Gear & Grit Daily: November 25, 2025
Today's cycling news: Gaviria's transfer to Caja Rural confirmed, Træen returns to complete Uno-X 2026 roster: 'back together with a childhood sweetheart' an...
Today's biggest news: Fernando Gaviria is heading to Caja Rural, Uno-X completes their 2026 puzzle with Træen's homecoming, and Esteban Chaves hangs up the wheels after a storied career. We're also diving into battery safety concerns that every e-bike rider needs to know about, plus the full scoop on who's racing Life Time's big-money gravel series next year. Grab your coffee—there's plenty to catch up on.
⚡ Quick Hits
- "London's cycling boom shows no sign of slowing": Daily bicycle journeys up 43% on pre-Covid levels as Transport for London hails the impact of high-quality cycle lanes: London cycling journeys surge 43% above pre-Covid levels, driven by quality cycle infrastructure.
- London cycling journeys rocket 43% in 6 years: London cycling journeys increased 43% over six years, demonstrating sustained growth in urban cycling adoption.
- “It’s hard to find a worse place”: Tour de France’s double Alpe d’Huez finale under threat as thousands sign petition against use of “beautiful and wild” climb: Environmental petition challenges 2026 Tour de France Alpe d'Huez plans over ecological concerns.
- Tiberi to the Tour?: Bahrain Victorious plans to send Antonio Tiberi to 2026 Tour de France.
- [UPDATE] RideLondon cycling event boss resigns from board after careless driving conviction for seriously injuring cyclist: RideLondon event organizer resigns after careless driving conviction for injuring cyclist.
- Vekta and Team AMANI announce multi year partnership to power the next generation of African cycling talent: Vekta partners with Team AMANI to develop African cycling talent through AI coaching platform.
- [UPDATE] "We're not comfortable making a profit from this": Pro Kit Club to sell Israel-Premier Tech kit and donate proceeds to UN Gaza programme: Pro Kit Club releases Israel-Premier Tech kit, donating proceeds to UN Gaza humanitarian aid.
- [UPDATE] Drunk mayor knocked cyclist off bike after "four or five pints of Stella" at party: Local mayor convicted of hitting cyclist while drunk driving; banned 20 months, fined £3,000.
📊 By The Numbers
- $734,500: Total property damage from 12 Rad Power battery fire incidents
- 43%: Increase in London daily bicycle journeys compared to pre-Covid levels
- 52: Pro wins Fernando Gaviria achieved over his WorldTour career
📰 Today's Big Stories
Gaviria's transfer to Caja Rural confirmed
Gaviria Drops to ProTeam Level
Colombian sprinter Fernando Gaviria has officially signed with Spanish ProTeam Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, ending a decade-long WorldTour career. The 30-year-old brings 52 professional victories, including five Giro d'Italia stage wins and the 2017 points jersey, to the second-tier squad.
Why It Matters: This is a significant step down for a rider once considered among cycling's elite sprinters. Gaviria's move reflects the brutal reality of the WorldTour peloton—even proven winners can find themselves squeezed out as teams prioritize younger talent. For Caja Rural, it's a massive coup that could unlock continental race invitations and podium opportunities. The transfer also signals that ProTeams are becoming viable landing spots for experienced riders seeking leadership roles over WorldTour domestique duties.
Træen returns to complete Uno-X 2026 roster: 'back together with a childhood sweetheart'
Træen Returns Home to Uno-X
Norwegian rider Torstein Træen is heading back to Uno-X Mobility for 2026, completing the squad's roster as they prepare for expected WorldTeam status. The team called it "welcoming a family member back," with Træen himself describing it as reuniting "with a childhood sweetheart."
Why it matters: Uno-X's 2026 roster is now set as they eye promotion to cycling's top tier after a breakthrough 2025 season. Træen's return adds depth and Norwegian talent to a team building momentum on the WorldTour stage. For the rider, it's a homecoming that could provide the platform to elevate his career alongside a squad punching above its weight in grand tours and classics.
CPSC issues battery safety warning after Rad Power said it can't afford a recall
Rad Power Bikes Faces Safety Crisis as CPSC Issues Battery Warning
The CPSC warned consumers to immediately stop using certain Rad Power Bikes batteries after 31 fire incidents caused roughly $735,000 in property damage. The lithium-ion batteries can ignite or explode, especially when exposed to water and debris—sometimes even when not charging or in storage. Rad Power refused to issue a full recall, telling regulators it would bankrupt the already-struggling company, which recently announced potential layoffs and shutdown.
Why It Matters: This affects nine popular Rad Power models (RadWagon 4, RadCity, RadRover, RadRunner series, and RadExpand 5) sold through Best Buy and bike shops nationwide. If you own one, check the battery label for model numbers HL-RP-S1304 or RP-1304 and dispose of it immediately through hazardous waste channels. The standoff between CPSC and Rad Power leaves thousands of riders without remedy—a troubling precedent for e-bike safety accountability.
Who is racing the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix?
# Life Time Grand Prix 2026 Rosters Revealed
The 2026 Life Time Grand Prix rosters are set, featuring a mix of returning stars and fresh talent across the gravel racing series. Notable newcomers include several WorldTour pros making the jump to off-road competition, alongside rising gravel specialists looking to make their mark on the six-race circuit spanning spring through fall.
Why it matters: The Grand Prix has become gravel racing's premier stage, offering $250,000 in prize money and defining careers in the sport's fastest-growing discipline. The roster shake-up signals gravel's continued pull on road racing talent and sets up compelling storylines for the season. For fans, it's a preview of the battles ahead on iconic courses like Unbound and Leadville—and for aspiring gravel racers, it shows which athletes are betting big on off-road racing's future.
Esteban Chaves calls it a career
Esteban Chaves Hangs Up His Wheels
Colombian climber Esteban Chaves is retiring after 11 years in the WorldTour, EF Education-EasyPost announced. The 35-year-old leaves the sport with five Grand Tour stage wins and two podium finishes—including second at the 2016 Giro d'Italia and third at the 2016 Vuelta a España.
Chaves matters because he embodied pure climbing joy and resilience. After nearly losing his career to infectious mononucleosis in 2018, he fought back to win stages and remain competitive at the highest level. His attacking style and infectious smile made him a fan favorite who proved you don't need to win Grand Tours to leave a lasting mark on cycling. For riders facing setbacks, Chaves showed that comeback stories are possible—even if they don't always end in glory.
🎙️ Fresh Ears
- Making Strength Harder with Limited Weights, What is Zone 2 Heart Rate, Trail Scanning: Podcast covering strength training with limited weights, Zone 2 heart rate training, and trail scanning techniques.
- 672: Cyclists Should Be Allowed To Run Red Lights | GCN Show Ep. 672: GCN debate on legalizing red light running, VO2 max analysis, Tour de France route petition.
📺 Watch List
- Cyclists Should Be Allowed To Run Red Lights | GCN Show Ep. 672: GCN Show covers Idaho Stop debate, VO2 Max research, and Tour de France route petition.
- Quick Bike Fixing Tips from Free Bikes 4 Kids: Free Bikes 4K demonstrates quick bike repair tips through volunteer-driven community initiative.
