Campagnolo Record 13, Pogačar's new TT bike and gravel galore from The Traka – plus the other key news you’ve missed this week

Campagnolo has unveiled its new Record 13-speed mechanical groupset, marking a significant evolution for the Italian component manufacturer. This week also saw Tadej Pogačar debut a new Colnago TT bike, specifically designed for his time trial efforts, while the gravel scene was abuzz with developments from The Traka event, highlighting new equipment and trends in the burgeoning off-road discipline. These announcements collectively underscore a period of innovation across road, time trial, and gravel cycling sectors.

The introduction of Record 13 is particularly noteworthy, as Campagnolo has long been a bastion of mechanical shifting, now pushing the boundary of rear cassette cogs in a mechanical format. This move comes as rivals focus heavily on electronic systems, positioning Campagnolo to cater to a niche of purists and those seeking robust, reliable performance. Pogačar's new TT bike, meanwhile, signals the relentless pursuit of aerodynamic gains at the elite level, crucial for Grand Tour contenders. The gravel news from The Traka further illustrates the rapid growth and technological diversification within that segment, with manufacturers keen to capture market share.

Campagnolo's 13-speed mechanical gambit is a bold statement in an increasingly electronic world, proving that sometimes, more cogs are simply more cogs. Pogačar's new TT machine is merely another tool in the arsenal of a rider who hardly needs it, while gravel continues its relentless march towards road bike complexity.