Gear & Grit Daily: November 20, 2025
Today's cycling news: Cyclocross World Cup Opens This Weekend: Is the ‘Big 3’ Era Over and Done?, Israel-Premier Tech Completely Overhauls Identity with New ...
Welcome to today's Gear & Grit, where change is the only constant in cycling. From WorldTour teams scrambling for survival to the UCI rewriting the rulebook on wheel sizes, this sport never stops evolving—and neither can you.
This morning, we're diving into the seismic shifts reshaping pro cycling: Is cyclocross's dominant era crumbling before the season even starts? What's really happening inside Astana's controversial resurgence? Plus, Israel-Premier Tech gets a complete makeover, and the UCI's 32-inch wheel decision could transform XCO racing forever. Buckle up—it's going to be a wild ride.
⚡ Quick Hits
- Osama Al Shafar, former UCI vice-president, has died: Former UCI vice-president and Asian Cycling Confederation head Osama Al Shafar has passed away.
- Factor Bikes to Leave Israel-Premier Tech: Factor Bikes ends sponsorship partnership with Israel-Premier Tech amid team controversies.
- Vinokurov Jr. becomes a 'trainee sports director' with XDS-Astana: Vinokurov Jr. transitions from racing to sports director role at XDS-Astana.
- The team formerly known as Israel-Premier Tech has a new name: Israel-Premier Tech rebrands as NSN Cycling Team under Swiss license.
- Endangered Species and Singletrack: The Inextricable Link Between Environmental Policy, Rare Wildlife, and the Places We Ride – Jason Fitzgibbon: Environmental policy and endangered species conservation shape trail access and mountain biking opportunities in Orange County.
- RideLondon cycling event organiser “seeking further information as a matter of priority” after company chair revealed to have seriously injured cyclist in collision: RideLondon organiser investigates chair's careless driving conviction involving cyclist injury.
- When the numbers don't add up: The trouble with the 2025 Cycling Esports Worlds: Cycling Esports Worlds faces scrutiny over suspicious YouTube view surge and commercialism concerns.
- Spain-based management team acquires Felt Bicycle: Spain-based management acquires Felt Bicycles from Pierer Mobility Group; brand refocuses on dealer network.
📊 By The Numbers
- 32 inches: New wheel size allowed in UCI XCO World Cup racing
- 2025-26: Season for the new Cyclocross World Cup series kickoff
- 300+: Exclusive episodes available to Friends of The Cycling Podcast
📰 Today's Big Stories
Cyclocross World Cup Opens This Weekend: Is the ‘Big 3’ Era Over and Done?
Cyclocross World Cup Returns: Van der Poel and Van Empel Reign Supreme
The 2025-26 UCI Cyclocross World Cup kicks off this weekend with reigning world champions Mathieu van der Poel and Fem van Empel wearing the rainbow stripes. The big question: can anyone challenge their dominance, or has the sport's famed "Big 3" era—which included Wout van Aert—officially ended?
Why it matters: Van der Poel and Van Empel enter the season as overwhelming favorites, potentially signaling a shift from cyclocross's competitive balance to outright dominance. For fans, this could mean either witnessing historic performances or hoping for dark horses to emerge. The opening rounds will reveal whether the depth of competition can keep the World Cup exciting or if we're in for a season of predictable podiums.
Israel-Premier Tech Completely Overhauls Identity with New Title Sponsor
Israel-Premier Tech Gets Major Makeover
The WorldTour team formerly known as Israel-Premier Tech is undergoing a complete rebrand with a new title sponsor. Team founder Sylvan Adams is reportedly stepping away as owner, marking the end of an era for the squad he established in 2015. The team has also secured a major signing in Biniam Girmay, the Eritrean sprinter who won three stages at the 2024 Tour de France.
Why it matters: This represents one of the biggest ownership shakeups in the WorldTour peloton. Adams' departure closes a significant chapter in pro cycling, while Girmay's addition signals the new ownership's ambitions to compete for sprint victories at the sport's highest level. The full details of the new sponsor and team identity are still emerging, but expect a dramatically different look and direction for 2025.
[UPDATE] Why the UCI allowing 32in wheels in XCO World Cup racing is so significant
UCI Green-Lights 32-Inch Wheels for XCO World Cup Racing
The UCI has confirmed that 32-inch wheels will remain legal for mountain bike cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup competition, rejecting calls for a ban on the emerging wheel size. The governing body cited the importance of fostering product development and innovation through racing as the key reason for keeping the door open.
This matters because it signals a major shift in mountain bike technology. While 29-inch wheels have dominated XCO for years, 32-inch wheels promise better rollover capability and momentum retention—potentially game-changing advantages on technical World Cup courses. The UCI's decision means manufacturers can now invest in developing this technology without fear of it being outlawed, and racers can experiment with equipment that could redefine competitive advantages. Expect to see more brands and athletes testing larger hoops in 2025.
Pogačar eyes San Remo and Roubaix again for 2026
Pogačar Sets Sights on Unfinished Business
Tadej Pogačar plans to target Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix again in 2026 after falling short in both Monuments during his otherwise dominant 2025 season. The UAE-Team Emirates XRG rider, who's conquered nearly everything else in cycling, remains hungry to add these prestigious one-day classics to his palmarès.
Why it matters: Pogačar's return to these races signals his determination to complete his classics collection and proves even the sport's most dominant rider has gaps to fill. His presence elevates both events and sets up compelling battles with specialists like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. For fans, it means must-watch racing as cycling's biggest star chases the victories that have eluded him—a rare glimpse of Pogačar with something left to prove.
Factor terminates bike contract with Israel-Premier Tech after year of protests, as reports suggest Scott set to sponsor rebranded team
Factor Cuts Ties with Israel-Premier Tech
Factor has ended its bike sponsorship deal with Israel-Premier Tech following a year of sustained protests over the team's Israeli government backing. The move comes weeks after title sponsor Premier Tech pulled out, citing an "untenable" situation. Reports suggest Scott Sports will supply bikes to the rebranded squad for 2025.
Why It Matters: This marks a rare case of sponsors abandoning a WorldTour team mid-contract due to political pressure rather than financial issues. The team's survival—likely without "Israel" in its name—shows the growing influence of activism on pro cycling's commercial landscape. For riders like Derek Gee and Stevie Williams, it means adapting to new equipment mid-season, while the broader peloton watches to see if political controversies will increasingly shape team sponsorships.
🎙️ Fresh Ears
- S13 Ep151: Trapdoor - Inside the Astana Miracle: Astana's WorldTour relegation recovery examined through data-driven recruitment and performance strategy.
- Ten Minute Tips #67: Making The Most Of Winter Training: Comprehensive winter training guidance covering periodization, intensity distribution, and individualized coaching strategies.
- 398: Creating Nutritional Training Plans, with MetPro’s Angelo Poli: Podcast exploring nutritional training plans and periodized nutrition strategies for cyclists.
📺 Watch List
- Winter Sucks For Riding. Here's How I Learnt To Love It.: Winter cycling mindset shift builds consistency and foundation for competitive season ahead.
- Protein VS Carbs! 🤓: Comparative nutrition study testing protein versus carbohydrate breakfast impacts on cycling performance.
