The Cycling Podcast

S14 Ep5: Green Card

Feb 5, 2026
Rob Hatch, broadcast commentator and cycling journalist, joins to dissect hot topics in pro cycling. They debate ASO’s controversial Tour wildcard for Caja Rural versus Unibet Rose Rockets. They also discuss Remco Evenepoel’s blazing start at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and whether he could upend Milan–Sanremo. Plus talk of Mathieu van der Poel’s cyclocross dominance and Olympic implications.
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ANECDOTE

Wildcard Surprise: Caja Rural Gets Nod

  • ASO awarded Tour de France wildcards to TotalEnergies and Spanish Caja Rural, surprising many observers.
  • Unibet Rose Rockets had positioned themselves for a slot after registering in France, but were ultimately passed over.
INSIGHT

Wildcard Decisions Mix Merit And Politics

  • Sporting rankings were close: Caja Rural slightly ahead of Unibet in single-year and multi-year UCI standings.
  • ASO's subjective choices include nationality, history and relationships, not just results.
INSIGHT

Heritage Matters In Wildcard Picks

  • ASO valued Spanish identity and long association with cycling when awarding a wildcard to Caja Rural.
  • Historical ties and national representation can outweigh flashy marketing or new business models.
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