{"id":1986396,"date":"2026-06-12T10:41:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T07:41:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1986396"},"modified":"2026-06-12T10:41:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T07:41:12","slug":"a-luxury-problem-to-solve-later-soudal-quickstep-not-yet-picking-between-sprinters-paul-magnier-and-tim-merlier-for-tour-de-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1986396","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;\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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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                                    No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes\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\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Five against seven is complicated&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas  determined to fight on after setback in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes team time trial\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>\nSoudal-QuickStep\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-12T10:41:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;The goal is to get Paul to the Tour at the right moment, but Tim remains super important to us as well&#8217; says Jurgen For\u00e9<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-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\">In Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier, Soudal-QuickStep boast two of the top sprinters in the world<\/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-7ec2cd1f-a7c0-45ad-a560-1712861fc394\">Soudal-QuickStep were one of the big winners of the Giro d&#8217;Italia as the Belgian team walked away with a trio of stage wins and the maglia ciclamino with young sprinter Paul Magnier.<\/p>\n<p>The 22-year-old raced what turned out to be his first full Grand Tour in May, having ridden two weeks of his debut a year earlier. He took out stage wins in Burgas, Sofia, and Pieve di Soligo to beat Jonathan Milan to the points classification win, as he scored the biggest wins of his career to date.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7ec2cd1f-a7c0-45ad-a560-1712861fc394-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Soudal-QuickStep CEO Jurgen For\u00e9 has said that the team never doubted Magnier after illness earlier in the spring put paid to his Classics goals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That was the first time we really tackled a Grand Tour in that setup, with a lead-out for him. We never doubted him, but we had to keep him calm,&#8221; he told <em>WielerFlits<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everyone knows he has the qualities. But by now, you can also see from his positioning that he really comes at the right moments, senses when he ideally needs to attack, and then just sprints to the finish line. I loved watching him and the team in action.<\/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\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-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\">From climber to &#8216;part of the big sprinters in the world&#8217; \u2013 Paul Magnier&#8217;s rapid rise continues with Giro d&#8217;Italia double, but fast finishes weren&#8217;t always his aim<\/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\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-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;We also had our plan and we did exactly the opposite&#8217; &#8211; How Soudal-Quickstep avoided disaster to deliver Paul Magnier to Giro d&#8217;Italia 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\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-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;Maybe I won&#8217;t win 19 this year&#8217; \u2013 Pink jersey Paul Magnier turns from quantity to quality with maiden Grand Tour success at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Winning against the best sprinters in the world \u2013 except for his teammate Tim Merlier, of course \u2013 means a lot. The world elite was present at this Giro. Of the four pure mass sprints that took place, he won three.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That does a lot for a rider mentally; the realisation that you can win at the very highest level. He is the second-youngest winner of the [Giro] points jersey ever. That proves how much potential he has.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team had planned this year to take Magnier to the Giro and Merlier, at 33, 11 years the Frenchman&#8217;s elder, to the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier, of course, has much more experience, with seven Grand Tour stage wins on his palmar\u00e8s. He has struggled with a knee injury to start the year, but made his debut in March and has since racked up five wins, including Scheldeprijs and three stages of the Tour de Hongrie.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Tim has had a nasty injury that dragged on for a long time. The danger then is that under pressure, you want to push too hard and too fast to make a comeback,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/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\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-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&#8217;s a really big achievement in my small career&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier shows his sprinting prowess at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-150-80.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\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/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\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-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;The team did a masterclass&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier thanks Soudal teammates after inspiring him to third Giro d&#8217;Italia sprint victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have to congratulate our medical and performance staff on how they handled that. We allowed Tim to improve through targeted race stimuli, training blocks, and an altitude training camp. Nothing was rushed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It certainly helped that we had someone like Paul who was successful in the Giro, allowing Tim to build up in a steady manner. Tim has already won a lot this year in the races he started. But we are now working towards the Tour with a lot of confidence, and I am confident that he will be at his very best level there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e8314111-2f4c-4f0d-b176-426c3815c50d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Maglia ciclamino winner Paul Magnier celebrates one of his three stage victories at the Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b05c89b1-865a-44b6-be7b-a049725fee3a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Considering Magnier&#8217;s rapid rise, they could face a future dilemma over which sprinter to throw their weight behind at the biggest race of the year. It&#8217;s a &#8220;luxury problem we will have to solve later,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the start of the season, we always look at the programs and goals to map out a clear trajectory for everyone. This year we chose to take Paul to the Giro and Tim to the Tour. We&#8217;ll see what next year brings then. In terms of pressure and hectic pace, the Tour is on a completely different level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the end of the cycling season, we look at the routes of the Grand Tours for next year and determine how the puzzle fits together.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Ultimately, that is a luxury problem that we will have to solve later. The goal is to get Paul to the Tour at the right moment, but Tim remains super important to us as well. Tim is still hugely ambitious; he still dreams of winning stages in all three Grand Tours in his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To achieve that, he will still have to go to the Vuelta. Because the Vuelta course this year is less tailored to sprinters, the focus is different now. But next year, things can be done differently again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier and his lead-out train are set to be accompanied at the Tour de France by a host of climbers and stage hunters in the Soudal-QuickStep lineup. The team&#8217;s selection remains to be seen, but riders including GC leader Mikel Landa, 2025 stage winner Valentin Paret-Peintre, and Ilan Van Wilder, who is set to race the upcoming Tour de Suisse, look likely to make the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mikel Landa has had all the bad luck in the world since last year&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia. He had just become pain-free again, but then he was hit by a car during Itzulia Basque Country,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has had to recover, but is now training at altitude with the team again. Then there is Valentin Paret-Peintre, who showed in Catalunya that he has taken a significant step forward; he is now specifically preparing for the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Ilan Van Wilder is fortunately feeling well again after a persistent infection that, like many infections this season, lingered for a very long time. He has now recovered and is working purposefully towards the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also have irons in the fire heading into the Vuelta, aiming to compete for stage victories in the mountains. Junior Lecerf, Steff Cras, and perhaps also Filippo Zana \u2013 those are the kinds of riders that will get their chances there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Paul Magnier<\/p>\n<p>Tim Merlier<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/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\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-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\">From climber to &#8216;part of the big sprinters in the world&#8217; \u2013 Paul Magnier&#8217;s rapid rise continues with Giro d&#8217;Italia double, but fast finishes weren&#8217;t always his aim<\/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\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We also had our plan and we did exactly the opposite&#8217; &#8211; How Soudal-Quickstep avoided disaster to deliver Paul Magnier to Giro d&#8217;Italia 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\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-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;Maybe I won&#8217;t win 19 this year&#8217; \u2013 Pink jersey Paul Magnier turns from quantity to quality with maiden Grand Tour success at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-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&#8217;s a really big achievement in my small career&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier shows his sprinting prowess at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-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 team did a masterclass&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier thanks Soudal teammates after inspiring him to third Giro d&#8217;Italia sprint 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>\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\/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\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-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 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<\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-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;This sport can be cruel sometimes&#8217; \u2013 Tyre blowout cause of Sam Watson&#8217;s stage 4 Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes crash<\/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\/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 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\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-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 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<\/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\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7.png\" 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\">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\">2<\/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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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<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\">Zwift and Canyon launch junior team that aims to accelerate North American riders to men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tour de France success<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/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>\nSoudal-QuickStep\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-12T10:41:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;The goal is to get Paul to the Tour at the right moment, but Tim remains super important to us as well&#8217; says Jurgen For\u00e9<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-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\">In Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier, Soudal-QuickStep boast two of the top sprinters in the world<\/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-7ec2cd1f-a7c0-45ad-a560-1712861fc394\">Soudal-QuickStep were one of the big winners of the Giro d&#8217;Italia as the Belgian team walked away with a trio of stage wins and the maglia ciclamino with young sprinter Paul Magnier.<\/p>\n<p>The 22-year-old raced what turned out to be his first full Grand Tour in May, having ridden two weeks of his debut a year earlier. He took out stage wins in Burgas, Sofia, and Pieve di Soligo to beat Jonathan Milan to the points classification win, as he scored the biggest wins of his career to date.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7ec2cd1f-a7c0-45ad-a560-1712861fc394-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Soudal-QuickStep CEO Jurgen For\u00e9 has said that the team never doubted Magnier after illness earlier in the spring put paid to his Classics goals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That was the first time we really tackled a Grand Tour in that setup, with a lead-out for him. We never doubted him, but we had to keep him calm,&#8221; he told <em>WielerFlits<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everyone knows he has the qualities. But by now, you can also see from his positioning that he really comes at the right moments, senses when he ideally needs to attack, and then just sprints to the finish line. I loved watching him and the team in action.<\/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\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-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\">From climber to &#8216;part of the big sprinters in the world&#8217; \u2013 Paul Magnier&#8217;s rapid rise continues with Giro d&#8217;Italia double, but fast finishes weren&#8217;t always his aim<\/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\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-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;We also had our plan and we did exactly the opposite&#8217; &#8211; How Soudal-Quickstep avoided disaster to deliver Paul Magnier to Giro d&#8217;Italia 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\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-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;Maybe I won&#8217;t win 19 this year&#8217; \u2013 Pink jersey Paul Magnier turns from quantity to quality with maiden Grand Tour success at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Winning against the best sprinters in the world \u2013 except for his teammate Tim Merlier, of course \u2013 means a lot. The world elite was present at this Giro. Of the four pure mass sprints that took place, he won three.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That does a lot for a rider mentally; the realisation that you can win at the very highest level. He is the second-youngest winner of the [Giro] points jersey ever. That proves how much potential he has.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team had planned this year to take Magnier to the Giro and Merlier, at 33, 11 years the Frenchman&#8217;s elder, to the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier, of course, has much more experience, with seven Grand Tour stage wins on his palmar\u00e8s. He has struggled with a knee injury to start the year, but made his debut in March and has since racked up five wins, including Scheldeprijs and three stages of the Tour de Hongrie.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Tim has had a nasty injury that dragged on for a long time. The danger then is that under pressure, you want to push too hard and too fast to make a comeback,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/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\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-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&#8217;s a really big achievement in my small career&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier shows his sprinting prowess at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-150-80.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\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/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\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-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;The team did a masterclass&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier thanks Soudal teammates after inspiring him to third Giro d&#8217;Italia sprint victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have to congratulate our medical and performance staff on how they handled that. We allowed Tim to improve through targeted race stimuli, training blocks, and an altitude training camp. Nothing was rushed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It certainly helped that we had someone like Paul who was successful in the Giro, allowing Tim to build up in a steady manner. Tim has already won a lot this year in the races he started. But we are now working towards the Tour with a lot of confidence, and I am confident that he will be at his very best level there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e8314111-2f4c-4f0d-b176-426c3815c50d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Maglia ciclamino winner Paul Magnier celebrates one of his three stage victories at the Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b05c89b1-865a-44b6-be7b-a049725fee3a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Considering Magnier&#8217;s rapid rise, they could face a future dilemma over which sprinter to throw their weight behind at the biggest race of the year. It&#8217;s a &#8220;luxury problem we will have to solve later,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the start of the season, we always look at the programs and goals to map out a clear trajectory for everyone. This year we chose to take Paul to the Giro and Tim to the Tour. We&#8217;ll see what next year brings then. In terms of pressure and hectic pace, the Tour is on a completely different level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the end of the cycling season, we look at the routes of the Grand Tours for next year and determine how the puzzle fits together.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Ultimately, that is a luxury problem that we will have to solve later. The goal is to get Paul to the Tour at the right moment, but Tim remains super important to us as well. Tim is still hugely ambitious; he still dreams of winning stages in all three Grand Tours in his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To achieve that, he will still have to go to the Vuelta. Because the Vuelta course this year is less tailored to sprinters, the focus is different now. But next year, things can be done differently again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier and his lead-out train are set to be accompanied at the Tour de France by a host of climbers and stage hunters in the Soudal-QuickStep lineup. The team&#8217;s selection remains to be seen, but riders including GC leader Mikel Landa, 2025 stage winner Valentin Paret-Peintre, and Ilan Van Wilder, who is set to race the upcoming Tour de Suisse, look likely to make the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mikel Landa has had all the bad luck in the world since last year&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia. He had just become pain-free again, but then he was hit by a car during Itzulia Basque Country,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has had to recover, but is now training at altitude with the team again. Then there is Valentin Paret-Peintre, who showed in Catalunya that he has taken a significant step forward; he is now specifically preparing for the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Ilan Van Wilder is fortunately feeling well again after a persistent infection that, like many infections this season, lingered for a very long time. He has now recovered and is working purposefully towards the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also have irons in the fire heading into the Vuelta, aiming to compete for stage victories in the mountains. Junior Lecerf, Steff Cras, and perhaps also Filippo Zana \u2013 those are the kinds of riders that will get their chances there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Paul Magnier<\/p>\n<p>Tim Merlier<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/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\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-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\">From climber to &#8216;part of the big sprinters in the world&#8217; \u2013 Paul Magnier&#8217;s rapid rise continues with Giro d&#8217;Italia double, but fast finishes weren&#8217;t always his aim<\/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\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We also had our plan and we did exactly the opposite&#8217; &#8211; How Soudal-Quickstep avoided disaster to deliver Paul Magnier to Giro d&#8217;Italia 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\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-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;Maybe I won&#8217;t win 19 this year&#8217; \u2013 Pink jersey Paul Magnier turns from quantity to quality with maiden Grand Tour success at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-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&#8217;s a really big achievement in my small career&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier shows his sprinting prowess at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-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 team did a masterclass&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier thanks Soudal teammates after inspiring him to third Giro d&#8217;Italia sprint 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>\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\/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\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-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 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<\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tGQp7JcrNpodc3wNDaMiLQ-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;This sport can be cruel sometimes&#8217; \u2013 Tyre blowout cause of Sam Watson&#8217;s stage 4 Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes crash<\/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\/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 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\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9oQ2FkkGEv8oVVCizdLG5P-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 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<\/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\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GRaCzwjdKz7ty3hkZrnae7.png\" 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\">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\">2<\/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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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<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\">Zwift and Canyon launch junior team that aims to accelerate North American riders to men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tour de France success<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/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>\nSoudal-QuickStep\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-12T10:41:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;The goal is to get Paul to the Tour at the right moment, but Tim remains super important to us as well&#8217; says Jurgen For\u00e9<\/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-7ec2cd1f-a7c0-45ad-a560-1712861fc394\">Soudal-QuickStep were one of the big winners of the Giro d&#8217;Italia as the Belgian team walked away with a trio of stage wins and the maglia ciclamino with young sprinter Paul Magnier.<\/p>\n<p>The 22-year-old raced what turned out to be his first full Grand Tour in May, having ridden two weeks of his debut a year earlier. He took out stage wins in Burgas, Sofia, and Pieve di Soligo to beat Jonathan Milan to the points classification win, as he scored the biggest wins of his career to date.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7ec2cd1f-a7c0-45ad-a560-1712861fc394-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Soudal-QuickStep CEO Jurgen For\u00e9 has said that the team never doubted Magnier after illness earlier in the spring put paid to his Classics goals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That was the first time we really tackled a Grand Tour in that setup, with a lead-out for him. We never doubted him, but we had to keep him calm,&#8221; he told <em>WielerFlits<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everyone knows he has the qualities. But by now, you can also see from his positioning that he really comes at the right moments, senses when he ideally needs to attack, and then just sprints to the finish line. I loved watching him and the team in action.<\/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\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3krHLe8HWD6KgkyAHPtPdG-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\">From climber to &#8216;part of the big sprinters in the world&#8217; \u2013 Paul Magnier&#8217;s rapid rise continues with Giro d&#8217;Italia double, but fast finishes weren&#8217;t always his aim<\/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\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z2LghQ6JueBbrFoFEiMm3Z-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;We also had our plan and we did exactly the opposite&#8217; &#8211; How Soudal-Quickstep avoided disaster to deliver Paul Magnier to Giro d&#8217;Italia 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\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aX4YVdPMfdJVuu4Q7fNDvY-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;Maybe I won&#8217;t win 19 this year&#8217; \u2013 Pink jersey Paul Magnier turns from quantity to quality with maiden Grand Tour success at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Winning against the best sprinters in the world \u2013 except for his teammate Tim Merlier, of course \u2013 means a lot. The world elite was present at this Giro. Of the four pure mass sprints that took place, he won three.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That does a lot for a rider mentally; the realisation that you can win at the very highest level. He is the second-youngest winner of the [Giro] points jersey ever. That proves how much potential he has.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eZA67joRvBEG5ZSEVYWnBj slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team had planned this year to take Magnier to the Giro and Merlier, at 33, 11 years the Frenchman&#8217;s elder, to the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier, of course, has much more experience, with seven Grand Tour stage wins on his palmar\u00e8s. He has struggled with a knee injury to start the year, but made his debut in March and has since racked up five wins, including Scheldeprijs and three stages of the Tour de Hongrie.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Tim has had a nasty injury that dragged on for a long time. The danger then is that under pressure, you want to push too hard and too fast to make a comeback,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/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\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FVsjDkectMFXiCSTQFdUFd-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&#8217;s a really big achievement in my small career&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier shows his sprinting prowess at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-150-80.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\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/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\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTzV5nMNwoVzy9yJkBrbzc-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;The team did a masterclass&#8217; &#8211; Paul Magnier thanks Soudal teammates after inspiring him to third Giro d&#8217;Italia sprint victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have to congratulate our medical and performance staff on how they handled that. We allowed Tim to improve through targeted race stimuli, training blocks, and an altitude training camp. Nothing was rushed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It certainly helped that we had someone like Paul who was successful in the Giro, allowing Tim to build up in a steady manner. Tim has already won a lot this year in the races he started. But we are now working towards the Tour with a lot of confidence, and I am confident that he will be at his very best level there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e8314111-2f4c-4f0d-b176-426c3815c50d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9r7UMeMzHAnLBRvtHMQnhg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Maglia ciclamino winner Paul Magnier celebrates one of his three stage victories at the Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b05c89b1-865a-44b6-be7b-a049725fee3a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Considering Magnier&#8217;s rapid rise, they could face a future dilemma over which sprinter to throw their weight behind at the biggest race of the year. It&#8217;s a &#8220;luxury problem we will have to solve later,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the start of the season, we always look at the programs and goals to map out a clear trajectory for everyone. This year we chose to take Paul to the Giro and Tim to the Tour. We&#8217;ll see what next year brings then. In terms of pressure and hectic pace, the Tour is on a completely different level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the end of the cycling season, we look at the routes of the Grand Tours for next year and determine how the puzzle fits together.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Ultimately, that is a luxury problem that we will have to solve later. The goal is to get Paul to the Tour at the right moment, but Tim remains super important to us as well. Tim is still hugely ambitious; he still dreams of winning stages in all three Grand Tours in his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To achieve that, he will still have to go to the Vuelta. Because the Vuelta course this year is less tailored to sprinters, the focus is different now. But next year, things can be done differently again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier and his lead-out train are set to be accompanied at the Tour de France by a host of climbers and stage hunters in the Soudal-QuickStep lineup. The team&#8217;s selection remains to be seen, but riders including GC leader Mikel Landa, 2025 stage winner Valentin Paret-Peintre, and Ilan Van Wilder, who is set to race the upcoming Tour de Suisse, look likely to make the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mikel Landa has had all the bad luck in the world since last year&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia. He had just become pain-free again, but then he was hit by a car during Itzulia Basque Country,&#8221; For\u00e9 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has had to recover, but is now training at altitude with the team again. Then there is Valentin Paret-Peintre, who showed in Catalunya that he has taken a significant step forward; he is now specifically preparing for the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Ilan Van Wilder is fortunately feeling well again after a persistent infection that, like many infections this season, lingered for a very long time. He has now recovered and is working purposefully towards the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also have irons in the fire heading into the Vuelta, aiming to compete for stage victories in the mountains. Junior Lecerf, Steff Cras, and perhaps also Filippo Zana \u2013 those are the kinds of riders that will get their chances there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-luxury-problem-to-solve-later-soudal-quickstep-not-yet-picking-between-sprinters-paul-magnier-and-tim-merlier-for-tour-de-france\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217; 2 No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at [&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-1986396","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\/1986396","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=1986396"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1986396\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1986396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1986396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1986396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}