Wheel Talk Newsletter: It's Not Always About the Top Level
News & Racing (https://escapecollective.com/tag/news-and-racing/)
Lizzie Deignan is stepping up to give back to British cycling by taking on the role of event organizer for the national-level Santini Otley Grand Prix.
Lizzie Deignan at La Flèche Wallonne.
Cor Vos
Well hello there, and a big thank you for tuning into this edition of the Wheel Talk Newsletter! This week, our spotlight shines on teams and the exciting developments swirling around them. We've got a fresh squad causing ripples, plus insights into why Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi isn't quite geared up for WorldTour status yet. And let's not forget Lizzie Deignan's latest announcements about her upcoming ventures. But right off the bat, our thoughts are with the loved ones of Paige Greco – a heartbreaking loss that reminds us how cycling connects us all in profound ways.
First off: Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Paige Greco
The week kicked off with utterly heartbreaking news from Down Under – the untimely passing of Paige Greco, a talented Australian track cyclist. At just 28 years old, this Paralympian (that's the international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, like the Olympics but tailored to Paralympians) succumbed to a sudden health crisis in her Adelaide home. Born with cerebral palsy, a condition affecting muscle movement and coordination, Greco defied odds to become a champion.
Her accolades speak volumes: multiple world titles in track cycling, a gold from the Tokyo Paralympics, and three bronzes spanning both Tokyo and Paris events across track and road disciplines. These aren't just wins; they're testaments to her perseverance. But beyond the medals, Greco was celebrated as an extraordinary person. Family and friends describe her as kind-hearted, empathetic, and fiercely determined, with a knack for making everyone feel welcomed and valued. The tributes pouring in from fans, fellow athletes, and the community have been overwhelming, showcasing the deep impact she had.
As her mother, Natalie Greco, shared in a statement from AusCycling, "While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and the way she represented Australia. As a family, we are deeply grateful for the support shown by so many people connected to Paige, including her teammates and friends. Paige cherished the connections she made through her sport, and we take comfort in knowing how widely she was loved. We are grieving deeply and ask for privacy, time and space to navigate this overwhelming loss."
It's moments like these that highlight the human side of sports, where victories on the track mirror triumphs in life. And this is the part most people miss: how these athletes inspire us not just through speed and skill, but through their character and community spirit.
An thrilling new team is shaking things up
Shifting to brighter horizons, last week's Rouleur Live event in London saw Team Amani unveil their groundbreaking women's Continental squad (think of Continental teams as the developmental league in cycling, one step below the elite WorldTour level, where riders build skills for bigger races) based in Africa, slated to debut in 2026. They're aiming high – targeting participation in major events like the 2028 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Giro d'Italia Women, and Vuelta a España. Headquartered in Ethiopia, the team will feature Xaverine Nirere, Rwanda's national time trial champion, and draw mentorship from seasoned pro Ashleigh Moolman Pasio. Backing this ambitious venture is a stellar roster of sponsors, including Rapha (which is parting ways with EF Education-Oatly in 2026), along with Factor and POC.
Team Amani has roots dating back to 2020, primarily focused on gravel racing (a cycling discipline on unpaved paths, popular for its adventurous, endurance-focused appeal), but now they're pivoting to road cycling with this women's team. As co-founder Mikel Delagrange put it, "Establishing this team with ambitions to race competitively in the biggest races in the world within three years feels like a watershed moment for our project. We’ve always believed that with like-for-like resources, our athletes could compete with the best. We set out a moonshot trajectory with ambitious milestones. It just so happens that our ladies hit them first. Our message to the young women on this team is that the only limitation they have now is that of their own imaginations. Trailblazers have the hard work of cutting paths where none previously existed. But once the path is paved, many will follow. That’s why this moment is so consequential – not just for the women on this team but also for the future of the sport."
But here's where it gets controversial... Is this a game-changer for global cycling, or is it setting unrealistic expectations for a new squad? Critics might argue that ambitious timelines could lead to burnout or disappointment, while supporters see it as a bold push for inclusivity and international growth. What do you think – does Team Amani's approach inspire you, or does it raise red flags about sustainability in women's cycling?
Transfers roundup
On the transfer front, WorldTour moves remain quiet, with only a handful of contract extensions – notably, Tiffany Cromwell extending her ride with Canyon-SRAM-zondacrypto through 2026. The more significant buzz comes from Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi, who've welcomed five fresh faces to their roster: Irati Aranguren, Paula Patiño, Tiril Jørgensen, Cecilia Van Zuthem, Marjolein van 't Geloof, and Sara Fiorin.
Did we do a good job with this story?
News & Racing (https://escapecollective.com/tag/news-and-racing/) women's cycling (https://escapecollective.com/tag/womens-cycling/) Wheel Talk Newsletter (https://escapecollective.com/tag/wheel-talk-newsletter/)
What are your thoughts on Paige Greco's legacy, or the potential of Team Amani's bold ambitions? Do you agree that diversifying cycling beyond traditional strongholds is crucial, or should teams focus on proven paths first? Drop your opinions in the comments – we'd love to hear from you!
