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Join thecyclingdane to discuss all things cycling. From professional race previews to interviews with pros, we have you covered for your fix of cycling.
Also available on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter @thecyclingdane
Also available on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter @thecyclingdane
198 Episodes
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Dwars door Vlaanderen returns in 2026, and this year’s edition feels like it carries more weight than most. Not just because it sits on the doorstep of Flanders, but because of what happened here 12 months ago.In 2025, we witnessed one of the most shocking and, frankly, embarrassing collapses from Visma | Lease a Bike. A race that looked completely under control unravelled in spectacular fashion, as Neilson Powless stunned them with a perfectly timed move that left the favourites scrambling and exposed. It wasn’t just a defeat — it was a tactical meltdown that still lingers heading into this year.Now, the story resets… but the pressure doesn’t.Wout van Aert returns. After a season disrupted by injury and recovery, he lines up not just to compete, but to remind everyone who he is on these roads. Dwars door Vlaanderen has unfinished business for him, and you can be sure he hasn’t forgotten.But he’s not alone in that mindset.Mads Pedersen also arrives with something to prove. After battling his way back from setbacks, the Dane is chasing that cobblestone moment — the kind that defines a spring. He’s been close before, but this feels like a pivotal opportunity to turn resilience into victory.This preview episode breaks down everything you need to know: the key contenders, the tactical dynamics, the critical sectors, and whether Visma can avoid another nightmare — or if the ghosts of 2025 will resurface.Because in a race like Dwars door Vlaanderen, control is an illusion… and history has a way of repeating itself.
It’s been another massive week in the world of cycling, and this one had everything — dominance, drama, and no shortage of controversy.Jonas Vingegaard stamped his authority on Volta a Catalunya with a commanding performance that sent a clear message ahead of the Grand Tours. Meanwhile, over in Belgium, Mathieu van der Poel powered to victory at E3 Saxo Classic — but not without controversy, as questions were raised over key race moments.Then came Jasper Philipsen, who claimed his first-ever win at Gent-Wevelgem, solidifying his place among the top sprinters in the world right now.We also dive into the chaos at Coppi e Bartali, where Visma–Lease a Bike found themselves right in the middle of the action for all the wrong reasons.From dominant rides to tactical debates and controversial moments, we break it all down.
Gent-Wevelgem 2026 delivered absolute chaos. Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert tore the race apart with a brutal long-range move, looking set to decide the race between them as the peloton struggled to respond.But in a dramatic twist, the chase came back together in the final kilometres — and from the wreckage of their efforts, Jasper Philipsen emerged to take the victory in a sprint finish.In this episode, we break down how Van der Poel and Van Aert nearly pulled off one of the most dominant rides of the season, what went wrong in the finale, and how Philipsen capitalised on the moment to win Gent-Wevelgem 2026.
2026 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons in recent cycling history. Tadej Pogačar has already stormed to victory at the Strade Bianche and Milan–San Remo, while Jonas Vingegaard has claimed Paris–Nice and is on the verge of winning the Volta a Catalunya.In this episode, we sit down with Jens Voigt to get his take on the fiercest rivalry in modern cycling. Voigt breaks down what separates Pogačar and Vingegaard, who he thinks has the edge in 2026, and what this season tells us about the future of the sport.Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love elite-level cycling drama, this conversation gives an insider’s perspective on two of the most dominant riders of our era.
Mathieu van der Poel punished his rivals and held off a relentless chase to claim a thrilling three-peat at the 2026 E3 Saxo Classic. We break down his decisive attacks, the valiant pursuit by Per Strand Hagenes and Florian Vermeersch, and all the key moments that shaped this cobbled classic.
Join Patrick Blake (Ow Do Cycling) and Scott (thecyclingdane) in this episode where we break down the race formerly known as Gent-Wevelgem for the 2026 edition.Now rebranded as In Flanders Fields: From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, this historic Classic enters a new era — but the prestige, chaos, and tactical brilliance remain very much intact.We dive deep into everything you need to know ahead of race day. From the controversial name change to the subtle but important route tweaks, including the earlier run through De Moeren and the ever-decisive triple ascent of the Kemmelberg, this year’s edition promises crosswinds, attacks, and a brutal selection before the run-in to Wevelgem.The start list is absolutely stacked. Mathieu van der Poel returns with unfinished business, Wout van Aert looks to convert strong early-season form into a win, and defending champion Mads Pedersen aims to make it four victories in this race despite a disrupted preparation. Add to that a loaded sprint field featuring Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, and rising talents like Matthew Brennan — and you’ve got one of the most unpredictable editions in years.We also take a look back at recent history, Pedersen’s dominance, how the race has evolved away from bunch sprints, and why Gent-Wevelgem — or In Flanders Fields — has become one of the most tactically fascinating races on the calendar.Breakaways vs bunch sprint? Crosswinds or controlled chaos? Revenge rides and comeback stories — it’s all on the table.This is your full preview of In Flanders Fields 2026.
The E3 Saxo Bank Classic returns on March 27, kicking off the heart of the cobbled classics season. Often called the “little Tour of Flanders,” this 208km race shares iconic climbs like the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont, making it a crucial preview of the Tour of Flanders.In this episode, we break down the newly updated 2026 route, including a double ascent of the Oude Kwaremont and the introduction of the E3-Col, and what it means for race tactics. We also look at the key contenders, with defending champion Mathieu van der Poel chasing a third straight win, while Mads Pedersen returns from injury to challenge him.From race history and legends like Tom Boonen to the riders to watch and how the race could unfold, this is your complete preview of one of the most important one-day races of the spring.
The transfer market is already heating up — and it’s only getting started.In this episode, we dive into the biggest cycling transfer rumours ahead of the 2027 season, starting with the rapidly growing buzz around Paul Seixas. Could the French super-talent really be on his way to UAE Team Emirates, or is this just another case of hype running ahead of reality?We also break down the surprising links between Arnaud De Lie and Red Bull’s cycling project. Would a move make sense for one of the most explosive riders in the peloton — and what would it mean for the balance of power in the Classics?And finally, we look at UAE’s potential internal shake-up, with reports suggesting they could lose up to three key riders. Who could be on the way out, and how would that impact the team built around Tadej Pogačar?Expect analysis, context, and a bit of speculation as we separate fact from fiction in the ever-chaotic world of cycling transfers.
Patrick Blake and Scott (thecyclingdane) dive into the race week that has just gone, unpacking one of the most chaotic and headline-filled stretches of the season so far.They start with the big one — Tadej Pogačar making history at Milan–San Remo. Was this his most complete performance yet? And what does it say about where he now stands among the all-time greats?From there, the focus shifts to Tom Pidcock and his statement win at Milano–Torino. Is this the start of a serious run of form, or just a glimpse of what we know he’s capable of on his day?GP Denain brings the controversy, as Alec Segaert takes the win — but leaves everyone talking about the yellow card incident. PThere’s also a spotlight on Dylan Groenewegen, who quietly dominated the week with two sprint victories for Unibet Tietema Rockets. Is he flying under the radar right now?And finally, they reflect on a worrying moment in the women’s Milan–San Remo, where a huge crash raised serious concerns about rider safety — and whether enough is being done to protect the peloton.Big performances, big debates, and plenty to unpack — this is your essential weekly race review of WorldTour Races.
Tadej Pogacar fought off the previous disappointments to win his 4th out of the 5 monuments in Pro Cycling and he didn't do it without some bad luck with a crash 32km from the finish. But the Slovenian recovered and fought Tom Pidcock to win the race.
In this episode of TheCyclingDane Podcast, Scott and Patrick Blake preview the 2026 Volta a Catalunya, a race that has quickly become one of the most intriguing early-season battlegrounds in the sport. This year’s edition is defined by one major storyline: the return of Jonas Vingegaard, fresh off his victory at Paris–Nice, and ready to test his form once again in the mountains of Catalunya.But this is far from a straightforward path to victory. Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe arrive with a formidable dual threat in Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz, creating a tactical dynamic that could put Vingegaard under real pressure. Evenepoel’s explosive climbing and time trial strength, combined with Lipowitz’s growing reputation as a dangerous GC contender, gives the team multiple ways to control the race.Meanwhile, UAE Team Emirates place their trust in João Almeida, a rider known for his consistency and ability to climb at his own relentless pace. In a race that often rewards patience and precision, Almeida could prove to be the most difficult rider to crack over the course of the week.
The longest and most unpredictable race in cycling is back. Milan–San Remo 2026 is here, and once again the question everyone is asking is simple: can Tadej Pogačar finally crack La Primavera?Despite dominating almost every corner of the sport, San Remo has remained the one Monument that continues to resist him. Five attempts, countless attacks on the Poggio and even a brutal Cipressa assault in 2025 — yet the Slovenian superstar still hasn’t lifted the trophy on the Via Roma.In this episode, we break down everything ahead of the 2026 edition. Why Milan–San Remo is such a uniquely difficult race to win, how the tactics on the Cipressa and Poggio have evolved in recent years, and whether Pogačar’s aggressive racing style is perfectly suited to the race… or exactly why he keeps coming up short.We also analyse the biggest rivals standing in his way, including Mathieu van der Poel, the man who has repeatedly beaten him in San Remo, as well as the other contenders who could take advantage if the favourites start marking each other.Could we finally see the long-rumoured Cipressa attack decide the race again?Will the Poggio once more produce a last-minute masterpiece?Or are we heading for one of the fastest sprints on the Via Roma in years?From tactics and contenders to predictions and dark horses, this episode is your complete preview of Milan–San Remo 2026.Because in cycling, there’s only one race where 300 kilometres can come down to the final 500 metres.
In this episode, we break down an incredible week of racing across two of the most important stage races of the early season.At Paris–Nice, Jonas Vingegaard delivers a truly dominant performance, taking control of the race in the mountains and confirming his status as one of the strongest stage racers in the world. We dive into the decisive moments that shaped the race, how Vingegaard distanced his rivals, and what this commanding victory tells us about his form heading into the biggest races of the year.Meanwhile in Italy, Tirreno–Adriatico produced one of the biggest stories of the season so far as Isaac del Toro claimed an impressive overall victory. The young Mexican rider showed remarkable composure across the week to conquer one of cycling’s most prestigious stage races and announce himself as a serious new force in the peloton.Tirreno also delivered fireworks on the hills thanks to Mathieu van der Poel, whose explosive riding lit up several stages and reminded everyone why he is one of the most dangerous riders in punchy terrain. We break down his standout performances, how the stages unfolded, and what it could mean as the Spring Classics approach.From dominant GC rides to spectacular attacks on the hills, we cover all the key moments from Paris–Nice and Tirreno–Adriatico 2026 in this episode.
In this episode, we sit down with Toms Skujiņš to talk about one of the most interesting seasons of his career. The Latvian star reflects on his impressive results in 2026, including strong rides at the UCI Road World Championships and the European Road Championships, and how those performances have shaped his ambitions going forward.We also dive into his growing interest in the world of gravel racing, discussing how the discipline compares to the WorldTour and why more road pros are starting to explore it.Skujiņš gives a behind-the-scenes look at life inside UAE Team Emirates, including what it has been like becoming teammates with Juan Ayuso for the first time. From training camps to race strategy, he shares how the team dynamic works when you’re surrounded by some of the strongest riders in the sport.And of course, we had to ask about racing against the phenomenon that is Tadej Pogačar. Skujiņš explains what it actually feels like to line up against one of cycling’s most dominant riders, and why racing against him can change the entire dynamic of a race.From WorldTour racing to gravel adventures, team dynamics, and life in the modern peloton, this is a relaxed and honest conversation with one of cycling’s most charismatic riders.
Tadej Pogačar sealed a fourth and record-breaking victory at Strade Bianche, further cementing his dominance on the Tuscan gravel roads. Behind him, young French talent Paul Seixas produced a stunning ride to finish second in his first ever Strade Bianche, while Isaac del Toro rounded out the podium in third. Meanwhile, big pre-race contenders Tom Pidcock and Wout van Aert were nowhere near the sharp end of the race as the chaos unfolded across the white roads of Tuscany.
The 2026 edition of Paris–Nice kicks off with one of the most intriguing start lists in recent years. Jonas Vingegaard begins his season here for the first time, immediately putting the spotlight on the Race to the Sun. Meanwhile, Mattias Skjelmose and Juan Ayuso line up together for the first time as new Lidl–Trek teammates, creating a fascinating dynamic inside one of the race’s strongest squads.Elsewhere, João Almeida arrives in strong early-season form after impressive rides at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and Volta ao Algarve, while Oscar Onley faces his first major test in the colours of INEOS Grenadiers. With big names, new team dynamics, and early-season form on display, Paris–Nice 2026 could already shape the story of the season.
The white roads are back — and so is the chaos.In this episode, we dive headfirst into Strade Bianche 2026, breaking down everything you need to know before the dust starts flying in Tuscany.We kick things off by revisiting our favourite edition of Strade Bianche and why this race continues to deliver some of the most dramatic racing of the modern era. From there, we analyse the 2026 route in detail — the gravel sectors, the key changes, and where the race could be won or lost.Then comes the big question: Is Tadej Pogačar unbeatable on these roads? After his recent dominance, is there realistically anyone who can match him on the sterrato?We also examine whether Paul Seixas could be the only rider capable of disrupting UAE’s control, and look at the wider field of contenders who might have something to say about it.Finally, we give our full Strade Bianche 2026 predictions — who wins, how it unfolds, and where the decisive move will come.If you love gravel chaos, punchy climbs, and brutal early-season showdowns, this one’s for you.
This week on the podcast, we break down a huge opening weekend of racing as Mathieu van der Poel storms to victory at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on debut, immediately stamping his authority on the Classics season.Over in France, teenage sensation Paul Seixas delivers a statement ride, dominating against seasoned pros and confirming why so many are calling him the future of French cycling.And in Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne, it’s Matthew Brennan who steals the spotlight, pulling off a surprise result in Belgium that has the peloton – and us – asking some big questions.We dive into the tactics, the key moments, what it means for the Spring Classics, and which performances are genuinely season-defining.The Classics are officially underway — and the chaos has already begun.Follow us @thecyclingdane YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thecyclingdane/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecyclingdane
The cobbled classics return with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026, and this year the storyline writes itself. Mathieu van der Poel is back on Belgian soil to open his campaign against Wout van Aert, with Tom Pidcock adding another layer of intrigue to what already feels like a monumental early-season showdown.This preview show dives deep into what we can expect from the first major cobbled test of the year. We examine van der Poel’s return and what his previous early-season performances tell us about his likely condition. We analyse van Aert’s preparation and whether he can finally seize early momentum on home roads. We also explore Pidcock’s tactical possibilities and whether his explosiveness can disrupt the established hierarchy on the Flemish bergs.Follow us @thecyclingdane YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thecyclingdane/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecyclingdane
This week on the podcast, Patrick Blake and Scott (thecyclingdane) break down a massive week of racing across Europe and the Middle East, diving deep into the action from the Vuelta a Andalucía 2026, Volta ao Algarve 2026, and the UAE Tour 2026.In the desert, it was all about Isaac del Toro, who stamped his authority all over the UAE Tour, delivering a statement performance that has the cycling world asking just how high his ceiling really is. Was this the week he announced himself as a true Grand Tour force?Meanwhile in Spain, the Vuelta a Andalucía gave us fireworks. Ivan Romeo and Tom Pidcock went head-to-head in a thrilling battle that had everything — attacks, counterattacks, and serious intent. Over in Portugal at the Volta ao Algarve, things got intense as Juan Ayuso found himself locked in a fierce showdown with rising French talent Paul Seixas. Is Seixas ready to challenge the established stars already? And what did this duel reveal about Ayuso’s current level?From breakout rides to brewing rivalries, this episode covers all the key storylines, big performances, and early-season narratives that could shape 2026.Follow us @thecyclingdane YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thecyclingdane/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecyclingdane
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