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/
One week, four topics.
Opened my box of thoughts again, and it turned out to be a very dense material - despite this, I hope you will still like it!
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Opened my box of thoughts again, and it turned out to be a very dense material - despite this, I hope you will still like it!
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Bence's box of thoughts #2
Legal and moral dilemmas as part of this week's menu
open.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:21 PM
One week, four topics.
Opened my box of thoughts again, and it turned out to be a very dense material - despite this, I hope you will still like it!
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Opened my box of thoughts again, and it turned out to be a very dense material - despite this, I hope you will still like it!
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
This Caja Rural vs. Unibet Rose Rockets dilemma would not have happened at all if the number of Grand Tour participants had not been increased to 23 last year. It was a bad decision, one that now has major consequences. Either they should do 24x7 or go back to 22x8... but we have to live with it.
January 30, 2026 at 5:35 PM
This Caja Rural vs. Unibet Rose Rockets dilemma would not have happened at all if the number of Grand Tour participants had not been increased to 23 last year. It was a bad decision, one that now has major consequences. Either they should do 24x7 or go back to 22x8... but we have to live with it.
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
I opened my mind and wrote about four things that happened last week - this is Bence's box of thoughts.
Episode 1 is out now and I really plan this to be my only weekly series during the 2026 season. I'll share only the first 5 pieces here, so go and subscribe!
I opened my mind and wrote about four things that happened last week - this is Bence's box of thoughts.
Episode 1 is out now and I really plan this to be my only weekly series during the 2026 season. I'll share only the first 5 pieces here, so go and subscribe!
Bence's box of thoughts #1
Looking for identities
open.substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:12 PM
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
I opened my mind and wrote about four things that happened last week - this is Bence's box of thoughts.
Episode 1 is out now and I really plan this to be my only weekly series during the 2026 season. I'll share only the first 5 pieces here, so go and subscribe!
I opened my mind and wrote about four things that happened last week - this is Bence's box of thoughts.
Episode 1 is out now and I really plan this to be my only weekly series during the 2026 season. I'll share only the first 5 pieces here, so go and subscribe!
Swift is still incredibly elite at 38, and Welsford couldn't leave Australia without a victory, so that's one thing ticked off the list.
At Visma, however, they can slowly start looking for the key of the panic button: and for that, they can only blame their own transfer policy to some extent...
At Visma, however, they can slowly start looking for the key of the panic button: and for that, they can only blame their own transfer policy to some extent...
January 23, 2026 at 5:49 AM
Swift is still incredibly elite at 38, and Welsford couldn't leave Australia without a victory, so that's one thing ticked off the list.
At Visma, however, they can slowly start looking for the key of the panic button: and for that, they can only blame their own transfer policy to some extent...
At Visma, however, they can slowly start looking for the key of the panic button: and for that, they can only blame their own transfer policy to some extent...
Bence's box of thoughts.
Would it be a good name for a weekly newsletter-kind of summary of my meta-narratives?
Leaning towards yes at this point 😅
Would it be a good name for a weekly newsletter-kind of summary of my meta-narratives?
Leaning towards yes at this point 😅
January 22, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Bence's box of thoughts.
Would it be a good name for a weekly newsletter-kind of summary of my meta-narratives?
Leaning towards yes at this point 😅
Would it be a good name for a weekly newsletter-kind of summary of my meta-narratives?
Leaning towards yes at this point 😅
It will be a long season for non-UAE fans and journalists who would like to write something really meaningful about these races. Everyone is in preseason form, and they're beating the record by 6 seconds on a 6-minute hill... At least the battle for 3rd place is still open with unexpected names.
January 22, 2026 at 5:41 AM
It will be a long season for non-UAE fans and journalists who would like to write something really meaningful about these races. Everyone is in preseason form, and they're beating the record by 6 seconds on a 6-minute hill... At least the battle for 3rd place is still open with unexpected names.
If Tord Gudmestad keeps this leadout performance throughout the year, it will surely encourage scouts to buy former or current Uno-X leadouts to accompany their sprinters. They really have been collectively the best in the business for years, and it's incredible that almost no one notices this.
January 21, 2026 at 5:46 AM
If Tord Gudmestad keeps this leadout performance throughout the year, it will surely encourage scouts to buy former or current Uno-X leadouts to accompany their sprinters. They really have been collectively the best in the business for years, and it's incredible that almost no one notices this.
Cody vs Roman III with heel Cody coming as champion. Feel like this is the way we should go on in the next weeks. Needs some hot potatoing with the title in January but it has to be done now. None of these proposals is a potential main event for Sunday night.
The current ideas for the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania are Drew McIntyre vs Cody Rhodes vs Jacob Fatu, or Drew McIntyre vs Cody Rhodes
(WON)
(WON)
January 16, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Cody vs Roman III with heel Cody coming as champion. Feel like this is the way we should go on in the next weeks. Needs some hot potatoing with the title in January but it has to be done now. None of these proposals is a potential main event for Sunday night.
ADOPT A RIDER FOR 2026
The time has come - if you want a special someone to cheer for 2026, write me a comment and I'll assign you a random rider from 2026 cycling peloton - it can be anyone from any level :)
Hope a lot of you will participate!
The time has come - if you want a special someone to cheer for 2026, write me a comment and I'll assign you a random rider from 2026 cycling peloton - it can be anyone from any level :)
Hope a lot of you will participate!
a man holding a pine cone with the words " i 'll raise you as my own " below him
ALT: a man holding a pine cone with the words " i 'll raise you as my own " below him
media.tenor.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:48 AM
ADOPT A RIDER FOR 2026
The time has come - if you want a special someone to cheer for 2026, write me a comment and I'll assign you a random rider from 2026 cycling peloton - it can be anyone from any level :)
Hope a lot of you will participate!
The time has come - if you want a special someone to cheer for 2026, write me a comment and I'll assign you a random rider from 2026 cycling peloton - it can be anyone from any level :)
Hope a lot of you will participate!
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Thank you, Simon.
From the bottom of my heart.
For giving cycling's best story of 21st century.
💌
Thank you, Simon.
From the bottom of my heart.
For giving cycling's best story of 21st century.
💌
Thank you, Simon.
Some thoughts on a *very* unexpected retirement
open.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:53 AM
open.substack.com/pub/cycloben...
Thank you, Simon.
From the bottom of my heart.
For giving cycling's best story of 21st century.
💌
Thank you, Simon.
From the bottom of my heart.
For giving cycling's best story of 21st century.
💌
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 🇪🇷