Today, PezFans, we honor the rollout of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, Gear Break is a “Giro” Break! Every year fans anxiously await to see how EF Pro Cycling will adorn the team to avoid conflict with the Maglia Rosa, and this year is certainly bold and special. We’ve got a review of nutrition from Tailwind…verdict: yummy and it works. Castelli have unveiled a commemorative kit that Soudal Quick-Step will wear at the Giro honoring 150 years of innovation. We have the new Wilier Triestina Rapida, the gateway to their road range. SunGod reveals their new, updated Velans 2, a technical set of sunnies, suitable for multi-sport use. And, rounding us out, we’ve got a new integrated light with some “smart” features from Fabric.
ASSOS x EF Pro Cycling Giro Switch-Out Kit
The signal has landed
ASSOS of Switzerland and EF Pro Cycling have made contact. Today, as the Giro d’Italia 2026 starts off in Bulgaria, EF Pro Cycling will be wearing a distinctive “Ride in Peace” switch-out kit that is available as a very limited-edition from ASSOS.
Every year, EF Pro Cycling famously departs from its traditional pink to avoid clashing with the Giro’s iconic leader’s jersey. This year, that exchange has been replaced by a signal from beyond, hovering between space and time.
Space // Time: The Collection
The “Ride In Peace” capsule is where interstellar design meets podium-proven performance. The collection translates the campaign’s cosmic narrative into technical equipment designed for the world’s most demanding stage race:
- Limited-Edition SCA Jersey: A second-skin aero fit featuring graphics inspired by worlds beyond.
- Mille GT Jersey: Engineered with Assos’ elite textile technology to endure the convergence of space and time on the Italian roads.
- The Tactica LS Casual Jersey: A long-sleeve addition that brings the “Ride In Peace” message to life off the bike.
- Equipe R | Mille/Uma GT Bib Shorts: Rounding out the collection are racing bib shorts featuring EF Pro Cycling Team’s 2026 graphics
The Message
The campaign is more than a kit change; it is an invitation. “We made contact… A signal. A message: We ride in peace. Do you? Join us.”
Edwin Navez, ASSOS of Switzerland CEO, sez: “We believe innovation happens when you challenge conventions, both in how products perform and how they are expressed. Too often in this sport, performance and identity are treated separately. We don’t see it that way. With EF Pro Cycling, this is again about pushing both at the same time, engineering at the highest level, and a visual language that refuses to blend in”
Jonathan Vaughters, EF Pro Cycling Founder and CEO, sez: “If we’re going to change kits, it should actually say something. Assos gives our riders the performance, comfort, and technical quality they need to race at their best and this allows us to have some fun with the design. With this kit we’re visually manifesting. Hide your cows, we’re coming to this Giro with serious race ambitions.”
By merging high-performance engineering with a narrative that transcends the earth, Assos and EF Pro Cycling continue to ignite the imagination and redefine what a professional cycling kit can represent. In the vacuum of space or the heat of the peloton, the mission remains the same: total performance.
Availability
The EF Pro Cycling “Ride In Peace” collection is now available in limited quantities at www.assos.com and through select global partners. Hurry, or you’ll miss this kit…it’s guaranteed to move as fast as the pros who wear it.
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
What is a yuzu?
Why Tailwind
- Endurance Fuel combines complete calories, electrolytes and hydration in a tasty drink that’s easy to digest during exercise. Simplify your nutrition and ditch the bars, gels and chews. Endurance Fuel is all you need to go all day.
- Calories, electrolytes and hydration
- Tasty all day and mixes clear with just water
- Easy on your stomach
- Endurance Fuel is designed to be your only fuel source but we get it if you want to mix it up. When taking in other foods along with Tailwind, make sure to account for the additional calories to keep your gut happy.
- Endurance Fuel is meant to be used as a standalone product as each scoop contains 310mg (620mg per packet) of sodium which should be enough, even for salty sweaters.
- Endurance Fuel is vegan, gluten free, and dairy free.
Chuck sez: If you’re looking for something more than the typical sports drinks you can find at your local grocery store, Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel is something more. It comes in bulk 48 oz and 29 oz sizes that you scoop to mix or single serving sizes that don’t require any measuring (just pour into your waterbottle, add water, stir or shake, and you’re good to go).
Variety is the spice of life
Standard flavors are:
- Naked (unflavored)
- Mandarin
- Berry
- Lemon
- Grape
- Dauwatermelon (with lime)
- Tropical (caffeinated)
- Raspberry (caffeinated)
Tailwind sent PEZ their newest flavor–limited edition Mango Yuzu–in single serving sachets. I can’t compare it to the other flavors, but can say that my taste buds found the Mango Yuzu to be tasty. Tailwind Nutrition describes it as: a bright, refreshing blend of tropical mango and citrusy yuzu. Of course, everyone’s taste buds are different so YMMV. And, of course, you won’t know if you really like something (or not) until you try it. So either the 6-pack or bundle is a good way to try out the flavors in single serving sizes without making a commitment to a particular flavor or a larger quantity.
BTW, if you’re wondering what yuzu is, according to Wikipedia:
- Yuzu is is a citrus fruit and plant in the family Rutaceae of Chinese origin. Yuzu has been cultivated mainly in East Asia, though it has also recently been grown in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Italy, and France.
- The fruit resembles a yellow clementine. The skin is uneven and can be either yellow or green depending on the degree of ripeness.
I jumped into the deep end of the pool with Tailwind Nutrition Mango Yuzu Endurance Fuel. Meaning: I didn’t try it out on a test ride(s). My test ride was on the Pedal Hilton Head Island metric century as part of the Hilton Head Cycling/Robson Forensic Cycling Team. (NOTE: I do not recommend this approach to trying any new drink or food product.)
The single serving size is 200 calories and 50 grams of carbohydrates. Scott Steele’s article recommends 45-60 grams per hour for carbohydrate intake on endurance rides, so — on average — a single waterbottle would equal 20-something miles for me.
Final verdict
The All-In-One Advantage: Tailwind successfully kills the “jersey pocket clutter.” By packing 200 calories and a significant electrolyte hit into a clear-mixing liquid, it eliminates the need to juggle gels and bars while trying to keep the pace at the front of the A group.
Flavor & Digestibility: The Mango Yuzu is a sophisticated, refreshing departure from the neon-colored “citrus” syrups found at gas stations. More importantly, it passes the “gut-bomb” test; even when jumping into the deep end on a 62-mile ride without a trial run, it remained easy on the system.
Logistical Ease: The single-serving sticks are a tactical win for long-distance gravel or road events. They’re small enough to keep as an insurance policy in a saddlebag, allowing for a precise 200-calorie reload at any rest stop water tap.
The Sweet Spot: While likely overkill for a recovery spin or a quick hour of power, this is a premier choice for “all day” efforts. If you are looking to streamline your nutrition strategy and avoid the mid-ride bonk, Tailwind is a refined solution that keeps your engine running without the drama.
One of us fueled with Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel. I can’t speak for the rest of this motley crew.
Castelli Commemorative Giro Kit
Soudal Quick-Step wears 150 years of tradition
This year marks a truly historic milestone for Castelli, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a series of high-profile activations. Castelli are leading off with a special commemorative kit that Soudal Quick-Step will wear at the Giro d’Italia, starting today.
The kit
The centerpieces of the Giro collection are their race-proven Aero Race 8S Jersey, Sanremo 8S Pro Speed Suit and Body Paint V TT Speedsuit. All feature a new Vintage Cream colorway furnished with a host of heritage logos and text elements that reference landmark innovations from Castelli’s long and storied history.
Those pieces are complemented by special-edition Premio Black Bibshorts and Pro Light Wind Vest, which also come bedecked with the special insignia.
Steve Smith, Castelli Global Brand Manager, sez:
“For the Giro d’Italia, we wanted to provide Soudal Quick-Step with some bespoke kit that genuinely reflects 150 years of Castelli, not just as a celebration, but as a continuation of what our brand stands for today.
“Over the decades, the Castelli scorpion and wordmark have evolved constantly, each representing a different moment in our history. Rather than selecting one era, we decided to bring them together by layering multiple identities into a single design that tells a broader story.
“The Vintage Cream tone was chosen to give a vintage look to the team, and also because it provided the right canvas for the design. It softens the overall look and allows the different scorpion colors and wordmark variations to sit together cohesively.
“One of the key features sits on the back of the jersey, where the Castelli scorpions run across from left to right in chronological order. It’s a simple gesture, but it creates a clear timeline—showing progression and evolution.
“We extended that thinking across the full race kit. On the bibshort and other pieces, we introduced text in carefully selected areas to honor some of the many pivotal moments in Castelli’s history—linking years to our breakthroughs that shaped the sport.”
Notable technical developments commemorated:
1967: Armando Castelli created the very first time trial speed suit for Jacques Anquetil, who first devised the concept for his hour record at Vigorelli.
1977: Introduced the first lycra short into the pro peloton. Castelli called it the Aerodynamic Short.
1981: Brought sublimation printing to pro team kit – a process that was quickly and universally adopted across the sport.
1999: Integrated the first fully ergonomic chamois in the Progetto Y Bibshort.
2007: Created the first aero cycling jersey, inspired by the dimples found on aero wheels of the time.
2010: Revolutionized cold weather protection with the invention of the Gabba Rain Jacket.
2011: Redefined speed with the Sanremo Speed Suit—The first speed suit specifically optimized for road racing, ridden to victory by Johan Vansummeren at Paris-Roubaix.
2026: Launched the Aero Race 8S Jersey; Castelli’s ultimate expression of speed and performance
The Soudal Quick-Step Kit
Smith continued: “Of course, the design still had to function as a Soudal Quick-Step race kit too, so wider sponsor visibility and clarity remained critical. The process became about balance, integrating our own historical elements in a natural way, without overwhelming the jersey or compromising performance. In the end, our goal with this design wasn’t to look back, but to proudly show how our history still informs what we do today.”
Jurgen Foré, Soudal Quick-Step CEO, sez: “One hundred and fifty years is an extraordinary milestone, and what makes Castelli’s story so compelling is that their history has always been defined by pushing forward, not standing still. That is something we recognize in ourselves. We are proud to wear this kit at the Giro d’Italia as it is a beautiful tribute to everything they have built. [It is] the best way we can honor it is by racing hard. We will be chasing stage victories and targeting GC ambitions, and we hope there will be many opportunities to show this beautiful jersey on the podium at the Giro d’Italia.”
Promotion and activation
The latest episode of the Castelli Cycling Podcast is devoted entirely to the milestone. A Once Upon a Ride challenge has been introduced on Strava between 7-20th May, with various real-life group rides also being organized across the globe on Saturday 9th May, allowing cyclists to celebrate together. (Unfortunately, for our North American readers, none of the rides are occurring in our hemisphere.)
Pricing & Availability
Castelli have produced a limited run of replica Competizione 4 Jerseys in the new design and they are available at castelli-cycling.com, select Castelli dealers and thewolfpack.shop priced at €100 | $130 | £100. Do not wait if you are a fan of either the team or Castelli, these will be gone fast.
Wilier Triestina Rapida
The new gateway to Wilier road
Rapida stems from a simple idea: speed is, first and foremost, whatever feels right for you. Fluid, made for everyday riding, built around your rhythm. A personal speed, experienced before it is measured.
Rapida carries the Wilier identity in every line. Design, technology and character meet in a project designed to make the Wilier experience accessible to a wider audience, with the same design focus that defines the entire range.
Wilier’s design philosophy now has a new entry point: open, accessible, authentic.
Is Rapida Your Kind of Ride?
It is for those who want to stand out with a designer bike that is instantly recognizable, before you even get on it. For those who love long rides but desire a reactive, dynamic feel. For those choosing Wilier for the first time without sacrificing the brand’s sporting character.
Geometry: A Finely Tuned Balance
The exact point where speed and distance coexist. A precision-engineered balance, with a riding position that retains the brand’s racing character without penalising comfort on long days out. The stack height sits midway between our pure racing models and our endurance range: the result is a fast, stable and accessible bike, capable of ensuring efficiency and control on every ride.
Technical Features
Monocoque carbon cockpit with internal cable routing
Total cable integration defines the bike’s lines: clean, modern and aggressive. The
monocoque carbon cockpit helps create an immediately recognisable silhouette.
NACA airfoils on frame, fork and seatpost
Sharp aerodynamic shapes improve efficiency while maintaining elegant design. The
carbon seatpost with integrated clamp maintains clean lines down to the last detail.
Tyre clearance up to 36 mm
Rapida expands your riding possibilities: from perfect tarmac to gravel roads. The
generous tyre clearance allows for wider rubber, offering more comfort, safety, and
control.
1x and 2x compatibility with UDH
A removable derailleur support allows for both single and double chainring setups. This is
a versatile solution, ready to evolve Rapida with modern 1x road groupsets.
86.5 mm Press Fit bottom bracket
A proven technical standard shared with the rest of the Wilier road range.
Pricing & Availability
Wilier has managed to conjure up a bit of Italian magic with the Rapida, positioning it as the high-tech “gateway drug” to their road range. The Rapida is a precision-engineered balance between pure racing and endurance. But it leaves the “dentist-only” price tag behind. The Rapida launches with a surprisingly aggressive strategy designed to get more riders onto integrated aero cockpits and NACA-profiled frames.
Wilier offers Rapida in four colors, inspired by the “moments of a ride”: the pre-dawn Dusk Grey, high-noon Midday Orange, stealthy Lastlight Black, or the crisp Weekend White. Rapids is spec’d with a choice of two gruppos:
- Shimano 105 Mechanical: at €2,899, this 12-speed build includes Miche Reflex DX wheels and offers high-end aesthetics without the “proprietary headache” premium.
- Shimano 105 Di2: at €3,999, you get crisp electronic shifting paired with Miche Asfalto 45 Carbon hoops, effectively turning this “entry” bike into a legitimate aero contender.
It is available worldwide* now through authorized Wilier dealers in six sizes (XS-XXL) and four distinct colorways. For all the technical details, geometry charts, and to find a local dealer to help you “Stand Out,” head over to the official Rapida page.
*Unfortunately, PezFans in the US, this bike is not currently being offered.
Sungod Velans 2
A classic, evolved
Building on a race-proven, best-selling design that’s stood the test of time for the last five years, British disrupter eyewear brand SunGod has lifted the lid on the new Velans 2 sunglasses. An evolution of the original Velans, worn to Olympic and World Championship gold as well as Grand Tour podiums, sees a technical and versatile construction with improved stability and universal helmet compatibility.
Already the choice of multiple riders across SunGod’s sponsored teams, including INEOS Grenadiers, SD-Worx ProTime, Unibet Rose Rockets, the Velans 2 model is packed full of innovative technical features that provide fit, function and style all-in-one.
The fit and features
An uncompromising, secure fit on any head shape is achieved thanks to SunGod’s new ergonomically remodelled arm and temple profile, using new stability fins – a feature driven by athlete partners feedback and testing. Pop-Lock
hinges return to reinforce one of the most vulnerable points in most sunglasses. All Velans 2 options come with SunGod’s proprietary 8KO nylon-based lenses–providing up to 70% clearer vision than industry standard polycarbonate lenses. SunGod also offers the option for 8KO IRIS Photochromic lens. Additionally, SunGod integrated added vents into the new lens profile to provide ventilation, to help avoid fogging up.
Updates to the previous Velans model, which helped Briton Tom Pidcock race with clarity towards MTB gold at the Paris Olympics, see the final design weigh in at a lightweight 26g. This comfortable fit means you’ll hardly know they’re on your head, whilst a wraparound lens shape using 8KO-nylon material reduces distraction and maintains clear vision when you need it most.
SunGod’s Head of Product, Ed Watkiss, sez:
“We came to cycling with a new benchmark when we released the original Velans sunglasses five years ago, but innovation and improvements never stop. For over a year now we’ve been working on an evolution of this rider favourite, taking on both athlete and customer feedback to enhance fit both on the face and when “parked” in the helmet too, an important factor to consider given the regularity that riders remove their sunglasses on the go. Driven by the goal of helping our customers and athletes see better, the new Velans 2 presents a really exciting piece of equipment with improved performance and comfort, in a look that suits even the most aesthetically-conscious rider.”
The promise
As with all SunGod products, Velans 2 are Guaranteed for Life. If you ever manage to damage or break them, SunGod will repair or replace them free of charge. Forever.
Range and Pricing
Seven colourways are available – Black Smoke, White Gold, Neon Yellow, Neon Blue, Black, Glacier Blue and Black Forest Green. While a fully customisable option is available to make your own.
The Velans 2 are £125 / €155 / $160, with customisation available for an extra £10 / €25 / $25. Switch to an IRIS Photochromic lens for £165 / €200 / $210.
Discover the new Velans 2 at Sungod.co.
Fabric Lumaray V3 Light
Smart evolution
Fabric, the disruptive parts and accessories brand born out of British urban and MTB culture, announces its new chapter. They are returning to innovative product development with an evolved version of their prior integrated light: the Lumaray V3.
After becoming a rider favorite in the 2010’s with the iconic Scoop saddle range, Fabric invented the now ubiquitous “sandwich-style” light category in 2018. The original Lumaray V1 was a smart lighting solution that mounted directly between a rider’s out-front mount and their cycling computer. A new design that both reduced handlebar clutter and elevated visibility.
The new Lumaray V3 builds on this design to create the ultimate, all-in-one cycling companion. Designed to provide light, sound and power when you need it most, Fabric engineered the Lumaray V3 for seamless integration, neatly tucking away below your cycling computer.
The Lumaray V3 deliver a powerful 400 Lumen LED output with 270° visibility, housed in a compact IPX6 water-resistance chassis. It also includes an 80dB electronic bell to ensure riders are both seen and heard. Additionally, the USB-C charging port also serves as a power bank, allowing riders to top up their cycling computers and other devices during long rides.
Riders can choose from several lighting modes, including a high-intensity Boost Mode. Fabric integrated several new “Smart” features to make the riding experience seamless:
- Electronic Bell: Includes an 80dB electronic bell to be seen and heard.
- Smart Lumen Control: Allows riders to fine-tune the output of each mode.
- Auto-Park Function: Automatically senses when a rider has stopped, powering down to save battery and switching back on when movement is detected.
- Mode Memory: Ensures the light always restarts in the rider’s last-used setting.
The Lumaray Dock, a mount by another name
Alongside the Lumaray V3, Fabric introduces the Lumaray Dock. This newly engineered out-front mount offers unmatched versatility, compatible with all current Garmin and Wahoo devices. The Lumaray Dock offers a dual sided design, allowing the light to be docked either on top or bottom. It also features an integrated, quick release GoPro mount for further accessory expansion.
Final thoughts
Fabric’s contribution to cycling can’t be understated. They have a decade of disruption and innovation and offering an unmatched mix of performance and value. Fabric were one of the first brands to develop 3D printed titanium prototypes through a collaboration with Airbus. They engineered the first vacuum bonded saddles and also brought affordable, cageless water bottles to the masses.
Fabric already offer a range of parts and accessories from the iconic Scoop saddles to handlebar grips, multi-tools and handlebar tapes. The Lumaray V3, however, marks the beginning of a new chapter. A return to innovative product development that will see a number of new products introduced over the next 12 months.
Pricing & availability
Head on over to fabric.cc to get Full details on the Lumaray V3 and the new Dock. While you’re there check out the rest of their products. MSRP for the Lumaray V3 is $74.99 / €74.90 / £74.99, and the Dock retails for $19.99 / €19.90 / £19.99.
The post “Giro” Break: Rollout – ASSOS x EF Pro, Tailwind Nutrition, Castelli 150 Years, Wilier Tiestina Rapida, Sungod Velans 2, Fabric Lumaray V3 appeared first on PezCycling News.
