{"id":1835964,"date":"2026-03-19T17:37:53","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:37:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1835964"},"modified":"2026-03-19T17:37:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:37:53","slug":"from-top-riders-real-form-to-the-teams-not-quite-thriving-five-key-questions-ahead-of-milan-san-remo-and-the-next-classics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1835964","title":{"rendered":"From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-1024-80.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>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T17:37:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We&#8217;re a few races into the spring, but there&#8217;s still so much to analyse and discover as the racing ramps up in March and April<\/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\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The top riders are all targeting the big races over the next few weeks<\/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 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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=\"60b76b64-01d8-4e3e-9b42-87f54974fe66\">The women&#8217;s Spring Classics are well underway, but the racing is about to really ramp up a notch, with Saturday&#8217;s Milan-San Remo opening a busy period of races that won&#8217;t let up until Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<p>The first Classics already completed \u2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche and Trofeo Alfredo Binda \u2013 have been exciting and interesting, but they&#8217;ve also raised a lot of questions.<\/p>\n<p id=\"60b76b64-01d8-4e3e-9b42-87f54974fe66-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Unlike the men&#8217;s calendar, the women&#8217;s peloton doesn&#8217;t have a Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico mega week where we get to see most of the bunch in action every day, revealing the truth about everyone&#8217;s form and the dynamics within the teams.<\/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\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-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\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/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\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/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\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Instead, we only have a handful of races to go off, which means that at this point in the calendar, there is still a lot to learn about who is going well, who isn&#8217;t, who the top teams are, and what the narratives will be.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Neither women&#8217;s nor men&#8217;s Classics are predictable, but there are even more unanswered questions about the women&#8217;s races coming thick and fast over the next few weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here are a few we hope will be answered in the next big races.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-form-is-lotte-kopecky-actually-in-3\">What form is Lotte Kopecky actually in?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b9345f75-2b88-4968-a681-1eaeaaa94f1b\">\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\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-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\">Kopecky took her first win of the season at Nokere Koerse <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"4b4e45c5-9b25-4eee-b37a-e045071ba233\">This was one of the biggest questions on everyone&#8217;s mind before Lotte Kopecky made her season debut at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and even though she&#8217;s raced three more times since then, I&#8217;m not sure we quite have the answer yet. Coming back from a back injury that wrecked much of her 2025 season, Kopecky is returning with a renewed focus on her lifeblood of one-day racing \u2013 no more GC experiments \u2013 so everyone wants to know what kind of level she is at this spring.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F 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>And so far? It&#8217;s not quite clear. At Omloop, a hold-up before the Muur van Geraardsbergen saw her out of contention at the key moment, and in Strade Bianche, she missed the winning move, and then a wrong turn quashed the chances of her chasing group coming back.<\/p>\n<p>Seventh in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda was a positive sign, and she won at Nokere Koerse but not in particularly impressive fashion \u2013 she couldn&#8217;t really get away with an attack and just ground out the sprint against a not-quite-top-tier field. A win is a win, but it doesn&#8217;t tell us whether she&#8217;s on par with Elisa Longo Borghini and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.<\/p>\n<p>The next few weeks will mainly be about the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, the first of which she will start as favourite, almost regardless, given her previous success there, but she&#8217;s made some hints about Milan-San Remo, too.<\/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\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-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;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/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\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-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;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><\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In theory, defending champion Lorena Wiebes would be SD Worx&#8217;s leader, but Kopecky commented about hoping her Nokere Koerse win would &#8220;give her more freedom in the next races&#8221;, and you can certainly see a scenario where she wins the race \u2013 but it would almost definitely mean going against Wiebes. If she&#8217;s feeling on top form, that might feel worth it. Whatever happens on Saturday will tell us about Kopecky&#8217;s level and how things are working at SD Worx.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-uae-team-adq-the-real-biggest-threat-this-spring-3\">Are UAE Team ADQ the real biggest threat this spring?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"81338c06-41cb-40fc-94a3-c63b67f877d1\">\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\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">UAE Team ADQ have eight wins already in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"aa381214-8e71-40f4-9f1a-58c66ebbc0b1\">The short answer to this question is probably &#8216;yes&#8217;, and that seems to be the consensus among their rivals, but the next big races will be a real test of this hypothesis. Winning Binda and locking out the podium of Trofeo Oro is one thing, but going up against SD Worx and FDJ on the cobbles will be another.<\/p>\n<p>The team is absolutely in its strongest form yet, with Elisa Longo Borghini, Karlijn Swinkels, Lara Gillespie, Silvia Persico, and more looking really strong, and, crucially, they seem to work very well together tactically and strategically. Where teams tend to slip up in the Classics is by being inflexible with their plan or having spats over leadership, but this isn&#8217;t an issue we&#8217;ve seen UAE Team ADQ really struggle with yet.<\/p>\n<p>From what we&#8217;ve heard, other teams are absolutely looking at UAE Team ADQ as the biggest threat in races like San Remo, but the question will only really be answered in races like Gent-Wevelgem and Flanders, which are, in a way, less suited to the team. But if they can conquer those races and match the Dutch and Belgian squads in Northern Europe, they&#8217;ll have really cemented themselves as one of the peloton&#8217;s top dogs.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"will-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-manage-to-win-3\">Will Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney manage to win?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"0667a062-7f83-4ab7-bfbc-1dd6de8cb690\">\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\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-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\">Niewiadoma-Phinney took second in both Omloop and Strade <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7f3f1df1-e6b9-4c5f-b328-1651507fdfd2\">This is an age-old question. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney long had a reputation of always being there but so rarely winning, which she seemed to dispel for a while with her triumphs at the Tour de France Femmes, Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and her gravel world title, but the runner-up curse is sneaking back in a bit this spring. Second place yet again in Strade Bianche must have stung, beaten by Elise Chabbey thanks to a split second in the final run-in, especially coming straight after the same result in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.<\/p>\n<p>We know that she absolutely has the strength to win one of these big races, whether it&#8217;s San Remo or Flanders or one of the Ardennes, but the answer is how.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s so often foiled by her sprint, but maybe holds back from going away solo, so I think that&#8217;s what she needs to try and do: focus on one big move to go solo at the right moment. A million times easier said than done, of course, but her whole team targeting that seems to be the only clear path to victory in one of the flatter races. In the Ardennes, her climbing may serve her better, but in the Belgian classics and Milan-San Remo, she can&#8217;t risk going to the finish with any other rider.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-lidl-trek-missing-something-3\">Are Lidl-Trek missing something?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"09f3008a-f3eb-4720-9efc-adeece41f388\">\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\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-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\">Fleur Moors has shone for Lidl-Trek, but they need a big win soon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6efeaaad-2339-4b0e-b397-649ec3aeb034\">Look back just a couple of seasons, and Lidl-Trek were easily one of the top two teams in the peloton, threatening SD Worx&#8217;s hegemony on their own and driving the action in the Classics. Fast forward to now, though, and the team isn&#8217;t quite sparkling in 2026. The retirements of Lizzie Deignan and Ellen van Dijk dented their horsepower, and in theory, they made some good replacement signings, but so far, they&#8217;ve missed the key action in the Classics.<\/p>\n<p>This recent downturn is evident in their results: Elisa Balsamo only managed 18th in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Shirin van Anrooij was ninth in Strade Bianche, not in the winning group. Their run of wins in Trofeo Alfredo Binda was broken with Anrooij their best finisher in 10th. Fleur Moors has been super impressive and aggressive in the semi-Classics, but Emma Norsgaard, for example, hasn&#8217;t quite shown her Classics potential since joining the team. Because of these performances, they&#8217;re at risk of being counted out of the top Classics contenders if they don&#8217;t bag a solid result in the next couple of weeks \u2013 starting with Milan-San Remo, where Balsamo can podium.<\/p>\n<p>Is something missing? Can something be fixed? I think it&#8217;s more just a matter of getting in the groove of things, because on paper, their team is strong. Elisa Balsamo has been a little unlucky recently, but is still a top rider on her day. Shirin van Anrooij, now post-iliac artery surgery, will hopefully return to her very impressive heights in Classics. Fleur Moors is clearly already ready to challenge the big names, and Margot Vanpachtenbeke shows a lot of promise. They just need to get organised, back one strong rider, and remember their place in the peloton, which should be among the very best squads.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-will-be-the-breakout-classics-star-in-2026-3\">Who will be the breakout Classics star in 2026?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"bad1fc19-b556-4c8e-b72d-5d71ac6d371e\">\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\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-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\">Mie Bj\u00f8rndal Ottestad seems close to a big one-day result <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"2da74e58-3a4f-4aa2-8f79-c22fbeb35a20\">I&#8217;m a little obsessed with combing through the results and watching even the smallest races to work out who&#8217;s up and coming right now, whether that&#8217;s seeing a strong move in a race or spotting a rider consistently cropping up in the top 20. There&#8217;s always someone I&#8217;ve got my eye on in the Classics and stage races, but so far in 2026, I&#8217;m not quite sure who I&#8217;m backing.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, all eyes were already on Cat Ferguson, who had a fantastic spring for a neo-pro, even if she didn&#8217;t score a major win in the Classics. Could she do that this year?<\/p>\n<p>So far, I&#8217;ve been really impressed by Fleur Moors, as I mentioned above, who&#8217;s been following the wheels of Kopecky and Wiebes with strength and poise. She is undoubtedly a future star. Lara Gillespie has arguably already broken through, but could take an even bigger win in the next couple of weeks. Monica Trinca Colonel should be a name you already know, and she should be interesting in Milan-San Remo, though she will likely swerve the Belgian races. Mie Bj\u00f8rndal Ottestad could also end up bagging a top Classics result to add to her previous stage race successes.<\/p>\n<p>The next few races will only tell us more, though, and someone I haven&#8217;t even thought of is bound to have a great day somewhere in the next few weeks. With all these questions, I can&#8217;t wait to find out the answer.<\/p>\n<p id=\"18cb8def-d6a7-4a89-bbed-051ea566dc3e\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics 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\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/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\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/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\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-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;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/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\/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>\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 Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/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\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-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;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/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\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-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\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/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\/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\/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\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-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\">Kristen Faulkner and Emily Ehrlich go one-two in time trial for Team USA at Pan American Road Championships<\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.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\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/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\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.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\">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<\/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\/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>\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\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3.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\">Rohan Dennis resurfaces on Instagram with a &#8216;deeply offensive&#8217; post<\/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\">Gent-Wevelgem 2026 route<\/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\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/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\">Big surprise as Mads Pedersen set for return at Milan-San Remo after breaking his wrist and collarbone earlier in 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\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/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>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T17:37:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We&#8217;re a few races into the spring, but there&#8217;s still so much to analyse and discover as the racing ramps up in March and April<\/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\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The top riders are all targeting the big races over the next few weeks<\/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 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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=\"60b76b64-01d8-4e3e-9b42-87f54974fe66\">The women&#8217;s Spring Classics are well underway, but the racing is about to really ramp up a notch, with Saturday&#8217;s Milan-San Remo opening a busy period of races that won&#8217;t let up until Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<p>The first Classics already completed \u2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche and Trofeo Alfredo Binda \u2013 have been exciting and interesting, but they&#8217;ve also raised a lot of questions.<\/p>\n<p id=\"60b76b64-01d8-4e3e-9b42-87f54974fe66-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Unlike the men&#8217;s calendar, the women&#8217;s peloton doesn&#8217;t have a Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico mega week where we get to see most of the bunch in action every day, revealing the truth about everyone&#8217;s form and the dynamics within the teams.<\/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\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-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\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/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\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/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\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Instead, we only have a handful of races to go off, which means that at this point in the calendar, there is still a lot to learn about who is going well, who isn&#8217;t, who the top teams are, and what the narratives will be.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Neither women&#8217;s nor men&#8217;s Classics are predictable, but there are even more unanswered questions about the women&#8217;s races coming thick and fast over the next few weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here are a few we hope will be answered in the next big races.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-form-is-lotte-kopecky-actually-in-3\">What form is Lotte Kopecky actually in?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b9345f75-2b88-4968-a681-1eaeaaa94f1b\">\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\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-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\">Kopecky took her first win of the season at Nokere Koerse <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"4b4e45c5-9b25-4eee-b37a-e045071ba233\">This was one of the biggest questions on everyone&#8217;s mind before Lotte Kopecky made her season debut at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and even though she&#8217;s raced three more times since then, I&#8217;m not sure we quite have the answer yet. Coming back from a back injury that wrecked much of her 2025 season, Kopecky is returning with a renewed focus on her lifeblood of one-day racing \u2013 no more GC experiments \u2013 so everyone wants to know what kind of level she is at this spring.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F 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>And so far? It&#8217;s not quite clear. At Omloop, a hold-up before the Muur van Geraardsbergen saw her out of contention at the key moment, and in Strade Bianche, she missed the winning move, and then a wrong turn quashed the chances of her chasing group coming back.<\/p>\n<p>Seventh in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda was a positive sign, and she won at Nokere Koerse but not in particularly impressive fashion \u2013 she couldn&#8217;t really get away with an attack and just ground out the sprint against a not-quite-top-tier field. A win is a win, but it doesn&#8217;t tell us whether she&#8217;s on par with Elisa Longo Borghini and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.<\/p>\n<p>The next few weeks will mainly be about the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, the first of which she will start as favourite, almost regardless, given her previous success there, but she&#8217;s made some hints about Milan-San Remo, too.<\/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\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-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;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/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\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-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;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><\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In theory, defending champion Lorena Wiebes would be SD Worx&#8217;s leader, but Kopecky commented about hoping her Nokere Koerse win would &#8220;give her more freedom in the next races&#8221;, and you can certainly see a scenario where she wins the race \u2013 but it would almost definitely mean going against Wiebes. If she&#8217;s feeling on top form, that might feel worth it. Whatever happens on Saturday will tell us about Kopecky&#8217;s level and how things are working at SD Worx.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-uae-team-adq-the-real-biggest-threat-this-spring-3\">Are UAE Team ADQ the real biggest threat this spring?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"81338c06-41cb-40fc-94a3-c63b67f877d1\">\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\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">UAE Team ADQ have eight wins already in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"aa381214-8e71-40f4-9f1a-58c66ebbc0b1\">The short answer to this question is probably &#8216;yes&#8217;, and that seems to be the consensus among their rivals, but the next big races will be a real test of this hypothesis. Winning Binda and locking out the podium of Trofeo Oro is one thing, but going up against SD Worx and FDJ on the cobbles will be another.<\/p>\n<p>The team is absolutely in its strongest form yet, with Elisa Longo Borghini, Karlijn Swinkels, Lara Gillespie, Silvia Persico, and more looking really strong, and, crucially, they seem to work very well together tactically and strategically. Where teams tend to slip up in the Classics is by being inflexible with their plan or having spats over leadership, but this isn&#8217;t an issue we&#8217;ve seen UAE Team ADQ really struggle with yet.<\/p>\n<p>From what we&#8217;ve heard, other teams are absolutely looking at UAE Team ADQ as the biggest threat in races like San Remo, but the question will only really be answered in races like Gent-Wevelgem and Flanders, which are, in a way, less suited to the team. But if they can conquer those races and match the Dutch and Belgian squads in Northern Europe, they&#8217;ll have really cemented themselves as one of the peloton&#8217;s top dogs.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"will-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-manage-to-win-3\">Will Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney manage to win?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"0667a062-7f83-4ab7-bfbc-1dd6de8cb690\">\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\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-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\">Niewiadoma-Phinney took second in both Omloop and Strade <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7f3f1df1-e6b9-4c5f-b328-1651507fdfd2\">This is an age-old question. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney long had a reputation of always being there but so rarely winning, which she seemed to dispel for a while with her triumphs at the Tour de France Femmes, Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and her gravel world title, but the runner-up curse is sneaking back in a bit this spring. Second place yet again in Strade Bianche must have stung, beaten by Elise Chabbey thanks to a split second in the final run-in, especially coming straight after the same result in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.<\/p>\n<p>We know that she absolutely has the strength to win one of these big races, whether it&#8217;s San Remo or Flanders or one of the Ardennes, but the answer is how.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s so often foiled by her sprint, but maybe holds back from going away solo, so I think that&#8217;s what she needs to try and do: focus on one big move to go solo at the right moment. A million times easier said than done, of course, but her whole team targeting that seems to be the only clear path to victory in one of the flatter races. In the Ardennes, her climbing may serve her better, but in the Belgian classics and Milan-San Remo, she can&#8217;t risk going to the finish with any other rider.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-lidl-trek-missing-something-3\">Are Lidl-Trek missing something?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"09f3008a-f3eb-4720-9efc-adeece41f388\">\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\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-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\">Fleur Moors has shone for Lidl-Trek, but they need a big win soon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6efeaaad-2339-4b0e-b397-649ec3aeb034\">Look back just a couple of seasons, and Lidl-Trek were easily one of the top two teams in the peloton, threatening SD Worx&#8217;s hegemony on their own and driving the action in the Classics. Fast forward to now, though, and the team isn&#8217;t quite sparkling in 2026. The retirements of Lizzie Deignan and Ellen van Dijk dented their horsepower, and in theory, they made some good replacement signings, but so far, they&#8217;ve missed the key action in the Classics.<\/p>\n<p>This recent downturn is evident in their results: Elisa Balsamo only managed 18th in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Shirin van Anrooij was ninth in Strade Bianche, not in the winning group. Their run of wins in Trofeo Alfredo Binda was broken with Anrooij their best finisher in 10th. Fleur Moors has been super impressive and aggressive in the semi-Classics, but Emma Norsgaard, for example, hasn&#8217;t quite shown her Classics potential since joining the team. Because of these performances, they&#8217;re at risk of being counted out of the top Classics contenders if they don&#8217;t bag a solid result in the next couple of weeks \u2013 starting with Milan-San Remo, where Balsamo can podium.<\/p>\n<p>Is something missing? Can something be fixed? I think it&#8217;s more just a matter of getting in the groove of things, because on paper, their team is strong. Elisa Balsamo has been a little unlucky recently, but is still a top rider on her day. Shirin van Anrooij, now post-iliac artery surgery, will hopefully return to her very impressive heights in Classics. Fleur Moors is clearly already ready to challenge the big names, and Margot Vanpachtenbeke shows a lot of promise. They just need to get organised, back one strong rider, and remember their place in the peloton, which should be among the very best squads.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-will-be-the-breakout-classics-star-in-2026-3\">Who will be the breakout Classics star in 2026?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"bad1fc19-b556-4c8e-b72d-5d71ac6d371e\">\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\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-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\">Mie Bj\u00f8rndal Ottestad seems close to a big one-day result <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"2da74e58-3a4f-4aa2-8f79-c22fbeb35a20\">I&#8217;m a little obsessed with combing through the results and watching even the smallest races to work out who&#8217;s up and coming right now, whether that&#8217;s seeing a strong move in a race or spotting a rider consistently cropping up in the top 20. There&#8217;s always someone I&#8217;ve got my eye on in the Classics and stage races, but so far in 2026, I&#8217;m not quite sure who I&#8217;m backing.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, all eyes were already on Cat Ferguson, who had a fantastic spring for a neo-pro, even if she didn&#8217;t score a major win in the Classics. Could she do that this year?<\/p>\n<p>So far, I&#8217;ve been really impressed by Fleur Moors, as I mentioned above, who&#8217;s been following the wheels of Kopecky and Wiebes with strength and poise. She is undoubtedly a future star. Lara Gillespie has arguably already broken through, but could take an even bigger win in the next couple of weeks. Monica Trinca Colonel should be a name you already know, and she should be interesting in Milan-San Remo, though she will likely swerve the Belgian races. Mie Bj\u00f8rndal Ottestad could also end up bagging a top Classics result to add to her previous stage race successes.<\/p>\n<p>The next few races will only tell us more, though, and someone I haven&#8217;t even thought of is bound to have a great day somewhere in the next few weeks. With all these questions, I can&#8217;t wait to find out the answer.<\/p>\n<p id=\"18cb8def-d6a7-4a89-bbed-051ea566dc3e\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics 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\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/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\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/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\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-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;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/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\/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>\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 Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/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\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-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;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/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\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-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\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/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\/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\/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\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-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\">Kristen Faulkner and Emily Ehrlich go one-two in time trial for Team USA at Pan American Road Championships<\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.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\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/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\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.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\">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<\/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\/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>\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\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvsXqZZgznWeNnJBEV4tq3.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\">Rohan Dennis resurfaces on Instagram with a &#8216;deeply offensive&#8217; post<\/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\">Gent-Wevelgem 2026 route<\/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\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/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\">Big surprise as Mads Pedersen set for return at Milan-San Remo after breaking his wrist and collarbone earlier in 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\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/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>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T17:37:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We&#8217;re a few races into the spring, but there&#8217;s still so much to analyse and discover as the racing ramps up in March and April<\/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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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=\"60b76b64-01d8-4e3e-9b42-87f54974fe66\">The women&#8217;s Spring Classics are well underway, but the racing is about to really ramp up a notch, with Saturday&#8217;s Milan-San Remo opening a busy period of races that won&#8217;t let up until Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<p>The first Classics already completed \u2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche and Trofeo Alfredo Binda \u2013 have been exciting and interesting, but they&#8217;ve also raised a lot of questions.<\/p>\n<p id=\"60b76b64-01d8-4e3e-9b42-87f54974fe66-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Unlike the men&#8217;s calendar, the women&#8217;s peloton doesn&#8217;t have a Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico mega week where we get to see most of the bunch in action every day, revealing the truth about everyone&#8217;s form and the dynamics within the teams.<\/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\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-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\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/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\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/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\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Instead, we only have a handful of races to go off, which means that at this point in the calendar, there is still a lot to learn about who is going well, who isn&#8217;t, who the top teams are, and what the narratives will be.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Neither women&#8217;s nor men&#8217;s Classics are predictable, but there are even more unanswered questions about the women&#8217;s races coming thick and fast over the next few weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here are a few we hope will be answered in the next big races.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-form-is-lotte-kopecky-actually-in-3\">What form is Lotte Kopecky actually in?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b9345f75-2b88-4968-a681-1eaeaaa94f1b\">\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\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hkJZmWbaWVq99UbL27Yzia-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\">Kopecky took her first win of the season at Nokere Koerse <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"4b4e45c5-9b25-4eee-b37a-e045071ba233\">This was one of the biggest questions on everyone&#8217;s mind before Lotte Kopecky made her season debut at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and even though she&#8217;s raced three more times since then, I&#8217;m not sure we quite have the answer yet. Coming back from a back injury that wrecked much of her 2025 season, Kopecky is returning with a renewed focus on her lifeblood of one-day racing \u2013 no more GC experiments \u2013 so everyone wants to know what kind of level she is at this spring.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9d32X8rb3q3EGevtzWK38F 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>And so far? It&#8217;s not quite clear. At Omloop, a hold-up before the Muur van Geraardsbergen saw her out of contention at the key moment, and in Strade Bianche, she missed the winning move, and then a wrong turn quashed the chances of her chasing group coming back.<\/p>\n<p>Seventh in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda was a positive sign, and she won at Nokere Koerse but not in particularly impressive fashion \u2013 she couldn&#8217;t really get away with an attack and just ground out the sprint against a not-quite-top-tier field. A win is a win, but it doesn&#8217;t tell us whether she&#8217;s on par with Elisa Longo Borghini and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.<\/p>\n<p>The next few weeks will mainly be about the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, the first of which she will start as favourite, almost regardless, given her previous success there, but she&#8217;s made some hints about Milan-San Remo, too.<\/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\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-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;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/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\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-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;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><\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In theory, defending champion Lorena Wiebes would be SD Worx&#8217;s leader, but Kopecky commented about hoping her Nokere Koerse win would &#8220;give her more freedom in the next races&#8221;, and you can certainly see a scenario where she wins the race \u2013 but it would almost definitely mean going against Wiebes. If she&#8217;s feeling on top form, that might feel worth it. Whatever happens on Saturday will tell us about Kopecky&#8217;s level and how things are working at SD Worx.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-uae-team-adq-the-real-biggest-threat-this-spring-3\">Are UAE Team ADQ the real biggest threat this spring?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"81338c06-41cb-40fc-94a3-c63b67f877d1\">\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\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fz4WuLMkoFpmmw7F3ibPU5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">UAE Team ADQ have eight wins already in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"aa381214-8e71-40f4-9f1a-58c66ebbc0b1\">The short answer to this question is probably &#8216;yes&#8217;, and that seems to be the consensus among their rivals, but the next big races will be a real test of this hypothesis. Winning Binda and locking out the podium of Trofeo Oro is one thing, but going up against SD Worx and FDJ on the cobbles will be another.<\/p>\n<p>The team is absolutely in its strongest form yet, with Elisa Longo Borghini, Karlijn Swinkels, Lara Gillespie, Silvia Persico, and more looking really strong, and, crucially, they seem to work very well together tactically and strategically. Where teams tend to slip up in the Classics is by being inflexible with their plan or having spats over leadership, but this isn&#8217;t an issue we&#8217;ve seen UAE Team ADQ really struggle with yet.<\/p>\n<p>From what we&#8217;ve heard, other teams are absolutely looking at UAE Team ADQ as the biggest threat in races like San Remo, but the question will only really be answered in races like Gent-Wevelgem and Flanders, which are, in a way, less suited to the team. But if they can conquer those races and match the Dutch and Belgian squads in Northern Europe, they&#8217;ll have really cemented themselves as one of the peloton&#8217;s top dogs.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"will-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-manage-to-win-3\">Will Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney manage to win?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"0667a062-7f83-4ab7-bfbc-1dd6de8cb690\">\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\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9HbvMJqTpdzB8gQRyN2BuZ-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\">Niewiadoma-Phinney took second in both Omloop and Strade <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7f3f1df1-e6b9-4c5f-b328-1651507fdfd2\">This is an age-old question. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney long had a reputation of always being there but so rarely winning, which she seemed to dispel for a while with her triumphs at the Tour de France Femmes, Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and her gravel world title, but the runner-up curse is sneaking back in a bit this spring. Second place yet again in Strade Bianche must have stung, beaten by Elise Chabbey thanks to a split second in the final run-in, especially coming straight after the same result in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.<\/p>\n<p>We know that she absolutely has the strength to win one of these big races, whether it&#8217;s San Remo or Flanders or one of the Ardennes, but the answer is how.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s so often foiled by her sprint, but maybe holds back from going away solo, so I think that&#8217;s what she needs to try and do: focus on one big move to go solo at the right moment. A million times easier said than done, of course, but her whole team targeting that seems to be the only clear path to victory in one of the flatter races. In the Ardennes, her climbing may serve her better, but in the Belgian classics and Milan-San Remo, she can&#8217;t risk going to the finish with any other rider.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-lidl-trek-missing-something-3\">Are Lidl-Trek missing something?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"09f3008a-f3eb-4720-9efc-adeece41f388\">\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\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sL8Qn9gsixweiLajesYEQQ-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\">Fleur Moors has shone for Lidl-Trek, but they need a big win soon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6efeaaad-2339-4b0e-b397-649ec3aeb034\">Look back just a couple of seasons, and Lidl-Trek were easily one of the top two teams in the peloton, threatening SD Worx&#8217;s hegemony on their own and driving the action in the Classics. Fast forward to now, though, and the team isn&#8217;t quite sparkling in 2026. The retirements of Lizzie Deignan and Ellen van Dijk dented their horsepower, and in theory, they made some good replacement signings, but so far, they&#8217;ve missed the key action in the Classics.<\/p>\n<p>This recent downturn is evident in their results: Elisa Balsamo only managed 18th in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Shirin van Anrooij was ninth in Strade Bianche, not in the winning group. Their run of wins in Trofeo Alfredo Binda was broken with Anrooij their best finisher in 10th. Fleur Moors has been super impressive and aggressive in the semi-Classics, but Emma Norsgaard, for example, hasn&#8217;t quite shown her Classics potential since joining the team. Because of these performances, they&#8217;re at risk of being counted out of the top Classics contenders if they don&#8217;t bag a solid result in the next couple of weeks \u2013 starting with Milan-San Remo, where Balsamo can podium.<\/p>\n<p>Is something missing? Can something be fixed? I think it&#8217;s more just a matter of getting in the groove of things, because on paper, their team is strong. Elisa Balsamo has been a little unlucky recently, but is still a top rider on her day. Shirin van Anrooij, now post-iliac artery surgery, will hopefully return to her very impressive heights in Classics. Fleur Moors is clearly already ready to challenge the big names, and Margot Vanpachtenbeke shows a lot of promise. They just need to get organised, back one strong rider, and remember their place in the peloton, which should be among the very best squads.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-will-be-the-breakout-classics-star-in-2026-3\">Who will be the breakout Classics star in 2026?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"bad1fc19-b556-4c8e-b72d-5d71ac6d371e\">\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\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wHUfthFwXqCqFNrHAi5VvX-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\">Mie Bj\u00f8rndal Ottestad seems close to a big one-day result <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"2da74e58-3a4f-4aa2-8f79-c22fbeb35a20\">I&#8217;m a little obsessed with combing through the results and watching even the smallest races to work out who&#8217;s up and coming right now, whether that&#8217;s seeing a strong move in a race or spotting a rider consistently cropping up in the top 20. There&#8217;s always someone I&#8217;ve got my eye on in the Classics and stage races, but so far in 2026, I&#8217;m not quite sure who I&#8217;m backing.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, all eyes were already on Cat Ferguson, who had a fantastic spring for a neo-pro, even if she didn&#8217;t score a major win in the Classics. Could she do that this year?<\/p>\n<p>So far, I&#8217;ve been really impressed by Fleur Moors, as I mentioned above, who&#8217;s been following the wheels of Kopecky and Wiebes with strength and poise. She is undoubtedly a future star. Lara Gillespie has arguably already broken through, but could take an even bigger win in the next couple of weeks. Monica Trinca Colonel should be a name you already know, and she should be interesting in Milan-San Remo, though she will likely swerve the Belgian races. Mie Bj\u00f8rndal Ottestad could also end up bagging a top Classics result to add to her previous stage race successes.<\/p>\n<p>The next few races will only tell us more, though, and someone I haven&#8217;t even thought of is bound to have a great day somewhere in the next few weeks. With all these questions, I can&#8217;t wait to find out the answer.<\/p>\n<p id=\"18cb8def-d6a7-4a89-bbed-051ea566dc3e\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/from-top-riders-real-form-to-the-teams-not-quite-thriving-five-key-questions-ahead-of-milan-san-remo-and-the-next-classics\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling Road Milan-San Remo Women From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics Features By Matilda Price published 19 March 2026 We&#8217;re a few races into the spring, but there&#8217;s still so much [&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-1835964","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\/1835964","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=1835964"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1835964\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1835964"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1835964"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1835964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}