The clock is ticking relentlessly for 76 elite cyclists still scrambling to secure a team for the 2026 season—will they land a coveted spot, or will the opportunity slip away?
Hey there, cycling enthusiasts! Welcome back to the Wheel Talk Newsletter, where we break down the latest buzz from the world of News & Racing. As we dive into this offseason chill, it's hard not to feel a sense of urgency for those top-tier riders yet to lock in their futures. But let's not get ahead of ourselves—stick around, because there's plenty of drama, recovery stories, and team shuffle news to unpack. We might even uncover some points that could spark heated debates among fans.
To kick things off, we're talking about the ticking clock on contracts. Out of the 76 WorldTour or ProTeam riders (that's the highest levels of professional cycling, where the big races and teams compete), many are still without a squad for next year. For context, WorldTour teams are the elite ones that compete in the most prestigious events like the Tour de France, while ProTeams are the next tier down, still highly competitive. One standout example is Tiffany Cromwell, a veteran rider who's been a staple at Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto. With her experience, you'd think she'd be snapped up quickly, but the offseason moves at its own pace.
And this is the part most people miss during the quiet winter months: the behind-the-scenes hustle that riders endure.
Shifting gears, on our latest podcast episode, host Cor Vos and I tackled listener questions and revisited some unforgettable moments from the 2025 season. It felt like a whirlwind year, with so many highs that by November, my brain was a tangled web of memories—early-season gems getting buried under late-year thrills. We needed that nostalgic rewind! What were your standout highlights from 2025? Was it a thrilling sprint finish or an epic comeback? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear and maybe feature them next time.
Now, onto a story that's been lingering since the spring: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's ankle injury. Picture this—during Strade Bianche (that's a classic Italian race known for its gravel roads and challenging terrain), she took a brutal crash that was over in a flash, almost too quick to catch on camera. Yet, it had lasting effects. Her quick remount showcased her off-road expertise, but the ankle pain persisted, impacting her performance in big events like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (the women's version of the iconic Tour de France, partnered with Zwift for virtual racing elements). If you're new to cycling, think of it as a multi-stage endurance battle where riders tackle mountains, sprints, and everything in between over weeks.
You can relive that pivotal crash about two and a half minutes into the official highlights video—it's eye-opening how fast things can change.
After the World Championships (the global showdown where national teams compete for titles), Ferrand-Prévot wisely called it quits for the season to heal. It's mind-boggling that she achieved so much—like clinching that Tour victory—while battling an unresolved injury. Imagine pushing through pain like that; it makes you wonder what she'll accomplish once fully recovered. Initially, doctors predicted a short break of just three weeks, but surgery revealed it would take longer. On social media, she shared her frustration: "How to go from a high-level sports body to a sedentary one in the space of a few weeks." It's a raw reminder of the toll professional sports take on the body.
But here's where it gets controversial—should riders be forced to race through injuries for the sake of their careers, or should teams and federations prioritize long-term health over short-term glory? Some argue that pushing limits builds champions, while others say it's reckless and unsustainable. What do you think?
On a lighter note, Ferrand-Prévot isn't letting downtime slow her down. She embraced Halloween in style, dressing as the Corpse Bride alongside her partner, fellow WorldTour pro Dylan van Baarle. And spoiler: the duo just got engaged—congrats are in order! As she gears up for her second year back on the road, her sights are set on another Tour win, a killer Classics season (those are one-day races like the ones in Belgium and Italy), and eyeing the Worlds in 2027, though she'll definitely give the 2026 Montreal edition a strong shot.
Wrapping up with some transfer news: Just as riders are unwinding, team press officers are too, keeping the rumor mill quiet. The biggest moves so far come from Human Powered Health, who've welcomed Nina Buijsman and Jante Koops to their 2026 roster. These additions could shake up the women's peloton—will they boost the team's performance in key races?
Did we nail this recap? Let us know in the comments!
News & Racing (https://escapecollective.com/tag/news-and-racing/) women's cycling (https://escapecollective.com/tag/womens-cycling/) Wheel Talk Newsletter (https://escapecollective.com/tag/wheel-talk-newsletter/)
What do you think about Ferrand-Prévot's situation? Do you believe the sport needs better injury prevention measures, or is the current system tough enough? And on transfers: Are these moves a sign of growing opportunities for female cyclists, or just business as usual? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements below—we're all ears for a lively discussion!
