Last Week in Cycling - 24th November

1. Cyclo‑cross opener: Lucinda Brand holds on in freezing Tábor

On 23 November 2025 the opening round of the 2025/26 UCI Cyclo‑cross World Cup took place in Tábor, Czech Republic, and Brand claimed the women’s elite win. 

Why it matters: Brand’s win shows that even with the usual off‑season changes (equipment, mud depth, new rivals) she’s still sharp when the snow and ice begin. For cyclo‑cross fans this race ticks the “early season shake‑out” box.

Interesting observation: The race underscored how much cyclo‑cross now demands varied skill sets — sand, cold, technical turns, muddy transitions — not just power. For your winter rides, mixing in “looking sideways in sand” might pay off.

2. Safety spotlight: Lorena Wiebes hit‑and‑run from behind

Dutch sprinter Lorena Wiebes posted a harrowing social‑media message after being hit from behind by a car — the driver failed to stop. 

Why it matters: Even casual or off‑season rides can turn serious fast. When a rider of Wiebes’s calibre is involved, the message becomes broader: safe roads matter, visibility matters, driver behaviour matters.

Interesting observation: This story aligns neatly with point 4 below (on hi‑vis & perception) — safety isn’t just about gear, it’s about context, human factors and awareness. For your own rides, a reminder: behind every ride is a traffic context.

3. Tech/training: Hi‑vis clothing myth busted — cognition matters more

A feature article from BikeRadar argues that while high‑visibility clothing is recommended (e.g., in the UK’s Highway Code), the evidence that it reduces crashes is weak — instead the rider’s and driver’s cognition (“Are you expecting a cyclist here or not?”) may matter more. 

Why it matters: For all riders — whether commuting, training, or riding in low light — this is a fresh way to think about risk. It’s not just what you wear, but what others see and expect, and how you ride.

Interesting observation: So maybe instead of buying a neon jacket and feeling done, add an “anticipate the driver” check list to your rides: eye contact, positioning, safety buffer. Neon helps, but brainwork matters too.

4. Governance & geopolitics in the peloton: Israel‑Premier Tech becomes NSN Cycling

In a move that shook Portuguese cycling, but more broadly the cycling world: the Israel‑Premier Tech team has been re‑branded as NSN Cycling following a takeover and Swiss re‑registration. 

Why it matters: Pro cycling doesn’t operate in a bubble. Sponsorship, politics, image—all of it matters. A team changing its brand and base reminds us of the fragile architectures behind the peloton. Riders might change, bikes might change, licences might change.

Interesting observation: For you, Joby: when you follow a team or pick one to keep an eye on, remember there’s more behind the scenes. Jerseys, licences, countries—they do shift. The sport’s machine isn’t just gears and watts.

5. Endurance with a cause: India’s “Tour de Thar” desert cycling race for hunger‑free future

A standout story outside the usual European road racing: the Indian company Vedanta is sponsoring the first international‑level desert endurance cycling event in Bikaner (Rajasthan) on 23 November 2025. For every kilometre cycled, nutritious packs will be donated to children via a national social‑impact scheme. 

Why it matters: It’s rare to see a cycling event that marries endurance sport and social impact in this way. The setting (desert), the cause (food security), the format (100/200/300 km) make for a fresh look at how cycling can broaden its footprint.

Interesting observation: For your training, Joby, this might spark a fun idea: pick a ride where each km “etches” a cause (say tree‑plant, food pack). Even if you’re riding your usual route, adding a meaning layer makes it richer.

Final spin

Five varied stories: infrastructure, virtual racing, governance turbulence, tech evolution, and global expansion. Each one reminds us that cycling is more than the next sprint or climb—it’s equipment, politics, environment, training science, and global expansion.

As you plan your winter riding, think: what’s one new angle you’ll try (e.g., a heat‑sensor session, a virtual race, exploring a velodrome, paying attention to spoke material).

Until next week—keep those legs turning and the mind curious.