{"id":1863754,"date":"2026-04-02T15:22:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T12:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1863754"},"modified":"2026-04-02T15:22:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T12:22:21","slug":"it-wasnt-the-plan-richard-carapaz-undergoes-surgical-procedure-this-week-affirms-recovery-will-not-distract-from-giro-ditalia-in-just-five-weeks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1863754","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t the plan&#8217; \u2013 Richard Carapaz undergoes surgical procedure this week, affirms recovery will not distract from Giro d&#8217;Italia in just five weeks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRichard Carapaz\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t the plan&#8217; \u2013 Richard Carapaz undergoes surgical procedure this week, affirms recovery will not distract from Giro d&#8217;Italia in just five weeks<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-02T15:22:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former Giro champion treated at Equadorian hospital for perineal condition<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si.jpg\" alt=\"EF Education-EasyPost\u2019s Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz looks on ahead of the 119th edition of the Giro di Lombardia (Tour of Lombardy), a 238km cycling race from Como to Bergamo on October 11, 2025. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO \/ AFP)\" class=\"block-image-ads hero-image absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full object-center\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text\">Richard Carapaz has undergone surgery to rectify a perineal injury<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/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>\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\">\n<p>    <span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">1<\/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<aside class=\"[&amp;&gt;svg]:max-h-10 [&amp;&gt;svg]:w-auto [&amp;&gt;svg]:h-full my-4\">\n<\/aside>\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<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-10\">\n<\/div>\n<div role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" class=\"grid min-h-[140px] w-full place-items-center rounded-lg p-6 mb-4\">\n<\/div>\n<p><span role=\"alert\" aria-live=\"assertive\"><\/span><\/p>\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-e0b46146-1671-4a93-bcc5-652ff7a7d539\">Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) confirmed Wednesday that he had surgery this week while home in Ecuador, but expected a short recovery time to be at &#8220;the maximum level&#8221; for a return to the Giro d&#8217;Italia in five weeks.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>The 32-year-old, who has been on the GC podium twice at the Giro, including the overall title in 2019, posted a photo of himself from an Axxis Hospital room in Quito giving a thumbs-up sign while sitting upright in a chair post-surgery.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-e0b46146-1671-4a93-bcc5-652ff7a7d539-2\">&#8220;It wasn\u2019t the plan, but it was handled the best way,&#8221; Carapaz wrote on his Instagram feed.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\">\n<div class=\"jw-carousel-signposting\"><span class=\"jw-carousel-signposting__title\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfTrnUSQ8RGoSZxuVZo7Ra.jpg\" alt=\"Enric Mas during the 2025 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t know if I&#8217;ll make it to the finish&#8217; \u2013 Enric Mas finally back racing at Challenge Mallorca TTT after losing half of 2025 season battling varicose vein injuries<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR.jpg\" alt=\"Specialized Off-road men&amp;#039;s contingency for 2026 (L to R): Matt Beers, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Keegan Swenson\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jTooMgdLGZZKQxmGxHZQKd.jpg\" alt=\"Keegan Swenson and Matt Beers during Stage 4 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I\u2019ve been nursing a few different injuries after getting smoked by a car door&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel and Leadville champion Keegan Swenson &#8216;gutted to miss Cape Epic&#8217; due to fractured pelvis<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I had a procedure last night for a perineal condition. Everything went as planned and successfully. From today, fully focussed on recovery and returning to the maximum level in front of the Giro.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There are several types of perineal injuries, one of the most common referred to as &#8216;cyclist&#8217;s syndrome&#8217;, with pelvic pain, numbness or inflamed tissue developing from extended pressure on the perineal nerve, which can lead to chronic conditions. Recovery can take as little as one to two weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This will be a second appearance at the Italian Grand Tour with Carapaz leading EF Education-EasyPost. Last year, he rode well in the mountains, with eight top 10s and a stage 11 victory at Castelnovo ne&#8217; Monti, dropping then-GC leader Isaac del Toro with a powerful attack. The two faced off in a tactical battle in the third week of the Giro, which would open the door by stage 20 for Simon Yates to grab the pink jersey and win the overall on the final day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Carapaz was on track to replicate his preparations for the Giro like last year, taking part in Tirreno-Adriatico and Volta a Catalunya for his spring schedule. He finished 18th in Italy and 10th in Catalunya, mirroring his 2025 results at both races.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Just a week ago, Carapaz exhibited his climbing abilities with an emphatic uphill surge on the final mountain stage at the Spanish race, boosting him from 23rd position overall to the top 10. Jonas Vingegaard won that race, and Carapaz will face him again in Italy in May.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The locomotive does not give up,&#8221; was how his team affirmed that effort.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The statement would also be true about a quick recovery for Carapaz to take the start in Bulgaria on May 8 and provide a playground of climbing when the hills begin on stage 5 in southern Italy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">However, the approach to the Giro after Volta a Catalunya this time will not have the Olympic Champion heading to altitude camp. He will focus on rest and recovery and then ride his fifth Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Grateful to Dr. Reinhart and his team of professionals who accompanied him through the process, to Axxis Hospital for the excellent work, and to all of you for the constant support,&#8221; Carapaz added to his social media post regarding a successful procedure Tuesday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWmFw88DgI4\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Richard Carapaz (@richardcarapaz)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-edbeb800-a880-4a9a-9554-60792ace82c0\"><em><strong>Experience the 2026 cycling season with a Cyclingnews subscription that offers you unlimited access to our unrivalled coverage. Our global team will be on the ground at all the major races to bring you breaking news, in-depth features, exclusive interviews and member-exclusive content.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" alt=\"Jackie Tyson\" class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon button-social__icon-email\"><\/span><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[--truncate-gradient-color,white] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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<div class=\"infinite-container\" data-analytics-id=\"infinite-container\" data-component-name=\"SponsoredScroll\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"infinite-container\">\n<div class=\"infinite-trigger\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfTrnUSQ8RGoSZxuVZo7Ra.jpg\" alt=\"Enric Mas during the 2025 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t know if I&#8217;ll make it to the finish&#8217; \u2013 Enric Mas finally back racing at Challenge Mallorca TTT after losing half of 2025 season battling varicose vein injuries<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR.jpg\" alt=\"Specialized Off-road men&amp;#039;s contingency for 2026 (L to R): Matt Beers, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Keegan Swenson\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jTooMgdLGZZKQxmGxHZQKd.jpg\" alt=\"Keegan Swenson and Matt Beers during Stage 4 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019ve been nursing a few different injuries after getting smoked by a car door&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel and Leadville champion Keegan Swenson &#8216;gutted to miss Cape Epic&#8217; due to fractured pelvis<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5nzjNmC7fsQ5ukNXywTUFe.jpg\" alt=\"Derek Gee-West in his new Canadian champion&amp;#039;s Lidl-Trek kit for 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Training Camps<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s best to just leave it in the past&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West refocusing on Giro d&#8217;Italia ambitions after &#8216;incredibly stressful&#8217; departure from Israel-Premier Tech<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NNqEoYJe2GuJDEdDVLfDrk.jpg\" alt=\"FORCALQUIER, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 14: Neilson Powless of United States and Team EF Education - EasyPost meets the media press prior to the 10th Tour de la Provence 2026, Stage 2 a 174.9km stage from Forcalquier to Montagne de Lure on February 14, 2026 in Forcalquier, France. (Photo by Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Neilson Powless out of Spring Classics after undergoing knee surgery \u2013 &#8216;This is a big disappointment&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR.jpg\" alt=\"SIENA, ITALY - MARCH 06: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG during the team presentation prior to the 20th Strade Bianche 2026 \/ #UCIWT  \/ #UCIWWT \/ on March 06, 2026 in Siena, Italy.  (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG forced to reduce race programme and change rosters after multiple crashes and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez, Tim Wellens among riders still out<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH.jpg\" alt=\"GUILHERAND-GRANGES, FRANCE - OCTOBER 05: Tadej Pogacar and Team Slovenia (R) attacks to Remco Evenepoel and Team Belgium (L) in the breakaway during the 31st UEC Road Cycling European Championships 2025 - Men&amp;#039;s Elite Road Race a 202.5km race from Privas to Guilherand-Granges on October 05, 2025 in Guilherand-Granges, France. (Photo by Bernard Papon - Pool\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour of Flanders 2026: Remco Evenepoel (l) with teammates Jan Tratnik (c) and Jarrad Drizners (r) during a recon ride\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">All about Remco: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe field notably experienced squad to back rookie Evenepoel in Sunday&#8217;s Tour of Flanders <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk.jpg\" alt=\"LA LINEA DE LA CONCEPCION, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 23: Jaume Guardeno of Spain and Team Caja Rural - Seguros RGA competes during the 71st Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol 2025, Stage 5 a 168.1km stage from Benahavis to La Linea de la Concepcion on February 23, 2025 in BLa Linea de la Concepcion, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider hospitalised in serious condition following training crash<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Dwars Door Vlaanderen: Mads Pedersen (r) and Mathias Vacek (c) lead the Lidl-Trek string\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD.jpg\" alt=\"Cycling: 100th Tour of Flanders 2016 \nPodium \/ SAGAN Peter (SVK)\/ Celebration Joie Vreugde \/ \nBrugge - Oudenaarde (255Km)\/ \nRonde van Vlaanderen Tour of Flanders RVV Flandre \/ \u00a9 Tim De Waele\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Even easier than a PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Peter Sagan says Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance is amazing but &#8216;boring in a certain way&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR.jpg\" alt=\"INEOS Grenadiers&amp;#039;s Italian rider Filippo Ganna celebrates after winning the men&amp;#039;s elite race of the Dwars door Vlaanderen cycling event, 184.6km from Roeselare to Waregem on April 1, 2026. (Photo by JASPER JACOBS \/ BELGA \/ AFP) \/ Belgium OUT\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sticky situation for Filippo Ganna resolved with 200 CHF fine after taking victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ.jpg\" alt=\"WEVELGEM, BELGIUM - MARCH 29: Lorena Wiebes of Team SD Worx - Protime of Netherlands during the   Flanders Fields Women Elite at the Wevelgem on March 29, 2026 in Wevelgem Belgium (Photo by Pim Waslander\/Soccrates\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN.jpg\" alt=\"ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 07: Zoe Backstedt of Great Britain and Team CANYON\/SRAM zondacrypto celebrates at podium as White best young jersey winner during the 4th UAE Tour Women 2026, Stage 3 a 145km stage from Abu Dhabi TeamLab Phenomena to Abu Dhabi Breakwater on February 07, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH.jpg\" alt=\"GUILHERAND-GRANGES, FRANCE - OCTOBER 05: Tadej Pogacar and Team Slovenia (R) attacks to Remco Evenepoel and Team Belgium (L) in the breakaway during the 31st UEC Road Cycling European Championships 2025 - Men&amp;#039;s Elite Road Race a 202.5km race from Privas to Guilherand-Granges on October 05, 2025 in Guilherand-Granges, France. (Photo by Bernard Papon - Pool\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG.jpg\" alt=\"WAREGEM, BELGIUM - APRIL 1: Lotte Kopecky of Team SD Worx - Protime of Belgium during the match between Dwars door Vlaanderen 2026 v Women&amp;#039;s Elite at the Waregem on April 1, 2026 in Waregem Belgium (Photo by Pim Waslander\/Soccrates\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m just at the level I want to be&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky says she &#8216;doesn&#8217;t really care&#8217; whether rivals view her as Tour of Flanders frontrunner<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour of Flanders 2026: Remco Evenepoel (l) with teammates Jan Tratnik (c) and Jarrad Drizners (r) during a recon ride\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">All about Remco: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe field notably experienced squad to back rookie Evenepoel in Sunday&#8217;s Tour of Flanders <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW.jpg\" alt=\"BARBASTRO, SPAIN - MAY 06: Kristen Faulkner of The United States and Team EF Education-Oatty (R) with teammates prior to the 11th La Vuelta Femenina 2025, Stage 3 a 132.4km stage from Barbastro to Huesca \/ #UCIWWT \/ on May 06, 2025 in Barbastro, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Being a little sneaky&#8217; with smart teamwork, Kristen Faulkner starts her European season at Tour of Flanders and says EF Education-Oatly &#8216;can surprise the field&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-middle-1\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-middle-1 widget-ads-ads-middle-1 widget-no-data widget-ads-flexi_ads_middle1\">\n<div id=\"bdx_flexi_ads_middle1\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"flexi_ads_middle1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-top widget-empty-sidebar-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"follow-us-on-google-news\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-follow-us-on-google-news widget-contentparsed-follow-us-on-google-news widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-curated \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-top widget-empty-sidebar-popular-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN.jpg\" alt=\"ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 07: Zoe Backstedt of Great Britain and Team CANYON\/SRAM zondacrypto celebrates at podium as White best young jersey winner during the 4th UAE Tour Women 2026, Stage 3 a 145km stage from Abu Dhabi TeamLab Phenomena to Abu Dhabi Breakwater on February 07, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Power files: Comparing Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s staggering E3 Saxo Classic data to THAT Amstel Gold win shows how far cycling has come in just 7 years<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRichard Carapaz\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t the plan&#8217; \u2013 Richard Carapaz undergoes surgical procedure this week, affirms recovery will not distract from Giro d&#8217;Italia in just five weeks<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-02T15:22:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former Giro champion treated at Equadorian hospital for perineal condition<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si.jpg\" alt=\"EF Education-EasyPost\u2019s Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz looks on ahead of the 119th edition of the Giro di Lombardia (Tour of Lombardy), a 238km cycling race from Como to Bergamo on October 11, 2025. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO \/ AFP)\" class=\"block-image-ads hero-image absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full object-center\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text\">Richard Carapaz has undergone surgery to rectify a perineal injury<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/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>\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\">\n<p>    <span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">1<\/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<aside class=\"[&amp;&gt;svg]:max-h-10 [&amp;&gt;svg]:w-auto [&amp;&gt;svg]:h-full my-4\">\n<\/aside>\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<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-10\">\n<\/div>\n<div role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" class=\"grid min-h-[140px] w-full place-items-center rounded-lg p-6 mb-4\">\n<\/div>\n<p><span role=\"alert\" aria-live=\"assertive\"><\/span><\/p>\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-e0b46146-1671-4a93-bcc5-652ff7a7d539\">Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) confirmed Wednesday that he had surgery this week while home in Ecuador, but expected a short recovery time to be at &#8220;the maximum level&#8221; for a return to the Giro d&#8217;Italia in five weeks.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>The 32-year-old, who has been on the GC podium twice at the Giro, including the overall title in 2019, posted a photo of himself from an Axxis Hospital room in Quito giving a thumbs-up sign while sitting upright in a chair post-surgery.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-e0b46146-1671-4a93-bcc5-652ff7a7d539-2\">&#8220;It wasn\u2019t the plan, but it was handled the best way,&#8221; Carapaz wrote on his Instagram feed.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\">\n<div class=\"jw-carousel-signposting\"><span class=\"jw-carousel-signposting__title\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfTrnUSQ8RGoSZxuVZo7Ra.jpg\" alt=\"Enric Mas during the 2025 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t know if I&#8217;ll make it to the finish&#8217; \u2013 Enric Mas finally back racing at Challenge Mallorca TTT after losing half of 2025 season battling varicose vein injuries<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR.jpg\" alt=\"Specialized Off-road men&amp;#039;s contingency for 2026 (L to R): Matt Beers, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Keegan Swenson\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jTooMgdLGZZKQxmGxHZQKd.jpg\" alt=\"Keegan Swenson and Matt Beers during Stage 4 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I\u2019ve been nursing a few different injuries after getting smoked by a car door&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel and Leadville champion Keegan Swenson &#8216;gutted to miss Cape Epic&#8217; due to fractured pelvis<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I had a procedure last night for a perineal condition. Everything went as planned and successfully. From today, fully focussed on recovery and returning to the maximum level in front of the Giro.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There are several types of perineal injuries, one of the most common referred to as &#8216;cyclist&#8217;s syndrome&#8217;, with pelvic pain, numbness or inflamed tissue developing from extended pressure on the perineal nerve, which can lead to chronic conditions. Recovery can take as little as one to two weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This will be a second appearance at the Italian Grand Tour with Carapaz leading EF Education-EasyPost. Last year, he rode well in the mountains, with eight top 10s and a stage 11 victory at Castelnovo ne&#8217; Monti, dropping then-GC leader Isaac del Toro with a powerful attack. The two faced off in a tactical battle in the third week of the Giro, which would open the door by stage 20 for Simon Yates to grab the pink jersey and win the overall on the final day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Carapaz was on track to replicate his preparations for the Giro like last year, taking part in Tirreno-Adriatico and Volta a Catalunya for his spring schedule. He finished 18th in Italy and 10th in Catalunya, mirroring his 2025 results at both races.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Just a week ago, Carapaz exhibited his climbing abilities with an emphatic uphill surge on the final mountain stage at the Spanish race, boosting him from 23rd position overall to the top 10. Jonas Vingegaard won that race, and Carapaz will face him again in Italy in May.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The locomotive does not give up,&#8221; was how his team affirmed that effort.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The statement would also be true about a quick recovery for Carapaz to take the start in Bulgaria on May 8 and provide a playground of climbing when the hills begin on stage 5 in southern Italy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">However, the approach to the Giro after Volta a Catalunya this time will not have the Olympic Champion heading to altitude camp. He will focus on rest and recovery and then ride his fifth Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Grateful to Dr. Reinhart and his team of professionals who accompanied him through the process, to Axxis Hospital for the excellent work, and to all of you for the constant support,&#8221; Carapaz added to his social media post regarding a successful procedure Tuesday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWmFw88DgI4\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Richard Carapaz (@richardcarapaz)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-edbeb800-a880-4a9a-9554-60792ace82c0\"><em><strong>Experience the 2026 cycling season with a Cyclingnews subscription that offers you unlimited access to our unrivalled coverage. Our global team will be on the ground at all the major races to bring you breaking news, in-depth features, exclusive interviews and member-exclusive content.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" alt=\"Jackie Tyson\" class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon button-social__icon-email\"><\/span><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[--truncate-gradient-color,white] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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<div class=\"infinite-container\" data-analytics-id=\"infinite-container\" data-component-name=\"SponsoredScroll\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"infinite-container\">\n<div class=\"infinite-trigger\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfTrnUSQ8RGoSZxuVZo7Ra.jpg\" alt=\"Enric Mas during the 2025 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t know if I&#8217;ll make it to the finish&#8217; \u2013 Enric Mas finally back racing at Challenge Mallorca TTT after losing half of 2025 season battling varicose vein injuries<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR.jpg\" alt=\"Specialized Off-road men&amp;#039;s contingency for 2026 (L to R): Matt Beers, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Keegan Swenson\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jTooMgdLGZZKQxmGxHZQKd.jpg\" alt=\"Keegan Swenson and Matt Beers during Stage 4 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019ve been nursing a few different injuries after getting smoked by a car door&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel and Leadville champion Keegan Swenson &#8216;gutted to miss Cape Epic&#8217; due to fractured pelvis<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5nzjNmC7fsQ5ukNXywTUFe.jpg\" alt=\"Derek Gee-West in his new Canadian champion&amp;#039;s Lidl-Trek kit for 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Training Camps<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s best to just leave it in the past&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West refocusing on Giro d&#8217;Italia ambitions after &#8216;incredibly stressful&#8217; departure from Israel-Premier Tech<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NNqEoYJe2GuJDEdDVLfDrk.jpg\" alt=\"FORCALQUIER, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 14: Neilson Powless of United States and Team EF Education - EasyPost meets the media press prior to the 10th Tour de la Provence 2026, Stage 2 a 174.9km stage from Forcalquier to Montagne de Lure on February 14, 2026 in Forcalquier, France. (Photo by Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Neilson Powless out of Spring Classics after undergoing knee surgery \u2013 &#8216;This is a big disappointment&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR.jpg\" alt=\"SIENA, ITALY - MARCH 06: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG during the team presentation prior to the 20th Strade Bianche 2026 \/ #UCIWT  \/ #UCIWWT \/ on March 06, 2026 in Siena, Italy.  (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG forced to reduce race programme and change rosters after multiple crashes and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez, Tim Wellens among riders still out<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH.jpg\" alt=\"GUILHERAND-GRANGES, FRANCE - OCTOBER 05: Tadej Pogacar and Team Slovenia (R) attacks to Remco Evenepoel and Team Belgium (L) in the breakaway during the 31st UEC Road Cycling European Championships 2025 - Men&amp;#039;s Elite Road Race a 202.5km race from Privas to Guilherand-Granges on October 05, 2025 in Guilherand-Granges, France. (Photo by Bernard Papon - Pool\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour of Flanders 2026: Remco Evenepoel (l) with teammates Jan Tratnik (c) and Jarrad Drizners (r) during a recon ride\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">All about Remco: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe field notably experienced squad to back rookie Evenepoel in Sunday&#8217;s Tour of Flanders <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk.jpg\" alt=\"LA LINEA DE LA CONCEPCION, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 23: Jaume Guardeno of Spain and Team Caja Rural - Seguros RGA competes during the 71st Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol 2025, Stage 5 a 168.1km stage from Benahavis to La Linea de la Concepcion on February 23, 2025 in BLa Linea de la Concepcion, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider hospitalised in serious condition following training crash<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Dwars Door Vlaanderen: Mads Pedersen (r) and Mathias Vacek (c) lead the Lidl-Trek string\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD.jpg\" alt=\"Cycling: 100th Tour of Flanders 2016 \nPodium \/ SAGAN Peter (SVK)\/ Celebration Joie Vreugde \/ \nBrugge - Oudenaarde (255Km)\/ \nRonde van Vlaanderen Tour of Flanders RVV Flandre \/ \u00a9 Tim De Waele\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Even easier than a PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Peter Sagan says Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance is amazing but &#8216;boring in a certain way&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR.jpg\" alt=\"INEOS Grenadiers&amp;#039;s Italian rider Filippo Ganna celebrates after winning the men&amp;#039;s elite race of the Dwars door Vlaanderen cycling event, 184.6km from Roeselare to Waregem on April 1, 2026. (Photo by JASPER JACOBS \/ BELGA \/ AFP) \/ Belgium OUT\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sticky situation for Filippo Ganna resolved with 200 CHF fine after taking victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ.jpg\" alt=\"WEVELGEM, BELGIUM - MARCH 29: Lorena Wiebes of Team SD Worx - Protime of Netherlands during the   Flanders Fields Women Elite at the Wevelgem on March 29, 2026 in Wevelgem Belgium (Photo by Pim Waslander\/Soccrates\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN.jpg\" alt=\"ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 07: Zoe Backstedt of Great Britain and Team CANYON\/SRAM zondacrypto celebrates at podium as White best young jersey winner during the 4th UAE Tour Women 2026, Stage 3 a 145km stage from Abu Dhabi TeamLab Phenomena to Abu Dhabi Breakwater on February 07, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH.jpg\" alt=\"GUILHERAND-GRANGES, FRANCE - OCTOBER 05: Tadej Pogacar and Team Slovenia (R) attacks to Remco Evenepoel and Team Belgium (L) in the breakaway during the 31st UEC Road Cycling European Championships 2025 - Men&amp;#039;s Elite Road Race a 202.5km race from Privas to Guilherand-Granges on October 05, 2025 in Guilherand-Granges, France. (Photo by Bernard Papon - Pool\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG.jpg\" alt=\"WAREGEM, BELGIUM - APRIL 1: Lotte Kopecky of Team SD Worx - Protime of Belgium during the match between Dwars door Vlaanderen 2026 v Women&amp;#039;s Elite at the Waregem on April 1, 2026 in Waregem Belgium (Photo by Pim Waslander\/Soccrates\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m just at the level I want to be&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky says she &#8216;doesn&#8217;t really care&#8217; whether rivals view her as Tour of Flanders frontrunner<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg.jpg\" alt=\"Tour of Flanders 2026: Remco Evenepoel (l) with teammates Jan Tratnik (c) and Jarrad Drizners (r) during a recon ride\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">All about Remco: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe field notably experienced squad to back rookie Evenepoel in Sunday&#8217;s Tour of Flanders <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW.jpg\" alt=\"BARBASTRO, SPAIN - MAY 06: Kristen Faulkner of The United States and Team EF Education-Oatty (R) with teammates prior to the 11th La Vuelta Femenina 2025, Stage 3 a 132.4km stage from Barbastro to Huesca \/ #UCIWWT \/ on May 06, 2025 in Barbastro, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Being a little sneaky&#8217; with smart teamwork, Kristen Faulkner starts her European season at Tour of Flanders and says EF Education-Oatly &#8216;can surprise the field&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n        <span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-[--ad-slot-badge-bg-color] absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-middle-1\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-middle-1 widget-ads-ads-middle-1 widget-no-data widget-ads-flexi_ads_middle1\">\n<div id=\"bdx_flexi_ads_middle1\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"flexi_ads_middle1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-top widget-empty-sidebar-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"follow-us-on-google-news\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-follow-us-on-google-news widget-contentparsed-follow-us-on-google-news widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-curated \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-top widget-empty-sidebar-popular-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN.jpg\" alt=\"ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 07: Zoe Backstedt of Great Britain and Team CANYON\/SRAM zondacrypto celebrates at podium as White best young jersey winner during the 4th UAE Tour Women 2026, Stage 3 a 145km stage from Abu Dhabi TeamLab Phenomena to Abu Dhabi Breakwater on February 07, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Power files: Comparing Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s staggering E3 Saxo Classic data to THAT Amstel Gold win shows how far cycling has come in just 7 years<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRichard Carapaz\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t the plan&#8217; \u2013 Richard Carapaz undergoes surgical procedure this week, affirms recovery will not distract from Giro d&#8217;Italia in just five weeks<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\">\n<p id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-02T15:22:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former Giro champion treated at Equadorian hospital for perineal condition<\/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 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>\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\">\n<p>    <span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">1<\/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<aside class=\"[&amp;&gt;svg]:max-h-10 [&amp;&gt;svg]:w-auto [&amp;&gt;svg]:h-full my-4\">\n<\/aside>\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<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-10\">\n<\/div>\n<div role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" class=\"grid min-h-[140px] w-full place-items-center rounded-lg p-6 mb-4\">\n<\/div>\n<p><span role=\"alert\" aria-live=\"assertive\"><\/span><\/p>\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-e0b46146-1671-4a93-bcc5-652ff7a7d539\">Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) confirmed Wednesday that he had surgery this week while home in Ecuador, but expected a short recovery time to be at &#8220;the maximum level&#8221; for a return to the Giro d&#8217;Italia in five weeks.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>The 32-year-old, who has been on the GC podium twice at the Giro, including the overall title in 2019, posted a photo of himself from an Axxis Hospital room in Quito giving a thumbs-up sign while sitting upright in a chair post-surgery.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-e0b46146-1671-4a93-bcc5-652ff7a7d539-2\">&#8220;It wasn\u2019t the plan, but it was handled the best way,&#8221; Carapaz wrote on his Instagram feed.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__padding\">\n<div class=\"van_vid_carousel__container\">\n<div class=\"jw-carousel-signposting\"><span class=\"jw-carousel-signposting__title\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfTrnUSQ8RGoSZxuVZo7Ra.jpg\" alt=\"Enric Mas during the 2025 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t know if I&#8217;ll make it to the finish&#8217; \u2013 Enric Mas finally back racing at Challenge Mallorca TTT after losing half of 2025 season battling varicose vein injuries<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR.jpg\" alt=\"Specialized Off-road men&amp;#039;s contingency for 2026 (L to R): Matt Beers, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Keegan Swenson\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jTooMgdLGZZKQxmGxHZQKd.jpg\" alt=\"Keegan Swenson and Matt Beers during Stage 4 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover flex-shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I\u2019ve been nursing a few different injuries after getting smoked by a car door&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel and Leadville champion Keegan Swenson &#8216;gutted to miss Cape Epic&#8217; due to fractured pelvis<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I had a procedure last night for a perineal condition. Everything went as planned and successfully. From today, fully focussed on recovery and returning to the maximum level in front of the Giro.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There are several types of perineal injuries, one of the most common referred to as &#8216;cyclist&#8217;s syndrome&#8217;, with pelvic pain, numbness or inflamed tissue developing from extended pressure on the perineal nerve, which can lead to chronic conditions. Recovery can take as little as one to two weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This will be a second appearance at the Italian Grand Tour with Carapaz leading EF Education-EasyPost. Last year, he rode well in the mountains, with eight top 10s and a stage 11 victory at Castelnovo ne&#8217; Monti, dropping then-GC leader Isaac del Toro with a powerful attack. The two faced off in a tactical battle in the third week of the Giro, which would open the door by stage 20 for Simon Yates to grab the pink jersey and win the overall on the final day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Carapaz was on track to replicate his preparations for the Giro like last year, taking part in Tirreno-Adriatico and Volta a Catalunya for his spring schedule. He finished 18th in Italy and 10th in Catalunya, mirroring his 2025 results at both races.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SY3zwb2fHuDy5zQh97n5iW slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Just a week ago, Carapaz exhibited his climbing abilities with an emphatic uphill surge on the final mountain stage at the Spanish race, boosting him from 23rd position overall to the top 10. Jonas Vingegaard won that race, and Carapaz will face him again in Italy in May.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The locomotive does not give up,&#8221; was how his team affirmed that effort.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The statement would also be true about a quick recovery for Carapaz to take the start in Bulgaria on May 8 and provide a playground of climbing when the hills begin on stage 5 in southern Italy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">However, the approach to the Giro after Volta a Catalunya this time will not have the Olympic Champion heading to altitude camp. He will focus on rest and recovery and then ride his fifth Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Grateful to Dr. Reinhart and his team of professionals who accompanied him through the process, to Axxis Hospital for the excellent work, and to all of you for the constant support,&#8221; Carapaz added to his social media post regarding a successful procedure Tuesday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWmFw88DgI4\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Richard Carapaz (@richardcarapaz)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-edbeb800-a880-4a9a-9554-60792ace82c0\"><em><strong>Experience the 2026 cycling season with a Cyclingnews subscription that offers you unlimited access to our unrivalled coverage. Our global team will be on the ground at all the major races to bring you breaking news, in-depth features, exclusive interviews and member-exclusive content.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/it-wasnt-the-plan-richard-carapaz-undergoes-surgical-procedure-this-week-affirms-recovery-will-not-distract-from-giro-d-italia-in-just-five-weeks\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders EF Education-EasyPost Richard Carapaz &#8216;It wasn&#8217;t the plan&#8217; \u2013 Richard Carapaz undergoes surgical procedure this week, affirms recovery will not distract from Giro d&#8217;Italia in just five weeks News By Jackie Tyson published 2 April 2026 Former Giro champion treated at Equadorian hospital for perineal condition When [&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-1863754","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\/1863754","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=1863754"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1863754\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1863754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1863754"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1863754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}