thecyclingdane

thecyclingdane

Join thecyclingdane to discuss all things cycling. From professional race previews to interviews with pros, we have you covered for your fix of cycling. Also available on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter @thecyclingdane

  1. 4D AGO

    Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Preview Show - Can Paul Seixas Beat Isaac del Toro Again?

    Itzulia Basque Country is back, and as always, it’s one of the most explosive and unpredictable stage races of the season. Running from April 6th–11th, this year’s edition opens with a punchy time trial in Bilbao before six relentless days of climbing, technical racing, and uphill finishes that will constantly pressure the GC. In this episode, we break down the full route and where the race will be won — from the steep opening TT that could already create gaps, to the brutal Stage 5 with nearly 4,000 metres of climbing, and a final day into Bergara that almost guarantees late drama. With the addition of Red Bull KM time bonuses, expect aggressive racing and constant GC movement throughout the week. Then we dive deep into the favourites. Isaac del Toro comes in as the man to beat after a sensational start to 2026, already proving he can win big stage races and handle repeated climbing efforts. Primož Roglič arrives with a point to prove after a quieter Tirreno-Adriatico and will likely race aggressively, especially on the punchy uphill finishes that suit him perfectly. Juan Ayuso is one of the biggest question marks — if he’s recovered from his crash, he has the all-around ability to win this race, but any weakness will be exposed quickly on this terrain. Meanwhile, Paul Seixas continues his rapid rise and could be on the verge of a true breakout moment at WorldTour level. Beyond the headliners, this is where Itzulia always gets dangerous. Antonio Tiberi has already shown strong stage race form this season, Tobias Halland Johannessen thrives in chaotic, climbing-heavy races, while Mikel Landa and Pello Bilbao will be hugely motivated on home roads and know exactly how to race this terrain. This race rarely follows the script — so who survives the chaos, and where does it all explode?

    34 min
  2. MAR 30

    Dwars door Vlaanderen 2026 Preview Show - Can Wout van Aert get Revenge for the 2025 Failure? Mads Pedersen Ready to Strike?

    Dwars door Vlaanderen returns in 2026, and this year’s edition feels like it carries more weight than most. Not just because it sits on the doorstep of Flanders, but because of what happened here 12 months ago. In 2025, we witnessed one of the most shocking and, frankly, embarrassing collapses from Visma | Lease a Bike. A race that looked completely under control unravelled in spectacular fashion, as Neilson Powless stunned them with a perfectly timed move that left the favourites scrambling and exposed. It wasn’t just a defeat — it was a tactical meltdown that still lingers heading into this year. Now, the story resets… but the pressure doesn’t. Wout van Aert returns. After a season disrupted by injury and recovery, he lines up not just to compete, but to remind everyone who he is on these roads. Dwars door Vlaanderen has unfinished business for him, and you can be sure he hasn’t forgotten. But he’s not alone in that mindset. Mads Pedersen also arrives with something to prove. After battling his way back from setbacks, the Dane is chasing that cobblestone moment — the kind that defines a spring. He’s been close before, but this feels like a pivotal opportunity to turn resilience into victory. This preview episode breaks down everything you need to know: the key contenders, the tactical dynamics, the critical sectors, and whether Visma can avoid another nightmare — or if the ghosts of 2025 will resurface. Because in a race like Dwars door Vlaanderen, control is an illusion… and history has a way of repeating itself.

    21 min
4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

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Join thecyclingdane to discuss all things cycling. From professional race previews to interviews with pros, we have you covered for your fix of cycling. Also available on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter @thecyclingdane

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