{"id":1977416,"date":"2026-06-06T16:48:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T13:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1977416"},"modified":"2026-06-06T16:48:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T13:48:32","slug":"i-feel-i-wouldnt-be-ready-tadej-pogacar-likely-to-be-without-joao-almeida-as-super-domestique-for-upcoming-tour-de-france-despite-recent-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1977416","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I feel I wouldn&#8217;t be ready&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar likely to be without Jo\u00e3o Almeida as super domestique for upcoming Tour de France despite recent recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-2560-80.png&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Tadej watched the Giro and saw how good Jonas Vingegaard was&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG &#8216;ready to race hard&#8217; in Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    A warning to Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard? Paul Seixas claims several Strava KOMs on Col du Tourmalet during recon of Tour de France mountain stage\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    By winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Jonas Vingegaard has had his strongest Tour de France preparation yet \u2013 but we still have no idea how he&#8217;ll compare with Tadej Poga\u010dar\n                                <\/p>\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>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I feel I wouldn&#8217;t be ready&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar likely to be without Jo\u00e3o Almeida as super domestique for upcoming Tour de France despite recent recovery<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-06T16:48:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Portuguese rider essentially rules himself out in interview with home media<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-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-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&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\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida (left) rides alongside Tadej Poga\u010dar at last year&#8217;s Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div 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-5dd70a09-7144-4562-a0f2-75bc9b267c25\">Tadej Poga\u010dar will most likely be without one of his super domestiques for this year&#8217;s Tour de France, with Jo\u00e3o Almeida telling Portuguese media that while he has recovered from the illness which forced him to cancel his Giro d&#8217;Italia participation, he &#8220;wouldn&#8217;t be ready to do the Tour&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Almeida is racing for the first time since March from this Sunday at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, where he will reboot his season and support Isaac del Toro, but he isn&#8217;t using it as a build-up to the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5dd70a09-7144-4562-a0f2-75bc9b267c25-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar had the luxury support of Almeida at the 2024 Tour and half of last year&#8217;s race, with the Portuguese rider finishing fourth overall as a domestique at the former, as his Slovenian leader claimed the yellow jersey. He&#8217;s seemingly ruled out any chance of that repeating.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[Riding the Tour] depended solely on my progress and how I would react over time. Personally, I feel I wouldn&#8217;t be ready to do a Tour de France. There are many rough edges to smooth out to be at the level of a Tour; it&#8217;s a very demanding race,&#8221; said Almeida to Portuguese news agency <em>Lusa<\/em>, as reported by <em>O Jogo<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Regardless of whether you&#8217;re going to achieve a result or to work hard, you have to be in your best shape, because otherwise it&#8217;s not possible to achieve much.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just won&#8217;t quite be ready&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida ruled out of Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej watched the Giro and saw how good Jonas Vingegaard was&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG &#8216;ready to race hard&#8217; in Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He&#8217;s in Tour de France mode&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar at altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With that in mind, it&#8217;s no surprise to see him not pushing for a maximum result at the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) will be the favourite, but Del Toro and former UAE teammate Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) will lead the challenge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to go there aiming for any particular result, nor am I fighting for the race. I&#8217;m going there to try and help my teammates as best I can, see how I feel, and try to train for the race,&#8221; said Almeida.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K 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 aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We know it&#8217;s difficult because it&#8217;s a very demanding race, with many climbs, it&#8217;s a very tough course.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida will now switch his focus over to leading UAE at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he was runner-up to Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) last season, insisting that it is the red jersey he will be after: &#8220;Obviously, I know that the opponents are very strong, but personally, a top 3 or a top 5 is no longer a result that leaves me satisfied and motivated.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He also confirmed the rest of his 2026 calendar: Cl\u00e1sica San Sebasti\u00e1n, Vuelta a Burgos, Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, and the Road World Championships in Canada.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG to fight for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes victory with pair of debutants<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I need to rest and see what&#8217;s wrong with me&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida off for medical tests after Volta a Catalunya struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Portuguese rider also gave some insight into his recovery from the illness, which hampered him after the Volta a Catalunya, and why skipping the Giro was the only option.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Right after Catalunya, I had to rest to recover from the race and then I started training little by little. I didn&#8217;t feel too bad, but I didn&#8217;t feel excellent,&#8221; said Almeida.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And then there&#8217;s always that pressure of having to train because I have the Giro. I even did altitude training, but my blood tests weren&#8217;t improving. After a long period in which I neither trained nor rested, it wasn&#8217;t worth doing any races, [so not doing the Giro] was very natural.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was always realistic and knew I wasn&#8217;t doing well, so there wasn&#8217;t much I could do. I wasn&#8217;t going to do much there anyway, it was better to give another teammate the opportunity to succeed and try to get good results, which is what happened.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While still not exactly clear what it was that forced him out of the races for all of April and May, Almeida seems to be back on track.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I took a break to rest before the Giro and I&#8217;ve been training for about three or four weeks now. The training has been going well, I&#8217;ve been feeling good,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve finally recovered, but I don&#8217;t know exactly what I had. In the tests, I had quite a few altered values, but we never really understood the main cause for those alterations.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-26385fb3-aaad-430d-bbba-9c1efa121d82\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/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<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<p>Jo\u00e3o Almeida<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/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\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&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 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just won&#8217;t quite be ready&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida ruled out of Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-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;Tadej watched the Giro and saw how good Jonas Vingegaard was&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG &#8216;ready to race hard&#8217; in Tour de France<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-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;He&#8217;s in Tour de France mode&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar at altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-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\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG to fight for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes victory with pair of debutants<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I need to rest and see what&#8217;s wrong with me&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida off for medical tests after Volta a Catalunya struggles<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s bike is at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but he isn&#8217;t<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked to continue working with him&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert addresses Niermann exit as he returns to road for the first time since 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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Colorado Governor signs bill to honour legacy of Magnus White and &#8216;turns tragedy to action&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-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 dramatic game of musical chairs one month before the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere left puzzled by timing of major Lidl-Trek management changes<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-320-80.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\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s bike is at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but he isn&#8217;t<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked to continue working with him&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert addresses Niermann exit as he returns to road for the first time since 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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It really changed the plans we had&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering &#8216;disappointed&#8217; after queen stage win at Giro d&#8217;Italia Women as she fails to distance GC rivals on shortened mountain day<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-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\">Anna van der Breggen admits shortened stage on Finestre required a mental change &#8216;to suffering more on this climb&#8217; as she defended Giro d\u2019Italia Women lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-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\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">TotalEnergies showed us a prototype Cube aero bike, didn&#8217;t tell us a thing about it, and then took it away again &#8211; It&#8217;s cool, though<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV.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\">Why Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s bike is at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but he isn&#8217;t<\/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\">Giro d&#8217;Italia Women stage 9 LIVE: A final chance to challenge for the maglia rosa on a tough, hilly course<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I would have liked to continue working with him&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert addresses Niermann exit as he returns to road for the first time since 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1 LIVE: Decathlon-CMA CGM lead the peloton in pursuit of the break<\/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\">TotalEnergies showed us a prototype Cube aero bike, didn&#8217;t tell us a thing about it, and then took it away again &#8211; It&#8217;s cool, though<\/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>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I feel I wouldn&#8217;t be ready&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar likely to be without Jo\u00e3o Almeida as super domestique for upcoming Tour de France despite recent recovery<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-06T16:48:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Portuguese rider essentially rules himself out in interview with home media<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-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-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&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\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida (left) rides alongside Tadej Poga\u010dar at last year&#8217;s Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div 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-5dd70a09-7144-4562-a0f2-75bc9b267c25\">Tadej Poga\u010dar will most likely be without one of his super domestiques for this year&#8217;s Tour de France, with Jo\u00e3o Almeida telling Portuguese media that while he has recovered from the illness which forced him to cancel his Giro d&#8217;Italia participation, he &#8220;wouldn&#8217;t be ready to do the Tour&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Almeida is racing for the first time since March from this Sunday at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, where he will reboot his season and support Isaac del Toro, but he isn&#8217;t using it as a build-up to the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5dd70a09-7144-4562-a0f2-75bc9b267c25-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar had the luxury support of Almeida at the 2024 Tour and half of last year&#8217;s race, with the Portuguese rider finishing fourth overall as a domestique at the former, as his Slovenian leader claimed the yellow jersey. He&#8217;s seemingly ruled out any chance of that repeating.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[Riding the Tour] depended solely on my progress and how I would react over time. Personally, I feel I wouldn&#8217;t be ready to do a Tour de France. There are many rough edges to smooth out to be at the level of a Tour; it&#8217;s a very demanding race,&#8221; said Almeida to Portuguese news agency <em>Lusa<\/em>, as reported by <em>O Jogo<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Regardless of whether you&#8217;re going to achieve a result or to work hard, you have to be in your best shape, because otherwise it&#8217;s not possible to achieve much.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just won&#8217;t quite be ready&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida ruled out of Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej watched the Giro and saw how good Jonas Vingegaard was&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG &#8216;ready to race hard&#8217; in Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He&#8217;s in Tour de France mode&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar at altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With that in mind, it&#8217;s no surprise to see him not pushing for a maximum result at the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) will be the favourite, but Del Toro and former UAE teammate Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) will lead the challenge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to go there aiming for any particular result, nor am I fighting for the race. I&#8217;m going there to try and help my teammates as best I can, see how I feel, and try to train for the race,&#8221; said Almeida.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K 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 aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We know it&#8217;s difficult because it&#8217;s a very demanding race, with many climbs, it&#8217;s a very tough course.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida will now switch his focus over to leading UAE at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he was runner-up to Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) last season, insisting that it is the red jersey he will be after: &#8220;Obviously, I know that the opponents are very strong, but personally, a top 3 or a top 5 is no longer a result that leaves me satisfied and motivated.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He also confirmed the rest of his 2026 calendar: Cl\u00e1sica San Sebasti\u00e1n, Vuelta a Burgos, Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, and the Road World Championships in Canada.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG to fight for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes victory with pair of debutants<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I need to rest and see what&#8217;s wrong with me&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida off for medical tests after Volta a Catalunya struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Portuguese rider also gave some insight into his recovery from the illness, which hampered him after the Volta a Catalunya, and why skipping the Giro was the only option.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Right after Catalunya, I had to rest to recover from the race and then I started training little by little. I didn&#8217;t feel too bad, but I didn&#8217;t feel excellent,&#8221; said Almeida.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And then there&#8217;s always that pressure of having to train because I have the Giro. I even did altitude training, but my blood tests weren&#8217;t improving. After a long period in which I neither trained nor rested, it wasn&#8217;t worth doing any races, [so not doing the Giro] was very natural.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was always realistic and knew I wasn&#8217;t doing well, so there wasn&#8217;t much I could do. I wasn&#8217;t going to do much there anyway, it was better to give another teammate the opportunity to succeed and try to get good results, which is what happened.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While still not exactly clear what it was that forced him out of the races for all of April and May, Almeida seems to be back on track.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I took a break to rest before the Giro and I&#8217;ve been training for about three or four weeks now. The training has been going well, I&#8217;ve been feeling good,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve finally recovered, but I don&#8217;t know exactly what I had. In the tests, I had quite a few altered values, but we never really understood the main cause for those alterations.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-26385fb3-aaad-430d-bbba-9c1efa121d82\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/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<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<p>Jo\u00e3o Almeida<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/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\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&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 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just won&#8217;t quite be ready&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida ruled out of Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-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;Tadej watched the Giro and saw how good Jonas Vingegaard was&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG &#8216;ready to race hard&#8217; in Tour de France<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-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;He&#8217;s in Tour de France mode&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar at altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-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\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG to fight for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes victory with pair of debutants<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I need to rest and see what&#8217;s wrong with me&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida off for medical tests after Volta a Catalunya struggles<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s bike is at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but he isn&#8217;t<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked to continue working with him&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert addresses Niermann exit as he returns to road for the first time since 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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Colorado Governor signs bill to honour legacy of Magnus White and &#8216;turns tragedy to action&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wq9yqvCdVnkKGypMPuMmTX-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 dramatic game of musical chairs one month before the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere left puzzled by timing of major Lidl-Trek management changes<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-320-80.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\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s bike is at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but he isn&#8217;t<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked to continue working with him&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert addresses Niermann exit as he returns to road for the first time since 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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hcoLLcPYEJ6UdJMNyC8Rj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It really changed the plans we had&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering &#8216;disappointed&#8217; after queen stage win at Giro d&#8217;Italia Women as she fails to distance GC rivals on shortened mountain day<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSqYcmKrvQ9ZLoCZdAJEtT-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\">Anna van der Breggen admits shortened stage on Finestre required a mental change &#8216;to suffering more on this climb&#8217; as she defended Giro d\u2019Italia Women lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n4TGuCAYxuqyVmASX5k73a-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\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">TotalEnergies showed us a prototype Cube aero bike, didn&#8217;t tell us a thing about it, and then took it away again &#8211; It&#8217;s cool, though<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MCQFqX8yqRRDp6Ym8NwuKV.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\">Why Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s bike is at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but he isn&#8217;t<\/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\">Giro d&#8217;Italia Women stage 9 LIVE: A final chance to challenge for the maglia rosa on a tough, hilly course<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I would have liked to continue working with him&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert addresses Niermann exit as he returns to road for the first time since 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1 LIVE: Decathlon-CMA CGM lead the peloton in pursuit of the break<\/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\">TotalEnergies showed us a prototype Cube aero bike, didn&#8217;t tell us a thing about it, and then took it away again &#8211; It&#8217;s cool, though<\/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>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I feel I wouldn&#8217;t be ready&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar likely to be without Jo\u00e3o Almeida as super domestique for upcoming Tour de France despite recent recovery<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-06T16:48:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Portuguese rider essentially rules himself out in interview with home media<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-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-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div 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-5dd70a09-7144-4562-a0f2-75bc9b267c25\">Tadej Poga\u010dar will most likely be without one of his super domestiques for this year&#8217;s Tour de France, with Jo\u00e3o Almeida telling Portuguese media that while he has recovered from the illness which forced him to cancel his Giro d&#8217;Italia participation, he &#8220;wouldn&#8217;t be ready to do the Tour&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Almeida is racing for the first time since March from this Sunday at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, where he will reboot his season and support Isaac del Toro, but he isn&#8217;t using it as a build-up to the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5dd70a09-7144-4562-a0f2-75bc9b267c25-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar had the luxury support of Almeida at the 2024 Tour and half of last year&#8217;s race, with the Portuguese rider finishing fourth overall as a domestique at the former, as his Slovenian leader claimed the yellow jersey. He&#8217;s seemingly ruled out any chance of that repeating.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[Riding the Tour] depended solely on my progress and how I would react over time. Personally, I feel I wouldn&#8217;t be ready to do a Tour de France. There are many rough edges to smooth out to be at the level of a Tour; it&#8217;s a very demanding race,&#8221; said Almeida to Portuguese news agency <em>Lusa<\/em>, as reported by <em>O Jogo<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Regardless of whether you&#8217;re going to achieve a result or to work hard, you have to be in your best shape, because otherwise it&#8217;s not possible to achieve much.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just won&#8217;t quite be ready&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida ruled out of Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KcF9u9WccDE3tHDZkgdCiC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej watched the Giro and saw how good Jonas Vingegaard was&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG &#8216;ready to race hard&#8217; in Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LpQsdN53Tmuw3mQKgs4r5n-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He&#8217;s in Tour de France mode&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar at altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With that in mind, it&#8217;s no surprise to see him not pushing for a maximum result at the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) will be the favourite, but Del Toro and former UAE teammate Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) will lead the challenge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to go there aiming for any particular result, nor am I fighting for the race. I&#8217;m going there to try and help my teammates as best I can, see how I feel, and try to train for the race,&#8221; said Almeida.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-3JrvboBAzZ7pSF3kJKRn9K 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 aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We know it&#8217;s difficult because it&#8217;s a very demanding race, with many climbs, it&#8217;s a very tough course.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida will now switch his focus over to leading UAE at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he was runner-up to Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) last season, insisting that it is the red jersey he will be after: &#8220;Obviously, I know that the opponents are very strong, but personally, a top 3 or a top 5 is no longer a result that leaves me satisfied and motivated.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He also confirmed the rest of his 2026 calendar: Cl\u00e1sica San Sebasti\u00e1n, Vuelta a Burgos, Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, and the Road World Championships in Canada.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AGpbk7bDmR6Mp4YdimMySU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG to fight for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes victory with pair of debutants<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I need to rest and see what&#8217;s wrong with me&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida off for medical tests after Volta a Catalunya struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Portuguese rider also gave some insight into his recovery from the illness, which hampered him after the Volta a Catalunya, and why skipping the Giro was the only option.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Right after Catalunya, I had to rest to recover from the race and then I started training little by little. I didn&#8217;t feel too bad, but I didn&#8217;t feel excellent,&#8221; said Almeida.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And then there&#8217;s always that pressure of having to train because I have the Giro. I even did altitude training, but my blood tests weren&#8217;t improving. After a long period in which I neither trained nor rested, it wasn&#8217;t worth doing any races, [so not doing the Giro] was very natural.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was always realistic and knew I wasn&#8217;t doing well, so there wasn&#8217;t much I could do. I wasn&#8217;t going to do much there anyway, it was better to give another teammate the opportunity to succeed and try to get good results, which is what happened.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While still not exactly clear what it was that forced him out of the races for all of April and May, Almeida seems to be back on track.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I took a break to rest before the Giro and I&#8217;ve been training for about three or four weeks now. The training has been going well, I&#8217;ve been feeling good,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve finally recovered, but I don&#8217;t know exactly what I had. In the tests, I had quite a few altered values, but we never really understood the main cause for those alterations.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-26385fb3-aaad-430d-bbba-9c1efa121d82\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-feel-i-wouldnt-be-ready-tadej-pogacar-likely-to-be-without-joao-almeida-as-super-domestique-for-upcoming-tour-de-france-despite-recent-recovery\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-2560-80.png&#8221;] 1 &#8216;Tadej watched the Giro and saw how good Jonas Vingegaard was&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG &#8216;ready to race hard&#8217; in Tour de France 2 A warning to Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard? Paul Seixas claims several Strava KOMs on Col du Tourmalet during recon of Tour de France mountain stage 3 By winning [&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-1977416","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\/1977416","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=1977416"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1977416\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1977416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1977416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1977416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}