{"id":1986368,"date":"2026-06-11T11:59:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T08:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1986368"},"modified":"2026-06-11T11:59:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T08:59:55","slug":"i-still-need-to-improve-a-lot-wout-van-aert-still-realistic-about-shape-for-upcoming-tour-de-france-despite-showing-signs-of-improvement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1986368","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-2560-80.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\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-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                                    &#8216;It is a bit disappointing, we are honest about that&#8217; \u2013 Worrying signs for the Tour de France as struggles continue for Wout van Aert\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\/sfacxd3DjDsvVXatQevAd6-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sfacxd3DjDsvVXatQevAd6-80-80.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                                    As it happened: Sprint teams fail to bring back breakaway after thrilling chase on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 4\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I 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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-11T11:59:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian was best from the bunch on stage 4 of Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as peloton failed to bring back breakaway<\/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\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-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\">Wout van Aert sprinted to 11th place behind the break on stage 4 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">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-f9590bed-eb4b-4a72-b860-09229d004be2\">Just as doubts started to creep in about Wout van Aert&#8217;s form for the upcoming Tour de France, he steadied the ship by winning the sprint from the bunch on stage 4 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. The only problem, though, was that 10 riders from the day&#8217;s breakaway had finished four seconds before him and taken the stage victory.<\/p>\n<p>But after early struggles on stages 1 and 3, where he failed to contribute much to Visma&#8217;s team time trial win, Van Aert could take confidence from his 11th place, enjoying the full commitment from his teammates in the chase, albeit coming up short.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9590bed-eb4b-4a72-b860-09229d004be2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I felt good in the final and did a good sprint. I think I won the sprint from the bunch, but a few guys stayed in front, so it&#8217;s always unfortunate, for us at least. But we raced for it, and I&#8217;m happy with that,&#8221; said Van Aert at the finish.<\/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\">He laughed at the question of whether Wout van Aert is back, saying, &#8220;I don&#8217;t know, but [I know] that the team is going really well, and we didn&#8217;t <em>need<\/em> to show that again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[Tuesday] was quite the example, me dropping out so early, then Ben [Tulett] having a flat, and still winning that team time trial, that&#8217;s pretty insane, so if you have these guys pulling for you, you want to do our very best. That&#8217;s what I did, but we came up just short.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It is a bit disappointing, we are honest about that&#8217; \u2013 Worrying signs for the Tour de France as struggles continue for Wout van Aert<\/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\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-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: Wout van Aert answers doubts with commanding stage 5 victory<\/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\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t feeling great&#8217; &#8211; pre-race training crash and lack of form sees tough return for Wout van Aert at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 12-rider break formed after a breathless 60km fight to get up the road, and only crested the final climb with a 1:30 advantage. But with downhill roads and windy, long straights leading the race to the finish, the 10 who remained were just able to hold off the charge from Visma and several sprint teams behind.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was always Visma&#8217;s plan to chase for the Belgian, with him telling <em>Sporza<\/em> that &#8220;With a heavy heart, I asked to have faith in me. I got the feeling that they were all on board. Things go a little better when you gain the trust of those men.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN 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\">With his morale up despite the result, the signs are now pointing in the right direction for the Tour, which starts on July 4. But the work is far from done, Van Aert noting how stage 4 was the easiest route they had faced so far at the renamed Dauphin\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From the sprint, I take away some confidence, of course. It was a good sprint from me, and unfortunately, it was not for the win,&#8221; he told <em>CyclingPro<\/em> on the morning of stage 5.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think the first two days were not easy for me, and also yesterday, I mean, it was nice to be there, but it was also the easiest stage so far. So I still need to improve a lot for the coming months, and I&#8217;m here to work for that every 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\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of 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-2-2\" 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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-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\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s pretty important that I always step up pretty much after a hard week like this, and I&#8217;m hoping for the same outcome on this occasion&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert has his best and only remaining chance to end this race with a victory on Thursday&#8217;s stage to Parc des Oiseaux Villars-les-Dombes, over the flattest route of the weekend, and after the morale boost of yesterday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Honestly, with the longer flat stretch in the end, I think it&#8217;s a bigger chance that it&#8217;s controllable, &#8221; he said. &#8220;But still racing with the same peloton, and in a tough race like this one, there&#8217;s always a bit of a lag for sprinting teams, so it will be again difficult to get the right group on the road.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He only has one victory so far this season, though that was at Paris-Roubaix. Even so, a stage win would be a huge confidence boost for him and the team that one of their superstars is firing on all cylinders ahead of his eighth Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85655f30-8651-4bfe-92b0-035af2acdd02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes and Tour de Suisse coverage. Don&#8217;t miss any of the breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight as the riders make their final preparations for Le Tour. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It is a bit disappointing, we are honest about that&#8217; \u2013 Worrying signs for the Tour de France as struggles continue for Wout van Aert<\/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\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t feeling great&#8217; &#8211; pre-race training crash and lack of form sees tough return for Wout van Aert 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\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-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\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of 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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-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\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;At least the struggle now makes sense&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility rider reveals he raced half the Giro d&#8217;Italia with a broken rib and three lower back fractures<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between sprinters Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/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\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The 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;<\/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\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-320-80.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\">Chris Froome returns to action in pedal boat charity race across the Mediterranean Sea<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;At least the struggle now makes sense&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility rider reveals he raced half the Giro d&#8217;Italia with a broken rib and three lower back fractures<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between sprinters Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-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\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of 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\/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\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL.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\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between sprinters Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier for Tour de France<\/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 stage 6 LIVE \u2013 Will Paul Seixas live up to expectations on first of three big mountain days?<\/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\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\">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<\/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\">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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I 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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-11T11:59:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian was best from the bunch on stage 4 of Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as peloton failed to bring back breakaway<\/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\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-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\">Wout van Aert sprinted to 11th place behind the break on stage 4 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">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-f9590bed-eb4b-4a72-b860-09229d004be2\">Just as doubts started to creep in about Wout van Aert&#8217;s form for the upcoming Tour de France, he steadied the ship by winning the sprint from the bunch on stage 4 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. The only problem, though, was that 10 riders from the day&#8217;s breakaway had finished four seconds before him and taken the stage victory.<\/p>\n<p>But after early struggles on stages 1 and 3, where he failed to contribute much to Visma&#8217;s team time trial win, Van Aert could take confidence from his 11th place, enjoying the full commitment from his teammates in the chase, albeit coming up short.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9590bed-eb4b-4a72-b860-09229d004be2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I felt good in the final and did a good sprint. I think I won the sprint from the bunch, but a few guys stayed in front, so it&#8217;s always unfortunate, for us at least. But we raced for it, and I&#8217;m happy with that,&#8221; said Van Aert at the finish.<\/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\">He laughed at the question of whether Wout van Aert is back, saying, &#8220;I don&#8217;t know, but [I know] that the team is going really well, and we didn&#8217;t <em>need<\/em> to show that again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[Tuesday] was quite the example, me dropping out so early, then Ben [Tulett] having a flat, and still winning that team time trial, that&#8217;s pretty insane, so if you have these guys pulling for you, you want to do our very best. That&#8217;s what I did, but we came up just short.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It is a bit disappointing, we are honest about that&#8217; \u2013 Worrying signs for the Tour de France as struggles continue for Wout van Aert<\/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\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-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: Wout van Aert answers doubts with commanding stage 5 victory<\/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\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t feeling great&#8217; &#8211; pre-race training crash and lack of form sees tough return for Wout van Aert at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 12-rider break formed after a breathless 60km fight to get up the road, and only crested the final climb with a 1:30 advantage. But with downhill roads and windy, long straights leading the race to the finish, the 10 who remained were just able to hold off the charge from Visma and several sprint teams behind.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was always Visma&#8217;s plan to chase for the Belgian, with him telling <em>Sporza<\/em> that &#8220;With a heavy heart, I asked to have faith in me. I got the feeling that they were all on board. Things go a little better when you gain the trust of those men.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN 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\">With his morale up despite the result, the signs are now pointing in the right direction for the Tour, which starts on July 4. But the work is far from done, Van Aert noting how stage 4 was the easiest route they had faced so far at the renamed Dauphin\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From the sprint, I take away some confidence, of course. It was a good sprint from me, and unfortunately, it was not for the win,&#8221; he told <em>CyclingPro<\/em> on the morning of stage 5.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think the first two days were not easy for me, and also yesterday, I mean, it was nice to be there, but it was also the easiest stage so far. So I still need to improve a lot for the coming months, and I&#8217;m here to work for that every 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\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of 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-2-2\" 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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-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\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s pretty important that I always step up pretty much after a hard week like this, and I&#8217;m hoping for the same outcome on this occasion&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert has his best and only remaining chance to end this race with a victory on Thursday&#8217;s stage to Parc des Oiseaux Villars-les-Dombes, over the flattest route of the weekend, and after the morale boost of yesterday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Honestly, with the longer flat stretch in the end, I think it&#8217;s a bigger chance that it&#8217;s controllable, &#8221; he said. &#8220;But still racing with the same peloton, and in a tough race like this one, there&#8217;s always a bit of a lag for sprinting teams, so it will be again difficult to get the right group on the road.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He only has one victory so far this season, though that was at Paris-Roubaix. Even so, a stage win would be a huge confidence boost for him and the team that one of their superstars is firing on all cylinders ahead of his eighth Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85655f30-8651-4bfe-92b0-035af2acdd02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes and Tour de Suisse coverage. Don&#8217;t miss any of the breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight as the riders make their final preparations for Le Tour. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It is a bit disappointing, we are honest about that&#8217; \u2013 Worrying signs for the Tour de France as struggles continue for Wout van Aert<\/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\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t feeling great&#8217; &#8211; pre-race training crash and lack of form sees tough return for Wout van Aert 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\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-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\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of 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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-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\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;At least the struggle now makes sense&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility rider reveals he raced half the Giro d&#8217;Italia with a broken rib and three lower back fractures<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between sprinters Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/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\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6ggy29CWaGPhrnARtfmCj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The 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;<\/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\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-320-80.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\">Chris Froome returns to action in pedal boat charity race across the Mediterranean Sea<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mt3AtJFa6VeX8otHqnyqJY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;At least the struggle now makes sense&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility rider reveals he raced half the Giro d&#8217;Italia with a broken rib and three lower back fractures<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between sprinters Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-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\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of 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\/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\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TxsUQi3ZMhzQVCWFmsQx5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;These questions are ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso rejects any suggestion of leadership &#8216;dilemma&#8217; at Lidl-Trek with Mattias Skjelmose<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL.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\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between sprinters Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier for Tour de France<\/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 stage 6 LIVE \u2013 Will Paul Seixas live up to expectations on first of three big mountain days?<\/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\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\">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<\/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\">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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I 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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-11T11:59:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian was best from the bunch on stage 4 of Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as peloton failed to bring back breakaway<\/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-f9590bed-eb4b-4a72-b860-09229d004be2\">Just as doubts started to creep in about Wout van Aert&#8217;s form for the upcoming Tour de France, he steadied the ship by winning the sprint from the bunch on stage 4 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. The only problem, though, was that 10 riders from the day&#8217;s breakaway had finished four seconds before him and taken the stage victory.<\/p>\n<p>But after early struggles on stages 1 and 3, where he failed to contribute much to Visma&#8217;s team time trial win, Van Aert could take confidence from his 11th place, enjoying the full commitment from his teammates in the chase, albeit coming up short.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9590bed-eb4b-4a72-b860-09229d004be2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I felt good in the final and did a good sprint. I think I won the sprint from the bunch, but a few guys stayed in front, so it&#8217;s always unfortunate, for us at least. But we raced for it, and I&#8217;m happy with that,&#8221; said Van Aert at the finish.<\/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\">He laughed at the question of whether Wout van Aert is back, saying, &#8220;I don&#8217;t know, but [I know] that the team is going really well, and we didn&#8217;t <em>need<\/em> to show that again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[Tuesday] was quite the example, me dropping out so early, then Ben [Tulett] having a flat, and still winning that team time trial, that&#8217;s pretty insane, so if you have these guys pulling for you, you want to do our very best. That&#8217;s what I did, but we came up just short.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFWbGsXbpVGLxBxHrVJWDS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It is a bit disappointing, we are honest about that&#8217; \u2013 Worrying signs for the Tour de France as struggles continue for Wout van Aert<\/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\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2dv6FPdHzqXJ4mykG7Aj7Q-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: Wout van Aert answers doubts with commanding stage 5 victory<\/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\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBTnRx7TcuvWLWkviFBYpe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t feeling great&#8217; &#8211; pre-race training crash and lack of form sees tough return for Wout van Aert at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 12-rider break formed after a breathless 60km fight to get up the road, and only crested the final climb with a 1:30 advantage. But with downhill roads and windy, long straights leading the race to the finish, the 10 who remained were just able to hold off the charge from Visma and several sprint teams behind.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was always Visma&#8217;s plan to chase for the Belgian, with him telling <em>Sporza<\/em> that &#8220;With a heavy heart, I asked to have faith in me. I got the feeling that they were all on board. Things go a little better when you gain the trust of those men.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hqCPbUg2hAPip8P6yaCVcN 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\">With his morale up despite the result, the signs are now pointing in the right direction for the Tour, which starts on July 4. But the work is far from done, Van Aert noting how stage 4 was the easiest route they had faced so far at the renamed Dauphin\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From the sprint, I take away some confidence, of course. It was a good sprint from me, and unfortunately, it was not for the win,&#8221; he told <em>CyclingPro<\/em> on the morning of stage 5.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think the first two days were not easy for me, and also yesterday, I mean, it was nice to be there, but it was also the easiest stage so far. So I still need to improve a lot for the coming months, and I&#8217;m here to work for that every 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\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcNM3uo8G2csMe35TYMsbC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert pulls out of Tour of 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-2-2\" 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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-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\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s pretty important that I always step up pretty much after a hard week like this, and I&#8217;m hoping for the same outcome on this occasion&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert has his best and only remaining chance to end this race with a victory on Thursday&#8217;s stage to Parc des Oiseaux Villars-les-Dombes, over the flattest route of the weekend, and after the morale boost of yesterday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Honestly, with the longer flat stretch in the end, I think it&#8217;s a bigger chance that it&#8217;s controllable, &#8221; he said. &#8220;But still racing with the same peloton, and in a tough race like this one, there&#8217;s always a bit of a lag for sprinting teams, so it will be again difficult to get the right group on the road.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He only has one victory so far this season, though that was at Paris-Roubaix. Even so, a stage win would be a huge confidence boost for him and the team that one of their superstars is firing on all cylinders ahead of his eighth Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85655f30-8651-4bfe-92b0-035af2acdd02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes and Tour de Suisse coverage. Don&#8217;t miss any of the breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight as the riders make their final preparations for Le Tour. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-still-need-to-improve-a-lot-wout-van-aert-realistic-about-pre-tour-de-france-shape-despite-positive-signs-in-near-miss-sprint-loss\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-2560-80.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 &#8216;It is a bit disappointing, we are honest about that&#8217; \u2013 Worrying signs for the Tour de France as struggles continue for Wout van Aert 3 As it happened: Sprint [&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-1986368","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\/1986368","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=1986368"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1986368\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1986368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1986368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1986368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}