From BMX to elite road racing in France, Alastair Gardner reflects on his first under-23 season, the realities of the French club system, and how patience and perspective are shaping the next phase of his development. Part of our “Getting to know” series with riders supported by the Rayner Foundation.
British Cycling has confirmed its squad for the 2026 Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hulst, led by Cam Mason and Zoe Backstedt, but the continued omission of the reigning elite and under-23 women’s national champions — and a forceful response from Spectra Racing — again brings questions of selection criteria and progression in British women’s cyclo-cross into focus.
After weeks of uncertainty, the Jock Wadley Memorial Road Race has been confirmed for Sunday 8 March. The late announcement sets up a congested early-season weekend, but also secures the return of one of the domestic calendar’s most established National B fixtures – and opens the door to a potential hat-trick for Jacob Vaughan, who has told The British Continental he hopes to line up again after winning in both 2024 and 2025.
Far from the established circuits of European racing, the Pune Grand Tour signals India’s return to the UCI calendar – and offers Essex-based Schils Doltcini RT a chance to race on roads where the sport’s future is still being written.