News
racing
Mathieu van der Poel plots brutal Namur opener for record eighth World Championship title campaign
The world champion is set to bring forward his winter, targeting a Namur World Cup debut and a compact 13-race block all sharpened toward Hulst and an unprecedented eighth cyclocross rainbow.
industry
'We are too focused on charm' – Wout van Aert calls for €5 roadside fee to save pro cycling
The Belgian superstar wants fans to pay to stand in the ditch, arguing that free roadside viewing is financially 'unsustainable' and that a nominal fee could finally share the money more fairly.
racing
'I can no longer take food from the back pocket of my jersey' – Remco Evenepoel reveals continued nerve damage from 2024 crash
Remco Evenepoel has confirmed that the December 2024 crash which nearly ended his career has left him with long-term nerve damage, turning every world-beating time trial into a managed medical event
industry
Ineos Grenadiers turn to experience as Viviani and Impey step into Sport Director roles in 2026
The Grenadiers bring back deep racing intuition as Viviani and Impey join Geraint Thomas in a reshaped 2026 leadership team.
racing
‘Isaac is Isaac’ – Tadej Pogačar hits back at Del Toro being cast as the ‘new Pogačar’
At an awards gala in Italy, the World Champion pushed back hard on the hunt for his successor, insisting Isaac Del Toro must be judged on his own terms while weighing a brutal 2026 calendar.
industry
Red Bull's adrenaline empire is set to settle down as energy drink giant bets on cycling superteam
From wingsuits to WorldTour, Red Bull’s post-Mateschitz strategy is swapping one-off stunts for long-term team ownership. Its controlling stake in Bora-Hansgrohe and the arrival of Remco Evenepoel signal cycling’s promotion to the same commercial tier as Formula 1.
racing
Superstar Strava link-up as Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel share pre-season miles in Spain
Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel have ditched the script of isolated superstars, joining forces for base miles on the Costa Blanca and offering fans a rare glimpse of a relaxed rivalry ahead of a pressure-filled 2025.
industry
Pro cycling continues its shift behind the paywall as Dutch broadcaster NOS set to cut 40% of cycling coverage
Dutch broadcaster NOS will slash its live cycling offering from 75 to 45 race days in 2026, dropping the Vuelta, Paris–Nice, Flèche Wallonne and Dauphiné as government‑mandated budget cuts bite and free‑to‑air sport gives ground to pay TV.
industry
‘This team has been my home since day one’ – Geraint Thomas named INEOS Grenadiers Director of Racing
INEOS Grenadiers have appointed Geraint Thomas as Director of Racing, effective immediately, closing his 16‑year riding career and signalling a renewed performance drive under Sir Dave Brailsford and Dr Scott Drawer.
racing
'I am flipping trying', Ben Healy reveals 495W for 4.5 minutes as Pogačar rode away on La Redoute
Ben Healy says he averaged 495W for 4.5 minutes on La Redoute at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, yet Tadej Pogačar still put at least 15 seconds into him and soloed to victory.
industry
Long-haul travel causes 11% CO2 rise for UCI in 2024 as binding green rules loom from 2028
The UCI’s latest sustainability report logs an 11% year‑on‑year emissions rise to 9,251 t CO₂e, blaming Scope 3 travel tied to decentralised Worlds and the Paris Olympics. From 2028, sustainability criteria will become binding in Worlds bidding and licensing, with heat‑risk rules already in force.
racing
Fernando Gaviria given two‑month suspended sentence after 2.40 g/L daytime DUI in Monaco
Fernando Gaviria received a two‑month suspended sentence, a €5,000 fine and a two‑year Monaco driving ban after a daytime DUI with a 2.40 g/L reading. The conviction lands a day after his 2026 move to Caja Rural was announced.
racing
'The more, the better' Evenepoel tilts toward Flanders as one time trial rumour cools Giro–Tour bid
HLN reports Remco Evenepoel is now leaning toward a Classics-first spring, with a Tour of Flanders debut in play, as the rumoured single ITT at the 2026 Giro weakens the appeal of a Giro–Tour double. A final call is expected after 1 December.
industry
'One of the most successful cyclists of her generation' – Lotte Kopecky named to Forbes Belgium 30 Under 30 after record third Flanders
Forbes Belgium has named Lotte Kopecky to its 2025 30 Under 30 list, recognising the SD Worx–Protime leader’s sporting dominance and growing cultural influence ahead of a Ghent summit on 28 November.
tech
Ratio Technology launches UK-made Mech derailleur with modular setup and Direct Mount option
Ambleside-based Ratio Technology has unveiled the fully mechanical, modular Mech, a 1x rear derailleur designed, manufactured and assembled in the UK. Priced from £345, it targets cross-brand compatibility via swappable cable fins and a UDH‑compatible Direct Mount, with user‑serviceable internals and a self‑contained clutch.
racing
Johan Bruyneel questions Greg LeMond’s legendary 92.5 VO2 max after showing photo of a 74.7 result
Johan Bruyneel has questioned Greg LeMond’s famed 92.5 VO2 max by showing an unverified 1988 result of 74.7 on a podcast, reigniting a credibility battle between a lifetime‑banned manager and one of cycling’s most prominent anti‑doping voices.
racing
'They removed a piece from my nose' Van Gils reveals nasal surgery after illness-hit year, targets 2026 reset
Maxim Van Gils has undergone nasal surgery after a season wrecked by recurring infections. The Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe rider says the procedure should help in 2026, as leadership calls loom for Milano-Sanremo alongside incoming teammate Remco Evenepoel.
tech
ASSOS parts ways with Tudor Pro Cycling as speculation grows over EF’s 2026 kit supplier
ASSOS and Tudor confirm a clean break at the end of 2025, weeks after Rapha and EF set their own finish line. With both apparel deals expiring together, industry focus turns to an unconfirmed ASSOS-to-EF move and Tudor’s promised ‘historic’ replacement.
industry
Belgium’s €9.2bn budget deal doubles VAT on sports access, threatening Spring Classics hospitality
Belgium’s budget deal doubles VAT on access to sports events from 6% to 12%, putting new pressure on Spring Classics revenues and fan affordability. Organisers must choose between absorbing the hit or raising prices, with the 2026 season likely to be the first affected.
racing
Lorena Wiebes claims award for Dutch Cyclist of the Year as her sights fix on Amstel Gold redemption in 2026
Lorena Wiebes is Dutch Cyclist of the Year after a 25‑win, three‑world‑title 2025. She called the honour “something special” and immediately set her next goal, targeting Amstel Gold Race 2026 after the painful 2024 near‑miss.