Hello Muckers!

Welcome back to your weekly roundup of everything important, interesting, and just a bit mucky from the world of cycling. As the road season signs off with a bang and the mud begins to fly, it’s the perfect time to be a cycling fan. From epic one-day races to gritty gravel showdowns, let’s get into the news that matters.

Pogačar Conquers the Falling Leaves at Il Lombardia

What a way to end the season’s Monuments. Tadej Pogačar took a stunning solo victory at Il Lombardia, the “Race of the Falling Leaves,” for the fourth consecutive time. On a brutal course between Bergamo and Como, he launched his attack on the final climb, proving once again why he’s one of the most exciting riders on the planet. For us Muckers, Il Lombardia is a race to be admired – it’s a day of pure attrition, punishing climbs, and heroic efforts. A perfect, gritty end to the road season.

Rainbows and Grit: The UCI Gravel World Championships

All eyes were on Belgium for the UCI Gravel World Championships, and the racing did not disappoint. The flat but technically demanding course around Halle-Leuven created tactical and attritional racing. In the elite men’s race, a powerful selection was made early, with the strongest riders battling it out for the coveted rainbow jersey. The women’s race was equally thrilling, showcasing the incredible depth of talent in the gravel scene. It’s fantastic to see gravel racing on such a huge stage, celebrating the discipline that so many of us in the Muckers community love.

The Mud-Fest is On: Cyclocross Season Ignites

Get your cowbells ready, because the cyclocross season is in full swing! The UCI World Cup kicked off in Waterloo, USA, providing all the mud, sandpits, and steep run-ups we’ve been missing. The racing was shoulder-to-shoulder, setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular season. For our members here in the UK, local leagues are now running every weekend. There’s no better way to spend an autumn Sunday than racing between the tapes or cheering on your clubmates. Now is the time to embrace the mud!

Looking Ahead: Tour de France 2026 Starts in Barcelona

In a bit of forward-planning news, the ASO has announced that the 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ will take place in Barcelona. This is exciting news for cycling fans, promising some spectacular opening stages in and around the Catalan capital. While it’s a long way off, it’s never too early to start dreaming of a trip to see the world’s biggest bike race kick off in such an iconic city.

That’s all for this week’s memo. Whether you’re enjoying one last dry road ride, getting stuck into a muddy ‘cross race, or planning your next big adventure, have a great weekend on the bike.