thecyclingdane

Finlay Tarling Go Fund me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-fin-s2u87This week on the podcast, we discuss the tragic passing of young British rider Finlay Tarling during the Volta a Portugal and reflect on the impact his loss has had across the cycling world.We also break down the biggest racing stories of the week, including Andrew August's impressive overall victory at the Czech Tour, the action from the Hamburg Cyclassics, and the latest transfer news as Fabio Jakobsen secures a move for the 2027 season.Plus, we look at Thomas Silva's breakthrough triumph at the Arctic Tour of Norway, examine what it means for his future, and discuss the riders and teams making headlines as the season moves towards its final Grand Tours and World Championship preparations.

The final Grand Tour of the season is here, and all eyes are on Tadej Pogačar. After another dominant year and a fifth Tour de France title, the Slovenian arrives at La Vuelta as the overwhelming favourite to win the only Grand Tour missing from his palmarès. Returning to the race for the first time since his breakthrough ride in 2019, Pogačar has the chance to complete cycling's ultimate set and add yet another chapter to his already legendary career.But if anyone can challenge him, there are no shortage of contenders. Felix Gall comes in as one of the most dangerous climbers in the peloton and will be targeting the biggest result of his career. Mattias Skjelmose has continued his rise among cycling's elite and possesses the all-round ability needed to survive the brutal mountains and time trials. Meanwhile, four-time Vuelta winner Primož Roglič remains a major question mark. If he starts, and if he finds his best form, few riders understand how to win this race better than the Slovenian veteran. Recent rumours have also linked Florian Lipowitz with a possible appearance, potentially adding another exciting GC contender to the mix.Beyond the battle for the red jersey, the points classification could provide one of the most entertaining rivalries of the race. Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert are expected to go head-to-head across sprints, reduced bunch finishes and even some of the tougher stages. Both riders can score points almost anywhere, setting up a fascinating duel that could last all the way to Granada.With a demanding route featuring major mountain stages, steep summit finishes and crucial time trials, the 2026 Vuelta a España promises three weeks of drama. Can anyone stop Pogačar from completing his Grand Tour collection, or will a new challenger emerge to deny cycling's biggest star?

One of the biggest questions is the future of Paul Seixas. Will the French prodigy stay with Decathlon CMA CGM, or could he make a move to one of cycling’s biggest superteams? UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Visma | Lease a Bike and Q36.5 have all been linked with the young star.Follow us @thecyclingdane YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thecyclingdane/

Tadej Pogačar has officially been confirmed for the 2026 Vuelta a España, setting up one of the most exciting Grand Tours in recent years. After another incredible season, the Slovenian superstar will now turn his attention to Spain as he looks to add another Grand Tour title to his ever-growing list of achievements.In this video, we break down what Pogačar's participation means for the race, who his biggest rivals are, how the route suits his strengths, and whether anyone can stop the UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader from claiming another Grand Tour victory.

The 2026 Tour de Pologne is almost here, and in this preview show we break down everything you need to know before one of the most exciting week-long WorldTour races of the season gets underway.João Almeida arrives as the clear favourite for the overall victory. Fresh off another outstanding season, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader headlines a strong field and will be looking to add another prestigious stage race to his growing palmarès. UAE also bring a stacked supporting cast including Jan Christen, Jhonatan Narváez, Benoît Cosnefroy and Rune Herregodts, making them the team to beat throughout the week.There are also plenty of fascinating storylines across the peloton. Victor Langellotti makes his first race for XDS Astana Team after his move from INEOS, while Finn Fisher-Black continues his first season with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe after switching teams. Both riders will be looking to make an immediate impression in Poland.INEOS Grenadiers arrive with an exciting line-up featuring Axel Laurance, Magnus Sheffield and home favourite Michał Kwiatkowski, while Soudal Quick-Step bring Ethan Hayter alongside one of the fastest young sprinters in the world, Paul Magnier. Lidl-Trek's Jonathan Milan is another major name to watch whenever the race ends in a bunch sprint, ensuring there will be plenty of opportunities for the fast men as well as the climbers throughout the week.We'll analyse every stage, discuss where the general classification could be won or lost, identify the key sprint and climbing days, and give our predictions for the overall podium, stage winners and the biggest surprises of the race.If you're following the Tour de Pologne 2026, this is your complete race preview before the racing begins.

Will Tadej Pogačar race the Vuelta a España 2026? Following another incredible Tour de France campaign, speculation is growing over whether the Slovenian superstar will line up for the final Grand Tour of the season.In this video, we examine everything we know so far, including the latest reports, UAE Team Emirates' plans, Pogačar's racing schedule, and the biggest clues pointing towards a Vuelta appearance. We also discuss whether he would start as the overwhelming favourite, who his biggest rivals would be, and what his participation would mean for the race.Could Pogačar complete another historic Grand Tour victory? Or will he decide to end his season after the Tour?

The 2026 Tour de France is over, and it's time to rank every team that battled across three weeks of racing. From Tadej Pogačar’s dominant UAE Team Emirates-XRG to Visma–Lease a Bike’s fight for glory, we break down which squads exceeded expectations, which disappointed, and who truly made the biggest impact on the race.We rank every Tour de France 2026 team based on victories, GC performance, stage wins, tactics, support for their leaders, and overall impact on the biggest race in cycling.Who belongs in S-tier? Which teams underperformed? And was anyone capable of stopping Pogačar and UAE?

The 2026 Tour de France ended with one of the most dramatic finales in recent history as Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar went head-to-head on the streets of Paris. With the new Montmartre finishing circuit creating chaos on the final stage, the two superstars battled for one last victory before the Champs-Élysées celebration.Van der Poel used his explosive power and classics experience to fight for the stage win, while Pogačar showed once again why he is one of the most complete riders in cycling history by joining the action even with the yellow jersey already secured. We break down the final stage, the Montmartre battle, Van der Poel’s victory, and Pogačar’s incredible fifth Tour de France triumph.

Richard Carapaz capped off an incredible Tour de France with a second consecutive mountain stage victory, conquering Alpe d'Huez after a dramatic final mountain stage. The Ecuadorian produced another unforgettable ride to secure the stage win and wrap up the King of the Mountains classification, while heartbreak struck Sepp Kuss after two crashes cost him what looked set to be a famous victory. In this episode, we break down Carapaz's sensational performance, the devastating misfortune for Kuss, and how Remco Evenepoel capitalised to finish second on the stage. We also analyse Tadej Pogačar's measured ride as he chose to protect Isaac del Toro's podium position rather than chase another stage victory, effectively sealing his fifth Tour de France title ahead of the final stage in Paris. We also discuss the final general classification battle, Del Toro's impressive ride to secure the white jersey, Paul Seixas' fight for fourth overall, and what to expect on the final stage as the 2026 Tour de France reaches its conclusion.

Tadej Pogačar delivered one of the greatest performances of his career on Stage 19 of the Tour de France 2026, producing a breathtaking ride to victory on the legendary Alpe d'Huez. Launching a devastating attack before the final climb, the Slovenian reeled in the breakaway before powering clear to claim the stage win in record-breaking fashion, eclipsing Marco Pantani's iconic ascent. In this episode, we analyse Pogačar's historic performance, how he dismantled the race on one of cycling's most famous climbs, and what it means for the battle for the yellow jersey. We also discuss Lenny Martinez's impressive ride, Richard Carapaz's aggressive racing, Remco Evenepoel's response, and the latest changes in the general classification.With just two stages remaining, has Pogačar officially put the 2026 Tour de France beyond doubt, or is there one final twist still to come? Join us for our full Stage 19 recap and analysis from an unforgettable day on Alpe d'Huez.

Richard Carapaz produced one of the rides of the Tour de France 2026, launching a perfectly timed solo attack on the final climb to Orcières-Merlette to claim an unforgettable Stage 18 victory. The Ecuadorian judged his effort to perfection, holding off the chasing group to secure his ninth Grand Tour stage win and move into the top 10 on general classification. In this episode, we break down Carapaz's brilliant tactical ride, Mauro Schmid's impressive second-place finish, and Matteo Jorgenson's strong performance after another aggressive day in the mountains. We also analyse why Tadej Pogačar was happy to let the breakaway fight for victory as he safely defended the yellow jersey, while Remco Evenepoel and the other GC contenders chose not to attack ahead of the final two decisive stages. We also discuss the battle for the green jersey, where Mads Pedersen extended his advantage over Jasper Philipsen, the latest general classification standings, and what today's result means as the Tour heads towards the iconic climb of Alpe d'Huez.

Jasper Philipsen finally got his reward at the Tour de France 2026, sprinting to victory on Stage 17 after a perfectly executed lead-out from Mathieu van der Poel. After several near misses throughout this year's race, the Belgian delivered when it mattered most to claim his first stage win of the Tour and reignite the battle for the green jersey. In this episode, we break down Philipsen's long-awaited victory, Van der Poel's incredible lead-out, and how the points classification has become one of the most exciting battles of the race, with Mads Pedersen's lead now reduced to just seven points. We also discuss Tadej Pogačar safely defending the yellow jersey, Adam Yates' difficult day after battling illness, the key tactical moments that shaped the stage, and what today's result means ahead of the brutal Alpine showdown on Stage 18.

Stage 16 of the Tour de France 2026 delivered both triumph and heartbreak. Remco Evenepoel produced another world-class time trial to take victory and cut into Tadej Pogačar's overall lead, but the day was overshadowed by Florian Lipowitz's devastating high-speed crash, which forced the German to abandon the race while battling for a top overall finish. In this episode, we analyse Evenepoel's dominant performance, Pogačar's impressive ride to defend the yellow jersey, and what Lipowitz's withdrawal means for the general classification. We also discuss the battle for the podium, the standout rides of the day, and what to expect as the Tour heads into its decisive final mountain stages.

The second rest day of the Tour de France 2026 has arrived, but after Stage 15, the entire race has been transformed.A dramatic day in the mountains completely changed the battle for yellow. Jonas Vingegaard’s Tour challenge came to an end after his crash, while Remco Evenepoel delivered a huge statement performance to take victory and establish himself as Tadej Pogačar’s biggest remaining challenger.In this rest day podcast, we analyse how Stage 15 has reshaped the Tour de France, what Vingegaard’s absence means for the final week, and whether anyone can still challenge Pogačar for the yellow jersey.We discuss Remco Evenepoel’s incredible rise into the GC battle, Isaac del Toro’s chances of reaching the podium, whether Pogačar has been completely untouchable so far, and the key moments that could decide the final week of racing.After 15 stages, the Tour de France has entered a new chapter. The question now is whether anyone can stop Tadej Pogačar from winning another historic yellow jersey.

Stage 15 of the Tour de France delivered one of the biggest shocks of the race. Jonas Vingegaard's Tour came to a heartbreaking end after a high-speed crash forced the Visma-Lease a Bike leader to abandon, completely changing the general classification and the battle for yellow. While the peloton was still processing the news, Remco Evenepoel produced a brilliant ride to outsprint Tadej Pogačar on the brutal finish to Plateau de Solaison and claim his first road stage victory of the 2026 Tour. Pogačar strengthened his grip on the yellow jersey, but the race was overshadowed by the loss of his biggest rival. In this episode, we break down the crash that ended Vingegaard's Tour, analyse how it changes the race for the final week, discuss Remco Evenepoel's superb performance, and examine UAE Team Emirates-XRG's tactics with Isaac del Toro. We also look at the updated general classification and ask what the final week now holds without the sport's biggest rivalry.

Tadej Pogačar delivered another masterclass in the Vosges, launching a devastating attack on the Col du Haag before riding solo to his fourth stage victory of the 2026 Tour de France. Once again, Jonas Vingegaard had no answer as the Slovenian extended his lead in the yellow jersey to more than four minutes and moved one step closer to a third consecutive Tour title.In this episode, we break down exactly how UAE Team Emirates-XRG controlled the race, why Pogačar chose the perfect moment to attack, and whether Visma-Lease a Bike made the right tactical decisions. We also discuss Isaac del Toro's incredible ride to second, Paul Seixas' breakout performance on home roads, the updated general classification, and whether anyone can still stop Pogačar in the mountains.

Mauro Schmid claimed his first-ever Tour de France stage victory after outsprinting Harold Tejada in Belfort, but the biggest story of Stage 13 was Tom Pidcock. After attacking on the Ballon d'Alsace and producing one of his strongest rides of the Tour, the Briton climbed to fourth in the general classification and suddenly looks like a genuine podium contender. In today's episode, we analyse Schmid's perfectly timed victory, Pidcock's aggressive tactics, and why UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike allowed him to gain valuable time. We also discuss Tadej Pogačar safely defending the yellow jersey, Jonas Vingegaard's position heading into the mountains, and whether Remco Evenepoel should now be looking over his shoulder. Finally, we preview the brutal Stage 14 in the Vosges, where Le Markstein could produce the biggest GC showdown of the 2026 Tour de France so far.Tour de France 2026, Stage 13, Tom Pidcock, Mauro Schmid, Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Harold Tejada, Ballon d'Alsace, Le Markstein, GC battle, Tour de France analysis.

The sprinters returned on Stage 12 of the 2026 Tour de France, but the biggest talking point came long before the finish. Should Mads Pedersen have been relegated after his intermediate sprint against Jasper Philipsen?In today's episode we break down the controversial sprint, explain why the race jury decided not to relegate Pedersen, and discuss whether the decision was consistent with recent rulings at this Tour.We also analyse Tim Merlier's third stage victory, the dramatic crash inside the final kilometre, Jasper Philipsen's performance, the battle for the green jersey, and what it all means before the race heads back into the mountains. Finally, we look at Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard and the latest general classification battle as the Tour reaches its decisive phase.

The Tour de France produced the fastest road stage in its history as the peloton flew from Vichy to Nevers at an astonishing average speed of over 50 km/h. While the general classification riders enjoyed a relatively calm day, the sprint finale delivered one of the biggest surprises of the race, with Søren Wærenskjold taking a remarkable victory for Uno-X Mobility after being the last rider home just 24 hours earlier.In this episode we analyse why the stage was raced at such an incredible speed, how the sprint unfolded, and what it means for the green jersey battle. We also discuss why Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG will be delighted with another stress-free day in yellow, whether Jonas Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike are simply waiting for the mountains, and look ahead to the next opportunities before the race reaches the Vosges.

After the first rest day, the Tour de France exploded back into life on the iconic Bastille Day stage through the Massif Central. Tadej Pogačar launched another devastating attack on the final climbs to take a stunning solo victory at Le Lioran, extending his overall lead over Jonas Vingegaard and tightening his grip on the yellow jersey.In this episode we break down exactly how UAE Team Emirates-XRG controlled the race, why Pogačar's acceleration was impossible to match, and whether Jonas Vingegaard made the right tactical decisions. We also discuss Remco Evenepoel's impressive ride, the biggest winners and losers of the day, the updated general classification, and whether the battle for the 2026 Tour de France is already slipping away from Visma-Lease a Bike.

The first rest day is here, and we're joined by Tour de France legend Jens Voigt to break down everything we've witnessed during an unforgettable opening week of the 2026 Tour de France.From Tadej Pogačar's incredible form and Jonas Vingegaard's response to the biggest tactical moments, surprise performances, and standout riders, Jens shares his expert analysis of how the race has unfolded so far.Having spent the first week on the official Tour de France race motorbike, Jens also offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective, revealing what it's like to experience the action from inside the race convoy and sharing stories that television viewers never get to see.We also look ahead to the decisive mountain stages still to come and discuss who is best placed to win the yellow jersey in Paris.

Mathieu van der Poel launched one of the most spectacular breakaway attacks of the 2026 Tour de France, but all eyes quickly turned to Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Why were the yellow jersey's team helping to chase? Was it the right tactical decision, or did they risk creating unnecessary enemies in the peloton?In this Stage 9 recap, we break down every key tactical moment, from Van der Poel's incredible ride to the decisions made behind him by Pogačar, UAE, Visma | Lease a Bike, and the rest of the peloton. We also discuss how the stage impacts the general classification, what it tells us ahead of the mountains, and whether this was a missed opportunity—or a masterclass in race control.Was Pogačar trying to protect yellow, send a message to his rivals, or simply racing on instinct? Join us as we analyze one of the most talked-about stages of the 2026 Tour de France.Let us know your thoughts in the comments: Should UAE have chased Van der Poel's breakaway, or should they have let the move go?

The first true mountain stage of the 2026 Tour de France delivered the biggest GC showdown of the race so far as the riders tackled the legendary Col du Tourmalet before the finish in Gavarnie-Gèdre.In this Stage 6 recap, we break down everything that happened between Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard and the rest of the general classification contenders. We discuss UAE Team Emirates' tactics, whether Visma | Lease a Bike made the right decisions, the key moments on the Tourmalet, the battle for the yellow jersey, and what today's result means for the remainder of the Tour.Has the 2026 Tour de France already been decided, or is there still hope for Vingegaard and the challengers?

The sprinters finally got their chance at the 2026 Tour de France, and it was Olav Kooij who delivered in spectacular fashion. In this Stage 5 recap, we break down the Dutch sprinter's maiden Tour de France stage victory after a dramatic and chaotic finish into Pau.We analyse how the race unfolded, the late crash that disrupted the sprint trains, and how Kooij timed his effort perfectly to beat Max Kanter and Tim Merlier to the line. We also discuss the performances of the other sprint favourites, the key tactical moments from the finale, and what the result means for the sprint competition.Plus, we look at the general classification as Torstein Træen successfully defended the yellow jersey, while Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard and the other GC favourites safely navigated the hectic finish ahead of the first major mountain test on Stage 6.Join us for our full analysis of Tour de France 2026 Stage 5 and everything you need to know before the race heads back into the mountains.

Tadej Pogačar has lost the yellow jersey—but was it a tactical masterstroke or a costly mistake by UAE Team Emirates-XRG?In this Tour de France 2026 Stage 4 recap, we break down Mads Pedersen's impressive stage victory, the breakaway that reshaped the general classification, and how Torstein Træen ended the day in the yellow jersey. We also analyse UAE Team Emirates' decision to let the break gain significant time, whether it takes pressure off the team ahead of the mountains, and what it means for Pogačar's battle with Jonas Vingegaard over the next three weeks.Was this all part of UAE's long-term strategy, or have they handed a dangerous advantage to their rivals? Join us as we recap all the key moments from Stage 4 and look ahead to what could be another pivotal day at the 2026 Tour de France.

After the first mountain showdown of the 2026 Tour de France, we break down an explosive Stage 3 as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard went head-to-head on the final climb to Les Angles. We analyse UAE Team Emirates' tactics, Visma | Lease a Bike's response, the decisive attacks, and what this battle means for the yellow jersey after one of the biggest stages of the opening week.We also discuss Isaac del Toro's crucial support role, the standout performances behind the favourites, and how the extreme heat and spectator restrictions near the finish added another layer of drama. Has Pogačar already laid down the ultimate marker, or can Vingegaard strike back in the Pyrenees?

The second stage of the 2026 Tour de France delivered the first major showdown between the general classification favourites as UAE Team Emirates-XRG turned up the pressure on Jonas Vingegaard. On the steep roads of Montjuïc in Barcelona, Isaac del Toro produced a stunning ride to claim his maiden Tour de France stage victory after Tadej Pogačar guided his young teammate to the line in a dominant UAE one-two. Meanwhile, Vingegaard had to withstand repeated accelerations to defend the yellow jersey, with his advantage over Pogačar now reduced to just six seconds.

The 2026 Tour de France is finally here, and it all begins with a historic opening stage in Barcelona. In this episode, we break down Stage 1, a 19.7 km team time trial that marks the Tour's first TTT since 2019 and the first team time trial to open the race in over 50 years.Can Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG gain an early advantage, or will Jonas Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike strike first in the battle for the yellow jersey? We analyse the unique individual timing format, the fast opening roads through Barcelona, the decisive climb to Montjuïc, and which teams are best suited to the course.

In this special pre-Tour de France 2026 episode, we sit down with Australian stars Michael Matthews and Ben O'Connor for an in-depth conversation on form, ambition, and the rapidly evolving world of pro cycling.Matthews opens up about his immense recovery journey back to the start line after a double wrist fracture, detailing the physical and mental grind required to return to WorldTour level and re-establish himself as a major threat in the Tour de France peloton. From pain to preparation, he reflects on what it truly takes to come back stronger at the sport’s highest level.Meanwhile, O’Connor discusses his ongoing pursuit of stage glory and GC opportunities, as he targets another breakthrough Tour performance in 2025 and beyond. He breaks down how his racing style is adapting in a peloton where margins are tighter than ever and opportunities must be seized instantly.Both riders also reflect on one of the biggest shifts in modern cycling: the evolution of performance through advanced fuelling strategies. From in-race carbohydrate intake to recovery protocols and data-driven nutrition, they explore how the sport has transformed into an all-out physiological arms race.

Ranking all the Tour de France teams with  @TheFinalKm  The 2026 Tour de France brings together 23 of the strongest teams in professional cycling, forming one of the most stacked start lists in recent memory. From pure GC powerhouses to aggressive stage-hunting squads, every team arrives with a clear mission: either survive the mountains, dominate the sprints, or try to dethrone the reigning king of the Tour — Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).UAE once again arrive as the team to beat, built entirely around Pogačar’s bid for a historic fifth Tour de France title. But the road to Paris will be anything but straightforward.Visma–Lease a Bike return with Jonas Vingegaard leading a brutally strong climbing unit including Sepp Kuss and Matteo Jorgenson, ready to try and reclaim yellow after years of rivalry at the very top of the sport.Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe arrive with a bold new GC structure built around Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz, signalling a shift toward aggressive, dual-leadership racing in the high mountains.

National Championships weekend has given us a fresh set of jerseys just days before the Tour de France, and in this episode of The Cycling Dane Podcast we break down all of the biggest stories from across Europe. Jonathan Milan fulfilled a lifelong dream by claiming his first Italian national road race title, while compatriot Filippo Ganna once again proved why he remains one of the world's best against the clock by taking another Italian time trial championship. In Denmark, Magnus Cort added another memorable victory to his career by winning the national road race in what will be his final season as a professional, while Kristian Egholm secured the Danish time trial title. We also discuss Fred Wright becoming British road champion, Ethan Hayter returning to the top in the time trial, Romain Grégoire taking the French tricolore, Rémi Cavagna reclaiming the French time trial crown, Rune Herregodts winning in Belgium, Alec Segaert dominating the Belgian time trial, Wilco Kelderman ending his long wait for victory with the Dutch road title, and Mathias Vacek completing an incredible double by winning both the Czech road race and time trial championships. With the Tour de France only days away, we discuss which riders head into cycling's biggest race wearing brand-new national champion jerseys, whose performances stood out the most over championship weekend, and whether any of these victories have changed the outlook for the battles to come in July.

In this episode, we rank every major Tour de France 2026 favourite in a full breakdown from outsiders to outright contenders, analysing where each rider truly stands heading into the biggest race of the year.At the centre of it all is the defining rivalry of modern cycling: Tadej Pogačar vs Jonas Vingegaard. We break down why these two remain the benchmark for Grand Tour success, and how the entire peloton is ranked in relation to them.Behind the top two, we assess the rising power of Red Bull–BORA-hansgrohe, featuring Florian Lipowitz, and the impact of Remco Evenepoel as he continues to evolve into a true Grand Tour contender. We also look ahead to the anticipation surrounding Paul Seixas, as fans debate whether his Tour de France debut could mark the beginning of a new era.From GC favourites to breakout hopefuls, this is the definitive ranking of every major contender for the Tour de France 2026.

The countdown to the Tour de France 2026 is on, and this week we are joined by cycling legend Jens Voigt to break down everything ahead of the biggest race of the year.Jens gives his thoughts on the latest chapter of the sport's greatest rivalry as Jonas Vingegaard prepares to challenge Tadej Pogačar once again. Is anyone capable of stopping the world champion, or are we witnessing the strongest version of Pogačar yet?We also discuss the rapid rise of French wonderkid Paul Seixas and whether the teenager can live up to the enormous expectations already being placed upon him.Plus, we take a deep dive into the 2026 Tour de France route, analysing the decisive mountain stages, key tactical battlegrounds, and which riders are best suited to this year's course.

The road to the Tour de France is officially hitting terminal velocity! In this jam-packed weekly race review, we dissect an unbelievable block of June racing that has completely rewritten the script for July.First up, we have to talk about Tadej Pogačar. Making his highly anticipated debut at the Tour de Suisse, the Slovenian didn't just win—he completely dismantled the WorldTour peloton, sending a terrifying warning shot straight to his rivals. We break down the data behind his Swiss masterclass and look at what this means for his historic yellow jersey bid.Meanwhile, over at the Tour of Slovenia, it was an absolute clinic by Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. Florian Lipowitz proved he is a bona fide Grand Tour contender, sweeping the mountains to take a dominant overall GC victory alongside a soaring Red Bull team. Is their Tour de France engine officially fully operational?Plus, we head to the flatlands for a chaotic Belgium Tour, where Jasper Philipsen snatched the overall crown in a nail-biting showdown, proving his sprinting speed and tactical brilliance are exactly where they need to be. Finally, we celebrate a historic moment at the Giro Next Gen (U23 Giro d'Italia), where young phenomenon Lorenzo Finn put on an absolute masterclass to secure the final Maglia Rosa.

Wout van Aert missing the Tour de France isn’t just a team change—it’s a disruption to the entire script of the race.In this episode, we react to the news that injury has ruled Van Aert out of the Tour and unpack what that actually removes from Visma–Lease a Bike’s toolkit. This isn’t just a domestique or stage hunter being taken away—it’s one of the most adaptable riders in modern cycling, a rider who can shift a stage, control a breakaway, win on multiple terrains, and reshape entire days of racing.We dig into how Visma now reshuffle around Jonas Vingegaard, what gaps suddenly open in their Tour strategy, and who within the squad is forced to step into roles they weren’t originally built for. Beyond that, we explore how this changes the rhythm of the race itself—because Van Aert’s presence always forces other teams to react, even before the first mountain stage arrives.There’s also the bigger picture: what this means for Van Aert’s season, how teams absorb late injury losses at this level, and whether the Tour de France becomes more open—or simply more chaotic—without him.A raw reaction to one of the most influential withdrawals before the race has even begun.Follow us @thecyclingdane YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thecyclingdane/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecyclingdane​podcast

Isaac Del Toro delivered another huge statement ahead of the Tour de France, capturing overall victory at the 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (formerly the Critérium du Dauphiné). The Mexican star showed exactly why many believe he is the future of stage racing, producing a brilliant mountain performance to take a crucial stage win before sealing his third WorldTour stage-race victory of the season. After already winning the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico, Del Toro continues to build one of the most impressive campaigns in modern cycling.Elsewhere, Jasper Philipsen returned to winning ways at the Copenhagen Sprint. In a chaotic and rain-soaked race filled with crashes, late drama and a stubborn breakaway that was only caught in the final few hundred metres, the Belgian sprint star kept himself out of trouble before powering past Tobias Lund Andresen to take victory in the Danish capital. It was the perfect confidence boost as Tour de France season rapidly approaches.The weekend also brought concern for French cycling's newest superstar, Paul Seixas. The 19-year-old crashed heavily during Stage 7 of the Dauphiné, suffering significant injuries to his hands and forcing a remarkable chase back to the favourites group. Although he bravely finished the stage and initially hoped to continue, Seixas ultimately abandoned the race the following day. With his Tour de France debut just weeks away, the crash has cast doubt over how close to full strength he will be when the Grand Départ arrives, creating a nervous wait for French fans dreaming of a home contender.In today's show, we break down Del Toro's latest triumph, analyse what Philipsen's Copenhagen Sprint victory means for the Tour de France sprint battles, and discuss whether Seixas can recover in time to challenge the sport's biggest names in July.

The road to the Tour de France continues at the Tour de Suisse, the final major stage race before cycling's biggest event. With a challenging route packed full of mountain stages, time gaps can appear quickly as some of the world's best riders battle for one of the most prestigious week-long races on the calendar.In this preview show, we break down every stage, analyse the key contenders, and discuss whether Tadej Pogačar can add yet another Swiss stage race victory to his incredible palmarès. Can anyone challenge the Slovenian superstar, or is he set to continue his dominance ahead of July?Join us as we look at the route, the favourites, the dark horses, and the biggest storylines heading into the 2026 Tour de Suisse.

Cycling Transfer Talks, we break down the latest reports linking Felix Gall with a move to Lidl-Trek, examine the growing speculation surrounding Primož Roglič and a potential switch to Bahrain Victorious, and discuss the extraordinary rumours that could see company-owned Ineos attempt to secure the biggest signing in cycling by targeting Jonas Vingegaard.We analyse what these transfers could mean for the balance of power in the peloton, how each rider would fit into their potential new team, and whether these blockbuster moves are realistic or simply transfer-season speculation. From Grand Tour ambitions to team strategy and sponsor influence, we cover all the biggest stories currently circulating in the cycling world.Join us for another deep dive into the latest transfer rumours, contract situations, and the moves that could shape professional cycling in 2027.

Can Paul Seixas make history at the 2026 Critérium du Dauphiné? The French sensation arrives in the form of his life and has the chance to become the race's youngest-ever winner while ending France's long wait for a home champion, with the last French victory coming back in 2007. But standing in his way are some of the sport's biggest names, including UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader Isaac del Toro, who has already won the UAE Tour and Tirreno–Adriatico this season, while Juan Ayuso leads a strong Lidl-Trek squad looking to add another major stage race to his palmarès. We break down the route, the key contenders, and who has the best chance of taking overall victory in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026.

On the queen stage of the Giro d'Italia it was an action packed day with Ciccone and riders in the lower end of the top 10 of the GC forcing the action while Visma Lease A Bike shifted focus to let Sepp Kuss in the breakaway and Jonas Vingegaard on marking duties.

Stage 18 of the Giro d’Italia 2026 looked straightforward for the GC contenders — until the brutal slopes of the Muro di Ca’ del Poggio nearly turned into a tactical disaster for Jonas Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike. Poor positioning, late reactions, and aggressive attacks on the steep final climb briefly left the Giro leader exposed as rivals sensed an opportunity ahead of the decisive mountain stages.In this episode, we break down the chaotic finale into Pieve di Soligo, the aggressive racing on the Poggio, why Visma almost made a costly mistake, and how the GC battle is beginning to heat up before the final weekend in the Dolomites. We also discuss the sprinters who somehow survived the climb, the reduced bunch sprint, and the rider who perfectly timed his move to take a stunning Stage 18 victory — Paul Magnier.

Michael Valgren finally claimed his long-awaited first Grand Tour stage win with a perfectly-timed attack on stage 17 of the Giro d’Italia after an explosive 202km breakaway battle to Andalo. We break down the relentless tactical racing, Valgren’s emotional comeback story after his career-threatening crash, and another controlled GC day for race leader Jonas Vingegaard as the Giro heads towards its decisive final mountain stages.

After a rest day comes the moment every Grand Tour contender fears… the first brutal mountain test of the final week. On Stage 16 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, Jonas Vingegaard and Visma Lease a Bike faced a short but savage Swiss Alpine showdown to Carì, with relentless climbing, heat, and mounting fatigue threatening to crack the race apart.In this episode, we break down how Visma controlled the stage from start to finish, why Vingegaard’s attack looked so devastating, and what the performance means for the overall Giro battle heading into the decisive final mountains. We also discuss Felix Gall’s impressive ride, the growing gaps in the GC, and whether anyone still has the legs to challenge the maglia rosa in the final week.

Jonas Vingegaard heads into the final rest day of the 2026 Giro d’Italia in complete control, but is the race already over? In this debrief, we break down Visma-Lease a Bike’s domination, Vingegaard’s crushing stage 14 attack to take the maglia rosa, the fading hopes of Afonso Eulálio and the remaining challengers, plus whether anyone can realistically stop the Dane in the brutal final week. We also discuss the key GC standings, surprise performers, tactical battles still to come, and if Vingegaard is now riding towards his first Giro d’Italia title.

Stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia delivered the moment the race had been building towards. Jonas Vingegaard finally seized the maglia rosa with a ruthless solo attack on the brutal climb to Pila, dropping every rival with 4.6km remaining and stamping total authority on the race. In this episode, we break down Visma-Lease a Bike’s complete domination in the Alps, the tactical destruction of the breakaway, and how Sepp Kuss, Victor Campenaerts, and Davide Piganzoli set the stage for Vingegaard’s third summit victory in just eight days. We also discuss Felix Gall’s impressive ride to second, Jai Hindley’s return to the podium fight, and the courageous collapse of long-time race leader Afonso Eulálio after nine days in pink. Is the Giro already over, or can the final week still deliver chaos?

Alberto Bettiol delivered a stunning solo win on Giro d’Italia 2026 Stage 13, attacking on the final climb before descending flawlessly into Verbania for XDS Astana Team’s third stage victory of the race. We recap Bettiol’s emotional home-road triumph, the aggressive breakaway battle with Andreas Leknessund and Jasper Stuyven, plus what it means for Afonso Eulálio and Jonas Vingegaard ahead of the mountains.

Giro d'Italia 2026 Stage 12 delivered a surprise as Alec Segaert launched a long-range attack with 3.5km to go to take the biggest win of his career in Novi Ligure, while Afonso Eulálio strengthened his maglia rosa lead with bonus seconds over Jonas Vingegaard. We break down the tactical finale, the sprinters getting dropped on the climbs, and why Alberto Contador has been critical of Vingegaard’s conservative racing and lack of dominance at this Giro so far.

Giro d’Italia 2026 Stage 11 delivered another dramatic breakaway battle as Jhonatan Narváez claimed his third stage win of the race, outsprinting Enric Mas in Chiavari after a brutal day across the Ligurian hills. We break down how the decisive move formed, why Narváez once again proved unstoppable in the finale, and what it means for Afonso Eulálio and the overall GC battle as the favourites enjoyed a quieter day. Plus, analysis of the failed chase behind from Diego Ulissi, Chris Harper, and Aleksandr Vlasov, and what’s next heading deeper into the Giro’s decisive mountain stages.

Filippo Ganna stormed to victory in the 42km individual time trial on Stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia 2026, delivering a dominant ride against the clock and reminding everyone why he remains one of the most feared specialists in the discipline. On a fast but demanding course, the Italian powered through the intermediate checks and held off all challengers to take the stage win in style.Behind the stage battle, the general classification also shifted. Jonas Vingegaard put in a strong ride and managed to take valuable time out of race leader Afonso Eulálio, cutting into the Portuguese rider’s advantage ahead of the mountain stages still to come. It was a clear statement from Vingegaard that he’s growing into this Giro and beginning to apply pressure in the fight for pink.Despite losing time to the Dane, Eulálio did enough to limit the damage and kept hold of the maglia rosa by the narrowest of margins, setting up a tense second half of the race. With Ganna taking the glory of the day and Vingegaard chipping away at the overall lead, Stage 11 could prove a key turning point in the battle for the 2026 Giro title.

On the second rest day of the Giro d'Italia 2026, the race has reached a fascinating turning point. Jonas Vingegaard has already stamped his authority in the mountains, but despite looking like the strongest rider in the race, he still hasn’t taken the maglia rosa. So what’s the plan — and when does he finally move into the race lead?In this episode, we break down the key moments from the first half of the Giro, from the GC battle and tactical moves to who has impressed, who has cracked, and why the overall standings may not tell the full story yet. We look at how Vingegaard and Team Visma–Lease a Bike have approached the race so far, the stages that could decide everything in the final week, and whether the current race leader can hold on much longer.