Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Friday, October 31, 2025
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2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. - Marcus Aurelius
Les Woodland's book Dirty Feet: How the Great Unwashed Created the Tour de France is available in print, Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.
Upcoming racing:
- November 1: Trofee Oudenaarde-Koppenbergcross
- 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 team’s announcement:
Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is proud to announce the signing of Sam Bennett, completing our 30-rider line-up as we head into an exciting new chapter for the team. Born in Belgium and raised in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland, the same hometown as cycling legend Sean Kelly. Bennett brings an unmatched winning pedigree to the squad, with 10 Grand Tour stage victories and the rare distinction of being among the select group of riders to have won stages in all three Grand Tours.
Sam Bennett wins stage three of the 2025 Tour of Provence.
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For Bennett, joining our team marks something of a homecoming. “It’s fantastic to be joining Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team next season,” said Bennett. “My career was launched by Kurt Bogaerts, so it feels as if I’ve taken a winding path home.”
That path has led Sam to become one of the most formidable sprinters in modern cycling, a rider who is in contention for every finale he is in. Next season, Bennett will be looking to add to his already impressive résumé while helping develop the younger riders on the team.
“As a sprinter, my career has been shaped by hunting for wins and I’ve been really fortunate to have been given lots of great opportunities to perform, and win, at all 3 Grand Tours,” he explained.
“By joining this team, not only do I sense an immense opportunity to perform at my best level but equally to guide younger riders to achieve great things within our sport”
Sam Bennett winning stage three of the 2022 Vuelta a España. Sirotti photo
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Head of Performance Kurt Bogaerts reflects on his long connection with Bennet: “We first were together on the An Post – Sean Kelly where he turned pro from our team after winning the stage in Caerphilly at the 2013 Tour of Britian. We remained in contact throughout his career and now we have the opportunity to add his winning experience to our Team. He understands what it takes to win at the highest level and especially at Grand Tours. Sam gives us the chance to target high-profile victories and the consistency we strive for.”
Bennett concludes, “I’ve watched the team grow and develop and accomplish great things already at the highest level and I’m excited to be a part of that. All my gratitude to Doug Ryder and Kurt for this opportunity.”
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