Lesser known races 2026 edition

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Coppi e Bartali looks good to me. Most 2.1 races would be happy with a startlist like this.

Just look at those coming up next, like Asturias, let alone Hellas and the one in Portugal. Even Gran Camino isn't better this year. It's super tough to get good teams to start in small races now.

 

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checking the calendar, it seems like ExtraGiro has already cancelled two of their races again, with Reggio Calabria and Magna Grecia?! Lets see if Lyon-Torino can happen. Would be quite a surprise, although apparently some of the l'Avenir guys are involved there.

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

Echelons and splits in peloton in Brugge according to PCS. Still more than 130 km to go.

 

[Didinho]

There is absolutely zero to string the peloton out in the final kilometres, so I fully expect a return to big crashes the first time they have a full bunch sprint on this route (which will not be today).

And tailwind to the finish.

Hope the echelons stick at some point and it’s more than just a sprint today.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Is there no live broadcast for any stage in coppi e bartali? That seems really a shame, it is a good race and I have some riders I am very invested in racing there.

 

[SafeBet]

In Italy, a little stage race gem: 41st Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali (2.1) is also on Tomorrow. Stage 1:

My preference is Barbaresco, but I understand the desire for Barolo.

Not the first time a race starts in Barbaresco and finishes in Barolo. Remember this Giro ITT? https://firstcycling.com/race.php?r=13&y=2014&e=12

 

[Samamba]

Right now in Brugge we have the typical let's do a bunch sprint towards every corner and then do absolutely nothing afterwards

 

[SafeBet]

Laurance
Schmid
Ulissi

In Coppi & Bartali stage 1

 

[yaco]

an expected finish in stage of Coppi Bartoli. Laurence, Schmid, Ullisi.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

At least the pace in Panne is brisky: 47 km/h avg.

 

[Samamba]

It's splitting!

Apparently this is the spot it split before, and they'll come here again later in the race. Probably will come back together one more time at least tho.

 

[SafeBet]

Van den Berg down among others.

 

[jsem94]

Jesus, what a mess of a race

 

[Samamba]

If a team rides in that frist group, the second one isn't coming back, but right now no cooperation in front.

Ineos, UAE and Lotto should ride, they have most riders there

 

[Samamba]

Jesus, what a mess of a race

How is this not what you want as a viewer?

Riders all over the place

 

[Didinho]

Groups are getting thinner. Good action.

 

[jsem94]

How is this not what you want as a viewer?

Riders all over the place

I DO want this! A mess is not necessarily bad.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Beautiful pictures of echelons.

 

[Samamba]

This might be too early to go clear with like 15 riders

 

[Didinho]

2 groups together. This could be it.

 

[Samamba]

Lotto has 5 riders in that group, they should absolutely make sure this stays clear.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Did Milano and that trek rider just kiss

 

[Samamba]

Most favorites are in the first group it seems

No Vermeersch tho

 

[RedheadDane]

Johansen with the "Whoops, I took a too hard pull, and now I've got a gap." move?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

No need to lift the foot, boys. Lets go.