{"id":1853579,"date":"2026-03-28T08:32:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T05:32:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1853579"},"modified":"2026-03-28T08:32:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T05:32:24","slug":"i-decided-to-change-everything-privateer-campaign-for-simon-pellaud-derailed-temporarily-by-knee-injury-but-quest-for-evasive-race-win-in-life-time-grand-prix-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1853579","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I decided to change everything&#8217; &#8211; Privateer campaign for Simon Pellaud derailed temporarily by knee injury, but quest for evasive race win in Life Time Grand Prix continues"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-1198-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSimon Pellaud\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I decided to change everything&#8217; &#8211; Privateer campaign for Simon Pellaud derailed temporarily by knee injury, but quest for evasive race win in Life Time Grand Prix continues<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T08:32:24Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Swiss rider took podiums at Unbound Gravel 200 and Leadville 100 MTB in 2025 and back for his &#8216;American dream&#8217;<\/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\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-1198-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-1198-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Simon Pellaud (Cerv\u00e9lo-Maxxis-Assos) finished fifth at 2026 Valley of Tears<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Valley of Tears 2026)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 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role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"elk-a5241574-9f10-4db7-b774-45c567a0f2a8\">This past winter was no time to hibernate for Simon Pellaud, as he put in motion a new privateer programme and preparations for a return in the Life Time Grand Prix, where he finished second overall in his debut last year. He called the 2026 renovation &#8220;building an engine for the American Dream&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The Swiss rider, who has lived in Colombia for the past 10 years, has just one full gravel season under his belt after 13 years on the road. His focus was on the six-race Grand Prix, and he proved he could compete on any surface, going second at Unbound Gravel 200, third at Leadville Trail 100 MTB and eighth at Big Sugar.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5241574-9f10-4db7-b774-45c567a0f2a8-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a hell of a journey. I&#8217;m in a full privateer setup. It&#8217;s nothing easy to get everything sorted, to finalise all my partners and be ready to roll in this new season,&#8221; Pellaud told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding Cervelo, Maxxis, SRAM and Assos among his solo enterprise.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I had the chance to find a very interested and powerful sponsor [for the bike]. Cervelo were looking to have an ambassador in gravel. It&#8217;s not only about having a great bike, but about showing it around, and in the front of the bunch also. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m there also to help in developing the product, getting where they need to go to have the fastest gravel bike possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Pellaud mixed in some road events in 2025, and expanded his off-road racing beyond the US. He won the eight-day, 800-mile Transcordilleras race in Colombia, Gravel Brazil in the UCI Gravel World Series and was second overall at the inaugural Gravel Burn in South Africa.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Everything worked pretty well in 2025, but still I decided to change everything&#8221;, was how Pellaud described his off season to <em>The Gravel Paddock<\/em>podcast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He said he was proactive, because &#8220;if you wait for the moment when the things are not working anymore to change, it means it&#8217;s too late. You&#8217;re already dropped.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also my way of racing. I prefer to be one step ahead in the breakaway instead of thinking maybe I can follow the right move at the right moment. If I am already at the front, the right move will come to me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Of course, there&#8217;s nothing smooth about gravel, and Pellaud encountered a bumpy start even before his first race, hitting his knee on the door of a car in February prior to Transcordilleras. Sound familiar? Keegan Swenson had a similar run-in that resulted in a fractured hip and has been out of action for more than six weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Pellaud had to pull out of Transcordilleras after the first stage this year, due to knee pain. He was able to battle through discomfort and finish fifth at Valley of Tears Gravel in Texas. He started The Mid South in nearby Oklahoma, but pulled out of the lead group with just over 50 miles to go.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;You always keep the confidence from your last race&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons inspired by Il Lombardia outing as he prepares to take on Poga\u010dar again at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Instead of a podium, he went to an MRI appointment to get answers for the knee, which revealed two inflamed areas of the knee diagnosed as bursitis, as well as plica syndrome that causes pain and swelling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m still struggling with my knee problem. Recovery&#8217;s a struggle,&#8221; Pellaud admitted to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Friday, as he missed taking the start at the Tour of Thailand, March 24-29, where he rode last year for a Continental team and finished second overall.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The focus on recovery has taken a hit to where he wanted to be with fitness in April, but it has not deflated his optimism for his new journey on gravel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I really enjoy travelling through the US, and discovering these places where you would never have thought about, or ride my bike, without this Life Time event. The races are so different from each other. It&#8217;s kind of crazy how different the races are in the end,&#8221; Pellaud said about the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I missed a big win, but super-happy the way it went, being really constant during the season. I was there for the others, but at Big Sugar I was really fighting for the victory. It&#8217;s hard to win because I don&#8217;t have a good sprint.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He called himself &#8220;a real mountain guy&#8221; as he grew up mountain biking in Switzerland. He inherited a home from his grandmother, so has a place to stay when he visits. His high-elevation living in Colombia also gives him an edge for a race like Leadville.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">No trips to Europe are looming, as he hopes to be free of pain for Sea Otter Classic Gravel, the elite men and women having a dedicated Thursday, April 16 got the 90-mile contest to start the Grand Prix series. Like many of the other top contenders, it will be a one-two punch with Levi&#8217;s GranFondo The Growler in Windsor, California two days later.<\/p>\n<p>He hopes an international complexion for the leaderboard of the Life Time Grand Prix leaderboard continues in 2025, especially on the men&#8217;s side. Last year was the first time in four seasons that the men&#8217;s top five was dominated by riders outside the US, Swenson the only American. Pellaud finished between LTGP winner Cameron Jones, of New Zealand, and third-placed Torbj\u00f8rn R\u00f8ed, of Norway, with South African Matt Beers three points behind Swenson.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4140582-f32b-40c6-90dc-689efab4d532\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our gravel cycling coverage in 2026. We&#8217;ll be on the ground at the biggest races of the season, bringing you breaking news, expert analysis, in-depth features, and much more. <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/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>North American<\/p>\n<p>Mountain Bike<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You always keep the confidence from your last race&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons inspired by Il Lombardia outing as he prepares to take on Poga\u010dar again at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You feel a bit of urgency&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar regains key Classics domestique as Mikkel Bjerg returns from injury at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;No reason to panic&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel drops down Volta a Catalunya standings as Florian Lipowitz closes in on podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in 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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;As a professional athlete, this feels huge&#8217; &#8211; Life Time Grand Prix series introduces pregnancy policy<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Defending champion Mads Pedersen, ill, will not start In Flanders Fields, loses chance to take record-breaking fourth win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We regret the incident and accept blame&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike apologise for E3 sticky bottle as team boss Plugge also penalised<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We did everything to try to make it&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock pulls out of the Volta a Catalunya with injuries from stage 5 crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You feel a bit of urgency&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar regains key Classics domestique as Mikkel Bjerg returns from injury at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;No reason to panic&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel drops down Volta a Catalunya standings as Florian Lipowitz closes in on podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;As a professional athlete, this feels huge&#8217; 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Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSimon Pellaud\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I decided to change everything&#8217; &#8211; Privateer campaign for Simon Pellaud derailed temporarily by knee injury, but quest for evasive race win in Life Time Grand Prix continues<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T08:32:24Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Swiss rider took podiums at Unbound Gravel 200 and Leadville 100 MTB in 2025 and back for his &#8216;American dream&#8217;<\/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\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-1198-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-1198-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Simon Pellaud (Cerv\u00e9lo-Maxxis-Assos) finished fifth at 2026 Valley of Tears<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Valley of Tears 2026)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 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mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"elk-a5241574-9f10-4db7-b774-45c567a0f2a8\">This past winter was no time to hibernate for Simon Pellaud, as he put in motion a new privateer programme and preparations for a return in the Life Time Grand Prix, where he finished second overall in his debut last year. He called the 2026 renovation &#8220;building an engine for the American Dream&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The Swiss rider, who has lived in Colombia for the past 10 years, has just one full gravel season under his belt after 13 years on the road. His focus was on the six-race Grand Prix, and he proved he could compete on any surface, going second at Unbound Gravel 200, third at Leadville Trail 100 MTB and eighth at Big Sugar.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5241574-9f10-4db7-b774-45c567a0f2a8-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a hell of a journey. I&#8217;m in a full privateer setup. It&#8217;s nothing easy to get everything sorted, to finalise all my partners and be ready to roll in this new season,&#8221; Pellaud told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding Cervelo, Maxxis, SRAM and Assos among his solo enterprise.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I had the chance to find a very interested and powerful sponsor [for the bike]. Cervelo were looking to have an ambassador in gravel. It&#8217;s not only about having a great bike, but about showing it around, and in the front of the bunch also. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m there also to help in developing the product, getting where they need to go to have the fastest gravel bike possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Pellaud mixed in some road events in 2025, and expanded his off-road racing beyond the US. He won the eight-day, 800-mile Transcordilleras race in Colombia, Gravel Brazil in the UCI Gravel World Series and was second overall at the inaugural Gravel Burn in South Africa.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Everything worked pretty well in 2025, but still I decided to change everything&#8221;, was how Pellaud described his off season to <em>The Gravel Paddock<\/em>podcast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He said he was proactive, because &#8220;if you wait for the moment when the things are not working anymore to change, it means it&#8217;s too late. You&#8217;re already dropped.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also my way of racing. I prefer to be one step ahead in the breakaway instead of thinking maybe I can follow the right move at the right moment. If I am already at the front, the right move will come to me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Of course, there&#8217;s nothing smooth about gravel, and Pellaud encountered a bumpy start even before his first race, hitting his knee on the door of a car in February prior to Transcordilleras. Sound familiar? Keegan Swenson had a similar run-in that resulted in a fractured hip and has been out of action for more than six weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Pellaud had to pull out of Transcordilleras after the first stage this year, due to knee pain. He was able to battle through discomfort and finish fifth at Valley of Tears Gravel in Texas. He started The Mid South in nearby Oklahoma, but pulled out of the lead group with just over 50 miles to go.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;You always keep the confidence from your last race&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons inspired by Il Lombardia outing as he prepares to take on Poga\u010dar again at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Instead of a podium, he went to an MRI appointment to get answers for the knee, which revealed two inflamed areas of the knee diagnosed as bursitis, as well as plica syndrome that causes pain and swelling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m still struggling with my knee problem. Recovery&#8217;s a struggle,&#8221; Pellaud admitted to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Friday, as he missed taking the start at the Tour of Thailand, March 24-29, where he rode last year for a Continental team and finished second overall.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The focus on recovery has taken a hit to where he wanted to be with fitness in April, but it has not deflated his optimism for his new journey on gravel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I really enjoy travelling through the US, and discovering these places where you would never have thought about, or ride my bike, without this Life Time event. The races are so different from each other. It&#8217;s kind of crazy how different the races are in the end,&#8221; Pellaud said about the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I missed a big win, but super-happy the way it went, being really constant during the season. I was there for the others, but at Big Sugar I was really fighting for the victory. It&#8217;s hard to win because I don&#8217;t have a good sprint.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He called himself &#8220;a real mountain guy&#8221; as he grew up mountain biking in Switzerland. He inherited a home from his grandmother, so has a place to stay when he visits. His high-elevation living in Colombia also gives him an edge for a race like Leadville.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">No trips to Europe are looming, as he hopes to be free of pain for Sea Otter Classic Gravel, the elite men and women having a dedicated Thursday, April 16 got the 90-mile contest to start the Grand Prix series. Like many of the other top contenders, it will be a one-two punch with Levi&#8217;s GranFondo The Growler in Windsor, California two days later.<\/p>\n<p>He hopes an international complexion for the leaderboard of the Life Time Grand Prix leaderboard continues in 2025, especially on the men&#8217;s side. Last year was the first time in four seasons that the men&#8217;s top five was dominated by riders outside the US, Swenson the only American. Pellaud finished between LTGP winner Cameron Jones, of New Zealand, and third-placed Torbj\u00f8rn R\u00f8ed, of Norway, with South African Matt Beers three points behind Swenson.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4140582-f32b-40c6-90dc-689efab4d532\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our gravel cycling coverage in 2026. We&#8217;ll be on the ground at the biggest races of the season, bringing you breaking news, expert analysis, in-depth features, and much more. <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/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>North American<\/p>\n<p>Mountain Bike<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You always keep the confidence from your last race&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons inspired by Il Lombardia outing as he prepares to take on Poga\u010dar again at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You feel a bit of urgency&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar regains key Classics domestique as Mikkel Bjerg returns from injury at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;No reason to panic&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel drops down Volta a Catalunya standings as Florian Lipowitz closes in on podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in 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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;As a professional athlete, this feels huge&#8217; &#8211; Life Time Grand Prix series introduces pregnancy policy<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Defending champion Mads Pedersen, ill, will not start In Flanders Fields, loses chance to take record-breaking fourth win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Ew99pqJMnGHkCxmrff4Hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We regret the incident and accept blame&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike apologise for E3 sticky bottle as team boss Plugge also penalised<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We did everything to try to make it&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock pulls out of the Volta a Catalunya with injuries from stage 5 crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You feel a bit of urgency&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar regains key Classics domestique as Mikkel Bjerg returns from injury at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;No reason to panic&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel drops down Volta a Catalunya standings as Florian Lipowitz closes in on podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;As a professional athlete, this feels huge&#8217; 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The Zwift Spring Sale ends very soon, here are the best remaining deals on the Zwift Ride Smart Frame, with up to 27% off<\/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\">Coppi e Bartali: Axel Laurance captures second stage to move into overall lead with one day remaining<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSimon Pellaud\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I decided to change everything&#8217; &#8211; Privateer campaign for Simon Pellaud derailed temporarily by knee injury, but quest for evasive race win in Life Time Grand Prix continues<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T08:32:24Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Swiss rider took podiums at Unbound Gravel 200 and Leadville 100 MTB in 2025 and back for his &#8216;American dream&#8217;<\/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\">\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 id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\"><span>0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"elk-a5241574-9f10-4db7-b774-45c567a0f2a8\">This past winter was no time to hibernate for Simon Pellaud, as he put in motion a new privateer programme and preparations for a return in the Life Time Grand Prix, where he finished second overall in his debut last year. He called the 2026 renovation &#8220;building an engine for the American Dream&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The Swiss rider, who has lived in Colombia for the past 10 years, has just one full gravel season under his belt after 13 years on the road. His focus was on the six-race Grand Prix, and he proved he could compete on any surface, going second at Unbound Gravel 200, third at Leadville Trail 100 MTB and eighth at Big Sugar.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5241574-9f10-4db7-b774-45c567a0f2a8-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a hell of a journey. I&#8217;m in a full privateer setup. It&#8217;s nothing easy to get everything sorted, to finalise all my partners and be ready to roll in this new season,&#8221; Pellaud told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding Cervelo, Maxxis, SRAM and Assos among his solo enterprise.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I had the chance to find a very interested and powerful sponsor [for the bike]. Cervelo were looking to have an ambassador in gravel. It&#8217;s not only about having a great bike, but about showing it around, and in the front of the bunch also. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m there also to help in developing the product, getting where they need to go to have the fastest gravel bike possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Pellaud mixed in some road events in 2025, and expanded his off-road racing beyond the US. He won the eight-day, 800-mile Transcordilleras race in Colombia, Gravel Brazil in the UCI Gravel World Series and was second overall at the inaugural Gravel Burn in South Africa.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Everything worked pretty well in 2025, but still I decided to change everything&#8221;, was how Pellaud described his off season to <em>The Gravel Paddock<\/em>podcast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He said he was proactive, because &#8220;if you wait for the moment when the things are not working anymore to change, it means it&#8217;s too late. You&#8217;re already dropped.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-oJkjBYKXPZmHHvRQUM2q4e 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also my way of racing. I prefer to be one step ahead in the breakaway instead of thinking maybe I can follow the right move at the right moment. If I am already at the front, the right move will come to me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Of course, there&#8217;s nothing smooth about gravel, and Pellaud encountered a bumpy start even before his first race, hitting his knee on the door of a car in February prior to Transcordilleras. Sound familiar? Keegan Swenson had a similar run-in that resulted in a fractured hip and has been out of action for more than six weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Pellaud had to pull out of Transcordilleras after the first stage this year, due to knee pain. He was able to battle through discomfort and finish fifth at Valley of Tears Gravel in Texas. He started The Mid South in nearby Oklahoma, but pulled out of the lead group with just over 50 miles to go.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pYQ3Qq8weDNZna88RzWQaG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;You always keep the confidence from your last race&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons inspired by Il Lombardia outing as he prepares to take on Poga\u010dar again at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Instead of a podium, he went to an MRI appointment to get answers for the knee, which revealed two inflamed areas of the knee diagnosed as bursitis, as well as plica syndrome that causes pain and swelling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m still struggling with my knee problem. Recovery&#8217;s a struggle,&#8221; Pellaud admitted to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Friday, as he missed taking the start at the Tour of Thailand, March 24-29, where he rode last year for a Continental team and finished second overall.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The focus on recovery has taken a hit to where he wanted to be with fitness in April, but it has not deflated his optimism for his new journey on gravel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I really enjoy travelling through the US, and discovering these places where you would never have thought about, or ride my bike, without this Life Time event. The races are so different from each other. It&#8217;s kind of crazy how different the races are in the end,&#8221; Pellaud said about the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I missed a big win, but super-happy the way it went, being really constant during the season. I was there for the others, but at Big Sugar I was really fighting for the victory. It&#8217;s hard to win because I don&#8217;t have a good sprint.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He called himself &#8220;a real mountain guy&#8221; as he grew up mountain biking in Switzerland. He inherited a home from his grandmother, so has a place to stay when he visits. His high-elevation living in Colombia also gives him an edge for a race like Leadville.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">No trips to Europe are looming, as he hopes to be free of pain for Sea Otter Classic Gravel, the elite men and women having a dedicated Thursday, April 16 got the 90-mile contest to start the Grand Prix series. Like many of the other top contenders, it will be a one-two punch with Levi&#8217;s GranFondo The Growler in Windsor, California two days later.<\/p>\n<p>He hopes an international complexion for the leaderboard of the Life Time Grand Prix leaderboard continues in 2025, especially on the men&#8217;s side. Last year was the first time in four seasons that the men&#8217;s top five was dominated by riders outside the US, Swenson the only American. Pellaud finished between LTGP winner Cameron Jones, of New Zealand, and third-placed Torbj\u00f8rn R\u00f8ed, of Norway, with South African Matt Beers three points behind Swenson.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4140582-f32b-40c6-90dc-689efab4d532\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our gravel cycling coverage in 2026. We&#8217;ll be on the ground at the biggest races of the season, bringing you breaking news, expert analysis, in-depth features, and much more. <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-decided-to-change-everything-privateer-campaign-for-simon-pellaud-derailed-temporarily-by-knee-injury-but-quest-for-evasive-race-win-in-life-time-grand-prix-continues\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-1198-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Simon Pellaud &#8216;I decided to change everything&#8217; &#8211; Privateer campaign for Simon Pellaud derailed temporarily by knee injury, but quest for evasive race win in Life Time Grand Prix continues News By Jackie Tyson published 28 March 2026 Swiss rider took podiums at Unbound Gravel 200 and [&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-1853579","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\/1853579","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=1853579"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1853579\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1853579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1853579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1853579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}