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Leadership fights and kit launches: the 2026 season has started! - Domestique Cycling Podcast

It’s the final stretch of the season, but there’s no shortage of talking points. With teams deep into training camps and media days, the 2026 picture is starting to take shape, and in some cases, unravel.

by Bram Wulteputte (Created with Ethan Lessiter)
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Primoz Roglic 2026 jersey
Maximilian Fries

Bram is joined by Domestique editor Ethan to break down the fallout from Lidl-Trek’s media day, including mixed messaging around Mattias Skjelmose, Juan Ayuso, and Grand Tour leadership. 

There’s also discussion around Jonathan Milan’s Giro focus, Mads Pedersen targeting the Tour de France green jersey, and what Derek Gee’s presence at a training camp could mean. The conversation moves on to UAE Team Emirates-XRG, where Tadej Pogačar’s lighter programme, João Almeida’s leadership ambitions and Isaac del Toro’s Tour de France role raise bigger questions about succession and strategy. 

Kit launches, cyclocross crowds sparked by Mathieu van der Poel’s return, and a critical look at Ineos Grenadiers’ rumoured interest in Oscar Onley round out a wide-ranging episode. Plenty of opinions, plenty of context, and no shortage of debate as the new season edges closer.

📺 https://youtu.be/uURHvwI_yaM
🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iSzDQcnOayEftQXKO8hmx?si=9768bf5fddac4b03
🎧 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-fights-and-kit-launches-the-2026-season/id1812326418?i=1000741511586

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