{"id":1857056,"date":"2026-03-31T10:47:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T07:47:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1857056"},"modified":"2026-03-31T10:47:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T07:47:55","slug":"a-clinical-jonas-vingegaard-and-a-long-list-of-riders-mia-philippa-york-analyses-the-volta-a-catalunya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1857056","title":{"rendered":"A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVolta a Catalunya\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T10:47:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Whose positioning undermined their climbing? Who needs more core strength? And what&#8217;s the deal with Remco Evenepoel? Our columnist dives into the big talking points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"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-1730da94-e7c6-4558-ad81-41a33021ce96\">When I read through the start list for the Volta a Catalunya 2026 I was properly impressed. Everyone who likes to think of themselves as a serious GC racer was present. Everyone except for Tadej Poga\u010dar, who was enjoying a separate program of Classics because he felt he saw a chance to fill in the few holes in his illustrious palmar\u00e8s. We won\u2019t see him in a stage race until the Tour of Romandie at the end of April.<\/p>\n<p>Other than the world&#8217;s number one ranked rider, all the big team leaders lined up for the opportunity to find out where they were in the hierarchy and, just as importantly, how the riders they would compete against in the coming Grand Tours were looking too.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1730da94-e7c6-4558-ad81-41a33021ce96-2\">There had been some form indicators during Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico but this Catalunya was one of the few occasions when all the players in the GC game were present. Jonas Vingegaard set the standard and, as the only one close to rivalling Poga\u010dar, he was the obvious favourite. However, the number of guys with something to prove was rather large.<\/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\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/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\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/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\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Remco Evenepoel needed to rediscover the form that saw him crush everyone in January and February. Jo\u00e3o Almeida had to cement his place as a viable UAE Team Emirates-XRG option after a mixed early campaign, and Tom Pidcock hoped to continue his great results and carry that form forward into the hilly Classics.<\/p>\n<p>For the riders who had changed teams, like Oscar Onley, this was a definitive moment, time to step up after the disappointments of Paris-Nice and build confidence. Up against Lenny Martinez, Florian Lipowitz, Ben O\u2019Connor, Felix Gall, David Gaudu, Jai Hindley, and even his own team mate Carlos Rodriguez, the Ineos Grenadiers leader needed to be at the front of race and to be convincing. No pressure then.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ineos-fall-flat-evenepoel-with-his-mind-on-the-ardennes-3\">Ineos fall flat, Evenepoel with his mind on the Ardennes<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-56380c75-d01a-4e27-8f02-b5fc02fc551d\">At least Ineos started with a bang, thanks to fellow new signing Dorian Godon, the French champion confirming that in a tough sprint after an equally hard day he\u2019s one of the fastest. Doing the same again two days later whilst in the leader\u2019s jersey proved he was that valuable asset: the sprinter who can survive the medium mountain stages. The final points classification victory was well merited.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Ineos GC race never really happened. They tried to take control on the mountain-top finishes but Onley and Rodriguez weren\u2019t able to challenge when things kicked off between the best climbers, and that has to be a concern.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE 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>Not being able to go with Vingegaard when he attacked is understandable but one of them ought to have been in the immediate chase group. The Scot was better on the last stage when it was the punchy inclines of Montjuic Parc, so the strength is there, it\u2019s just his real climbing legs were missing on the longer ascents.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4d091a52-7ddc-4f2c-8568-38b716833e79\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Oscar Onley on the attack on stage 6 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bf155f75-7a00-4efb-80ec-47e9ba705d20\">Remco Evenepoel found himself in a similar situation but managed the outcome better, though not to the level everyone expected \u2013 not quite as bad as the UAE Tour last month, but not the performance the management would have hoped for either.<\/p>\n<p>Looking at how he raced the days leading up to the mountain stages, I can\u2019t help but think this was more of a form test for how he would be in the coming Ardennes races than it was to measure himself against Jonas Vingegaard. In that sense, Catalunya would be judged a success as he was dynamic, strong, and present in the opening days, but then chasing not racing in the high mountains.<\/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\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-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;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/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\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard secures second major overall victory of 2026, Brady Gilmore sprints to surprise final stage win in Barcelona<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Red Bull had the strongest squad for that scenario, but they were relying on Lipowitz to finish things off when Remco was the pre-race leader. I doubt the team management were entirely happy but overall when it came down to the crucial moments they had the most riders present \u2013 they just didn\u2019t have someone to rival Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"martinez-and-paret-peintre-impress-3\">Martinez and Paret-Peintre impress<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-62cbdffe-5d96-4336-99b6-24e3693ffcce\">Yet again, Lenny Martinez proved he is getting close to matching Jonas Vingegaard when the road goes uphill. We saw it at Paris-Nice and here in Catalunya the young Frenchman produced similar performances, matching Lipowitz, who let\u2019s not forgot was on the podium of the Tour de France last year.<\/p>\n<p>I think we can definitely say Martinez&#8217;s campaign is going well and it won\u2019t be a surprise to see him in the front group of the hilly one-day races in April. His next big GC moment is Tour de Romandie, where he\u2019ll be racing against Poga\u010dar, and though that might be another level higher again, it ought to be interesting. Bahrain Victorious have to be delighted with his progress and development. In terms of positioning and presence, Martinez is doing the right things.<\/p>\n<p>That could almost be said for Felix Gall who lined up as the Decathlon CMA CGM leader and on the first mountain test was best of the rest behind Vingegaard. That performance moved him up to second on GC but then the next day he missed the Red Bull attack on the penultimate descent and paid the price of two minutes lost, which cost him a podium place.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Austrian\u2019s form wasn\u2019t in doubt as, along with Martinez and Lipowitz, he had tried to anticipate the inevitable Vingegaard attacks. Ultimately, his positioning let him down, which is shame as Decathlon were strong generally and had Matthew Riccitello in the GC group too. A scan of the first few stages shows Gall wasn\u2019t finishing near his rivals so that\u2019s something he is going to have to improve on.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65827a34-8d77-46b7-a8d3-95c9fc2e2491\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Gall looks around at Lipowitz, Martinez and Paret-Peintre <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bfa35697-0159-42f8-901d-b2009f100381\">It would have been interesting to see how well Tom Pidcock performed in the bigger mountains as, up until his crash and subsequent abandon, he had been excellent. Considering he had ridden the almost 300km of Milan-San Remo and then come straight to Catalunya there were no apparent fatigue levels on show. The question of whether he would have climbed with Vingegaard and co remains unanswered but given his start to this season there\u2019s no reason to believe he wouldn\u2019t have been far from the front.<\/p>\n<p>The case of Valentin P\u00e2ret-Peintre is an interesting one, just behind Lipowitz and in front of Evenepoel on the crucial GC days. He benefited from having a teammate after Red Bull attacked on the stage 6 final descent but he always looked to be at his absolute limit when he was climbing with the best guys.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of uphill accelerations he has the classic little climber speed, but that comes with a limitation in that when he sits down his speed goes down, too. His 4th place finish was probably more than Soudal-QuickStep were hoping for and an indication of his tenacity. If or when he gains a bit more core strength then he might be rivalling his nemesis Lenny Martinez.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-riders-mia-and-the-controlled-superiority-of-vingegaard-3\">The riders MIA and the controlled superiority of Vingegaard<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5e9cee51-ee5e-4e37-b824-30769121cfed\">The list of &#8216;missing in action&#8217;, when they carried the hopes and prayers of their respective teams, is a fairly long one and not somewhere the riders concerned were expecting to be. We briefly saw Mikel Landa try to revisit past glories but he along with Ben O\u2019Connor got blown out the GC race rather too quickly for comfort. The same could be said for Cian Uijtdebroeks, David Gaudu, who seems to have given up GC pretensions, and Enric Mas.<\/p>\n<p>At least Lidl-Trek had Giulio Ciccone win the mountains classification and Mattias Skejlmose in sight of the best guys. Movistar and Groupama-FDJ United were pretty inconsequential most of the time. Things have moved on for them and not in a good way.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-16a345e3-985a-4b26-bea0-066007c47677\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vingegaard head and shoulders above the rest <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6c75f17c-5aed-4ba5-bd7a-add8850a24de\">Unlike for Jonas Vingegaard. Two stages races, two GC wins and numerous demonstrations of climbing ability so far in 2026, matched only by Tadej Poga\u010dar. This win wasn\u2019t as dramatic as his Paris-Nice victory; it was much more controlled and clinical.<\/p>\n<p>He did enough to distance his rivals when he sensed it was the time to strike and with that came the confidence that he could manage any situation that was thrown at him. Red Bull\u2019s collective strength tested his Visma-Lease a Bike squad but Vingegaard was head and shoulders above everyone else when it came down to the crucial moments. Tactically he always seemed in control and, as you would expect of a multiple Grand Tour winner, he wasn\u2019t ever in the wrong place at the wrong time.<\/p>\n<p>The 105th Volta a Catalunya posed the question before the start: &#8216;would anyone be able to live with Jonas Vingegaard?&#8217; The the answer by the time the race finished in Barcelona was a resounding &#8216;no&#8217;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Philippa York<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Philippa York is a long-standing <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> contributor, providing expert racing analysis. As one of the early British racers to take the plunge and relocate to France with the famed ACBB club in the 1980&#8217;s, she was the inspiration for a generation of racing cyclists \u2013 and cycling fans \u2013 from the UK.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The Glaswegian gained a contract with Peugeot in 1980, making her Tour de France debut in 1983 and taking a solo win in Bagn\u00e8res-de-Luchon in the Pyrenees, the mountain range which would prove a happy hunting ground throughout her Tour career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The following year&#8217;s race would prove to be one of her finest seasons, becoming the first rider from the UK to win the polka dot jersey at the Tour, whilst also becoming Britain&#8217;s highest-ever placed GC finisher with 4th spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>She finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 1985 and 1986, to Pedro Delgado and \u00c1lvaro Pino respectively, and at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 1987. Stage race victories include the Volta a Catalunya (1985), Tour of Britain (1989) and Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 (1990). York retired from professional cycling as reigning British champion following the collapse of Le Groupement in 1995.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-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;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-320-80.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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard secures second major overall victory of 2026, Brady Gilmore sprints to surprise final stage win in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-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\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne past winners<\/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\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-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\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne Femmes past winners<\/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\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was so close&#8217; &#8211; Breakthrough moment sees Fleur Moors on the podium at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s in favour of Lorena, that&#8217;s a bit of a pity&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-Suez say UAE Team ADQ had to roll attacks against Wiebes at In Flanders Fields, but defend working with her <\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.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;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-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\">340 watts, 500g of carbs, and nothing on the mind \u2013 How Silvan Dillier pulls the peloton alone for hours on end<\/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 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\" 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Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVolta a Catalunya\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T10:47:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Whose positioning undermined their climbing? Who needs more core strength? And what&#8217;s the deal with Remco Evenepoel? Our columnist dives into the big talking points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"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-1730da94-e7c6-4558-ad81-41a33021ce96\">When I read through the start list for the Volta a Catalunya 2026 I was properly impressed. Everyone who likes to think of themselves as a serious GC racer was present. Everyone except for Tadej Poga\u010dar, who was enjoying a separate program of Classics because he felt he saw a chance to fill in the few holes in his illustrious palmar\u00e8s. We won\u2019t see him in a stage race until the Tour of Romandie at the end of April.<\/p>\n<p>Other than the world&#8217;s number one ranked rider, all the big team leaders lined up for the opportunity to find out where they were in the hierarchy and, just as importantly, how the riders they would compete against in the coming Grand Tours were looking too.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1730da94-e7c6-4558-ad81-41a33021ce96-2\">There had been some form indicators during Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico but this Catalunya was one of the few occasions when all the players in the GC game were present. Jonas Vingegaard set the standard and, as the only one close to rivalling Poga\u010dar, he was the obvious favourite. However, the number of guys with something to prove was rather large.<\/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\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/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\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/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\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Remco Evenepoel needed to rediscover the form that saw him crush everyone in January and February. Jo\u00e3o Almeida had to cement his place as a viable UAE Team Emirates-XRG option after a mixed early campaign, and Tom Pidcock hoped to continue his great results and carry that form forward into the hilly Classics.<\/p>\n<p>For the riders who had changed teams, like Oscar Onley, this was a definitive moment, time to step up after the disappointments of Paris-Nice and build confidence. Up against Lenny Martinez, Florian Lipowitz, Ben O\u2019Connor, Felix Gall, David Gaudu, Jai Hindley, and even his own team mate Carlos Rodriguez, the Ineos Grenadiers leader needed to be at the front of race and to be convincing. No pressure then.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ineos-fall-flat-evenepoel-with-his-mind-on-the-ardennes-3\">Ineos fall flat, Evenepoel with his mind on the Ardennes<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-56380c75-d01a-4e27-8f02-b5fc02fc551d\">At least Ineos started with a bang, thanks to fellow new signing Dorian Godon, the French champion confirming that in a tough sprint after an equally hard day he\u2019s one of the fastest. Doing the same again two days later whilst in the leader\u2019s jersey proved he was that valuable asset: the sprinter who can survive the medium mountain stages. The final points classification victory was well merited.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Ineos GC race never really happened. They tried to take control on the mountain-top finishes but Onley and Rodriguez weren\u2019t able to challenge when things kicked off between the best climbers, and that has to be a concern.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE 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>Not being able to go with Vingegaard when he attacked is understandable but one of them ought to have been in the immediate chase group. The Scot was better on the last stage when it was the punchy inclines of Montjuic Parc, so the strength is there, it\u2019s just his real climbing legs were missing on the longer ascents.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4d091a52-7ddc-4f2c-8568-38b716833e79\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Oscar Onley on the attack on stage 6 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bf155f75-7a00-4efb-80ec-47e9ba705d20\">Remco Evenepoel found himself in a similar situation but managed the outcome better, though not to the level everyone expected \u2013 not quite as bad as the UAE Tour last month, but not the performance the management would have hoped for either.<\/p>\n<p>Looking at how he raced the days leading up to the mountain stages, I can\u2019t help but think this was more of a form test for how he would be in the coming Ardennes races than it was to measure himself against Jonas Vingegaard. In that sense, Catalunya would be judged a success as he was dynamic, strong, and present in the opening days, but then chasing not racing in the high mountains.<\/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\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-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;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/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\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard secures second major overall victory of 2026, Brady Gilmore sprints to surprise final stage win in Barcelona<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Red Bull had the strongest squad for that scenario, but they were relying on Lipowitz to finish things off when Remco was the pre-race leader. I doubt the team management were entirely happy but overall when it came down to the crucial moments they had the most riders present \u2013 they just didn\u2019t have someone to rival Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"martinez-and-paret-peintre-impress-3\">Martinez and Paret-Peintre impress<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-62cbdffe-5d96-4336-99b6-24e3693ffcce\">Yet again, Lenny Martinez proved he is getting close to matching Jonas Vingegaard when the road goes uphill. We saw it at Paris-Nice and here in Catalunya the young Frenchman produced similar performances, matching Lipowitz, who let\u2019s not forgot was on the podium of the Tour de France last year.<\/p>\n<p>I think we can definitely say Martinez&#8217;s campaign is going well and it won\u2019t be a surprise to see him in the front group of the hilly one-day races in April. His next big GC moment is Tour de Romandie, where he\u2019ll be racing against Poga\u010dar, and though that might be another level higher again, it ought to be interesting. Bahrain Victorious have to be delighted with his progress and development. In terms of positioning and presence, Martinez is doing the right things.<\/p>\n<p>That could almost be said for Felix Gall who lined up as the Decathlon CMA CGM leader and on the first mountain test was best of the rest behind Vingegaard. That performance moved him up to second on GC but then the next day he missed the Red Bull attack on the penultimate descent and paid the price of two minutes lost, which cost him a podium place.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Austrian\u2019s form wasn\u2019t in doubt as, along with Martinez and Lipowitz, he had tried to anticipate the inevitable Vingegaard attacks. Ultimately, his positioning let him down, which is shame as Decathlon were strong generally and had Matthew Riccitello in the GC group too. A scan of the first few stages shows Gall wasn\u2019t finishing near his rivals so that\u2019s something he is going to have to improve on.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65827a34-8d77-46b7-a8d3-95c9fc2e2491\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Gall looks around at Lipowitz, Martinez and Paret-Peintre <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bfa35697-0159-42f8-901d-b2009f100381\">It would have been interesting to see how well Tom Pidcock performed in the bigger mountains as, up until his crash and subsequent abandon, he had been excellent. Considering he had ridden the almost 300km of Milan-San Remo and then come straight to Catalunya there were no apparent fatigue levels on show. The question of whether he would have climbed with Vingegaard and co remains unanswered but given his start to this season there\u2019s no reason to believe he wouldn\u2019t have been far from the front.<\/p>\n<p>The case of Valentin P\u00e2ret-Peintre is an interesting one, just behind Lipowitz and in front of Evenepoel on the crucial GC days. He benefited from having a teammate after Red Bull attacked on the stage 6 final descent but he always looked to be at his absolute limit when he was climbing with the best guys.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of uphill accelerations he has the classic little climber speed, but that comes with a limitation in that when he sits down his speed goes down, too. His 4th place finish was probably more than Soudal-QuickStep were hoping for and an indication of his tenacity. If or when he gains a bit more core strength then he might be rivalling his nemesis Lenny Martinez.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-riders-mia-and-the-controlled-superiority-of-vingegaard-3\">The riders MIA and the controlled superiority of Vingegaard<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5e9cee51-ee5e-4e37-b824-30769121cfed\">The list of &#8216;missing in action&#8217;, when they carried the hopes and prayers of their respective teams, is a fairly long one and not somewhere the riders concerned were expecting to be. We briefly saw Mikel Landa try to revisit past glories but he along with Ben O\u2019Connor got blown out the GC race rather too quickly for comfort. The same could be said for Cian Uijtdebroeks, David Gaudu, who seems to have given up GC pretensions, and Enric Mas.<\/p>\n<p>At least Lidl-Trek had Giulio Ciccone win the mountains classification and Mattias Skejlmose in sight of the best guys. Movistar and Groupama-FDJ United were pretty inconsequential most of the time. Things have moved on for them and not in a good way.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-16a345e3-985a-4b26-bea0-066007c47677\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vingegaard head and shoulders above the rest <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6c75f17c-5aed-4ba5-bd7a-add8850a24de\">Unlike for Jonas Vingegaard. Two stages races, two GC wins and numerous demonstrations of climbing ability so far in 2026, matched only by Tadej Poga\u010dar. This win wasn\u2019t as dramatic as his Paris-Nice victory; it was much more controlled and clinical.<\/p>\n<p>He did enough to distance his rivals when he sensed it was the time to strike and with that came the confidence that he could manage any situation that was thrown at him. Red Bull\u2019s collective strength tested his Visma-Lease a Bike squad but Vingegaard was head and shoulders above everyone else when it came down to the crucial moments. Tactically he always seemed in control and, as you would expect of a multiple Grand Tour winner, he wasn\u2019t ever in the wrong place at the wrong time.<\/p>\n<p>The 105th Volta a Catalunya posed the question before the start: &#8216;would anyone be able to live with Jonas Vingegaard?&#8217; The the answer by the time the race finished in Barcelona was a resounding &#8216;no&#8217;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Philippa York<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Philippa York is a long-standing <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> contributor, providing expert racing analysis. As one of the early British racers to take the plunge and relocate to France with the famed ACBB club in the 1980&#8217;s, she was the inspiration for a generation of racing cyclists \u2013 and cycling fans \u2013 from the UK.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The Glaswegian gained a contract with Peugeot in 1980, making her Tour de France debut in 1983 and taking a solo win in Bagn\u00e8res-de-Luchon in the Pyrenees, the mountain range which would prove a happy hunting ground throughout her Tour career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The following year&#8217;s race would prove to be one of her finest seasons, becoming the first rider from the UK to win the polka dot jersey at the Tour, whilst also becoming Britain&#8217;s highest-ever placed GC finisher with 4th spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>She finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 1985 and 1986, to Pedro Delgado and \u00c1lvaro Pino respectively, and at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 1987. Stage race victories include the Volta a Catalunya (1985), Tour of Britain (1989) and Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 (1990). York retired from professional cycling as reigning British champion following the collapse of Le Groupement in 1995.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-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;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-320-80.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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard secures second major overall victory of 2026, Brady Gilmore sprints to surprise final stage win in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-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\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne past winners<\/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\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-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\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne Femmes past winners<\/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\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was so close&#8217; &#8211; Breakthrough moment sees Fleur Moors on the podium at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s in favour of Lorena, that&#8217;s a bit of a pity&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-Suez say UAE Team ADQ had to roll attacks against Wiebes at In Flanders Fields, but defend working with her <\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.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;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-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\">340 watts, 500g of carbs, and nothing on the mind \u2013 How Silvan Dillier pulls the peloton alone for hours on end<\/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 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Initiating clubs dispute AusCycling decision to rule out bulk of requested special general meeting resolutions as invalid<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVolta a Catalunya\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T10:47:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Whose positioning undermined their climbing? Who needs more core strength? And what&#8217;s the deal with Remco Evenepoel? Our columnist dives into the big talking points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Everyone who likes to think of themselves as a serious GC racer was present. Everyone except for Tadej Poga\u010dar, who was enjoying a separate program of Classics because he felt he saw a chance to fill in the few holes in his illustrious palmar\u00e8s. We won\u2019t see him in a stage race until the Tour of Romandie at the end of April.<\/p>\n<p>Other than the world&#8217;s number one ranked rider, all the big team leaders lined up for the opportunity to find out where they were in the hierarchy and, just as importantly, how the riders they would compete against in the coming Grand Tours were looking too.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1730da94-e7c6-4558-ad81-41a33021ce96-2\">There had been some form indicators during Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico but this Catalunya was one of the few occasions when all the players in the GC game were present. Jonas Vingegaard set the standard and, as the only one close to rivalling Poga\u010dar, he was the obvious favourite. However, the number of guys with something to prove was rather large.<\/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\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/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\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/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\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Remco Evenepoel needed to rediscover the form that saw him crush everyone in January and February. Jo\u00e3o Almeida had to cement his place as a viable UAE Team Emirates-XRG option after a mixed early campaign, and Tom Pidcock hoped to continue his great results and carry that form forward into the hilly Classics.<\/p>\n<p>For the riders who had changed teams, like Oscar Onley, this was a definitive moment, time to step up after the disappointments of Paris-Nice and build confidence. Up against Lenny Martinez, Florian Lipowitz, Ben O\u2019Connor, Felix Gall, David Gaudu, Jai Hindley, and even his own team mate Carlos Rodriguez, the Ineos Grenadiers leader needed to be at the front of race and to be convincing. No pressure then.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ineos-fall-flat-evenepoel-with-his-mind-on-the-ardennes-3\">Ineos fall flat, Evenepoel with his mind on the Ardennes<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-56380c75-d01a-4e27-8f02-b5fc02fc551d\">At least Ineos started with a bang, thanks to fellow new signing Dorian Godon, the French champion confirming that in a tough sprint after an equally hard day he\u2019s one of the fastest. Doing the same again two days later whilst in the leader\u2019s jersey proved he was that valuable asset: the sprinter who can survive the medium mountain stages. The final points classification victory was well merited.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Ineos GC race never really happened. They tried to take control on the mountain-top finishes but Onley and Rodriguez weren\u2019t able to challenge when things kicked off between the best climbers, and that has to be a concern.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2WQGNrncLjqnTaic4ypTyE 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>Not being able to go with Vingegaard when he attacked is understandable but one of them ought to have been in the immediate chase group. The Scot was better on the last stage when it was the punchy inclines of Montjuic Parc, so the strength is there, it\u2019s just his real climbing legs were missing on the longer ascents.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4d091a52-7ddc-4f2c-8568-38b716833e79\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLSPw5NecmBviyZLvVJaoj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Oscar Onley on the attack on stage 6 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bf155f75-7a00-4efb-80ec-47e9ba705d20\">Remco Evenepoel found himself in a similar situation but managed the outcome better, though not to the level everyone expected \u2013 not quite as bad as the UAE Tour last month, but not the performance the management would have hoped for either.<\/p>\n<p>Looking at how he raced the days leading up to the mountain stages, I can\u2019t help but think this was more of a form test for how he would be in the coming Ardennes races than it was to measure himself against Jonas Vingegaard. In that sense, Catalunya would be judged a success as he was dynamic, strong, and present in the opening days, but then chasing not racing in the high mountains.<\/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\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-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;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/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\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZihTUm4JcWqhVU7DS8D7o-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard secures second major overall victory of 2026, Brady Gilmore sprints to surprise final stage win in Barcelona<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Red Bull had the strongest squad for that scenario, but they were relying on Lipowitz to finish things off when Remco was the pre-race leader. I doubt the team management were entirely happy but overall when it came down to the crucial moments they had the most riders present \u2013 they just didn\u2019t have someone to rival Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"martinez-and-paret-peintre-impress-3\">Martinez and Paret-Peintre impress<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-62cbdffe-5d96-4336-99b6-24e3693ffcce\">Yet again, Lenny Martinez proved he is getting close to matching Jonas Vingegaard when the road goes uphill. We saw it at Paris-Nice and here in Catalunya the young Frenchman produced similar performances, matching Lipowitz, who let\u2019s not forgot was on the podium of the Tour de France last year.<\/p>\n<p>I think we can definitely say Martinez&#8217;s campaign is going well and it won\u2019t be a surprise to see him in the front group of the hilly one-day races in April. His next big GC moment is Tour de Romandie, where he\u2019ll be racing against Poga\u010dar, and though that might be another level higher again, it ought to be interesting. Bahrain Victorious have to be delighted with his progress and development. In terms of positioning and presence, Martinez is doing the right things.<\/p>\n<p>That could almost be said for Felix Gall who lined up as the Decathlon CMA CGM leader and on the first mountain test was best of the rest behind Vingegaard. That performance moved him up to second on GC but then the next day he missed the Red Bull attack on the penultimate descent and paid the price of two minutes lost, which cost him a podium place.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Austrian\u2019s form wasn\u2019t in doubt as, along with Martinez and Lipowitz, he had tried to anticipate the inevitable Vingegaard attacks. Ultimately, his positioning let him down, which is shame as Decathlon were strong generally and had Matthew Riccitello in the GC group too. A scan of the first few stages shows Gall wasn\u2019t finishing near his rivals so that\u2019s something he is going to have to improve on.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65827a34-8d77-46b7-a8d3-95c9fc2e2491\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jAbjS8bGoxjuw8NxoNLL7X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Gall looks around at Lipowitz, Martinez and Paret-Peintre <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bfa35697-0159-42f8-901d-b2009f100381\">It would have been interesting to see how well Tom Pidcock performed in the bigger mountains as, up until his crash and subsequent abandon, he had been excellent. Considering he had ridden the almost 300km of Milan-San Remo and then come straight to Catalunya there were no apparent fatigue levels on show. The question of whether he would have climbed with Vingegaard and co remains unanswered but given his start to this season there\u2019s no reason to believe he wouldn\u2019t have been far from the front.<\/p>\n<p>The case of Valentin P\u00e2ret-Peintre is an interesting one, just behind Lipowitz and in front of Evenepoel on the crucial GC days. He benefited from having a teammate after Red Bull attacked on the stage 6 final descent but he always looked to be at his absolute limit when he was climbing with the best guys.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of uphill accelerations he has the classic little climber speed, but that comes with a limitation in that when he sits down his speed goes down, too. His 4th place finish was probably more than Soudal-QuickStep were hoping for and an indication of his tenacity. If or when he gains a bit more core strength then he might be rivalling his nemesis Lenny Martinez.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-riders-mia-and-the-controlled-superiority-of-vingegaard-3\">The riders MIA and the controlled superiority of Vingegaard<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5e9cee51-ee5e-4e37-b824-30769121cfed\">The list of &#8216;missing in action&#8217;, when they carried the hopes and prayers of their respective teams, is a fairly long one and not somewhere the riders concerned were expecting to be. We briefly saw Mikel Landa try to revisit past glories but he along with Ben O\u2019Connor got blown out the GC race rather too quickly for comfort. The same could be said for Cian Uijtdebroeks, David Gaudu, who seems to have given up GC pretensions, and Enric Mas.<\/p>\n<p>At least Lidl-Trek had Giulio Ciccone win the mountains classification and Mattias Skejlmose in sight of the best guys. Movistar and Groupama-FDJ United were pretty inconsequential most of the time. Things have moved on for them and not in a good way.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-16a345e3-985a-4b26-bea0-066007c47677\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7qoniuCWXX5XyDCyPSuJfA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vingegaard head and shoulders above the rest <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6c75f17c-5aed-4ba5-bd7a-add8850a24de\">Unlike for Jonas Vingegaard. Two stages races, two GC wins and numerous demonstrations of climbing ability so far in 2026, matched only by Tadej Poga\u010dar. This win wasn\u2019t as dramatic as his Paris-Nice victory; it was much more controlled and clinical.<\/p>\n<p>He did enough to distance his rivals when he sensed it was the time to strike and with that came the confidence that he could manage any situation that was thrown at him. Red Bull\u2019s collective strength tested his Visma-Lease a Bike squad but Vingegaard was head and shoulders above everyone else when it came down to the crucial moments. Tactically he always seemed in control and, as you would expect of a multiple Grand Tour winner, he wasn\u2019t ever in the wrong place at the wrong time.<\/p>\n<p>The 105th Volta a Catalunya posed the question before the start: &#8216;would anyone be able to live with Jonas Vingegaard?&#8217; The the answer by the time the race finished in Barcelona was a resounding &#8216;no&#8217;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/a-clinical-jonas-vingegaard-and-a-long-list-of-riders-mia-philippa-york-analyses-the-volta-a-catalunya\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Volta a Catalunya A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya Features By Philippa York published 31 March 2026 Whose positioning undermined their climbing? Who needs more core strength? And what&#8217;s the deal with Remco Evenepoel? Our columnist [&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-1857056","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\/1857056","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=1857056"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1857056\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1857056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1857056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1857056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}