Samwise Cycle Racing Newsletter
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Vingegaard Conquers Blockhaus as Giro d’Italia Hits the High Mountains
Jonas Vingegaard made the mountains his hunting ground on stage 7 of the Giro d’Italia, launching a decisive attack 5.5 kilometres from the summit of the 13.6 km Blockhaus climb. The Visma rider crossed the line alone, with Felix Gall arriving 13 seconds behind in second place. Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari finished 1:02 and 1:05 back respectively. Maglia rosa holder Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain-Victorious) came through in 15th place, losing 2:55 on the day, but retained the pink jersey with a commanding 3:17 lead over Vingegaard heading into the second week of the race.
Sources: Cyclingnews, Cyclingnews (GC)
Felix Gall Paces Blockhaus to Perfection to Emerge as Vingegaard’s Closest GC Rival
While Jonas Vingegaard took the stage win on Blockhaus, the real tactical story was Felix Gall’s composed ride to second place. The Decathlon CMA CGM rider initially lost Vingegaard’s wheel but settled into his own rhythm, arriving just 13 seconds behind the stage winner. The result moves Gall to third overall at 3:34 behind the maglia rosa, only 17 seconds down on Vingegaard in the GC standings. Gall acknowledged a looming vulnerability: a 42-kilometre time trial on stage 10 in Tuscany that suits Vingegaard more than the Austrian climber. The race is shaping up as a compelling three-way contest.
Sources: Cyclingnews
Mischa Bredewold Sprints to Itzulia Women Opening Stage Win in Zarautz
Mischa Bredewold (SD Worx-Protime) claimed a sprint victory on stage 1 of Itzulia Women in Zarautz, Spain, winning from a reduced front group of five riders. Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) went on the attack over the Etumeta climb to splinter the peloton, but was caught before the uphill finish. Bredewold beat Lorena Kastelijn into second and Markus into third. The win places Bredewold in the overall leader’s jersey, with just seven seconds separating her from Kastelijn in the general classification. Two more stages remain in the Basque Country before Sunday’s finish decides the winner.
Sources: Cyclingnews
Johnston and Cromwell Claim Double at UCI Gravel SEVEN as Nannup Hosts Worlds Dress Rehearsal
Brendan Johnston (Giant) and Tiffany Cromwell (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) claimed the men’s and women’s titles at the UCI Gravel World Series SEVEN event in Nannup, Western Australia, riding the course set to host the UCI Gravel World Championships in October. Johnston crossed in 3:55:56, seven seconds ahead of O’Brien, with Bebbington 29 seconds back in third. Cromwell won the women’s race in 4:28:52, with Laurie and Raynolds over two minutes adrift. The 125-kilometre parcoursfeatures more than 3,000 metres of climbing and over 80 per cent gravel, giving both fields an early look at October’s World Championships terrain.
Sources: Cyclingnews
Neve Bradbury to Undergo Iliac Artery Surgery Next Week, Faces Extended Absence
Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider Neve Bradbury is set to undergo surgery for iliac artery endofibrosis next week, the team has confirmed, following a troubled run of racing that ended with a DNF at the Vuelta Femenina. Iliac artery endofibrosis, a narrowing of the artery typically brought on by sustained cycling effort, had been at the root of her performance difficulties. Bradbury, who won a stage at the 2024 Giro Donne and finished third in the general classification that year, is contracted with Canyon-SRAM through 2027. No timeline has been given for her expected return to racing following the procedure.
Sources: Cyclingnews
Retired Cyclocross Star Eli Iserbyt Takes New Role as CX Coordinator with Pogačar’s Agency
Belgian cyclocross star Eli Iserbyt has taken up a new role as cyclocross coordinator at A&J All Sports Management, the agency that represents Tadej Pogačar, Biniam Girmay, Jasper Philipsen, and Elisa Balsamo. Iserbyt retired from professional cyclocross in January 2026, citing recurring femoral artery blood flow issues that required four surgical procedures without a lasting resolution. During his career he accumulated 54 professional victories. In his new role he will oversee the agency’s cyclocross athletes, bringing elite racing experience into a management environment. The move represents one of the more interesting post-retirement transitions the sport has seen in recent years.
Sources: Cyclingnews
Gee-West Confirmed as Lidl-Trek’s Giro GC Leader Despite Ciccone Sitting Higher in Standings
Lidl-Trek confirmed after stage 7 that Canadian champion Derek Gee-West remains the team’s designated GC leader at the Giro d’Italia, despite teammate Giulio Ciccone sitting higher in the overall standings. Following the Blockhaus summit finish, Ciccone sits eighth overall at 4:57 behind maglia rosa Afonso Eulálio, while Gee-West trails the pink jersey by 6:10. The gap is softened by context: Gee-West estimates 1:10 of his deficit stems from a stage 2 crash that forced a long solo pursuit. Ciccone confirmed he will continue targeting stage wins, with the team’s strategy for the second week requiring a fresh look.
Sources: Cyclingnews
Giro d'Italia 2026 — Classifications after Stage 7
💠 General Classification (GC)
1. Eulálio — Bahrain-Victorious 🟣
2. Vingegaard — +3:17
3. Gall — +3:34
4. Hindley — +4:25
5. Pellizzari — +4:28
⛰️ Mountains (Maglia Azzurra)
1. Vingegaard — 61 pts 🔵
2. Sevilla — 60 pts
3. Gall — 24 pts
4. Arrieta — 18 pts
5. Oliveira — 18 pts
🏆 Points (Maglia Ciclamino)
1. Magnier — 130 pts 🟣
2. Milan — 76 pts
3. Ballerini — 58 pts
4. Narváez — 53 pts
5. Tarozzi — 48 pts
📳 Young Rider (Maglia Bianca)
1. Eulálio — leads 🟣
2. Pellizzari — +4:28
3. Rondel — +4:56
4. Arrieta — +6:11
5. Piganzoli — +6:22
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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