Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Thursday, September 24, 2026
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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.
Current racing:
- September 20 - 27: World Road Championships
Upcoming racing:
- Sept 27 - Oct 4: Le Tour de Langkawi
Latest completed racing:
- September 16 - 20: Tour de Luxembourg
- September 19: Flandrian 0.0 Classic
- September 18: Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen
- September 15 - 18: Giro d'Abruzzo
- September 16: GP de Wallonie
- August 22 - Sept 13: Vuelta a España
- September 13: GP de Montréal
- September 13: GP de Fourmies
- September 13: Trofeo Matteotti
- September 12: Memorial Marco Pantani
- September 11: GP de Québec
- September 10: Coppa Sabatini
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Here’s the team’s announcement:
The Eritrean climber Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier extends with Lidl-Trek for a further two seasons.
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier in an undated photo
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier’s journey with the Team began in 2021 and in the close-to-six years since then, the Eritrean has continually proved his loyalty and commitment to the Lidl-Trek’s goals.
Ghebreigzabhier is the reigning Eritrean time trial champion, a result he has achieved five times in his career, in addition to continental and national road race titles. He not only excels on the climbs, but has shown time and time again that he has the engine needed to pull on the flat to control a breakaway or position his teammates.
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier:
“I am really happy to stay part of the Lidl-Trek family for another two years. The Team has constantly showed their belief in me and they know they can count on me. I have always felt good in this Team and I know that my hard work is appreciated a lot by everyone, which is satisfying to know. I feel comfortable in this group and I am proud of the work I do for the Team so continuing with Lidl-Trek was never in question. I look forward to the years ahead.”
Andy Schleck, Lidl-Trek CEO:
“Amanuel is an outstanding teammate and has played an important role in many of the Team’s victories. He is a powerful diesel engine when he is on the front of the peloton, and we know that we can trust him to do his job 100 percent. I am happy that he has decided to make Lidl-Trek his home for the next two years. Amanuel is consistently riding at a high level, and we look forward to continuing to work with him.”
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Here’s the news from Lutsenko’s NSN Cycling Team:
Alexey Lutsenko made history at the Asian Games on Wednesday, as he became the first Kazakh to win six gold medals at the event after soloing to victory in the Men’s Road Race in Shinshiro.
Lutsenko finished 1:58 clear of countryman Yevgeniy Fedorov, with Japanese rider Yuhi Todome completing the podium following a punchy 161-kilometer race.
Lutsenko heading to the start of 2026 Vuelta a España stage twelve. Sirotti photo
“I prepared carefully for this competition. I did my best and brought a medal to my country,” says Lutsenko. “This is the most important thing.
“I’m not a young athlete now, because cycling is paying more attention to young people. The younger generation is growing up. However, I’m glad that they trusted me and gave me the opportunity. I fully justified that trust.”
Victory in the road race came three days after Lutsenko also claimed the gold medal in the ITT, making this the second Asian Games double of his career, having previously won both titles in Jakarta eight years ago.
Lutsenko’s two other Asian Games gold medals in his record-breaking haul came in the time trial at Incheon (2014) and Hangzhou (2022).
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Here’s the team’s post:
Nico Denz and Kaden Groves join Tudor Pro Cycling from 2027 onward. Both have signed three-year contracts, strengthening the Team through the 2029 season.
Nico and Kaden add a powerful combination of experience, speed, and tactical brilliance - setting the stage for exciting moments on the road and the Team’s continued success.
Nico Denz, a three-time Giro d’Italia stage winner, is renowned as an explosive all-rounder with a sense for breakaway opportunities. Since joining the pro ranks in 2016, the 32-year-old German has established himself as an invaluable team player - reliable and always ready to seize the decisive moment.
Nico Denz on the podium of 2025 Giro d'Italia after winning stage 18. Sirotti photo
Looking ahead to joining Tudor Pro Cycling in 2027, Nico shares: “I'm truly excited about this new chapter. Three years ago, I came close to joining Tudor Pro Cycling - now I’m delighted it’s become a reality. I already know many people on the staff and among the riders from my previous teams, and I look forward to working with them again. Tudor Pro Cycling is a dynamic, young, and ambitious Team, and I see opportunities to grow, contribute, share my experience, and achieve great things together. And as a passionate watch enthusiast, wearing the shield on my chest in the future makes me proud!”
Kaden Groves, with 21 career victories, is among the select group of riders to have claimed stage wins in all three Grand Tours. Since turning pro in 2020, the 27-year-old Australian is on an impressive journey from the Sunshine Coast to the pinnacles of professional cycling - a journey sparked unexpectedly by a motocross injury that saw him trade engines for pedals.
Kaden Groves winning 2025 Tour de France stage twenty. Sirotti photo
Kaden is clear-eyed about his ambitions: "I've followed Tudor Pro Cycling for several years and have seen their impressive growth and development. I'm thrilled to join the Tudor Pro Cycling family and contribute to the next big goals. Continuing the upward momentum is our primary goal. Personally, I’m eager to take the next step in my career - returning to the Tour de France to fight for stage wins and the green jersey is at the top of my list.”
Raphael Meyer, Tudor Pro Cycling CEO and Co-Owner, comments: “We’re excited to welcome Nico and Kaden for the next three years. Both bring a wealth of experience to the Team and will be invaluable mentors for our younger riders. At the same time, we see great potential for their continued growth and next steps in their careers. Nico’s race intelligence, instinct for opportunities, experience, and loyalty have made him a highly respected and valued rider within the peloton. Kaden brings impressive firepower for bunch sprints, hilly terrain, and tough finales. We look forward to working and growing together with them!”