Women
Latest news, races, and stories from women's professional cycling
50 articles
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift
Less Racing, More Yellow: Demi Vollering slashes 2026 calendar in bold Tour de France bid
The Dutch climber has cut her pre-Tour race days from 29 to roughly 18, dropped her Vuelta Femenina title defence, and added the Giro d'Italia Women for the first time since 2021. The goal: arrive in August fresher than she was in 2025.
27th February 2026
Racing
Lotte Kopecky ditches GC ambitions for Classics-heavy 2026 campaign
After a 2025 season marred by injury and the toll of strict GC protocols, Lotte Kopecky has announced a Spring Classics and track-focused schedule that begins at Circuit Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday.
26th February 2026
Strade Bianche Donne
Cyclocross champion Lucinda Brand already logging six-hour road rides as she eyes Strade Bianche for 2026 road debut
The reigning cyclo-cross world champion will open her road season at the Tuscan gravel classic on March 7, with team manager Sven Nys confirming that heavy endurance training is already underway.
14th February 2026Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana
Queen stage of Setmana Ciclista Valenciana cancelled for first time in race history as Storm Oriana batters Alicante
Organisers scrapped the decisive mountain stage between Agost and La Nucía after AEMET issued an orange alert for severe winds, freezing the GC with Demi Vollering holding a 56-second lead heading into Sunday's finale.
14th February 2026
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana
Setmana Ciclista 2026 Race Preview: Vollering defends title as queen stage promises GC fireworks
The women's peloton's first major stage race of 2026 features over 6,000 metres of climbing across four days in Valencia, with 13 of 14 WorldTeams lining up and a deep GC field ready to challenge the defending champion.
11th February 2026
UAE Tour Women
UAE Tour Women: Jebel Hafeet delivers again as Longo Borghini claims emotional GC win
The Italian waited for Niewiadoma and Trinca Colonel to burn their matches before striking on the final half of the climb, flipping the GC from sprinter Lorena Wiebes to confirm UAE Team ADQ's dominance on home soil.
8th February 2026
UAE Tour Women
UAE Tour Women: Lorena Wiebes completes hat-trick in Abu Dhabi after 'chaos' sprint
The SD Worx-Protime sprinter survived the loss of pilot Barbara Guarischi in the final 2km to hold off Lara Gillespie by less than a bike length, her ninth career stage win at the race.
7th February 2026
UAE Tour Women
UAE Tour Women: Lorena Wiebes 'scared' but victorious in crash-marred stage 2 Dubai sprint
The Dutch champion navigated a fragmented finale to claim her second consecutive stage win, extending her overall lead as rival Charlotte Kool finished only ninth on the chaotic run-in to Mohammed Bin Hamdan Smart University.
6th February 2026
UAE Tour Women
UAE Tour Women: Lorena Wiebes opens her season with stage 1 sprint win and red jersey
The Dutch sprinter secures her seventh career stage win at the UAE Tour Women, overhauling Lara Gillespie in the final 100 metres.
5th February 2026
UAE Tour Women
How to Watch the UAE Tour Women 2026 Live – Free Streams and TV Coverage
From the crosswinds of Stage 1 to the epic Jebel Hafeet climb, here is your complete guide to watching the UAE Tour Women 2026 live. Discover free official streams and how to access your home coverage securely while traveling abroad.
5th February 2026
UAE Tour Women
UAE Tour Women Race Preview: Route and favourites on the road to Jebel Hafeet
The summit finish moves to Stage 4, keeping the GC open until the final 10km climb. Elisa Longo Borghini defends on home roads as Anna van der Breggen makes her WorldTour stage race return.
4th February 2026
News
Visma hunts for the next generation of Grand Tour climbers with Ardennes tests
The Dutch squad is accepting applications from young male and female riders across Europe for standardised uphill testing in the Belgian Ardennes in spring.
4th February 2026
News
Tudor Pro Cycling signs gravel specialist as the team's first female pro rider
Clara Koppenburg, a former WorldTour climber with 11 professional road seasons, joins the Swiss team's off-road division after strong results at Sea Otter Europe and Gravel Burn in 2025.
3rd February 2026
2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships
'It's a little bit anti-sport', Fouquenet slams rivals' aggression after battling to fifth at cyclocross Worlds
The French rider recovered from a pre-race crash and botched start to finish 58 seconds behind winner Lucinda Brand, but left Hulst frustrated by what she called a lack of respect in the chasing group.
1st February 2026
2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships
Lucinda Brand wins second cyclocross world title as Dutch sweep Hulst podium
The 36-year-old capitalised on a penultimate-lap error from Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado after Puck Pieterse's mid-race crash ended the pre-race favourite's gold medal hopes.
31st January 2026
News
'Visma–Lease a Bike did not intervene in time', former cyclocross champion criticises team's handling of Fem van Empel
Former cyclocross world champion Hennie Stamsnijder argues Visma's attempt to mould Van Empel into a multi-discipline star like Marianne Vos pushed the 23-year-old to breaking point before her indefinite career pause.
30th January 2026
2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships
Lucinda Brand declared fit for Cyclocross World Championships after concussion disrupted preparation
Dutch rider's team manager Sven Nys reveals she suffered a week of headaches following a heavy crash at Zonhoven. She has claimed she doesn't consider herself the favourite for Hulst despite her winning streak.
29th January 2026
2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships
UCI Cyclocross World Championships Preview: Van der Poel eyes record eighth title in Hulst
Mathieu van der Poel arrives in Hulst unbeaten in 12 starts this season. We review his chances, alongside the women's favourites and a deep dive into the course
29th January 2026
Omloop Nieuwsblad
'Last year at this point, I was lying on the couch' - Kopecky confirms Omloop and Strade focus after dominant track weekend
The triple Tour of Flanders winner broke the Belgian Individual Pursuit record and reunited with Shari Bossuyt for a Madison title, signalling a return to Classics-first preparation.
26th January 2026
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #12, Hoogerheide
Puck Pieterse takes second World Cup win in two days with Hoogerheide masterclass
The Dutch rider's 7:07 final lap, four seconds faster than any rival managed all day, turned a stalemate into a statement solo win at the season's last World Cup.
25th January 2026
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #11, Maasmechelen
Puck Pieterse wins Maasmechelen World Cup as Lucinda Brand ends her 63-race podium streak
The Fenix-Deceuninck rider capitalised on her rival's mechanical with two laps to go, holding off a late charge from teammate Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado to claim her first World Cup win of the season ahead of next weekend's World Championships.
24th January 2026
News
Minimum salary freeze set for 2026 across WorldTour, with increases limited to Women’s ProTeams
The cycling governing body has confirmed that minimum wages for men's and women's first-division teams will remain at 2025 levels, while the new second-tier women's division sees mandated increases.
21st January 2026
Santos Tour Down Under
Ally Wollaston beats Rüegg on Stage 2 for back-to-back Women's Tour Down Under wins
The New Zealander overhauled Noemi Rüegg to extend her overall lead to 14 seconds, with tomorrow's Corkscrew climbs the last obstacle before overall victory.
18th January 2026
News
Rapha's USA Cycling kit changes the conversation around national team design
Following a much-discussed split with EF Pro Cycling, Rapha becomes USA Cycling's technical partner through 2028, covering all disciplines at the LA 2028 Olympics in first major deal since ending seven-year EF Pro Cycling sponsorship.
16th January 2026
Tech
'New season, new skin' as Visma-Lease a Bike reveals new Nimbl kit for 2026
Boutique brand Nimbl takes over all on-bike apparel for Visma-Lease a Bike in 2026, as the WorldTour squad pursues integrated aerodynamics on the bike and a premium Nike-driven lifestyle push off it.
30th December 2025
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #8, Dendermonde
'On this loop five seconds is a big gap' – Puck Pieterse fights back for second as Brand dominates Dendermonde
Dutch champion overcomes boxed-in start on fast Dendermonde course, reads rival's lines and attacks late to take runner-up behind dominant Lucinda Brand.
28th December 2025
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #8, Dendermonde
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dendermonde: Lucinda Brand continues unbeaten streak with solo win
Lucinda Brand turned Dendermonde’s heavy clay into another World Cup clinic, dropping Puck Pieterse with a brutal third‑lap surge as Amandine Fouquenet capped a breakout ride in third.
28th December 2025
Training
What is the VO2max of a Tour de France cyclist – and how much does it really matter?
WorldTour cyclists routinely post VO2max numbers that look like misprints to normal riders. But what is a pro’s VO2max and how does it compare to the rest of us?
27th December 2025
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #7, Gavere
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Gavere: Lucinda Brand crushes frozen hills for round seven win
On an icy, high-speed Gavere, Lucinda Brand turned big-engine power and clean laps into a statement solo, while Amandine Fouquenet delivered a breakout podium and Puck Pieterse salvaged third after a crash.
26th December 2025
UCI Road World Championships
Magdeleine Vallières Mill secures 2028 EF contract extension following historic World Championship win
Canada's first Elite Women's Road World Champion extends through 2028 after Kigali breakthrough, with EF Education-Oatly pivoting to build 2026 Ardennes campaign around the rainbow jersey.
23rd December 2025
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #6, Koksijde
Koksijde World Cup: Lucinda Brand wins Elite Women’s race with ruthless sand display
Lucinda Brand finally ticks off Koksijde with a long-range sand raid, leading a Dutch top‑eight lockout and tightening her grip on the World Cup overall.
21st December 2025
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #5, Antwerpen
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Antwerpen: Lucinda Brand wins Elite Women’s sand duel
Lucinda Brand outlasted Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado in a brutal Antwerpen sand battle to reclaim the World Cup leader’s jersey, as Aniek van Alphen’s fast start turned into a damage‑limitation exercise.
20th December 2025
Racing
'I tried to kiss the tarmac': Demi Vollering escapes serious injury after pre-season crash
The FDJ-SUEZ leader sustained cuts to her chin and hand after hitting the deck during a team ride near Benidorm, but avoided fractures ahead of the 2026 season
19th December 2025
News
'Motivation and enjoyment are missing' – Fem van Empel ends pro cycling contract to put career on hold
Triple cyclocross world champion Fem van Empel will leave Team Visma | Lease a Bike and step away from professional racing from 1 January 2026, after a turbulent year marked by mental health struggles and illness.
19th December 2025
News
'Luminous' look for CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto as 10th anniversary kit lights up 2026
A darker, purple-led palette, integrated Aeroad CFR bikes and a strong development message define CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto’s new 'Luminous' kit ahead of the team’s 10th season in the women’s WorldTour.
17th December 2025
News
Brussels submits bid to host 2030 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ
Brussels has entered the race to host the 2030 Tour de France Femmes avez Zwift Grand Départ, aiming to pair the start with the UCI Road World Championships in a landmark year for Belgian cycling.
16th December 2025
News
Chinese bike giant XDS continues expansion into pro cycling with Laboral Kutxa-Euskadi deal
Following its major investment in the men’s WorldTour with Astana, the Chinese manufacturing giant expands its footprint to women’s cycling. The Basque ProTeam will race on X-LAB AD9 frames for 2026, targeting Grand Tour success despite declining a WorldTour licence.
15th December 2025
News
'Fresh twist on a fan favourite' as Lidl–Trek unveil 2026 kit
Deep blue, louder red and new tech sponsors define Lidl–Trek’s 2026 look, with Santini back on board and replica kits set to hit the Trek Race Shop in December.
11th December 2025
Industry
Uno-X promoted, Cofidis relegated as UCI confirms new WorldTour licences
Uno-X Mobility step up, Cofidis drop out and Team Picnic PostNL are put on notice as the UCI unveils a reshaped WorldTour and a tougher financial line for 2026–2028.
10th December 2025
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #4, Namur
Olympic MTB champion Jolanda Neff set for Namur World Cup cyclo-cross return after four-year gap
Olympic mountain bike champion Jolanda Neff is on the provisional start list for the Namur Cyclo-cross World Cup, signalling a high-profile return to the discipline at one of its most brutal courses.
9th December 2025
Tech
Marianne Vos's Gravel Worlds secret becomes €2,995 Gravaa x Handgespaakt wheelset
On-the-fly tyre pressure, proven in Marianne Vos's dramatic Gravel Worlds win, now arrives in a 10-piece Dutch collab that trades grams and tubeless convenience for a weaponised gain in rolling resistance at €2,995.
5th December 2025
Racing
Building a future Grand Tour winner – SD Worx-Protime snaps up Tour de France white jersey winner in three-year deal
Tour de France Femmes white jersey winner Nienke Vinke is stepping into cycling’s biggest winning machine from 2026, with SD Worx-Protime betting long on the 21-year-old as their next Grand Tour and Ardennes force.
4th December 2025
Racing
'Full recovery' the priority as Veronica Ewers and EF Education-Oatly agree early split
Persistent RED-S issues have led the 29-year-old American and EF Education-Oatly to end their contract before 2026, with the team pledging to continue medical support as Ewers focuses on long-term health.
3rd December 2025
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #2, Flamanville
How to watch the Flamanville World Cup #2 2025 Live – Free Streams, TV coverage & VPN access from anywhere
Full viewing guide for UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Round 2 in Flamanville 2025, including global TV broadcasters, legal free streams, and how to use a VPN to keep watching your usual coverage securely while travelling.
28th November 2025
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.
25th November 2025
Strava
Gravel, snow and 2,000m of climbing - Demi Vollering's 109km freezing winter training flex
109.0 km, 1,998 m of climbing, 5:05 moving time. Demi Vollering logged a snowy gravel loop yesterday in the Lucerne–Zug region suggests the European champion is rolling into her base block ahead of team camp season.
24th November 2025
Racing
'Some power in the mountains' — Olympic rower turned climber Valentina Cavallar signs three‑year SD Worx deal
SD Worx-Protime have signed Austrian climber Valentina Cavallar on a three‑year contract from 2026, with sports manager Danny Stam saying the team needed more “power in the mountains”. The 24‑year‑old ex‑Olympian joins from Arkéa‑B&B after rapid progress in stage races.
24th November 2025
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #1, Tábor
Final-minute surge sees Lucinda Brand take World Cup Tábor victory
Lucinda Brand opened the World Cup with a razor-thin win in Tábor, outsprinting Sara Casasola after a late kick on a fast, frozen circuit. Record equalled; a new podium name arrives.
24th November 2025
Analysis
Three Giants and a Sprint Queen: How Kopecky, Vollering and Ferrand‑Prévot Will Shape 2026
With Lorena Wiebes vacuuming up bunch sprints, the rest of the women’s WorldTour is increasingly defined by three multi‑discipline giants: Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand‑Prévot. Here’s how their priorities, teams and the 2026 calendar line up – and where their battles are most likely to explode.
24th November 2025UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #1, Tábor
Lucinda Brand equals Vos with 51 straight World Cup podiums after Tábor sprint
Lucinda Brand outsprinted Sara Casasola to win the Tábor World Cup opener and equal Marianne Vos’s record of 51 consecutive World Cup podiums. The 36-year-old now has a shot at standing alone with 52 next time out.
24th November 2025