Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Saturday, November 1, 2025
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2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
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Current racing:
- November 1: Trofee Oudenaarde-Koppenbergcross
Upcoming racing:
- November 16: Trofee Hamme-Flandriencross
- 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:
- 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
- October 11: Il Lombardia
- October 9: Gran Piemonte
- October 7: Binche-Chimay-Binche
- October 7: Tre Valli Varesine
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Here’s the news from the team:
In the 2026 season, French specialist Yvon Ledanois will join the UCI WorldTour team XDS Astana Team as Sports Director.
“I am very happy to become part of XDS Astana Team, a team where I already know several people. I would like to thank Alexandr Vinokurov for this opportunity and for his confidence in me. I am sure that together with the whole performance group we will continue the successful work that XDS Astana Team has done this past season. The team had a truly amazing year, and I’m delighted that from next season I will be able to contribute to further developing this success”, – said Yvon Ledanois.
Yvon Ledanois
“Yvon is well known for his professionalism and vast experience as a sports director – he has been working in this role for nearly 20 years with various WorldTour teams. I am confident that Yvon will bring something new to the work of our sports directors’ group and, in general, to the team’s performance structure, helping XDS Astana Team to maintain its high level next season as well”, – said Alexandr Vinokurov.
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Here’s the team’s news:
After announcing eight new signings in recent weeks and 5 renewals two days ago, Team Polti VisitMalta confirms today the contract extensions of four experienced Italian riders, completing a 24-man roster.
Mirco Maestri has signed until 2027, celebrating his 34th birthday on Sunday by officially extending his adventure as captain of the Professional structure. A reliable lead-out for the sprinters and a wise leader for all, this year he claimed a 6th and a 2nd place in Giro d’Italia stages: “Here I truly feel at home, I’m proud to be heading into my fifth and sixth seasons with this team, especially in such a responsible role entrusted to me by Ivan Basso and Fran Contador. I thank the entire management and staff for their constant support — I’m super motivated to put my experience at the service of a group that’s getting younger thanks to new arrivals. In today’s cycling, points and rankings are crucial, every season ahead will be a battle to be faced at 120%”
Another two-year renewal goes to another key veteran, Alessandro Tonelli. Having joined the squad this year, his strength on the climbs and attacking DNA made him one of the most combative riders, earning him a top-10 finish in Croatia: “I received the offer right after the Giro and didn’t hesitate for a second. It’s a great satisfaction because I feel fantastic here, I’ll work hard to confirm and strengthen the mutual trust that was built right from the start.”
Alessandro Tonelli finishing stage 12 of the 2023 Giro d'Italia. Sirotti photo
Both Bais' have signed through 2026, confirming their status as team stalwarts. Davide, who turned professional alongside the team in 2021, has always been ready to support his teammates but has also claimed personal results when the chance arose — such as his unforgettable Gran Sasso victory at the Giro d’Italia and 2nd place at the recent Giro di Reggio Calabria: “I’m very happy to continue this journey with a group I feel deeply part of, I’m ready to reach new important goals together”.
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Mattia joined the then Eolo-Kometa setup in 2023 — the year his younger brother triumphed at Campo Imperatore. Known as a tireless breakaway specialist in prestigious races such as the Giro d’Italia, Il Lombardia and the Tour of the Alps, he recently confirmed that trademark by winning the KOM classification of the Coppa Italia delle Regioni, a challenge organised by the Lega Ciclismo Professionistico in which Team Polti VisitMalta also won the team classification: “I’m really glad to stay — now it’s time to give my all, take another step forward and repay with results the trust I’ve been given!”
Stefano Zanatta, Sports Director: “When training resumes, it will be a pleasure to see these four riders again — some of them part of our historic core, others like Tonelli bringing commitment and experience regardless of how long they’ve been within Polti VisitMalta. The Bais brothers, each with distinct qualities, share the ability to be useful in any context — whether working in the bunch or in major breakaways. Captain Maestri has carved out a key role with his racing style, attitude and example — a true reference point for our many young riders.”
Ivan Basso, Team Principal: “Mirco joined us already as a strong rider, but here he’s found an internationally recognised dimension. He always puts his teammates first, knows how to win and how to help others win, and when that’s not possible he stands out for his generosity — a true cyclist’s trait. Alessandro has shown in just a few months a fantastic mix of athletic and human qualities: he’s one of those athletes who make the environment around him better, many of the team’s goals are tied to his consistency. Davide and Mattia represent the continuity of the project we believe in — both will have dual roles that will enhance not only themselves but also the talents growing within Polti VisitMalta.”
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