Samwise Cycle Racing Newsletter
Saturday, July 4, 2026
French Prefects Authorized to Cancel Tour de France Stages During Extreme Heatwaves
France’s Minister of Interior Laurent Nunez has issued instructions to regional prefects granting them authority to cancel Tour de France stages during extreme heatwaves. Prefects “may decide to cancel a stage when health or operational conditions no longer allow its organisation,” the directive states. The UCI’s High Temperature Protocol sets 28°C WBGT as the threshold above which cancellation powers are triggered. Race organiser ASO monitors weather hourly and has deployed 2.5 million hats, 550,000 water cans, and 400,000 litres of water in the race caravan. Race director Prudhomme says the Tour is in “constant contact with the Ministry of the Interior.”
Sources: Cycling News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Evenepoel Confirms Major Weight Loss Under New Coach Ahead of Tour de France
Remco Evenepoel has confirmed he shed around 4 kilograms ahead of the Tour de France, working under new coach Tim Heemskerk, formerly of Visma-Lease a Bike. The Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe rider spent 69 days without racing between Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the Tour start. “We tackled the weight loss in a smart way. My weight has dropped, but the power has remained,” Evenepoel said. He has set four targets: taking yellow from Stage 1’s team time trial, winning the Stage 20 time trial, claiming at least one stage, and finishing on the final podium. Former coach Dan Lorang will depart after the Tour.
Sources: Cycling News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Vaughters Calls Healy “the Best Breakaway Rider in the World” as EF Plans Attack-First Tour
EF Education-EasyPost boss Jonathan Vaughters has declared Ben Healy “the best breakaway rider in the world” as the rider prepares to return to the Tour de France after a difficult season. Healy won Stage 6 at the 2025 Tour from 42 kilometres out in Vire Normandie and wore the yellow jersey. His 2026 has been disrupted by a fractured sacrum, forcing him to miss the Ardennes Classics. “It’s been a bit crap,” the 24-year-old said. “I’m just happy to be here in pretty good shape. I’m ready to race.” Healy will share leadership duties with Richard Carapaz and target breakaways in the opening fortnight.
Sources: Cycling News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Bernal Diverted From Vuelta Build-Up with Surprise Late Tour de France Call-Up
Egan Bernal has been added to Netcompany Ineos’ Tour de France squad in a late selection that surprised even the 29-year-old Colombian. Bernal, a 2019 TdF champion, had planned to rest after the Giro d’Italia and build toward the Vuelta a España, but was called upon after Oscar Onley suffered a serious injury and Carlos Rodriguez was not selected. He finished 10th at the 2026 Giro and says he is not targeting the general classification at the Tour, instead focusing on Stage 1’s team time trial. Bernal joins two other former TdF winners — Pogačar and Vingegaard — on the start list in Barcelona.
Sources: Cycling News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
O’Connor Tipped for Decathlon CMA CGM Return in 2027, with Gall Bound for Lidl-Trek
Per a report in L’Équipe, Ben O’Connor is in line to rejoin Decathlon CMA CGM for the 2027 season. Currently racing for Jayco-AlUla, the climber would return to a team where he previously competed, lining up alongside Paul Seixas. The move would coincide with the departure of Felix Gall, who is reportedly headed to Lidl-Trek. O’Connor won Stage 18 at the 2025 Tour de France on the Col de la Loze, before illness curtailed his 2026 Giro d’Italia, where he finished 16th. Decathlon CEO Serieys declined to comment on the report, and no deal has been officially confirmed.
Sources: Cycling News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Maryland Cycling Classic Cancelled Again for 2026, Leaving Gap in North American UCI Calendar
The Maryland Cycling Classic has been cancelled for a second time, with the Baltimore-based men’s and women’s races not going ahead on the planned September 6 date. Former chairman John Kelly and event co-founder Steve Brunner are working on a reboot for 2027. The cancellation creates a hole in the UCI calendar in North America ahead of September’s Road World Championships in Montreal. In its 2025 running, the event drew an estimated 85,000 spectators and contributed $11 million to the local economy. Sport Corp, the organising body, saw all six of its staff members vacate following the news.
Sources: Cycling News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
French One-Two at La Thuile XCC as Aldridge’s Medal Bid Ends in Wheel Clash
Adrien Boichis of Specialized took the men’s XCC short track victory at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in La Thuile on Thursday, with Cannondale’s Luca Martin second — a French one-two at the race. Charlie Aldridge’s medal bid ended when his wheel made contact with Martin’s, dropping the young rider to 16 seconds back in third. Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing) claimed the women’s title ahead of Sina Frei (Specialized), with Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing) completing the podium, also 16 seconds down. World champion Evie Richards returned to competition following concussion, finishing in 10th.
Sources: Cycling News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Tour de France 2026
Stage 1 — Team Time Trial, Barcelona
Stage 1 underway — results expected this evening
GC standings to follow Stage 1 completion
GC Contenders — Pre-Race
Former Tour de France winners on start list
Pogačar — former TdF champion
Vingegaard — former TdF champion
Evenepoel — targeting final podium
Bernal — supporting role, Stage 1 TTT focus
Curated by JD · samwise.agency