Gear & Grit Daily: January 02, 2026
Today's cycling news: Number of cyclists killed on Irish roads doubles in three years, as safety group calls for “sustained political commitment” to protect ...
Welcome back to Gear & Grit. While the new year brings fresh racing storylines and roster shake-ups, we're starting 2026 with a sobering reality check: cyclist deaths on Irish roads have doubled in just three years. It's a stark reminder that all the watts, aero gains, and podium finishes mean nothing if we can't ride safely.
Today we're balancing that urgent advocacy call with the excitement ahead—from the Women's WorldTour expansion to cyclocross dominance debates and smart training advice. Because protecting riders and celebrating the sport aren't separate missions. They're two sides of the same wheel.
⚡ Quick Hits
- Keegan Swenson and Specialized Just Kick-Started Gravel’s Super-Team Era: Keegan Swenson joins Specialized with Matt Beers, potentially transforming gravel racing's competitive landscape.
- European cycling sector urges EU to include bikes and eBikes in Clean Corporate Vehicles targets: European cycling industry advocates for bikes and eBikes inclusion in EU Clean Corporate Vehicles framework.
- Highland hire scheme e-bikes covered enough miles to go round the world three times in 2025 — proof that e-bikes can boom outside of big cities: Scottish e-bike scheme demonstrates strong adoption and validates active travel investment outside urban centers.
- The bike industry in 25/26: searching for the next gear amid cautious growth: Global bike industry navigates cautious growth after three-year downturn.
- [UPDATE] Wout van Aert crashes out of snowy cyclocross battle with Mathieu van der Poel; "Why would ewe do that?": Video of cyclist riding into a flock of sheep goes viral; Improving cycling safety "no longer optional"; Blessing of e-bikes + more on the live blog: Van Aert crashes in cyclocross; cycling safety advocacy highlighted; viral sheep incident.
- The neglected training tool: Understanding motivation: Explores motivation as critical training tool for sustainable cycling performance and enjoyment.
- 2026 Pro Cycling Calendar: 2026 pro cycling calendar released with all men's and women's races.
- The women's Gravel Power Rankings: Women's gravel field power rankings analysis heading into new season.
📊 By The Numbers
- 14: Cyclist fatalities recorded in Republic of Ireland in 2025
- 70,000 miles: Distance covered by Highland e-bike hire scheme users in 2025
- £188 million: Investment in active travel across Scotland in 2025
📰 Today's Big Stories
[UPDATE] Number of cyclists killed on Irish roads doubles in three years, as safety group calls for “sustained political commitment” to protect vulnerable road users
Irish Cyclist Deaths Double, Hitting 14-Year High
Cyclist fatalities in the Republic of Ireland hit 14 in 2024—double the seven deaths recorded three years earlier and the fourth-highest toll this century. Northern Ireland recorded one additional cycling death. Safety advocates are demanding "sustained political commitment" to protect vulnerable road users as the grim statistics reveal a worsening trend.
Why it matters: This isn't just numbers—it's a clear signal that infrastructure and enforcement aren't keeping pace with cycling's growth. For cyclists everywhere, Ireland's experience serves as a warning: without dedicated political will and investment in protected infrastructure, more riders will die. The call for sustained commitment echoes what cycling advocates worldwide have been demanding—safe streets require more than promises; they need concrete action, funding, and accountability.
What's in store for the 2026 Women's WorldTour?
2026 Women's WorldTour: What to Expect
The women's peloton is set for major shifts in 2026, with predictions pointing to increased team budgets, expanded race calendars, and heightened competition from emerging cycling nations. Key storylines include potential new WorldTour events and the continued professionalization of women's racing infrastructure.
Why it matters: The evolution of the Women's WorldTour directly impacts race quality, rider salaries, and media coverage—raising the sport's profile globally. For fans and aspiring racers, these changes signal growing investment and opportunity in women's cycling. Five riders highlighted as ones to watch suggest fresh talent is ready to challenge established stars, making 2026 a pivotal year for the sport's competitive landscape and long-term sustainability.
[UPDATE] Can Anyone Stop Brand, Van der Poel in Cyclocross?
Cyclocross Dominance: Brand and Van der Poel Remain Unbeatable
Mathieu van der Poel and Lucinda Brand continue their stranglehold on the 2025-26 cyclocross season, with both riders posting flawless records so far. Van der Poel prepares for another showdown with rival Wout van Aert on Friday, while Brand has established herself in a league of her own on the women's side.
Why it matters: This level of dominance raises questions about competitive depth in elite cyclocross. For fans, the Van der Poel-Van Aert rivalry remains must-watch racing, but Brand's unchallenged supremacy suggests a gap in women's competition. Both riders' form heading into championship season will set the tone for cyclocross hierarchy and could influence their spring classics campaigns on the road.
Who is getting better in 2026 – and who is getting worse?
Transfer Season Shakeup: 2026 Peloton Preview
The 2026 men's pro cycling transfer window has closed with some head-scratching moves that could reshape the WorldTour hierarchy. Teams have made bold gambles on aging stars and unproven talent, while others have strategically strengthened their rosters with calculated signings.
Why it matters: These transfers will directly impact which teams dominate the Spring Classics, Grand Tours, and Monument races you'll be watching next season. If you're planning your race calendar or fantasy cycling picks, understanding which squads upgraded and which took steps backward is crucial. The reshuffled deck means we could see surprise winners—or spectacular implosions—from teams that looked untouchable in 2025. Expect the unexpected when racing kicks off in Australia.
Our Craziest and Most Outrageous Bike Racing Predictions for 2026
Bold Predictions for 2026 Racing Season
A cycling publication has released five audacious predictions for the 2026 race season, promising potential shake-ups across professional cycling. While the specific predictions aren't detailed in the preview, the piece suggests significant changes could be coming to the sport's competitive landscape.
Why It Matters: These types of bold forecasts help fans and riders anticipate potential storylines and shifts in the pro peloton—whether it's emerging talent, team changes, or tactical evolutions. Even if the predictions seem outrageous now, they spark important conversations about where the sport is headed. For competitive cyclists and fans alike, understanding potential trends can shape how we follow races and think about cycling's evolution. Plus, looking back at predictions is always entertaining when reality either validates or completely contradicts them.
🎙️ Fresh Ears
- Ten Minute Tips #69: The Case For Riding Easier: Training science podcast exploring optimal pacing for endurance and recovery rides.
- 404: How Much Protein Do Endurance Athletes Need?: Expert analysis on protein requirements for endurance cyclists and optimal intake levels.
- UAE Team Emirates - XRG 2026 Preview: UAE Team Emirates-XRG 2026 squad preview covering transfers, roster changes, and season expectations.
📺 Watch List
- How Does A Night Of Alcohol Affect Your Cycling?: Scientific experiment testing alcohol's impact on cycling performance and recovery through controlled testing.
- VIDEO: Playground – New Film About Bike Messenger Alleycats – Claire Tayler & Norman Duncan: Documentary film explores bike messenger alleycats and urban space reclamation.
- I Tried Pro Gearing And The Results Shocked Me: Pro XC riders adopt larger chainrings; analysis of mechanical efficiency gains for climbs.
