{"id":1992257,"date":"2026-06-15T11:02:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T08:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1992257"},"modified":"2026-06-15T11:02:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T08:02:32","slug":"i-just-want-to-be-as-happy-as-him-on-the-bike-ominous-signs-for-tadej-pogacars-rivals-as-tour-de-france-lieutenant-isaac-del-toro-takes-another-step","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1992257","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-2560-80.png&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Yellow jersey changes hands on final day of racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after stunning solo climb\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\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-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                                    Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro catches and drops attacker Juan Ayuso in clash on Grand Colombier to claim stage 7 victory\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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-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                                    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\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T11:02:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mexican wins third one-week WorldTour stage race in 2026, with best still yet to come in Tour debut<\/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\" 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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\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Del Toro and Poga\u010dar after finishing first and third at Strade Bianche<\/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-3e502cbc-6eb3-4530-9ade-35ecab3a8092\">Tadej Poga\u010dar wasn&#8217;t at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes to defend his title from 12 months ago, but he would have watched on knowing he&#8217;d left it in good hands as Isaac del Toro dominated the final two stages to retain the yellow jersey for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.<\/p>\n<p>In less than three weeks, Del Toro will switch from spearhead to superdomestique at his debut Tour de France, where supporting and leading out Poga\u010dar on the hardest climbs to a record-equalling fifth title will be his only focus<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e502cbc-6eb3-4530-9ade-35ecab3a8092-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A heavy crash for Paul Seixas removed the chance to see the two young prospects fully battle it out, but on the one day the Frenchman did attack on stage 6, Del Toro was every bit his equal to Crest-Voland.<\/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\">It&#8217;s an ominous sign for everyone he beat in southern France, but also for Poga\u010dar&#8217;s main rivals who weren&#8217;t there: Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, with the world champion&#8217;s right-hand man being strong enough to easily put away the likes of Juan Ayuso and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s something that puts peace in your mind when you are going in the right direction,&#8221; said a modest Del Toro after the final stage on Sunday.<\/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\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.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\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-4664d610-4294-4995-806e-0d301058f457\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\"><strong>2026 Tour de France route<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6c6a9a78-8abb-425e-a2e8-642f5c3ead13\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don\u2019t want to push super hard in my mind. I just want to go a little bit more with the flow and see how things are for the Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Starting the day with 46 seconds to make up on Australian revelation Luke Tuckwell (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Del Toro went early on the final climb with 9km to go to the top, albeit not as planned, admitting that he decided to make his move once Pablo Torres started to run out of steam.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk 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\">In Poga\u010dar-esque fashion, though, he never looked in much difficulty, extending out a one-minute gap to Juan Ayuso by the time he reached the finish, smashing the previous climbing record to Solaison set by Vingegaard in 2022 by 1:34.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Was this his best climbing performance? &#8220;I think still not,&#8221; said Del Toro, who didn&#8217;t want to commit to saying he would definitely have more in the tank for the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don\u2019t know, we will see, now I want to rest a bit and try be a little bit better or maintain my shape, then see how much I can be competitive in my head.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-150-80.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\">There were winners and losers at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but mainly losers \u2013 including anyone hoping for a ramp-up in Tour de France tension<\/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\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro claims overall title with second consecutive mountaintop victory at Plateau de Solaison<\/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\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not the first time Del Toro has slightly played down a top-level performance, having also smashed the climbing record atop Jebel Hafeet in February at the UAE Tour. Again, he was asked if it was the best climbing performance of his career: &#8220;I will say no,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So, in theory, it must have been at the Giro d&#8217;Italia that he finished second on debut in 2025? &#8220;No,&#8221; he said again, &#8220;honestly, it comes on strange days, not even when I want.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-healthy-partnership-with-pogacar-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A healthy partnership with Poga\u010dar<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-78b90d2a-25a3-4b1d-ab48-5dd271f27043\" 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\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-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\">Del Toro leading out Poga\u010dar en route to his maiden Milan-San Remo win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-911f9a18-ba7c-493a-ac14-6fe994608379\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It begs the question, if these dominant solo performances aren&#8217;t the best Del Toro can produce, just what will his top form look like if he finds it during the Tour? That should become apparent in just under a month, but it most likely won&#8217;t be for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro is committed to Poga\u010dar&#8217;s ambitions, and the pair share a good relationship as apprentice and master at UAE. From being messaged advice from the Slovenian during his Giro breakthrough, to working for him at Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo, the Mexican champion simply said it was going to be &#8220;Full. Full gas&#8221; when he works for Poga\u010dar at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has a lot of respect by my side and I just want to be as happy as him on the bike,&#8221; said Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He is 50-50 happy\u2026&#8221; he added, describing Poga\u010dar&#8217;s communication to him during the week in France, an &#8220;internal joke&#8221; between the pair.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Having made history this week as the first rider to win Tirreno-Adriatico and the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 in the same season, Del Toro continued his stunning 2026 season, where he has taken a big step forward from the raw talent everyone saw first at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir in 2023, and then at last year&#8217;s Giro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me these kind of races are super special. I will not put one above another, each one of them teach me something this year \u2013 what I want and what I don\u2019t want as a cyclist,&#8221; said Del Toro, who has won eight times in 2026, all at WorldTour level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s important to enjoy this. My first yellow jersey as a pro and it\u2019s super nice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s also easy to forget that this was a comeback race for Del Toro, having crashed out of Itzulia Basque Country in March and missed the Ardennes due to a muscle injury. His Tour debut won&#8217;t be one to miss, and after Seixas&#8217; crash, it&#8217;s the Mexican who could be the frontrunner for the final podium spot, behind his leader and Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-638f5646-37de-42d8-b766-3914ec29618a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes and Tour de Suisse coverage. Don&#8217;t miss any of the breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight as the riders make their final preparations for Le Tour. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Isaac del Toro<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-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;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.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\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-320-80.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\">There were winners and losers at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but mainly losers \u2013 including anyone hoping for a ramp-up in Tour de France tension<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro claims overall title with second consecutive mountaintop victory at Plateau de Solaison<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-320-80.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;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-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;We stand for equality, respect and freedom&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility celebrate Pride Month with rainbow flags at Copenhagen Sprint and Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-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 glory to futility \u2013 What version of Paul Seixas will rise from the ashes of his torched Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-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;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-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\">Crashing over the finish line, Liam Slock delivers an unforgettable first professional victory at GP Gippingen<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-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\">Jenny Rissveds and Adrien Boichis prevail in the rain and mud of the Leogang Mountain Bike World Cup<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-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 blew myself up&#8217; \u2013 Matteo Jorgenson slips off the podium on final climb of Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-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\">Colombians dominate in Tour de Beauce for second straight year with 1-2 for Medellin-EPM<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-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;We stand for equality, respect and freedom&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility celebrate Pride Month with rainbow flags at Copenhagen Sprint and Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-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;I gambled, I put a lot into my effort, I&#8217;ve lost quite a bit&#8217; \u2013 Final day breakaway for three Netcompany-Ineos riders rounds out brutally tough Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes for British squad<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-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;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-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\">Crashing over the finish line, Liam Slock delivers an unforgettable first professional victory at GP Gippingen<\/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 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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\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">There were winners and losers at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but mainly losers \u2013 including anyone hoping for a ramp-up in Tour de France tension<\/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\">Garmin Edge 550 review: The latest five series unit still goes hard, but it might be at the point where a touchscreen is essential<\/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\">Colombians dominate in Tour de Beauce for second straight year with 1-2 for Medellin-EPM<\/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\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We stand for equality, respect and freedom&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility celebrate Pride Month with rainbow flags at Copenhagen Sprint and Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T11:02:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mexican wins third one-week WorldTour stage race in 2026, with best still yet to come in Tour debut<\/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 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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\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Del Toro and Poga\u010dar after finishing first and third at Strade Bianche<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div 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and leading out Poga\u010dar on the hardest climbs to a record-equalling fifth title will be his only focus<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e502cbc-6eb3-4530-9ade-35ecab3a8092-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A heavy crash for Paul Seixas removed the chance to see the two young prospects fully battle it out, but on the one day the Frenchman did attack on stage 6, Del Toro was every bit his equal to Crest-Voland.<\/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\">It&#8217;s an ominous sign for everyone he beat in southern France, but also for Poga\u010dar&#8217;s main rivals who weren&#8217;t there: Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, with the world champion&#8217;s right-hand man being strong enough to easily put away the likes of Juan Ayuso and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s something that puts peace in your mind when you are going in the right direction,&#8221; said a modest Del Toro after the final stage on Sunday.<\/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\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.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\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-4664d610-4294-4995-806e-0d301058f457\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\"><strong>2026 Tour de France route<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6c6a9a78-8abb-425e-a2e8-642f5c3ead13\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don\u2019t want to push super hard in my mind. I just want to go a little bit more with the flow and see how things are for the Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Starting the day with 46 seconds to make up on Australian revelation Luke Tuckwell (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Del Toro went early on the final climb with 9km to go to the top, albeit not as planned, admitting that he decided to make his move once Pablo Torres started to run out of steam.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk 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\">In Poga\u010dar-esque fashion, though, he never looked in much difficulty, extending out a one-minute gap to Juan Ayuso by the time he reached the finish, smashing the previous climbing record to Solaison set by Vingegaard in 2022 by 1:34.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Was this his best climbing performance? &#8220;I think still not,&#8221; said Del Toro, who didn&#8217;t want to commit to saying he would definitely have more in the tank for the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don\u2019t know, we will see, now I want to rest a bit and try be a little bit better or maintain my shape, then see how much I can be competitive in my head.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-150-80.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\">There were winners and losers at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but mainly losers \u2013 including anyone hoping for a ramp-up in Tour de France tension<\/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\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro claims overall title with second consecutive mountaintop victory at Plateau de Solaison<\/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\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not the first time Del Toro has slightly played down a top-level performance, having also smashed the climbing record atop Jebel Hafeet in February at the UAE Tour. Again, he was asked if it was the best climbing performance of his career: &#8220;I will say no,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So, in theory, it must have been at the Giro d&#8217;Italia that he finished second on debut in 2025? &#8220;No,&#8221; he said again, &#8220;honestly, it comes on strange days, not even when I want.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-healthy-partnership-with-pogacar-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A healthy partnership with Poga\u010dar<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-78b90d2a-25a3-4b1d-ab48-5dd271f27043\" 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\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-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\">Del Toro leading out Poga\u010dar en route to his maiden Milan-San Remo win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-911f9a18-ba7c-493a-ac14-6fe994608379\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It begs the question, if these dominant solo performances aren&#8217;t the best Del Toro can produce, just what will his top form look like if he finds it during the Tour? That should become apparent in just under a month, but it most likely won&#8217;t be for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro is committed to Poga\u010dar&#8217;s ambitions, and the pair share a good relationship as apprentice and master at UAE. From being messaged advice from the Slovenian during his Giro breakthrough, to working for him at Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo, the Mexican champion simply said it was going to be &#8220;Full. Full gas&#8221; when he works for Poga\u010dar at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has a lot of respect by my side and I just want to be as happy as him on the bike,&#8221; said Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He is 50-50 happy\u2026&#8221; he added, describing Poga\u010dar&#8217;s communication to him during the week in France, an &#8220;internal joke&#8221; between the pair.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Having made history this week as the first rider to win Tirreno-Adriatico and the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 in the same season, Del Toro continued his stunning 2026 season, where he has taken a big step forward from the raw talent everyone saw first at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir in 2023, and then at last year&#8217;s Giro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me these kind of races are super special. I will not put one above another, each one of them teach me something this year \u2013 what I want and what I don\u2019t want as a cyclist,&#8221; said Del Toro, who has won eight times in 2026, all at WorldTour level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s important to enjoy this. My first yellow jersey as a pro and it\u2019s super nice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s also easy to forget that this was a comeback race for Del Toro, having crashed out of Itzulia Basque Country in March and missed the Ardennes due to a muscle injury. His Tour debut won&#8217;t be one to miss, and after Seixas&#8217; crash, it&#8217;s the Mexican who could be the frontrunner for the final podium spot, behind his leader and Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-638f5646-37de-42d8-b766-3914ec29618a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes and Tour de Suisse coverage. Don&#8217;t miss any of the breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight as the riders make their final preparations for Le Tour. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Isaac del Toro<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-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;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.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\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-320-80.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\">There were winners and losers at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but mainly losers \u2013 including anyone hoping for a ramp-up in Tour de France tension<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro claims overall title with second consecutive mountaintop victory at Plateau de Solaison<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-320-80.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;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-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;We stand for equality, respect and freedom&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility celebrate Pride Month with rainbow flags at Copenhagen Sprint and Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-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 glory to futility \u2013 What version of Paul Seixas will rise from the ashes of his torched Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-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;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-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\">Crashing over the finish line, Liam Slock delivers an unforgettable first professional victory at GP Gippingen<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-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\">Jenny Rissveds and Adrien Boichis prevail in the rain and mud of the Leogang Mountain Bike World Cup<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d22aducT6HSbe3ytkEHDzk-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 blew myself up&#8217; \u2013 Matteo Jorgenson slips off the podium on final climb of Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uoQmYQYbvi9xhEanJcEDSL-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\">Colombians dominate in Tour de Beauce for second straight year with 1-2 for Medellin-EPM<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hcecWYWmBENrLq6fNPRbcA-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;We stand for equality, respect and freedom&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility celebrate Pride Month with rainbow flags at Copenhagen Sprint and Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fF4BYbdhYpivt8RALRhE3S-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;I gambled, I put a lot into my effort, I&#8217;ve lost quite a bit&#8217; \u2013 Final day breakaway for three Netcompany-Ineos riders rounds out brutally tough Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes for British squad<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-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;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHWEoWQrz9Lv7S8n74Sjz-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\">Crashing over the finish line, Liam Slock delivers an unforgettable first professional victory at GP Gippingen<\/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\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">There were winners and losers at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but mainly losers \u2013 including anyone hoping for a ramp-up in Tour de France tension<\/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\">Garmin Edge 550 review: The latest five series unit still goes hard, but it might be at the point where a touchscreen is essential<\/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\">Colombians dominate in Tour de Beauce for second straight year with 1-2 for Medellin-EPM<\/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\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We stand for equality, respect and freedom&#8217; \u2013 Uno-X Mobility celebrate Pride Month with rainbow flags at Copenhagen Sprint and Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T11:02:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mexican wins third one-week WorldTour stage race in 2026, with best still yet to come in Tour debut<\/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 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-3e502cbc-6eb3-4530-9ade-35ecab3a8092\">Tadej Poga\u010dar wasn&#8217;t at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes to defend his title from 12 months ago, but he would have watched on knowing he&#8217;d left it in good hands as Isaac del Toro dominated the final two stages to retain the yellow jersey for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.<\/p>\n<p>In less than three weeks, Del Toro will switch from spearhead to superdomestique at his debut Tour de France, where supporting and leading out Poga\u010dar on the hardest climbs to a record-equalling fifth title will be his only focus<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e502cbc-6eb3-4530-9ade-35ecab3a8092-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A heavy crash for Paul Seixas removed the chance to see the two young prospects fully battle it out, but on the one day the Frenchman did attack on stage 6, Del Toro was every bit his equal to Crest-Voland.<\/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\">It&#8217;s an ominous sign for everyone he beat in southern France, but also for Poga\u010dar&#8217;s main rivals who weren&#8217;t there: Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, with the world champion&#8217;s right-hand man being strong enough to easily put away the likes of Juan Ayuso and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s something that puts peace in your mind when you are going in the right direction,&#8221; said a modest Del Toro after the final stage on Sunday.<\/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\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.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\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-4664d610-4294-4995-806e-0d301058f457\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\"><strong>2026 Tour de France route<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6c6a9a78-8abb-425e-a2e8-642f5c3ead13\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don\u2019t want to push super hard in my mind. I just want to go a little bit more with the flow and see how things are for the Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Starting the day with 46 seconds to make up on Australian revelation Luke Tuckwell (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Del Toro went early on the final climb with 9km to go to the top, albeit not as planned, admitting that he decided to make his move once Pablo Torres started to run out of steam.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ayA8AvnStVXCscUe2urNRk 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\">In Poga\u010dar-esque fashion, though, he never looked in much difficulty, extending out a one-minute gap to Juan Ayuso by the time he reached the finish, smashing the previous climbing record to Solaison set by Vingegaard in 2022 by 1:34.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Was this his best climbing performance? &#8220;I think still not,&#8221; said Del Toro, who didn&#8217;t want to commit to saying he would definitely have more in the tank for the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don\u2019t know, we will see, now I want to rest a bit and try be a little bit better or maintain my shape, then see how much I can be competitive in my head.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-150-80.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\">There were winners and losers at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but mainly losers \u2013 including anyone hoping for a ramp-up in Tour de France tension<\/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\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro claims overall title with second consecutive mountaintop victory at Plateau de Solaison<\/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\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not the first time Del Toro has slightly played down a top-level performance, having also smashed the climbing record atop Jebel Hafeet in February at the UAE Tour. Again, he was asked if it was the best climbing performance of his career: &#8220;I will say no,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So, in theory, it must have been at the Giro d&#8217;Italia that he finished second on debut in 2025? &#8220;No,&#8221; he said again, &#8220;honestly, it comes on strange days, not even when I want.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-healthy-partnership-with-pogacar-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A healthy partnership with Poga\u010dar<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-78b90d2a-25a3-4b1d-ab48-5dd271f27043\" 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\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSaJTqHZH3w3kQjiguSv5m-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\">Del Toro leading out Poga\u010dar en route to his maiden Milan-San Remo win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-911f9a18-ba7c-493a-ac14-6fe994608379\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It begs the question, if these dominant solo performances aren&#8217;t the best Del Toro can produce, just what will his top form look like if he finds it during the Tour? That should become apparent in just under a month, but it most likely won&#8217;t be for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro is committed to Poga\u010dar&#8217;s ambitions, and the pair share a good relationship as apprentice and master at UAE. From being messaged advice from the Slovenian during his Giro breakthrough, to working for him at Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo, the Mexican champion simply said it was going to be &#8220;Full. Full gas&#8221; when he works for Poga\u010dar at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has a lot of respect by my side and I just want to be as happy as him on the bike,&#8221; said Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He is 50-50 happy\u2026&#8221; he added, describing Poga\u010dar&#8217;s communication to him during the week in France, an &#8220;internal joke&#8221; between the pair.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Having made history this week as the first rider to win Tirreno-Adriatico and the renamed Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 in the same season, Del Toro continued his stunning 2026 season, where he has taken a big step forward from the raw talent everyone saw first at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir in 2023, and then at last year&#8217;s Giro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me these kind of races are super special. I will not put one above another, each one of them teach me something this year \u2013 what I want and what I don\u2019t want as a cyclist,&#8221; said Del Toro, who has won eight times in 2026, all at WorldTour level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s important to enjoy this. My first yellow jersey as a pro and it\u2019s super nice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s also easy to forget that this was a comeback race for Del Toro, having crashed out of Itzulia Basque Country in March and missed the Ardennes due to a muscle injury. His Tour debut won&#8217;t be one to miss, and after Seixas&#8217; crash, it&#8217;s the Mexican who could be the frontrunner for the final podium spot, behind his leader and Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-638f5646-37de-42d8-b766-3914ec29618a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes and Tour de Suisse coverage. Don&#8217;t miss any of the breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight as the riders make their final preparations for Le Tour. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-just-want-to-be-as-happy-as-him-on-the-bike-ominous-signs-for-tadej-pogacars-rivals-as-tour-de-france-lieutenant-isaac-del-toro-takes-another-step\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-2560-80.png&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Yellow jersey changes hands on final day of racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after stunning solo climb 2 Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro catches and drops attacker Juan Ayuso in clash on Grand Colombier to claim stage 7 victory 3 Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro [&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-1992257","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\/1992257","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=1992257"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1992257\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1992257"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1992257"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1992257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}