thecyclingdane

Finlay Tarling Go Fund me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-fin-s2u87

This 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.