Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
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Current racing
- June 1 - 6: Ethias-Tour de Wallone
Upcoming racing:
- June 7: Brussels Cycling Classic
- June 7 - 14: Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- June 10: Circuit Franco-Belge
Latest completed racing:
- May 8 - 31: Giro d'Italia
- May 28 - 31:
Tour of Norway - May 20 - 24: 4 Jours de Dunkerque
- May 23: Veenendaal - Veenendaal
- May 19: Classique Dunkerque
- May 17: Rund um Köln
- May 16: Tour du Finistère
- May 10: Tro-Bro Léon
- April 26 - May 3: Tour of Turkey
- April 28 - May 3: Tour de Romandie
- May 1: Eschborn-Frankfurt
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We posted the report from stage winner and new GC leader Ben Oliver's Modern Adventure Pro Cycling Team with the results.
Here's the report from third-place Riley Sheehan's NSN Cycling Team:
Riley Sheehan could almost see the victory within reach through the grey skies, rain, and spray of the soaked finishing straight as he launched his sprint and emptied the tank.
But in the final meters, it slipped away. After opening his sprint a touch early in Libramont-Chevigny, the American lost just enough momentum to see two riders edge past him before the line.
As frustrating as it was, there was no reason for despair. Far from it.
Ben Oliver wins Tour de Wallonie stage two. NSN Cycling Team photo.
Sheehan says: “With the way the team rode today, it was really inspiring and motivating. They had my back all day and rode incredibly well. In the final, I had Jens [Verbrugghe] and Tom [Van Asbroeck] around me, and I just had to take advantage of all the chaos the rain created.
“It was a scrappy finish, but I knew I had to be courageous and give everything I had after the commitment the team showed. Of course, I hoped to win, but I see the next stages as more great opportunities.”
For the second day in a row, NSN Cycling Team for the Tour de Wallonie executed its race plan almost perfectly. The team rode aggressively, took control when required, and positioned itself to fight for the win. Yet once again, fortune refused to cooperate. On stage 1, Sheehan punctured just before the decisive sprint. Today, victory was denied by mere fractions of a second.
But looking forward , the encouraging signs are right there. Or strongest cards for the general classification remain firmly in contention. Sheehan and the relentlessly aggressive Krists Neilands sit seventh and eighth overall, just six and eight seconds behind stage winner race leader Ben Oliver (MTA).
It is no surprise, then, that the mood inside the team remains upbeat.
Sports Director Dror Pekatch says: “We showed today that we are united, strong, and aggressive. If we keep racing like this for the next three days, we will be right there fighting for a place on the final GC podium.”
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Here’s the team’s news:
Team Bahrain Victorious is pleased to announce that Damiano Caruso will remain with the team beyond his racing career, with the agreement signed on the final day of the Giro d’Italia in Rome.
The Italian, who has long signalled that 2026 would be his final season as a professional rider, will transition into a Sports Director role following his retirement from racing, ensuring his experience, leadership and knowledge remain at the heart of Bahrain Victorious for years to come.
The announcement comes after another remarkable Giro d’Italia from Caruso. At 38 years old, the Italian once again demonstrated his enduring class, finishing ninth overall in the General Classification, claiming a podium finish on Stage 17 and being recognised as the race’s Most Combative Rider after animating the race throughout three weeks of competition.
Damiano Caruso at the Giro d'Italia pre-race teams presentation ceremony. Sirotti photo
While his performances on the road showed he remains capable of competing with the very best, Caruso’s influence extended far beyond his own results. Throughout the Giro, he played a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring Afonso Eulálio during a breakthrough Grand Tour for the young Portuguese rider. Eulálio spent nine days in the Maglia Rosa, secured the Maglia Bianca and finished sixth overall in the General Classification, with Caruso providing invaluable guidance and leadership throughout the race.
Over recent seasons, Caruso has become one of the team’s most respected figures, not only for his consistency and professionalism but also for the leadership qualities he brings to the group. His willingness to support younger riders, share his experience and help develop the next generation has made him an invaluable asset both on and off the bike.
Having raced through multiple eras of professional cycling and remained competitive at the highest level, Caruso brings a unique perspective and understanding of the modern peloton. His experience of racing alongside today’s generation of riders, combined with his natural leadership qualities, will add another valuable dimension to Bahrain Victorious’ Sports Director group.
The announcement does not signal the end of Caruso’s racing career just yet. The Sicilian remains fully committed to his final season in the peloton and will continue racing throughout the remainder of 2026. With a Giro d’Italia stage victory, a Vuelta a España stage victory and a runner-up finish at the 2021 Giro d’Italia already on his palmarès, Caruso will continue chasing one final ambition before retirement: a stage victory at the Tour de France to complete a stage win at each Grand Tour.
Damiano Caruso commented:
“For me, this feels like a very natural step. I have been with Bahrain Victorious since 2019 and over the years this team has become much more than a team, it has become a family. Throughout that time I have always tried to help the younger riders, share my experience and act as a bridge between the riders and the management, so in many ways this new role feels like a continuation of what I have already been doing.
"I would like to thank the management and everyone at Bahrain Victorious for giving me the opportunity to continue this journey with the team after my racing career. It means a lot to me that I can remain part of this project and continue working with our riders, helping them grow and sharing not only my experience and knowledge, but also the passion and values that this sport has given me throughout my career.
"I also want to thank all of the staff and my teammates. This year they helped me believe in myself and pushed me every day to keep giving my best. Their support allowed me to perform at a high level and reminded me how special this team is.
"At the same time, my career as a rider is not finished yet. I still have important goals for this season and I am fully committed to giving everything for the team until the very last race. I want to enjoy every moment of these final months in the peloton, make the most of every opportunity and finish this chapter of my career with the same passion and commitment that has always driven me. When the time comes to step off the bike, I know I will do so with no regrets and with excitement for this new chapter with Bahrain Victorious.”
Milan Eržen, Managing Director of Bahrain Victorious, said:
“We are very happy that Damiano will continue with Bahrain Victorious after he finishes racing. He has been an important part of the team for a long time and understands our culture, our riders and our way of working. He has also become a great mentor for many of our younger riders, and that experience will be invaluable as he moves into a Sports Director role. First, however, we are looking forward to enjoying the remainder of his final season as a rider.”
Rod Ellingworth, Performance Manager of Bahrain Victorious, said:
“Damiano is a natural fit for this role. He’s already been mentoring many of our younger riders for a number of years and has become someone they trust and respect. The big advantage is that he’s coming straight from the peloton. He’s raced alongside this generation of riders, understands how the sport continues to evolve and knows first-hand what is required to compete at the highest level today. That experience, combined with his character and leadership qualities, will make him a real asset to our Sports Director group.”
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Here’s the team’s announcement:
Marc Reef (40) will become the new Head of Racing at Team Visma | Lease a Bike as of September 1, 2026, joining the team’s sport management team. The Dutchman, who currently serves as a Race Coach within the team, will succeed Grischa Niermann in the role.
Reef has been working within the team for more than four years. In recent weeks, he was responsible as the lead coach in the Giro d’Italia. The one Jonas managed to win in an incredible way. Reef will also lead the sporting operations during the upcoming Tour de France, which starts in Barcelona.
Marc Reef.
Marc Reef: “Being approached by the team to step into the role of Head of Racing and join the sport management team is a fantastic opportunity that I am eager to embrace. Over the past years, I have been able to develop myself in a very positive way within this team. For a long time, I have felt that the philosophy and culture of this organization suit me extremely well. In the coming weeks, my full focus will be on preparing for the Tour de France. It remains one of the most important objectives for our team.”
CEO Richard Plugge: “Developing and nurturing both riders and staff is part of this team’s DNA. We also develop our coaches with the belief that they can continue to grow and take the next step in their careers. With Grischa’s departure, it is therefore a logical progression within the organisation for Marc to join the sport management team of Team Visma | Lease a Bike. While I am disappointed to see Grischa leave, I have tremendous confidence in Marc Reef as our new Head of Racing.”
Team Visma | Lease a Bike would like to thank Grischa for his unwavering commitment and work for this team over the past years. In the coming period, he will remain attached to the team, albeit in a more behind-the-scenes role.