{"id":1992401,"date":"2026-06-15T08:19:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T05:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1992401"},"modified":"2026-06-15T08:19:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T05:19:01","slug":"can-anyone-beat-tadej-pogacar-analysing-the-contenders-for-the-mens-tour-de-suisse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1992401","title":{"rendered":"Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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-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: 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=\"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\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">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                                    Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro catches and drops attacker Juan Ayuso in clash on Grand Colombier to claim stage 7 victory\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"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>\nTour de Suisse\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T08:19:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Richard Carapaz, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, and Tom Pidcock are among the other top favourites at the slimmed-down five-day 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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, Tom Pidcock, and Richard Carapaz are among Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s challengers at the Tour de Suisse<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Richard Carapaz<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Antonio Tiberi<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Enric Mas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Ilan Van Wilder<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Others to watch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-e6c901da-df00-47bf-a82a-db0a6a300527\">One Tour de France warm-up race has already been and gone as the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes concluded in the high mountains over the weekend. Another is still to come as the Tour de Suisse gets underway on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, these races are much more than just warm-ups for the big one in July. The Tour de Suisse is in its 89th edition this year and stands as one of the most prestigious stage races outside of the three Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6c901da-df00-47bf-a82a-db0a6a300527-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, the race has been reduced from eight days to five, running June 17-21 from Sondrio to Villars-sur-Ollon. Once stretching to even 10 or 11 days, the race&#8217;s new length is, in the words of its organisers, an attempt to ensure it can remain &#8220;financially sustainable and future-proof.&#8221;<\/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\">Despite the Tour de Suisse&#8217;s reduced route, which features a 23.8km time trial and a four-mountain finale on the Col de la Croix, it has still attracted a stellar field of riders. World champion Tadej Poga\u010dar heads up the start list and lines up as the overwhelming favourite to add the overall title to his palmar\u00e8s.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But there are plenty of other GC hopefuls also heading to Switzerland this week, even if overhauling the Slovenian looks a near-impossible task. Here&#8217;s a look at our top contenders for the 2026 Tour de Suisse.<\/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\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar the clear favourite at his first stage race of the year \u2013 Analysing the Tour de Romandie contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d150eb75-5a41-4c25-95fd-a9b7f74a1cf6\" 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\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar dominated on his last outing in Switzerland, the Tour de Romandie <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-29aabc1e-37ce-4449-9235-e2f946a96d86\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has eight wins to his name in just 11 race days so far in 2026, and the Slovenian is favourite to add to his palmar\u00e8s here on his Tour de Suisse debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The world champion is one of the few Tour de France contenders using the five-day race as his main tuneup for the Tour de France, and he&#8217;ll be joined by several key Tour lieutenants, including Nils Politt, Mikkel Bjerg, and Brandon McNulty.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN 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\">At the Tour de Romandie, he won four of the five stages and the overall, and he could do similar here. The opening stages in Sondrio and Locarno finish in the hills, while stage 4 is a time trial, and the closing stage passes through the high mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Anything less than another dominant performance in Switzerland would surely raise some questions over Poga\u010dar&#8217;s form ahead of the biggest race of the season, but frankly, there&#8217;s little to suggest he won&#8217;t come away with a healthy margin of victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-richard-carapaz-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fa04231c-200f-4b5e-a05e-ad906999c4de\" 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\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-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\">Richard Carapaz missed the Giro d&#8217;Italia but will be ramping up form for the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6ea67669-520c-450c-9efb-f23fe5c5b271\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Olympic champion Richard Carapaz has been forced to recalibrate his season goals after missing the Giro d&#8217;Italia last month. The Ecuadorian couldn&#8217;t recover from perineal cyst surgery in time for the May race, and so he&#8217;ll lead EF Education-EasyPost at the Tour de France instead.<\/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\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/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\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-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\">Jonas Vingegaard the clear frontrunner, but who will emerge as his biggest challenger? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Carapaz has won this race before, of course, triumphing in 2021, but he&#8217;ll find it hard to repeat the feat this time around. He hadn&#8217;t shown top form earlier this spring, with a 10th place at the Volta a Catalunya his best GC result to date, but he did add a third place at GP Gippingen to the results tally on Sunday as he pinned on a number for the first time since March.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll lead EF both at Tour de Suisse and at the Tour de France, with the US team&#8217;s squad in July set to do battle on several fronts with Kasper Asgreen, Alex Baudin, and Ben Healy also set to race. Here, he&#8217;ll be accompanied by a younger squad, including Luke Lamperti and Colby Simmons. A strong showing on the final mountain stage and a podium spot would be a great outcome.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-antonio-tiberi-bahrain-victorious\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c1ffe19b-d730-4644-9d1a-039edf0bf865\" 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\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-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\">Antonio Tiberi will be hoping to improve on quiet recent results in April and May <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d7f16ee6-6ff9-4b27-a994-71c8734170ca\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian GC hope Antonio Tiberi is forgoing his home Grand Tour this year and making his debut at the Tour de France, with a third career start in Switzerland his main preparation for the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll be joined by French climber Lenny Martinez at both races, but should be Bahrain Victorious&#8217; GC leader at both. Tiberi will hope to show some form this week, having been quiet in his recent races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After a successful start to the season with a string of top-five places \u2013 second to Isaac del Toro at the UAE Tour the highlight \u2013 he has struggled to make an impact in the past two months.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A seventh place on stage 1 of the Tour de Romandie stands out as his best recent result, with not much else to shout about across Tirreno-Adriatico, Itzulia Basque Country, Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and the Tour de Romandie. He, Martinez, and Giro d&#8217;Italia heroes Afonso Eul\u00e1lio and Alec Segaert will be hoping for more here.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5e86d8d8-ef76-43e3-97e2-a506f3905aae\" 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\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana and Enric Mas are in Movistar&#8217;s lineup in Switzerland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9e6a43e5-9adb-423e-94a4-64572218a5ff\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At this time of year, Enric Mas is usually preparing for his main goal of the season, the Tour de France. This time around, though, following three abandons in four years in July, he switched his target to the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His debut at the Giro was a disappointing one, however, with the Spaniard racing to 32nd place overall, with a second place in Chiavari his top result along the way. The Tour de Suisse, then, will stand as something of a second chance for Mas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll be accompanied in the Movistar lineup by Nairo Quintana, who retires at the end of the season. The Colombian has already taken a farewell victory, triumphing at the Vuelta Asturias in April, but he&#8217;d love to take one last win at WorldTour level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both he and Mas will be looking to start their second half of the season with a focus on La Vuelta here.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22888999-7931-42ac-a95d-90a99f1dabaf\" 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\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-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\">Is Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d heading for the Tour de France via the Tour de Suisse? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6d9a7c70-b0d3-4038-8a11-fe38e72ebf64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d&#8217;s summer plans remain up in the air. The Slovenian veteran is set to target a fifth Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a title to secure the all-time win record. Will he race the Tour de France before then? It doesn&#8217;t seem likely, but it&#8217;s not impossible that he&#8217;ll form part of a Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe superteam next month.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Earlier this season, he said, &#8220;We&#8217;ll see what the summer brings to us&#8221; when questioned about his plans before La Vuelta. It seems most likely that a bid at the win in Switzerland \u2013 the last major WorldTour week-long stage race missing from his palmar\u00e8s \u2013 is his big goal of the summer, however.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d has won them all, including Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico, Catalunya, Itzulia, Romandie, and the Dauphin\u00e9. At 36, will this be the year he adds the Tour de Suisse to that list? It seems a big ask against Poga\u010dar, even with another strong GC rider in Aleksandr Vlasov on his side. Frankly, it seems unlikely, with his best result to date in 2026 being fifth at Tirreno.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-pinarello-q36-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4a910f22-0a46-4405-bea8-46ace22df827\" 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\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tom Pidcock swaps his mountain bike for a road bike after racing in Nov\u00e9 M\u011bsto last month <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2055741b-858f-44fc-82e7-c4380ed0f0a5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tom Pidcock returns to road racing following a brief mountain bike sojourn. Last month, he made his MTB season debut at the second round of the UCI World Cup in Nov\u00e9 M\u011bsto, taking second place at the short-track cross-country race and winning the Olympic cross-country event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The races continued his successful early-season on the road, too, with a trio of wins at Milano-Torino and stages of the Vuelta a Andaluc\u00eda and Tour of the Alps. Suisse is his major preparation race for the Tour de France, and his first road outing since taking second place at Eschborn-Frankfurt at the start of May.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">26-year-old Pidcock&#8217;s most recent Grand Tour appearance came at last year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he raced to third overall. Will the Tour see him in GC mode, looking to improve on a career-best 13th place on his July debut for Pinarello-Q36.5? Or will he be in stage hunting mode? Or will it be both? This race may give us a hint.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ilan-van-wilder-soudal-quickstep\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fbc1872f-baeb-471c-a65e-2a7267e7ba08\" 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\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-978-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-978-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-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\">Ilan Van Wilder leads Soudal-QuickStep in their first post-Remco Evenepoel summer <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a734de8e-69cc-4685-9241-929cc4112282\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This season marks the first time since 2018 that Soudal-QuickStep don&#8217;t have Remco Evenepoel on their books, and the first in three years he&#8217;s not their focus for the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Instead, the Belgian team will look to several other riders for success in July as part of a multi-pronged approach. Tim Merlier is the sprinter of choice, while several others \u2013 including Ilan Van Wilder, Valentin Paret-Peintre, and Mikel Landa \u2013 will be free to chase stage wins and the GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">26-year-old Van Wilder will head up the team&#8217;s selection in Switzerland, even if Landa will likely be the focus in France. A 12th place at the 2023 Giro hinted at what he&#8217;s capable of, while he finished eighth here last year. The 11th at Tirreno-Adriatico a few months ago stands as his best result so far in 2026, and he&#8217;d be happy to surpass that in his next week of racing.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-others-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Others to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d16b988a-bc65-4f5a-8e0e-7fa9b4a2966c\" 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\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-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\">Highly rated Belgian youngster Jarno Widar could star for Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ebb75d88-aa3f-414a-a2f4-76689ca80a23\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Max Poole (Picnic-PostNL) has been out of action since February&#8217;s Volta ao Algarve with a virus and so there is a question mark over whether he is likely to compete in Switzerland. His team recently admitted that the Tour de France &#8220;is going to be very difficult or impossible&#8221;, but still, he&#8217;ll be one to keep an eye on as he continues his recovery.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fellow youngster, 20-year-old Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), has impressed mightily in the under-23 ranks, winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen and Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta. He takes on his first-ever WorldTour race at the Tour de Suisse, and the second stage race of his debut pro season after the Volta ao Algarve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Double (Jayco-AlUla) has shown he can perform at lower-level stage races, having won the Tour of Guangxi and Tour of Slovakia last year. This season, his best result is fifth overall at the Tour of Oman. Can he step it up at WorldTour level this week?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Hirt (NSN) heads to Switzerland off the back of a solid performance at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, where he took 12th overall in Rome. The Czech veteran has history at this race, having come fifth on his most recent finish in 2019. He should be there or thereabouts on the final stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar the clear favourite at his first stage race of the year \u2013 Analysing the Tour de Romandie contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard the clear frontrunner, but who will emerge as his biggest challenger? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the 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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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-[--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-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jenny Rissveds and Adrien Boichis prevail in the rain and mud of the Leogang Mountain Bike World Cup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-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\">Gravel Earth Series: New Zealand sweep of Lost and Found Gravel as Ruby Ryan and Matthew Wilson clinch victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-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\">Tour F\u00e9minin des Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es: Paula Blasi claims overall victory as unstoppable breakaway rider Eline Jansen crashes and goes on to take stage 3 win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro claims overall title with second consecutive mountaintop victory at Plateau de Solaison<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 21 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 20 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 19 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 18 preview<\/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\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-720-80.jpg.webp 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Crashing over the finish line, Liam Slock delivers an unforgettable first professional victory at GP Gippingen<\/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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Hugo Drechou and Sophie Wright surge to victory in opening French round at Wish One<\/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\">Jenny Rissveds and Adrien Boichis prevail in the rain and mud of the Leogang Mountain Bike World Cup<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I blew myself up&#8217; \u2013 Matteo Jorgenson slips off the podium on final climb of 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>\nTour de Suisse\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T08:19:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Richard Carapaz, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, and Tom Pidcock are among the other top favourites at the slimmed-down five-day 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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, Tom Pidcock, and Richard Carapaz are among Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s challengers at the Tour de Suisse<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Richard Carapaz<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Antonio Tiberi<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Enric Mas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Ilan Van Wilder<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Others to watch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-e6c901da-df00-47bf-a82a-db0a6a300527\">One Tour de France warm-up race has already been and gone as the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes concluded in the high mountains over the weekend. Another is still to come as the Tour de Suisse gets underway on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, these races are much more than just warm-ups for the big one in July. The Tour de Suisse is in its 89th edition this year and stands as one of the most prestigious stage races outside of the three Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6c901da-df00-47bf-a82a-db0a6a300527-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, the race has been reduced from eight days to five, running June 17-21 from Sondrio to Villars-sur-Ollon. Once stretching to even 10 or 11 days, the race&#8217;s new length is, in the words of its organisers, an attempt to ensure it can remain &#8220;financially sustainable and future-proof.&#8221;<\/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\">Despite the Tour de Suisse&#8217;s reduced route, which features a 23.8km time trial and a four-mountain finale on the Col de la Croix, it has still attracted a stellar field of riders. World champion Tadej Poga\u010dar heads up the start list and lines up as the overwhelming favourite to add the overall title to his palmar\u00e8s.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But there are plenty of other GC hopefuls also heading to Switzerland this week, even if overhauling the Slovenian looks a near-impossible task. Here&#8217;s a look at our top contenders for the 2026 Tour de Suisse.<\/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\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar the clear favourite at his first stage race of the year \u2013 Analysing the Tour de Romandie contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d150eb75-5a41-4c25-95fd-a9b7f74a1cf6\" 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\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar dominated on his last outing in Switzerland, the Tour de Romandie <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-29aabc1e-37ce-4449-9235-e2f946a96d86\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has eight wins to his name in just 11 race days so far in 2026, and the Slovenian is favourite to add to his palmar\u00e8s here on his Tour de Suisse debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The world champion is one of the few Tour de France contenders using the five-day race as his main tuneup for the Tour de France, and he&#8217;ll be joined by several key Tour lieutenants, including Nils Politt, Mikkel Bjerg, and Brandon McNulty.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN 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\">At the Tour de Romandie, he won four of the five stages and the overall, and he could do similar here. The opening stages in Sondrio and Locarno finish in the hills, while stage 4 is a time trial, and the closing stage passes through the high mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Anything less than another dominant performance in Switzerland would surely raise some questions over Poga\u010dar&#8217;s form ahead of the biggest race of the season, but frankly, there&#8217;s little to suggest he won&#8217;t come away with a healthy margin of victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-richard-carapaz-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fa04231c-200f-4b5e-a05e-ad906999c4de\" 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\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-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\">Richard Carapaz missed the Giro d&#8217;Italia but will be ramping up form for the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6ea67669-520c-450c-9efb-f23fe5c5b271\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Olympic champion Richard Carapaz has been forced to recalibrate his season goals after missing the Giro d&#8217;Italia last month. The Ecuadorian couldn&#8217;t recover from perineal cyst surgery in time for the May race, and so he&#8217;ll lead EF Education-EasyPost at the Tour de France instead.<\/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\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/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\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-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\">Jonas Vingegaard the clear frontrunner, but who will emerge as his biggest challenger? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Carapaz has won this race before, of course, triumphing in 2021, but he&#8217;ll find it hard to repeat the feat this time around. He hadn&#8217;t shown top form earlier this spring, with a 10th place at the Volta a Catalunya his best GC result to date, but he did add a third place at GP Gippingen to the results tally on Sunday as he pinned on a number for the first time since March.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll lead EF both at Tour de Suisse and at the Tour de France, with the US team&#8217;s squad in July set to do battle on several fronts with Kasper Asgreen, Alex Baudin, and Ben Healy also set to race. Here, he&#8217;ll be accompanied by a younger squad, including Luke Lamperti and Colby Simmons. A strong showing on the final mountain stage and a podium spot would be a great outcome.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-antonio-tiberi-bahrain-victorious\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c1ffe19b-d730-4644-9d1a-039edf0bf865\" 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\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-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\">Antonio Tiberi will be hoping to improve on quiet recent results in April and May <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d7f16ee6-6ff9-4b27-a994-71c8734170ca\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian GC hope Antonio Tiberi is forgoing his home Grand Tour this year and making his debut at the Tour de France, with a third career start in Switzerland his main preparation for the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll be joined by French climber Lenny Martinez at both races, but should be Bahrain Victorious&#8217; GC leader at both. Tiberi will hope to show some form this week, having been quiet in his recent races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After a successful start to the season with a string of top-five places \u2013 second to Isaac del Toro at the UAE Tour the highlight \u2013 he has struggled to make an impact in the past two months.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A seventh place on stage 1 of the Tour de Romandie stands out as his best recent result, with not much else to shout about across Tirreno-Adriatico, Itzulia Basque Country, Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and the Tour de Romandie. He, Martinez, and Giro d&#8217;Italia heroes Afonso Eul\u00e1lio and Alec Segaert will be hoping for more here.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5e86d8d8-ef76-43e3-97e2-a506f3905aae\" 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\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana and Enric Mas are in Movistar&#8217;s lineup in Switzerland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9e6a43e5-9adb-423e-94a4-64572218a5ff\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At this time of year, Enric Mas is usually preparing for his main goal of the season, the Tour de France. This time around, though, following three abandons in four years in July, he switched his target to the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His debut at the Giro was a disappointing one, however, with the Spaniard racing to 32nd place overall, with a second place in Chiavari his top result along the way. The Tour de Suisse, then, will stand as something of a second chance for Mas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll be accompanied in the Movistar lineup by Nairo Quintana, who retires at the end of the season. The Colombian has already taken a farewell victory, triumphing at the Vuelta Asturias in April, but he&#8217;d love to take one last win at WorldTour level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both he and Mas will be looking to start their second half of the season with a focus on La Vuelta here.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22888999-7931-42ac-a95d-90a99f1dabaf\" 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\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-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\">Is Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d heading for the Tour de France via the Tour de Suisse? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6d9a7c70-b0d3-4038-8a11-fe38e72ebf64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d&#8217;s summer plans remain up in the air. The Slovenian veteran is set to target a fifth Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a title to secure the all-time win record. Will he race the Tour de France before then? It doesn&#8217;t seem likely, but it&#8217;s not impossible that he&#8217;ll form part of a Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe superteam next month.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Earlier this season, he said, &#8220;We&#8217;ll see what the summer brings to us&#8221; when questioned about his plans before La Vuelta. It seems most likely that a bid at the win in Switzerland \u2013 the last major WorldTour week-long stage race missing from his palmar\u00e8s \u2013 is his big goal of the summer, however.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d has won them all, including Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico, Catalunya, Itzulia, Romandie, and the Dauphin\u00e9. At 36, will this be the year he adds the Tour de Suisse to that list? It seems a big ask against Poga\u010dar, even with another strong GC rider in Aleksandr Vlasov on his side. Frankly, it seems unlikely, with his best result to date in 2026 being fifth at Tirreno.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-pinarello-q36-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4a910f22-0a46-4405-bea8-46ace22df827\" 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\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tom Pidcock swaps his mountain bike for a road bike after racing in Nov\u00e9 M\u011bsto last month <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2055741b-858f-44fc-82e7-c4380ed0f0a5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tom Pidcock returns to road racing following a brief mountain bike sojourn. Last month, he made his MTB season debut at the second round of the UCI World Cup in Nov\u00e9 M\u011bsto, taking second place at the short-track cross-country race and winning the Olympic cross-country event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The races continued his successful early-season on the road, too, with a trio of wins at Milano-Torino and stages of the Vuelta a Andaluc\u00eda and Tour of the Alps. Suisse is his major preparation race for the Tour de France, and his first road outing since taking second place at Eschborn-Frankfurt at the start of May.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">26-year-old Pidcock&#8217;s most recent Grand Tour appearance came at last year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he raced to third overall. Will the Tour see him in GC mode, looking to improve on a career-best 13th place on his July debut for Pinarello-Q36.5? Or will he be in stage hunting mode? Or will it be both? This race may give us a hint.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ilan-van-wilder-soudal-quickstep\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fbc1872f-baeb-471c-a65e-2a7267e7ba08\" 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\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-978-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-978-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-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\">Ilan Van Wilder leads Soudal-QuickStep in their first post-Remco Evenepoel summer <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a734de8e-69cc-4685-9241-929cc4112282\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This season marks the first time since 2018 that Soudal-QuickStep don&#8217;t have Remco Evenepoel on their books, and the first in three years he&#8217;s not their focus for the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Instead, the Belgian team will look to several other riders for success in July as part of a multi-pronged approach. Tim Merlier is the sprinter of choice, while several others \u2013 including Ilan Van Wilder, Valentin Paret-Peintre, and Mikel Landa \u2013 will be free to chase stage wins and the GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">26-year-old Van Wilder will head up the team&#8217;s selection in Switzerland, even if Landa will likely be the focus in France. A 12th place at the 2023 Giro hinted at what he&#8217;s capable of, while he finished eighth here last year. The 11th at Tirreno-Adriatico a few months ago stands as his best result so far in 2026, and he&#8217;d be happy to surpass that in his next week of racing.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-others-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Others to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d16b988a-bc65-4f5a-8e0e-7fa9b4a2966c\" 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\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-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\">Highly rated Belgian youngster Jarno Widar could star for Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ebb75d88-aa3f-414a-a2f4-76689ca80a23\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Max Poole (Picnic-PostNL) has been out of action since February&#8217;s Volta ao Algarve with a virus and so there is a question mark over whether he is likely to compete in Switzerland. His team recently admitted that the Tour de France &#8220;is going to be very difficult or impossible&#8221;, but still, he&#8217;ll be one to keep an eye on as he continues his recovery.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fellow youngster, 20-year-old Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), has impressed mightily in the under-23 ranks, winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen and Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta. He takes on his first-ever WorldTour race at the Tour de Suisse, and the second stage race of his debut pro season after the Volta ao Algarve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Double (Jayco-AlUla) has shown he can perform at lower-level stage races, having won the Tour of Guangxi and Tour of Slovakia last year. This season, his best result is fifth overall at the Tour of Oman. Can he step it up at WorldTour level this week?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Hirt (NSN) heads to Switzerland off the back of a solid performance at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, where he took 12th overall in Rome. The Czech veteran has history at this race, having come fifth on his most recent finish in 2019. He should be there or thereabouts on the final stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar the clear favourite at his first stage race of the year \u2013 Analysing the Tour de Romandie contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sNsmhnzRfquAmUcW6cvYo6-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where do the Tour de France contenders stand before the final build-up races? Updated 2026 form ranking after the Classics and Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard the clear frontrunner, but who will emerge as his biggest challenger? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the 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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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-[--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-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFaSuUqiBfDCbtKTpKZ4UQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jenny Rissveds and Adrien Boichis prevail in the rain and mud of the Leogang Mountain Bike World Cup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-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\">Gravel Earth Series: New Zealand sweep of Lost and Found Gravel as Ruby Ryan and Matthew Wilson clinch victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ChfWmra6qn9tNfUXxbkk8C-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\">Tour F\u00e9minin des Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es: Paula Blasi claims overall victory as unstoppable breakaway rider Eline Jansen crashes and goes on to take stage 3 win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEZK3CMApnLP8K59mnmEXo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro claims overall title with second consecutive mountaintop victory at Plateau de Solaison<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVo74sbNkmfaBjeoxjsT45-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 21 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 20 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 19 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kF9FfazCnmzgNZQmYqhoH5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 18 preview<\/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\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7DVqmYjuQm8aitdmD9KbBM.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\">Gravel Earth Series: New Zealand sweep of Lost and Found Gravel as Ruby Ryan and Matthew Wilson clinch victory<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Crashing over the finish line, Liam Slock delivers an unforgettable first professional victory at GP Gippingen<\/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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Hugo Drechou and Sophie Wright surge to victory in opening French round at Wish One<\/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\">Jenny Rissveds and Adrien Boichis prevail in the rain and mud of the Leogang Mountain Bike World Cup<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I blew myself up&#8217; \u2013 Matteo Jorgenson slips off the podium on final climb of 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>\nTour de Suisse\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-15T08:19:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Richard Carapaz, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, and Tom Pidcock are among the other top favourites at the slimmed-down five-day 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-e6c901da-df00-47bf-a82a-db0a6a300527\">One Tour de France warm-up race has already been and gone as the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes concluded in the high mountains over the weekend. Another is still to come as the Tour de Suisse gets underway on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, these races are much more than just warm-ups for the big one in July. The Tour de Suisse is in its 89th edition this year and stands as one of the most prestigious stage races outside of the three Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6c901da-df00-47bf-a82a-db0a6a300527-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, the race has been reduced from eight days to five, running June 17-21 from Sondrio to Villars-sur-Ollon. Once stretching to even 10 or 11 days, the race&#8217;s new length is, in the words of its organisers, an attempt to ensure it can remain &#8220;financially sustainable and future-proof.&#8221;<\/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\">Despite the Tour de Suisse&#8217;s reduced route, which features a 23.8km time trial and a four-mountain finale on the Col de la Croix, it has still attracted a stellar field of riders. World champion Tadej Poga\u010dar heads up the start list and lines up as the overwhelming favourite to add the overall title to his palmar\u00e8s.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But there are plenty of other GC hopefuls also heading to Switzerland this week, even if overhauling the Slovenian looks a near-impossible task. Here&#8217;s a look at our top contenders for the 2026 Tour de Suisse.<\/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\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5ED8uRSDCzRarHo6Vp8qeK-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar the clear favourite at his first stage race of the year \u2013 Analysing the Tour de Romandie contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d150eb75-5a41-4c25-95fd-a9b7f74a1cf6\" 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\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUPQKG5gBBLEyYFWh4AKW3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar dominated on his last outing in Switzerland, the Tour de Romandie <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-29aabc1e-37ce-4449-9235-e2f946a96d86\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has eight wins to his name in just 11 race days so far in 2026, and the Slovenian is favourite to add to his palmar\u00e8s here on his Tour de Suisse debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The world champion is one of the few Tour de France contenders using the five-day race as his main tuneup for the Tour de France, and he&#8217;ll be joined by several key Tour lieutenants, including Nils Politt, Mikkel Bjerg, and Brandon McNulty.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-x5TtN8zarfzLRrgeKGEsmN 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\">At the Tour de Romandie, he won four of the five stages and the overall, and he could do similar here. The opening stages in Sondrio and Locarno finish in the hills, while stage 4 is a time trial, and the closing stage passes through the high mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Anything less than another dominant performance in Switzerland would surely raise some questions over Poga\u010dar&#8217;s form ahead of the biggest race of the season, but frankly, there&#8217;s little to suggest he won&#8217;t come away with a healthy margin of victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-richard-carapaz-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fa04231c-200f-4b5e-a05e-ad906999c4de\" 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\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/errVYmRGbXJ7CmHd3b8TNB-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\">Richard Carapaz missed the Giro d&#8217;Italia but will be ramping up form for the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6ea67669-520c-450c-9efb-f23fe5c5b271\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Olympic champion Richard Carapaz has been forced to recalibrate his season goals after missing the Giro d&#8217;Italia last month. The Ecuadorian couldn&#8217;t recover from perineal cyst surgery in time for the May race, and so he&#8217;ll lead EF Education-EasyPost at the Tour de France instead.<\/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\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/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\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wTWEmY79e7aMFNXqmKYcWR-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\">Jonas Vingegaard the clear frontrunner, but who will emerge as his biggest challenger? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Carapaz has won this race before, of course, triumphing in 2021, but he&#8217;ll find it hard to repeat the feat this time around. He hadn&#8217;t shown top form earlier this spring, with a 10th place at the Volta a Catalunya his best GC result to date, but he did add a third place at GP Gippingen to the results tally on Sunday as he pinned on a number for the first time since March.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll lead EF both at Tour de Suisse and at the Tour de France, with the US team&#8217;s squad in July set to do battle on several fronts with Kasper Asgreen, Alex Baudin, and Ben Healy also set to race. Here, he&#8217;ll be accompanied by a younger squad, including Luke Lamperti and Colby Simmons. A strong showing on the final mountain stage and a podium spot would be a great outcome.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-antonio-tiberi-bahrain-victorious\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c1ffe19b-d730-4644-9d1a-039edf0bf865\" 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\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/URCxREvikaUusGKQt6UUfP-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\">Antonio Tiberi will be hoping to improve on quiet recent results in April and May <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d7f16ee6-6ff9-4b27-a994-71c8734170ca\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian GC hope Antonio Tiberi is forgoing his home Grand Tour this year and making his debut at the Tour de France, with a third career start in Switzerland his main preparation for the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll be joined by French climber Lenny Martinez at both races, but should be Bahrain Victorious&#8217; GC leader at both. Tiberi will hope to show some form this week, having been quiet in his recent races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After a successful start to the season with a string of top-five places \u2013 second to Isaac del Toro at the UAE Tour the highlight \u2013 he has struggled to make an impact in the past two months.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A seventh place on stage 1 of the Tour de Romandie stands out as his best recent result, with not much else to shout about across Tirreno-Adriatico, Itzulia Basque Country, Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and the Tour de Romandie. He, Martinez, and Giro d&#8217;Italia heroes Afonso Eul\u00e1lio and Alec Segaert will be hoping for more here.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5e86d8d8-ef76-43e3-97e2-a506f3905aae\" 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\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N2mTRHeYwdhXh6A547Xyg7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana and Enric Mas are in Movistar&#8217;s lineup in Switzerland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9e6a43e5-9adb-423e-94a4-64572218a5ff\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At this time of year, Enric Mas is usually preparing for his main goal of the season, the Tour de France. This time around, though, following three abandons in four years in July, he switched his target to the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His debut at the Giro was a disappointing one, however, with the Spaniard racing to 32nd place overall, with a second place in Chiavari his top result along the way. The Tour de Suisse, then, will stand as something of a second chance for Mas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll be accompanied in the Movistar lineup by Nairo Quintana, who retires at the end of the season. The Colombian has already taken a farewell victory, triumphing at the Vuelta Asturias in April, but he&#8217;d love to take one last win at WorldTour level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both he and Mas will be looking to start their second half of the season with a focus on La Vuelta here.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22888999-7931-42ac-a95d-90a99f1dabaf\" 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\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQWGorhS7QmjZQer59De8g-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\">Is Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d heading for the Tour de France via the Tour de Suisse? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6d9a7c70-b0d3-4038-8a11-fe38e72ebf64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d&#8217;s summer plans remain up in the air. The Slovenian veteran is set to target a fifth Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a title to secure the all-time win record. Will he race the Tour de France before then? It doesn&#8217;t seem likely, but it&#8217;s not impossible that he&#8217;ll form part of a Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe superteam next month.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Earlier this season, he said, &#8220;We&#8217;ll see what the summer brings to us&#8221; when questioned about his plans before La Vuelta. It seems most likely that a bid at the win in Switzerland \u2013 the last major WorldTour week-long stage race missing from his palmar\u00e8s \u2013 is his big goal of the summer, however.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d has won them all, including Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico, Catalunya, Itzulia, Romandie, and the Dauphin\u00e9. At 36, will this be the year he adds the Tour de Suisse to that list? It seems a big ask against Poga\u010dar, even with another strong GC rider in Aleksandr Vlasov on his side. Frankly, it seems unlikely, with his best result to date in 2026 being fifth at Tirreno.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-pinarello-q36-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4a910f22-0a46-4405-bea8-46ace22df827\" 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\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/whvz3ER2vxDL9JPuerNrr7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tom Pidcock swaps his mountain bike for a road bike after racing in Nov\u00e9 M\u011bsto last month <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2055741b-858f-44fc-82e7-c4380ed0f0a5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tom Pidcock returns to road racing following a brief mountain bike sojourn. Last month, he made his MTB season debut at the second round of the UCI World Cup in Nov\u00e9 M\u011bsto, taking second place at the short-track cross-country race and winning the Olympic cross-country event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The races continued his successful early-season on the road, too, with a trio of wins at Milano-Torino and stages of the Vuelta a Andaluc\u00eda and Tour of the Alps. Suisse is his major preparation race for the Tour de France, and his first road outing since taking second place at Eschborn-Frankfurt at the start of May.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">26-year-old Pidcock&#8217;s most recent Grand Tour appearance came at last year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he raced to third overall. Will the Tour see him in GC mode, looking to improve on a career-best 13th place on his July debut for Pinarello-Q36.5? Or will he be in stage hunting mode? Or will it be both? This race may give us a hint.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ilan-van-wilder-soudal-quickstep\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fbc1872f-baeb-471c-a65e-2a7267e7ba08\" 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\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-978-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-978-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/agNvhWQVvkmDXkuBz8JqCK-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\">Ilan Van Wilder leads Soudal-QuickStep in their first post-Remco Evenepoel summer <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a734de8e-69cc-4685-9241-929cc4112282\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This season marks the first time since 2018 that Soudal-QuickStep don&#8217;t have Remco Evenepoel on their books, and the first in three years he&#8217;s not their focus for the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Instead, the Belgian team will look to several other riders for success in July as part of a multi-pronged approach. Tim Merlier is the sprinter of choice, while several others \u2013 including Ilan Van Wilder, Valentin Paret-Peintre, and Mikel Landa \u2013 will be free to chase stage wins and the GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">26-year-old Van Wilder will head up the team&#8217;s selection in Switzerland, even if Landa will likely be the focus in France. A 12th place at the 2023 Giro hinted at what he&#8217;s capable of, while he finished eighth here last year. The 11th at Tirreno-Adriatico a few months ago stands as his best result so far in 2026, and he&#8217;d be happy to surpass that in his next week of racing.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-others-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Others to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d16b988a-bc65-4f5a-8e0e-7fa9b4a2966c\" 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\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ycwzfR6kp4UtJUZvwCXEDo-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\">Highly rated Belgian youngster Jarno Widar could star for Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ebb75d88-aa3f-414a-a2f4-76689ca80a23\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Max Poole (Picnic-PostNL) has been out of action since February&#8217;s Volta ao Algarve with a virus and so there is a question mark over whether he is likely to compete in Switzerland. His team recently admitted that the Tour de France &#8220;is going to be very difficult or impossible&#8221;, but still, he&#8217;ll be one to keep an eye on as he continues his recovery.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fellow youngster, 20-year-old Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), has impressed mightily in the under-23 ranks, winning the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen and Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta. He takes on his first-ever WorldTour race at the Tour de Suisse, and the second stage race of his debut pro season after the Volta ao Algarve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Double (Jayco-AlUla) has shown he can perform at lower-level stage races, having won the Tour of Guangxi and Tour of Slovakia last year. This season, his best result is fifth overall at the Tour of Oman. Can he step it up at WorldTour level this week?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Hirt (NSN) heads to Switzerland off the back of a solid performance at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, where he took 12th overall in Rome. The Czech veteran has history at this race, having come fifth on his most recent finish in 2019. He should be there or thereabouts on the final stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/can-anyone-beat-tadej-pogacar-analysing-the-contenders-for-the-mens-tour-de-suisse\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as yellow jersey changes hands on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6 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 Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro catches and drops attacker Juan [&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-1992401","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\/1992401","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=1992401"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1992401\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1992401"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1992401"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1992401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}