Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Saturday, December 6, 2025
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2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
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Upcoming racing:
- December 14: World Cup Namur
- December 23: Superprestige Heusden-Zolder
- December 26: World Cup Gavere
- December 29: Trofee Loenhout-Azencross
- December 30: Superprestige Diegem
- January 1: GP Sven Nys
Latest completed racing:
- November 16: Trofee Hamme-Flandriencross
- November 1: Trofee Oudenaarde-Koppenbergcross
- October 26: Superprestige Overijse-Vlaamse Druivencross
- October 14 - 19: Tour of Guangxi
- October 14 - 19: Tour of Holland
- October 19: Veneto Classic
- October 19: Japan Cup
- October 19: Chrono des Nations
- October 15: Giro del Veneto
- October 12: Paris-Tours
The team sent me this news:
Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe has completed its roster planning for 2026 and will enter the new season with the maximum of 30 riders. The final addition to the squad is Arne Marit, who strengthens the team’s group of sprinters and one-day specialists.
Just in time for the start of the first training camp of the new season, the 30th roster spot has been filled: Arne Marit is joining the German UCI WorldTeam. The 26-year-old Belgian is known for his finishing speed and excels particularly in bunch sprints and one-day races. He also impresses with remarkable consistency throughout the entire season – from January to October, from the first to the final WorldTour stage race, complemented by numerous classics, stage races, and even a Grand Tour.
Arne Marit wins the 2021 GP Morbihan. Photo: Laurane Habasque
Zak Dempster, Chief of Sports at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe: “Arne is a rider who can make an immediate impact in a variety of race situations. His natural speed, race instinct, and reliability across a full season make him a valuable addition to our sprint and classics group. Importantly, he is also a rider with clear development potential – and we are confident we can take the next step together. We’re very happy to welcome him to the team.”
Arne Marit: “I remember talking to my girlfriend about what my dream team would be, and my answer was Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. For me, this is truly a dream coming true. The team has an outstanding performance staff, and I’m confident I can take the next step in my career here. I’m especially looking forward to learning from Danny van Poppel when it comes to sprinting – one of my strengths, alongside the classics. I can’t wait for the team camp, to meet everyone and get this new adventure started.”
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Here’s the team’s announcement:
SCOTT and NSN Cycling Team today announce a multi-year sponsorship deal. The leading cycling brand will be equipping the team with premium, race-proven bikes, also marking SCOTT’s return to racing in the UCI WorldTour.
SCOTT joins forces with NSN Cycling Team as official bike supplier, supporting the team in their exciting new era. The Spain-based team, with its Swiss license, doesn’t just share a nationality with Switzerland-based SCOTT. The partnership also represents a shared commitment to innovation, development, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cycling.
“It is a privilege to support NSN Cycling Team and a roster of athletes, staff and sponsors united in their ambition and pursuit of excellence,” comments Pascal Ducrot, co-CEO of SCOTT. “With our long racing heritage, we celebrate SCOTT’s return to the UCI WorldTour with the team, where our world-class products will support these talented athletes to perform on the sport’s biggest stages.”
Team NSN at training camp on their new Scott bikes.
The partnership marks SCOTT’s return to UCI WorldTour sponsorship, as the brand commits to supporting the growth and development of the team and its talented roster of athletes, on both the UCI WorldTour and through its Development squad. SCOTT, including its component brand Syncros, will be a formative part of the team’s journey, supporting the team’s Racing For Change vision and enabling the success of their athletes with its race-proven bikes.
“This partnership with SCOTT marks an exciting step forward for NSN Cycling Team,” says Kjell Carlström, NSN Cycling Team General Manager. “We’re aligning with a brand that shares our pursuit of elite performance and is driven by innovation and constant improvement. SCOTT’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, aerodynamics, and technology mirrors our own ambition on the road. We are proud to embark on this journey with SCOTT ahead of what is going to be an incredibly exciting season for the team.”
Ducrot adds: “From the signing of green-jersey winning Biniam Girmay, to the involvement of NSN, co-founded by Andrés Iniesta, the NSN Cycling Team, like SCOTT, is built on sporting excellence. At SCOTT, we see our brand and products as enablers, and we’re proud to be part of the team’s mission to inspire millions of people through cycling.”
SCOTT is a leading brand in road bike manufacturing, with the company’s dedication to innovation, technology and design leading to the development of some of the fastest road bikes in the world. In their commitment to performance and innovation, the NSN Cycling Team will be using the Foil RC, a serial winner on the WorldTour, and Plasma RC TT, as well as Syncros components.
NSN Cycling Team will start its season at the Tour Down Under in January 2026.
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Here’s the team’s update:
The INEOS Grenadiers are delighted to confirm contract extensions for five riders ahead of the 2026 season.
Michal Kwiatkowski has signed a new three-year deal, extending his successful career with the team into a second decade. The former world champion is one of the peloton’s most experienced and respected riders, and his consistency and professionalism continue to set the standard within the squad.
“It feels natural to stay,” said Kwiatkowski. “I love the atmosphere, the people and the way we work. I’m not here to stay in my comfort zone, I’m here because this is where I push myself every day. I feel joy when things go well and I feel supported when they don’t. That’s cycling - one day you’re on top of the world, the next you’re fighting through a tough moment. It’s been an amazing journey so far, but it’s not over yet.
“This team has been my home for so many years, and I still feel the same hunger and motivation every time I pin on a number. What keeps me here is the people, the trust and the shared ambition to keep performing at the highest level.”
Michal Kwiatkowski before the start of stage three of the 2025 Vuelta a España. Sirotti photo
Ben Swift, another of the team’s longest-serving riders, will continue for another season. A double British champion, Swift’s experience and leadership remain invaluable both on the road and off the bike, helping to shape the next generation of Grenadiers.
“This team has been such a big part of my life and to head into an 18th season as a pro is fantastic,” said Swift. “I still love the racing, the camaraderie and the purpose we all share. It’s a privilege to help guide the younger riders and play my part in the next chapter of the Grenadiers.
“Our team is on a real upward trajectory and I am looking forward to playing a role in that progression. I can’t wait to kick off the 2026 season and to get racing.”
Lucas Hamilton has signed a two-year extension, reinforcing the team’s climbing and stage-race depth. The popular Australian has impressed with his adaptability and tactical awareness across varied terrain and will continue to play an important role in Grand Tours and week-long stage races.
Hamilton said: “I’m really happy to be extending with the team. After a year, it genuinely feels like home - great people and great environment. I believe in the direction the team is heading and I’m excited to be part of that journey.”
Kim Heiduk has also signed a one-year extension, reward for his steady progression and reliability across the classics and in key support roles. His power and positioning in demanding races continue to make him an important contributor to the Grenadiers’ collective strength.
“I’m really happy to extend my contract,” said Heiduk. “I feel at home here, it really does feel like a family. I’ve learned so much since joining the Grenadiers and having the trust of the team for the next step in my career means a huge amount. I’m motivated to keep helping our leaders and to show my own progression in the biggest races.”
Brandon Rivera has agreed to a one-year extension, maintaining his strong role within the team’s climbing and support group. The Colombian continues to provide strength and consistency in key mountain stages and across a wide range of our racing calendar.
“Every season with this team feels like a new opportunity to grow and give my best,” said Rivera. “I’m proud to be part of this family and to support my teammates in achieving our big goals together.”
Geraint Thomas, Director of Racing, said: “It’s brilliant to have these five lads continue with us. They all bring something a bit different and they’ll be key to what we want to do next season.
“With Kwiato, he’s been part of the biggest victories in the team both on a personal level and also in a supporting role, so keeping him involved and having his experience in the rider group is hugely beneficial.
“Kim and Brandon have come on loads since joining the team. They’re just so solid - it doesn’t matter what the race is, they go there, are good and give their absolute best.
“Lucas only joined last year, but he’s a great character to have around with a typical Aussie spirit which we’ve always had to some extent over the years. He had a really strong Giro, impressed across a range of other stage races and will have plenty to contribute in the coming seasons.
“And then there’s Swifty. He’s the elder statesman now, but last season he proved exactly why experience counts. He did a bit of everything, across loads of races, and every single time he was just rock solid. Swifty sets the tone for the younger lads coming through and will play a big part in helping them get to know what bike racing is all about.”
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Seixas’ Team Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale posted this:
Paul Seixas:
"We have built my start to the season around races where I can really express myself and go for victory. The Ardèche Classic, Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège are races that are close to my heart and whose profiles suit me. The idea is to build momentum in the first two races before focusing exclusively on WorldTour events, which will be key moments for me to test myself at the highest level. My goals are clear: to raise my arms in victory and confirm my progress by giving my all on the bike."
Paul Seixas at the start of stage 2 of the 2025 Tour of the Alps. Sirotti photo
Sébastien Joly:
Paul's program has been designed to gradually lead him towards his first major goals of the season: Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The Tour of Algarve and the Ardèche Classic will be concrete opportunities to aim for victory, while the Tour of the Basque Country will offer him high-level competition before the Ardennes classics. Paul is entering his second season in the WorldTour, and the idea is to offer him a balanced schedule while allowing him to progress against the world's best. The rest of his race program will be announced in early May."
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