Welcome to Daily News, your roundup of news items from across the world of cycling. We keep this post updated throughout the week so that you can stay informed on all things bike racing, tech, industry, culture, advocacy, and more.
Here is what is making the headlines this week …
Monday, May 12, 2025
- Van Aert and Visma 'realistic' about first week of Giro
- Transfer rumors: Benoot to Decathlon, Vermeersch to Red Bull
- De Lie will return to racing at the Rund um Köln
- Nibali misses the days when 'there was room to improvise'
Van Aert and Visma 'realistic' about first week of Giro
After he dropped out of contention on a stage 3 of the Giro d'Italia ultimately decided in a sprint, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) told reporters that the results of his first few days at the race are in line with what could have been expected considering his illness-marred run-up to the Grande Partenza in Albania.
"The first day was better than expected, that was just good," he said on Sunday. "After that it was realistic what happened. It is now just difficult to perform at my usual level."
His team is taking the very same view, seemingly content that Van Aert was at least in contention on the opening stage before quieter performances on stages 2 and 3. Sports director Marc Reef told Cyclingnews that "we have to be realistic with Wout," and said that "there was a scenario possible that on day one, he would not be there, in the TT it would not be working, or even on stage 3 that it would not work."
In any case, Visma's Giro contingent will like their chances at a stage win on Tuesday when Van Aert slots into a support role for Olav Kooij for what should be a big bunch sprint. As Reef said, that combination "will make a big difference." [Cyclingnews]
Transfer rumors: Benoot to Decathlon, Vermeersch to Red Bull
Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and Tiesj Benoot (Visma-Lease a Bike) are both set to head elsewhere next season, as Het Laatste Nieuws reports.
Vermeersch, a key Classics lieutenant for Mathieu van der Poel who has also been in the top 10 at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix himself, is reportedly likely to sign with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Benoot, meanwhile, has apparently already agreed to a three-year deal with Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale, and his Visma teammate Olav Kooij is reportedly also in talks to join Decathlon as well. [Het Laatste Nieuws]
De Lie will return to racing at the Rund um Köln
Wielerflits reports that Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) will make his first race start since Gent-Wevelgem in March at the upcoming Rund um Köln.
The 23-year-old Belgian had been expected to lead Lotto throughout the Classics but those plans were scrapped when doubts about his form arose. [Wielerflits]
Nibali misses the days when 'there was room to improvise'
In an interview with Marca, four-time Grand Tour winner and three-time Monument winner Vincenzo Nibali rued the number-focused mindset that prevails in the peloton today.
"Now it's all about watts and data. Before, there was more race reading. Pogacar attacks at 100 kilometers and that's impressive, but in my time, intelligence on the bike was also highly valued," Nibali said. "I'm not saying it's better or worse, it's different. I liked strategy more, playing with rivals. There was room to improvise. Today, everything is measured." [Marca]
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