{"id":1992398,"date":"2026-06-15T16:14:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T13:14:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1992398"},"modified":"2026-06-15T16:14:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T13:14:17","slug":"there-were-winners-and-losers-at-the-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes-but-mainly-losers-including-anyone-hoping-for-a-ramp-up-in-tour-de-france-tension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1992398","title":{"rendered":"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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5urydxAReDnSFaJNd8XRhe-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5urydxAReDnSFaJNd8XRhe-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: All change in the GC amid attacks and crashes on action-packed stage 7 of Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none 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\/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-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: 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\" 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\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as yellow jersey changes hands on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCrit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T16:14:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s domestique beating all of his rivals doesn&#8217;t exactly bode well for the Tour and hopes of a more open race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-320-80.jpg.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\">Luke Tuckwell, Isaac del Toro, and Juan Ayuso on the final podium of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-101efa5e-1364-4694-a15b-5b9e98bec53b\">Ten days ago, a lot of us had a very different idea of how the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes was going to go. With so many of the big Tour de France favourites not there, and wonderkid Paul Seixas lining up to continue his whirlwind season, it seemed like he was a shoo-in for the podium, and the other Tour hopefuls would show their levels behind him.<\/p>\n<p>But that&#8217;s not what happened. Seixas left the race bruised and battered in a team car, a breakthrough rider finished second, and Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s super domestique, Isaac del Toro, won the thing. Only one Tour leader landed on the podium \u2013 Juan Ayuso \u2013 and for most, the race probably did more damage to their standings than good.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-101efa5e-1364-4694-a15b-5b9e98bec53b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Dauphin\u00e9 used to be the race where every year a rider or three would really step up to the mark and show just how strong they were before the Tour de France. This year&#8217;s renamed edition seemed to do more of the opposite \u2013 the race exposed weaknesses in many.<\/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\">Denigrating Isaac del Toro to &#8216;just&#8217; a super domestique is, of course, hyperbole from me. He&#8217;s a Grand Tour podium finisher and won Tirreno-Adriatico and the UAE Tour this year, and came to the Dauphin\u00e9 as a key favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On any other team, he&#8217;d be headed to next month&#8217;s Tour as leader. But as it is, he&#8217;ll start in Barcelona as a luxury helper for Poga\u010dar, possibly with designs on the podium, but primarily a domestique.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-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;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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So the fact that he won, by head and shoulders above Juan Ayuso, whilst the likes of Oscar Onley, Paul Seixas and Cian Uijtdebroeks either did not finish or didn&#8217;t come close, does not exactly bode well for any added competition at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Many might have been hoping that this race would remind us that there are other good GC riders, that it might not just be a Poga\u010dar vs Vingegaard two-horse battle that soon becomes one. Unfortunately, that probably looks more likely than ever right now.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC 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\">Looking at the final results, and indeed the stages that led there, it is pretty hard to identify anyone who came out of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes looking better for the Tour than they did beforehand.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas&#8217; race wasn&#8217;t going particularly well, even before he crashed and later abandoned. Oscar Onley was under pressure to prove that he should still be considered a Tour contender and add some sort of positivity to his Ineos tenure. He ended the race crashing into a ravine, and it&#8217;s now unclear if he can even start the Tour in two weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The intra-team rivalry that we thought might brew between him and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin? They probably don&#8217;t need to worry about that, as the only thing they&#8217;re currently competing for is who can have the least fortunate start to life at the British squad. The pair attempted to try and turn their fate around here, but the week only seemed to further entrench their woes.<\/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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-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\">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<\/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\/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-[#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\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-150-80.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\">By winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Jonas Vingegaard has had his strongest Tour de France preparation yet \u2013 but we still have no idea how he&#8217;ll compare with Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juan Ayuso had a positive race by his 2026 standards, given his poor luck so far, but was quite comprehensively bettered by Del Toro, and couldn&#8217;t overcome Tuckwell for second. It doesn&#8217;t inspire confidence in the idea that he might be able to challenge the likes of Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard for a spot on the Tour podium in a few weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And everyone else was, well, just fine. Fifth for Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), sixth for Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) and seventh for Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar). They confirmed that they&#8217;ll be there to fight for the bottom of the top 10 at the Tour, and not much else.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-88d71f8d-70aa-4526-866e-99081b951ee7\" 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\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A whole host of riders were just a level below Del Toro last week \u2013 as they likely will be behind Poga\u010dar in the Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-57478b63-8f64-404a-a17b-31a77529aea0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So who did win? Well, Del Toro, of course, and by extension, probably Poga\u010dar \u2013 he can take successes from races when he&#8217;s not even there, such is his omnipresent grip on this sport. Poga\u010dar will now start the Tour as not just the four-time winner and the far-and-away favourite, but he&#8217;ll do so with a stronger super domestique than he has in years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s Del Toro equivalent, Matteo Jorgenson, had a &#8216;nothing special&#8217; kind of ride to finish fourth overall, and confirm that he&#8217;s in good shape to do what he does excellently \u2013 support Vingegaard around France \u2013 but his ride did not blow anyone away or rewrite any scripts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other winners were \u2013 in the kindest way possible \u2013 fairly inconsequential when it comes to the bigger picture, which is the fight for yellow this July. Alex Baudin obviously had a great race, spending most of it in the lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And then there was Luke Tuckwell, who stepped up to the plate equally impressively, honouring the jersey to the very last and securing himself a fantastic second overall. It&#8217;s a huge result for the Australian, and should take him from under-the-radar to serious up-and-comer. But does it mean we have a new Tour contender on our hands? Not right now, no.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so the Tour de France ramp-up race did not really ramp up the tension or raise the stakes at all. Where we had hoped for glimpses of new blood, signs that Poga\u010dar might be properly challenged this year, we instead got confirmation of what we already knew: no one new is going to come and upend Poga\u010dar and UAE at this Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No one is secretly in podium-upsetting form. Poga\u010dar is on top, Vingegaard is closest, and everyone else will be fighting for scraps \u2013 or perhaps for nothing at all, given how many people couldn&#8217;t even finish the Dauphin\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cycling can be unpredictable, and in many ways, the last week of racing was, in that it didn&#8217;t stick to the pre-race script, but ultimately, the surprises only go so far. And for now, we&#8217;re not expecting big ones at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/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\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I 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<\/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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-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\">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<\/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\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-320-80.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\">By winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Jonas Vingegaard has had his strongest Tour de France preparation yet \u2013 but we still have no idea how he&#8217;ll compare with Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[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\/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\/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\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Hugo Drechou and Sophie Wright surge to victory in opening French round at Wish One<\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-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\">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<\/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\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Gravel Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Specialized promises its new Crux gravel bike is aero and lightweight, so we checked for ourselves in the wind tunnel \u2013 Can you have your cake and eat it?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Teamwork key to the maglia rosa, GC breakthroughs, and sprint domination \u2013 Five conclusions from the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More unreleased bikes than ever before in tech rehearsal for the Tour de France \u2013 Mega Dauphin\u00e9 tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCrit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T16:14:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s domestique beating all of his rivals doesn&#8217;t exactly bode well for the Tour and hopes of a more open race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-320-80.jpg.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\">Luke Tuckwell, Isaac del Toro, and Juan Ayuso on the final podium of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-101efa5e-1364-4694-a15b-5b9e98bec53b\">Ten days ago, a lot of us had a very different idea of how the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes was going to go. With so many of the big Tour de France favourites not there, and wonderkid Paul Seixas lining up to continue his whirlwind season, it seemed like he was a shoo-in for the podium, and the other Tour hopefuls would show their levels behind him.<\/p>\n<p>But that&#8217;s not what happened. Seixas left the race bruised and battered in a team car, a breakthrough rider finished second, and Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s super domestique, Isaac del Toro, won the thing. Only one Tour leader landed on the podium \u2013 Juan Ayuso \u2013 and for most, the race probably did more damage to their standings than good.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-101efa5e-1364-4694-a15b-5b9e98bec53b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Dauphin\u00e9 used to be the race where every year a rider or three would really step up to the mark and show just how strong they were before the Tour de France. This year&#8217;s renamed edition seemed to do more of the opposite \u2013 the race exposed weaknesses in many.<\/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\">Denigrating Isaac del Toro to &#8216;just&#8217; a super domestique is, of course, hyperbole from me. He&#8217;s a Grand Tour podium finisher and won Tirreno-Adriatico and the UAE Tour this year, and came to the Dauphin\u00e9 as a key favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On any other team, he&#8217;d be headed to next month&#8217;s Tour as leader. But as it is, he&#8217;ll start in Barcelona as a luxury helper for Poga\u010dar, possibly with designs on the podium, but primarily a domestique.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-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;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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So the fact that he won, by head and shoulders above Juan Ayuso, whilst the likes of Oscar Onley, Paul Seixas and Cian Uijtdebroeks either did not finish or didn&#8217;t come close, does not exactly bode well for any added competition at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Many might have been hoping that this race would remind us that there are other good GC riders, that it might not just be a Poga\u010dar vs Vingegaard two-horse battle that soon becomes one. Unfortunately, that probably looks more likely than ever right now.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC 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\">Looking at the final results, and indeed the stages that led there, it is pretty hard to identify anyone who came out of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes looking better for the Tour than they did beforehand.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas&#8217; race wasn&#8217;t going particularly well, even before he crashed and later abandoned. Oscar Onley was under pressure to prove that he should still be considered a Tour contender and add some sort of positivity to his Ineos tenure. He ended the race crashing into a ravine, and it&#8217;s now unclear if he can even start the Tour in two weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The intra-team rivalry that we thought might brew between him and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin? They probably don&#8217;t need to worry about that, as the only thing they&#8217;re currently competing for is who can have the least fortunate start to life at the British squad. The pair attempted to try and turn their fate around here, but the week only seemed to further entrench their woes.<\/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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-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\">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<\/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\/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-[#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\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-150-80.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\">By winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Jonas Vingegaard has had his strongest Tour de France preparation yet \u2013 but we still have no idea how he&#8217;ll compare with Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juan Ayuso had a positive race by his 2026 standards, given his poor luck so far, but was quite comprehensively bettered by Del Toro, and couldn&#8217;t overcome Tuckwell for second. It doesn&#8217;t inspire confidence in the idea that he might be able to challenge the likes of Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard for a spot on the Tour podium in a few weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And everyone else was, well, just fine. Fifth for Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), sixth for Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) and seventh for Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar). They confirmed that they&#8217;ll be there to fight for the bottom of the top 10 at the Tour, and not much else.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-88d71f8d-70aa-4526-866e-99081b951ee7\" 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\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A whole host of riders were just a level below Del Toro last week \u2013 as they likely will be behind Poga\u010dar in the Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-57478b63-8f64-404a-a17b-31a77529aea0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So who did win? Well, Del Toro, of course, and by extension, probably Poga\u010dar \u2013 he can take successes from races when he&#8217;s not even there, such is his omnipresent grip on this sport. Poga\u010dar will now start the Tour as not just the four-time winner and the far-and-away favourite, but he&#8217;ll do so with a stronger super domestique than he has in years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s Del Toro equivalent, Matteo Jorgenson, had a &#8216;nothing special&#8217; kind of ride to finish fourth overall, and confirm that he&#8217;s in good shape to do what he does excellently \u2013 support Vingegaard around France \u2013 but his ride did not blow anyone away or rewrite any scripts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other winners were \u2013 in the kindest way possible \u2013 fairly inconsequential when it comes to the bigger picture, which is the fight for yellow this July. Alex Baudin obviously had a great race, spending most of it in the lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And then there was Luke Tuckwell, who stepped up to the plate equally impressively, honouring the jersey to the very last and securing himself a fantastic second overall. It&#8217;s a huge result for the Australian, and should take him from under-the-radar to serious up-and-comer. But does it mean we have a new Tour contender on our hands? Not right now, no.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so the Tour de France ramp-up race did not really ramp up the tension or raise the stakes at all. Where we had hoped for glimpses of new blood, signs that Poga\u010dar might be properly challenged this year, we instead got confirmation of what we already knew: no one new is going to come and upend Poga\u010dar and UAE at this Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No one is secretly in podium-upsetting form. Poga\u010dar is on top, Vingegaard is closest, and everyone else will be fighting for scraps \u2013 or perhaps for nothing at all, given how many people couldn&#8217;t even finish the Dauphin\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cycling can be unpredictable, and in many ways, the last week of racing was, in that it didn&#8217;t stick to the pre-race script, but ultimately, the surprises only go so far. And for now, we&#8217;re not expecting big ones at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/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\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I 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<\/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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-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\">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<\/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\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-320-80.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\">By winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Jonas Vingegaard has had his strongest Tour de France preparation yet \u2013 but we still have no idea how he&#8217;ll compare with Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[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\/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\/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\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZ3AiW3YZCMs2AD9ioq7PV-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Hugo Drechou and Sophie Wright surge to victory in opening French round at Wish One<\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-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\">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<\/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\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWwHj83UjoSJJKJ7XA6maZ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Gravel Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Specialized promises its new Crux gravel bike is aero and lightweight, so we checked for ourselves in the wind tunnel \u2013 Can you have your cake and eat it?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjNfasNRMy5bVVDy9ZsWyg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Teamwork key to the maglia rosa, GC breakthroughs, and sprint domination \u2013 Five conclusions from the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More unreleased bikes than ever before in tech rehearsal for the Tour de France \u2013 Mega Dauphin\u00e9 tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dCJ7PbwQNSKHZBXUTypNU4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will join Paul Seixas at the Tour de France, and is there room for Olav Kooij? A closer look at the riders in line for selection at Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCrit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T16:14:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s domestique beating all of his rivals doesn&#8217;t exactly bode well for the Tour and hopes of a more open race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-101efa5e-1364-4694-a15b-5b9e98bec53b\">Ten days ago, a lot of us had a very different idea of how the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes was going to go. With so many of the big Tour de France favourites not there, and wonderkid Paul Seixas lining up to continue his whirlwind season, it seemed like he was a shoo-in for the podium, and the other Tour hopefuls would show their levels behind him.<\/p>\n<p>But that&#8217;s not what happened. Seixas left the race bruised and battered in a team car, a breakthrough rider finished second, and Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s super domestique, Isaac del Toro, won the thing. Only one Tour leader landed on the podium \u2013 Juan Ayuso \u2013 and for most, the race probably did more damage to their standings than good.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-101efa5e-1364-4694-a15b-5b9e98bec53b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Dauphin\u00e9 used to be the race where every year a rider or three would really step up to the mark and show just how strong they were before the Tour de France. This year&#8217;s renamed edition seemed to do more of the opposite \u2013 the race exposed weaknesses in many.<\/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\">Denigrating Isaac del Toro to &#8216;just&#8217; a super domestique is, of course, hyperbole from me. He&#8217;s a Grand Tour podium finisher and won Tirreno-Adriatico and the UAE Tour this year, and came to the Dauphin\u00e9 as a key favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On any other team, he&#8217;d be headed to next month&#8217;s Tour as leader. But as it is, he&#8217;ll start in Barcelona as a luxury helper for Poga\u010dar, possibly with designs on the podium, but primarily a domestique.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-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;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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So the fact that he won, by head and shoulders above Juan Ayuso, whilst the likes of Oscar Onley, Paul Seixas and Cian Uijtdebroeks either did not finish or didn&#8217;t come close, does not exactly bode well for any added competition at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Many might have been hoping that this race would remind us that there are other good GC riders, that it might not just be a Poga\u010dar vs Vingegaard two-horse battle that soon becomes one. Unfortunately, that probably looks more likely than ever right now.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tFLBzubpwHKHxfPVUM79AC 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\">Looking at the final results, and indeed the stages that led there, it is pretty hard to identify anyone who came out of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes looking better for the Tour than they did beforehand.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas&#8217; race wasn&#8217;t going particularly well, even before he crashed and later abandoned. Oscar Onley was under pressure to prove that he should still be considered a Tour contender and add some sort of positivity to his Ineos tenure. He ended the race crashing into a ravine, and it&#8217;s now unclear if he can even start the Tour in two weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The intra-team rivalry that we thought might brew between him and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin? They probably don&#8217;t need to worry about that, as the only thing they&#8217;re currently competing for is who can have the least fortunate start to life at the British squad. The pair attempted to try and turn their fate around here, but the week only seemed to further entrench their woes.<\/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\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-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\">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<\/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\/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-[#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\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rAsAd4XPiLEaLrbBawWTL3-150-80.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\">By winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Jonas Vingegaard has had his strongest Tour de France preparation yet \u2013 but we still have no idea how he&#8217;ll compare with Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juan Ayuso had a positive race by his 2026 standards, given his poor luck so far, but was quite comprehensively bettered by Del Toro, and couldn&#8217;t overcome Tuckwell for second. It doesn&#8217;t inspire confidence in the idea that he might be able to challenge the likes of Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard for a spot on the Tour podium in a few weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And everyone else was, well, just fine. Fifth for Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), sixth for Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) and seventh for Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar). They confirmed that they&#8217;ll be there to fight for the bottom of the top 10 at the Tour, and not much else.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-88d71f8d-70aa-4526-866e-99081b951ee7\" 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\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yNFuD9d9dqGcvch4sUZE74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A whole host of riders were just a level below Del Toro last week \u2013 as they likely will be behind Poga\u010dar in the Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-57478b63-8f64-404a-a17b-31a77529aea0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So who did win? Well, Del Toro, of course, and by extension, probably Poga\u010dar \u2013 he can take successes from races when he&#8217;s not even there, such is his omnipresent grip on this sport. Poga\u010dar will now start the Tour as not just the four-time winner and the far-and-away favourite, but he&#8217;ll do so with a stronger super domestique than he has in years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s Del Toro equivalent, Matteo Jorgenson, had a &#8216;nothing special&#8217; kind of ride to finish fourth overall, and confirm that he&#8217;s in good shape to do what he does excellently \u2013 support Vingegaard around France \u2013 but his ride did not blow anyone away or rewrite any scripts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other winners were \u2013 in the kindest way possible \u2013 fairly inconsequential when it comes to the bigger picture, which is the fight for yellow this July. Alex Baudin obviously had a great race, spending most of it in the lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And then there was Luke Tuckwell, who stepped up to the plate equally impressively, honouring the jersey to the very last and securing himself a fantastic second overall. It&#8217;s a huge result for the Australian, and should take him from under-the-radar to serious up-and-comer. But does it mean we have a new Tour contender on our hands? Not right now, no.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so the Tour de France ramp-up race did not really ramp up the tension or raise the stakes at all. Where we had hoped for glimpses of new blood, signs that Poga\u010dar might be properly challenged this year, we instead got confirmation of what we already knew: no one new is going to come and upend Poga\u010dar and UAE at this Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No one is secretly in podium-upsetting form. Poga\u010dar is on top, Vingegaard is closest, and everyone else will be fighting for scraps \u2013 or perhaps for nothing at all, given how many people couldn&#8217;t even finish the Dauphin\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cycling can be unpredictable, and in many ways, the last week of racing was, in that it didn&#8217;t stick to the pre-race script, but ultimately, the surprises only go so far. And for now, we&#8217;re not expecting big ones at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/there-were-winners-and-losers-at-the-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes-but-mainly-losers-including-anyone-hoping-for-a-ramp-up-in-tour-de-france-tension\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eou6PBjz4ofE4cJbQSp7n8-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: All change in the GC amid attacks and crashes on action-packed stage 7 of Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2 As it happened: Yellow jersey changes hands on final day of racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after stunning solo climb 3 As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as [&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-1992398","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\/1992398","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=1992398"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1992398\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1992398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1992398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1992398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}