{"id":1876449,"date":"2026-04-09T17:16:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T14:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876449"},"modified":"2026-04-09T17:16:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T14:16:07","slug":"its-been-a-few-tough-days-juan-ayuso-abandons-itzulia-basque-country-before-chance-to-climb-out-of-large-gc-deficit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876449","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-2134-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJuan Ayuso\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T17:16:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Lidl-Trek rider stops mid-way through stage 4, unable to complete a second consecutive stage race this year<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c5fdd7af-6559-4aa7-9cf6-b9b7d123bc24\">Juan Ayuso pulled out of Itzulia Basque Country on Thursday, with his Lidl-Trek team confirming on social media that he had abandoned due to stomach issues.<\/p>\n<p>The champion of the 2024 Basque Country race took the start on a hilly stage 4, but got off his bike mid-way on the 167.2km route due to an illness that he said troubled him since Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c5fdd7af-6559-4aa7-9cf6-b9b7d123bc24-2\">&#8220;The second stage was super tough and I wasn&#8217;t feeling very well. On top of that, I had pretty bad stomach problems yesterday,\u201d he told <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> at the start in Galdakao.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;One of my worst TT performances that I can remember&#8217; &#8211; favourite Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after Itzulia Basque Country stage 1 time trial major setback<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Race leader Juan Ayuso abandons Paris-Nice after heavy crash but avoids serious injury<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He tried to make light of the situation saying, &#8220;I think I rode harder to the bus after the finish yesterday than I rode during the stage itself.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Only days ago the Spanish climber was tagged as one of the race favourites, but he opened his campaign with what he told <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> was &#8220;one of the worst TT performances I can remember&#8221;. He would not come close to the podium on stage 1&#8217;s hilly 13.8-kilometre time trial in Bilbao, experiencing a severe blow by losing 1:16 to stage winner Paul Seixas (Decathlon CGA CGM).<\/p>\n<p>The game of catchup to the French race leader improved slightly on stage 2, as Ayuso moved from 38th overall to 16th, but Seixas stayed on the gas and rode away from everyone for a second stage win and a larger time gap from all GC contenders. It was now 1:59 between Seixas and second-placed Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), while the margin had grown to 3:55 for Ayuso.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">While Ayuso admitted he suffered on the bike on stage 3, he was able to complete the stage. Another pre-race favourite, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who also lost a chunk of time to Seixas in the time trial, abandoned on Wednesday from injuries suffered in a crash.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS 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>&#8220;At the moment, I\u2019m not feeling great either,&#8221; Ayuso said at the start in his comments to <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> and confirmed by other media. &#8220;It\u2019s been a few tough days, but I hope my body recovers so I can still be of use to the team for the last few days.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Had Ayuso been healthy, stage 4 offered the terrain he could have exploited, with seven categorised climbs, to make up ground in the GC battle, or even go for a stage win. Instead, he was unable to complete his second stage race in a row, having suffered a heavy crash at Paris-Nice on stage 4.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Of the three stage race starts Ayuso has made this year, he has only completed one, winning the GC title at Volta ao Algarve in February.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Lidl-Trek continues at Itzulia Basque Country with Mattia Skjelmose in fifth in the general classification and sixth in the points classification, with two days remaining.<\/p>\n<\/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-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One of my worst TT performances that I can remember&#8217; &#8211; favourite Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after Itzulia Basque Country stage 1 time trial major setback<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Race leader Juan Ayuso abandons Paris-Nice after heavy crash but avoids serious injury<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Isaac del Toro abandons Itzulia Basque Country with muscle tear from crash early on stage 3<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I went farming today&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso avoids Paris-Nice stage 2 crashes by riding into field<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Victory sealed by early attack on selective stage 2 of Itzulia Basque Country <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Brendan Johnston, Alexis Skarda win titles at Utah&#8217;s Salty Lizard; Unbound winner to race new Pulaski MTN-X; MAAP launches U23 initiative &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Romandie past winners<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/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;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/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\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas extends lead with third victory on stage 5 after thrilling duel with Florian Lipowitz <\/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\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/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\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Ella Sabo and Sebastian Brenes Mata sprint to stage 2 victories on new circuit course<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJuan Ayuso\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T17:16:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Lidl-Trek rider stops mid-way through stage 4, unable to complete a second consecutive stage race this year<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c5fdd7af-6559-4aa7-9cf6-b9b7d123bc24\">Juan Ayuso pulled out of Itzulia Basque Country on Thursday, with his Lidl-Trek team confirming on social media that he had abandoned due to stomach issues.<\/p>\n<p>The champion of the 2024 Basque Country race took the start on a hilly stage 4, but got off his bike mid-way on the 167.2km route due to an illness that he said troubled him since Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c5fdd7af-6559-4aa7-9cf6-b9b7d123bc24-2\">&#8220;The second stage was super tough and I wasn&#8217;t feeling very well. On top of that, I had pretty bad stomach problems yesterday,\u201d he told <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> at the start in Galdakao.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;One of my worst TT performances that I can remember&#8217; &#8211; favourite Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after Itzulia Basque Country stage 1 time trial major setback<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Race leader Juan Ayuso abandons Paris-Nice after heavy crash but avoids serious injury<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He tried to make light of the situation saying, &#8220;I think I rode harder to the bus after the finish yesterday than I rode during the stage itself.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Only days ago the Spanish climber was tagged as one of the race favourites, but he opened his campaign with what he told <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> was &#8220;one of the worst TT performances I can remember&#8221;. He would not come close to the podium on stage 1&#8217;s hilly 13.8-kilometre time trial in Bilbao, experiencing a severe blow by losing 1:16 to stage winner Paul Seixas (Decathlon CGA CGM).<\/p>\n<p>The game of catchup to the French race leader improved slightly on stage 2, as Ayuso moved from 38th overall to 16th, but Seixas stayed on the gas and rode away from everyone for a second stage win and a larger time gap from all GC contenders. It was now 1:59 between Seixas and second-placed Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), while the margin had grown to 3:55 for Ayuso.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">While Ayuso admitted he suffered on the bike on stage 3, he was able to complete the stage. Another pre-race favourite, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who also lost a chunk of time to Seixas in the time trial, abandoned on Wednesday from injuries suffered in a crash.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS 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>&#8220;At the moment, I\u2019m not feeling great either,&#8221; Ayuso said at the start in his comments to <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> and confirmed by other media. &#8220;It\u2019s been a few tough days, but I hope my body recovers so I can still be of use to the team for the last few days.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Had Ayuso been healthy, stage 4 offered the terrain he could have exploited, with seven categorised climbs, to make up ground in the GC battle, or even go for a stage win. Instead, he was unable to complete his second stage race in a row, having suffered a heavy crash at Paris-Nice on stage 4.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Of the three stage race starts Ayuso has made this year, he has only completed one, winning the GC title at Volta ao Algarve in February.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Lidl-Trek continues at Itzulia Basque Country with Mattia Skjelmose in fifth in the general classification and sixth in the points classification, with two days remaining.<\/p>\n<\/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-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One of my worst TT performances that I can remember&#8217; &#8211; favourite Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after Itzulia Basque Country stage 1 time trial major setback<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Race leader Juan Ayuso abandons Paris-Nice after heavy crash but avoids serious injury<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Isaac del Toro abandons Itzulia Basque Country with muscle tear from crash early on stage 3<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eFhEfcsCGvDMYJECTY4atC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I went farming today&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso avoids Paris-Nice stage 2 crashes by riding into field<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GB2qmfcDt29nQpYMvYomve-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Victory sealed by early attack on selective stage 2 of Itzulia Basque Country <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Brendan Johnston, Alexis Skarda win titles at Utah&#8217;s Salty Lizard; Unbound winner to race new Pulaski MTN-X; MAAP launches U23 initiative &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Romandie past winners<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/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;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/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\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas extends lead with third victory on stage 5 after thrilling duel with Florian Lipowitz <\/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\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/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\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Ella Sabo and Sebastian Brenes Mata sprint to stage 2 victories on new circuit course<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJuan Ayuso\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T17:16:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Lidl-Trek rider stops mid-way through stage 4, unable to complete a second consecutive stage race this year<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c5fdd7af-6559-4aa7-9cf6-b9b7d123bc24\">Juan Ayuso pulled out of Itzulia Basque Country on Thursday, with his Lidl-Trek team confirming on social media that he had abandoned due to stomach issues.<\/p>\n<p>The champion of the 2024 Basque Country race took the start on a hilly stage 4, but got off his bike mid-way on the 167.2km route due to an illness that he said troubled him since Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c5fdd7af-6559-4aa7-9cf6-b9b7d123bc24-2\">&#8220;The second stage was super tough and I wasn&#8217;t feeling very well. On top of that, I had pretty bad stomach problems yesterday,\u201d he told <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> at the start in Galdakao.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;One of my worst TT performances that I can remember&#8217; &#8211; favourite Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after Itzulia Basque Country stage 1 time trial major setback<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nLdHk2yPvPDTiYM3VzaZqX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Race leader Juan Ayuso abandons Paris-Nice after heavy crash but avoids serious injury<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He tried to make light of the situation saying, &#8220;I think I rode harder to the bus after the finish yesterday than I rode during the stage itself.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Only days ago the Spanish climber was tagged as one of the race favourites, but he opened his campaign with what he told <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> was &#8220;one of the worst TT performances I can remember&#8221;. He would not come close to the podium on stage 1&#8217;s hilly 13.8-kilometre time trial in Bilbao, experiencing a severe blow by losing 1:16 to stage winner Paul Seixas (Decathlon CGA CGM).<\/p>\n<p>The game of catchup to the French race leader improved slightly on stage 2, as Ayuso moved from 38th overall to 16th, but Seixas stayed on the gas and rode away from everyone for a second stage win and a larger time gap from all GC contenders. It was now 1:59 between Seixas and second-placed Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), while the margin had grown to 3:55 for Ayuso.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">While Ayuso admitted he suffered on the bike on stage 3, he was able to complete the stage. Another pre-race favourite, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who also lost a chunk of time to Seixas in the time trial, abandoned on Wednesday from injuries suffered in a crash.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dpvBjQc88XeRRmGYng26wS 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>&#8220;At the moment, I\u2019m not feeling great either,&#8221; Ayuso said at the start in his comments to <em>CyclingProNet<\/em> and confirmed by other media. &#8220;It\u2019s been a few tough days, but I hope my body recovers so I can still be of use to the team for the last few days.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Had Ayuso been healthy, stage 4 offered the terrain he could have exploited, with seven categorised climbs, to make up ground in the GC battle, or even go for a stage win. Instead, he was unable to complete his second stage race in a row, having suffered a heavy crash at Paris-Nice on stage 4.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Of the three stage race starts Ayuso has made this year, he has only completed one, winning the GC title at Volta ao Algarve in February.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Lidl-Trek continues at Itzulia Basque Country with Mattia Skjelmose in fifth in the general classification and sixth in the points classification, with two days remaining.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/its-been-a-few-tough-days-juan-ayuso-abandons-itzulia-basque-country-before-chance-to-climb-out-of-large-gc-deficit\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-2134-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Lidl-Trek Juan Ayuso &#8216;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit News By Jackie Tyson published 9 April 2026 Lidl-Trek rider stops mid-way through stage 4, unable to complete a second consecutive stage [&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-1876449","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\/1876449","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=1876449"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876449\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1876449"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1876449"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1876449"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}