{"id":1985246,"date":"2026-06-11T19:22:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:22:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1985246"},"modified":"2026-06-11T19:22:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:22:49","slug":"ineos-with-leadership-issues-seixas-and-del-toro-with-ground-to-make-up-gc-analysis-ahead-of-mountain-triple-header-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1985246","title":{"rendered":"Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-2000-80.jpg&#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\/kFNMCuARPkc5HdCRJTprxL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kFNMCuARPkc5HdCRJTprxL-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                                    As it happened: Breakaway succeeds for second day in a row at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes &#8211; Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 stage 2\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\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-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                                    As it happened: Breakaway succeeds on opening day at Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1\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\/jDZxteJjXeYa9ScAbscoBF-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jDZxteJjXeYa9ScAbscoBF-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                                    Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026\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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-11T19:22:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Final three mountain stages will determine the overall winner and perhaps Tour de France fates for some<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-320-80.jpg.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\">Who will inherit the yellow jersey from Alex Baudin on the mountain stage<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Netcompany-Ineos&#8217; options and issues<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Seixas and Del Toro<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The inbetweeners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The final three stages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The other names<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">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-30207ee4-cd81-404d-aee8-6255369f3ab0\">Team time trials are not everyone\u2019s cup of tea, but the triple T on stage 3 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes has left this race, formerly known as the Dauphin\u00e9, poised rather nicely indeed as we head into the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>After three breakaways, one sprint, and one TTT, the eight-stage race takes a big shift in focus, with three successive summit finishes to light up the battle for the yellow jersey and, atop the Plateau de Solaison on Sunday, decide it.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-30207ee4-cd81-404d-aee8-6255369f3ab0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What sets the scene so well is that the favourites for that yellow jersey have ground to make up and work to do. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), the 19-year-old prodigy who is in the spotlight ahead of his Tour de France debut, finds himself a minute down on the overall lead, or 48 seconds down if we take the Netcompany-Ineos duo of K\u00e9vin Vauquelin and Oscar Onley as the virtual leaders, given Alex Baudin is likely to drop away in the mountains.<\/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\">Seixas was the pre-race favourite in the eyes of many, but not far behind was the fellow young sensation Isac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who has even more ground to make up, sitting a further 16 seconds down on Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means the two pre-race favourites and the two most exciting climbers in the race need to get on the front foot and grab that time back off several very strong competitors. They need little invitation in normal circumstances, in all fairness, but you can put aggression and fireworks on the weekend menu.<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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 Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-150-80.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\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-150-80.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\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Visma-Lease a Bike power to team time trial victory on stage 3, but EF&#8217;s Baudin keeps yellow jersey after GC shake-up<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"the-top-15-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The top 15<\/h2>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj-TcPYjbpV3a1ZQ4tKaOqLERUlpaviTDfO\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj-TcPYjbpV3a1ZQ4tKaOqLERUlpaviTDfO slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time \/ Gap<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alex Baudin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>18:07:12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>K\u00e9vin Vauquelin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Oscar Onley<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matteo Jorgenson<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Carlos Rodriguez<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 57<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>L\u00e9o Bisiaux<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Decathlon CMA CGM Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 59<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Paul Seixas<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Decathlon CMA CGM Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Luke Plapp<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Luke Tuckwell<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:03<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>13<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Cian Uijtdebroeks<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Movistar Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:07<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Isaac del Toro<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:16<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Kevin Vermaerke<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:20<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-netcompany-ineos-options-and-issues\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Netcompany-Ineos&#8217; options and issues<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1cf21c76-2433-4fec-97bd-ea1e7f6389ca\" 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\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e13d7acd-a5c3-4a78-bd32-60feb91579b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite Baudin&#8217;s presence in yellow, Netcompany-Ineos realistically sit at the top of the GC standings among overall contenders, in second and third following the team time trial. But that TTT did not go swimmingly at all, and in turn has sparked talk of tension in the camp and question marks over leadership.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Onley dropped his chain in the TTT, and the call came from the team car to wait, which seemed to frustrate Vauquelin, who later even publicly questioned the wisdom of that call. Had the team not waited, he&#8217;d almost certainly be in yellow already with an even bigger margin over his rivals. However, Onley would have been cut adrift and would be behind most of those rivals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj 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\">The decision from the team car makes perfect sense, even if Vauquelin and certain sections of the French media weren&#8217;t impressed. Onley is more of a pure climber than the punchier Vauquelin, so in theory, he stands a better chance in the mountains. What&#8217;s more, keeping the number game more alive is also a sensible tactic when you have stronger individuals lining up against you.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The real issue is communication and optics. We in the media will never complain about rider honesty, but from the team&#8217;s point of view, it&#8217;s never a great look for a rider to question decisions publicly. Likewise, was it really necessary for Director of Racing Geraint Thomas to say &#8220;K\u00e9vin is not in top shape yet&#8221; in a post-TTT press release?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas rightly pointed out that tensions can be ironed out and difficult conversations are often the most productive. But this risks becoming a theme. At Paris-Nice, it was striking how Vauquelin was left to fend for himself in the crosswind stage, before storming back and overtaking Onley, who abandoned the next day.<\/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\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-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\">As it happened: A new GC but the race leader hangs on after Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 3 TTT<\/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\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-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\">As it happened: Sprinters finally have their day on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 5<\/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\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-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\">As it happened: Breakaway succeeds on opening day at Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In light of all that, it will be fascinating to see how Vauquelin and Onley combine over the next three days. It&#8217;s also interesting that Thomas was talking about having &#8220;two GC cards&#8221;, and not three, despite Carlos Rodr\u00edguez also being in the top 10. The Spaniard, fourth overall at the 2023 Tour de France, was meant to be a key part of a leadership trio, but those comments are a sign of how far he has slipped in the past 18 months, raising doubts over his prospects and role at the Tour.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-seixas-and-del-toro\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Seixas and Del Toro<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4fef2563-edbf-4a72-a9d1-82895861260f\" 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\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a4e3b8e0-3943-4ff5-bba9-11a16a9c7021\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back to Seixas and Del Toro, who, despite their time losses, would still appear to be the two favourites. They both have a considerable amount of time to recoup, but have both shown that when they&#8217;re at their best they operate on a level above the rest of the riders in this race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s true especially of Seixas, who has had an extraordinary breakthrough year that has made him a genuine challenger to Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France. In contrast to his meteoric momentum so far this year, though, the Frenchman has not had the smoothest of Dauphin\u00e9s. He lost his best climbing domestique, Matthew Riccitello, to illness on the eve of the race, and he lost 12 seconds to the Ineos duo and others on the opening day. The time loss wasn&#8217;t make-or-break in itself, but there was confusion as his team went from controlling all day to suddenly backing off on the final climb and allowing that more tactical scenario to emerge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The TTT was complicated: Decathlon started one man down and then lost their best time triallist, Stefan Bissegger, to an off-day, early in the effort. Daan Hoole could be seen telling Seixas to cool off, and quotes from team directors point to the biggest challenge being keeping their leader level-headed. Seixas has the talent to run away with this race, but you also sense the potential for a costly mistake &#8211; at 19, that&#8217;s only normal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro, meanwhile, had an even more disappointing team time trial, though it didn&#8217;t matter so much, as the squad here is not a dress rehearsal for the Tour like Decathlon&#8217;s and others&#8217; are.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro will support Poga\u010dar next month, but has a chance to win a third WorldTour race this season after the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico. He had already been buried by Seixas at Itzulia Basque Country before he crashed out and had to recover from injury, so he comes into this contest on the back foot in more ways than one.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-inbetweeners\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The inbetweeners<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3845e2e7-604c-4873-a6d7-ce8164bed601\" 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\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3a6ef656-e372-49cf-9b4c-74e64c3ec324\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matteo Jorgenson sits fourth on GC, just 15 seconds down on Baudin and three seconds behind the Netcompany-Ineos duo, after Visma-Lease a Bike\u2019s victory in the TTT.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The US rider is making his first appearance since breaking his collarbone at Amstel Gold Race and missing the Ardennes Classics. His plans shifted, with an earlier visit to altitude at Sierra Nevada, so the Tour de Suisse was swapped for the Dauphin\u00e9, where he has made a strong start but not without question marks. Jorgenson himself has looked powerful and hungry \u2013 his bitterness at losing 12 seconds to a couple of rivals on the opening day was a good sign there \u2013 while his team have won the TTT and controlled well elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen whether Jorgenson has the climbing legs to get on the podium here, but in any case, after his injury layoff, he looks well on track for the Tour de France, where he\u2019ll play a key role once again for Jonas Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Just behind Jorgenson sits another duo, this time from Lidl-Trek, with Juan Ayuso and Mattias Skjelmose both 47 seconds down on the lead of the race. Again, there has been talk of tension here, even if Ayuso has dismissed such talk as \u201cridiculous\u201d. There were various comments over leadership traded in the media between the pair ahead of Ayuso\u2019s arrival at the team over the winter, and they had only shared three race days on the road, so it does remain to be seen how they combine out there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Skjelmose has top 10s at Catalunya and the Itzulia Basque Country to his name this season, while Ayuso had a complicated Spring due to crashes. However, the Spaniard did have a bright start to life at Lidl-Trek, beating Paul Seixas to win the Volta ao Algarve, and when he\u2019s on song, he can reach places Skjelmose can\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Consistency in these final three days is so important for Ayuso, whose chances of being counted among those podium contenders for the Tour de France will become much clearer.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-road-ahead\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The road ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3f7f25a1-85e8-4f9f-afda-bccfbd1cdf34\" 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\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-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\">Profile for the stage 6 mountain finish at Crest-Voland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4f7cbe75-f337-47a5-8c0f-6f7e350ef86b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trio of mountain stages sees the difficulty ratchet up each day, revealing more and more as we go on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage is the most straightforward, essentially coming down to the back-to-back climbs leading to Crest-Voland. The first is 11.5km at 5.1% while the second, which comes after a short, sharp descent, is harder at 5.9km and 7.5%. Still, it&#8217;s the sort of stage where any separation is only likely to come very close to the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things intensify on Saturday as stage 7 goes saw-toothed for the opening 50km, then takes on twin ascents of the Grand Colombier, first up the hair-pinned side, then back around for the harder climb as the summit finish, measuring 8.4km at 10.2%. There&#8217;s also a category-2 climb in between, so this summit finish should really see things kick off.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that&#8217;s nothing compared to the final day, which is a faintly ridiculous stage measuring 120km and featuring four major mountain ascents. The route climbs the Col du Pr\u00e9 (6.9km at 10.1%) from kilometre zero, before taking on the Mont\u00e9e de Bisanne (11.4km at 7.7%), the Col des Aravis (7km at 6.8%), and finally the Plateau de Solaison (11.3km at 9.1%). It&#8217;s a brutal final climb after such an explosive and difficult stage, and it&#8217;ll also feature in the upcoming Tour de France, underlining the Dauphin\u00e9&#8217;s \u2013 sorry, Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes&#8217; \u2013 status as a crucial waypoint for the big one.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-other-names\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The other names<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"ones-to-watch-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ones to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ab8660f0-f588-44cc-8aac-57f5d7995f2f\" 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\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-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\">Baudin, Bisiaux and Sergio Samitier before stage 2 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fc8187e5-3a4d-4dc0-96ef-4d76a7f42c3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Alex Baudin (1st) \u2013 <\/strong>We haven\u2019t discussed him much but the Frenchman snuck into the top 10 at Paris-Nice and Catalunya, and has sliding room here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jorgen Nordhagen (7th) \u2013<\/strong> The Norwegian climber had a strong Tour de Romandie and could surprise a few while working for Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (9th) \u2013 <\/strong>The young Frenchman is impressing and could become Seixas\u2019 closest ally in the absence of Riccitello.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Luke Plapp (11th) \u2013 <\/strong>The Australian will be hanging rather than attacking in the big mountain stages but 3rd at UAE Tour and 5th at Romandie show that he can make the top 10.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Luke Tuckwell (12th) \u2013<\/strong> Also impressive at Romandie (6th), the 21-year-old is still exploring his limits but could be a surprise top-10 package here after teammate Dani Martinez was dropped on the opening day.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Cian Uijtdebroeks (13th) \u2013 <\/strong>The Belgian still needs to prove himself at Movistar and the next few days will tell us whether he can deliver for his new team at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"off-the-pace-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Off the pace<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-b39480de-02cf-448a-ac76-316398bbb35e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Dani Martinez (26th) \u2013<\/strong> Second place at Paris-Nice reignited the Colombian after a poor 2025 but he was off the pace at Romandie and off the pace on the opening day here. He could still push up the GC if that first day was just a shock to the system, but it doesn\u2019t bode well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Tobias Haaland Johanessen (35th) \u2013 <\/strong>Top 10 last year but dropped on the opening day here and well out of the GC running now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jo\u00e3o Almeida (141st) \u2013 <\/strong>The Portuguese star has emphatically answered the question about whether he be flipped into UAE\u2019s Tour de France team after skipping the Giro. He\u2019s 48 minutes down and barely making up the numbers.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af3a1b71-63d9-4dd4-85b5-79e9da859d50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj 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\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.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\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-320-80.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\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-320-80.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\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Visma-Lease a Bike power to team time trial victory on stage 3, but EF&#8217;s Baudin keeps yellow jersey after GC shake-up<\/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\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: A new GC but the race leader hangs on after Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 3 TTT<\/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\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Sprinters finally have their day on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 5<\/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\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Breakaway succeeds on opening day at Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1<\/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 Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-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\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt continues off-road dominance at Ranxo Gravel one week after Unbound 200 plunder, Life Time Grand Prix expands U23 rosters, and more &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\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\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-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\">Zwift and Canyon launch junior team that aims to accelerate North American riders to men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tour de France success<\/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\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-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\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Wout van Aert answers doubts with commanding stage 5 victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\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\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-320-80.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\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/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\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Sprinters finally have their day on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 5<\/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\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-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\">Los Angeles Olympic Games road events to finish on climb to iconic Griffith Observatory<\/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 Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-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\">Gravel Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Specialized promises its new Crux gravel bike is aero and lightweight, so we checked for ourselves in the wind tunnel \u2013 Can you have your cake and eat it?<\/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\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-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\">Teamwork key to the maglia rosa, GC breakthroughs, and sprint domination \u2013 Five conclusions from the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More unreleased bikes than ever before in tech rehearsal for the Tour de France \u2013 Mega Dauphin\u00e9 tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-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\">Demi Vollering gets her stage win but she has a problem \u2013 Analysing the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women GC picture after shock time trial and thrilling mountain stage<\/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\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-320-80.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\">Reviewing every team in the Giro d&#8217;Italia 2026 \u2013 Who flew and who flopped?<\/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\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L.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\">Zwift and Canyon launch junior team that aims to accelerate North American riders to men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tour de France success<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Wout van Aert answers doubts with commanding stage 5 victory<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/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\">&#8216;The situation is becoming a bit untenable&#8217; \u2013 Jan-Willem van Schip&#8217;s team manager says fines for repeated disqualifications are &#8216;unsustainable&#8217;<\/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 still need to improve a lot&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert still realistic about shape for upcoming Tour de France despite showing signs of improvement<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-11T19:22:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Final three mountain stages will determine the overall winner and perhaps Tour de France fates for some<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-320-80.jpg.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\">Who will inherit the yellow jersey from Alex Baudin on the mountain stage<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Netcompany-Ineos&#8217; options and issues<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Seixas and Del Toro<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The inbetweeners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The final three stages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The other names<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">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-30207ee4-cd81-404d-aee8-6255369f3ab0\">Team time trials are not everyone\u2019s cup of tea, but the triple T on stage 3 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes has left this race, formerly known as the Dauphin\u00e9, poised rather nicely indeed as we head into the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>After three breakaways, one sprint, and one TTT, the eight-stage race takes a big shift in focus, with three successive summit finishes to light up the battle for the yellow jersey and, atop the Plateau de Solaison on Sunday, decide it.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-30207ee4-cd81-404d-aee8-6255369f3ab0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What sets the scene so well is that the favourites for that yellow jersey have ground to make up and work to do. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), the 19-year-old prodigy who is in the spotlight ahead of his Tour de France debut, finds himself a minute down on the overall lead, or 48 seconds down if we take the Netcompany-Ineos duo of K\u00e9vin Vauquelin and Oscar Onley as the virtual leaders, given Alex Baudin is likely to drop away in the mountains.<\/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\">Seixas was the pre-race favourite in the eyes of many, but not far behind was the fellow young sensation Isac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who has even more ground to make up, sitting a further 16 seconds down on Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means the two pre-race favourites and the two most exciting climbers in the race need to get on the front foot and grab that time back off several very strong competitors. They need little invitation in normal circumstances, in all fairness, but you can put aggression and fireworks on the weekend menu.<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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 Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-150-80.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\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-150-80.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\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Visma-Lease a Bike power to team time trial victory on stage 3, but EF&#8217;s Baudin keeps yellow jersey after GC shake-up<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"the-top-15-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The top 15<\/h2>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj-TcPYjbpV3a1ZQ4tKaOqLERUlpaviTDfO\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj-TcPYjbpV3a1ZQ4tKaOqLERUlpaviTDfO slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time \/ Gap<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alex Baudin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>18:07:12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>K\u00e9vin Vauquelin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Oscar Onley<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matteo Jorgenson<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Carlos Rodriguez<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 57<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>L\u00e9o Bisiaux<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Decathlon CMA CGM Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 59<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Paul Seixas<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Decathlon CMA CGM Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Luke Plapp<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Luke Tuckwell<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:03<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>13<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Cian Uijtdebroeks<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Movistar Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:07<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Isaac del Toro<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:16<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Kevin Vermaerke<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:20<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-netcompany-ineos-options-and-issues\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Netcompany-Ineos&#8217; options and issues<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1cf21c76-2433-4fec-97bd-ea1e7f6389ca\" 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\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e13d7acd-a5c3-4a78-bd32-60feb91579b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite Baudin&#8217;s presence in yellow, Netcompany-Ineos realistically sit at the top of the GC standings among overall contenders, in second and third following the team time trial. But that TTT did not go swimmingly at all, and in turn has sparked talk of tension in the camp and question marks over leadership.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Onley dropped his chain in the TTT, and the call came from the team car to wait, which seemed to frustrate Vauquelin, who later even publicly questioned the wisdom of that call. Had the team not waited, he&#8217;d almost certainly be in yellow already with an even bigger margin over his rivals. However, Onley would have been cut adrift and would be behind most of those rivals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj 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\">The decision from the team car makes perfect sense, even if Vauquelin and certain sections of the French media weren&#8217;t impressed. Onley is more of a pure climber than the punchier Vauquelin, so in theory, he stands a better chance in the mountains. What&#8217;s more, keeping the number game more alive is also a sensible tactic when you have stronger individuals lining up against you.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The real issue is communication and optics. We in the media will never complain about rider honesty, but from the team&#8217;s point of view, it&#8217;s never a great look for a rider to question decisions publicly. Likewise, was it really necessary for Director of Racing Geraint Thomas to say &#8220;K\u00e9vin is not in top shape yet&#8221; in a post-TTT press release?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas rightly pointed out that tensions can be ironed out and difficult conversations are often the most productive. But this risks becoming a theme. At Paris-Nice, it was striking how Vauquelin was left to fend for himself in the crosswind stage, before storming back and overtaking Onley, who abandoned the next day.<\/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\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-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\">As it happened: A new GC but the race leader hangs on after Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 3 TTT<\/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\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-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\">As it happened: Sprinters finally have their day on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 5<\/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\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-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\">As it happened: Breakaway succeeds on opening day at Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In light of all that, it will be fascinating to see how Vauquelin and Onley combine over the next three days. It&#8217;s also interesting that Thomas was talking about having &#8220;two GC cards&#8221;, and not three, despite Carlos Rodr\u00edguez also being in the top 10. The Spaniard, fourth overall at the 2023 Tour de France, was meant to be a key part of a leadership trio, but those comments are a sign of how far he has slipped in the past 18 months, raising doubts over his prospects and role at the Tour.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-seixas-and-del-toro\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Seixas and Del Toro<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4fef2563-edbf-4a72-a9d1-82895861260f\" 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\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a4e3b8e0-3943-4ff5-bba9-11a16a9c7021\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back to Seixas and Del Toro, who, despite their time losses, would still appear to be the two favourites. They both have a considerable amount of time to recoup, but have both shown that when they&#8217;re at their best they operate on a level above the rest of the riders in this race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s true especially of Seixas, who has had an extraordinary breakthrough year that has made him a genuine challenger to Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France. In contrast to his meteoric momentum so far this year, though, the Frenchman has not had the smoothest of Dauphin\u00e9s. He lost his best climbing domestique, Matthew Riccitello, to illness on the eve of the race, and he lost 12 seconds to the Ineos duo and others on the opening day. The time loss wasn&#8217;t make-or-break in itself, but there was confusion as his team went from controlling all day to suddenly backing off on the final climb and allowing that more tactical scenario to emerge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The TTT was complicated: Decathlon started one man down and then lost their best time triallist, Stefan Bissegger, to an off-day, early in the effort. Daan Hoole could be seen telling Seixas to cool off, and quotes from team directors point to the biggest challenge being keeping their leader level-headed. Seixas has the talent to run away with this race, but you also sense the potential for a costly mistake &#8211; at 19, that&#8217;s only normal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro, meanwhile, had an even more disappointing team time trial, though it didn&#8217;t matter so much, as the squad here is not a dress rehearsal for the Tour like Decathlon&#8217;s and others&#8217; are.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro will support Poga\u010dar next month, but has a chance to win a third WorldTour race this season after the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico. He had already been buried by Seixas at Itzulia Basque Country before he crashed out and had to recover from injury, so he comes into this contest on the back foot in more ways than one.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-inbetweeners\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The inbetweeners<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3845e2e7-604c-4873-a6d7-ce8164bed601\" 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\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3a6ef656-e372-49cf-9b4c-74e64c3ec324\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matteo Jorgenson sits fourth on GC, just 15 seconds down on Baudin and three seconds behind the Netcompany-Ineos duo, after Visma-Lease a Bike\u2019s victory in the TTT.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The US rider is making his first appearance since breaking his collarbone at Amstel Gold Race and missing the Ardennes Classics. His plans shifted, with an earlier visit to altitude at Sierra Nevada, so the Tour de Suisse was swapped for the Dauphin\u00e9, where he has made a strong start but not without question marks. Jorgenson himself has looked powerful and hungry \u2013 his bitterness at losing 12 seconds to a couple of rivals on the opening day was a good sign there \u2013 while his team have won the TTT and controlled well elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen whether Jorgenson has the climbing legs to get on the podium here, but in any case, after his injury layoff, he looks well on track for the Tour de France, where he\u2019ll play a key role once again for Jonas Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Just behind Jorgenson sits another duo, this time from Lidl-Trek, with Juan Ayuso and Mattias Skjelmose both 47 seconds down on the lead of the race. Again, there has been talk of tension here, even if Ayuso has dismissed such talk as \u201cridiculous\u201d. There were various comments over leadership traded in the media between the pair ahead of Ayuso\u2019s arrival at the team over the winter, and they had only shared three race days on the road, so it does remain to be seen how they combine out there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Skjelmose has top 10s at Catalunya and the Itzulia Basque Country to his name this season, while Ayuso had a complicated Spring due to crashes. However, the Spaniard did have a bright start to life at Lidl-Trek, beating Paul Seixas to win the Volta ao Algarve, and when he\u2019s on song, he can reach places Skjelmose can\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Consistency in these final three days is so important for Ayuso, whose chances of being counted among those podium contenders for the Tour de France will become much clearer.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-road-ahead\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The road ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3f7f25a1-85e8-4f9f-afda-bccfbd1cdf34\" 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\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-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\">Profile for the stage 6 mountain finish at Crest-Voland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4f7cbe75-f337-47a5-8c0f-6f7e350ef86b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trio of mountain stages sees the difficulty ratchet up each day, revealing more and more as we go on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage is the most straightforward, essentially coming down to the back-to-back climbs leading to Crest-Voland. The first is 11.5km at 5.1% while the second, which comes after a short, sharp descent, is harder at 5.9km and 7.5%. Still, it&#8217;s the sort of stage where any separation is only likely to come very close to the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things intensify on Saturday as stage 7 goes saw-toothed for the opening 50km, then takes on twin ascents of the Grand Colombier, first up the hair-pinned side, then back around for the harder climb as the summit finish, measuring 8.4km at 10.2%. There&#8217;s also a category-2 climb in between, so this summit finish should really see things kick off.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that&#8217;s nothing compared to the final day, which is a faintly ridiculous stage measuring 120km and featuring four major mountain ascents. The route climbs the Col du Pr\u00e9 (6.9km at 10.1%) from kilometre zero, before taking on the Mont\u00e9e de Bisanne (11.4km at 7.7%), the Col des Aravis (7km at 6.8%), and finally the Plateau de Solaison (11.3km at 9.1%). It&#8217;s a brutal final climb after such an explosive and difficult stage, and it&#8217;ll also feature in the upcoming Tour de France, underlining the Dauphin\u00e9&#8217;s \u2013 sorry, Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes&#8217; \u2013 status as a crucial waypoint for the big one.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-other-names\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The other names<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"ones-to-watch-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ones to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ab8660f0-f588-44cc-8aac-57f5d7995f2f\" 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\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-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\">Baudin, Bisiaux and Sergio Samitier before stage 2 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fc8187e5-3a4d-4dc0-96ef-4d76a7f42c3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Alex Baudin (1st) \u2013 <\/strong>We haven\u2019t discussed him much but the Frenchman snuck into the top 10 at Paris-Nice and Catalunya, and has sliding room here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jorgen Nordhagen (7th) \u2013<\/strong> The Norwegian climber had a strong Tour de Romandie and could surprise a few while working for Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (9th) \u2013 <\/strong>The young Frenchman is impressing and could become Seixas\u2019 closest ally in the absence of Riccitello.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Luke Plapp (11th) \u2013 <\/strong>The Australian will be hanging rather than attacking in the big mountain stages but 3rd at UAE Tour and 5th at Romandie show that he can make the top 10.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Luke Tuckwell (12th) \u2013<\/strong> Also impressive at Romandie (6th), the 21-year-old is still exploring his limits but could be a surprise top-10 package here after teammate Dani Martinez was dropped on the opening day.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Cian Uijtdebroeks (13th) \u2013 <\/strong>The Belgian still needs to prove himself at Movistar and the next few days will tell us whether he can deliver for his new team at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"off-the-pace-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Off the pace<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-b39480de-02cf-448a-ac76-316398bbb35e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Dani Martinez (26th) \u2013<\/strong> Second place at Paris-Nice reignited the Colombian after a poor 2025 but he was off the pace at Romandie and off the pace on the opening day here. He could still push up the GC if that first day was just a shock to the system, but it doesn\u2019t bode well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Tobias Haaland Johanessen (35th) \u2013 <\/strong>Top 10 last year but dropped on the opening day here and well out of the GC running now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jo\u00e3o Almeida (141st) \u2013 <\/strong>The Portuguese star has emphatically answered the question about whether he be flipped into UAE\u2019s Tour de France team after skipping the Giro. He\u2019s 48 minutes down and barely making up the numbers.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af3a1b71-63d9-4dd4-85b5-79e9da859d50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj 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\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.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\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-320-80.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\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-320-80.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\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Visma-Lease a Bike power to team time trial victory on stage 3, but EF&#8217;s Baudin keeps yellow jersey after GC shake-up<\/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\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: A new GC but the race leader hangs on after Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 3 TTT<\/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\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Sprinters finally have their day on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 5<\/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\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Breakaway succeeds on opening day at Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1<\/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 Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-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\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt continues off-road dominance at Ranxo Gravel one week after Unbound 200 plunder, Life Time Grand Prix expands U23 rosters, and more &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\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\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-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\">Zwift and Canyon launch junior team that aims to accelerate North American riders to men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tour de France success<\/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\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-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\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Wout van Aert answers doubts with commanding stage 5 victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\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\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-320-80.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\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/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\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Sprinters finally have their day on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 5<\/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\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/naq2RfHL8i9gd2KniDQQUM-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\">Los Angeles Olympic Games road events to finish on climb to iconic Griffith Observatory<\/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 Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-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\">Gravel Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Specialized promises its new Crux gravel bike is aero and lightweight, so we checked for ourselves in the wind tunnel \u2013 Can you have your cake and eat it?<\/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\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-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\">Teamwork key to the maglia rosa, GC breakthroughs, and sprint domination \u2013 Five conclusions from the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More unreleased bikes than ever before in tech rehearsal for the Tour de France \u2013 Mega Dauphin\u00e9 tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKpvqKxTHKs7fp68Y78hm-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\">Demi Vollering gets her stage win but she has a problem \u2013 Analysing the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women GC picture after shock time trial and thrilling mountain stage<\/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\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-320-80.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\">Reviewing every team in the Giro d&#8217;Italia 2026 \u2013 Who flew and who flopped?<\/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\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCyyATncvm7kMQ3kzWDv8L.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\">Zwift and Canyon launch junior team that aims to accelerate North American riders to men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tour de France success<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Wout van Aert answers doubts with commanding stage 5 victory<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/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\">&#8216;The situation is becoming a bit untenable&#8217; \u2013 Jan-Willem van Schip&#8217;s team manager says fines for repeated disqualifications are &#8216;unsustainable&#8217;<\/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 still need to improve a lot&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert still realistic about shape for upcoming Tour de France despite showing signs of improvement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-11T19:22:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Final three mountain stages will determine the overall winner and perhaps Tour de France fates for some<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">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-30207ee4-cd81-404d-aee8-6255369f3ab0\">Team time trials are not everyone\u2019s cup of tea, but the triple T on stage 3 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes has left this race, formerly known as the Dauphin\u00e9, poised rather nicely indeed as we head into the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>After three breakaways, one sprint, and one TTT, the eight-stage race takes a big shift in focus, with three successive summit finishes to light up the battle for the yellow jersey and, atop the Plateau de Solaison on Sunday, decide it.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-30207ee4-cd81-404d-aee8-6255369f3ab0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What sets the scene so well is that the favourites for that yellow jersey have ground to make up and work to do. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), the 19-year-old prodigy who is in the spotlight ahead of his Tour de France debut, finds himself a minute down on the overall lead, or 48 seconds down if we take the Netcompany-Ineos duo of K\u00e9vin Vauquelin and Oscar Onley as the virtual leaders, given Alex Baudin is likely to drop away in the mountains.<\/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\">Seixas was the pre-race favourite in the eyes of many, but not far behind was the fellow young sensation Isac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who has even more ground to make up, sitting a further 16 seconds down on Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means the two pre-race favourites and the two most exciting climbers in the race need to get on the front foot and grab that time back off several very strong competitors. They need little invitation in normal circumstances, in all fairness, but you can put aggression and fireworks on the weekend menu.<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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 Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-150-80.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\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aDvMrznJQKBjatporFCuP3-150-80.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\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Visma-Lease a Bike power to team time trial victory on stage 3, but EF&#8217;s Baudin keeps yellow jersey after GC shake-up<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"the-top-15-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The top 15<\/h2>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj-TcPYjbpV3a1ZQ4tKaOqLERUlpaviTDfO\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj-TcPYjbpV3a1ZQ4tKaOqLERUlpaviTDfO slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time \/ Gap<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alex Baudin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>18:07:12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>K\u00e9vin Vauquelin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Oscar Onley<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matteo Jorgenson<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Carlos Rodriguez<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 57<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>L\u00e9o Bisiaux<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Decathlon CMA CGM Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 59<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Paul Seixas<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Decathlon CMA CGM Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Luke Plapp<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Luke Tuckwell<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:03<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>13<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Cian Uijtdebroeks<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Movistar Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:07<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Isaac del Toro<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:16<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Kevin Vermaerke<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+ 01:20<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-netcompany-ineos-options-and-issues\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Netcompany-Ineos&#8217; options and issues<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1cf21c76-2433-4fec-97bd-ea1e7f6389ca\" 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\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e13d7acd-a5c3-4a78-bd32-60feb91579b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite Baudin&#8217;s presence in yellow, Netcompany-Ineos realistically sit at the top of the GC standings among overall contenders, in second and third following the team time trial. But that TTT did not go swimmingly at all, and in turn has sparked talk of tension in the camp and question marks over leadership.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Onley dropped his chain in the TTT, and the call came from the team car to wait, which seemed to frustrate Vauquelin, who later even publicly questioned the wisdom of that call. Had the team not waited, he&#8217;d almost certainly be in yellow already with an even bigger margin over his rivals. However, Onley would have been cut adrift and would be behind most of those rivals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj 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\">The decision from the team car makes perfect sense, even if Vauquelin and certain sections of the French media weren&#8217;t impressed. Onley is more of a pure climber than the punchier Vauquelin, so in theory, he stands a better chance in the mountains. What&#8217;s more, keeping the number game more alive is also a sensible tactic when you have stronger individuals lining up against you.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The real issue is communication and optics. We in the media will never complain about rider honesty, but from the team&#8217;s point of view, it&#8217;s never a great look for a rider to question decisions publicly. Likewise, was it really necessary for Director of Racing Geraint Thomas to say &#8220;K\u00e9vin is not in top shape yet&#8221; in a post-TTT press release?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas rightly pointed out that tensions can be ironed out and difficult conversations are often the most productive. But this risks becoming a theme. At Paris-Nice, it was striking how Vauquelin was left to fend for himself in the crosswind stage, before storming back and overtaking Onley, who abandoned the next day.<\/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\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyyK9z4m7yBWSNuMAzRqzZ-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\">As it happened: A new GC but the race leader hangs on after Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 3 TTT<\/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\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pdTdWTfB7fAxGygHb6jiR-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\">As it happened: Sprinters finally have their day on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 5<\/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\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j5qRdC7dz3oxgaYAtSKzmW-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\">As it happened: Breakaway succeeds on opening day at Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In light of all that, it will be fascinating to see how Vauquelin and Onley combine over the next three days. It&#8217;s also interesting that Thomas was talking about having &#8220;two GC cards&#8221;, and not three, despite Carlos Rodr\u00edguez also being in the top 10. The Spaniard, fourth overall at the 2023 Tour de France, was meant to be a key part of a leadership trio, but those comments are a sign of how far he has slipped in the past 18 months, raising doubts over his prospects and role at the Tour.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-seixas-and-del-toro\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Seixas and Del Toro<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4fef2563-edbf-4a72-a9d1-82895861260f\" 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\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a4e3b8e0-3943-4ff5-bba9-11a16a9c7021\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back to Seixas and Del Toro, who, despite their time losses, would still appear to be the two favourites. They both have a considerable amount of time to recoup, but have both shown that when they&#8217;re at their best they operate on a level above the rest of the riders in this race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s true especially of Seixas, who has had an extraordinary breakthrough year that has made him a genuine challenger to Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France. In contrast to his meteoric momentum so far this year, though, the Frenchman has not had the smoothest of Dauphin\u00e9s. He lost his best climbing domestique, Matthew Riccitello, to illness on the eve of the race, and he lost 12 seconds to the Ineos duo and others on the opening day. The time loss wasn&#8217;t make-or-break in itself, but there was confusion as his team went from controlling all day to suddenly backing off on the final climb and allowing that more tactical scenario to emerge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The TTT was complicated: Decathlon started one man down and then lost their best time triallist, Stefan Bissegger, to an off-day, early in the effort. Daan Hoole could be seen telling Seixas to cool off, and quotes from team directors point to the biggest challenge being keeping their leader level-headed. Seixas has the talent to run away with this race, but you also sense the potential for a costly mistake &#8211; at 19, that&#8217;s only normal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro, meanwhile, had an even more disappointing team time trial, though it didn&#8217;t matter so much, as the squad here is not a dress rehearsal for the Tour like Decathlon&#8217;s and others&#8217; are.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro will support Poga\u010dar next month, but has a chance to win a third WorldTour race this season after the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico. He had already been buried by Seixas at Itzulia Basque Country before he crashed out and had to recover from injury, so he comes into this contest on the back foot in more ways than one.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-inbetweeners\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The inbetweeners<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3845e2e7-604c-4873-a6d7-ce8164bed601\" 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\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3a6ef656-e372-49cf-9b4c-74e64c3ec324\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matteo Jorgenson sits fourth on GC, just 15 seconds down on Baudin and three seconds behind the Netcompany-Ineos duo, after Visma-Lease a Bike\u2019s victory in the TTT.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The US rider is making his first appearance since breaking his collarbone at Amstel Gold Race and missing the Ardennes Classics. His plans shifted, with an earlier visit to altitude at Sierra Nevada, so the Tour de Suisse was swapped for the Dauphin\u00e9, where he has made a strong start but not without question marks. Jorgenson himself has looked powerful and hungry \u2013 his bitterness at losing 12 seconds to a couple of rivals on the opening day was a good sign there \u2013 while his team have won the TTT and controlled well elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen whether Jorgenson has the climbing legs to get on the podium here, but in any case, after his injury layoff, he looks well on track for the Tour de France, where he\u2019ll play a key role once again for Jonas Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Just behind Jorgenson sits another duo, this time from Lidl-Trek, with Juan Ayuso and Mattias Skjelmose both 47 seconds down on the lead of the race. Again, there has been talk of tension here, even if Ayuso has dismissed such talk as \u201cridiculous\u201d. There were various comments over leadership traded in the media between the pair ahead of Ayuso\u2019s arrival at the team over the winter, and they had only shared three race days on the road, so it does remain to be seen how they combine out there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Skjelmose has top 10s at Catalunya and the Itzulia Basque Country to his name this season, while Ayuso had a complicated Spring due to crashes. However, the Spaniard did have a bright start to life at Lidl-Trek, beating Paul Seixas to win the Volta ao Algarve, and when he\u2019s on song, he can reach places Skjelmose can\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Consistency in these final three days is so important for Ayuso, whose chances of being counted among those podium contenders for the Tour de France will become much clearer.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-road-ahead\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The road ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3f7f25a1-85e8-4f9f-afda-bccfbd1cdf34\" 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\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-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\">Profile for the stage 6 mountain finish at Crest-Voland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4f7cbe75-f337-47a5-8c0f-6f7e350ef86b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trio of mountain stages sees the difficulty ratchet up each day, revealing more and more as we go on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage is the most straightforward, essentially coming down to the back-to-back climbs leading to Crest-Voland. The first is 11.5km at 5.1% while the second, which comes after a short, sharp descent, is harder at 5.9km and 7.5%. Still, it&#8217;s the sort of stage where any separation is only likely to come very close to the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things intensify on Saturday as stage 7 goes saw-toothed for the opening 50km, then takes on twin ascents of the Grand Colombier, first up the hair-pinned side, then back around for the harder climb as the summit finish, measuring 8.4km at 10.2%. There&#8217;s also a category-2 climb in between, so this summit finish should really see things kick off.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that&#8217;s nothing compared to the final day, which is a faintly ridiculous stage measuring 120km and featuring four major mountain ascents. The route climbs the Col du Pr\u00e9 (6.9km at 10.1%) from kilometre zero, before taking on the Mont\u00e9e de Bisanne (11.4km at 7.7%), the Col des Aravis (7km at 6.8%), and finally the Plateau de Solaison (11.3km at 9.1%). It&#8217;s a brutal final climb after such an explosive and difficult stage, and it&#8217;ll also feature in the upcoming Tour de France, underlining the Dauphin\u00e9&#8217;s \u2013 sorry, Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes&#8217; \u2013 status as a crucial waypoint for the big one.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-other-names\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The other names<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"ones-to-watch-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ones to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ab8660f0-f588-44cc-8aac-57f5d7995f2f\" 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\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-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\">Baudin, Bisiaux and Sergio Samitier before stage 2 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fc8187e5-3a4d-4dc0-96ef-4d76a7f42c3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Alex Baudin (1st) \u2013 <\/strong>We haven\u2019t discussed him much but the Frenchman snuck into the top 10 at Paris-Nice and Catalunya, and has sliding room here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jorgen Nordhagen (7th) \u2013<\/strong> The Norwegian climber had a strong Tour de Romandie and could surprise a few while working for Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (9th) \u2013 <\/strong>The young Frenchman is impressing and could become Seixas\u2019 closest ally in the absence of Riccitello.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Luke Plapp (11th) \u2013 <\/strong>The Australian will be hanging rather than attacking in the big mountain stages but 3rd at UAE Tour and 5th at Romandie show that he can make the top 10.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Luke Tuckwell (12th) \u2013<\/strong> Also impressive at Romandie (6th), the 21-year-old is still exploring his limits but could be a surprise top-10 package here after teammate Dani Martinez was dropped on the opening day.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Cian Uijtdebroeks (13th) \u2013 <\/strong>The Belgian still needs to prove himself at Movistar and the next few days will tell us whether he can deliver for his new team at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"off-the-pace-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Off the pace<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-b39480de-02cf-448a-ac76-316398bbb35e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Dani Martinez (26th) \u2013<\/strong> Second place at Paris-Nice reignited the Colombian after a poor 2025 but he was off the pace at Romandie and off the pace on the opening day here. He could still push up the GC if that first day was just a shock to the system, but it doesn\u2019t bode well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Tobias Haaland Johanessen (35th) \u2013 <\/strong>Top 10 last year but dropped on the opening day here and well out of the GC running now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jo\u00e3o Almeida (141st) \u2013 <\/strong>The Portuguese star has emphatically answered the question about whether he be flipped into UAE\u2019s Tour de France team after skipping the Giro. He\u2019s 48 minutes down and barely making up the numbers.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af3a1b71-63d9-4dd4-85b5-79e9da859d50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/ineos-with-leadership-issues-seixas-and-del-toro-with-ground-to-make-up-gc-analysis-ahead-of-mountain-triple-header-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Breakaway succeeds for second day in a row at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes &#8211; Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 stage 2 2 As it happened: Breakaway succeeds on opening day at Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 1 3 Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 &#8211; Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026 Pro Cycling Racing Ineos with [&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-1985246","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\/1985246","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=1985246"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1985246\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1985246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1985246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1985246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}