Shimano broke a five-year product silence at the Vuelta a España 2026, with the Shimano Dura-Ace R9300 prototype appearing on Alpecin-Premier Tech bikes from Stage 1. The 13th sprocket matches Campagnolo's cassette count, but the defining detail is what Shimano didn't change: the rear derailleur stays cable-connected with an internal battery, holding the semi-wireless line while rivals have moved fully wireless. The prototype also features satellite-hood shifters with a new thumb button or paddle lever on the inward-facing side of the hoods — and the 13-cog cassette appears to require a new freehub body. Shimano has not officially confirmed the groupset's name or design.