{"id":1831688,"date":"2026-03-16T12:43:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1831688"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:43:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:43:54","slug":"its-unacceptable-that-our-safety-keeps-being-compromised-for-the-shot-two-riders-almost-run-over-by-driver-of-media-vehicle-at-mid-south-gravel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1831688","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;It&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8221; \u2013 Two riders almost run over by driver of media vehicle at Mid South gravel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/82HHzp2Hhx4xV4dghGN6oY-2493-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nThe Mid South Gravel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8221; \u2013 Two riders almost run over by driver of media vehicle at Mid South gravel<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-16T12:43:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;This was an operational failure, and we own it&#8217; says race organisation in apology statement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/82HHzp2Hhx4xV4dghGN6oY.jpg\" alt=\"Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e wins third Valley of Tears, this time just seconds in front of Paige Onweller\" class=\"block-image-ads hero-image absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full object-center\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text\">Villafa\u00f1e winning Valley of Tears just ahead of Onweller<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Simon Krenk)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\">\n<span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The Mid South apologises<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 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class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<aside class=\"[&amp;&gt;svg]:max-h-10 [&amp;&gt;svg]:w-auto [&amp;&gt;svg]:h-full my-4\">\n<\/aside>\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-10\">\n<\/div>\n<div role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" class=\"grid min-h-[140px] w-full place-items-center rounded-lg p-6 mb-4\">\n<\/div>\n<p><span role=\"alert\" aria-live=\"assertive\"><\/span><\/p>\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"39910eb6-ff1f-4f4d-88ce-5ceccf345329\">The organisers of The Mid South gravel race have apologised after Sof\u00eda G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e and Paige Onweller were almost struck by a the driver of a race vehicle on Friday, with G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e asserting that &#8220;it&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>In an extraordinary incident captured on camera by a spectator, an off-road buggy, which was carrying media personnel capturing photos and footage from inside the race, almost drove into both riders in turn.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"39910eb6-ff1f-4f4d-88ce-5ceccf345329-2\">The pair were coming around a left-hand bend when the vehicle carried straight on, forcing G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e to suddenly break and swerve to avoid being run over. The vehicle then turned sharply away but swerved over to the left and into the path of Onweller, who also had to swerve to avoid being hit.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fj7tFoqDfBsqvv2ZZh8mJg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour du Rwanda\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Two spectators killed, six more injured after being hit by the driver of a caravan vehicle at the Tour du Rwanda<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xKZ7DcTtdzfsshbBUjtr5Y.png\" alt=\"BESSEGES, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 07: The peloton negotiating with the UCI commissaires about the resumption of the race due to adverse weather conditions during the 55th Etoile de Besseges - Tour du Gard 2025, Stage 3 a 164.05km stage from Besseges to Besseges on February 07, 2025 in Besseges, France. (Photo by Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We had things to change&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After cars on course and team withdrawals last season, French race \u00c9toile de Bess\u00e8ges promises strengthened security measures in 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ithAkuJr5iaVStVEopSfE8.jpg\" alt=\"Vuelta a Murcia: riders complete the neutralised stage\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We could not stay on the bikes&#8217; &#8211; with riders blown off course, a 15-minute &#8216;race&#8217; and a full winners&#8217; final ceremony, here&#8217;s how Vuelta a Murcia&#8217;s windblasted stage-that-wasn&#8217;t veered into something far odder<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The vehicle then appeared to come to a halt as the pair of riders, after a wave of arms and some expletives, checked that the other was OK as they rode on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e, who went on to win the race, addressed the incident on social media, writing on Saturday: &#8220;One of the scarier moments of Mid South yesterday. Not the first time I (or my fellow competitors) have just about collided with a media vehicle from their lack of course knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;At this point in time, it\u2019s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"DV3qRYgjrtf\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Sofia Gomez Villafane (@sofithevilla)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"elk-the-mid-south-apologises\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-the-mid-south-apologises\"><span>The Mid South apologises<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"244bde62-3277-4c3b-9640-b3b881cba296\">On Sunday, the race organisation issued a statement apologising for the incident and taking responsibility<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;During Friday\u2019s coverage of the Pro Women\u2019s race, a Mid South media vehicle made an error that forced two lead riders, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e and Paige Onweller, off their line to avoid a collision. Thankfully no one was injured, but it created a frightening moment that should not have happened on our course.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Sofia and Paige \u2014 we are truly sorry. We understand how serious and unsettling that moment must have been.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;What happens on our course is our responsibility, and in this instance we fell short of the standard we expect of ourselves. This was an operational failure, and we own it. The responsibility sits with our race leadership, not with any individual crew member.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h9EQCCBPwgP3BMRFHQcsGf.jpg\" alt=\"Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates pictured in action during the men&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; one day cycling race, 268,9km from Brugge to Oudenaarde, Sunday 06 April 2025. BELGA PHOTO POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR (Photo by POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Support with heart, not hate&#8217; \u2013 Classics spectators urged to respect riders after string of incidents<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" alt=\"Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e rides solo at the front of Valley of Tears mid-race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fLNTvjeobQtmpH3bMrg6Nm.jpg\" alt=\"ALFARO, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 80th Tour of Spain 2025, Stage 9 a 195.5km stage from Alfaro to Estacion de Esqui de Valdezcaray 1541m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 31, 2025 in Alfaro, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jonas Vingegaard crashes in training after being tailed by amateur rider, as Visma urge fans to give pros &#8216;as much space and peace as possible&#8217;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The Mid South organisers also made reference to the &#8220;broader conversation happening among professional riders about safety in open-road gravel racing&#8221;. As the discipline has expanded over over the years, gravel racing looks markedly different to how it did 10 years or so ago, with media coverage a big part of that.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are listening,&#8221; stated the organisers of Mid South, which was first held as a grass roots event back in 2011.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have already begun a full review of our on-course operations, including how media vehicles are managed during race situations. As the sport continues to grow and the intensity of racing increases, we recognize that stronger protocols, clearer standards, and more input from riders are necessary to ensure safety and confidence on course.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The Mid South exists because of the community that built this event and the trust riders place in us when they roll to the start line. That trust matters deeply to us, and in this moment we did not meet the standard our riders deserve. We will learn from this and do the work required to make it better.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" alt=\"Patrick Fletcher\" class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[--truncate-gradient-color,white] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"infinite-container\" data-analytics-id=\"infinite-container\" data-component-name=\"SponsoredScroll\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"infinite-container\">\n<div class=\"infinite-trigger\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fj7tFoqDfBsqvv2ZZh8mJg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour du Rwanda\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Two spectators killed, six more injured after being hit by the driver of a caravan vehicle at the Tour du Rwanda<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xKZ7DcTtdzfsshbBUjtr5Y.png\" alt=\"BESSEGES, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 07: The peloton negotiating with the UCI commissaires about the resumption of the race due to adverse weather conditions during the 55th Etoile de Besseges - Tour du Gard 2025, Stage 3 a 164.05km stage from Besseges to Besseges on February 07, 2025 in Besseges, France. (Photo by Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We had things to change&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After cars on course and team withdrawals last season, French race \u00c9toile de Bess\u00e8ges promises strengthened security measures in 2026<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ithAkuJr5iaVStVEopSfE8.jpg\" alt=\"Vuelta a Murcia: riders complete the neutralised stage\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We could not stay on the bikes&#8217; &#8211; with riders blown off course, a 15-minute &#8216;race&#8217; and a full winners&#8217; final ceremony, here&#8217;s how Vuelta a Murcia&#8217;s windblasted stage-that-wasn&#8217;t veered into something far odder<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h9EQCCBPwgP3BMRFHQcsGf.jpg\" alt=\"Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates pictured in action during the men&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; one day cycling race, 268,9km from Brugge to Oudenaarde, Sunday 06 April 2025. BELGA PHOTO POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR (Photo by POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Support with heart, not hate&#8217; \u2013 Classics spectators urged to respect riders after string of incidents<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" alt=\"Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e rides solo at the front of Valley of Tears mid-race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fLNTvjeobQtmpH3bMrg6Nm.jpg\" alt=\"ALFARO, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 80th Tour of Spain 2025, Stage 9 a 195.5km stage from Alfaro to Estacion de Esqui de Valdezcaray 1541m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 31, 2025 in Alfaro, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard crashes in training after being tailed by amateur rider, as Visma urge fans to give pros &#8216;as much space and peace as possible&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi.jpg\" alt=\"27\/09\/2025 - Cycling - 2025 UCI Road World Championships - Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda - Women Elite Road Race - Ur\u0161ka \u017digart (Slovenia)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve struggled with it because I felt like I was more under the watchful eye&#8217; \u2013 Ur\u0161ka \u017digart opens up about handling attention and reaching potential with the belief of her team<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb.jpg\" alt=\"MARTINSICURO, ITALY - MARCH 12: Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech celebrates at podium as stage winner during the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 4 a 213km stage from Tagliacozzo to Martinsicuro \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 12, 2026 in Martinsicuro, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bpr6ZyXNF7p45HPm49eKcH.jpg\" alt=\"JEBEL HAFEET, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 08: Eleonora Ciabocco of Italy and Team Picnic PostNL crosses the finish line during the 4th UAE Tour Women 2026, Stage 4 a 156km stage from Al Ain Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium to Jebel Hafeet 1042m \/ #UCIWWT \/ on February 08, 2026 in Jebel Hafeet, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eleonora Ciabocco escapes with only cuts and stitches after frightening crash in Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/omJ8yHuvum67oiGzevZJ3i.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Volta a la Comunitatat Valenciana: Mads Pedersen prior to stage 1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He can&#8217;t do more than what he is doing now&#8217; \u2013 Mads Pedersen aiming for Flemish Classics as Milan-San Remo all but ruled out<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA.jpg\" alt=\"CITTIGLIO, ITALY - MARCH 15: Karlijn Swinkels of Netherlands and UAE Team ADQ celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 27th Trofeo Alfredo Binda - Comune di Cittiglio 2026 a 152.7km one dat race from Luino to Cittiglio \/ #UCIWWT \/ on March 15, 2026 in Cittiglio, Italy.Luino, Italy. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda: Karlijn Swinkels edges Anna van der Breggen to claim first WorldTour victory<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4aD3CSGFnt5swbgigbA4M.jpg\" alt=\"SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, ITALY - MARCH 15: Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of Laurenz Rex of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step and Sam Welsford of Australia and Team INEOS Grenadiers during the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 7 a 142km stage from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 15, 2026 in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tirreno-Adriatico: Isaac del Toro seals overall victory as Jonathan Milan wins stage 7 sprint for third consecutive year<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DtXJgLtygp7u9vjSM3YfTA.jpg\" alt=\"Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gautier Demouveaux\/NurPhoto\/Shutterstock (16736461p)\nThe Jakroo Handsling racing team, including Oliver Dawson (GBR), Alex Franks (GBR), William Truelove (GBR), Dylan Belton Owen (GBR), Thomas Heal (GBR), Conor White (BER), and Harisson Dainty (GBR), participates in the team presentation of the 61st Grand Prix de Lillers in Lillers, Pas-de-Calais, France, on March 8, 2026.\n61th Grand Prix De Lillers - Teams Presentation, France - 08 Mar 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Violent robbery&#8217; caught on camera as British team&#8217;s race bikes ripped from locked roof rack in broad daylight<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS.jpg\" alt=\"VALENCIA, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: (L-R) Gabriele Scagliola of Italy and Hector Alvarez of Spain and Team Lidl-Trek Future Racing react after the 42nd Classica Comunitat Valenciana 1969 - Gran premio Valencia 2026 a 200km one day race from La Nucia to Valencia on January 25, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Antonio Baixauli\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">British rider among Lidl-Trek Junior Racing programme that aims to &#8216;find and develop the very best junior talent&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bpr6ZyXNF7p45HPm49eKcH.jpg\" alt=\"JEBEL HAFEET, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 08: Eleonora Ciabocco of Italy and Team Picnic PostNL crosses the finish line during the 4th UAE Tour Women 2026, Stage 4 a 156km stage from Al Ain Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium to Jebel Hafeet 1042m \/ #UCIWWT \/ on February 08, 2026 in Jebel Hafeet, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eleonora Ciabocco escapes with only cuts and stitches after frightening crash in Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/omJ8yHuvum67oiGzevZJ3i.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Volta a la Comunitatat Valenciana: Mads Pedersen prior to stage 1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He can&#8217;t do more than what he is doing now&#8217; \u2013 Mads Pedersen aiming for Flemish Classics as Milan-San Remo all but ruled out<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBnK4TRyiRWMLapUj9cteK.jpg\" alt=\"SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, ITALY - MARCH 15: Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of Sam Welsford of Australia and Team INEOS Grenadiers during the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 7 a 142km stage from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 15, 2026 in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Another podium but no win for Sam Welsford in &#8216;hectic&#8217; and &#8216;dive bombing&#8217; final Tirreno-Adriatico sprint<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY.jpg\" alt=\"MAROTTA-MONDOLFO, ITALY - MARCH 13: (L-R) Giulio Pellizzari of Italy - Blue Leader Jersey and Primoz Roglic of Slovenia and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe prior to the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 5 a 184km stage from Marotta-Mondolfo to Mombaroccio 309m \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 13, 2026 in Marotta-Mondolfo, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-middle-1\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-middle-1 widget-ads-ads-middle-1 widget-no-data widget-ads-flexi_ads_middle1\">\n<div id=\"bdx_flexi_ads_middle1\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"flexi_ads_middle1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-top widget-empty-sidebar-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"follow-us-on-google-news\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-follow-us-on-google-news widget-contentparsed-follow-us-on-google-news widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-curated \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-top widget-empty-sidebar-popular-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DtXJgLtygp7u9vjSM3YfTA.jpg\" alt=\"Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gautier Demouveaux\/NurPhoto\/Shutterstock (16736461p)\nThe Jakroo Handsling racing team, including Oliver Dawson (GBR), Alex Franks (GBR), William Truelove (GBR), Dylan Belton Owen (GBR), Thomas Heal (GBR), Conor White (BER), and Harisson Dainty (GBR), participates in the team presentation of the 61st Grand Prix de Lillers in Lillers, Pas-de-Calais, France, on March 8, 2026.\n61th Grand Prix De Lillers - Teams Presentation, France - 08 Mar 2026\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Violent robbery&#8217; caught on camera as British team&#8217;s race bikes ripped from locked roof rack in broad daylight<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">British rider among Lidl-Trek Junior Racing programme that aims to &#8216;find and develop the very best junior talent&#8217;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">SunGod Airas Iris Photochromic glasses review: For when the weather can\u2019t make up its mind<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8221; \u2013 Two riders almost run over by driver of media vehicle at Mid South gravel<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nThe Mid South Gravel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8221; \u2013 Two riders almost run over by driver of media vehicle at Mid South gravel<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-16T12:43:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;This was an operational failure, and we own it&#8217; says race organisation in apology statement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/82HHzp2Hhx4xV4dghGN6oY.jpg\" alt=\"Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e wins third Valley of Tears, this time just seconds in front of Paige Onweller\" class=\"block-image-ads hero-image absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full object-center\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text\">Villafa\u00f1e winning Valley of Tears just ahead of Onweller<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Simon Krenk)<\/span><br 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border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The Mid South apologises<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 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text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"39910eb6-ff1f-4f4d-88ce-5ceccf345329\">The organisers of The Mid South gravel race have apologised after Sof\u00eda G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e and Paige Onweller were almost struck by a the driver of a race vehicle on Friday, with G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e asserting that &#8220;it&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>In an extraordinary incident captured on camera by a spectator, an off-road buggy, which was carrying media personnel capturing photos and footage from inside the race, almost drove into both riders in turn.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"39910eb6-ff1f-4f4d-88ce-5ceccf345329-2\">The pair were coming around a left-hand bend when the vehicle carried straight on, forcing G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e to suddenly break and swerve to avoid being run over. The vehicle then turned sharply away but swerved over to the left and into the path of Onweller, who also had to swerve to avoid being hit.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fj7tFoqDfBsqvv2ZZh8mJg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour du Rwanda\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Two spectators killed, six more injured after being hit by the driver of a caravan vehicle at the Tour du Rwanda<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xKZ7DcTtdzfsshbBUjtr5Y.png\" alt=\"BESSEGES, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 07: The peloton negotiating with the UCI commissaires about the resumption of the race due to adverse weather conditions during the 55th Etoile de Besseges - Tour du Gard 2025, Stage 3 a 164.05km stage from Besseges to Besseges on February 07, 2025 in Besseges, France. (Photo by Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We had things to change&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After cars on course and team withdrawals last season, French race \u00c9toile de Bess\u00e8ges promises strengthened security measures in 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ithAkuJr5iaVStVEopSfE8.jpg\" alt=\"Vuelta a Murcia: riders complete the neutralised stage\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We could not stay on the bikes&#8217; &#8211; with riders blown off course, a 15-minute &#8216;race&#8217; and a full winners&#8217; final ceremony, here&#8217;s how Vuelta a Murcia&#8217;s windblasted stage-that-wasn&#8217;t veered into something far odder<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The vehicle then appeared to come to a halt as the pair of riders, after a wave of arms and some expletives, checked that the other was OK as they rode on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e, who went on to win the race, addressed the incident on social media, writing on Saturday: &#8220;One of the scarier moments of Mid South yesterday. Not the first time I (or my fellow competitors) have just about collided with a media vehicle from their lack of course knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;At this point in time, it\u2019s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"DV3qRYgjrtf\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Sofia Gomez Villafane (@sofithevilla)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"elk-the-mid-south-apologises\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-the-mid-south-apologises\"><span>The Mid South apologises<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"244bde62-3277-4c3b-9640-b3b881cba296\">On Sunday, the race organisation issued a statement apologising for the incident and taking responsibility<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;During Friday\u2019s coverage of the Pro Women\u2019s race, a Mid South media vehicle made an error that forced two lead riders, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e and Paige Onweller, off their line to avoid a collision. Thankfully no one was injured, but it created a frightening moment that should not have happened on our course.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Sofia and Paige \u2014 we are truly sorry. We understand how serious and unsettling that moment must have been.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;What happens on our course is our responsibility, and in this instance we fell short of the standard we expect of ourselves. This was an operational failure, and we own it. The responsibility sits with our race leadership, not with any individual crew member.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h9EQCCBPwgP3BMRFHQcsGf.jpg\" alt=\"Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates pictured in action during the men&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; one day cycling race, 268,9km from Brugge to Oudenaarde, Sunday 06 April 2025. BELGA PHOTO POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR (Photo by POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Support with heart, not hate&#8217; \u2013 Classics spectators urged to respect riders after string of incidents<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" alt=\"Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e rides solo at the front of Valley of Tears mid-race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fLNTvjeobQtmpH3bMrg6Nm.jpg\" alt=\"ALFARO, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 80th Tour of Spain 2025, Stage 9 a 195.5km stage from Alfaro to Estacion de Esqui de Valdezcaray 1541m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 31, 2025 in Alfaro, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jonas Vingegaard crashes in training after being tailed by amateur rider, as Visma urge fans to give pros &#8216;as much space and peace as possible&#8217;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The Mid South organisers also made reference to the &#8220;broader conversation happening among professional riders about safety in open-road gravel racing&#8221;. As the discipline has expanded over over the years, gravel racing looks markedly different to how it did 10 years or so ago, with media coverage a big part of that.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are listening,&#8221; stated the organisers of Mid South, which was first held as a grass roots event back in 2011.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have already begun a full review of our on-course operations, including how media vehicles are managed during race situations. As the sport continues to grow and the intensity of racing increases, we recognize that stronger protocols, clearer standards, and more input from riders are necessary to ensure safety and confidence on course.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The Mid South exists because of the community that built this event and the trust riders place in us when they roll to the start line. That trust matters deeply to us, and in this moment we did not meet the standard our riders deserve. We will learn from this and do the work required to make it better.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" alt=\"Patrick Fletcher\" class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[--truncate-gradient-color,white] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"infinite-container\" data-analytics-id=\"infinite-container\" data-component-name=\"SponsoredScroll\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"infinite-container\">\n<div class=\"infinite-trigger\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fj7tFoqDfBsqvv2ZZh8mJg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour du Rwanda\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Two spectators killed, six more injured after being hit by the driver of a caravan vehicle at the Tour du Rwanda<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xKZ7DcTtdzfsshbBUjtr5Y.png\" alt=\"BESSEGES, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 07: The peloton negotiating with the UCI commissaires about the resumption of the race due to adverse weather conditions during the 55th Etoile de Besseges - Tour du Gard 2025, Stage 3 a 164.05km stage from Besseges to Besseges on February 07, 2025 in Besseges, France. (Photo by Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We had things to change&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After cars on course and team withdrawals last season, French race \u00c9toile de Bess\u00e8ges promises strengthened security measures in 2026<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ithAkuJr5iaVStVEopSfE8.jpg\" alt=\"Vuelta a Murcia: riders complete the neutralised stage\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We could not stay on the bikes&#8217; &#8211; with riders blown off course, a 15-minute &#8216;race&#8217; and a full winners&#8217; final ceremony, here&#8217;s how Vuelta a Murcia&#8217;s windblasted stage-that-wasn&#8217;t veered into something far odder<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h9EQCCBPwgP3BMRFHQcsGf.jpg\" alt=\"Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates pictured in action during the men&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; one day cycling race, 268,9km from Brugge to Oudenaarde, Sunday 06 April 2025. BELGA PHOTO POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR (Photo by POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Support with heart, not hate&#8217; \u2013 Classics spectators urged to respect riders after string of incidents<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" alt=\"Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e rides solo at the front of Valley of Tears mid-race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fLNTvjeobQtmpH3bMrg6Nm.jpg\" alt=\"ALFARO, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 80th Tour of Spain 2025, Stage 9 a 195.5km stage from Alfaro to Estacion de Esqui de Valdezcaray 1541m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 31, 2025 in Alfaro, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard crashes in training after being tailed by amateur rider, as Visma urge fans to give pros &#8216;as much space and peace as possible&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi.jpg\" alt=\"27\/09\/2025 - Cycling - 2025 UCI Road World Championships - Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda - Women Elite Road Race - Ur\u0161ka \u017digart (Slovenia)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve struggled with it because I felt like I was more under the watchful eye&#8217; \u2013 Ur\u0161ka \u017digart opens up about handling attention and reaching potential with the belief of her team<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb.jpg\" alt=\"MARTINSICURO, ITALY - MARCH 12: Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech celebrates at podium as stage winner during the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 4 a 213km stage from Tagliacozzo to Martinsicuro \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 12, 2026 in Martinsicuro, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bpr6ZyXNF7p45HPm49eKcH.jpg\" alt=\"JEBEL HAFEET, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 08: Eleonora Ciabocco of Italy and Team Picnic PostNL crosses the finish line during the 4th UAE Tour Women 2026, Stage 4 a 156km stage from Al Ain Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium to Jebel Hafeet 1042m \/ #UCIWWT \/ on February 08, 2026 in Jebel Hafeet, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eleonora Ciabocco escapes with only cuts and stitches after frightening crash in Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/omJ8yHuvum67oiGzevZJ3i.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Volta a la Comunitatat Valenciana: Mads Pedersen prior to stage 1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He can&#8217;t do more than what he is doing now&#8217; \u2013 Mads Pedersen aiming for Flemish Classics as Milan-San Remo all but ruled out<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA.jpg\" alt=\"CITTIGLIO, ITALY - MARCH 15: Karlijn Swinkels of Netherlands and UAE Team ADQ celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 27th Trofeo Alfredo Binda - Comune di Cittiglio 2026 a 152.7km one dat race from Luino to Cittiglio \/ #UCIWWT \/ on March 15, 2026 in Cittiglio, Italy.Luino, Italy. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda: Karlijn Swinkels edges Anna van der Breggen to claim first WorldTour victory<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4aD3CSGFnt5swbgigbA4M.jpg\" alt=\"SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, ITALY - MARCH 15: Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of Laurenz Rex of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step and Sam Welsford of Australia and Team INEOS Grenadiers during the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 7 a 142km stage from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 15, 2026 in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tirreno-Adriatico: Isaac del Toro seals overall victory as Jonathan Milan wins stage 7 sprint for third consecutive year<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DtXJgLtygp7u9vjSM3YfTA.jpg\" alt=\"Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gautier Demouveaux\/NurPhoto\/Shutterstock (16736461p)\nThe Jakroo Handsling racing team, including Oliver Dawson (GBR), Alex Franks (GBR), William Truelove (GBR), Dylan Belton Owen (GBR), Thomas Heal (GBR), Conor White (BER), and Harisson Dainty (GBR), participates in the team presentation of the 61st Grand Prix de Lillers in Lillers, Pas-de-Calais, France, on March 8, 2026.\n61th Grand Prix De Lillers - Teams Presentation, France - 08 Mar 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Violent robbery&#8217; caught on camera as British team&#8217;s race bikes ripped from locked roof rack in broad daylight<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS.jpg\" alt=\"VALENCIA, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: (L-R) Gabriele Scagliola of Italy and Hector Alvarez of Spain and Team Lidl-Trek Future Racing react after the 42nd Classica Comunitat Valenciana 1969 - Gran premio Valencia 2026 a 200km one day race from La Nucia to Valencia on January 25, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Antonio Baixauli\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">British rider among Lidl-Trek Junior Racing programme that aims to &#8216;find and develop the very best junior talent&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bpr6ZyXNF7p45HPm49eKcH.jpg\" alt=\"JEBEL HAFEET, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 08: Eleonora Ciabocco of Italy and Team Picnic PostNL crosses the finish line during the 4th UAE Tour Women 2026, Stage 4 a 156km stage from Al Ain Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium to Jebel Hafeet 1042m \/ #UCIWWT \/ on February 08, 2026 in Jebel Hafeet, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eleonora Ciabocco escapes with only cuts and stitches after frightening crash in Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/omJ8yHuvum67oiGzevZJ3i.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Volta a la Comunitatat Valenciana: Mads Pedersen prior to stage 1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He can&#8217;t do more than what he is doing now&#8217; \u2013 Mads Pedersen aiming for Flemish Classics as Milan-San Remo all but ruled out<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBnK4TRyiRWMLapUj9cteK.jpg\" alt=\"SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, ITALY - MARCH 15: Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of Sam Welsford of Australia and Team INEOS Grenadiers during the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 7 a 142km stage from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 15, 2026 in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Another podium but no win for Sam Welsford in &#8216;hectic&#8217; and &#8216;dive bombing&#8217; final Tirreno-Adriatico sprint<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY.jpg\" alt=\"MAROTTA-MONDOLFO, ITALY - MARCH 13: (L-R) Giulio Pellizzari of Italy - Blue Leader Jersey and Primoz Roglic of Slovenia and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe prior to the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 5 a 184km stage from Marotta-Mondolfo to Mombaroccio 309m \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 13, 2026 in Marotta-Mondolfo, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-middle-1\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-middle-1 widget-ads-ads-middle-1 widget-no-data widget-ads-flexi_ads_middle1\">\n<div id=\"bdx_flexi_ads_middle1\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"flexi_ads_middle1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-top widget-empty-sidebar-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"follow-us-on-google-news\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-follow-us-on-google-news widget-contentparsed-follow-us-on-google-news widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-curated \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-top widget-empty-sidebar-popular-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DtXJgLtygp7u9vjSM3YfTA.jpg\" alt=\"Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gautier Demouveaux\/NurPhoto\/Shutterstock (16736461p)\nThe Jakroo Handsling racing team, including Oliver Dawson (GBR), Alex Franks (GBR), William Truelove (GBR), Dylan Belton Owen (GBR), Thomas Heal (GBR), Conor White (BER), and Harisson Dainty (GBR), participates in the team presentation of the 61st Grand Prix de Lillers in Lillers, Pas-de-Calais, France, on March 8, 2026.\n61th Grand Prix De Lillers - Teams Presentation, France - 08 Mar 2026\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Violent robbery&#8217; caught on camera as British team&#8217;s race bikes ripped from locked roof rack in broad daylight<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">British rider among Lidl-Trek Junior Racing programme that aims to &#8216;find and develop the very best junior talent&#8217;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">SunGod Airas Iris Photochromic glasses review: For when the weather can\u2019t make up its mind<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8221; \u2013 Two riders almost run over by driver of media vehicle at Mid South gravel<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nThe Mid South Gravel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8221; \u2013 Two riders almost run over by driver of media vehicle at Mid South gravel<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-16T12:43:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;This was an operational failure, and we own it&#8217; says race organisation in apology statement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"39910eb6-ff1f-4f4d-88ce-5ceccf345329\">The organisers of The Mid South gravel race have apologised after Sof\u00eda G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e and Paige Onweller were almost struck by a the driver of a race vehicle on Friday, with G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e asserting that &#8220;it&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>In an extraordinary incident captured on camera by a spectator, an off-road buggy, which was carrying media personnel capturing photos and footage from inside the race, almost drove into both riders in turn.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"39910eb6-ff1f-4f4d-88ce-5ceccf345329-2\">The pair were coming around a left-hand bend when the vehicle carried straight on, forcing G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e to suddenly break and swerve to avoid being run over. The vehicle then turned sharply away but swerved over to the left and into the path of Onweller, who also had to swerve to avoid being hit.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fj7tFoqDfBsqvv2ZZh8mJg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour du Rwanda\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Two spectators killed, six more injured after being hit by the driver of a caravan vehicle at the Tour du Rwanda<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xKZ7DcTtdzfsshbBUjtr5Y.png\" alt=\"BESSEGES, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 07: The peloton negotiating with the UCI commissaires about the resumption of the race due to adverse weather conditions during the 55th Etoile de Besseges - Tour du Gard 2025, Stage 3 a 164.05km stage from Besseges to Besseges on February 07, 2025 in Besseges, France. (Photo by Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We had things to change&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After cars on course and team withdrawals last season, French race \u00c9toile de Bess\u00e8ges promises strengthened security measures in 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ithAkuJr5iaVStVEopSfE8.jpg\" alt=\"Vuelta a Murcia: riders complete the neutralised stage\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We could not stay on the bikes&#8217; &#8211; with riders blown off course, a 15-minute &#8216;race&#8217; and a full winners&#8217; final ceremony, here&#8217;s how Vuelta a Murcia&#8217;s windblasted stage-that-wasn&#8217;t veered into something far odder<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The vehicle then appeared to come to a halt as the pair of riders, after a wave of arms and some expletives, checked that the other was OK as they rode on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e, who went on to win the race, addressed the incident on social media, writing on Saturday: &#8220;One of the scarier moments of Mid South yesterday. Not the first time I (or my fellow competitors) have just about collided with a media vehicle from their lack of course knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;At this point in time, it\u2019s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"DV3qRYgjrtf\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Sofia Gomez Villafane (@sofithevilla)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"elk-the-mid-south-apologises\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-the-mid-south-apologises\"><span>The Mid South apologises<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"244bde62-3277-4c3b-9640-b3b881cba296\">On Sunday, the race organisation issued a statement apologising for the incident and taking responsibility<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QFMPhHjyn6btyp87xJuMMT slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;During Friday\u2019s coverage of the Pro Women\u2019s race, a Mid South media vehicle made an error that forced two lead riders, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e and Paige Onweller, off their line to avoid a collision. Thankfully no one was injured, but it created a frightening moment that should not have happened on our course.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Sofia and Paige \u2014 we are truly sorry. We understand how serious and unsettling that moment must have been.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;What happens on our course is our responsibility, and in this instance we fell short of the standard we expect of ourselves. This was an operational failure, and we own it. The responsibility sits with our race leadership, not with any individual crew member.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h9EQCCBPwgP3BMRFHQcsGf.jpg\" alt=\"Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates pictured in action during the men&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; one day cycling race, 268,9km from Brugge to Oudenaarde, Sunday 06 April 2025. BELGA PHOTO POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR (Photo by POOL JAN DE MEULENEIR \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Support with heart, not hate&#8217; \u2013 Classics spectators urged to respect riders after string of incidents<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" alt=\"Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e rides solo at the front of Valley of Tears mid-race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fLNTvjeobQtmpH3bMrg6Nm.jpg\" alt=\"ALFARO, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 80th Tour of Spain 2025, Stage 9 a 195.5km stage from Alfaro to Estacion de Esqui de Valdezcaray 1541m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 31, 2025 in Alfaro, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jonas Vingegaard crashes in training after being tailed by amateur rider, as Visma urge fans to give pros &#8216;as much space and peace as possible&#8217;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The Mid South organisers also made reference to the &#8220;broader conversation happening among professional riders about safety in open-road gravel racing&#8221;. As the discipline has expanded over over the years, gravel racing looks markedly different to how it did 10 years or so ago, with media coverage a big part of that.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are listening,&#8221; stated the organisers of Mid South, which was first held as a grass roots event back in 2011.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have already begun a full review of our on-course operations, including how media vehicles are managed during race situations. As the sport continues to grow and the intensity of racing increases, we recognize that stronger protocols, clearer standards, and more input from riders are necessary to ensure safety and confidence on course.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The Mid South exists because of the community that built this event and the trust riders place in us when they roll to the start line. That trust matters deeply to us, and in this moment we did not meet the standard our riders deserve. We will learn from this and do the work required to make it better.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/its-unacceptable-that-our-safety-keeps-being-compromised-for-the-shot-two-riders-almost-run-over-by-driver-of-media-vehicle-at-mid-south-gravel\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/82HHzp2Hhx4xV4dghGN6oY-2493-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Gravel The Mid South Gravel &#8216;It&#8217;s unacceptable that our safety keeps being compromised &#8216;for the shot&#8221; \u2013 Two riders almost run over by driver of media vehicle at Mid South gravel News By Patrick Fletcher published 16 March 2026 &#8216;This was an operational failure, and we own it&#8217; says [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1831688","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1831688","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1831688"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1831688\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1831688"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1831688"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1831688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}