Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast

The season kicks off with a thrilling recap of the Women’s Tour Down Under, highlighting Noemi Rook's tactical masterclass. Get ready for a preview of the Men’s TDU, with insights on sprinter matchups and key climbs. The hosts delve into the 2027 Tour de France's UK route and its implications for sprinters. Also discussed: the brutal new climb revealed in the UAE Tour and the critique of a Red Bull photoshoot. Don't miss the innovative airbag safety tech demonstration that's changing cycling!

Patrick and Benji dive deep into Team Visma's future, previewing their strategies for 2026. They analyze the impact of Simon Yates' recent retirement and discuss potential replacements. The hosts dissect Visma's performance, from missed opportunities in the classics to evaluating new signings like Timo Kielich. They also explore plans for upcoming races, including the Giro and Tour, while addressing budget constraints amidst fierce competition. Hot takes on season predictions add an extra layer of excitement to their analysis!

The podcast dives into the NSN Cycling Team's rebrand and the recent exit of Sylvan Adams. It covers the drama around Derek Gee's contract dispute and the team's notable performances from the 2025 season. The hosts discuss new signings like Biniam Girmay and how he could impact their classics and sprint strategies. They also evaluate the team's thin Grand Tour lineup and their upcoming objectives for 2026, emphasizing a shift toward sprinting and classics competitiveness. Insights into roster changes and youth developments keep the conversation lively.

Patrick and Benji dive into Movistar Team's rocky 2025 season, highlighting their struggles with wins and Grand Tour performances. They shine a light on promising young talents and discuss the team's recruitment challenges and recent signings' fit. Key organizational changes and leadership roles are analyzed, alongside ambitious plans for 2026, including targeted wins and Grand Tour strategies. With humor and insights, they reflect on racing observations, leaving listeners eager for what lies ahead in cycling.

The hosts dive into Oscar Onley's exciting transfer to INEOS, exploring the fallout and financial implications. They debate whether the move was smooth or contentious and assess Onley's value in the current cycling market. Shifting gears, they examine the merger of Lotto and Intermarché, discussing past performances and future strategies. With a focus on their 2026 goals, they outline the challenges the new team faces and predict upcoming wins. Tune in for insightful analyses and bold predictions!

Dive into a fascinating listener Q&A as the hosts explore whether Pogacar could win on any team and debate the intricacies of grand tour design. They discuss the role and length of time trials, the importance of mountain stages, and how team dynamics can shape a rider's success. Don't miss their thoughts on underrated riders and pivotal moments in cycling. Plus, find out where a rising star should develop talent and their reflections on the cycling community as they gear up for an exciting 2026!

Patrick and Benji dive into UAE Team Emirates' record-breaking 97-win season, spotlighting Tadej Pogacar's monument dominance. They discuss racing strategies for Milano–Sanremo and the implications of team changes, including losses of Micah and Ayuso. Exciting new signings and salary developments are examined, alongside potential weaknesses in classics support. The hosts predict if the team can maintain their victory momentum in 2026 and assess promising young riders to keep an eye on.

Patrick and Benji dive into the future of Alpecin - Premier Tech, analyzing team dynamics and key player training camps. They discuss high-profile departures and new signings, debating their impact on the squad's performance. The spotlight shines on Jasper Philipsen and the rising talent Senna Remain. The hosts set ambitious race goals while weighing the importance of Van der Poel's role. With bold predictions floating around, the banter is as lively as the cycling world they follow!

Dive into the future of Groupama–FDJ United as Patrick and Benji discuss the leadership shift with Marc Madiot's exit. They recap the 2025 season's highlights and dissect the team's classics performance. The duo critiques missed opportunities in Grand Tours and explores the impact of key rider departures. Fresh talent is on the horizon, but budget constraints pose challenges. As they outline ambitious 2026 goals, they also compare FDJ's strengths and weaknesses against other WorldTour teams. Finally, potential sponsors are pitched as vital for the team's survival.

Patrick and Benji dive into the exciting Vuelta a España 2026 route, exploring its heat concerns and wonder if politics influenced its geography. They analyze the unique character of the race, debating the lack of classic breakaway stages and the potential for thrilling mountaintop finishes. As they preview stage-by-stage, they highlight possible sprinter outcomes, analyze crucial climbs, and speculate on wildcard teams. With excitement building, they summarize the opportunities for breakaways and discuss how the late stages could shake up the general classification.