Features

In our third list of Christmas gifts for cyclists, our man Mat suggests some highly desirable stuff for riders with a need for speed. So if you've got a performance cyclist in your life, someone who sprints for every sign and treats even a ride to the shops as if they were tackling a Belgian classic we've got some suggestions for you. With a selection of clothing, gadgetry and pre and post-ride preparations and pampering to ensure that when there moment comes they'll be able to give it their all… even if they're just racing down to the shops.

Having a cycling woman in your life makes buying Christmas gifts the easiest thing in the world. Just like our male cycling counterparts we love all the gadgets, gizmos and gear that goes along with our chosen sport and pastime, but unlike the majority of male cyclists, we’ve probably also got a pretty strong list of window shopping contenders in mind. The array of women’s kit available now is impressive, especially as compared with not even a decade ago, and probably offers a bewildering selection for the gift-buying partner, but if you’ve an idea of her cycling style, you can’t go far wrong.

If you’re taking your bike to an island in the sun during the next few months, or maybe heading off to ride one of Europe's big sportives, you need to choose your airline carefully. 

Riding the Strade Bianche in the rain is like mountain biking. You really have to hold on tight and keep an eye on your line as there are potholes, ruts and gatherings of loose stone everywhere, any slight miscalculation could end up in disaster. We however, and everyone else around us seemed to manage just fine, well, all apart from the bruised palms.