In Rhythm of the Road, we follow the Airoman.cc teams and riders during their road races. From classic one-day races and local circuits to challenging stage races. We take you through the peloton and give you a behind-the-scenes look at our athletes.
After three years with Tarteletto-Isorex, Alex Vandenbulcke has opted for a Chinese team and a season full of adventure. With top-notch preparation in Australia, new gravel experience, and clear goals, he aims to make his athletic breakthrough in 2026 and continue exploring the world by bike.
Time for a new chapter
After three years at Tarteletto-Isorex, he felt the time had come to seek new territory. "I've always felt comfortable at Tarteletto, but last season's program wasn't quite right for me. As a puncher, I thrive on slightly longer climbs in foreign stage races, and unfortunately, I haven't had many of those opportunities in 2025."
In 2024, he performed strongly in China and made valuable contacts there. At the same time, there was a lot of uncertainty in Europe, with teams shutting down or merging. "Because I manage everything myself and don't have a manager, I had to make my own decisions. Ultimately, I consciously chose adventure. I want to get the most out of my career, and for me, that also means exploring the world by bike."
Overwintering in Australia
My preparation began in Australia, where I trained and raced for three months. That was without a doubt the best winter I've ever had. For the first time, I could fully focus on cycling, without exams or studies. In June 2025, he obtained his second bachelor's degree, allowing him to head to Australia without any obligations. "The conditions are ideal there. The weather is stable, allowing you to execute every training session perfectly. I feel stronger than ever at the start of a season."
During his stay, he also thoroughly explored gravel. Thanks to his partnership with the German company Rinosbikes, he had access to a gravel bike. "In the first part of the winter, I mainly rode gravel, but later I focused more on the road. Gravel in Australia is completely different from the Low Countries. You can ride 200-kilometer loops completely off-road without encountering a single car. It's not only a unique experience, but also an ideal way to build endurance and strength."
A long-term partnership with Airoman
The collaboration with Alex goes back a long way. "In 2026, I'll be entering my third year with Airoman. I'm proud to be one of the brand's pioneers. For me, a collaboration is all about sustainability and mutual trust." He also appreciates the way they work and how athletes are involved in the development process. "I've seen the products evolve over the years. The people behind Airoman really listen to feedback. The overshoes are a great example: I've tested various models, and each new one was better than the last. That demonstrates their commitment. Moreover, the products are high-quality and affordable, and the personalization—for example, with socks—offers great added value."
2026 must be a sporting and personal highlight
Alex has chosen a Chinese team for 2026, and that already means it's going to be a special season for him. "We have a team house at an altitude of 1,800 meters on a beautiful lake. Everything is taken care of: food, flights, and equipment. The races are sometimes thousands of kilometers apart, so it will truly be a year of travel."
As for China, he already has a pretty good idea of what awaits him. "I'll have already raced there for a month in 2024. It's a country of contrasts: luxury and poverty, impressive nature and vast landscapes, fantastic food, and sometimes surprising street food. The races are exceptionally professionally organized, with wide and safe roads, and even at local races, elaborate ceremonies. The level has risen significantly in recent years, with many international riders at the start."
He indicates that all UCI races are, of course, a goal for him. "Some courses suit me better than others, but I want to play a significant role in every one. My ambition is to reach a podium finish in a UCI race, preferably win a .2 race, and take home at least one secondary classification."
2026 should be a year full of adventure, new experiences and hopefully great sporting results.
Want to keep up with Alex Vandenbulcke (and other Airoman.cc teams and riders)? Follow us on Instagram. @airomaniacyclingclub and read more soon on Airoman.cc !