Czigelmajer Bence
@cycloben2.bsky.social
known as @cycloben2. #CyclingBlueSky
cycling enthusiast, predictor, wannabe transfer analyst & not-so-occasional overthinker. fav things in life are pavés and solo victories.
weekly pieces here: https://cycloben.substack.com/
cycling enthusiast, predictor, wannabe transfer analyst & not-so-occasional overthinker. fav things in life are pavés and solo victories.
weekly pieces here: https://cycloben.substack.com/
Pinned
2026 Men's cycling season - Preview
The time has come for some pre-season evaluations
cycloben.substack.com
cycloben.substack.com/p/2026-mens-...
2026 starts today.
It has been a good month for me writing this one, and there are still questions about two teams, but I couldn't wait any longer.
It's raw, it's honest - 2026 season preview is out now.
2026 starts today.
It has been a good month for me writing this one, and there are still questions about two teams, but I couldn't wait any longer.
It's raw, it's honest - 2026 season preview is out now.
David Ciente - Live @ Geneza 2024 Chișinău (Official Video)
YouTube video by David Ciente
www.youtube.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Since I've been on Substack, this article has been opened and read more than any other, for which I am very grateful.
If you haven't done so already, you can start preparing for 2026 on the last day of this year by doing this :)
If you haven't done so already, you can start preparing for 2026 on the last day of this year by doing this :)
cycloben.substack.com/p/2026-mens-...
2026 starts today.
It has been a good month for me writing this one, and there are still questions about two teams, but I couldn't wait any longer.
It's raw, it's honest - 2026 season preview is out now.
2026 starts today.
It has been a good month for me writing this one, and there are still questions about two teams, but I couldn't wait any longer.
It's raw, it's honest - 2026 season preview is out now.
2026 Men's cycling season - Preview
The time has come for some pre-season evaluations
cycloben.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Since I've been on Substack, this article has been opened and read more than any other, for which I am very grateful.
If you haven't done so already, you can start preparing for 2026 on the last day of this year by doing this :)
If you haven't done so already, you can start preparing for 2026 on the last day of this year by doing this :)
cycloben.substack.com/p/2026-mens-...
2026 starts today.
It has been a good month for me writing this one, and there are still questions about two teams, but I couldn't wait any longer.
It's raw, it's honest - 2026 season preview is out now.
2026 starts today.
It has been a good month for me writing this one, and there are still questions about two teams, but I couldn't wait any longer.
It's raw, it's honest - 2026 season preview is out now.
2026 Men's cycling season - Preview
The time has come for some pre-season evaluations
cycloben.substack.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:09 PM
cycloben.substack.com/p/2026-mens-...
2026 starts today.
It has been a good month for me writing this one, and there are still questions about two teams, but I couldn't wait any longer.
It's raw, it's honest - 2026 season preview is out now.
2026 starts today.
It has been a good month for me writing this one, and there are still questions about two teams, but I couldn't wait any longer.
It's raw, it's honest - 2026 season preview is out now.
The 2026 men's cycling season preview is coming tomorrow.
Team-by-team structure, don't ask me to predict races, I suck at it - but I tried to find the focal points for the 23 strongest teams.
Hope many of you will find it interesting :)
Team-by-team structure, don't ask me to predict races, I suck at it - but I tried to find the focal points for the 23 strongest teams.
Hope many of you will find it interesting :)
a penguin standing on the number 2026 with the words " i 'm so excited " above it
ALT: a penguin standing on the number 2026 with the words " i 'm so excited " above it
media.tenor.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The 2026 men's cycling season preview is coming tomorrow.
Team-by-team structure, don't ask me to predict races, I suck at it - but I tried to find the focal points for the 23 strongest teams.
Hope many of you will find it interesting :)
Team-by-team structure, don't ask me to predict races, I suck at it - but I tried to find the focal points for the 23 strongest teams.
Hope many of you will find it interesting :)
Hey everyone!
Looking for people who are ambitious enough to participate in a season-long, 170-race competition where the 'best predictor of cycling' unofficial award will be given to the winners.
10+ places available, the game is completely free, if you want to join, write me a DM here :)
Looking for people who are ambitious enough to participate in a season-long, 170-race competition where the 'best predictor of cycling' unofficial award will be given to the winners.
10+ places available, the game is completely free, if you want to join, write me a DM here :)
a cartoon witch is holding a crystal ball in her hands
ALT: a cartoon witch is holding a crystal ball in her hands
media.tenor.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Hey everyone!
Looking for people who are ambitious enough to participate in a season-long, 170-race competition where the 'best predictor of cycling' unofficial award will be given to the winners.
10+ places available, the game is completely free, if you want to join, write me a DM here :)
Looking for people who are ambitious enough to participate in a season-long, 170-race competition where the 'best predictor of cycling' unofficial award will be given to the winners.
10+ places available, the game is completely free, if you want to join, write me a DM here :)
@velofute.bsky.social inspired me to write a post - and this is my comeback also to cycling pieces after a long month.
not promising i'll do daily posts like this, but it was finally good creating something meaningful again.
here you go: open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
not promising i'll do daily posts like this, but it was finally good creating something meaningful again.
here you go: open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Is there load management in cycling, and if so, is it good for the future of the sport?
NBA terms in cycling? Hell yes.
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:20 PM
@velofute.bsky.social inspired me to write a post - and this is my comeback also to cycling pieces after a long month.
not promising i'll do daily posts like this, but it was finally good creating something meaningful again.
here you go: open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
not promising i'll do daily posts like this, but it was finally good creating something meaningful again.
here you go: open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
This is an important update about the future of my cycling endeavours and how I stand in life at November 2025. If you have any questions, just let me know, I put my heart into it.
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Public service announcement about the future
What 2026 and beyond will hold?
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:10 PM
This is an important update about the future of my cycling endeavours and how I stand in life at November 2025. If you have any questions, just let me know, I put my heart into it.
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL1H...
Today was finally a great day. Met my former colleague and her baby girl for the first time and it was superawesome. I lack simple interactions like these in normal life and I came alive once again.
Today was finally a great day. Met my former colleague and her baby girl for the first time and it was superawesome. I lack simple interactions like these in normal life and I came alive once again.
IZARO & Baiuca - Xorieri ft. Oreka TX
YouTube video by IzaroVEVO
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:37 PM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL1H...
Today was finally a great day. Met my former colleague and her baby girl for the first time and it was superawesome. I lack simple interactions like these in normal life and I came alive once again.
Today was finally a great day. Met my former colleague and her baby girl for the first time and it was superawesome. I lack simple interactions like these in normal life and I came alive once again.
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
No, once again, this isn't a particularly appealing route. And now, even the TDF organisation implicitly agrees that they are tired of Pogacar's victories. However, in a counterproductive move, they have created a route that is almost tailor-made for him. #TDF2026
No, once again, this isn't a particularly appealing route. And now, even the TDF organisation implicitly agrees that they are tired of Pogacar's victories. However, in a counterproductive move, they have created a route that is almost tailor-made for him. #TDF2026
2026 Tour de France - issues, many issues
Why I don't like the 2026 parcours
open.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:35 PM
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
No, once again, this isn't a particularly appealing route. And now, even the TDF organisation implicitly agrees that they are tired of Pogacar's victories. However, in a counterproductive move, they have created a route that is almost tailor-made for him. #TDF2026
No, once again, this isn't a particularly appealing route. And now, even the TDF organisation implicitly agrees that they are tired of Pogacar's victories. However, in a counterproductive move, they have created a route that is almost tailor-made for him. #TDF2026
Reposted by Czigelmajer Bence
The third category of the #DomestiqueAwards 🏆:
"Best Breakthrough rider" of 2025, hosted by @cycloben2.bsky.social
Two names on his shortlist:
🚴♂️🇲🇽 Isaac Del Toro
🚴♀️🇫🇷 Maëva Squiban
Who would you nominate for this award? 👇
"Best Breakthrough rider" of 2025, hosted by @cycloben2.bsky.social
Two names on his shortlist:
🚴♂️🇲🇽 Isaac Del Toro
🚴♀️🇫🇷 Maëva Squiban
Who would you nominate for this award? 👇
October 20, 2025 at 7:03 PM
The third category of the #DomestiqueAwards 🏆:
"Best Breakthrough rider" of 2025, hosted by @cycloben2.bsky.social
Two names on his shortlist:
🚴♂️🇲🇽 Isaac Del Toro
🚴♀️🇫🇷 Maëva Squiban
Who would you nominate for this award? 👇
"Best Breakthrough rider" of 2025, hosted by @cycloben2.bsky.social
Two names on his shortlist:
🚴♂️🇲🇽 Isaac Del Toro
🚴♀️🇫🇷 Maëva Squiban
Who would you nominate for this award? 👇
All good things come to an end... and it feels like traditional sprinters' era really comes to end in 2025 :(
October 9, 2025 at 10:59 AM
All good things come to an end... and it feels like traditional sprinters' era really comes to end in 2025 :(
Every year, I look at what I can change, how I can change, how I can move forward in what I did in the past 4 years.
The past weeks have been great for me in this regard—and at early November, I'll share with you what I've come up with.
It's time to play big. It's time to write in length.
The past weeks have been great for me in this regard—and at early November, I'll share with you what I've come up with.
It's time to play big. It's time to write in length.
a dog is standing on top of a turtle on the side of a road .
ALT: a dog is standing on top of a turtle on the side of a road .
media.tenor.com
September 29, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Every year, I look at what I can change, how I can change, how I can move forward in what I did in the past 4 years.
The past weeks have been great for me in this regard—and at early November, I'll share with you what I've come up with.
It's time to play big. It's time to write in length.
The past weeks have been great for me in this regard—and at early November, I'll share with you what I've come up with.
It's time to play big. It's time to write in length.
the best possible thing if you wanna get rid of work stress is to watch women cycling on tough circuits like the one here in Rwanda.
cinema. absolute cinema. with an amazing winner, as well. #Kigali2025
cinema. absolute cinema. with an amazing winner, as well. #Kigali2025
September 27, 2025 at 2:50 PM
the best possible thing if you wanna get rid of work stress is to watch women cycling on tough circuits like the one here in Rwanda.
cinema. absolute cinema. with an amazing winner, as well. #Kigali2025
cinema. absolute cinema. with an amazing winner, as well. #Kigali2025
we must not stay silent about this release. UCI took things a step further today into something that may have absolutely devastating consequences. I'm with the teams and we all should speak out on their sides.
Five Teams, Eight Riders Lodge CAS Appeal Over UCI Romandie Disqualification
Read more: racing.trekbikes.com/stories/lidl...
Read more: racing.trekbikes.com/stories/lidl...
Five Teams, Eight Riders Lodge CAS Appeal Over UCI Romandie Disqualification | Trek Race Shop
The home of Trek Factory Racing, and all the Trek programs. Whether its road, XC, enduro, downhill, freeride, cyclocross or triathlon, you’ll find a Trek athlete, racing for the win.
racing.trekbikes.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:56 PM
we must not stay silent about this release. UCI took things a step further today into something that may have absolutely devastating consequences. I'm with the teams and we all should speak out on their sides.
Massive, massive congrats to Eritrea's Nahom Efriem - 11th place with an absolute supernaturally brilliant positioning on every single Kimihurura climb. Looked amazing. I hope a European development team contract will arrive for him when he gets home #Kigali2025 🇪🇷
September 26, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Massive, massive congrats to Eritrea's Nahom Efriem - 11th place with an absolute supernaturally brilliant positioning on every single Kimihurura climb. Looked amazing. I hope a European development team contract will arrive for him when he gets home #Kigali2025 🇪🇷
Jarno or not Jarno?
That's the real question.
The U23 peloton will take arms against a sea of troubles and climbs in Kigali tomorrow - here is who I find as potential rainbow jersey candidates!!
That's the real question.
The U23 peloton will take arms against a sea of troubles and climbs in Kigali tomorrow - here is who I find as potential rainbow jersey candidates!!
Who are the favourites for the men's U23 Road 🌈 Worlds 2025 at #Kigali2025?
Preview by @cycloben2.bsky.social 👇
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/features/...
📸 Cor Vos
Preview by @cycloben2.bsky.social 👇
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/features/...
📸 Cor Vos
September 25, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Jarno or not Jarno?
That's the real question.
The U23 peloton will take arms against a sea of troubles and climbs in Kigali tomorrow - here is who I find as potential rainbow jersey candidates!!
That's the real question.
The U23 peloton will take arms against a sea of troubles and climbs in Kigali tomorrow - here is who I find as potential rainbow jersey candidates!!
Signed and confirmed now.
If Juan can acquire the unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno mentality at Lidl-Trek, then it's going to be a huge success.
If not... consequences might be huge.
If Juan can acquire the unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno mentality at Lidl-Trek, then it's going to be a huge success.
If not... consequences might be huge.
Spanish reports say Ayuso joins Lidl-Trek on a 5-year contract.
My instant reaction:
My instant reaction:
a woman standing next to a garbage can with a puppet on top of it
ALT: a woman standing next to a garbage can with a puppet on top of it
media.tenor.com
September 25, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Signed and confirmed now.
If Juan can acquire the unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno mentality at Lidl-Trek, then it's going to be a huge success.
If not... consequences might be huge.
If Juan can acquire the unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno mentality at Lidl-Trek, then it's going to be a huge success.
If not... consequences might be huge.
Today's 11th place by Marlen Rojas Lescot is Chile's best ever result on any category at a World Championship, surpassing Catalina Anais Soto's 13th from Glasgow 🇨🇱
#Kigali2025
#Kigali2025
September 23, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Today's 11th place by Marlen Rojas Lescot is Chile's best ever result on any category at a World Championship, surpassing Catalina Anais Soto's 13th from Glasgow 🇨🇱
#Kigali2025
#Kigali2025
I have so many opinions and thoughts about La Vuelta...
The world is sad. What is happening everywhere is sad. It is sad that UCI is powerless in this regard.
I will say only one thing: we must not let the riders be afraid.
The world is sad. What is happening everywhere is sad. It is sad that UCI is powerless in this regard.
I will say only one thing: we must not let the riders be afraid.
September 14, 2025 at 8:28 PM
I have so many opinions and thoughts about La Vuelta...
The world is sad. What is happening everywhere is sad. It is sad that UCI is powerless in this regard.
I will say only one thing: we must not let the riders be afraid.
The world is sad. What is happening everywhere is sad. It is sad that UCI is powerless in this regard.
I will say only one thing: we must not let the riders be afraid.
It's ridiculous how some people wish Alaphilippe wouldn't win any more races because of wheelsucking.
Gosh. Loulou has seen it all. He started the action with 80 to go; he had the right to sit in the peloton afterwards. He attacked when and as much as he had to. He couldn't have done better.
Gosh. Loulou has seen it all. He started the action with 80 to go; he had the right to sit in the peloton afterwards. He attacked when and as much as he had to. He couldn't have done better.
September 12, 2025 at 8:36 PM
It's ridiculous how some people wish Alaphilippe wouldn't win any more races because of wheelsucking.
Gosh. Loulou has seen it all. He started the action with 80 to go; he had the right to sit in the peloton afterwards. He attacked when and as much as he had to. He couldn't have done better.
Gosh. Loulou has seen it all. He started the action with 80 to go; he had the right to sit in the peloton afterwards. He attacked when and as much as he had to. He couldn't have done better.
1235th pro race day.
The last one.
Geraint Thomas will retire today in his hometown, in Cardiff, ahead of tens of thousands of spectators, fans, and admirers.
He will be very much missed for his chivalry, loyalty, basically for everything that is dying in modern cycling...
#ToBM
The last one.
Geraint Thomas will retire today in his hometown, in Cardiff, ahead of tens of thousands of spectators, fans, and admirers.
He will be very much missed for his chivalry, loyalty, basically for everything that is dying in modern cycling...
#ToBM
September 7, 2025 at 6:20 AM
1235th pro race day.
The last one.
Geraint Thomas will retire today in his hometown, in Cardiff, ahead of tens of thousands of spectators, fans, and admirers.
He will be very much missed for his chivalry, loyalty, basically for everything that is dying in modern cycling...
#ToBM
The last one.
Geraint Thomas will retire today in his hometown, in Cardiff, ahead of tens of thousands of spectators, fans, and admirers.
He will be very much missed for his chivalry, loyalty, basically for everything that is dying in modern cycling...
#ToBM
Sacrificing a Grand Tour victory to make history and achieve 90 victories?
That's how I felt today at UAE's camp. I really didn't like what I saw, and in a way, today's tactical performance is indefensible, but if that's what they think is best, I can't judge them... #LaVuelta25
That's how I felt today at UAE's camp. I really didn't like what I saw, and in a way, today's tactical performance is indefensible, but if that's what they think is best, I can't judge them... #LaVuelta25
September 6, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Sacrificing a Grand Tour victory to make history and achieve 90 victories?
That's how I felt today at UAE's camp. I really didn't like what I saw, and in a way, today's tactical performance is indefensible, but if that's what they think is best, I can't judge them... #LaVuelta25
That's how I felt today at UAE's camp. I really didn't like what I saw, and in a way, today's tactical performance is indefensible, but if that's what they think is best, I can't judge them... #LaVuelta25
UCI should take a strong and firm stand now. I said this after the TTT, but it remains true today.
Every day of UCI's silence increases the chances of escalation. Yesterday, it was physically demonstrated; today, the race has been neutralised, and the protests affected the race in sporting merit.
Every day of UCI's silence increases the chances of escalation. Yesterday, it was physically demonstrated; today, the race has been neutralised, and the protests affected the race in sporting merit.
September 3, 2025 at 8:39 PM
UCI should take a strong and firm stand now. I said this after the TTT, but it remains true today.
Every day of UCI's silence increases the chances of escalation. Yesterday, it was physically demonstrated; today, the race has been neutralised, and the protests affected the race in sporting merit.
Every day of UCI's silence increases the chances of escalation. Yesterday, it was physically demonstrated; today, the race has been neutralised, and the protests affected the race in sporting merit.
Spanish reports say Ayuso joins Lidl-Trek on a 5-year contract.
My instant reaction:
My instant reaction:
a woman standing next to a garbage can with a puppet on top of it
ALT: a woman standing next to a garbage can with a puppet on top of it
media.tenor.com
September 1, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Spanish reports say Ayuso joins Lidl-Trek on a 5-year contract.
My instant reaction:
My instant reaction:
Emergency situation needs an emergency Substack post.
Juan Ayuso's transfer warranted a separate post, and while I agree with the transfer in theory, I have concerns about his new place. Nah, I don't think it's the best option for him.
Read more here: open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Juan Ayuso's transfer warranted a separate post, and while I agree with the transfer in theory, I have concerns about his new place. Nah, I don't think it's the best option for him.
Read more here: open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Anatomy of a breakup
Juan Ayuso leaves UAE at the end of 2025
open.substack.com
September 1, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Emergency situation needs an emergency Substack post.
Juan Ayuso's transfer warranted a separate post, and while I agree with the transfer in theory, I have concerns about his new place. Nah, I don't think it's the best option for him.
Read more here: open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Juan Ayuso's transfer warranted a separate post, and while I agree with the transfer in theory, I have concerns about his new place. Nah, I don't think it's the best option for him.
Read more here: open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...