Last Week in Cycling - November 3rd.

1. Indoor training kicks off with style (and a discount)

If the nights are drawing in and you’re eyeing your turbo trainer warily, you’ll like this: during “Indoor Cycling Week” at Cyclingnews, they’ve rolled out a full set of advice on how to get the most out of indoor sessions — and as a cherry on top, an exclusive 20 % off deal on the Wahoo Kickr Core 2 (with Zwift Cog & Click) for readers. 

Highlights:

• The dark evenings = “tunnel time” for many cyclists, so optimising your indoor set‑up becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

• The article covers everything from the trainer hardware to the apps, ergonomics and how to mentally prepare for riding inside.

• The discount makes this a timely opportunity if you were already considering a trainer upgrade.

Why this matters: For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, off‑season doesn’t mean off‑bike — it just means a different kind of bike (stationary) and a different kind of challenge. Plus, if you can make indoor training less of a chore and more of a choice, you’ll save yourself some rust.

If you’re planning some structured sessions this winter, this is a good time to review your set‑up, check your ergonomics (yes, your saddle height still matters indoors!), and maybe pick up that discounted trainer while the deal lasts.

Original article: “It’s indoor cycling week at Cyclingnews” by Tom Wieckowski (27 Oct 2025). 

2. Cyclocross star down & out (for now): Zoe Bäckstedt injured in training crash

Not the news you like to hear, but one that demands attention: 21‑year‑old Zoe Bäckstedt, reigning U23 cyclocross world champion, suffered a training crash resulting in fractures in her hand and wrist. She posted that her helmet “saved my life”. She will miss the opening races of the 2025‑26 cyclocross season (such as the X2O Trofee Lokeren) but is optimistic about returning later in November. 

Key observations:

• The fact she emphasises the helmet is important — even elite riders aren’t immune to the “I’ll just ride this one” mindset.

• Losing the start of the season is not just physical—it’s rhythm, momentum, tactics and exposure. For someone who blends road and cyclocross this will feel like a double hit.

• Her mental framing is good: she says “give me time and I’ll come back stronger.” That turnaround mindset often makes the difference in injury recovery.

For you, Joby, maybe a reminder: you don’t need to crash spectacularly to have an injury sideline you. Ensure your set‑up (indoors or outdoors) is safe, your helmet isn’t past its expiry date, and if you’re commuting or training in low‑light conditions (especially as winter sets in) extra caution pays off.

Original article: “’My helmet saved my life’ – Zoe Bäckstedt to miss opening races…” (Cyclingnews, 2 Nov 2025). 

3. The cyclocross queen keeps racking them up: Lucinda Brand dominates Lokeren

On the flip side of the injury note, Lucinda Brand is reminding everyone she’s still very much in business. At the X2O Trofee “Rapencross” in Lokeren, Brand claimed her fourth win in five races in the new 2025‑26 season, soloing to victory and extending her early dominance. 

Some fun take‑aways:

• At 36, Brand is showing that age in cyclocross is often more about experience and tactical intelligence than raw power.

• Her win came on the famous cobbled climb at Lokeren, meaning she has both the lungs for the racing and the legs for the brutal terrain.

• For fans and young riders alike, it’s a case study in keeping your “off‑season” sharp, blending fitness and skills.

If you ride cyclocross or are thinking of giving it a whirl this winter (mud, off‑camber, weird angles — yes, I’m looking at you), Brand’s consistency is a good model: focus on technical handling, transitions, it’s not just about watts.

Original article: “Rapencross: Lucinda Brand strikes again for fourth win in five races” (Cyclingnews, 2 Nov 2025). 

4. Transfer alert: Benoît Cosnefroy moves to UAE Team Emirates‑XRG

In the “who’s moving where” category: Benoît Cosnefroy has completed a two‑year deal with elite squad UAE Team Emirates‑XRG, departing Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale (where he’d been since 2017). The move is pitched as strengthening their one‑day Classics unit. 

Why this matters:

• Cosnefroy is not a fresh rookie — he’s got wins (e.g., Brabantse Pijl) and a reputation as a punchy one‑day rider. Putting him in a top‑team context can amplify his potential.

• For the team, this signals they’re doubling down on the Classics and maybe shifting resources accordingly.

• For the wider peloton, it means the transfer window is hot and you should keep an eye on who’s gone where — because team dynamics matter just as much as rider fitness.

If you’re into team tactics, this is interesting: bigger teams concentrating one‑day talent means more structured lead‑outs, domestiques working for specialists, and maybe fewer “surprise” winners (or maybe more, if it shakes up the status quo). For your own riding: think about how you build your “team” in a group ride — who’s the sprinter, who’s the support, even if it’s just you and a friend.

Original article: “Benoît Cosnefroy completes move to UAE Team Emirates‑XRG on two‑year deal” (Cyclingnews, last week). 

5. The big one: Route plans for Tour de France 2026 (and the women’s version too)

Last but definitely not least: the 2026 editions of the men’s and women’s Tours have had their routes revealed, and yes — they look brutal (but in a good way). The men’s race kicks off in Barcelona with a team time trial and, for the first time, ends with a double ascent of Alpe d’Huez on stages 19 and 20. Meanwhile the women’s version starts in Switzerland and features the first Mont Ventoux summit finish in its history. 

Highlights & quirky bits:

• Opening the men’s race with a team time trial in Barcelona is a bold move: nerves, echelon risk, GC contenders wary right from the start.

• The two finishes on Alpe d’Huez means the finale may not just be about the yellow jersey, but how you get to the finish line — fatigue, heroics, weak links all come into play.

• For the women, starting in Switzerland and finishing in Nice after Mont Ventoux means the race will have geography, drama, and new terrain. The “stand‑alone” week (Aug 1‑9) rather than piggy‑backing the men’s race emphasises the increasing independence of the women’s event.

• For fans and aspirational riders (i.e., you and me), these route announcements provide training goals (climbs, altitude, logistics) and something to look forward to.

What to watch:

• Will GC teams plan differently knowing that the final weekend is monster‑mountains? Early attacks may be limited.

• Sprinters might have fewer pure opportunities; puncheurs and complete riders get more leverage.

• For you, Joby: if you’re thinking ahead to epic rides, aligning with these routes could mean picking some iconic climbs (Alpe d’Huez, Ventoux) for your personal menu. Training now for summer 2026? Not crazy.

Original article: “Tour de France 2026 – All the route rumours ahead of the official presentation” (Cyclingnews) 

Also: “Tour de France Femmes 2026 route revealed featuring Swiss Grand Départ, the Col d’Eze and Mont Ventoux”(Cyclingnews) 

Final spin

So there you have it: indoor tech & trainer deals, cyclocross highs & lows, precision team moves in the WorldTour, and route‑mania ahead of the calendar’s biggest events. Whether you’re in the garage on your trainer, contemplating a muddy ‘cross race, or riding out into the dusk, there’s something in each story that can inform or inspire.

If I were to pick one thread to keep an eye on especially: those Tour routes. Because when the race is built to finish on iconic climbs twice, everything changes — tactics, training, preparation, even kit choices. And that means now might be the perfect moment to think: if I were riding that next summer, what would I be doing now?

Ride safe — and may your even indoor sessions feel like progress.