Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast

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.

Tadej Pogačar's surprising 2026 race plan raises questions about his targets and preparation. The hosts delve into Remco Evenepoel's early-season calendar and the risks of choosing between classics. They also discuss Ineos's new recruit, Oscar Onley, debating whether he'll be a long-term Grand Tour solution. They analyze potential Giro and Tour lineups, including riders like Almeida and Pedersen's ambitions. Plus, insights on team reconfigurations and the future of various cyclists enhance the conversation.

Delve into the future of INEOS Grenadiers with a thrilling preview of their 2026 squad. The hosts dissect their performance from 2025, spotlighting standout riders like Arensman and Ganna and debating their potential. Financial discussions around rider salaries versus results reveal intriguing insights. With hot takes on sprinter Caleb Ewan and bold predictions about new signings like Volklang and Wellsford, they outline ambitious goals for the Classics and Grand Tours. Will INEOS reclaim their former glory? Tune in for lively banter and expert analysis!

Patrick and Benji dive into the upcoming Soudal Quick-Step 2026 cycling season, reflecting on the team's 2025 performance. They discuss Remco Evenepoel's injury impact and analyze squad transitions, especially against rivals like Pogacar and Van der Poel. The hosts evaluate upcoming transfers and the potential of new signings, predicting their roles in cobbled classics and Grand Tours. They set ambitious goals for the season and debate the team's identity after Remco, while remaining optimistic about Quick-Step's future.

A major rebrand shakes up Israel Premier Tech as they transition to NSN, with discussions on sponsorship surprises and team dynamics. Geraint Thomas embarks on a new journey as Ineos' Director of Racing, raising questions about his influence. Biniam Girmay joins NSN, promising excitement for the team's ambitions. Veronica Ewers bravely shares her struggle with RED-S, highlighting the importance of awareness in cycling. Lastly, João Almeida's contract extension with UAE and the unique concept of artificial climbs for the 2028 Worlds spark lively debate.

Patrick and Benji dive into the freshly revealed Giro d'Italia 2026 route, spotlighting its start in Bulgaria. They recap the highlights from 2025, discussing crashes and key moments that impact expectations. The duo explores the sprint prospects in early stages and analyzes a challenging uphill finish on stage 2. They react to the jaw-dropping 245km Blockhouse stage and debate the riders likely to dominate. With insights on major climbs and potential GC contenders like Almeida and Vingegaard, they rate the route's variety and overall appeal.

The hosts preview the powerhouse women's team, FDJ - Suez, dissecting pivotal transfers like Demi Vollering. They critique race tactics and decisions that cost them victories. The discussion includes roster strategies for stage races versus cobble classics. Predictions for 2026 feature prominently, with a focus on Vollering's market value and future performance amid rising young talents like Célia Geri. Their humor shines through as they explore social media's impact on rider focus and discuss the challenges ahead for the team's success.