Sometimes a little guidance goes a long way when it comes to maintaining or improving your fitness, and Stravas latest feature aims to provide just that. Yesterday, the app rolled out its new Instant Workout feature globally. Instant Workouts will analyse your prior activities and provide recommendations on what you can do next. The feature trialled with a subset of users in November and is now available for more than 40 sports, including cycling. Its another piece in Stravas broader development, which has seen the fitness app eye up big moves in its future. Read more: The complete guide to Strava, the world's biggest fitness tracking app Stravas Instant Workouts Strava's latest feature uses its Heatmap data if a suggestion requires a route. Strava Strava says Instant Workouts are intended to provide inspiration for athletes to stay consistent, especially for those who are looking to build an exercise habit or get back into things after a break. For users who have a regular workout routine, Instant Workouts can bring variety and fresh ideas to keep movement fun. And, since the suggestions are based upon prior activity, the more users upload, the more personalized the recommendations become, Strava says. The snag is the feature is only available for paid subscribers, with Strava costing 8.99 per month or 54.99 per year. If thats you, you can see the Instant Workouts feature in the carousel at the top of the app's feed. Instant Workouts enable you to select from four intents maintain, build, explore or recover and will then suggest a variety of workouts across your chosen sports. Alongside personalised activity suggestions, Instant Workouts will generate a route for activities that require one powered by Stravas Heatmap, which shows where users have been active. Strava will also tell you why its recommending a particular activity to help you learn a bit more about certain types of workouts and how that fits into their own activity history. Why has Strava released Instant Workouts? Strava recently updated its Apple Watch app. Strava Over the last year, weve seen Strava undertake a period of accelerated growth, which has seen the app develop into a more advanced training tool. Last year, Strava acquired The Breakaway and Runna, two apps that provide personalised training recommendations for cycling and running, respectively. Now its Instant Workouts feature seems to build on those acquisitions, and Strava says some users will even see workout recommendations from its partners, including Runna. Instant Workouts will also evolve in the coming weeks and months, fitting into a growth area for the app: uploads from Apple Watches. Strava revealed in September that uploads to the app from Apple Watches increased by nearly 20 per cent in 2024, which prompted it to redesign its app for the smartwatch. Strava says you will be able to send workout recommendations to your Apple or Garmin device. All these developments reflect Stravas ambition to motivate people to lead active lives, but also Stravas bigger ambitions. Since he became Stravas CEO in 2024, Michael Martin has been on a mission to add tools to the app to boost users and paid subscribers. This appears to be working. Strava had 50m users in 2025 and saw a huge spike in downloads. It also closed a massive $2.2 billion funding round in May 2025. All this success and growth has led Strava to seek a public offering, even if the app remains tight-lipped on when that will happen.

Tim Merlier is one of the strongest sprinters in the current peloton and alongside Jonathan Milan, he was supposed to headline a great sprinter battle at the AlUla Tour. However that is no longer the plan, as the Soudal - Quick-Step rider suffered a knee injury last month and is still on his way bac...

12-week DfT review could scrap 40-year-old laws and legalise e-bikes for disabled riders

Off:Roader GironaThree stages | 320kmNights3Stages3.5DifficultyRated 3 out of 5PRICE FROM999VIEW DATES & BOOKNights3Stages3.5DifficultyRated 3.5 out of 5PRICE FROM999VIEW DATES & BOOKOVERVIEWHIGHLIGHTSACCOMMODATIONGETTING THEREPACKING LISTFAQsOVERVIEWJoin a group of like-minded gravel riders for a long weekend of gravel riding in the cycling heartland of Girona, Spain. Well be based at Rocacorba Cycling, a peaceful retreat tucked away near Banyoles surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves and endless gravel tracks waiting to be explored.This is your home away from home: a warm welcome, a pool to cool off in, a sauna to ease tired legs, and a private chef serving fresh, nutritious, and seriously tasty food every day.Well ride straight from the door no transfers, no hassle, just perfect gravel from the first pedal stroke. The weekend includes 4 rides, including a ride into Girona and a ride to the seaside. Well also have a yoga session by the pool and opportunities to improve your gravel riding and mechanical skills.Sign up now for our inaugural Girona gravel escape!Included in Ride PackageAccommodation3 nights at Rocacorba cycling boutique hotel. Choose private single, shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) rooms.Airport TransfersFly to Girona (GRO) where our team will be on hand to greet you.4 Epic StagesA packed weekend with rides on arrival & departure day. Fully supported rides with guides leading small groups, van support & regular feed stops.MealsBring some money for drinks but our package includes 3 dinners, 2 lunches & 3 breakfasts.Regular StopsRegular feed stops with lunch stops in beautiful locations. WHATS NOT INCLUDED: Flights, Insurance (mandatory), Bike rental, Drinks with lunch & evening mealsREAL RIDER REVIEWSLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.John DoeCEOLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.John DoeCEOLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.John DoeCEOITINERARYDAY 1Arrival in Girona, transfer to Rocacorba hotel (transfer takes approx. 50 min). After a quick lunch we'll roll out for an afternoon ride into Girona and back. Stage One: 61km, 769m elevationDAY 2Stage Two: 128km, 1400m elevation, 60% off roadDAY 3Stage Three: 93km, 1340m elevation, 60% off roadDAY 4Departure day. Before heading to the airport, we'll have time for a quick spin. RIDE HIGHLIGHTSGlorious GravelGirona is a dream for gravel riders. With its mix of smooth fire roads, quiet forest paths, and stunning climbs, there is something for everyone. Youll ride terrain thats fast, fun, and perfectly balanced between challenge and flow. Whats more, Rocacorba Cycling is situated amongst some of the best gravel tracks so can roll from your door straight off road.Ride to the seaTheres nothing like rolling out from the hills and hitting the coast on gravel. Feel the terrain shift from forest tracks to sea air as you descend towards the Mediterranean. The lunch stop at the beach tops off the superb riding, before heading back onto the gravel for a fast run back to Rocacorba.Discover GironaOur day one routes take us right through Girona - a city that lives and breathes cycling. Youll roll past cobbled lanes, riverside paths, and caf-lined streets buzzing with riders from around the world. Its the perfect mid-ride moment to soak up the energy of Girona before heading back to our tranquil accommodation in Banyoles.5 UNMISSABLE HIGHLIGHTSNUMBER OneCancano Road Climb aka the mini Stelvio with sweeping switchbacks, rock tunnels and view across the valley.NUMBER TWOFraele Towers Built in the 1300's as observation and signally towers, all that remains of what was once a much larger fortification and a chance to admire the view from the top of the climb.number threeCancano Lakes Ride around the edge of the vibrant turquoise waters of the Cancano Lakes and marvel at the engineering feat of the massive hydroelectric dam.Number FourStelvioHigh mountain trails to the top of the Stelvio take you through forests, mountain meadows and rocky mountain side switchbacksStelvio road descent for what must be some of the most picturesque switchbacks of any alpine climb. Number fiveBormioA charming alpine town at the foot of the Stelvio Pass, Bormio is famed for its legendary climbs, natural hot springs, and hearty Valtellina cuisine the perfect mix of cycling heritage and mountain culture. KNOW BEFORE YOU GOAccommodationWell stay at Rocacorba Cycling, a boutique hotel, comprising a number of exquisite Catalan villas, from the 17th century. You can choose between a private single room (limited availablity), shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) room. Bike & Tyre ChoiceWe recommend running tubeless tyres of 38-45mm with a gravel tread pattern for the faster rolling terrain in the area. Should rain be forecast for the trip, you may wish to consider a grippier tread. There will be some climbs on our routes, which are longer than UK gravel climbs, so a great ratio of at least 1:1 is advised.FoodCatalan tapas (or pinxos) celebrate the regions rich flavours - smoky cured meats, fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant vegetables. Each bite tells a story of tradition and Mediterranean flair, inviting people to connect, share, and savour the experience together All best enjoyed with a glass of local Empord after a day on the bike.weatherApril is a great month to visit Girona, with comfortable midday temperatures ranging from 16 to 20C and very little rainfall. The weather is warm enough to ride in short sleeves, and the perfect opportunity to earn your first tan lines of the year.TerrainGravel cycling in Girona comprises smooth, champagne gravel on a big network of greenways, as well as dirt tracks and some chunkier gravel. Our routes will take us on a mix of the terrain in the area so be prepared for a bit of technical riding as well as the smooth stuff. Any technical sections will be short and our guides and a coach will be on hand with hints and tips to develop your skills throughout the weekend.STAGE DETAILSARRIVAL DAY: AFTERNOON RIDE TO GIRONARoute Summary:With a morning arrival and short transfer, there is plenty of time for lunch by the pool, bike building & getting ready for a lovely 60km spin down to Girona to see the town & enjoy the world famous cafes.Ride Distance: 60km Ride Elevation: 750m % Off Road: 75% Difficulty: 2.5/5TO THE COASTRoute Summary:The Queen Stage! A glorious ride to the beautiful Costa Brava. Its a long stage but the gravel is fast rolling with no technical sections.We have options to shorten the ride if anyone wants a slightly easier option today.Ride Distance: 128km Ride Elevation: 1400m % Off Road: 70% Difficulty: 4/5GRAVEL LA GARROTXARoute Summary:After yesterdays big ride, today is a slightly easier ride as we head west into the traditional county of Garrotxa.Todays ride is on champagne gravel with delightful scenery as we ride through rolling hills & sleepy villages. A delightful day to chat with your fellow riders and enjoy the best of gravel cycling.Ride Distance: 93km Ride Elevation: 1340m % Off Road: 70% Difficulty: 3/5ONE LAST SPINRoute Summary:For those that want it, we have one last ride on the final morning. This is the perfect sign off from Girona with a flowy route taking in a big loop of Banyoles on some of the best local gravel.Ride Distance: 40km Ride Elevation: 358m % Off Road: 70% Difficulty: 2/5Your Guides Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.Rental Bikesgetting to GironaFly Into:Girona Airport (GRO)Flights From:There are regular direct flights operated by Ryanair.Transfer Times:On arrival day, we will have a transfer departing from Girona airport at 11.00.On departure day, we will have a transfer departing the hotel for flights after 16.00.Transfers will take approx. 50 min.Note: transfer times are subject to change should flight times change. Final times will be confirmed and sent to you a month before your tripAccommodation & MealsAccommodation: Well stay in a mixture of hotels. You can choose between a private single room (limited availablity), shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) room. All of our accommodation is hand picked and we have selected some really special places.We stay at:Granada Boutique Hotel Cerro del SolGuadix YIT Abentofail (2 nights)Granada Boutique Hotel Cerro del SolMeals 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches on the road, 4 dinners are included in the package. Drinks with lunch & dinner are excluded.packing listCycling KitBibs/shorts | Jerseys/tops (consider LS t-shirts for cooler temperatures)Gilet | Waterproof jacket | Arm and leg warmersCycling shoes | Socks | Mitts Helmet | Sunglasses2 bottlesGPS device with handle bar mountBike Spares2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyreSpare tyre | Tyre levers |Small pump | Multitool1 x puncture repair kit (if running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant)Chain link specific for your bike chain | Lube | Brake pads | Spare rear mech hanger for your bikeRear light | 2 Bottle cagesSpare batteries/charging cables for lightsPersonal Medical Kit1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing | Assorted plasters | Rubber gloves | Steri-Strips | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes)Small set of scissors | Tweezers | Pain Killers (paracetamol) | Prescribed medicationMust Pack ItemsPower bank | Flip flops | Swimming kit | Shower gel | Hydration & Personal energy bars | Chamois cream | Sun creamHotel & MealsAccommodation: Well stay at Rocacorba Cycling Boutique Hotelthroughout the trip, a 17th century estate, surrounded by serene beauty of the hills.You can choose between a private single room (limited availablity), shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) room.Meals 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners are included in the package. Drinks with lunch & dinner are excluded.DATES & PRICESTourSTARTFINISHSINGLE ROOMTWIN/DOUBLE ROOMDEPOSITWomen OnlyWed 15 April 2026Sat 18 April 20261199999pp399pp book nowMixedBy the CoastWed 22 April 2026Sat 25 April 20261199999pp399pp book nowMixedThurs 16 September 2026Sun 19 September 20261199999pp399pp book nowSaturday 13 July 2024Friday 26 July 2024775775775BOOK NOWDATES & PRICESTuesday 7 Oct 2025Saturday 11 Oct 2025Single1599Twin1399ppDeposit399pp REGISTER INTERESTWed 15 April 2026Sat 18 April 2026Single1199Twin999ppDeposit399pp Women only - Book NowThurs 16 September 2026Sun 19 September 2026Single1199Twin999ppDeposit399pp Mixed - Book NowWed 22 April 2026Sat 25 April 2026Single1199Twin999ppDeposit399pp By the Coast - Book NowSaturday 13 July 2024Friday 26 July 2024775775775BOOK NOWSaturday 13 July 2024Friday 26 July 2024775775775BOOK NOWFAQsAM I SUITABLE FOR THIS RIDEGreat destination for all levels, for newbies as well as more experience riders wanting a varied terrain to develop skills, with coaching on hand to help.HOW DO I GET TO GIRONA?Fly in/out of Girona airport. There are regular direct flights operated by Ryanair.WHAT TIME ARE THE AIRPORT TRANSFERS?On arrival day, we will have a transfer departing from Girona airport at 11.00.On departure day, we will have a transfer departing the hotel for flights after 16.00.Transfers will take approx. 50 min.Note: transfer times are subject to change should flight times change. Final times will be confirmed and sent to you a month before your trip.IS BIKE RENTAL AVAILABLE?We collaborate with a local partner to provide bike rental. Contact us for more information.WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN GIRONA IN APRIL?April is a great month to visit Girona, with comfortable midday temperatures ranging from 16 to 20C and very little rainfall. The weather is warm enough to ride in short sleeves, and the perfect opportunity to earn your first tan lines of the year.DO I NEED A VISA?British citizens do not require a visa to enter Spain.DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips, and you are required to provide us with your policy information before departing.Your insurance should include adequate cover for cycling abroad, any emergency medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and your bike. We also recommend it includes cancellation insurance, should you be unable to join the trip for specific reasons such as illness.OTHER RIDES YOU MAY LIKEThe post Off:Roader Girona September appeared first on Glorious Gravel Off Road Adventures in Cycling.

Former U23 world champion Eli Iserbyt can no longer ride even recreationally due to a femoral artery issue

Ten neo-pros to watch for 2026. Its an unusual year with relatively few first year pros in the peloton but still plenty of big namesFor all the rush to turn pro straight out of the junior ranks, Jarno Widar (20, Lotto-Intermarch/Belgium) patiently spent an extra season as an U23 last year. He had results in 2024 that were sufficient to turn pro but opted for an extra year of development and kept on winning to the point where if his Lotto colleagues could control the race and get him to the final climb of the day the result was often a formality for him. But the decision to wait another year was also because hes so promising, there was no fear of missing the boat.In 2024 the missing title was the Tour de lAvenir but in 2025 he was pipped by Paul Seixas whod dropped out of the World Tour for a week to grab it but Widar was runner-up. Hes won the U23 Giro dItalia Next Gen, the Giro della Valle dAosta and the Ronde de lIsard so has completed the set of stages races to win for a budding grand tour contender. The palmars is prolific but he now faces a challenge to establish himself as a pro. Hes 1m66 tall and 55kg which makes him smaller and lighter than any Tour de France winner. Framed in Belgian expectations he might be the next Lucien Van Impe more than the new Eddy Merckx. For a contemporary comparison think Lenny Martinez or Nairo Quintana. So he can be a punchy climber capable of big wins but at a disadvantage in time trials and crosswinds.His future is interesting as Lotto are back in the World Tour but dont have many obvious leaders. Other teams are interested in Arnaud De Lie and Lennert Van Eetvelt and many will be watching Widar too but the squad needs to retain them too. Put simply Widar is essential to their plans in the short term for results and longer term for even bigger ones.Jakob Sderqvist (22, Lidl-Trek/Sweden) almost won the Tour of Denmark last year but colleague and home hero Mads Pedersen got the win instead. Sderqvist had been promoted from Lidl-Treks development and won the time trial stage. The reigning U23 time trial world champion, he took the title in Kigali with a minute over the rest of the field and could have gone even faster only sat up for a victory salute. If he was only second in the U23 Paris-Roubaix, thats because he finished alongside team mate Albert Withen Philipsen for a joint triumph (pictured). The only Swede in the World Tour hes got the size and engine to make an impact this year in the classics but obviously getting a shot at a result is a big ask for a squad led by Pedersen with Milan, Nys, Withen Philipsen, Skuji and more. At 83kg hes going to be a core their classics team for years to come and already one to watch in the smaller classics to see how he handles responsibilities and distance, plus well see if he fancies any lead out work or is used earlier to chase.Embed from Getty ImagesSenna Remijn (19, Alpecin-PremierTech/Netherlands) was third in Paris-Roubaix behind Sderqvist, second in Lige-Bastogne-Lige behind Widar and all in his first year out of the juniors. Now moves to the pros still aged 19. A cyclo-cross racer too, hes an obvious classics contender but where will he specialise? Last September he finished third on a stage of the Tour of Luxembourg, after Ben Healy and stage winner Romain Grgoire had slipped the field. Remijn finished with overall winner Brandon McNulty, Matias Skjelmose, Richard Carapaz, Aurlien Paret-Peintre and Marc Hirschi (pictured). If he can keep company like this hell be invaluable to the team on hilly days as the squad has few riders suited to this terrain.A decade ago a lot of recruiters, scouts and agents looked to Colombia for the next big thing only for two Slovenians to emerge. Theres less of a dash to hire Slovenians but they are establishing themselves as a cycling country and Jakob Omrzel (19, Bahrain/Slovenia) is a new flag bearer. He didnt get into cycling to emulate Rogli or Pogaar, it was to copy his elder brother. He won the U23 Giro on the last day, overhauling Red Bulls Luke Tuckwell. He was second in the Valle dAosta to Widar but theres range because as a junior he won Paris-Roubaix. Bahrain have rushed to sign him so he may have a quiet year while he makes the jump up but look to see him helping leaders on hilly days.Embed from Getty ImagesMaxime Decomble (20, Groupama-FDJ/France) could be a ray of light for the French team which is seeing its budget fixed while rivals keep spending more. But its not all passive, the team extended contracts with Valentin Madouas and David Gaudu while letting Lenny Martinez go. Decomble has a small build and started out seeing himself as a climber but has discovered hes a rouleur. He became the French U23 TT champ in 2024 he didnt have any other big results but 2025 was very different, he lead the Tour de lAvenir for days and held on in the Alps for fifth place overall but then had the range to take bronze in the U23 TT Worlds, finish second in the Euro champs road race to Widar and sign off with the win in the U23 Paris-Tours, and earlier hed raced with the World Tour squad including third place in the Gran Camio time trial stage. From Marseille and a bit of a joker by accounts who boosts moral on the team bus and at the dinner table hell hope to bring some cheer to the squad with results too.Embed from Getty ImagesAlfred Bruce Noah Hobbs (21, EF Education-Easypost/Great Britain) to use his full name used to ride for GFDJs development team but switched to EF and the sprint results followed including three stages of the tough Tour de Bretagne last year. Hes been cycling since the age of eight which coincides with the take-off in Britain around the launch of Team Sky. At 67kg hes interesting as a new model of sprinter, lighter and able to get over short climbs, think of Paul Magnier and Matthew Brennan too. EF has Marijn van den Berg covering this role too so look for Hobbs in the pure flat finishes as he has the speed there for results this year already in bunch sprints outside the World Tour.Mattia Agostinacchio (18, EF Education-Easypost/Italy) won the junior world cyclo-cross champs in 2025 and turns pro straight out of the junior ranks, the only rider in the World Tour to do this. In signing him EF have committed to a cyclo-cross project as part of the package, a sign of the team moving to meet him and build a project. He might even have suggested the idea because when he crossed over from mountain biking to join an Italian amateur road team in 2023 he also insisted on being able to continue with mountain biking in the summer and cyclo-cross in winter. A broad talent it feels too early to know where hell specialise but, like Albert Withen Philipsen his polydiscipline approach, comparisons with Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock seem obvious.Embed from Getty ImagesUAE have only signed three riders for 2026. Kevin Vermaercke will be a versatile helper possibly able to grab a win here or there, Picnic-PostNL decided not to sign Benot Cosnefroy so the team picked him up in an autumn sale and Adria Pericas (19, UAE/Spain) is the only neo at UAE. Hes on a long deal until 2030. When Paul Seixas won the Tour du Pays de Vaud (the mini Tour de lAvenir for juniors held in Switzerland) in 2024 it was Omrzel and Pericas who were his biggest challengers. Having signed Madrids Pablo Torres last year, Pericas from Barcelona is an obvious comparison. Hes set for stage racing and has won Spanish junior time trial title. Indeed a year ago he impressed so much at the UAE team training camp he was picked for join the World Tour team for the Al Ula Tour and got a top-20 to finish as their best rider.Embed from Getty ImagesEmmanuel Houcou (22, Pinarello-Q36.5/France) comes from Martinique, the French island in the Caribbean where hes the third generation of cyclists and becomes the first from the island to join the pro ranks; Rony Martias from nearby Guadeloupe rode for Bouygues and Sojasun. A sprinter, hes won European track championship medals and can handle some longer efforts and the plan at first is to see him as a lead-out rider for Matteo Moschetti and he can learn a thing or two from Sam Bennett.There are many people called Pavel Novak (21, Movistar/Czechia) in central Europe but hes out to make a name for himself. This is an exotic signing for Movistar, their most eastern signing Sylwester Szmyd over a decade ago. The Czech rider has been knocking on the door of the pro ranks for a while and getting results in the mountains with the Colpack Italian team (then a Conti team, now ProTeam under the name MBH Bank). A stagiaire with Q36.5 and then Jayco, now he joins Movistar and apparently after a big release fee was paid to spring him. His stage win in the U23 Giro was impressive, an 85km raid that saw him catch the early breakaway and then drop them all to win solo at Prato Nevoso but he was prompted into this because his overall ambitions had dropped away. The raid was followed the next day with a third place and all this got him on the final podium. The challenge is to start replicating this in the pro ranks.And moreThats ten but Red Bull have Luke Tuckwell and Callum Thornley, with Aussie Tuckwell as the stage racer just losing out on the U23 Giro last year to Omrzel; while Scotlands Thornley promises to be the biggest cycling export from Peebles since the Velocast and is versatile, hes had top-10 on Alpine days and king of the mountains in the Tour of Britain but is big enough to be part of their classics squad too and so has plenty of options ahead.Having cited Lotto-Intermarchs Widar at the top they also sign Felix rn-Kristoff, familiar name given hes the half-brother of the freshly retired Alexander Kristoff; Simone Gualdi is a punchy rider for hillier days; Australian sprinter Matthew Fox is notable because has got a contract with Lotto the old-school way by winning a lot of amateur races and well see where he can get a chance on a team with De Lie, Menten as sprinters.Groupama-FDJ have hired Matteo Milan, kid brother of Jonathan and a similar kind of sprinter too. Visma-LAB have Tim Rex, another brother and this time of Laurenz Rex at Lotto.CommentIts not a big year for recruitment, there are only 34 first year neos joining the World Tour when the average is over 50 normally. Its no trend, just dependent on places and hiring decisions last year and next year.Increasingly the definition is blurred, the days of an amateur catching the eye of a pro team are almost over (see Matthew Fox to Lotto-Intermarch), and instead riders are nurtured on development teams and signed on long term deals and during this time they can join their squads World Tour team for some races. Now turning pro is a step along the way rather than a leap up.The flipside is some 21 year-old are abandoning the sport because if they havent moved out of an U23 team to a development squad then their career path looks like a dead end already, even if there are still counter examples like 26 year old Mattia Gaffuri (Picnic-PostNL).Looking aheadWith few turning pro and plenty waiting, a draft version of 2027s piece could be done already with Juan Felipe Rodriguez (EF/Colombia), Mateo Ramirez (UAE/Ecuador), Benjamin Noval (Ineos, Spain), Aubin Sparfel (Decathlon-CGM CMA/France), Hector Alvarez (Lidl-Trek, Spain), Ashlin Barry (Visma-LAB/USA), Lorenzo Finn (Red Bull/Italy) and Max Bock (Red Bull/Germany) names to watch among the amateur races but also when they move up for the day to race with World Tour colleagues.The post Neo-Pros To Watch For 2026 first appeared on The Inner Ring.

Dylan van Baarle, the Paris-Roubaix winner who has left Visma-Lease a Bike for Soudal QuickStep, has said both he and Simon Yates had issues with the training methods at the Dutch team. His comments come just 24 hours after reigning Giro dItalia champion Yates announced his immediate retirement from the sport. He has cut short []

Jasper Stuyven has spent his entire professional career at Lidl-Trek, over a decade, and is now for the first time moving away into a different environment. At age 33, the Belgian still has a strong word in the classics and got the trust of Soudal - Quick-Step for a three-year deal where he will be...

Soudal - Quick-Step is starting out their first season without Remco Evenepoel this decade and it's going to be a very different one. The team puts back its focus on the classics and prioritizes the sprints forward, and it will provide an opportunity for other riders to shine. "Remco spent many yea...