distance: 182.9 KM)

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Following a transfer to County Kerry, Stage 2 will start in Rathmore, close to the home of Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club, who have made great strides since their foundation.

A long and demanding day awaits, featuring six categorised climbs. A Category 3 climb before Kilgarvan opens the action, followed by a run into Kenmare and onward into West Cork.

The race will then take in the famous Tunnel Road / Caha Pass, before descending into Glengarriff. A further Category 3 climb follows before the long ascent to Gougane Gap.

Two additional Category 3 climbs on the approach to Banteer complete the day.

 

Stage 3: Mitchelstown, Co Cork to Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

(Distance: 155.6 KM)

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

Stage 3 departs from Mitchelstown and, while shorter and less mountainous on paper, history has shown that these are often the days that can turn the general classification upside down.

The route features mostly flat roads on a twisting and technical circuit, with just two Category 3 climbs along the way. However, the final challenge comes in the closing kilometre, with an uphill finish into Enniscorthy. Seconds gained or lost here could prove vital, and it is safe to say the final 3KM rule will not apply on this stage.

 

Stage 4: Carlow Town, Co Carlow to Baltinglass, Co Wicklow

(Distance: 141.6 KM)

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Rás Tailteann returns to Wicklow for the first time in eight years. Much of this route was last used during the 2018 edition.

A huge and difficult day awaits, with eight categorised climbs, including the two Category 1 ascents of Drumgoff / Shay Elliott Memorial and the Wicklow Gap.

A very fast final 20 kilometres on the N81 into Baltinglass may allow some regrouping after the mountain but it is likely to be a heavily reduced peloton contesting the stage win. Baltinglass previously hosted a memorable stage finish with Eddie Dunbar taking victory there in 2016. The Wicklow Mountains have always delivered epic Rás stages and all eyes will be on this one.

 

Stage 5: Carlow Town, Co Carlow to Dunboyne, Co Meath

(Distance: 142.4 KM)

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

(Including three laps of finishing circuit)

The grand finale starts in Carlow with a ceremonial roll-out before heading across mostly flat roads through Carlow and Kildare. The only classified climb is the Category 3 Hill of Allen, before the race heads towards Dunboyne.