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Thursday, December 11, 2025
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2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him. - J. R. R. Tolkien
Les Woodland's book Sticky Buns Across America: Back-roads biking from sea to shining sea is available in print, Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.
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
Here’s the team’s post:
Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe is sending a clear signal for the years ahead: Florian Lipowitz, Giulio Pellizzari and Lorenzo Finn have all extended their contracts early, reaffirming their long-term commitment to the team. Three riders at three very different career stages – yet their stories share a common thread: each of them was not only discovered at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, but shaped and developed within this system.
Florian Lipowitz (25), who rose from trainee to Tour de France podium finisher within the team, has extended his already long-term contract. He will remain with the German UCI WorldTeam well into the coming years.
Giulio Pellizzari (22) completed two Grand Tours in his first WorldTour season, claimed a stage win and twice finished sixth overall. He has committed to Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe for the long term – a strong statement from a rider who is only just beginning to tap into his full potential.
Lorenzo Finn (18) is at the very start of his professional journey: junior world champion, U23 world champion and set to race in the rainbow jersey with the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies next season. His step into the WorldTour is planned for 2027, and he has committed to the team for the long term as he continues his progression toward the top level.
Ralph Denk: "Talent development is part of this team’s DNA. Florian and Giulio were not even 20 years old when we discovered them, and today they are riders who can make a difference in any Grand Tour. Lorenzo was even younger and has already won two world titles with us. Together with our established leaders and the huge depth of talent across our three teams, this trio represents our future – our vision and the path we are committed to following,” says Ralph Denk, CEO of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe.
Looking ahead to 2026, anticipation within the team is growing. The three Grand Tours are far more than seasonal highlights – they are part of the team’s identity and its biggest sporting challenge. And Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe enters the new season with a clear ambition: the podium is the goal at every Grand Tour.
“First, second, third – that has been the team's Grand Tour record over the past two seasons. Of course we want to continue in that direction. At the same time, we want to win within the Grand Tours and demonstrate an exciting style of racing that is part of our DNA,” says Zak Dempster, Chief of Sports.
Giro d'Italia:
The 2026 Grand Tour campaign will begin at the Giro d’Italia, where the leadership will be shared by Giulio Pellizzari and Jai Hindley. The duo approaches the race with a blend of youthful fearlessness and seasoned confidence, aiming to carry the momentum of last year’s Vuelta into the Grande Partenza in Bulgaria. Hindley knows the feeling of celebrating both Giro stage victories and the Trofeo Senza Fine, while Pellizzari has been close to a stage win on several occasions at his home Grand Tour over the past two years. Now, he intends to turn this steep learning curve into tangible results at the Giro, as well.
Tour de France
In July, the spotlight will fall on two riders who share many similarities and yet stand at very different points in their careers: Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz. Both transitioned into cycling from other sports, both were born in 2000, both have won the white jersey, and both have already finished third at the Tour de France. But the phases of their careers could not be more different – a contrast that makes them such an exciting and tactically unpredictable pairing. For Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe they will become true wingmen. Two riders who, together, can unlock entirely new tactical possibilities at the Tour.
Remco Evenepoel in the Best Young Rider's white jersey after stage 13 of the 2025 Tour de france. Sirotti photo
The joint road of Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz toward Barcelona will already begin at the end of January in Mallorca. There, they will fine-tune their TTT performance at the Trophy Ses Salines. Both riders will also line up together at the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. Further spring highlights include the Ardennes for Remco Evenepoel and the Tour de Romandie for Florian Lipowitz.
Vuelta a España
The Vuelta a España will mark the emotional high point of the season. Primož Roglič is targeting his fifth title – a pursuit deeply rooted in his long-standing connection with the race. The opening time trial in Monte Carlo will effectively roll out the red carpet for the champion, turning the start into a home race and potentially providing the perfect tailwind for the three weeks ahead. In preparation, his spring program is expected to feature Tirreno–Adriatico, Itzulia Basque Country and the Tour de Romandie.
Here's the team's annoucement:
Rising together, towards the WorldTour: Lotto-Intermarché has secured its license. The UCI announced the news today. The National Lottery and Intermarché are joining forces for at least three years, thereby making the merger between two iconic teams a reality.
Rising together. It is a baseline that underscores everything: two teams with a rich history that, united in strength and expertise, reinvent themselves and will fight together for every victory. It perfectly summarizes what Lotto-Intermarché stands for: growing, building and winning as one.
Arnaud De Lie (shown winning stage five of the 2025 Renewi Tour) will be in the new Lotto-Intermarché kit in 2026. Sirotti photo
The license application to rejoin the WorldTour in 2026 had already been submitted in mid-October, and with today’s green light from the UCI, the merger between Lotto Cycling Team and Intermarché-Wanty, two teams deeply rooted in Belgian cycling, is formally confirmed. Lotto-Intermarché is now a fact and will, next season, be part of the UCI WorldTour under the existing Captains of Cycling structure. The National Lottery and Intermarché commit as title sponsors to the team for at least three years.
“The National Lottery has been a fixture in the cycling peloton for more than 40 years. The fact that we now, with Intermarché at our side, are making our return to the WorldTour makes me extremely proud. We both have a deeply rooted history, and supporting the development of new talent is a priority. In this partnership we are writing a new story of growing together and creating opportunities. That is why I strongly believe in this new project.” – Jannie Haek (CRO National Lottery)
Jannie Haek (CEO National Lottery): “This new partnership marks a new chapter in our history within cycling. This sport tells a story of solidarity, teamwork and proximity- values that also lie at the foundation of Groupement Mousquetaires and that contribute to our success. With a point of sale every ten kilometres, we are closer to our customers than ever, and we are delighted to share the passion for cycling with them. 2026 promises to be a wonderful year full of emotions and challenges for the new Lotto-Intermarché, and we are convinced that the team spirit created in the coming weeks will lead to great victories.” - Thierry Cotillard (President Groupement Mousquetaires)
To further highlight the international character of the new team, the squad will compete in France, Poland and Portugal wearing the Intermarché-Lotto jersey, the ‘reversed’ version of the regular kit.
Historical partners remain on board:
Orbea, the Basque bicycle manufacturer that joined Lotto two years ago and with whom the team quickly built a stable relationship, will also supply bikes for the new teams. Several other long-standing partners, including Vermarc Sport, Ekoï and Caps, are also joining the new project. Lotto-Intermarché wishes to express its gratitude for all the trust — but also thanks the sponsors who were part of the journey in recent years for the ride they shared together.
“Sports sponsorship is in Groupe Wanty’s DNA. Since our modest beginnings in 2013, then still as Wanty-Groupe Gobert, up to our entry into the WorldTour in 2021, we have experienced an exceptional adventure. Today, our team is taking a new direction. For Groupe Wanty, this means we are withdrawing as title sponsor, but we remain committed. Over the next six years we will continue to support the new team and remain visible on the equipment, and for three years we will be the title sponsor of the team’s prestigious development squad.” - Benoît Soenen (Managing Director Groupe Wanty)
New management team at the helm:
With the merger, a strengthened management team also takes office. With Jean-François Bourlart as CEO, Kurt Van de Wouwer as sports manager and Aike Visbeek as performance manager, Lotto-Intermarché receives a foundation backed by many years of experience. The trio will jointly set out the sporting and organisational direction.
“Today, thanks to the unification of two historic Belgian teams, a new chapter begins in international cycling. In recent months we have worked very hard behind the scenes to build a solid project, based on the foundations of Lotto Cycling Team and Intermarché-Wanty. We are pleased that the UCI places its confidence in us for the next three years to make this project succeed. The recognition of the UCI ProTeam status for the women’s team also makes us happy. Preparations for the new season are now in full swing, with the first collective training camp in Spain currently underway. I already feel a strong enthusiasm throughout the entire team.” - Jean-François Bourlart (General Manager Lotto-Intermarché)
“With leaders Arnaud De Lie and Lennert Van Eetvelt, supported by a strong midfield and experienced road captains such as Jasper De Buyst and Taco van der Hoorn, Lotto-Intermarché can rightly aspire to win races at the highest level. At the same time, we continue to invest in the development of young talent. Newly crowned European champion Jarno Widar joins the pro squad, and with Huub Artz and Felix Ørn-Kristoff we welcome two more former European champions from the youth categories. It demonstrates the potential of our group and the quality of our development programs.
"Talent development remains one of our key pillars in the renewed structure. In recent seasons, both development teams together delivered more than 26 riders to the pro ranks. With combined expertise, I am convinced we will continue to be one of the best continental development teams with Lotto-Wanty.” - Kurt Van de Wouwer (Sports Manager Lotto-Intermarché)
“At the start of this trajectory, I conducted an in-depth analysis of both performance organisations. It quickly became clear that each team has complementary strengths. Lotto Cycling Team has strong collaborations with Ghent University and the department of Professor Jan Boone, coupled with a great deal of knowledge in nutrition under the leadership of Britt Lambrecht. From Intermarché-Wanty we bring a tightly structured and methodical approach with a clear focus on R&D, along with technical innovation driven by Head of Equipment Mikey van Kruiningen. Bringing all this knowledge together today is a tremendous asset in elevating the new team to an even higher level.” - Aike Visbeek (Performance Manager Lotto-Intermarché)
Lotto-Intermarché Ladies
The new Lotto-Intermarché positions itself as a growth project with a strong foundation in the WorldTour, supported by what is widely recognised as one of the best development structures in the peloton. The women’s team will also continue to grow. The Lotto-Intermarché Ladies will move to the pro-continental level in 2026, ensuring their participation in the biggest WorldTour races.
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Here’s the team’s news:
Last season with its 54 victories is already history, as our team is gearing up for next year, which we will once again kick-start at Australia’s Tour Down Under. Before traveling to the Southern Hemisphere in a month’s time, the Soudal Quick-Step riders – including new members Steff Cras, Alberto Dainese, Laurenz Rex, Jasper Stuyven, Dylan Van Baarle, Fabio Van den Bossche, Jonathan Vervenne and Filippo Zana – and staff have gathered in Spain for the first training camp.
Jasper Stuyven (shown winning the 2021 Milano-Sanremo) will be wearing Soudal Quick-Step colors in 2026. Sirotti photo
As usual, these twelve days spent in sunny Calpe – where the beautiful Suitopia Sol y Mar Hotel and its premium facilities once again serve as our headquarters – will be an excellent opportunity for all our members to spend time together ahead of the team’s 24th consecutive season.
“We will be using the first three days of the camp for photo shoots, testing and bike fitting. Once these are out of the way, the guys will focus on training and enjoy what we all hope will be a good block of training in Calpe, where we are happy to be present again, as it offers us everything that we need in order to properly prepare for next year.”
“The main focus is on laying a solid base for the season through lower intensity endurance rides. Next to that, we’ll use these days to work on sprints, lead-outs, time trial training for the specialists and off-bike training with the physios. This camp is a great opportunity to integrate the new riders into the team, but we’ll have also the Devo team members there and they’ll be mixed in with the World Tour guys, something from which they’ll gain a lot of experience”, explained Soudal Quick-Step trainer Koen Pelgrim.
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Here's the team's announcement:
Up-and-coming Irish rider Caoimhe O’Brien joins EF Education-Oatly in its first season as a Women's WorldTour team.
Caoimhe grew up in Mullingar, Ireland which she describes as “smack bang, right in the middle of Ireland.” That’s where she got her start riding when her dad’s local cycling club put on a youth turbo session. She and her younger sister went to that, then went to a race, and another race, and before long they were fully steeped in the cycling community. Nowadays, Caoimhe lives in Girona but whenever she goes back to Ireland, she and her sister still love to train together.
Caoimhe has been following the team’s journey and was immediately on board when she got the opportunity to join.
Caoimhe O'Brien
“The belief the team has in me, to progress and achieve as an individual while helping the team to progress and achieve, is very exciting,” Caoimhe said. “The team’s ethos and their belief that a happy athlete is a successful athlete is something that speaks to me. Just going out and riding our bikes and getting the most out of everything and having a sense of balance is the right way to do things.”
At 23-years-old, Caoimhe is still finding her speciality in the peloton but she feels most alive when racing in Belgium.
“I'm more of a sprinty, punchy rider. I’ve raced a lot in Belgium and after so much time there, I thrive in those races. They’re hectic with short, punchy hills. And I like a good, hard race, where you really need to mentally push yourself. Those are the kinds of races I like the most,” she said.
EF Education-Oatly general manager Esra Tromp feels that Caoimhe fits the squad’s profile perfectly.
“As our team moves up to the WorldTour in 2026 and we have a handful of riders with depth and experience to anchor the squad, we’ve signed young riders like Caoimhe to continue our work of shaping the next generation. We’ve proven that we can successfully develop young riders who are dedicated to growing. Caoimhe is exactly who we were looking for: a rider who has already shown she’s capable of progressing but maybe hasn’t had a huge amount of resources available, is excited to put in the work, and help her teammates. We’re excited to support her in her development,” Esra said.
Off the bike, Caoimhe is an avid reader and enjoys practicing yoga. She holds a degree in food science and often experiments with new recipes in the kitchen. She loves to bake and has become adept at making sourdough bread and kombucha.
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Here’s the news from Team XDS Astana:
After a strong season with the Development team, Lev Gonov has signed a two-year contract with the WorldTour team XDS Astana Team (2026 and 2027). With this, Gonov becomes the 30th rider of the team and closes XDS Astana Team’s transfer campaign for the next season.
The 25-year-old rider had an impressive season with XDS Astana Development Team, but also proved himself in races with the WorldTour team. Gonov won a stage of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey and contributed to his leaders’ success both in Turkey, the Tour of Langkawi, the Tour of Lake Taihu, and several other races.
Lev Gonov (on right) wins 2025 Tour of Turkey stage three.
“This year has been the busiest of my career! I’ve seen the level of true professional racing and have grown even fonder of this incredible sport. Now, signing a contract with a World Tour team, I have new opportunities to grow, and I’m determined to prove that I am a worthy rider. There is a lot of work ahead in every area, but I’m ready to tackle it together with the team! I thank the management of XDS Astana Team for their trust and this unique opportunity. This year went well, but I’m sure the future will be even better”, – said Lev Gonov.
“Lev quickly integrated both with the Devo team and the WorldTour team, with which he raced for most of the season. He achieved a great victory in Turkey and contributed significantly to the team’s successes in Asia during the second half of the year. I believe we can be satisfied with his progress this season, so his move from the Development team to the WorldTour is more than logical. The XDS Astana Team roster for 2026 is now complete, and the team is currently at its first pre-season training camp, so preparations for 2026 are in full swing”, – said Alexandr Vinokurov.
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