As EUROTRASH looks forward to ‘La Primavera’ in the TOP STORY with the start-lists, routes and maps, we also have video, reports, results and rider quotes from Milan-Turin and the men’s and women’s Danilith Nokere Koerse.
TOP STORY:
- All the info you need for Milano-Sanremo and Sanremo Women
Rider news:
- Biniam Girmay starts Milano-Sanremo with extra altitude training
- Patrick Lefevere names the hobby that was banned for his riders
- New setback for Cian Uijtdebroeks
- Jonas Vingegaard not fit in time for the Tour of Catalonia
- Thymen Arensman on the final podium of Paris-Nice: “I feel like I’ve become a year stronger”
- Visma | Lease a Bike has bad news about Christophe Laporte
- Egan Bernal to make comeback next week after broken collarbone
- Patrick Lefevere looks back on Julian Alaphilippe’s painful farewell
- Kristen Faulkner starts 2025 at Milano-Sanremo
Team news:
- Tadej Pogačar set to lead UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Milano-Sanremo
- Belgian tax authorities demand one billion euros from Quick-Step’s parent company
- Next races for Team Picnic PostNL
Race news:
- New American stage race in 2026
- Tour de France to start twice in UK in 2027
- Barcelona stage of the Tour of Catalonia shortened
- LOTTO Thuringia Ladies Tour cancelled this year
- The Tour de France signs up with Basic-Fit for four years
Thursday coffee time.
TOP STORY: Milano-Sanremo and Sanremo Women Entry Lists have Been Announced
Many stars are expected at the start on Saturday, March 22, in Genoa and Pavia. Among the men, number one Jasper Philipsen will try to defend his title but will face strong rivals such as Tadej Pogacar, Filippo Ganna, Jonathan Milan, Mads Pedersen, Thomas Pidcock, and Mathieu Van der Poel. For the women, world champion Lotte Kopecky will make her season debut. Also announced at the start are Demi Vollering, Elisa Longo Borghini, Elisa Balsamo, Marianne Vos, Kristen Faulkner, and Lorena Wiebes.
Downloads:
- Milano-Sanremo presented by Crédit Agricole Entry List
- Sanremo Women presented by Crédit Agricole Entry List
- Roadbook
- Maps
The countdown is on for March 22, the day of the Milano-Sanremo presented by Crédit Agricole, now in its 116th edition, and the Sanremo Women presented by Crédit Agricole, returning to the calendar after a 20-year absence. The official entry lists for both races were released today.
Milano-Sanremo Presented by Crédit Agricole
He is the most anticipated man. Tadej Pogačar has repeatedly expressed his desire to win the Classicissima, one of the two Monument Classics missing from his already impressive palmarès. Over the past three years, the Slovenian has shown steady progress, finishing 5th in 2022, 4th in 2023, and stepping onto the podium for the first time in 2024, where he placed behind Jasper Philipsen and Michael Matthews. The Belgian will start with the number 1 bib, in an Alpecin-Deceuninck team that also features the 2023 edition winner, Mathieu Van der Poel. Filippo Ganna and Jonathan Milan, both standout performers at Tirreno Adriatico, will lead Italian hopes, with Lidl-Trek’s sprinter sharing leadership duties with Mads Pedersen. Alongside the aforementioned Matthews, riders in great form to watch include Thomas Pidcock, Stefan Küng, Magnus Cort Nielsen, Maxim Van Gils, and Olav Kooij. Also announced at the start are former race winners such as John Degenkolb (2015), Michał Kwiatkowski (2017), Julian Alaphilippe (2019), Jasper Stuyven (2021), and Matej Mohorič (2022).
The Route
The 2025 Milano-Sanremo starts in Pavia and heads north towards Milan before reaching the Certosa, where it joins the traditional route. The race passes through Casteggio and Voghera before taking another detour through the region, reaching Rivanazzano and Salice Terme, before merging back onto the classic course at Tortona, taking the route that has connected Milan to the Riviera di Ponente for over 110 years, through Ovada and the Passo del Turchino, dropping into Genoa in Voltri. From there, it rolls westwards, by the sea, following the Statale Aurelia through Varazze, Savona, Albenga (avoiding the Manie climb, which only featured in the route from 2008 to 2013) and Imperia. In San Lorenzo al Mare, past the classic sequence of the Capi (Mele, Cervo and Berta), the peloton will negotiate the two climbs that have entered the race route in recent decades: the Cipressa (1982) and the Poggio di Sanremo (1961). The Cipressa is just over 5.6 km long with a gradient of 4.1%. The highly testing descent leads back down to SS 1 Aurelia.
Final kilometres
The ascent of Poggio di Sanremo begins with 9 km remaining to the finish (3.7 km, average gradient less than 4%, maximum 8% in the segment before getting to the top of the climb). The road is slightly narrower, with 4 hairpin turns in the first 2 km. The descent is testing, on asphalt switchback roads, narrow at points and with twists and turns as far as the junction with SS 1 Aurelia. The final part of the descent enters urban Sanremo. The last 2 km are on long, straight urban roads. There is a left-hand bend on a roundabout 850 m from the finish line. The last bend, leading into the home straight on the Via Roma, is 750 m from the finish line.
Sanremo Women Presented by Crédit Agricole
A stellar return to the calendar for the Sanremo Women presented by Crédit Agricole, which will feature the very best of women’s cycling at the start line. Wearing the number 1 bib will be Lotte Kopecky, who has chosen the Classicissima to make her season debut in a 2025 packed with big goals. The two-time world champion will count on Lorena Wiebes, already a four-time winner this season, as a strong ally against her rivals—starting with her former teammate Demi Vollering, winner of the Strade Bianche Women Elite. Among the Dutch contenders, Marianne Vos is another key name to watch, as she shares team leadership with Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. Italian fans will be eagerly awaiting Elisa Longo Borghini, fresh off her UAE Tour Women victory, and Elisa Balsamo, who claimed success at the Trofeo Binda last Sunday. Also announced at the start are Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner, Tour de France Femmes winner Katarzyna Niewiadoma, and U23 world champion Puck Pieterse.
The Route
The route of the Sanremo Women starts in Genova, crosses the area of the Porto Antico (the old harbour), runs around the Polcevera stream and reaches Sestri Ponente, where it enters the Statale Aurelia. After a few kilometres, in Voltri, the race merges with the men’s course, following it all the way to the finish, along the route that has connected Milan to Sanremo for over 110 years. The route continues westwards, by the sea, following the Statale Aurelia through Varazze, Savona, Albenga and Imperia. In San Lorenzo al Mare, past the classic sequence of the Capi (Mele, Cervo and Berta), the peloton will negotiate the two climbs that have entered the race route in recent decades: the Cipressa (1982) and the Poggio di Sanremo (1961). The Cipressa is 5.6 km long with a gradient of 4.1%. The highly testing descent leads back down to SS 1 Aurelia.
The final kms follow exactly the same course as the men’s race.
Demi Vollering for the win in Sanremo?
Milan-Turin 2025
Isaac Del Toro (UAE Emirates) won Milan-Turin on Wednesday. The oldest cycle race in the world ended in 2025 for the first time in years on the Colle di Superga. Ben Tulett (Visma | Lease a Bike) and Tobias Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) were second and third behind Del Toro.
This year, Milan-Turin had a good field of starters, despite it being three days before Milan-Sanremo: Richard Carapaz, Marc Hirschi and Adam Yates were all there, as were the Unibet Tietema Rockets with Giovanni Carboni, who had been given a ‘wildcard’ by RCS Sport. The race had a flat approach to the two climbs of the Colle di Superga (4.2km at 9.2%) in the last 20 kilometres.
Mattia Bais, Kristian Sbaragli, Davide Baldaccini, Jonas Rutsch and the 41-year-old Japanese rider, Nariyuki Masuda, the second oldest participant ever, escaped. The five rode well together, but, with the exception of Rutsch, would not survive the first passage of the Superga. The 27-year-old Rutsch held his ground in the kilometres after the Superga and extended his lead to about 25 seconds, but he had no chance in the finale and was caught with 4.5 kilometres, just as Alessandro Covi attacked. The Italian of UAE Emirates XRG created a gap with Florian Stork, but would soon be caught by a group of favourites, who he would then set the pace for.
Adam Yates made an acceleration, thinning the group to six riders, including teammate Isaac del Toro, Ben Tulett, Tobias Johannessen, Einer Rubio and Jefferson Cepeda. In the last kilometre and a half, Hirschi and Lorenzo Fortunato, managed to rejoined, but they would have no chance after Del Toro’s decisive attack. The Mexican was the last man for UAE Emirates XRG and after his attack only Tulett and Johannessen could go with him. Of them, Del Toro had the best legs. Ben Tulett finished a respectable second, with Tobias Halland Johannessen third.
Race winner, Isaac Del Toro (UAE Emirates XRG): “I’m very young so it’s not up to me to dictate the tactic but if the team is confident in me for a race like today, I’m more than happy. It makes me incredibly happy that someone like Adam [Yates], or [Vegard Stake] Laengen or [Alessandro] Covi work for me. It’s hard for me to believe. What I’m doing is a dream. This is the first race I win in Italy, a country where I arrived at 16, 17 years old, it’s a big success for me, for my country, for my family… I always race far away from home and yet I get a lot of support from people from Italy, France, Spain, etc, I’m very grateful. I’ve wanted to thank everyone with a reverence on the finish line today. I woke up this morning with clear ideas that I could make it today. I had the legs. Now I have Milano-Sanremo in mind. I’ll take my responsibilities to help Tadej Pogačar.”
2nd, Ben Tulett (Visma | Lease a Bike): “It’s such a good finish here. Of course it can be brutal as well. It made it for a very hard racing today. It was a very hard final. UAE Team Emirates set a very hard tempo with Adam Yates when we hit these local laps. We could expect them to have a very strong line up today. The strong competition from them was expected. Chapeau to them, they put it off. Every race for me is important. It’s nice to be on the podium even though I’m a bit disappointed that I couldn’t get the victory but we can be satisfied with the performance today and we can bring to the coming races.”
3rd, Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility): “To ride here in Italy is always special. In the past, I loved watching Milano-Torino on television. With the Superga finish, it looks super cool, so to do it today and be on the podium is beyond my expectation. In the end I was so focused on trying to win that I went a bit too early. I should have waited. There were two guys who were stronger than me, so I’m happy with third place and it’s another morale booster for Saturday. We took one of our biggest victories at Tirreno Adriatico with Fredrik Dversnes. Now we just try to follow that up. Today we went all in for the victory. We rode with our heart. We can be happy with that. We’ll go with the full squad to Milano-Sanremo with the same motivation.”
Milan-Turin Result:
1. Isaac Del Toro Romero (Mex) UAE Emirates XRG in 3:56:49
2. Ben Tulett (GB) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:01
3. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:09
4. Adam Yates (GB) UAE Emirates XRG at 0:24
5. Einer Rubio Reyes (Col) Movistar at 0:27
6. Anders Halland Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:34
7. Jefferson Alexander Cepeda (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost at 37
8. Lorenzo Fortunato (Ita) XDS Astana at 0:38
9. Harold Martin Lopez Granizo (Ecu) XDS Astana at 0:40
10. Michael Storer (Aus) Tudor at 0:41.
Milan-Turin’25:
Danilith Nokere Koerse – Men 2025
Nils Eekhoff surprisingly won Nokere Koerse on Wednesday. Six weeks after his bad crash in the AlUla Tour, the Picnic PostNL rider won the Belgian semi-Classic in his first race back. Matteo Moschetti (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) was second and Luke Lamperti (Soudal Quick-Step) was third. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) crashed in the final metres and had to leave the race in an ambulance.
The 2025 Nokere Koerse had a new finish on the other side of the Nokereberg and it was expected that a strong sprinter would win the day. The race had an early break that was given space by the peloton: Lennert Teugels (Tarteletto-Isorex), Alex Colman (Team Flanders-Baloise), Tukker Jelle Johannink (Unibet Tietema Rockets) and Rasmus Bøgh Wallin (Uno-X Mobility). The three, Colman would drop out in the finale, would continue to near the finish with a small lead. Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Jonas Rickaert and Jasper Philipsen split the peloton. With 38 kilometres to go, Philipsen thinned the peloton down to a four riders and dropped Arnaud De Lie. After the cobbled section, the rest of the peloton closed up again and went quiet, the gap to the leading group remained intact for a long time. Of the three in front, Teugels was the first to be dropped, after which Johannink also had to let go, leaving Bøgh Wallin on his own with 27 kilometres to go. The strong Dane was only caught with 11 kilometres to go.
In the last 10 kilometres, Philipsen rode the peloton apart on the cobbles. The Belgian had about 10 riders with him, including two riders from Unibet Tietema Rockets; Tomas Kopecky and Lukas Kubis. Cees Bol, Hugo Hofstetter and Florian Vermeersch were also with him. Despite Kopecky’s hard work, the favourites group didn’t stay away in the last kilometres. The 2025 Nokere Koerse would end in a sprint, like previous years. Philipsen would not take the victory on Wednesday despite his strength. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider crashed with 400 meters to go and had to go in an ambulance after the finish. The win went to Nils Eekhoff. The Dutchman delivered a solid sprint on the Nokereberg from the front and surprisingly won Nokere Koerse. Eekhoff would hold off Matteo Moschetti and Luke Lamperti. This was more than welcome for Eekhoff, after his hard crash in the AlUla Tour, which left him with a fractured jaw and a broken tooth.
Race winner, Nils Eekhoff (Team Picnic PostNL): “It’s a pretty important win, it’s my first pro win in a stage that’s not just a TT. I’m really happy to finish it off today; we rode well as a team throughout I think. It was a couple of hard weeks after the crash in AlUla Tour but we got through it and I’m pretty stoked to make this comeback. It was a long drag on the uphill and I was positioning Pavel. The guys in front of me went from far and then they started dying on the wheels a bit. I waited for a while and then just went for it and it didn’t look back. I’m really happy to take this win with the team, it means a lot.”
2nd, Matteo Moschetti (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team): “The team got me in the right position after the last cobbled sector. When Nils Eekhoff launched the sprint I was on his wheel and that’s where I wanted to be. It was a really hard sprint to be honest. He launched the sprint early so I waited and waited to try and save a bit and then pass him in the final but it was really full gas. As a rider you always want to win but sometimes second place isn’t too bad either.”
3rd, Luke Lamperti (Soudal Quick-Step): “I am quite happy, to be honest, because you never know how things go on your first race of the season and how the form is. Today things were hectic, there was a lot of nervousness in the peloton, but the team did a great job and thanks to them I could do my sprint and get this podium. It’s a nice way to start my season and it gives me a lot of confidence.”
Danilith Nokere Koerse – Men Result:
1. Nils Eekhoff (Ned) Team Picnic PostNL in 4:17:33
2. Matteo Moschetti (Ita) Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team
3. Luke Lamperti (USA) Soudal Quick-Step
4. Milan Fretin (Bel) Cofidis
5. Milan Menten (Bel) Lotto
6. Piet Allegaert (Bel) Cofidis
7. Lewis Askey (GB) Groupama-FDJ
8. Alberto Dainese (Ita) Tudor
9. Lukas Kubis (Slo) Unibet Tietema Rockets
10. Hugo Hofstetter (Fra) Israel-Premier Tech.
Nokere Koerse’25:
Danilith Nokere Koerse – Women 2025
The sixth Danilith Nokere Koerse for women was won by Marta Lach. In the absence of the top women and former winners Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, the Polish rider of SD Worx-Protime, took the victory. She beat Linda Zanetti (Uno-X Mobility) and Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ) on the difficult Waregemsestraat.
The finish on Nokereberg has changed and the top riders, including last year’s winner, Lotte Kopecky were not there, but it still promised to be an interesting race. Lorena Wiebes, who won the first edition in 2019 and was also the best in 2022, was not at the start, Amy Pieters, 2021 winner, was forced to end her career after a terrible crash and Lotte Kopecky, winner in 2023 and 2024 also didn’t show up.
The first serious attack of the day was by Marie-Morgane Le Deunff. The French rider of Winspace Orange Seal, built up a lead of about 20 seconds. However, her attack didn’t last long. Then it was a long wait for the next acceleration from the peloton. There were some attacks, but it proved particularly difficult to actually get away. At one point, Swedish rider, Stina Kagevi (Coop-Repsol) managed to go solo. Kagevi’s lead rose to over 1 minute. With this lead, Kagevi started the last 50 kilometres. This was the signal for the peloton to increase the pace. The nervousness also increased and this caused a crash on one of the cobbled sections. Zoë Backstedt, one of the favourites, was held up for a while. The British rider of Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto had to dig deep, but managed to reconnect.
Kagevi held on surprisingly well for a long time. Due to the many changes of pace in the peloton, the Swedish rider’s lead kept fluctuating around 30 seconds. At the start of the last 20 kilometres, Kagevi’s solo was over. A bunch sprint was still possible at that moment, but several riders attacked. Finnish rider, Anniina Ahtosalo put in a few moves, but the route was not difficult enough to get away. Although, Anna Henderson attacked on one of the last cobbled sections
The British rider of Lidl-Trek quickly created a gap of 10 seconds and so the thinned out peloton had to chase. Under the impetus of Bäckstedt, the gap was closed again 7 kilometres from the finish. In the final kilometres, all remaining sprint-trains got ready for the gallop. The last cobbled section to Nokere, the Herlegemstraat, would not force a decision either. It would all happen in the last treacherous kilometre on the Waregemsestraat, with its average gradient of 4%. In the sprint, many riders came to a standstill, but Marta Lach still had an explosion in her legs. With a well-timed sprint, she caught Linda Zanetti and held her off. The Swiss rider crossed the finish line in second place, ahead of the Irish rider, Lara Gillespie, who had to come from too far back.
Race winner, Marta Lach (SD Worx-Protime): “I can hardly believe that I have just won Danilith Nokere Koerse. This is a beautiful classic and then to get the confidence of a team like Team SD Worx-Protime in such a race is fantastic. I felt I had good legs. In the bus I heard that they would pull my card, which gave confidence. Even during the final, Barbara Guarischi repeatedly told me to believe in it because I could win. It was a long tricky sprint. Those last kilometres were long. In my ear piece, I was pushed forward. I kept pushing until I saw the line. I like to make the sprint long. When I saw I won, I could hardly believe it. This feels fantastic. It’s a wonderful race to have on your record. I am incredibly grateful to the team for the trust, support and dedication. So I am happy to dedicate the win to all the team. This is very motivating towards Milan-Sanremo where we want to fight for victory again with the team.”
3rd, Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ): “I really enjoyed this race, I love this course. I felt good today, but I had to work a lot after a crash, and there were so many crashes and riders to navigate around. Despite that, the team did a fantastic job in the final, especially Tereza and Sofia, who supported me perfectly. I felt really strong in the sprint, but once again, the finish line came just a little too soon for me.”
Danilith Nokere Koerse – Women Result:
1. Marta Lach (Pol) SD Worx-Protime in 3:25:50
2. Linda Zanetti (Sui) Uno-X Mobility
3. Lara Gillespie (Irl) UAE Team ADQ
4. Marjolein Van ‘t Geloof (Ned) Arkéa-B&B Hotels Women
5. Marie Le Net (Fra) FDJ-SUEZ
6. Ilse Pluimers (Ned) AG Insurance-Soudal
7. Nicole Steigenga (Ned) AG Insurance-Soudal
8. Victoire Berteau (Fra) Cofidis
9. Nienke Veenhoven (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
10. Sarah Roy (Aus) EF Education-Oatly.
Nokere Koerse’25:
Biniam Girmay Starts Milan-Sanremo with Extra Altitude Training
Biniam Girmay has not raced for a month due to his wife giving birth, but will make his comeback in Milan-Sanremo on Saturday. He has ambition, despite a lack of race rhythm. According to his team, the Eritrean is well prepared.
Girmay had the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and Tirreno-Adriatico on his programme in March. However, together with his team, he decided to skip those races so that he could go to Eritrea to be with his family. His wife Selam Hizkel gave birth to a daughter just before the Omloop. It is their second child: their first daughter was born in 2021.
Girmay will make his comeback on Saturday, one month after his last race, the Volta ao Algarve, in Milan-Sanremo. “Without a doubt, the Monument he dreams of the most this year,” said Maxime Segers, COO of Intermarché-Wanty, in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad.
The team is not worried about the form of their rider. “During his absence from the peloton, he was able to do his thing at home. You can consider it an extra altitude training camp. He trained well, did everything the trainers asked and his values are also fine. He returned to Europe on Monday and flew straight to Milan. This means he can explore the course a bit more in the coming days.”
Although the competition is fierce with Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, Intermarché-Wanty has every confidence in Girmay. “Bini is not a Pogačar, but he already achieved some nice places of honour at the beginning of this season and has already shown several times that he can perform well immediately after a training period in his own country. On the Poggio he came up just short in recent years, but on the descent he always ended up in a nice group. We hope to see him go with the very best this time.”
Biniam Girmay for Sanremo:
Patrick Lefevere Banned his Riders from Motorbikes
Some cyclists enjoy other activities that involve high speed, besides cycle racing, maybe motorcycling. But the riders who rode in Patrick Lefevere’s teams had to forget the other two wheel sport, the one with an engine. The former team manager of Soudal Quick-Step forbade his riders to go on motorbike rides. Lefevere told Speed On Wheels, podcast by Rob van Gameren and Niki Terpstra.
“It’s dangerous,” said Lefevere. “Especially in the winter. They’re young, they want to do something, but… I’ve never seen many good things with motorcycling. I had a team manager, Wilfried Peeters, who once called me to say that he’d broken his elbow. I asked: ‘How did you do that?’ He replied that he’d been mountain biking. I said: ‘One with a motor on it, right?’ It turned out that he’d fallen in the woods with a dirt bike.”
Motorcycling was an absolute no go. But the contracts of riders who signed with Lefevere contained more things they were not allowed to do. “Dangerous sports, like skiing. I also watched TV again this week: fifteen people had to fly back because they had broken something. Especially now, when the weather is really good, the snow melts in the afternoon. Then it starts to freeze again. That makes it very dangerous.”
But Lefevere was not equally strict about everything. “Jumping out of a plane, they can do that as far as I’m concerned. If the parachute doesn’t open, I’m done for,” joked the ex-boss, who also allowed Niki Terpstra to continue his hobby of car racing. “That’s not as dangerous as racing.”
No motorbikes for Lefevere’s men, but Terpstra could race cars:
New setback for Cian Uijtdebroeks
Cian Uijtdebroeks didn’t finish Tirreno-Adriatico. The Belgian hoped to perform well in the Italian stage race, but he left the race with many doubts and a dull feeling in his legs again. The young climber was upset after the Queen stage, but his Visma | Lease a Bike team isn’t worried, yet.
Uijtdebroeks started Tirreno-Adriatico with a lot of hope, but after Saturday’s stage the 22-year-old was bothered by his old injury again. “I had to deal with the symptoms of last year again,” an emotional Uijtdebroeks said afterwards to Sporza. “My heart rate was 150, but I didn’t make any progress and had that dull feeling in my legs again. It’s a repeat of what happened to me last year. That sucks.”
A day later, there seemed to be no improvement. Uijtdebroeks had to let go of the peloton on a small climb after 40 kilometres and abandoned the race not much later. “His morale is now below zero, that’s normal,” team DS Maarten Wynants told Sporza. “Sunday also didn’t go well, so it’s far from all sweetness and light. He’s having back problems again, but for the rest it’s difficult to put your finger on the problem. First wash away this disappointment and then look further.”
Team manager Richard Plugge remains optimistic. “I’m not really worried. Cian is a very young boy. We have to slowly build on his form and the way he races. He rode a really good climb on Saturday, as crazy as that may sound. He can also reflect on the successes he has achieved.” The Dutch team mainly looks at the bigger picture. “Cian still has to grow and that takes time,” said Plugge. “We are known for making riders better and with him too we will grow step by step to a higher level. He needs the time that everyone needs at that age.”
Problems again for Cian Uijtdebroeks:
Jonas Vingegaard Not Fit in Time for the Tour of Catalonia
Bad news for Visma | Lease a Bike and Jonas Vingegaard. The Dane will not start the Tour of Catalonia next week. The two-time Tour winner crashed in Paris-Nice and is still suffering from the crash.
“Jonas Vingegaard has not yet recovered sufficiently from his crash in Paris-Nice”, his team wrote on social media. “He will therefore not start in the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. We wish him a speedy recovery!”
Vingegaard crashed in the fifth stage of Paris-Nice. After his crash, the Dane struggled with dizziness, pain in his face and hand. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old Tour rider got back on his bike and managed to limit the damage at the finish, but Vingegaard was fighting back tears and was clearly in a lot of pain after the finish. Later that evening, Visma | Lease a Bike provided an update that the Dane had bruised his hand. After a night’s sleep, the medical staff decided that Vingegaard would be better off going home to recover from his crash and focus on his next goals.
The next race on his original programme was the Tour of Catalonia (24-30 March), but this race comes too early for the Visma | Lease a Bike rider. He was supposed to go on holiday after the Tour of Catalonia and not race until the Critérium du Dauphiné (8-15 June).
Visma | Lease a Bike will have to do without its intended leader in the Tour of Catalonia, but it does have two strong GC riders in reserve: Simon Yates and Sepp Kuss. Steven Kruijswijk, Wilco Kelderman, Bart Lemmen, Matthew Brennan and Menno Huising will also be in the team.
Thymen Arensman: “I Feel Like I’ve Become a Year Stronger”
Thymen Arensman finished third overall in Paris-Nice on Sunday. An top result for the 25-year-old Dutchman, but he doesn’t see his podium finish as a breakthrough moment. “It was a really good day,” Arensman said via INEOS Grenadiers’ social media. “Magnus wins the stage, which is a great result for the team. And in the classification we finished third, fourth (Sheffield) and ninth (Foss). I think this was a successful day and a successful week for the team. I’m really happy with it.”
INEOS started the final stage to Nice with a clear plan. “And everyone was really committed to that plan. We rode hard from the start to isolate the other leaders. Everyone did a great job. In the final, we were still in front with three men and we could play our cards.” While Sheffield chose to attack and solo to victory, Arensman held his place in a group with his closest competitors. “I had pretty good legs. I was always in control and followed the attacks. The fact that we eventually finished third and fourth in the classification is super nice. Especially because everyone in the team had a role in this.”
Arensman doesn’t see the result as a breakthrough moment. “I wouldn’t say that. I have already ridden on the podium in a WorldTour race,” his second place in the Tour of Poland 2022. “But another podium place like that is very nice. Especially in Paris-Nice. I feel that I have become a year older and stronger. Hopefully I can gain a few extra percent towards the Giro with an altitude training camp. In a Grand Tour, I can always get a few extra percent out of myself, so we will see what happens.”
Paris-Nice was also not necessarily a revolution for INEOS Grenadiers, which has had a hard time in recent years, according to Arensman. The team has been on an upward trend for some time. “We have been racing this way since the first race of the new season. We started the season very well. It is simply a very nice result. It is something that naturally follows when you race this way. If you do the basic things well, enjoy what you do and race aggressively, as we are doing now, the results will follow automatically.”
Thymen Arensman has got stronger:
Visma | Lease a Bike has Bad News about Christophe Laporte
Christophe Laporte may miss the spring Classics. The 32-year-old Frenchman of the Visma | Lease a Bike team is still unable to complete his intended training schedule, which means that his previously hoped-for comeback in Milan-Sanremo will not go ahead. Laporte is not in good shape and a return to competition is not imminent, team manager Maarten Wynants confirmed to WielerFlits.
After a strong start to last season, the 32-year-old Frenchman didn’t finish the 2024 Milan-Sanremo due to stomach flu and saddle pain. Laporte then saw his entire spring Classics disappear, except for Paris-Roubaix. This year, it is questionable whether he will be able to ride Roubaix. “Christophe is not fit enough to race,” said team DS Maarten Wynants, who will be working at Milan-Sanremo on Saturday with Visma | Lease a Bike. “And actually, we can’t really set a date for when he will return. We hope as soon as possible, of course, but Christophe also has to be good enough before he can return to competition.”
Before the Opening Weekend, Grischa Niermann said that Laporte was not yet able to do the training sessions that the team wanted him to complete. But they did hope for a return to La Primavera. However, the verdict is that the Frenchman is still not fully fit. “He is not fit enough for that either,” Wynants says. “That is where it starts. He has to be fit enough to be able to train first. Or are they the after-effects of his serious virus infection? I am not allowed to elaborate on medical matters based on privacy legislation. That is difficult these days. Let me put it this way: his problem has not yet been solved.”
With Paris-Roubaix in 26 days and all the other major spring Classics for Laporte also falling in there, it looks like his entire spring is ruined. “But we can’t really say anything concrete about that at the moment,” said the Belgian team DS. “We still hope that he will be able to ride part of the race, but that is difficult to say. I know that the public and journalists would like to hear about the chance in percentages. We can’t do that. Christophe has to be fit first and then we can only load him 100%. It will all depend on how quickly that happens. Where he is now? That is difficult to say.”
When will Laporte return?
Egan Bernal to Race Next Week
Egan Bernal will make his comeback next week in the Tour of Catalonia (24-30 March), he told ESPN Ciclismo. The INEOS Grenadiers Colombian broke his collarbone in the Clásica Jaén, but is ready to race again a month later. He also confirmed that the Giro d’Italia is still on his schedule.
The year started off well for Bernal. He won his first two races of the season; the Colombian time trial and road championships. He wanted to continue his top form in the Clásica Jaén (17th February). The Colombian climber was still in the running for the prizes, but then Bernal crashed and had to abandon the race. He turned out to have broken his collarbone and had to forget Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico. The 2018 Tour winner didn’t lose much training time, he told ESPN Ciclismo. “Three days after my surgery, I was back on the bike and resumed training, despite some reservations from the doctors,” Bernal said. “At the moment I feel very good. And the figures are also good. Although the body still has to process the anaesthesia and medication as a result of the surgery and the accident.”
Bernal back next week:
Patrick Lefevere Looks Back on Julian Alaphilippe’s Painful Farewell
Julian Alaphilippe now rides for Tudor Pro Cycling, but before that he rode for Soudal Quick-Step (and the team’s previous incarnations) for eleven seasons. Under the wing of team manager Patrick Levere, the Frenchman grew into a double World champion, but his last years with the team were less successful. Lefevere looked back on this time.
The former CEO of Soudal Quick-Step was speaking on Speed On Wheels, a podcast by Rob van Gameren and Niki Terpstra. Alaphilippe was the superstar in Lefevere’s team for a long time. The Frenchman almost won the Tour de France in 2019, and he was World champion two years in a row in 2020 and 2021 and many other wins.
In recent years, Alaphilippe’s performances were not so big and Lefevere was often critical on the Frenchman in the media. “I may have gone a bit too far in that, but it was the truth,” Lefevere now says. “But you can’t tell the truth. Julian was paid very well, really very well. Then I think, if you really don’t perform for two years and you know what’s going on outside the race, that you have to say something about it.”
“I then demanded that his wife (Tour de France Femmes director Marion Rousse) and manager come. I said: If this happens again, I’ll just stick you to the wall. He did his best after that, but it didn’t work out. At the time, I told his manager: I’m not an idiot, let’s sit down. I’ll give him a contract for one more year, but then the price has to be reduced. He didn’t want that and then it stops.” This ended a long and generally successful collaboration. “Watch out, I was also a fan of Julian. I discovered him with Molly (rider scout Johan Molly) and saw him grow as a rider. Then you give him a three-year contract for a lot of money. At that time, he was worth it, based on his performances. Only, it didn’t work out. Then I get difficult. Did it hurt? Yes, because you know: I pay so much, but it doesn’t work out. With part of the money I could have also signed another rider. You have to be clear. If you spend so much on a rider, you can’t buy another rider.”
Lefevere also spoke of Alaphilippe’s last months with Soudal Quick-Step. “At a certain point you start counting down. That you think: phew, okay, I’m done. We did talk to each other, but yeah… You do feel that something is broken.”
Lefevere said goodbye to Alaphilippe with a heavy heart: He was not just any rider:
Kristen Faulkner Starts 2025 at Milano-Sanremo
The Olympic champion will then race at the Ardennes and the Vuelta
After delaying the start of her 2025 season in order to recover from a concussion, Kristen Faulkner is excited for her first race of the year: Milano-Sanremo.
“I’m finally feeling better, which is so nice,” Kristen said regarding the concussion she suffered after a crash while training last December. “The recovery process was very up and down. I thought I was good and then I went to team camp and I had to leave team camp early. From the team’s standpoint, it was better just to make sure I was fully recovered and not put a timeline on it, not put pressure on me to perform at any upcoming race. Just be 100 percent healthy and ready by the time I get back. I felt like I was allowed to let my body heal on its own timeline which is really important. I appreciate that the team said, ‘No pressure. Let’s let your body do what it’s going to do and we’ll put you in racing when you’re healthy.’ So I didn’t have any stress or pressure to get back to racing right away.”
While Kristen had initially hoped to return to racing sooner, she does see an upside to starting her season later than usual. “It means I’ll have a better second half of the season. Normally, I’d come in and have a good classics campaign and this year I’m actually sitting out of the cobbled classics and focusing more on the Ardennes and the Vuelta. So, Milano-Sanremo will be a really good chance for me to get back in the peloton a little bit later than normal,” she said.
Kristen Faulkner’s spring calendar:
Milano-Sanremo
Brabantse Pijl
Amstel Gold Race
Liège-Bastogne-Liège
La Vuelta Femenina.
Kristen Faulkner starts her season in Milan-Sanremo:
Pogačar Set to Lead UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Milano-Sanremo
World Champion headlines strong seven-man squad at ‘La Primavera’
UAE Team Emirates-XRG will hope to continue their strong start to the 2025 campaign with the first of the five classic cycling ‘Monument’ races : Milano – San Remo. The action takes place in Italy on Saturday 22nd March, where the team will look to build on their tally of 18 wins already this season with World Champion Tadej Pogačar leading the hunt for success on the 289 km test, the longest race on the professional road calendar.
The seven rider squad for Milano-San Remo will be under the direction of Sports Manager Joxean Matxin Fernandez (Spa) and Sports Directors Andrej Hauptman (Slo) and Marco Marzano (Ita).
Pogačar: “I was back on the bike already on the Monday after Strade Bianche and had a couple of easier days. Naturally I was a bit stiff and sore, but thankfully I’m feeling good again now. We’re coming into a really exciting period of racing and I’m feeling ready for Milano-San Remo. I know the final of the parcours really well by now and we’ll hope to light up the race on Saturday. Can we win? For sure it won’t be easy but we will give it a good shot. As we’ve seen in the past there are a number of scenarios that this race can finish in. For sure we will have a plan and put ourselves in the best position possible. It’s a race we’d dearly love to win.”
Milano-Sanremo [1.UWT] – 22-Mar-2025:
Isaac Del Toro (Mex)
Jhonatan Narvaez (Ecu)
Domen Novak (Slo)
Tadej Pogačar (Slo)
Nils Politt (Ger)
Vegard Stake Laengen (Nor)
Tim Wellens (Bel).
Belgian Tax Authorities Demand One Billion Euros from Quick-Step’s Parent Company
Bad news for flooring giant Mohawk, the American parent company of laminate supplier and cycling sponsor Quick-Step. The Belgian tax authorities have imposed a supplementary assessment of 1 billion euros, including fines, on the manufacturer of floor tiles and laminate, according to the Financieel Dagblad and De Tijd. That is a record. Mohawk is contesting the additional assessment.
The Belgian tax authorities claim that Mohawk has not acted correctly. The company, which is a sponsor of WorldTour team, Soudal Quick-Step, is said to have reduced taxable profit in Belgium via internal company loans to subsidiary IVC. The interest payments on the internal loans in the years 2017 to 2021 were allegedly wrongly deducted from taxable profit.
According to Mohawk, however, this is not the case. The company, which had a profit of 518 million euros and a turnover of 10.8 billion euros in 2024, has filed an objection. The company has succeeded fighting the tax authorities in the past. A few years ago, the Belgian tax authorities imposed an additional assessment of 187 million euros on the multinational, but at that time it ended well for Mohawk. The objection was then bought off with an amount of 3 million euros.
Big tax bill for Quick-Step:
Next Races for Team Picnic PostNL
Youngster Coast Challenge – MAR 21
Joey van Rhee – Team Picnic PostNL coach: “Youngster Coast Challenge can unfold in many ways. If the wind picks up, it will be a brutal echelon battle where teamwork is key. If conditions are calmer, we’re likely heading for a sprint. With Christiaan and Johan, we have two fast finishers who can be in the mix. We’ve started the season well, and the goal is to keep that positive feeling going with another strong performance.”
Line-up:
Johan Dorussen (NLD)
Ryan Gal (NLD)
Ko Molenaar (NLD)
Christiaan van Rees (NLD)
Pavel Sumpik (CZE)
Matteo Vanhuffel (BEL)
Jurgen Zomermaand (NLD).
Bredene Koksijde Classic – MAR 21
Roy Curvers – Team Picnic PostNL coach: “In the western part of Flanders, the wind will always play a role, so it’s up to us to be ready for a big battle. With Casper, Fabio, Tobias, and Nils – who makes his return from injury – we have plenty of fast legs to fight for the win after a tough day. While in a more controlled scenario, they should be able to combine forces well as a unit and contest the sprint as a team.”
Line-up:
Tobias Lund Andresen (DNK)
Julius van den Berg (NLD)
Alex Edmondson (AUS)
Nils Eekhoff (NLD)
Fabio Jakobsen (NLD)
Casper van Uden (NLD)
Mees Vlot (NLD).
Milano-Sanremo – MAR 22
Phil West – Team Picnic PostNL coach
“This is one of the great early-season classics; nearly 300 kilometres from Milan to the coast at Sanremo. Our focus will be on teamwork—how we navigate the key moments and get to the final in the best possible way. With John, Sean, Kevin, and Warren, we have a strong and experienced group that can go deep into the race. It’s all about working together step-by-step to maximise our chances.”
Line-up:
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
John Degenkolb (DEU)
Sean Flynn (GBR)
Chris Hamilton (AUS)
Bjoern Koerdt (GBR)
Kevin Vermaerke (USA).
Milano-Sanremo Donne – MAR 22
Callum Ferguson – Team Picnic PostNL coach: “With the long-awaited return of Milano-Sanremo Donne, we’re excited to take on this iconic race. The course will test both endurance and race instincts, especially in the final when the famous climbs start to shake up the peloton. We have strong options for different scenarios. With Nienke and Marta, we have the climbing power to follow when the race opens up on the key ascents. If it all comes back together, Megan gives us a solid card to play in a sprint. It’s all about reading the race and making the right moves at the right time.”
Line-up:
Francesca Barale (ITA)
Marta Cavalli (ITA)
Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR)
Megan Jastrab (USA)
Franziska Koch (DEU)
Nienke Vinke (NLD).
Wim Hendriks Trofee – MAR 22
Joey van Rhee – Team Picnic PostNL coach: “Wim Hendriks Trofee will be a mixed race for us, as we line up with four of our own riders alongside two from Dutch Food Valley Cycling Team. The weather will play a big role—if the wind picks up, we’re ready for an echelon battle, and if not, we’ll focus on a sprint with Johan or Christiaan. We’ve been building strong momentum over the past weeks, and the goal is to keep that going with another solid performance.”
Line-up:
Jacob Bush (GBR)
Johan Dorussen (NLD)
Christiaan van Rees (NLD)
Thom van der Werff (NLD).
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya – MAR 24 – MAR 30
Pim Ligthart – Team Picnic PostNL coach: “We’re heading to Catalunya with a clear ambition: to fight for stage success. In the sprint opportunities, Pavel will be our focus, supported by Timo, Pat, and Nils who can position him well in the finals. On the tougher days, we aim to race aggressively, and Frank will be our key rider to go on the attack. It’s all about making the most of our chances throughout the week.”
Line-up:
Pavel Bittner (CZE)
Frank van den Broek (NLD)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
Robbe Dhondt (BEL)
Patrick Eddy (AUS)
Nils Eekhoff (NLD)
Timo Roosen (NLD).
Pfeiffer Georgi to ride Milano-Sanremo Donne:
New American Stage Race in 2026
Matteo Jorgenson, Sepp Kuss, Brandon McNulty and Magnus Sheffield are racing very successfully at the moment, but in the last ten years all top cycle races in American have disappeared. However, it seems there is a new multi-day race being planned for 2026.
The British Infinity Events Group, are working on the Tour of Colorado, to take place in September 2026. For the first time since 2019, a multi-day race will be held in the state of Colorado. “We are very pleased with the latest developments,” website Velo quotes Scott Taylor, the director of Infinity Events Group.
“The combination of Colorado’s rich cycling history, the incredible scenery and the incredible support of past cycling races, is the perfect foundation to create an exciting, world-class race, with bold ambitions for the future.” Infinity Events Group has now received the green light from the governor of Colorado to proceed with planning the event, as well as from the American cycling federation, USA Cycling. Next, is to find companies that are willing to support the event financially. “It all depends on finding the necessary commercial partners,” Taylor outlines in an interview with The Denver Post. “We are confident and optimistic that this is the right time to go ahead, but it all depends on finding the financial support.”
The idea is to organise the Tour of Colorado in September, during the same period as the Maryland Cycling Classic and the Grand Prix of Québec and Montréal in Canada. That makes it more attractive for WorldTeams to also be at the start of the race in Colorado. The race is planned to consist of five stages. In the first year, there will only be a men’s race, but the plan is to introduce a women’s race in the future.
The last professional stage race to take place in Colorado was the Colorado Classic. The men’s race disappeared from the calendar after two editions, in 2017 and 2018, the women’s race was dropped after the 2019 edition. There are currently no UCI stage races organised in the United States. The Tour of Utah and the Tour of California stopped in 2019.
A new Tour of Colorado:
Tour de France to Return to the UK in 2027 with Historic Dual Grand Départs
In a historic milestone, the world’s biggest bike races, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, will both take place in the UK in 2027, marking the first time both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs will take place in the same country (outside France).
England, Scotland, and Wales are all set to host stages of this famous event in 2027, making it the largest free sporting spectacle in British history with millions expected to line the streets for the return of the Tour de France, and to witness the first ever staging of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the UK.
The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh, Scotland. Further route details for both the men’s and women’s 2027 Grand Départs will be announced in the Autumn, with the focus on maximising the opportunity to showcase Britain’s diverse landscapes alongside the nation’s enthusiasm for cycling and inspiring as many people as possible through the event.
As a key part of this, a landmark social impact programme will be delivered as part of the build-up to the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départs. The ambitious programme will deliver long-lasting benefits for thousands of people across the country by tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.
The return of Tour de France to the UK is the result of an ambitious and collaborative effort from key partners, including British Cycling, UK Sport, UK Government, Scottish and Welsh Governments, and event stakeholders in a strategic win that will drive lasting benefits for the sport and everyone who rides a bike.
The last time the men’s Tour de France graced British shores was in 2014 when crowds of people cheered from the roadsides of Yorkshire and London for three unforgettable stages, following the race’s previous visit to the UK in 2007. With its return in 2027, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism right across the country.
Christian Prudhomme, General Director, Tour de France, said: “The Tour de France and the UK share a rich history, and I am delighted to bring the Grand Départ to the country in 2027. Britain has always welcomed the Tour with enthusiasm and pride, and this collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales promises to make the event even more special.”
First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: “It is a tremendous honour to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland. We know it is one of the most iconic and inspiring contests in sport, and that Scotland provides the perfect stage for major events. Hosting the Tour promises to be a unique opportunity to showcase our country to its many fans around the world as part of a timeline of incredible sporting events in Scotland from 2026 to 2028.”
First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said: “The Welsh stage of the 2027 UK Grand Depart promises to be a memorable experience for competitors and fans alike. Boasting stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming communities and an ever-growing fanbase of cycling enthusiasts, Wales will provide the ultimate challenge and a unique Welsh ‘Croeso’ for the world’s biggest cycle race. We will build on our successful track record of hosting road cycling events, ensuring the Tour De France has a positive and lasting impact on cycling in Wales, by showcasing Wales as a top international destination for cyclists and encouraging more people in Wales to get into cycling.”
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said: “The opportunity to host the Grand Departs of both the Men’s and Women’s Tour de France will cement Britain’s reputation as a destination for major international sporting events. This will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike. Staging the Tour de France Femmes in Britain for the first time will also be an historic occasion and inspire the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission of breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more involved in sport.”
Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport said: “We set out to host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes because we believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our country’s social fabric, and that we should be hosting events that are accessible to people and communities across the country. This will be the biggest free spectator event ever hosted in the UK, offering the public front-row access to world class sport across villages, towns and cities. We can’t wait to share more details later in the year about this truly remarkable route.”
Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, said: “The return of the Tour de France Grand Départ to Britain is an exciting moment for cycling in the UK. Hosting both the men’s and women’s races together will be a first, and we believe it has the potential to inspire more people to discover the joy and benefits of cycling. This is not just about the race – it’s about creating a national moment that encourages healthier lifestyles, supports cycle tourism, and brings communities together.”
To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit letourgb.com
Barcelona Stage of the Tour of Catalonia Shortened
The final stage of the 2025 Tour of Catalonia (24-30 March), which is traditionally held in Barcelona, will be shortened from 136.2 to just 88 kilometres. “Due to force majeure, which the organiser has no influence on,” the race said in a press release. “In order to prevent serious problems and to guarantee mobility and safety, the arrival of the stage in Barcelona will be brought forward by one hour.”
Barcelona will not only be the setting for the final stage of the Tour of Catalonia on Sunday 30 March, but will also have to host two other important events. The football match between FC Barcelona and FC Girona was recently moved to the last Sunday in March and several shows are planned in the Palau Sant Jordi on the same day. This is the reason for the organisers of the Tour of Catalonia to advance the finish time of the final stage in Barcelona by one hour, in order to better regulate the massive influx of fans to the Olympic Stadium and access to the Palau Sant Jordi.
This year, the riders will finish around 13:00. As a result, the stage will be shortened by 48 kilometres, from 136 to 88 kilometres. Whether this will change the course of the race remains to be seen. The six laps in Barcelona will remain the same. The famous Montjuïc, which has to be climbed several times, could still be a deciding factor.
2025 Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Stages:
24.03 Stage 1: Sant Feliu de Guixols – Sant Feliu de Guixols
25.03 Stage 2: Banyoles – Figueres
26.03 Stage 3: Viladecans – La Molina
27.03 Stage 4: Sant Vicenç de Castellet – Monastery of Montserrat
28.03 Stage 5: Pauls – Amposta
29.03 Stage 6: Berga – Nuestra Senore de Queralt
30.03 Stage 7: Barcelona – Barcelona.
The Barcelona stage in 2024:
LOTTO Thuringia Ladies Tour Cancelled
The International LOTTO Thuringia Ladies Tour was having problems, but now the organisers of one of Germany’s most famous stage races has announced that the race will not take place this year.
Due to an unexpected financial setback, the organisers are struggling with a budget loss of around €200,000. It has been reported that the state funding of the Thuringia region has been withdrawn for the six-day 2.Pro race. The estimated state subsidy for the race is said to be around two hundred thousand euros.
The organisers have now announced that the race will not take place in 2025. “So far, we have only received a written refusal from the Thuringia region regarding financial support for the LOTTO Thuringia Ladies Tour. We appreciate the various efforts of the Thuringian State Chancellery in the past few days, which indicate an attempt to find a solution to the problem. However, we see no way to compensate for the difference in costs and to organise a race that meets our requirements and those of the UCI.”
The organisers had to make a difficult decision. “In the past few days, we have spoken to many potential new partners, hoping to save the race. We have carefully considered everything, which makes it all the more difficult for us to take this drastic step. We first have to process this difficult decision, as the LOTTO Thuringia Ladies Tour has not only been a cycling event in recent years, but also an important part of our lives.”
It is unclear whether the race will return to the calendar in 2026. “We will put everything in perspective this week and come up with a detailed report next week.” The LOTTO Thüringen Ladies Tour is one of the oldest races on the women’s calendar and would have celebrated its 37th edition this year, from 17 to 22 June. The list of winners includes many big names, including Hanka Kupfernagel, Judith Arndt, Emma Johansson, Lisa Brennauer, Lucinda Brand and Lotte Kopecky. Last year, the overall victory went to the American Ruth Edwards.
Ruth Edwards won the last LOTTO Thuringia Ladies Tour:
The Tour de France Signs up for Basic-Fit for Four Years
Key points
- Basic-Fit, the leading fitness chain in Europe, is joining the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift as an official partner for the next four years.
- Basic-Fit will sponsor the team classification in Paris–Nice, the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France and serve as an official partner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
- The company based in Lille, the start city of the 112th edition of the Tour, will leverage the caravans of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to bring excitement to the roadsides and connect with its members and the public.
Basic-Fit stands out from the French sporting landscape. With over 800 clubs nationwide, the fitness chain is now channelling its energy into Paris–Nice, the Critérium du Dauphiné, the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
As the official partner of the team classification for the men’s races, Basic-Fit will shine a spotlight on the collective energy that fuels its clubs every day and the fun of sharing sporting experiences with others. The brand has already made an impression on the race bibs of the best team in Paris-Nice, won by Matteo Jorgenson this Sunday, March 16. The Ineos Grenadiers team was crowned the best team of the 83rd edition.
As fate would have it, Basic-Fit is coming on board in the same year that Lille, the historic HQ of the company, is set to host the Grand Départ of the 112th Tour de France. The Basic-Fit network will decorate its clubs in the colours of the Tour de France, especially in host cities where the brand has a presence: Amiens, Lille, Toulouse, Montpellier and Valence. The excitement will also spread to Brest, which will host the start of stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
In addition to these in-club activations, vehicles in the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift caravans will spread positive vibes and motivation and inspire spectators to get moving while waiting for the champions.
Redouane Zekkri, Chief Operating Officer chez Basic-Fit: “For Basic-Fit, sport is more than just physical activity. It embodies values, a vision and long-term goals. We are especially proud to forge this partnership, which goes beyond a simple sports sponsorship. It reflects our ambition to elevate our brand across Europe and worldwide and, even more importantly, to make fitness accessible to all. On top of its benefits for physical and mental health, fitness strengthens social ties. Every day in our clubs, we see members helping each other achieve their personal goals, whether that means getting back in shape, making progress or simply feeling great day after day. We are looking forward to sharing this passion for sport with the masses and getting all of France moving through this partnership!”
Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France: “Basic-Fit is an iconic brand for fitness enthusiasts in France. Boasting an extensive network across the country, its partnership with the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift promises an action-packed July for its members! By sponsoring the team classification in Paris–Nice, the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France, Basic-Fit underscores its commitment to sports for all. Basic-Fit is a fully invested partner that shares our aspiration to promote sport in everyday life.”
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