Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
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2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said. - Peter Drucker
Bill & Carol McGann's book The Story of the Tour de France, Vol 1: 1903 - 1975 is available in print, Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.
Current racing:
- March 24 - 30: Volta Ciclista a Catalunya
- March 25 - 29: Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali
Upcoming racing:
- March 26: Classic Brugge-De Panne
- March 28: E3 Saxo Bank Classic
- March 30: Gent - Wevelgem
- March 30: La Roue Tourangelle
- April 2: Dwars door Vlaanderen
- April 2: Paris - Camembert Lepetit
- April 4: Route Adélie de Vitre
- April 5: GP Miguel Indurain
- April 5: Volta Limburg Classic
- April 6: Ronde van Vlaanderen
Latest completed racing:
- March 22: Milano-Sanremo
- March 21: Bredene Koksijde Classic
- March 20: GP de Denain
- March 19: Danilith Nokere Koerse
- March 19: Milano-Torino
- March 9 - 16: Paris-Nice
- March 10 - 16: Tirreno-Adriatico
- March 8: Strade Bianche
- March 5: Trofeo Laigueglia
- March 4: Le Samyn Classic
We posted the report from stage winner Matthew Brennan's Team Visma | Lease a Bike with the results.
Here's the report from eighth-place Mikel Landa's Team Soudal Quick-Step:
Sant Feliu de Guixols welcomed again the Volta a Catalunya peloton for the opening stage of the competition, but unlike the previous years, the sun was completely absent this time, being replaced by some heavy rain that accompanied the riders throughout the entire day as they took on the hilly roads of the region.
The breakaway, counting just four riders, had no chance of making it despite a strong effort, and was caught with more than 60 kilometers to go. Others tried to go clear, only to be overhauled by the bunch, who kept things under control until the final kilometer, when an attack of Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) on the uphill straight to the line saw the Brit take the win and the first leader’s jersey.
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Despite the soaking wet conditions, Mikel Landa remained the entire time well positioned in the complicated closing kilometers of the stage – which ended up splitting the peloton and opening some significant gaps between some of the GC contenders – and put in a solid acceleration on this punchy finish to take eighth in Sant Feliu de Guixols, three places ahead of Soudal Quick-Step teammate Junior Lecerf.
Matthew Brennan wins the first stage.
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Here's the Catalunya report from Team Picnic-PostNL:
For the fourth year in a row, the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya kicked off in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, which also hosted the stage finish. On paper, the rolling stage—with its 2,765 metres of elevation gain and slightly uphill finish—was tailor-made for a variety of riders: puncheurs, strong-climbing sprinters, and fast-finishing climbers all had reason to look forward to it. In harsh, wet conditions, the breakaway of the day consisted of four riders, but with the peloton in pursuit, the leading group was reeled in more than 50 kilometres from the finish line.
INEOS Grenadiers leads the peloton with 71.3 kilometers to go.
From that point on, it became a war of attrition, with the peloton gradually shrinking. Pavel Bittner and Frank van den Broek remained present in the group battling for victory, but in the final kilometres, three riders managed to break away from the reduced bunch. Bittner fought for a top-ten finish but ultimately had to settle for 19th place in this challenging stage.
After the race, Bittner said: “We started today’s stage with a clear plan: we wanted to go for it. Right from the beginning, we were looking for a breakaway opportunity with Frank, but it didn’t work out. Still, the team was present, and we positioned ourselves well in the bunch—that was a solid start. Then, the race was heavily affected by the weather, which made it tough for everyone. I felt strong, and we approached the final lap in a good way.
"At one point, the race just exploded, and the pace was incredibly high. Frank and I managed to stay in the front group, but I lost a bit of power before the final sprint, so I couldn’t fight for the win today. Still, I’m happy with how my legs felt, and tomorrow brings another opportunity—hopefully, we can go for the win. Unfortunately, Timo crashed, but he seems to be okay, so we’ll be back at it with the full team.”
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Here’s the team’s announcement:
The reigning New Zealand U23 time trial champion is joining the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Continental Team with immediate effect. The “Rookies” squad now consists of twelve riders.
“We’re excited to bring Nate Pringle into the team. He’s a rider who embodies a smart and instinctive racing style we value. Nate has shown he’s not afraid to take opportunities, commit to the race, and make things happen—qualities that fit perfectly with our philosophy,” says John Wakefield, Director of Development at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe.
In fact, the 21-year-old New Zealander has already achieved several impressive results despite his young age. In early February, he became the New Zealand national time trial champion in the U23 category, leaving his competition far behind. In 2024, he showcased his talent with strong performances at the stage race New Zealand Cycle Classic and in several one-day races in Belgium.
Nate Pringle
“His progression over the past seasons has been steady, and we believe he has the potential to take another step forward in the right environment. He adds depth, energy, and a strong racing instinct to the squad, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do with us this season as our 12th rider,” Wakefield continues.
Pringle is excited about the chance to prove himself on the European racing circuit: “This move is a dream come true for me. Riding for the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies is a fantastic opportunity to grow, learn from a strong environment, and compete at the highest level in European cycling,” says the New Zealander.
Pringle’s first race in his new team colors has yet to be confirmed. However, the New Zealander is already in Europe, getting ready for his debut with the Rookies.
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