Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Friday, January 9, 2026
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2025 Tour de France | 2025 Giro d'Italia
Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom. - George S. Patton
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:
- January 17 - 25: Tour Down Under
- January 25: Classica Comunitat Valenciana 1969-GP Valencia
- January 28 - February 1: Challenge Ciclista Mallorca
- February 1: Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Latest completed racing:
- January 1: GP Sven Nys
- December 30: Superprestige Diegem
- December 29: Trofee Loenhout-Azencross
- December 26: World Cup Gavere
- December 23: Superprestige Heusden-Zolder
- December 14: World Cup Namur
- 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
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Here’s the team’s announcement:
Soudal Quick-Step is pleased to announce that its title sponsor has extended its sponsorship of the team until 2030, securing one of the longest-running title partnerships in modern professional cycling.
The extension builds on the original agreement signed in 2023 and represents a clear statement of long-term belief, following a highly successful period on the road in which Soudal Quick-Step has continued to deliver at the highest level of the sport.
Soudal Quick Step riders before the start of the 2025 Clasica San Sebastian. Sirotti photo
Since the start of the partnership, the team has claimed 143 victories across 25 countries, with wins ranging from the Spring Classics to Grand Tours, stage races and individual time trials, underlining the team’s ability to perform consistently.
Competing in cycling’s most prestigious events, including the Monuments, the Grand Tours and the UCI World Tour calendar, Soudal Quick-Step offers its title sponsor year-round visibility in some of the most high-profile sporting moments of the season.
The partnership provides Soudal with global exposure across Europe, Australia, Asia and the Americas, supported by strong television audiences, international media coverage and on-site activations at races followed by millions of fans worldwide.
In addition to sporting performance and global exposure, the partnership allows Soudal to engage directly with customers, partners and stakeholders through a comprehensive hospitality programme at key races throughout the season, where Soudal and its guests benefit from behind-the-scenes access, race-day experiences and close interaction with the team, riders and staff — using cycling as a platform for relationship building in an international business environment.
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Speaking of the agreement, Jurgen Foré, CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, said: “This extension reflects a partnership that works on every level. On the sporting side, we have shared many great moments together since 2023, and on the organisational side it gives us the stability to keep building for the future. Having a title sponsor committed until 2030 is a huge strength for the team and a powerful foundation for the future.”
He was joined by Dirk Coorevits, CEO of Soudal, who said: “Our partnership with Soudal Quick-Step has grown into something we are genuinely proud of. Since becoming title sponsor in 2023, we have seen how the team combines performance, professionalism and a strong collective spirit, just like Soudal itself.
Cycling offers us a unique platform: global visibility at iconic races, meaningful engagement with our partners and customers, and a shared ambition to keep improving year after year. Extending this partnership until 2030 reflects our belief in the team, its people and its long-term vision. We are excited to continue this journey together.”
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Here’s the team’s post:
At lunchtime, the Cofidis team takes a moment to connect with the people who make up the team. With “Sheltered from the Wind”, we set the race aside for a few minutes to listen and take our time. Today, let’s meet Martina Alzini.
Where does this passion come from?
"My passion for cycling started very early. At just seven years old, I was already on my bike, driven by a strong family cycling culture. Now, at 28, I look back on that childhood shaped by cycling with my mum, my dad, and above all my grandfather.
Martina Alzini
"He played a central role in my journey. As an assistant with professional teams, he passed everything on to me: passion, patience, and above all resilience. When I fell, he was always there to help me get back up without pressure, simply encouraging me to keep going.
"During the toughest moments of my career, when doubt set in, he remained my anchor. By his side, I felt completely myself, free to move forward at my own pace. He constantly reminded me to take my time, especially when dealing with injuries.
"As I’ve often said, he was my idol even more than some athletes. Every step, every conversation we shared helped shape the rider I’ve become today."
What has been the most memorable moment or moments in cycling for you so far?
"My first major turning point remains my first international victory in 2013, at the European Youth Olympic Festival, held on the streets of Utrecht in the Netherlands from July 15 to 19, 2013. A memory that has stayed with me ever since.
"After that, there were other highlights, notably my two world titles on the track in the team pursuit in 2022 and 2025, which I consider the most significant achievements of my career.
"I’m also proud to have delivered Cofidis’ very first women’s road victory in 2022. And of course, taking part in the Olympic Games remains a major accomplishment being able to say “yes, I competed at the Olympic Games” is something that truly leaves a mark.
"Naturally, like any athlete, I’ve also gone through periods of doubt, injuries, and self-questioning. Those challenges were decisive in shaping who I am. They taught me patience, but also the importance of mental strength. Every hardship has made me stronger."
Who are you without cycling?
"My friends and teammates sometimes describe me as sensitive, but I smile at that I don’t really think so.
"I’m very attached to my routines and I leave nothing to chance. On the track, there’s no way I can start without my yellow hair net, a lucky charm that has become essential.
"Cycling is my passion, and I can’t imagine myself doing any other sport. Outside of competition, another side of me comes through, just as committed: I love animals and volunteer my time at dog shelters.
"I enjoy taking care of my nails, another small ritual, far from the roads and velodromes, but essential to my well-being. When it comes to music, there’s no mystery: Italian rap is my favorite soundtrack. I love going to concerts, especially with friends, to refocus and sometimes switch off.
"I also enjoy simple pleasures. Staying at home, in peace and quiet, with my cat whom I rescued when he was wandering near a landfill is one of my favorite moments. Being alone, reflecting, taking my time… that’s how I recharge my batteries.
"No unnecessary stress: I like moving forward at my own pace, with that sense of calm, because I don’t like rushing or having to stick to strict schedules.
How do you find the right balance between your personal life and your sporting life?
"My personal life and sporting life are closely connected, no matter what. When I was injured last year, I have to admit that my personal life suffered as well. I was sad, with only one desire: to get back on the bike.
"Even though I try to keep the two spheres separate, certain aspects inevitably affect my personal balance. I do my best to stay motivated, even in moments when the desire isn’t there. My mindset is my greatest ally. My life advice is never to be too happy when things are going well, and never too disappointed when they aren’t. Always stay in the middle ground, with your feet firmly on the ground.
Why is women’s cycling experiencing a major turning point?
T
he role of women in cycling has evolved enormously over the past ten years. There is still progress to be made, especially compared to men’s cycling, but I see these changes as something beautiful and positive. The adventure of the 2022 Tour de France Femmes is clear proof of this women’s sport is undergoing a true transformation.
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