Kristof Ramon, Cor Vos
Welcome to Daily News, your source for the latest happenings in the cycling world. We continually update this post throughout the week to ensure you’re informed about everything from bike racing and technology to industry trends, culture, and advocacy.
Here’s what’s trending this week …
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Matt White departs GreenEdge Cycling amid performance changes
GreenEdge, which manages teams like Jayco-AlUla and Liv-AlUla-Jayco, has announced the immediate departure of long-serving performance director Matt White as part of a broader performance restructure.
“Matt has been a vital part of our journey since the outset,” stated team owner Gerry Ryan. “Though we’re making a change, Matt will always be a member of the GreenEdge family.” The team commended White’s leadership in achieving stage wins at Grand Tours, significant one-day race victories, and advancing its high-performance initiatives.
While a replacement has not yet been announced, GreenEdge has indicated a commitment to “embracing innovation, data-driven performance, and talent development,” with new appointments on the horizon.
Jayco-AlUla has secured victories at the Australian national championships, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, and Eschborn-Frankfurt, although performances in other events have been inconsistent. Liv-AlUla-Jayco is still in search of its first win of the season.
López’s CAS appeal against doping ban rejected
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Miguel Ángel López’s appeal concerning a four-year ban for an anti-doping violation that occurred during the 2022 Giro d’Italia. CAS upheld the UCI Anti-Doping Tribunal’s ruling that López used and possessed the banned substance Menotropin, confirming that his suspension will last until July 24, 2027.
This decision follows an investigation linked to Spain’s Operation Ilex, focusing on Dr. Marcos Maynar. Both the UCI and the International Testing Agency expressed approval of the ruling.
Rotor Bike Components shuts North American subsidiary due to tariffs
Rotor America, the North American section of Rotor Bike Components, has announced it will cease operations on June 15, as reported by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (BRAIN). The company cited ongoing tariff issues as a major reason for its closure.
However, Rotor will continue to serve the US market, selling directly to retailers and customers while shipping products from Spain. This change will shift the responsibility for import duties to the buyers, making them the importers.
Meanwhile, Feedback Sports has launched two new workshop tools: the Grip Whip, a modernized cassette holder that replaces the conventional chain whip, priced at $55, and a revamped T-handle hex and torx key set called the Modular T-Handle Kit, which costs $200 and includes various sizes for flexibility in usage.
Winner’s Circle: Van der Breggen clinches comeback victory at Vuelta stage 4
Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) celebrated her first victory since returning to the professional circuit, winning stage 4 of La Vuelta Femenina. The 35-year-old Dutch rider broke away from a select group on the descent from the final climb and secured the win with a 12-second lead over Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez). Van der Breggen’s teammate Femke Gerritse, who finished in that group, maintained her overall race lead.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Cannondale reveals its redesigned Synapse endurance road bike
The updated Cannondale Synapse, the brand’s enduring endurance road model, now incorporates downtube storage and accommodates tire sizes up to 48 mm in the fork and 42 mm in the rear. It’s designed similarly to earlier gravel bikes, but this road bike was used by Lachlan Morton for his lap around Australia.
The new Synapse features a taller stack compared to the SuperSix Evo race bike, shorter reach, and a longer wheelbase. Its thinner seat tube offers 18% more compliance than the previous generation, promoting a more comfortable ride. The updated design includes concealed cabling through the Delta steerer tube. The premium Lab71 version is reported to weigh less than 1,000 g, while the standard version is about 1,150 g.
Cannondale continues to utilize the SmartSense system, which has been enhanced with a centrally located battery that powers an integrated rear light/radar, a new 800-lumen front light, and an SRAM AXS rear derailleur if applicable. The new battery, now housed within the downtube, has a capacity that’s twice as large (43.2 Wh) as its predecessor. The Synapse will be offered in models both with and without SmartSense.
Prices for complete bikes begin at $3,600 / €3,500 (Shimano 105 12-speed mechanical) and rise to the Lab71 with SmartSense at $16,500 / €15,800. A review of the new Synapse is anticipated upon receipt of a test sample.
Ewan declares retirement
Caleb Ewan has announced his retirement only months after joining the Ineos Grenadiers and shortly after achieving his first WorldTour victory in three years.
“My entire life has revolved around racing for as long as I can remember,” Ewan shared in a public message. “The demanding schedule, the sacrifices, the relentless pursuit of improvement, and the desire to win have defined me. However, what once felt all-encompassing no longer does.”
Roglič’s coach emphasizes Tour de France as primary objective
Marc Lamberts, the coach of Primož Roglič, mentioned that while the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe leader is preparing for the Giro d’Italia, he is still focusing on achieving success at the Tour de France later this year.
“In fact, the Tour de France remains his primary goal,” Lamberts shared with Wielerflits. “It’s the only race missing from his resume. Although the decision to compete in both the Giro and Tour was made after much discussion, it was Primož who chose that path, despite my reservations.”
Winner’s Circle: Gerritse claims stage 3 and overall lead at the Vuelta
Femke Gerritse (SD Worx-Protime) sprinted to victory on stage 3 of La Vuelta Femenina, consequently taking the race lead as well.
The 23-year-old Dutch rider finished ahead of her countrywoman Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike), while Linda Zanetti (Uno-X Mobility) secured third position. Gerritse now leads Vos and Letizia Paternoser (Liv-AlUla-Jayco) by 12 seconds after Vos, who began the race in the lead, fell to third place due to the bonus seconds gained in this stage.
Monday, May 5, 2025
Ayuso: ‘I believe we have the strongest team’ for Giro
UAE Team Emirates-XRG is entering the upcoming Giro d’Italia with Juan Ayuso and Adam Yates as co-leaders, and bookmakers have placed them as the second and third overall favorites after Primož Roglič from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. UAE formally announced their Giro roster on Monday, which includes Igor Arrieta, Filippo Baroncini, Isaac del Toro, Rafał Majka, Brandon McNulty, and Jay Vine.
“I believe we have the strongest team in the competition, and that’s our biggest asset,” Ayuso remarked. “We do face strong contenders, especially Roglič, but we’re prepared for the fight.”
Yates echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in their strategy: “Together, Juan and I should be able to make a strong challenge for the overall classification as we aim to defend the title during this competitive three-week event.”
Pidcock: ‘I’m confident in my fitness’
Q36.5 has also confirmed its Giro lineup, featuring Tom Pidcock as the leading athlete, accompanied by Xabier Mikel Azparren, Nick Zukowsky, Matteo Moschetti, Damien Howson, Mark Donovan, Milan Vader, and Emīls Liepiņš. Following a series of Ardennes races with mixed results, Pidcock remains optimistic about his performance in Italy’s mountainous stages.
“I have high hopes and believe my form from the Ardennes will carry into this event,” he stated. “There are many chances ahead, and we’ll carefully plan our approach.”
Küng and Stuyven rumored to be transferring this season
According to a report by Daniel Benson on his Substack, Stefan Küng and Jasper Stuyven are expected to leave their current teams (Groupama-FDJ and Lidl-Trek) once their contracts expire at the end of the season.
It appears Küng is likely headed to Tudor, while Stuyven’s next destination remains uncertain.
Esteemed cycling journalist John Stevenson has passed away
John Stevenson, who served as editor-at-large at a prominent cycling publication and was a respected figure in the cycling journalism community, has succumbed to cancer.
Condolences are extended to his family and all those who are grieving his loss.
Winner’s Circle: Vos claims a clear win on stage 2 of the Vuelta
Marianne Vos executed a strong sprint, leading Visma-Lease a Bike to a decisive victory in stage 2 of La Vuelta Femenina. Letizia Paternoster (Liv-AlUla-Jayco) took second place, while Letizia Borghesi (EF Education-Oatly) secured third. Paternoster’s performance propelled her into the overall race lead.