{"id":1837021,"date":"2026-03-19T16:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T13:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1837021"},"modified":"2026-03-19T16:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T13:59:09","slug":"a-very-uncomfortable-ride-belgian-riders-saddle-snaps-off-during-mini-paris-roubaix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1837021","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-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=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nBikes\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPro Bikes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJosh Croxton <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T16:59:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Flanders Baloise rider Jules Hesters left standing with 22.3km to go<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH.jpg\" alt=\"DENAIN, FRANCE - MARCH 19: (L-R) Jules Hesters of Belgium and Team Flanders - Baloise and Milan Menten of Belgium and Team Lotto Intermarch\u00e9 compete during the 67th Grand Prix de Denain - Porte du Hainaut 2026 a 200.4km one day race from Denain to Denain on March 19, 2026 in Denain, France. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"0b29c454-7db4-4a75-8b7d-187d16033aaa\">In recent years, the sentiment toward the cobbled Spring Classics is that they&#8217;re getting easier as a result of bikes getting better. The trend towards wider tyres, nowadays 10mm bigger than those being used just a decade ago, certainly smooth out some of the lumps and bumps, but the GP Denain just delivered a cruel reminder that the cobbles are no joke.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>With 22km of the race to go, Belgian Jules Hesters (Team Flanders-Baloise) was forced to ride a cobbled sector without a saddle, after his snapped off as a result of being rattled over the rough ground.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"0b29c454-7db4-4a75-8b7d-187d16033aaa-2\">TV cameras spotted Hesters riding at the back of the peloton, standing on the pedals, while tackling the Avesnes-le-Sec \u00e0 Hordain cobbled sector.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSXa3HKrvkHrBbxo5FdfwC.jpg\" alt=\"A broken Cadex rear wheel at Omloop\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jayco-AlUla&#8217;s Amaury Capiot suffers catastrophic wheel failure at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h677rW5VnaKRtmnd6LcZp4.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tirreno-Adriatico: Thymen Arensman (2-R) during stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Asking for trouble&#8217; \u2013 After questioning the gravel at Tirreno-Adriatico, Thymen Arensman crashes and suffers huge GC dent<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qAGbEUbnEgxn5SqFtp9gPT.jpg\" alt=\"Opening Weekend tech \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where have all the slammed pro bike handlebars gone?! &#8211; Five tech trends from Opening Weekend<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Atop the now nude seatpost, all that remained was a section of his saddle clamp, spinning freely in the breeze. The rest of it had clearly broken and ejected itself into the countryside alongside the saddle it was supposed to be holding in place.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Commentators on the TNT Sports live stream added a succinct but apt: &#8220;That&#8217;s unfortunate,&#8221; before stating the obvious: &#8220;That is going to be a very uncomfortable ride.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"DWEbbw3DLns\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by TNT Sports Cycling (@tntsportscycling)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"bff83dad-954c-4951-b835-494452975d3a\">The saddle clamp on the Eddy Merckx 525 race bike is made using a common method that braces the saddle rails from above, and clamps it down onto a curved &#8216;base&#8217; which sits in a groove at the top of the seatpost.<\/p>\n<p>The whole mechanism is held together by two vertical hex key bolts, often tightened from below, clamping the two horizontal braces down onto the rails to secure it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf 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>The system relies on both bolts to be in place, so in the case of one breaking \u2013 either as a result of an overtightened bolt, or feasibly also a too-hard impact with a cobblestone \u2013 the whole system will then be able to work free.<\/p>\n<p>Assuming it was an impact with a cobblestone, and not simply negligence on behalf of the team mechanic, it doesn&#8217;t bear thinking about the force of the impact between the Belgian&#8217;s nether regions and the saddle that caused the failure to happen.<\/p>\n<p>The GP Denain is about as severe a road race course you&#8217;ll find. It&#8217;s known widely as the Mini Paris-Roubaix, and is a 200-kilometre route that takes in many of the same roads as the Monument, especially in the latter parts where Hesters&#8217; incident took place.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the incident, however, the Belgian rode on to finish 44th, and although he did eventually stop to get a besaddled spare bike from the team car, he was forced to ride aboard his broken machine to the end of the cobbled sector first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tech<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3GXEP85KSp9eSMY5JsYqd.jpg\" alt=\"Josh Croxton\" class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Josh Croxton<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon button-social__icon-email\"><\/span><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Associate Editor (Tech)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews \u2013 leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he&#8217;s covered everything from buyer&#8217;s guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews. <\/p>\n<p>On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, &#8216;cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div 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sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSXa3HKrvkHrBbxo5FdfwC.jpg\" alt=\"A broken Cadex rear wheel at Omloop\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jayco-AlUla&#8217;s Amaury Capiot suffers catastrophic wheel failure at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h677rW5VnaKRtmnd6LcZp4.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tirreno-Adriatico: Thymen Arensman (2-R) during stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Asking for trouble&#8217; \u2013 After questioning the gravel at Tirreno-Adriatico, Thymen Arensman crashes and suffers huge GC dent<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qAGbEUbnEgxn5SqFtp9gPT.jpg\" alt=\"Opening Weekend tech \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where have all the slammed pro bike handlebars gone?! &#8211; Five tech trends from Opening Weekend<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSYrZrc8N5EkH5DKx8nEuX.png\" alt=\"Fabio Jakobsen&amp;#039;s tyre and foam insert are seen fully off the front wheel of his bike on stage 4 of the UAE Tour\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Fabio Jakobsen&#8217;s tyre and insert blown clean off his &#8216;mini-hook&#8217; rims in UAE Tour crash<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UNiVMcCz4xbtX4sB4inqrM.jpg\" alt=\"Mathieu van der Poel puts on a jacket after winning Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tudor rider breaks two teeth, Mathieu van der Poel makes a miraculous save, De Lie calls Omloop Het Nieuwsblad edition &#8216;The most dangerous Omloop of my life&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PiPDQCshXHSGTGDkTpmsS.jpg\" alt=\"Tubular Glue used on tubeless tyres\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why are Visma-Lease a Bike glueing their tubeless tyres into place at the Spring Classics?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Pro Bikes<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEGm9XuDiD7FDikBWvN9CB.jpg\" alt=\"Van der Poel riding solo\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel explains why he refuses to follow the narrow handlebar trend<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cgoyq2rCQnyvMTCD8U8AyL.jpg\" alt=\"Wout van Aert riding double disc wheels at Tirreno Adriatico\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert goes full aero and uses double disc wheels again for Tirreno-Adriatico time trial <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PiPDQCshXHSGTGDkTpmsS.jpg\" alt=\"Tubular Glue used on tubeless tyres\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why are Visma-Lease a Bike glueing their tubeless tyres into place at the Spring Classics?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E3CFXXtJeCCzyWJLmPhrvg.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan&amp;#039;s Cervelo S5\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A Cerv\u00e9lo S5 and a toy donkey &#8211; Matthew Brennan&#8217;s Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne winning bike<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/euS5f5H8kEEoKJQSPAQNkT.jpg\" alt=\"Demi Vollering&amp;#039;s Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bike check: Demi Vollering wins Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on unreleased 32mm Specialized Cotton TLR tyres <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3h8DWHYrj4BBF9gLBcmbt4.jpg\" alt=\"Mathieu van der Poel&amp;#039;s Canyon Aeroad \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel wins Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on an updated Canyon Aeroad frame and prototype Shimano wheels <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4utJc52xtELdQcJovSNtXX.jpg\" alt=\"DENAIN, FRANCE - MARCH 19: (L-R) Per Strand Hagenes of Norway and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Alec Segaert of Belgium and Team Bahrain - Victorious compete in the breakaway during the 67th Grand Prix de Denain - Porte du Hainaut 2026 a 200.4km one day race from Denain to Denain on March 19, 2026 in Denain, France. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Rules<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Alec Segaert given yellow card for &#8216;non-compliant position&#8217; during GP de Denain raid<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe.jpg\" alt=\"Strade Bianche Donne 2026 - 12th Edition - Siena - Siena 133km - 7\/03\/2026 - Demi Vollering (NED - FDJ United - SUEZ) - photo Massimo Fulgenzi\/SprintCyclingAgency\u00a92026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A women&#8217;s Il Lombardia will happen but it&#8217;s complicated&#8217; \u2013 RCS Sport working on creating the missing women&#8217;s Monument<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3CAPoqs8g9qL6prLa4ayH.jpg\" alt=\"MOMBAROCCIO, ITALY - MARCH 13: Filippo Ganna of Italy and Team INEOS Grenadiers competes during the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 5 a 184km stage from Marotta-Mondolfo to Mombaroccio 309m \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 13, 2026 in Mombaroccio, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It is fantastic to have one more card to play&#8217; \u2013 Ineos Grenadiers look to Josh Tarling as a wildcard for Milan-San Remo alongside Filippo Ganna<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi.png\" alt=\"SANREMO, ITALY - MARCH 22: Elisa Longo Borghini of Italy and UAE Team ADQ attacks during the 1st Sanremo Women 2025 a 156km one day race from Genova to Sanremo \/ #UCIWWT \/ on March 22, 2025 in Sanremo, Italy. (Photo by Luca Bettini - Pool\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Illness forces Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini to pull out of Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/neZMYx3MQA8zApfKZG6mkE.jpg\" alt=\"Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe&amp;#039;s Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel gets ready for the fourth stage of the UAE Tour cycling event in al-Fujairah on February 19, 2026. (Photo by Fadel SENNA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Stuck on Mount Teide because of the snow&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in the Volta a Catalunya flung into doubt <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WRAiq5aZ2MofNZoiowwkF.jpg\" alt=\"Great Britain&amp;#039;s Matthew Brennan of Team Visma-Lease a Bike celebrates on the podium after winning the 78th edition of the men elite race of the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne one day cycling race, 195 km from Kuurne to Kuurne via Brussels, Sunday 01 March 2026. BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Blow for Visma-Lease a Bike as Matthew Brennan withdraws from Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-middle-1\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-middle-1 widget-ads-ads-middle-1 widget-no-data widget-ads-flexi_ads_middle1\">\n<div id=\"bdx_flexi_ads_middle1\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"flexi_ads_middle1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-top widget-empty-sidebar-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"follow-us-on-google-news\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-follow-us-on-google-news widget-contentparsed-follow-us-on-google-news widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-curated \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-top widget-empty-sidebar-popular-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe.jpg\" alt=\"Strade Bianche Donne 2026 - 12th Edition - Siena - Siena 133km - 7\/03\/2026 - Demi Vollering (NED - FDJ United - SUEZ) - photo Massimo Fulgenzi\/SprintCyclingAgency\u00a92026\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A women&#8217;s Il Lombardia will happen but it&#8217;s complicated&#8217; \u2013 RCS Sport working on creating the missing women&#8217;s Monument<\/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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/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\">&#8216;It is fantastic to have one more card to play&#8217; \u2013 Ineos Grenadiers look to Josh Tarling as a wildcard for Milan-San Remo alongside Filippo Ganna<\/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\">Illness forces Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini to pull out of Milan-San Remo Women<\/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;Stuck on Mount Teide because of the snow&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in the Volta a Catalunya flung into doubt <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nBikes\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPro Bikes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJosh Croxton <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T16:59:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Flanders Baloise rider Jules Hesters left standing with 22.3km to go<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH.jpg\" alt=\"DENAIN, FRANCE - MARCH 19: (L-R) Jules Hesters of Belgium and Team Flanders - Baloise and Milan Menten of Belgium and Team Lotto Intermarch\u00e9 compete during the 67th Grand Prix de Denain - Porte du Hainaut 2026 a 200.4km one day race from Denain to Denain on March 19, 2026 in Denain, France. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"0b29c454-7db4-4a75-8b7d-187d16033aaa\">In recent years, the sentiment toward the cobbled Spring Classics is that they&#8217;re getting easier as a result of bikes getting better. The trend towards wider tyres, nowadays 10mm bigger than those being used just a decade ago, certainly smooth out some of the lumps and bumps, but the GP Denain just delivered a cruel reminder that the cobbles are no joke.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>With 22km of the race to go, Belgian Jules Hesters (Team Flanders-Baloise) was forced to ride a cobbled sector without a saddle, after his snapped off as a result of being rattled over the rough ground.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"0b29c454-7db4-4a75-8b7d-187d16033aaa-2\">TV cameras spotted Hesters riding at the back of the peloton, standing on the pedals, while tackling the Avesnes-le-Sec \u00e0 Hordain cobbled sector.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSXa3HKrvkHrBbxo5FdfwC.jpg\" alt=\"A broken Cadex rear wheel at Omloop\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jayco-AlUla&#8217;s Amaury Capiot suffers catastrophic wheel failure at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h677rW5VnaKRtmnd6LcZp4.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tirreno-Adriatico: Thymen Arensman (2-R) during stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Asking for trouble&#8217; \u2013 After questioning the gravel at Tirreno-Adriatico, Thymen Arensman crashes and suffers huge GC dent<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qAGbEUbnEgxn5SqFtp9gPT.jpg\" alt=\"Opening Weekend tech \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where have all the slammed pro bike handlebars gone?! &#8211; Five tech trends from Opening Weekend<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Atop the now nude seatpost, all that remained was a section of his saddle clamp, spinning freely in the breeze. The rest of it had clearly broken and ejected itself into the countryside alongside the saddle it was supposed to be holding in place.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Commentators on the TNT Sports live stream added a succinct but apt: &#8220;That&#8217;s unfortunate,&#8221; before stating the obvious: &#8220;That is going to be a very uncomfortable ride.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"DWEbbw3DLns\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by TNT Sports Cycling (@tntsportscycling)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"bff83dad-954c-4951-b835-494452975d3a\">The saddle clamp on the Eddy Merckx 525 race bike is made using a common method that braces the saddle rails from above, and clamps it down onto a curved &#8216;base&#8217; which sits in a groove at the top of the seatpost.<\/p>\n<p>The whole mechanism is held together by two vertical hex key bolts, often tightened from below, clamping the two horizontal braces down onto the rails to secure it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf 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>The system relies on both bolts to be in place, so in the case of one breaking \u2013 either as a result of an overtightened bolt, or feasibly also a too-hard impact with a cobblestone \u2013 the whole system will then be able to work free.<\/p>\n<p>Assuming it was an impact with a cobblestone, and not simply negligence on behalf of the team mechanic, it doesn&#8217;t bear thinking about the force of the impact between the Belgian&#8217;s nether regions and the saddle that caused the failure to happen.<\/p>\n<p>The GP Denain is about as severe a road race course you&#8217;ll find. It&#8217;s known widely as the Mini Paris-Roubaix, and is a 200-kilometre route that takes in many of the same roads as the Monument, especially in the latter parts where Hesters&#8217; incident took place.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the incident, however, the Belgian rode on to finish 44th, and although he did eventually stop to get a besaddled spare bike from the team car, he was forced to ride aboard his broken machine to the end of the cobbled sector first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tech<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3GXEP85KSp9eSMY5JsYqd.jpg\" alt=\"Josh Croxton\" class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Josh Croxton<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon button-social__icon-email\"><\/span><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Associate Editor (Tech)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews \u2013 leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he&#8217;s covered everything from buyer&#8217;s guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews. <\/p>\n<p>On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, &#8216;cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div 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sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSXa3HKrvkHrBbxo5FdfwC.jpg\" alt=\"A broken Cadex rear wheel at Omloop\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jayco-AlUla&#8217;s Amaury Capiot suffers catastrophic wheel failure at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h677rW5VnaKRtmnd6LcZp4.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tirreno-Adriatico: Thymen Arensman (2-R) during stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Asking for trouble&#8217; \u2013 After questioning the gravel at Tirreno-Adriatico, Thymen Arensman crashes and suffers huge GC dent<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qAGbEUbnEgxn5SqFtp9gPT.jpg\" alt=\"Opening Weekend tech \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where have all the slammed pro bike handlebars gone?! &#8211; Five tech trends from Opening Weekend<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSYrZrc8N5EkH5DKx8nEuX.png\" alt=\"Fabio Jakobsen&amp;#039;s tyre and foam insert are seen fully off the front wheel of his bike on stage 4 of the UAE Tour\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Fabio Jakobsen&#8217;s tyre and insert blown clean off his &#8216;mini-hook&#8217; rims in UAE Tour crash<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UNiVMcCz4xbtX4sB4inqrM.jpg\" alt=\"Mathieu van der Poel puts on a jacket after winning Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tudor rider breaks two teeth, Mathieu van der Poel makes a miraculous save, De Lie calls Omloop Het Nieuwsblad edition &#8216;The most dangerous Omloop of my life&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PiPDQCshXHSGTGDkTpmsS.jpg\" alt=\"Tubular Glue used on tubeless tyres\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why are Visma-Lease a Bike glueing their tubeless tyres into place at the Spring Classics?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Pro Bikes<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CEGm9XuDiD7FDikBWvN9CB.jpg\" alt=\"Van der Poel riding solo\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel explains why he refuses to follow the narrow handlebar trend<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cgoyq2rCQnyvMTCD8U8AyL.jpg\" alt=\"Wout van Aert riding double disc wheels at Tirreno Adriatico\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert goes full aero and uses double disc wheels again for Tirreno-Adriatico time trial <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PiPDQCshXHSGTGDkTpmsS.jpg\" alt=\"Tubular Glue used on tubeless tyres\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why are Visma-Lease a Bike glueing their tubeless tyres into place at the Spring Classics?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E3CFXXtJeCCzyWJLmPhrvg.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan&amp;#039;s Cervelo S5\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A Cerv\u00e9lo S5 and a toy donkey &#8211; Matthew Brennan&#8217;s Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne winning bike<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/euS5f5H8kEEoKJQSPAQNkT.jpg\" alt=\"Demi Vollering&amp;#039;s Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bike check: Demi Vollering wins Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on unreleased 32mm Specialized Cotton TLR tyres <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3h8DWHYrj4BBF9gLBcmbt4.jpg\" alt=\"Mathieu van der Poel&amp;#039;s Canyon Aeroad \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel wins Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on an updated Canyon Aeroad frame and prototype Shimano wheels <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4utJc52xtELdQcJovSNtXX.jpg\" alt=\"DENAIN, FRANCE - MARCH 19: (L-R) Per Strand Hagenes of Norway and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Alec Segaert of Belgium and Team Bahrain - Victorious compete in the breakaway during the 67th Grand Prix de Denain - Porte du Hainaut 2026 a 200.4km one day race from Denain to Denain on March 19, 2026 in Denain, France. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Rules<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Alec Segaert given yellow card for &#8216;non-compliant position&#8217; during GP de Denain raid<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe.jpg\" alt=\"Strade Bianche Donne 2026 - 12th Edition - Siena - Siena 133km - 7\/03\/2026 - Demi Vollering (NED - FDJ United - SUEZ) - photo Massimo Fulgenzi\/SprintCyclingAgency\u00a92026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A women&#8217;s Il Lombardia will happen but it&#8217;s complicated&#8217; \u2013 RCS Sport working on creating the missing women&#8217;s Monument<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3CAPoqs8g9qL6prLa4ayH.jpg\" alt=\"MOMBAROCCIO, ITALY - MARCH 13: Filippo Ganna of Italy and Team INEOS Grenadiers competes during the 61st Tirreno-Adriatico 2026, Stage 5 a 184km stage from Marotta-Mondolfo to Mombaroccio 309m \/ #UCIWT \/ on March 13, 2026 in Mombaroccio, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It is fantastic to have one more card to play&#8217; \u2013 Ineos Grenadiers look to Josh Tarling as a wildcard for Milan-San Remo alongside Filippo Ganna<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi.png\" alt=\"SANREMO, ITALY - MARCH 22: Elisa Longo Borghini of Italy and UAE Team ADQ attacks during the 1st Sanremo Women 2025 a 156km one day race from Genova to Sanremo \/ #UCIWWT \/ on March 22, 2025 in Sanremo, Italy. (Photo by Luca Bettini - Pool\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Illness forces Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini to pull out of Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/neZMYx3MQA8zApfKZG6mkE.jpg\" alt=\"Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe&amp;#039;s Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel gets ready for the fourth stage of the UAE Tour cycling event in al-Fujairah on February 19, 2026. (Photo by Fadel SENNA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Stuck on Mount Teide because of the snow&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in the Volta a Catalunya flung into doubt <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WRAiq5aZ2MofNZoiowwkF.jpg\" alt=\"Great Britain&amp;#039;s Matthew Brennan of Team Visma-Lease a Bike celebrates on the podium after winning the 78th edition of the men elite race of the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne one day cycling race, 195 km from Kuurne to Kuurne via Brussels, Sunday 01 March 2026. BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Blow for Visma-Lease a Bike as Matthew Brennan withdraws from Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-middle-1\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-middle-1 widget-ads-ads-middle-1 widget-no-data widget-ads-flexi_ads_middle1\">\n<div id=\"bdx_flexi_ads_middle1\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"flexi_ads_middle1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-top widget-empty-sidebar-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"follow-us-on-google-news\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-follow-us-on-google-news widget-contentparsed-follow-us-on-google-news widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-curated \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-top widget-empty-sidebar-popular-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe.jpg\" alt=\"Strade Bianche Donne 2026 - 12th Edition - Siena - Siena 133km - 7\/03\/2026 - Demi Vollering (NED - FDJ United - SUEZ) - photo Massimo Fulgenzi\/SprintCyclingAgency\u00a92026\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A women&#8217;s Il Lombardia will happen but it&#8217;s complicated&#8217; \u2013 RCS Sport working on creating the missing women&#8217;s Monument<\/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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/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\">&#8216;It is fantastic to have one more card to play&#8217; \u2013 Ineos Grenadiers look to Josh Tarling as a wildcard for Milan-San Remo alongside Filippo Ganna<\/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\">Illness forces Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini to pull out of Milan-San Remo Women<\/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;Stuck on Mount Teide because of the snow&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in the Volta a Catalunya flung into doubt <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nBikes\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPro Bikes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJosh Croxton <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T16:59:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Flanders Baloise rider Jules Hesters left standing with 22.3km to go<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"0b29c454-7db4-4a75-8b7d-187d16033aaa\">In recent years, the sentiment toward the cobbled Spring Classics is that they&#8217;re getting easier as a result of bikes getting better. The trend towards wider tyres, nowadays 10mm bigger than those being used just a decade ago, certainly smooth out some of the lumps and bumps, but the GP Denain just delivered a cruel reminder that the cobbles are no joke.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>With 22km of the race to go, Belgian Jules Hesters (Team Flanders-Baloise) was forced to ride a cobbled sector without a saddle, after his snapped off as a result of being rattled over the rough ground.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"0b29c454-7db4-4a75-8b7d-187d16033aaa-2\">TV cameras spotted Hesters riding at the back of the peloton, standing on the pedals, while tackling the Avesnes-le-Sec \u00e0 Hordain cobbled sector.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSXa3HKrvkHrBbxo5FdfwC.jpg\" alt=\"A broken Cadex rear wheel at Omloop\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jayco-AlUla&#8217;s Amaury Capiot suffers catastrophic wheel failure at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h677rW5VnaKRtmnd6LcZp4.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tirreno-Adriatico: Thymen Arensman (2-R) during stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Asking for trouble&#8217; \u2013 After questioning the gravel at Tirreno-Adriatico, Thymen Arensman crashes and suffers huge GC dent<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qAGbEUbnEgxn5SqFtp9gPT.jpg\" alt=\"Opening Weekend tech \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where have all the slammed pro bike handlebars gone?! &#8211; Five tech trends from Opening Weekend<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Atop the now nude seatpost, all that remained was a section of his saddle clamp, spinning freely in the breeze. The rest of it had clearly broken and ejected itself into the countryside alongside the saddle it was supposed to be holding in place.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Commentators on the TNT Sports live stream added a succinct but apt: &#8220;That&#8217;s unfortunate,&#8221; before stating the obvious: &#8220;That is going to be a very uncomfortable ride.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"DWEbbw3DLns\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by TNT Sports Cycling (@tntsportscycling)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"bff83dad-954c-4951-b835-494452975d3a\">The saddle clamp on the Eddy Merckx 525 race bike is made using a common method that braces the saddle rails from above, and clamps it down onto a curved &#8216;base&#8217; which sits in a groove at the top of the seatpost.<\/p>\n<p>The whole mechanism is held together by two vertical hex key bolts, often tightened from below, clamping the two horizontal braces down onto the rails to secure it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mAkLLqZVNadhRVDc5SHtQf 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>The system relies on both bolts to be in place, so in the case of one breaking \u2013 either as a result of an overtightened bolt, or feasibly also a too-hard impact with a cobblestone \u2013 the whole system will then be able to work free.<\/p>\n<p>Assuming it was an impact with a cobblestone, and not simply negligence on behalf of the team mechanic, it doesn&#8217;t bear thinking about the force of the impact between the Belgian&#8217;s nether regions and the saddle that caused the failure to happen.<\/p>\n<p>The GP Denain is about as severe a road race course you&#8217;ll find. It&#8217;s known widely as the Mini Paris-Roubaix, and is a 200-kilometre route that takes in many of the same roads as the Monument, especially in the latter parts where Hesters&#8217; incident took place.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the incident, however, the Belgian rode on to finish 44th, and although he did eventually stop to get a besaddled spare bike from the team car, he was forced to ride aboard his broken machine to the end of the cobbled sector first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/bikes\/pro-bikes\/a-very-uncomfortable-ride-belgian-riders-saddle-snaps-off-during-mini-paris-roubaix\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Bikes Pro Bikes &#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217; News By Josh Croxton published 19 March 2026 Flanders Baloise rider Jules Hesters left standing with 22.3km to go When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it [&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-1837021","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\/1837021","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=1837021"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1837021\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1837021"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1837021"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1837021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}