How will the Iran war affect pro cycling? We asked an expert what's next for the sport's Middle Eastern races and teams

Following the outbreak of war between the USA, Israel, and Iran, cycling publication Escape Collective consulted Nathaniel Shils, a Middle East expert and visiting assistant professor at Amherst College's political science department, to assess the impact on professional cycling. The key concerns center on Gulf-state investment in the sport, particularly the future of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, currently regarded as the biggest and best team in pro cycling. Shils indicated that the full ramifications for team funding and Middle Eastern races remain uncertain until the extent of the conflict's economic fallout becomes clearer.