thecyclingdane

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.

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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.

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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.

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Patrick and Scott discuss the UAE Tour as it returns once again as one of the first major WorldTour events of the season, bringing together warm-weather racing, wide-open desert roads, and a start list packed with big names. This year’s edition follows the familiar formula of sprint-friendly stages, crosswind danger and two decisive mountain finishes, but with one major twist as the race introduces the brutal new climb of Jebel Mobrah, featuring a savage final ramp that could completely reshape the general classification battle. With a flat individual time trial also on the menu, the stage is set for a fascinating showdown between Remco Evenepoel and Isaac Del Toro, as Evenepoel looks to gain time against the clock while Del Toro will be targeting the steeper gradients where his explosiveness could prove decisive. Add in the presence of Adam Yates and a strong UAE Team Emirates squad, and tactical warfare could play a huge role. Behind the headline favourites, riders like Tobias Halland Johannessen, Antonio Tiberi and Michael Storer will be hoping to take advantage of any weakness, while the sprint stages look primed for Jonathan Milan to dominate as he faces a weakened field. With a mix of pure speed, climbing drama and constant wind threat, the UAE Tour is once again shaping up to be one of the most important early season races and a real indicator of who is ready to take control in 2026.

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Patrick and Scott breakdown the 52nd Volta ao Algarve which kicks off Wednesday, 18 February and runs through Sunday, 22 February, offering five days of action-packed racing across southern Portugal. With two sprint stages, two uphill finishes, and a crucial individual time trial, this early-season battle is a chance to see the season’s form take shape.

Over the years, the Algarve has served as a springboard for cycling’s biggest stars, with past winners including Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogačar, and Jonas Vingegaard, all of whom used this race to announce themselves as serious GC contenders for the season ahead.

In 2026, the main favourites for the overall victory include João Almeida, looking to continue his early-season consistency, Paul Seixas, aiming to assert himself in the GC battle, while Lidl-Trek’s new recruits Juan Ayuso and Derek Gee-West could shake up the standings. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe will be hoping Florian Lipowitz can make an impact, adding further intrigue to the race.

Tune in for stage previews, team tactics, and GC predictions, plus insights into which riders might surprise and how the 2026 Volta ao Algarve could set the tone for the rest of the season.