Shane Stokes has written about pro cycling for over 25 years, covering grand tours, world championships, Classics and other major events in the sport during that time. He’s been the Irish Times cycling correspondent for two decades, appeared regularly on that country’s national broadcaster RTE in analyzing the sport, and contributed to Velo and many of the sport’s international outlets.
When not writing about cycling he’s happiest in nature on a sunny day, particularly with a dog or two in tow.
Reactions from Geraint Thomas, Juan Ayuso, Jumbo-Visma staffers and teammates on Kuss and his historic win: 'Everyone is super happy to see him win.'
Belgian animates Spanish grand tour, exits race better prepared for next July.
Nailbiting final stage crowns American grand tour success.
Follow all the action as Vollering, Uttrup Ludwig, Longo-Borghini headline the three-stage Women's WorldTour race.
Jumbo-Visma teammates unified to seal first US victory in a decade and make grand tour history.
Other teams reported to have complained previously over police actions at the Vuelta a España.
Traditional end to race to play out on streets of Spanish capital city in what will be first US men's grand tour win in a decade.
Sepp Kuss gets a reprieve from defending red in the mountains as the sprinters have their day once more.
The final real chance for a GC change-up.
Former world number one says American rider should be guided home to Vuelta win.
Can Sepp Kuss defend on one more mountain-top finish after being dropped by his teammates two days in a row?
The Angliru has only featured in the Vuelta nine times total since its first appearance in 1999, but has become one of the most iconic climbs in the event.
Dutchwoman bows out with cheers, waves and an atmospheric farewell.
The American rider won the best young rider's jersey after racing for the first time since a heavy crash at the Tour de Suisse in June.
Pavel Sivakov outsprinted as WorldTour race blows to smithereens on final lap.
Current world champion triumphs overall while multiple rainbow jersey winner ends pro career.
Climb and descent close to the finish could platform opportunistic attacks.
Niewiadoma aggressive during hilly stage, launches key move on final ascent of Cauberg.
Ayuso, Almeida, and Soler vow to fight on.
Belgian comes from a long way back to defeat Strong, Matthews and the bunch.
Bunch sprint settles stage after earlier breakaway.
Roglic inches closer to Evenepoel on eve of dramatic showdown.
Cross-border climbing challenge with another summit finish.
Green jersey Groves just misses out on third stage win after mishap close to line.
Belgian rider takes 12th victory of the season with win in individual time trial.
Wind could play a role, with echelons a possibility.
Tour de France signature climb likely to play a key role in shaping race.
Punchy climbers to shine in difficult finale as Sepp Kuss carries red jersey into week two.
Numerical superiority proves crucial for Lidl-Trek riders.
The only individual time trial will be crucial for Sepp Kuss and his bid to defend the red leader's jersey.
More controversy at the Spanish grand tour after officials take the GC times with 2km to go on Sunday's summit finale.
Kämna punches out of breakaway for solo summit victory, Kuss retains GC lead as mud on road forces neutralization of the closing 2km.
Michael Storer on 20-year-old teammate's breakout Vuelta: 'He has been riding above expectations, way, way above, so no regrets.'
Saint Piran team boss talks carbon footprints, sustainability audits and helping the next generation of riders.
Top US road race set to sparkle on Sunday in one of the season highlights.
Kuss claims career-first grand tour GC leader's jersey, Evenepoel resilient under Jumbo-Visma pressure but misses sprint victory.
The lumpy profile could see breakaway riders taking their chances before going into Monday's rest day.
'This stage could well mark the first notable differences in the general classification.”
Things cool down a bit following the GC fireworks with a transition that could see the sprinters have another chance.
Another chance for the sprinters, if a breakaway doesn't spoil the party.
An opportunity for the sprinters on the streets of Tarragona.
Multiple falls see efforts to create a go-slow, but not everyone agreed.
Stage will give a clear indication as to the riders in form.
EF Education-EasyPost snatch red leader's jersey in a complicated stage marked by crashes at the Spanish grand tour.
Follow all the action in the five-stage race as the men's WorldTour resumes.
Dunbar loses time, Thomas loses teammate as downpour and darkening evening skies left riders falling like skittles.
Evenepoel and Co. were unhappy at the finish line after racing in near-dark conditions to open the Vuelta a España: 'It is just shame that they let us race in the dark like this.'
Jonas Vingegaard punctures and pre-race favorites Jumbo-Visma lose a half minute.
Movistar pro to spearhead US national team in event.
Terrain could thin out stage contenders and reveal early form.
Irishman ruling nothing out despite stacked field of favorites: ‘A couple of names stand out … but there’s a lot of racing to be done’
New world TT champion heads to altitude to hone form before Spanish grand tour.
‘Accept, adapt, move on,’ says defending world champion as rainbow jersey goes elsewhere.
Demi Vollering and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig round out the podium.
Frenchman foils race favorites from early break.
American rider takes 11th but believes he could have fought for top five result.
Defending champion doesn’t fully click on tough Glasgow circuit, Van Aert concedes best man won.
Dutch ace survives crash 16km from the line and rides to victory with damaged shoe, defending champ Evenepoel drops 35km out.
Landmark first joint championships shines spotlight on the sport and could change it forever.
Solo moves bring success in both races in Glasgow.
An all out effort against the clock to end a superb race.
Canyon-SRAM leader just 11 hundredths away from second place, with clear progress having been made.
'I came here to fight for the podium – I'll not let go of that.' Polish ace sits second on GC ahead of final TT after Tourmalet stunner.
A dramatic day in the high mountains.
An all out TT effort to conclude the 2023 Tour de France Femmes.
Defending champion steers clear of criticizing Demi Vollering after tense tactical battle on stage 7.
Team SD Worx-Protime rider surges into yellow jersey into final day, with Kasia Niewiadoma second on stage.
Race's hardest stage will unveil form of big favorites.
Belgian rider ‘definitely proud’ to win points classification, fired up to secure yellow with teammate.
Another gripping stage and exciting finale.
Chasing sprinters caught in pileup 900m out; US star Veronica Ewers crashes 50km out, loses almost ten minutes to GC favorites.
Agent said there are logical reasons why near-misses in the Tour de France didn’t translate into wins.
Another superb solo victory from an emerging young rider.
Day proves more selective than expected, with bunch being thinned out.
Stunning debut pro victory for 25-year-old Dutchwoman.
Stage likely to be tightly controlled by the sprinters' teams.
A ten minute breakaway, a long-range solo stage winner and a big GC shakeup.
Race within a race delivers sparks in a long, grueling day of attrition.
Early terrain should promote attacks but finale more accommodating to a chase.
Lumpy finale promises exciting finish.