thecyclingdane

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. P

There’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.