The new year often sparks fresh excitement and anticipation in the world of cycling, but it also brings to light some controversial discussions and shifting dynamics. And this is precisely what makes the upcoming Giro d'Italia even more intriguing — a race that continuously evolves and surprises fans and professionals alike.
Welcome to the latest edition of Wheel Talk, where we don’t just stick to winter sports anymore — we embrace a broader spectrum of racing events, from mountain climbs to snow-covered slopes. Just last year in 2015, men tackled the formidable ascent of Colle delle Finestre, but now, the spotlight turns to the women’s race, promising new stories, fierce competition, and thrilling challenges.
Greetings to all readers! I appreciate you opening this edition of Wheel Talk. Can you believe how swiftly December has arrived? This year has seemed to fly by, especially for athletes whose offseason is often more hectic than the racing season itself. I’ve seen big names like Pauline Ferrand-Prévot pounding the winter roads, preparing for upcoming training camps before the holidays. On the snow sports front, the cross-country skiing season is in full swing, with Scandinavian countries dominating last weekend’s events — a reminder of how diverse winter sports can be.
But let’s start with a highlight that has captured the sports world’s attention: Mikaela Shiffrin continues to make history. The American champion skier added yet another victory over the weekend, winning a slalom race at Copper Mountain — her near-home hill. This marks her third consecutive slalom win this season, following victories in Levi and Gurgl, and it also secures her spot in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy.
Before this race, Shiffrin had already set a record as the most decorated alpine skier in history, with her tally now standing at an astonishing 104 World Cup wins. What makes her achievements even more remarkable is the context behind her latest victory. Exactly one year prior, she suffered a severe crash during a Giant Slalom in Killington, Vermont, resulting in a puncture wound in her abdomen. She’s been open about her long road to recovery and the PTSD she faced after the accident — a testament to her resilience.
Adding a layer of personal significance, her win in Colorado was her first on home snow in ten years. Her last victory on influential American terrain was in Aspen back in November 2015. Following her recent success in Gurgl, she expressed how rare it is to compete in a World Cup event and then return to sleep in her own bed. That personal connection makes this win all the more meaningful.
The ski racing circuit doesn’t pause; it continues with two Giant Slalom races in Tremblant, Canada, this weekend. Then, the athletes will shift focus to France for competitions in Courchevel. Looking ahead, the season’s speed events are all set for December 12-14 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, promising more exciting challenges.
In transfer news: The European racing scene has been relatively quiet this season. Since SD Worx-Protime announced the addition of Valentina Cavallar, there’s been little movement. Compared to previous years, when transfer seasons buzzed with activity, this quieter period aligns with expectations for a post-Olympic year. Still, many talented riders remain in search of new teams or contract renewals. Names like Nina Kessler (EF Education-Oatly) and Julie De Wilde (Fenix-Deceuninck) are rumored to have renewed their deals, but official announcements are pending. Others, such as Emilia Fahlin, Ilaria Sanguineti, and Tamara Dronova-Balbolina, remain elusive on the transfer front. Some moves, like Mylène De Zoete’s social media leaks, have been noticeable, but teams haven't confirmed anything yet. At this point, many feel frustrated by the slow pace of team announcements — especially as December is here and race preparations are underway.
The racing calendar moves forward: In just 46 days, the Tour Down Under will kick off the new season, with podcasts in production, co-hosts being lined up, and plans solidifying — exciting times ahead!
And about that podcast: This week’s episode is truly special. I had the rare opportunity to sit down with Gracia Sotomayor, a talented Peruvian artistic cyclist whose story is nothing short of inspiring. As she shares her journey, you’ll find your jaw repeatedly dropping, and I promise I won’t spoil the details here — you'll have to listen to experience her emotions firsthand. Stay tuned for a written article as well.
Now, let’s ignite some lively debate: Who could be the dark horse for next year's Giro d’Italia? Just Monday, the route for the 2026 Giro was unveiled, revealing a more challenging and exciting course, including a ninth stage featuring an uphill time trial and new dates that promise more drama. With the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift also stirring interest, many wonder how sprinters will strategize for their summer campaigns. I believe Elisa Balsamo is a strong contender for the very first stage, especially since it offers the coveted pink jersey — the symbol of race leadership.
But here’s a question to ponder: do you think the route tweaks and date shifts will dramatically change the race’s dynamics? Or will some traditional favorites continue to dominate? Drop your thoughts, disagreements, or insights in the comments — I’d love to hear your take on this evolving cycling landscape.
