{"id":1977421,"date":"2026-06-07T09:24:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T06:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1977421"},"modified":"2026-06-07T09:24:07","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T06:24:07","slug":"i-would-have-liked-to-continue-working-with-him-wout-van-aert-addresses-niermann-exit-as-he-returns-to-road-for-the-first-time-since-paris-roubaix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1977421","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-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\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-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                                    Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports\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\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-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                                    Visma-Lease a Bike boss &#8216;surprised and sad&#8217; at Niermann&#8217;s exit, as Marc Reef unveiled as new head of racing \u2013 but the switch won&#8217;t be immediate\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\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ze6p2JE4o7knKc6SLHGmQE-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                                    &#8216;Leadership transition&#8217; at Lidl-Trek as former Red Bull performance director joins Niermann&#8217;s arrival and Luca Guercilena departs after 16 years\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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-06-07T09:24:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian says he&#8217;s &#8216;really not afraid that it will all collapse like a house of cards here&#8217; when Head of Racing departs fully on August 31<\/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\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-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\">Van Aert ahead of stage one at the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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 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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-18b66d74-dd7d-4266-9d11-5080dd9c91bf\">Wout van Aert has commented on the shock departure of Grischa Niermann from Visma-Lease a Bike, which was announced earlier this week, saying that while he too was surprised, he doesn&#8217;t think it will be a major blow.<\/p>\n<p>Niermann was in the car behind Van Aert during his Paris-Roubaix victory just a few months ago, but as he returns to road racing for the first time since then at the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 \u2013 now the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes \u2013 that may have been his last race with the head of racing.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-18b66d74-dd7d-4266-9d11-5080dd9c91bf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Visma confirmed that Niermann would be leaving the team on Tuesday, and while this won&#8217;t officially happen until August 31, after which he will join Lidl-Trek, CEO Richard Plugge confirmed that he wouldn&#8217;t be part of the Tour de France or the Dauphin\u00e9, and will instead play a background role until his last day.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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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;When I heard the news, I was naturally surprised,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> on Saturday near Grenoble, the first big-name rider to comment on the news.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When I joined the team in 2019, Grischa was already part of the team. Grischa and I had a very good bond; we worked together for a very long time, and I would have liked to continue working with him. Naturally, that is unfortunate news to receive.&#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\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike boss &#8216;surprised and sad&#8217; at Niermann&#8217;s exit, as Marc Reef unveiled as new head of racing \u2013 but the switch won&#8217;t be immediate<\/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\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/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\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-150-80.png.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;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stepping up in Niermann&#8217;s place will be Marc Reef, for the upcoming Tour and fully from September 1 onwards, and Van Aert echoed the words of Plugge from Tuesday&#8217;s announcement, with confidence that the structures in place at Visma mean this transition won&#8217;t be much of a blow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[This change] will obviously have an impact. Everyone works differently. Marc is going to fill that role in his own way,&#8221; he said of Reef, who most recently guided Jonas Vingegaard to the Giro title as the lead DS.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL 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;The culture within the team is more important. Richard [Plugge] is right about that. The past proves that as well. As a team, we have set up an organization in which we try to train people.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am really not afraid that it will all collapse like a house of cards here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-89ccca11-5e3e-4b78-99f3-190efa61f279\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van Aert alongside Grischa Niermann and Matteo Jorgenson in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-740f3b20-17c1-47d8-aa31-a09321085fc7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niermann is the next big name to leave Visma&#8217;s staff structure in recent years, after Grand Tour mastermind Merijn Zeeman left for a job at football club AZ Alkmaar, and Vingegaard&#8217;s coach Tim Heemskerk left the team only to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe a few months later.<\/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\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-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\">No Gravaa, no problem: Up close with Wout van Aert&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix winning bike<\/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\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-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\">Wout van Aert brushes aside tyre tech ban ahead of Paris-Roubaix as Matthew Brennan downplays chances due to lingering illness<\/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\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: My heart was with Wout van Aert at Paris-Roubaix, hopefully his victory over Tadej Poga\u010dar will give others confidence too<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert downplayed this as any kind of pattern to take note of, however, highlighting the difference in all three individual cases: \u201cYou have to look at every story in its context. It is different every time. I really am not worried about the future,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His eyes will surely be on a week of racing build-up now at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, where he should have at least one shot at a stage win, while also looking to support Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert was slightly bandaged up at the start on his right elbow and knee, with <em>Het Laatste Nieuws<\/em> reporting that he had crashed in training. This wasn&#8217;t a big issue, though, with the Belgian rolling off the start line in Vizille without complication.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I can&#8217;t hide it,&#8221; he said before the start. &#8220;It was a moment of inattention during training. Suddenly I lost my grip on the handlebars and ended up on the ground. It&#8217;s okay though, otherwise I wouldn&#8217;t have started here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL 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\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike boss &#8216;surprised and sad&#8217; at Niermann&#8217;s exit, as Marc Reef unveiled as new head of racing \u2013 but the switch won&#8217;t be immediate<\/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\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/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\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/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\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Gravaa, no problem: Up close with Wout van Aert&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix winning bike<\/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\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-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\">Wout van Aert brushes aside tyre tech ban ahead of Paris-Roubaix as Matthew Brennan downplays chances due to lingering illness<\/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\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: My heart was with Wout van Aert at Paris-Roubaix, hopefully his victory over Tadej Poga\u010dar will give others confidence too<\/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\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-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\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/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\/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\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-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 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<\/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>\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\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-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\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/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\/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\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-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 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<\/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\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv.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\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9: Frenchman Alex Baudin survives solo from early breakaway for biggest win of his career and yellow jersey on stage 1<\/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\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\">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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Giro d&#8217;Italia Women stage 9 LIVE: The day&#8217;s main climb creates a major selection, with all the favourites still in the lead group<\/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\">&#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<\/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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-06-07T09:24:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian says he&#8217;s &#8216;really not afraid that it will all collapse like a house of cards here&#8217; when Head of Racing departs fully on August 31<\/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\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-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\">Van Aert ahead of stage one at the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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 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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\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div 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-18b66d74-dd7d-4266-9d11-5080dd9c91bf\">Wout van Aert has commented on the shock departure of Grischa Niermann from Visma-Lease a Bike, which was announced earlier this week, saying that while he too was surprised, he doesn&#8217;t think it will be a major blow.<\/p>\n<p>Niermann was in the car behind Van Aert during his Paris-Roubaix victory just a few months ago, but as he returns to road racing for the first time since then at the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 \u2013 now the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes \u2013 that may have been his last race with the head of racing.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-18b66d74-dd7d-4266-9d11-5080dd9c91bf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Visma confirmed that Niermann would be leaving the team on Tuesday, and while this won&#8217;t officially happen until August 31, after which he will join Lidl-Trek, CEO Richard Plugge confirmed that he wouldn&#8217;t be part of the Tour de France or the Dauphin\u00e9, and will instead play a background role until his last day.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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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;When I heard the news, I was naturally surprised,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> on Saturday near Grenoble, the first big-name rider to comment on the news.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When I joined the team in 2019, Grischa was already part of the team. Grischa and I had a very good bond; we worked together for a very long time, and I would have liked to continue working with him. Naturally, that is unfortunate news to receive.&#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\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike boss &#8216;surprised and sad&#8217; at Niermann&#8217;s exit, as Marc Reef unveiled as new head of racing \u2013 but the switch won&#8217;t be immediate<\/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\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/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\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-150-80.png.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;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stepping up in Niermann&#8217;s place will be Marc Reef, for the upcoming Tour and fully from September 1 onwards, and Van Aert echoed the words of Plugge from Tuesday&#8217;s announcement, with confidence that the structures in place at Visma mean this transition won&#8217;t be much of a blow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[This change] will obviously have an impact. Everyone works differently. Marc is going to fill that role in his own way,&#8221; he said of Reef, who most recently guided Jonas Vingegaard to the Giro title as the lead DS.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL 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;The culture within the team is more important. Richard [Plugge] is right about that. The past proves that as well. As a team, we have set up an organization in which we try to train people.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am really not afraid that it will all collapse like a house of cards here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-89ccca11-5e3e-4b78-99f3-190efa61f279\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van Aert alongside Grischa Niermann and Matteo Jorgenson in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-740f3b20-17c1-47d8-aa31-a09321085fc7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niermann is the next big name to leave Visma&#8217;s staff structure in recent years, after Grand Tour mastermind Merijn Zeeman left for a job at football club AZ Alkmaar, and Vingegaard&#8217;s coach Tim Heemskerk left the team only to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe a few months later.<\/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\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-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\">No Gravaa, no problem: Up close with Wout van Aert&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix winning bike<\/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\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-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\">Wout van Aert brushes aside tyre tech ban ahead of Paris-Roubaix as Matthew Brennan downplays chances due to lingering illness<\/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\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: My heart was with Wout van Aert at Paris-Roubaix, hopefully his victory over Tadej Poga\u010dar will give others confidence too<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert downplayed this as any kind of pattern to take note of, however, highlighting the difference in all three individual cases: \u201cYou have to look at every story in its context. It is different every time. I really am not worried about the future,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His eyes will surely be on a week of racing build-up now at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, where he should have at least one shot at a stage win, while also looking to support Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert was slightly bandaged up at the start on his right elbow and knee, with <em>Het Laatste Nieuws<\/em> reporting that he had crashed in training. This wasn&#8217;t a big issue, though, with the Belgian rolling off the start line in Vizille without complication.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I can&#8217;t hide it,&#8221; he said before the start. &#8220;It was a moment of inattention during training. Suddenly I lost my grip on the handlebars and ended up on the ground. It&#8217;s okay though, otherwise I wouldn&#8217;t have started here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL 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\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike boss &#8216;surprised and sad&#8217; at Niermann&#8217;s exit, as Marc Reef unveiled as new head of racing \u2013 but the switch won&#8217;t be immediate<\/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\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/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\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/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\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Gravaa, no problem: Up close with Wout van Aert&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix winning bike<\/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\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-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\">Wout van Aert brushes aside tyre tech ban ahead of Paris-Roubaix as Matthew Brennan downplays chances due to lingering illness<\/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\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: My heart was with Wout van Aert at Paris-Roubaix, hopefully his victory over Tadej Poga\u010dar will give others confidence too<\/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\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-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\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/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\/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\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-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 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<\/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>\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\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-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\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/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\/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\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xAc8XyW4rLLSP3pcxvdqGC-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 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<\/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\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vwVb5nbGtUVRSGunJjjv.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\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9: Frenchman Alex Baudin survives solo from early breakaway for biggest win of his career and yellow jersey on stage 1<\/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\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\">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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Giro d&#8217;Italia Women stage 9 LIVE: The day&#8217;s main climb creates a major selection, with all the favourites still in the lead group<\/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\">&#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<\/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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-06-07T09:24:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian says he&#8217;s &#8216;really not afraid that it will all collapse like a house of cards here&#8217; when Head of Racing departs fully on August 31<\/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 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-18b66d74-dd7d-4266-9d11-5080dd9c91bf\">Wout van Aert has commented on the shock departure of Grischa Niermann from Visma-Lease a Bike, which was announced earlier this week, saying that while he too was surprised, he doesn&#8217;t think it will be a major blow.<\/p>\n<p>Niermann was in the car behind Van Aert during his Paris-Roubaix victory just a few months ago, but as he returns to road racing for the first time since then at the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 \u2013 now the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes \u2013 that may have been his last race with the head of racing.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-18b66d74-dd7d-4266-9d11-5080dd9c91bf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Visma confirmed that Niermann would be leaving the team on Tuesday, and while this won&#8217;t officially happen until August 31, after which he will join Lidl-Trek, CEO Richard Plugge confirmed that he wouldn&#8217;t be part of the Tour de France or the Dauphin\u00e9, and will instead play a background role until his last day.<\/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;When I heard the news, I was naturally surprised,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> on Saturday near Grenoble, the first big-name rider to comment on the news.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When I joined the team in 2019, Grischa was already part of the team. Grischa and I had a very good bond; we worked together for a very long time, and I would have liked to continue working with him. Naturally, that is unfortunate news to receive.&#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\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y3bAwzUwdJJCGfiYyegLaF-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike boss &#8216;surprised and sad&#8217; at Niermann&#8217;s exit, as Marc Reef unveiled as new head of racing \u2013 but the switch won&#8217;t be immediate<\/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\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cNP6Qu6FkH5soCMo94uXm-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\">Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports<\/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\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-150-80.png.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;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stepping up in Niermann&#8217;s place will be Marc Reef, for the upcoming Tour and fully from September 1 onwards, and Van Aert echoed the words of Plugge from Tuesday&#8217;s announcement, with confidence that the structures in place at Visma mean this transition won&#8217;t be much of a blow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[This change] will obviously have an impact. Everyone works differently. Marc is going to fill that role in his own way,&#8221; he said of Reef, who most recently guided Jonas Vingegaard to the Giro title as the lead DS.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LZNH7A6W6KW4uyfukcLcVL 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;The culture within the team is more important. Richard [Plugge] is right about that. The past proves that as well. As a team, we have set up an organization in which we try to train people.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am really not afraid that it will all collapse like a house of cards here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-89ccca11-5e3e-4b78-99f3-190efa61f279\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r6mwGEZGYG6u8gFSbK9XJL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van Aert alongside Grischa Niermann and Matteo Jorgenson in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-740f3b20-17c1-47d8-aa31-a09321085fc7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niermann is the next big name to leave Visma&#8217;s staff structure in recent years, after Grand Tour mastermind Merijn Zeeman left for a job at football club AZ Alkmaar, and Vingegaard&#8217;s coach Tim Heemskerk left the team only to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe a few months later.<\/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\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uw26TZf7agt7DXruDxCxMg-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\">No Gravaa, no problem: Up close with Wout van Aert&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix winning bike<\/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\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBwLwCk9hJFCht8ynhu7kC-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\">Wout van Aert brushes aside tyre tech ban ahead of Paris-Roubaix as Matthew Brennan downplays chances due to lingering illness<\/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\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YTywfP4xDP3Xgp8m3NPDhJ-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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: My heart was with Wout van Aert at Paris-Roubaix, hopefully his victory over Tadej Poga\u010dar will give others confidence too<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert downplayed this as any kind of pattern to take note of, however, highlighting the difference in all three individual cases: \u201cYou have to look at every story in its context. It is different every time. I really am not worried about the future,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His eyes will surely be on a week of racing build-up now at the Tour-Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, where he should have at least one shot at a stage win, while also looking to support Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert was slightly bandaged up at the start on his right elbow and knee, with <em>Het Laatste Nieuws<\/em> reporting that he had crashed in training. This wasn&#8217;t a big issue, though, with the Belgian rolling off the start line in Vizille without complication.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I can&#8217;t hide it,&#8221; he said before the start. &#8220;It was a moment of inattention during training. Suddenly I lost my grip on the handlebars and ended up on the ground. It&#8217;s okay though, otherwise I wouldn&#8217;t have started here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-would-have-liked-to-continue-working-with-him-wout-van-aert-addresses-niermann-exit-as-he-returns-to-road-for-the-first-time-since-paris-roubaix\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xzB242x9qEDUoBHumjaoaC-2560-80.png&#8221;] 1 Visma-Lease a Bike head of racing Grischa Niermann set to leave team for Lidl-Trek \u2013 reports 2 Visma-Lease a Bike boss &#8216;surprised and sad&#8217; at Niermann&#8217;s exit, as Marc Reef unveiled as new head of racing \u2013 but the switch won&#8217;t be immediate 3 &#8216;Leadership transition&#8217; at Lidl-Trek as former Red [&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-1977421","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\/1977421","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=1977421"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1977421\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1977421"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1977421"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1977421"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}