{"id":1833335,"date":"2026-03-18T11:15:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1833335"},"modified":"2026-03-18T11:15:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:15:10","slug":"jonas-vingegaards-margin-for-improvement-ahead-of-giro-ditalia-ineos-tactical-hiccup-and-the-riders-who-shone-in-a-brutal-paris-nice-philippa-york-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1833335","title":{"rendered":"Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-1024-80.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=\"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>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Nice\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T11:15:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our regular columnist returns for 2026 with a breakdown of the racing in France, and what it all means for the rest of the season<\/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<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vingegaard claimed the sun-shaped trophy in Nice<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\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 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div 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<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<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=\"e2e4d8dc-bb90-43fc-9012-2f07424ebd83\">The dust, or rather the dirt, has settled on the 84th Paris-Nice and the first indications of the form of those who chose France over Tirreno-Adriatico are in.<\/p>\n<p>Before even leaving Ach\u00e8res on the outskirts of the French capital to start stage 1, Jonas Vingegaard was the main favourite to win the Race to the Sun, and that he finished the week as the overall victor is no real surprise. However, his performance was probably more dominant than he could have imagined.<\/p>\n<p id=\"e2e4d8dc-bb90-43fc-9012-2f07424ebd83-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Two stages plus wins in the points, mountains and overall classifications showed there was a consistency that no one else came close to matching. Of course, the bad weather and the crashes affected the result but Visma-Lease a Bike guided their leader through most of the difficult moments with their usual efficiency, which makes getting the job done so much easier.<\/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\"><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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand after Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico? Our first form ranking of 2026<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard climbs into race lead with massive effort on stage 4 marked by high-speed turmoil and grueling weather conditions<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Intense final stage of Paris-Nice culminates in two-up sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>At 29, the Dane has experienced all the situations and obstacles that a bike race can throw at you, hence the clothing modifications of stage 4 and the killer attacks at just the right times that saw him more than four minutes ahead of Dani Mart\u00ednez (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in second place. The only faux pas was underestimating Lenny Martinez\u2019s (Bahrain Victorious) sprinting capabilities on the last stage but in the grand scheme of things, Vingegaard and Visma had to have been very happy with the results.<\/p>\n<p>The contest might have been closer if Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) hadn\u2019t crashed out on the fateful fourth stage to Uchon, but looking at how Vingegaard dispatched the Red Bull guys after they had ridden all day and then produced an even bigger blow the following day showed that it wasn\u2019t just about staying focused and warm. Instincts, experience and recovery all combined to stamp his authority on his rivals.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"60a0e49e-6875-422f-9e7b-92e06908380e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The first of Vingegaard&#8217;s two stage wins <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Szymon Gruchalski\u00a0\/\u00a0Stringer)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"24ffd4cb-935e-4ced-b2cb-c0e785e210f0\">This was Vingegaard in good form \u2013 that was evident \u2013 but worryingly for those going to the Giro d\u2019Italia, I&#8217;d say there\u2019s a margin of improvement to come. The inner strength is there and with his next outing being at the Volta a Catalunya, the plan will be for hopefully better temperatures to add the final touches to his form.<\/p>\n<p>The clues behind that thinking are related to Lenny Martinez. He was the only one who really reacted to Vingegaard\u2019s attacks, coming close to making it onto the race leader\u2019s wheel on stage 5 and then being able to follow on the last day.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa 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>A top-level Vingegaard would have stayed out of the saddle for another 100 metres or more and the Frenchman would have been in real trouble. That\u2019s not to say that the Bahrain team leader hasn\u2019t progressed \u2013 he most certainly has \u2013 but he still has a way to go to match the pro peloton\u2019s best climber on the biggest mountains.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ineos-costly-mistake-3\">Ineos&#8217; costly mistake<\/h2>\n<p id=\"2ae9ef75-c4d8-4213-8ae7-f30fe1d47c7d\">Overall the French had a promising race. Two stage wins, four riders in the top 10 and Decathlon CMA CGM were faster than Visma in a team time trial. However, other than another third place for Cees Bol, that was the only time any of the Decathlon squad appeared in the top 10 of a stage, so it does look like they need Paul Seixas more than ever.<\/p>\n<p>The Ineos Grenadiers revival had a distinct Francophone tinge to it at this Paris-Nice. Their team trial victory was very impressive and on top of that Dorian Godon won the grim, shortened and ultimately pointless stage that finished in Isola after just missing out the day before. Their sprint options have expanded again but the main thing to note was the internal GC leadership contest between Oscar Onley and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin.<\/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\"><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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It may not have been our best day as a team&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard with work to do at Paris-Nice as team time trial shakes up GC standings<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard launches 20km solo attack for impressive stage 5 victory, extends already massive GC lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Both are new arrivals and both seem at a similar level, but the Frenchman staked his claim to being the sole leader with a more convincing performance after Onley abandoned. That he couldn\u2019t make it onto the podium was as much down to bad luck as it was to a slight hiccup in the team\u2019s tactics during the rain and wind blasted stage 4.<\/p>\n<p>After the Ayuso crash split the front group, the race situation turned to chaos as the Red Bull quartet of Nico Denz, the two Van Dijke brothers and their leader Dani Martinez continued to ride flat out with Vingegaard as a passenger. Normal etiquette would have been to allow those affected by the crash to come back but there\u2019s a get-out clause which is sometimes applied that if a team is riding on the front and an incident occurs, they can choose to continue at the same pace. It\u2019s not a good excuse but it happens and Red Bull did initially hesitate and then a call must have been made and they decided to keep riding. That move would be repaid in kind when they found themselves on the wrong side of Martinez\u2019s crash on the final day and the rival teams made the choice of not waiting either.<\/p>\n<p>Already thinking that Vingegaard was going to be troubled by Martinez&#8217;s tenacity was optimistic but bike racing is strange sometimes and this is where Ineos come into it. The Ayuso crash resulted in a Red Bull lead group plus Vingegaard, Lenny Martinez, David Gaudu and co. chasing but unable to close the 200 metres to the front, then another group with Marc Soler and those who managed to get up and continue after the crash chasing the next group.<\/p>\n<p>Further behind them Josh Tarling was towing Oscar Onley after he had a bike change. Even further in arrears was Kevin Vauquelin, the main victim of the echelon racing earlier, trapped in a chase group where no one would or could help him.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9ff7e193-f523-446e-bd24-2cf9b84253df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The week ended up as an uphill battle for Vauquelin <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"a396e37b-43e7-499b-9df2-979451bcd073\">Vauquelin was clearly the strongest there but Ineos had Onley and Tarling in the lead group and all looked fine until the bike change and they couldn\u2019t get back on. Already losing time, the Ayuso incident cost them further delay and suddenly they knew they were in trouble. They were then caught between hoping group three would catch group two and them all taking a breather that might allow Onley into the race again, or waiting for Vauquelin who was 30-odd seconds behind them. Then they could have combined their efforts to re-establish the situation with at least some energy left for the final climb rather than individually fighting through the wind and cold.<\/p>\n<p>Onley was clearly struggling to hold onto Tarling but Vauquelin, despite his having chased most of the day, still looked good. Waiting for him was the call to make but much to the Frenchman\u2019s frustration they didn\u2019t so the result was by the time the various chase groups came together and Vauquelin finally found some friendly faces again, the podium places were gone.<\/p>\n<p>Predictably, Vingegaard dispatched Martinez to take the race lead and \u2013 perhaps surprisingly \u2013 Georg Steinhauser (EF Education-EasyPost) escaped the clutches of the other GC guys to ride into third on GC with a margin on Vauquelin that ultimately proved impossible to close. There\u2019s no doubt everyone finished the stage 4 GC race empty but some had to go deeper than others and it showed the following day when Vingegaard dropped everyone again and disappeared into the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Behind the yellow jersey, it was a case of tired legs chasing tired legs, hoping to move up on GC in the final days but ultimately unable to make a difference. The only real change to the overall competition came from guys pulling out, so other than Gaudu on stage 5 and Onley on day six, the top 10 was already set halfway through the week.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"individual-brilliance-outside-the-gc-story-3\">&#8216;Individual brilliance&#8217; outside the GC story<\/h2>\n<p id=\"732ec8e6-f36c-4ed1-b48f-522882d92c52\">The last three stages came down to moments of individual brilliance. Harold Tejada added to the XDS Astana account, already well filled by Max Kanter\u2019s victory on the second day, by holding off the peloton for his first WorldTour win, then Dorian Godon gave Ineos a second stage win, and finally little Lenny Martinez outsmarted Vingegaard to round off a rather brutal eight days of racing.<\/p>\n<p>That not one team finished with all their riders demonstrates how hard the racing conditions were on the roads from Paris down to Nice \u2013 Cofidis ended up with only a single rider, Ion Izagirre, completing the race, which won\u2019t have gone unnoticed by the organisers ASO. Cofidis&#8217; direct rivals for the ProTeam invites next year, TotalEnergies, only lost one rider from their ranks, as did XDS Astana. These things matter in the long run when you haven\u2019t earned the right to automatic entry but could for next year with enough points.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"18d04eb1-9eb5-4dbb-ac1e-591d2b9b6cba\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Conditions were poor once again \u2013 does the race need a rethink? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"818dbe4b-ecf7-46a4-9bdd-542abbd148a8\">I could go through the list of teams and riders who were invisible during the week \u2013 some of them unlucky, some of them missing the quality needed to be competitive \u2013 but I\u2019d rather note the good things that happened. Josh Tarling, for example, was outstanding, marking a shift for Ineos towards them becoming one of the super teams again. Victor Campenaerts played a similar role for Jonas Vingegaard but with slightly more focus on being the last available Visma helper.<\/p>\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost had an excellent race, with Luke Lamperti in yellow for three days and Georg Steinhauser on the podium, results they will be more than happy with.<\/p>\n<p>Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe blew the race apart on day four with the Van Dijke brothers and Nico Denz producing the kind of ride that will stick in the minds of those who were subjected to it for a long time, then there\u2019s Dani Martinez who can be described in one word: <em>grinta<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>I know these things are subjective and I did read some adverse comments on Juan Ayuso not being able to continue after his crash as if the ability to survive race incidents is a thing of choice or character. It\u2019s more complicated than just being hard or suffering.<\/p>\n<p>From experience, falling when you are cold, wet and in miserable conditions tends to cause more injury because the body is stiff, limbs are frozen and flexibility is being sacrificed in the name of survival. In other words, you don\u2019t bounce too well. Ayuso will be back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa 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><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Philippa York<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Philippa York is a long-standing <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> contributor, providing expert racing analysis. As one of the early British racers to take the plunge and relocate to France with the famed ACBB club in the 1980&#8217;s, she was the inspiration for a generation of racing cyclists \u2013 and cycling fans \u2013 from the UK.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The Glaswegian gained a contract with Peugeot in 1980, making her Tour de France debut in 1983 and taking a solo win in Bagn\u00e8res-de-Luchon in the Pyrenees, the mountain range which would prove a happy hunting ground throughout her Tour career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The following year&#8217;s race would prove to be one of her finest seasons, becoming the first rider from the UK to win the polka dot jersey at the Tour, whilst also becoming Britain&#8217;s highest-ever placed GC finisher with 4th spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>She finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 1985 and 1986, to Pedro Delgado and \u00c1lvaro Pino respectively, and at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 1987. Stage race victories include the Volta a Catalunya (1985), Tour of Britain (1989) and Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 (1990). York retired from professional cycling as reigning British champion following the collapse of Le Groupement in 1995.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\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=\"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<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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand after Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico? Our first form ranking of 2026<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard climbs into race lead with massive effort on stage 4 marked by high-speed turmoil and grueling weather conditions<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Intense final stage of Paris-Nice culminates in two-up sprint<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It may not have been our best day as a team&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard with work to do at Paris-Nice as team time trial shakes up GC standings<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard launches 20km solo attack for impressive stage 5 victory, extends already massive GC lead<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never&#8217; \u2013 Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto look to Chiara Consonni and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney for Milan-San Remo success<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Men: Jasper Philipsen closes breakaway attempt in final metres for first victory of the season<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Women: Lotte Kopecky powers to third career victory<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milano-Torino: Tom Pidcock climbs away from elite group to seal victory atop Superga<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde Van Brugge &#8211; Tour of Bruges 2026 Route<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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 Features<\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Four WorldTour teams without a win in 2026 as rankings show super-teams soaring but some big hitters struggling<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><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><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Are scientists now more important than star riders? Inside pro cycling&#8217;s race for scientific innovation<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><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><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Training<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The magic zone \u2013 A deep dive into zone 2 and how taking it steady has become the WorldTour&#8217;s go-to training strategy<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For better or worse, teams are here&#8217; &#8211; The rosters in 2026 as riders join forces for off-road alliances as the next evolution of gravel and endurance MTB racing takes shape<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/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=\"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=\"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><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/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\">Lidl-Trek face another Classics setback as ill Jonathan Milan forced out of Milan-San Remo<\/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\">Nokere Koerse Men: Jasper Philipsen closes breakaway attempt in final metres for first victory of the season<\/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\">Fizik\u2019s new Lyra shoe is designed for &#8216;modern riding positions&#8217;, but what does that mean and is it even needed?<\/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\">Milano-Torino: Tom Pidcock climbs away from elite group to seal victory atop Superga<\/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\">GPS tracking devices to become mandatory as Lappartient warns \u2018UCI will have no option but to enforce\u2019 the technology if teams refuse to collaborate<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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=\"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>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Nice\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T11:15:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our regular columnist returns for 2026 with a breakdown of the racing in France, and what it all means for the rest of the season<\/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<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vingegaard claimed the sun-shaped trophy in Nice<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\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 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div 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<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<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=\"e2e4d8dc-bb90-43fc-9012-2f07424ebd83\">The dust, or rather the dirt, has settled on the 84th Paris-Nice and the first indications of the form of those who chose France over Tirreno-Adriatico are in.<\/p>\n<p>Before even leaving Ach\u00e8res on the outskirts of the French capital to start stage 1, Jonas Vingegaard was the main favourite to win the Race to the Sun, and that he finished the week as the overall victor is no real surprise. However, his performance was probably more dominant than he could have imagined.<\/p>\n<p id=\"e2e4d8dc-bb90-43fc-9012-2f07424ebd83-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Two stages plus wins in the points, mountains and overall classifications showed there was a consistency that no one else came close to matching. Of course, the bad weather and the crashes affected the result but Visma-Lease a Bike guided their leader through most of the difficult moments with their usual efficiency, which makes getting the job done so much easier.<\/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\"><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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand after Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico? Our first form ranking of 2026<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard climbs into race lead with massive effort on stage 4 marked by high-speed turmoil and grueling weather conditions<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Intense final stage of Paris-Nice culminates in two-up sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>At 29, the Dane has experienced all the situations and obstacles that a bike race can throw at you, hence the clothing modifications of stage 4 and the killer attacks at just the right times that saw him more than four minutes ahead of Dani Mart\u00ednez (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in second place. The only faux pas was underestimating Lenny Martinez\u2019s (Bahrain Victorious) sprinting capabilities on the last stage but in the grand scheme of things, Vingegaard and Visma had to have been very happy with the results.<\/p>\n<p>The contest might have been closer if Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) hadn\u2019t crashed out on the fateful fourth stage to Uchon, but looking at how Vingegaard dispatched the Red Bull guys after they had ridden all day and then produced an even bigger blow the following day showed that it wasn\u2019t just about staying focused and warm. Instincts, experience and recovery all combined to stamp his authority on his rivals.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"60a0e49e-6875-422f-9e7b-92e06908380e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The first of Vingegaard&#8217;s two stage wins <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Szymon Gruchalski\u00a0\/\u00a0Stringer)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"24ffd4cb-935e-4ced-b2cb-c0e785e210f0\">This was Vingegaard in good form \u2013 that was evident \u2013 but worryingly for those going to the Giro d\u2019Italia, I&#8217;d say there\u2019s a margin of improvement to come. The inner strength is there and with his next outing being at the Volta a Catalunya, the plan will be for hopefully better temperatures to add the final touches to his form.<\/p>\n<p>The clues behind that thinking are related to Lenny Martinez. He was the only one who really reacted to Vingegaard\u2019s attacks, coming close to making it onto the race leader\u2019s wheel on stage 5 and then being able to follow on the last day.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa 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>A top-level Vingegaard would have stayed out of the saddle for another 100 metres or more and the Frenchman would have been in real trouble. That\u2019s not to say that the Bahrain team leader hasn\u2019t progressed \u2013 he most certainly has \u2013 but he still has a way to go to match the pro peloton\u2019s best climber on the biggest mountains.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ineos-costly-mistake-3\">Ineos&#8217; costly mistake<\/h2>\n<p id=\"2ae9ef75-c4d8-4213-8ae7-f30fe1d47c7d\">Overall the French had a promising race. Two stage wins, four riders in the top 10 and Decathlon CMA CGM were faster than Visma in a team time trial. However, other than another third place for Cees Bol, that was the only time any of the Decathlon squad appeared in the top 10 of a stage, so it does look like they need Paul Seixas more than ever.<\/p>\n<p>The Ineos Grenadiers revival had a distinct Francophone tinge to it at this Paris-Nice. Their team trial victory was very impressive and on top of that Dorian Godon won the grim, shortened and ultimately pointless stage that finished in Isola after just missing out the day before. Their sprint options have expanded again but the main thing to note was the internal GC leadership contest between Oscar Onley and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin.<\/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\"><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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It may not have been our best day as a team&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard with work to do at Paris-Nice as team time trial shakes up GC standings<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard launches 20km solo attack for impressive stage 5 victory, extends already massive GC lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Both are new arrivals and both seem at a similar level, but the Frenchman staked his claim to being the sole leader with a more convincing performance after Onley abandoned. That he couldn\u2019t make it onto the podium was as much down to bad luck as it was to a slight hiccup in the team\u2019s tactics during the rain and wind blasted stage 4.<\/p>\n<p>After the Ayuso crash split the front group, the race situation turned to chaos as the Red Bull quartet of Nico Denz, the two Van Dijke brothers and their leader Dani Martinez continued to ride flat out with Vingegaard as a passenger. Normal etiquette would have been to allow those affected by the crash to come back but there\u2019s a get-out clause which is sometimes applied that if a team is riding on the front and an incident occurs, they can choose to continue at the same pace. It\u2019s not a good excuse but it happens and Red Bull did initially hesitate and then a call must have been made and they decided to keep riding. That move would be repaid in kind when they found themselves on the wrong side of Martinez\u2019s crash on the final day and the rival teams made the choice of not waiting either.<\/p>\n<p>Already thinking that Vingegaard was going to be troubled by Martinez&#8217;s tenacity was optimistic but bike racing is strange sometimes and this is where Ineos come into it. The Ayuso crash resulted in a Red Bull lead group plus Vingegaard, Lenny Martinez, David Gaudu and co. chasing but unable to close the 200 metres to the front, then another group with Marc Soler and those who managed to get up and continue after the crash chasing the next group.<\/p>\n<p>Further behind them Josh Tarling was towing Oscar Onley after he had a bike change. Even further in arrears was Kevin Vauquelin, the main victim of the echelon racing earlier, trapped in a chase group where no one would or could help him.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9ff7e193-f523-446e-bd24-2cf9b84253df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The week ended up as an uphill battle for Vauquelin <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"a396e37b-43e7-499b-9df2-979451bcd073\">Vauquelin was clearly the strongest there but Ineos had Onley and Tarling in the lead group and all looked fine until the bike change and they couldn\u2019t get back on. Already losing time, the Ayuso incident cost them further delay and suddenly they knew they were in trouble. They were then caught between hoping group three would catch group two and them all taking a breather that might allow Onley into the race again, or waiting for Vauquelin who was 30-odd seconds behind them. Then they could have combined their efforts to re-establish the situation with at least some energy left for the final climb rather than individually fighting through the wind and cold.<\/p>\n<p>Onley was clearly struggling to hold onto Tarling but Vauquelin, despite his having chased most of the day, still looked good. Waiting for him was the call to make but much to the Frenchman\u2019s frustration they didn\u2019t so the result was by the time the various chase groups came together and Vauquelin finally found some friendly faces again, the podium places were gone.<\/p>\n<p>Predictably, Vingegaard dispatched Martinez to take the race lead and \u2013 perhaps surprisingly \u2013 Georg Steinhauser (EF Education-EasyPost) escaped the clutches of the other GC guys to ride into third on GC with a margin on Vauquelin that ultimately proved impossible to close. There\u2019s no doubt everyone finished the stage 4 GC race empty but some had to go deeper than others and it showed the following day when Vingegaard dropped everyone again and disappeared into the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Behind the yellow jersey, it was a case of tired legs chasing tired legs, hoping to move up on GC in the final days but ultimately unable to make a difference. The only real change to the overall competition came from guys pulling out, so other than Gaudu on stage 5 and Onley on day six, the top 10 was already set halfway through the week.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"individual-brilliance-outside-the-gc-story-3\">&#8216;Individual brilliance&#8217; outside the GC story<\/h2>\n<p id=\"732ec8e6-f36c-4ed1-b48f-522882d92c52\">The last three stages came down to moments of individual brilliance. Harold Tejada added to the XDS Astana account, already well filled by Max Kanter\u2019s victory on the second day, by holding off the peloton for his first WorldTour win, then Dorian Godon gave Ineos a second stage win, and finally little Lenny Martinez outsmarted Vingegaard to round off a rather brutal eight days of racing.<\/p>\n<p>That not one team finished with all their riders demonstrates how hard the racing conditions were on the roads from Paris down to Nice \u2013 Cofidis ended up with only a single rider, Ion Izagirre, completing the race, which won\u2019t have gone unnoticed by the organisers ASO. Cofidis&#8217; direct rivals for the ProTeam invites next year, TotalEnergies, only lost one rider from their ranks, as did XDS Astana. These things matter in the long run when you haven\u2019t earned the right to automatic entry but could for next year with enough points.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"18d04eb1-9eb5-4dbb-ac1e-591d2b9b6cba\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Conditions were poor once again \u2013 does the race need a rethink? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"818dbe4b-ecf7-46a4-9bdd-542abbd148a8\">I could go through the list of teams and riders who were invisible during the week \u2013 some of them unlucky, some of them missing the quality needed to be competitive \u2013 but I\u2019d rather note the good things that happened. Josh Tarling, for example, was outstanding, marking a shift for Ineos towards them becoming one of the super teams again. Victor Campenaerts played a similar role for Jonas Vingegaard but with slightly more focus on being the last available Visma helper.<\/p>\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost had an excellent race, with Luke Lamperti in yellow for three days and Georg Steinhauser on the podium, results they will be more than happy with.<\/p>\n<p>Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe blew the race apart on day four with the Van Dijke brothers and Nico Denz producing the kind of ride that will stick in the minds of those who were subjected to it for a long time, then there\u2019s Dani Martinez who can be described in one word: <em>grinta<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>I know these things are subjective and I did read some adverse comments on Juan Ayuso not being able to continue after his crash as if the ability to survive race incidents is a thing of choice or character. It\u2019s more complicated than just being hard or suffering.<\/p>\n<p>From experience, falling when you are cold, wet and in miserable conditions tends to cause more injury because the body is stiff, limbs are frozen and flexibility is being sacrificed in the name of survival. In other words, you don\u2019t bounce too well. Ayuso will be back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa 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><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Philippa York<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Philippa York is a long-standing <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> contributor, providing expert racing analysis. As one of the early British racers to take the plunge and relocate to France with the famed ACBB club in the 1980&#8217;s, she was the inspiration for a generation of racing cyclists \u2013 and cycling fans \u2013 from the UK.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The Glaswegian gained a contract with Peugeot in 1980, making her Tour de France debut in 1983 and taking a solo win in Bagn\u00e8res-de-Luchon in the Pyrenees, the mountain range which would prove a happy hunting ground throughout her Tour career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The following year&#8217;s race would prove to be one of her finest seasons, becoming the first rider from the UK to win the polka dot jersey at the Tour, whilst also becoming Britain&#8217;s highest-ever placed GC finisher with 4th spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>She finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 1985 and 1986, to Pedro Delgado and \u00c1lvaro Pino respectively, and at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 1987. Stage race victories include the Volta a Catalunya (1985), Tour of Britain (1989) and Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 (1990). York retired from professional cycling as reigning British champion following the collapse of Le Groupement in 1995.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\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=\"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<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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand after Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico? Our first form ranking of 2026<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard climbs into race lead with massive effort on stage 4 marked by high-speed turmoil and grueling weather conditions<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Intense final stage of Paris-Nice culminates in two-up sprint<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It may not have been our best day as a team&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard with work to do at Paris-Nice as team time trial shakes up GC standings<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard launches 20km solo attack for impressive stage 5 victory, extends already massive GC lead<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never&#8217; \u2013 Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto look to Chiara Consonni and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney for Milan-San Remo success<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Men: Jasper Philipsen closes breakaway attempt in final metres for first victory of the season<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Women: Lotte Kopecky powers to third career victory<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milano-Torino: Tom Pidcock climbs away from elite group to seal victory atop Superga<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde Van Brugge &#8211; Tour of Bruges 2026 Route<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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 Features<\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Four WorldTour teams without a win in 2026 as rankings show super-teams soaring but some big hitters struggling<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><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><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Are scientists now more important than star riders? Inside pro cycling&#8217;s race for scientific innovation<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><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><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Training<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The magic zone \u2013 A deep dive into zone 2 and how taking it steady has become the WorldTour&#8217;s go-to training strategy<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For better or worse, teams are here&#8217; &#8211; The rosters in 2026 as riders join forces for off-road alliances as the next evolution of gravel and endurance MTB racing takes shape<\/span><\/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--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/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=\"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=\"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><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/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\">Lidl-Trek face another Classics setback as ill Jonathan Milan forced out of Milan-San Remo<\/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\">Nokere Koerse Men: Jasper Philipsen closes breakaway attempt in final metres for first victory of the season<\/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\">Fizik\u2019s new Lyra shoe is designed for &#8216;modern riding positions&#8217;, but what does that mean and is it even needed?<\/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\">Milano-Torino: Tom Pidcock climbs away from elite group to seal victory atop Superga<\/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\">GPS tracking devices to become mandatory as Lappartient warns \u2018UCI will have no option but to enforce\u2019 the technology if teams refuse to collaborate<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Nice\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T11:15:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our regular columnist returns for 2026 with a breakdown of the racing in France, and what it all means for the rest of the season<\/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=\"e2e4d8dc-bb90-43fc-9012-2f07424ebd83\">The dust, or rather the dirt, has settled on the 84th Paris-Nice and the first indications of the form of those who chose France over Tirreno-Adriatico are in.<\/p>\n<p>Before even leaving Ach\u00e8res on the outskirts of the French capital to start stage 1, Jonas Vingegaard was the main favourite to win the Race to the Sun, and that he finished the week as the overall victor is no real surprise. However, his performance was probably more dominant than he could have imagined.<\/p>\n<p id=\"e2e4d8dc-bb90-43fc-9012-2f07424ebd83-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Two stages plus wins in the points, mountains and overall classifications showed there was a consistency that no one else came close to matching. Of course, the bad weather and the crashes affected the result but Visma-Lease a Bike guided their leader through most of the difficult moments with their usual efficiency, which makes getting the job done so much easier.<\/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\"><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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8nMks4GenFSmnUPtmevmDb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand after Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico? Our first form ranking of 2026<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2RPa8VfnEoTrK4JSEAaKn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard climbs into race lead with massive effort on stage 4 marked by high-speed turmoil and grueling weather conditions<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgbLgkGBeTEBYvN6GgDDHm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Intense final stage of Paris-Nice culminates in two-up sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>At 29, the Dane has experienced all the situations and obstacles that a bike race can throw at you, hence the clothing modifications of stage 4 and the killer attacks at just the right times that saw him more than four minutes ahead of Dani Mart\u00ednez (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in second place. The only faux pas was underestimating Lenny Martinez\u2019s (Bahrain Victorious) sprinting capabilities on the last stage but in the grand scheme of things, Vingegaard and Visma had to have been very happy with the results.<\/p>\n<p>The contest might have been closer if Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) hadn\u2019t crashed out on the fateful fourth stage to Uchon, but looking at how Vingegaard dispatched the Red Bull guys after they had ridden all day and then produced an even bigger blow the following day showed that it wasn\u2019t just about staying focused and warm. Instincts, experience and recovery all combined to stamp his authority on his rivals.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"60a0e49e-6875-422f-9e7b-92e06908380e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soyVwDujwvjBZthWQtPZ8V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The first of Vingegaard&#8217;s two stage wins <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Szymon Gruchalski\u00a0\/\u00a0Stringer)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"24ffd4cb-935e-4ced-b2cb-c0e785e210f0\">This was Vingegaard in good form \u2013 that was evident \u2013 but worryingly for those going to the Giro d\u2019Italia, I&#8217;d say there\u2019s a margin of improvement to come. The inner strength is there and with his next outing being at the Volta a Catalunya, the plan will be for hopefully better temperatures to add the final touches to his form.<\/p>\n<p>The clues behind that thinking are related to Lenny Martinez. He was the only one who really reacted to Vingegaard\u2019s attacks, coming close to making it onto the race leader\u2019s wheel on stage 5 and then being able to follow on the last day.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QRuXjMSuPEbiUtps7g4VWa 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>A top-level Vingegaard would have stayed out of the saddle for another 100 metres or more and the Frenchman would have been in real trouble. That\u2019s not to say that the Bahrain team leader hasn\u2019t progressed \u2013 he most certainly has \u2013 but he still has a way to go to match the pro peloton\u2019s best climber on the biggest mountains.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ineos-costly-mistake-3\">Ineos&#8217; costly mistake<\/h2>\n<p id=\"2ae9ef75-c4d8-4213-8ae7-f30fe1d47c7d\">Overall the French had a promising race. Two stage wins, four riders in the top 10 and Decathlon CMA CGM were faster than Visma in a team time trial. However, other than another third place for Cees Bol, that was the only time any of the Decathlon squad appeared in the top 10 of a stage, so it does look like they need Paul Seixas more than ever.<\/p>\n<p>The Ineos Grenadiers revival had a distinct Francophone tinge to it at this Paris-Nice. Their team trial victory was very impressive and on top of that Dorian Godon won the grim, shortened and ultimately pointless stage that finished in Isola after just missing out the day before. Their sprint options have expanded again but the main thing to note was the internal GC leadership contest between Oscar Onley and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin.<\/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\"><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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btpi2Ew2KLDZWYZnsEvNLD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It may not have been our best day as a team&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard with work to do at Paris-Nice as team time trial shakes up GC standings<\/span><\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDrbYxbku7F2sun2qqDesX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Nice: Jonas Vingegaard launches 20km solo attack for impressive stage 5 victory, extends already massive GC lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Both are new arrivals and both seem at a similar level, but the Frenchman staked his claim to being the sole leader with a more convincing performance after Onley abandoned. That he couldn\u2019t make it onto the podium was as much down to bad luck as it was to a slight hiccup in the team\u2019s tactics during the rain and wind blasted stage 4.<\/p>\n<p>After the Ayuso crash split the front group, the race situation turned to chaos as the Red Bull quartet of Nico Denz, the two Van Dijke brothers and their leader Dani Martinez continued to ride flat out with Vingegaard as a passenger. Normal etiquette would have been to allow those affected by the crash to come back but there\u2019s a get-out clause which is sometimes applied that if a team is riding on the front and an incident occurs, they can choose to continue at the same pace. It\u2019s not a good excuse but it happens and Red Bull did initially hesitate and then a call must have been made and they decided to keep riding. That move would be repaid in kind when they found themselves on the wrong side of Martinez\u2019s crash on the final day and the rival teams made the choice of not waiting either.<\/p>\n<p>Already thinking that Vingegaard was going to be troubled by Martinez&#8217;s tenacity was optimistic but bike racing is strange sometimes and this is where Ineos come into it. The Ayuso crash resulted in a Red Bull lead group plus Vingegaard, Lenny Martinez, David Gaudu and co. chasing but unable to close the 200 metres to the front, then another group with Marc Soler and those who managed to get up and continue after the crash chasing the next group.<\/p>\n<p>Further behind them Josh Tarling was towing Oscar Onley after he had a bike change. Even further in arrears was Kevin Vauquelin, the main victim of the echelon racing earlier, trapped in a chase group where no one would or could help him.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9ff7e193-f523-446e-bd24-2cf9b84253df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2NaPMNrkhnqwttehXxMEPc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The week ended up as an uphill battle for Vauquelin <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"a396e37b-43e7-499b-9df2-979451bcd073\">Vauquelin was clearly the strongest there but Ineos had Onley and Tarling in the lead group and all looked fine until the bike change and they couldn\u2019t get back on. Already losing time, the Ayuso incident cost them further delay and suddenly they knew they were in trouble. They were then caught between hoping group three would catch group two and them all taking a breather that might allow Onley into the race again, or waiting for Vauquelin who was 30-odd seconds behind them. Then they could have combined their efforts to re-establish the situation with at least some energy left for the final climb rather than individually fighting through the wind and cold.<\/p>\n<p>Onley was clearly struggling to hold onto Tarling but Vauquelin, despite his having chased most of the day, still looked good. Waiting for him was the call to make but much to the Frenchman\u2019s frustration they didn\u2019t so the result was by the time the various chase groups came together and Vauquelin finally found some friendly faces again, the podium places were gone.<\/p>\n<p>Predictably, Vingegaard dispatched Martinez to take the race lead and \u2013 perhaps surprisingly \u2013 Georg Steinhauser (EF Education-EasyPost) escaped the clutches of the other GC guys to ride into third on GC with a margin on Vauquelin that ultimately proved impossible to close. There\u2019s no doubt everyone finished the stage 4 GC race empty but some had to go deeper than others and it showed the following day when Vingegaard dropped everyone again and disappeared into the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Behind the yellow jersey, it was a case of tired legs chasing tired legs, hoping to move up on GC in the final days but ultimately unable to make a difference. The only real change to the overall competition came from guys pulling out, so other than Gaudu on stage 5 and Onley on day six, the top 10 was already set halfway through the week.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"individual-brilliance-outside-the-gc-story-3\">&#8216;Individual brilliance&#8217; outside the GC story<\/h2>\n<p id=\"732ec8e6-f36c-4ed1-b48f-522882d92c52\">The last three stages came down to moments of individual brilliance. Harold Tejada added to the XDS Astana account, already well filled by Max Kanter\u2019s victory on the second day, by holding off the peloton for his first WorldTour win, then Dorian Godon gave Ineos a second stage win, and finally little Lenny Martinez outsmarted Vingegaard to round off a rather brutal eight days of racing.<\/p>\n<p>That not one team finished with all their riders demonstrates how hard the racing conditions were on the roads from Paris down to Nice \u2013 Cofidis ended up with only a single rider, Ion Izagirre, completing the race, which won\u2019t have gone unnoticed by the organisers ASO. Cofidis&#8217; direct rivals for the ProTeam invites next year, TotalEnergies, only lost one rider from their ranks, as did XDS Astana. These things matter in the long run when you haven\u2019t earned the right to automatic entry but could for next year with enough points.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"18d04eb1-9eb5-4dbb-ac1e-591d2b9b6cba\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dY9V6PyvKVhwbXSHL3VS97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Conditions were poor once again \u2013 does the race need a rethink? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"818dbe4b-ecf7-46a4-9bdd-542abbd148a8\">I could go through the list of teams and riders who were invisible during the week \u2013 some of them unlucky, some of them missing the quality needed to be competitive \u2013 but I\u2019d rather note the good things that happened. Josh Tarling, for example, was outstanding, marking a shift for Ineos towards them becoming one of the super teams again. Victor Campenaerts played a similar role for Jonas Vingegaard but with slightly more focus on being the last available Visma helper.<\/p>\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost had an excellent race, with Luke Lamperti in yellow for three days and Georg Steinhauser on the podium, results they will be more than happy with.<\/p>\n<p>Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe blew the race apart on day four with the Van Dijke brothers and Nico Denz producing the kind of ride that will stick in the minds of those who were subjected to it for a long time, then there\u2019s Dani Martinez who can be described in one word: <em>grinta<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>I know these things are subjective and I did read some adverse comments on Juan Ayuso not being able to continue after his crash as if the ability to survive race incidents is a thing of choice or character. It\u2019s more complicated than just being hard or suffering.<\/p>\n<p>From experience, falling when you are cold, wet and in miserable conditions tends to cause more injury because the body is stiff, limbs are frozen and flexibility is being sacrificed in the name of survival. In other words, you don\u2019t bounce too well. Ayuso will be back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/jonas-vingegaards-margin-for-improvement-ahead-of-giro-d-italia-ineos-tactical-hiccup-and-the-riders-who-shone-in-a-brutal-paris-nice-philippa-york-analysis\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Paris-Nice Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis Features By Philippa York published 18 March 2026 Our regular columnist returns for 2026 with a breakdown of the racing in France, [&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-1833335","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\/1833335","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=1833335"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1833335\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1833335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1833335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1833335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}