{"id":2006529,"date":"2026-06-23T11:24:43","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T08:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2006529"},"modified":"2026-06-23T11:24:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T08:24:43","slug":"i-put-him-up-there-alongside-jonas-vingegaard-uae-team-emirates-manager-praises-paul-seixas-before-tour-de-france-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2006529","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates manager praises Paul Seixas before Tour de France showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X95beHCVtNWZ6Dyio7pnuP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X95beHCVtNWZ6Dyio7pnuP-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Training has gone very well&#8217; \u2013 New challenge for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he completes final Tour de France tune-up on Tour de Suisse debut\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\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;We shouldn&#8217;t get too hung up on a kilo or two in a cyclist&#8217; \u2013 No weight concerns for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Tour de France, says UAE&#8217;s Matxin\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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-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                                    Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse\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 France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates manager praises Paul Seixas before Tour de France showdown<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-23T11:24:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Sports manager Joxean Matxin confirms Isaac del Toro as Plan B for overall victory<\/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\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paul Seixas and Isaac del Toro at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne Alpes<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/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-14269c13-5ebf-4134-b886-ad88415e1b5f\">Paul Siexas is still only 19 and will make his Tour de France debut this July, but such is his talent and determination that UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports manager Joxean Fernandez Matxin considers him a threat to Tadej Poga\u010dar winning a fifth yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<p>Matxin saw Seixas up close at the recent Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne Alpes as he guided Isaac del Toro to eventual overall victory. Seixas crashed hard on stage 6, bravely chased with his teammates to close a four-minute gap, but then was forced out of the race due to his injuries.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14269c13-5ebf-4134-b886-ad88415e1b5f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas was unable to show his potential in the final mountain stages but impressed Matxin with his character.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Despite his crashes, or perhaps even because of them, we saw a super Seixas, who was really strong, even more than we expected. I&#8217;m not talking about his final result but about his character,&#8221; Matxin told <em>BiciPro<\/em>, in an apparent mix of respect and pre-Tour mind games.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas is the new kid on the block of Tour de France contenders, with Decathlon CMA CGM deciding to back him as team leader. He is expected to rival Poga\u010dar, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease Bike), Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and perhaps Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) for the places on the final Tour de France podium.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/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\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Mind-boggling for someone of that age&#8217; \u2013 Hype builds for Paul Seixas challenging Poga\u010dar and Evenepoel at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he&#8217;s one of Tadej&#8217;s biggest rivals for his poker of five wins,&#8221; Matxin said. &#8220;His crash showed he&#8217;s strong physically and mentally. He doesn&#8217;t give up, otherwise he would have chased back and closed a four-minute gap.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Seixas has to be considered a contender, even if he&#8217;s never ridden a Grand Tour. When you show certain things, there&#8217;s no need to be afraid of a three-week race. I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard and what he showed at the Giro. We can&#8217;t underestimate anyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH 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\">Visma Lease a Bike sports director Ga\u00ebtan Pons was reciprocal in his praise of Poga\u010dar at the Tour de Suisse and predicted another GC battle on the roads of France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cHe showed he\u2019s in great shape, and it\u2019s a good sign for us ahead of the Tour de France,&#8221; Pons said of Poga\u010dar to <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Jonas showed he was very strong too at the Giro; there\u2019s going to be a real battle this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-150-80.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 warning to Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard? Paul Seixas claims several Strava KOMs on Col du Tourmalet during recon of Tour de France mountain stage<\/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\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Visma Lease a Bike and Decathlon CMA CGM have a single leader strategy at the Tour, but Matxin is confident that UAE have Isac del Toro as a possible Plan B, especially after his victory at the Tour Auvergne-Rhone Alpes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also sent out a clear message; we showed how good Del Toro is for the Tour,&#8221; Matxin said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I like the fact that he never lost hope, he never lost sight of the final goal, despite the break gaining time in the early stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;His qualities mean he can aim for anything. I&#8217;ve never liked the word captain even if it&#8217;s clear that there has to be a hierarchy in a big team like ours.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m more interested in that Isaac gets his chance to break through. That means that we can ride the Tour with a Plan B. He knows that he can win a Grand Tour and that&#8217;s important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH 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\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.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\">Stephen Farrand<\/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\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Mind-boggling for someone of that age&#8217; \u2013 Hype builds for Paul Seixas challenging Poga\u010dar and Evenepoel at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-320-80.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\">A warning to Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard? Paul Seixas claims several Strava KOMs on Col du Tourmalet during recon of Tour de France mountain stage<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-320-80.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\">&#8216;There were signs everywhere, I just didn&#8217;t see them&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert explains how weight gain complicated RED-S diagnosis<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a catastrophe&#8217; \u2013 emergency services called after major fire affects famous Paris-Roubaix restaurant<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-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\">&#8216;Sometimes it seems the harder things get, the more fun I find it&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering reflects on back-to-the-wall Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-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\">Belgian Waffle Ride: Hayden Christian secures Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel with victory in Montana while C\u00e9cile Lejeune wraps up women&#8217;s overall title with runner-up finish<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Winning is super important for my development&#8217; \u2013 Lorenzo Finn reaffirms teenage super talent status with Giro Next Gen 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-320-80.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\">&#8216;There were signs everywhere, I just didn&#8217;t see them&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert explains how weight gain complicated RED-S diagnosis<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Two-time Tro-Bro L\u00e9on winner Sa\u00efd Haddou dies in a traffic accident<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a catastrophe&#8217; \u2013 emergency services called after major fire affects famous Paris-Roubaix restaurant<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s final Tour de France altitude camp on hold as family comes first<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-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\">&#8216;Sometimes it seems the harder things get, the more fun I find it&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering reflects on back-to-the-wall Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Continental GP5000 S TR is proven to be the best road tyre, and it&#8217;s currently discounted by up to 38% for Amazon Prime Day<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ.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\">Two-time Tro-Bro L\u00e9on winner Sa\u00efd Haddou dies in a traffic accident<\/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\">&#8216;There were signs everywhere, I just didn&#8217;t see them&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert explains how weight gain complicated RED-S diagnosis<\/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\">&#8216;I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates manager praises Paul Seixas before Tour de France showdown<\/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\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a catastrophe&#8217; \u2013 emergency services called after major fire affects famous Paris-Roubaix restaurant<\/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;Sometimes it seems the harder things get, the more fun I find it&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering reflects on back-to-the-wall Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/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 France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates manager praises Paul Seixas before Tour de France showdown<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-23T11:24:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Sports manager Joxean Matxin confirms Isaac del Toro as Plan B for overall victory<\/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\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paul Seixas and Isaac del Toro at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne Alpes<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/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-14269c13-5ebf-4134-b886-ad88415e1b5f\">Paul Siexas is still only 19 and will make his Tour de France debut this July, but such is his talent and determination that UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports manager Joxean Fernandez Matxin considers him a threat to Tadej Poga\u010dar winning a fifth yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<p>Matxin saw Seixas up close at the recent Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne Alpes as he guided Isaac del Toro to eventual overall victory. Seixas crashed hard on stage 6, bravely chased with his teammates to close a four-minute gap, but then was forced out of the race due to his injuries.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14269c13-5ebf-4134-b886-ad88415e1b5f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas was unable to show his potential in the final mountain stages but impressed Matxin with his character.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Despite his crashes, or perhaps even because of them, we saw a super Seixas, who was really strong, even more than we expected. I&#8217;m not talking about his final result but about his character,&#8221; Matxin told <em>BiciPro<\/em>, in an apparent mix of respect and pre-Tour mind games.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas is the new kid on the block of Tour de France contenders, with Decathlon CMA CGM deciding to back him as team leader. He is expected to rival Poga\u010dar, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease Bike), Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and perhaps Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) for the places on the final Tour de France podium.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/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\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Mind-boggling for someone of that age&#8217; \u2013 Hype builds for Paul Seixas challenging Poga\u010dar and Evenepoel at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he&#8217;s one of Tadej&#8217;s biggest rivals for his poker of five wins,&#8221; Matxin said. &#8220;His crash showed he&#8217;s strong physically and mentally. He doesn&#8217;t give up, otherwise he would have chased back and closed a four-minute gap.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Seixas has to be considered a contender, even if he&#8217;s never ridden a Grand Tour. When you show certain things, there&#8217;s no need to be afraid of a three-week race. I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard and what he showed at the Giro. We can&#8217;t underestimate anyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH 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\">Visma Lease a Bike sports director Ga\u00ebtan Pons was reciprocal in his praise of Poga\u010dar at the Tour de Suisse and predicted another GC battle on the roads of France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cHe showed he\u2019s in great shape, and it\u2019s a good sign for us ahead of the Tour de France,&#8221; Pons said of Poga\u010dar to <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Jonas showed he was very strong too at the Giro; there\u2019s going to be a real battle this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-150-80.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 warning to Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard? Paul Seixas claims several Strava KOMs on Col du Tourmalet during recon of Tour de France mountain stage<\/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\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Visma Lease a Bike and Decathlon CMA CGM have a single leader strategy at the Tour, but Matxin is confident that UAE have Isac del Toro as a possible Plan B, especially after his victory at the Tour Auvergne-Rhone Alpes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also sent out a clear message; we showed how good Del Toro is for the Tour,&#8221; Matxin said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I like the fact that he never lost hope, he never lost sight of the final goal, despite the break gaining time in the early stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;His qualities mean he can aim for anything. I&#8217;ve never liked the word captain even if it&#8217;s clear that there has to be a hierarchy in a big team like ours.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m more interested in that Isaac gets his chance to break through. That means that we can ride the Tour with a Plan B. He knows that he can win a Grand Tour and that&#8217;s important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH 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\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.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\">Stephen Farrand<\/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\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Mind-boggling for someone of that age&#8217; \u2013 Hype builds for Paul Seixas challenging Poga\u010dar and Evenepoel at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-320-80.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\">A warning to Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard? Paul Seixas claims several Strava KOMs on Col du Tourmalet during recon of Tour de France mountain stage<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-320-80.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\">&#8216;There were signs everywhere, I just didn&#8217;t see them&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert explains how weight gain complicated RED-S diagnosis<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a catastrophe&#8217; \u2013 emergency services called after major fire affects famous Paris-Roubaix restaurant<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-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\">&#8216;Sometimes it seems the harder things get, the more fun I find it&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering reflects on back-to-the-wall Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-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\">Belgian Waffle Ride: Hayden Christian secures Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel with victory in Montana while C\u00e9cile Lejeune wraps up women&#8217;s overall title with runner-up finish<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Winning is super important for my development&#8217; \u2013 Lorenzo Finn reaffirms teenage super talent status with Giro Next Gen 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MUUyL2tM7Kd3JT8gdzJah9-320-80.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\">&#8216;There were signs everywhere, I just didn&#8217;t see them&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert explains how weight gain complicated RED-S diagnosis<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Two-time Tro-Bro L\u00e9on winner Sa\u00efd Haddou dies in a traffic accident<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HQPcZQLxrxJbUhuprjGRGL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a catastrophe&#8217; \u2013 emergency services called after major fire affects famous Paris-Roubaix restaurant<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MckhUicBCQLrhqVa4tdPDD-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s final Tour de France altitude camp on hold as family comes first<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nQy7prYuTXiuWKvvL9FsBc-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\">&#8216;Sometimes it seems the harder things get, the more fun I find it&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering reflects on back-to-the-wall Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juJGLrCm5BNP3GTDSCXFv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Continental GP5000 S TR is proven to be the best road tyre, and it&#8217;s currently discounted by up to 38% for Amazon Prime Day<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8rJaV8uAHLk5thMQEsfhQ.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\">Two-time Tro-Bro L\u00e9on winner Sa\u00efd Haddou dies in a traffic accident<\/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\">&#8216;There were signs everywhere, I just didn&#8217;t see them&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert explains how weight gain complicated RED-S diagnosis<\/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\">&#8216;I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates manager praises Paul Seixas before Tour de France showdown<\/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\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a catastrophe&#8217; \u2013 emergency services called after major fire affects famous Paris-Roubaix restaurant<\/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;Sometimes it seems the harder things get, the more fun I find it&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering reflects on back-to-the-wall Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/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 France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates manager praises Paul Seixas before Tour de France showdown<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-23T11:24:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Sports manager Joxean Matxin confirms Isaac del Toro as Plan B for overall victory<\/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\">1<\/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-14269c13-5ebf-4134-b886-ad88415e1b5f\">Paul Siexas is still only 19 and will make his Tour de France debut this July, but such is his talent and determination that UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports manager Joxean Fernandez Matxin considers him a threat to Tadej Poga\u010dar winning a fifth yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<p>Matxin saw Seixas up close at the recent Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne Alpes as he guided Isaac del Toro to eventual overall victory. Seixas crashed hard on stage 6, bravely chased with his teammates to close a four-minute gap, but then was forced out of the race due to his injuries.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14269c13-5ebf-4134-b886-ad88415e1b5f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas was unable to show his potential in the final mountain stages but impressed Matxin with his character.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Despite his crashes, or perhaps even because of them, we saw a super Seixas, who was really strong, even more than we expected. I&#8217;m not talking about his final result but about his character,&#8221; Matxin told <em>BiciPro<\/em>, in an apparent mix of respect and pre-Tour mind games.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas is the new kid on the block of Tour de France contenders, with Decathlon CMA CGM deciding to back him as team leader. He is expected to rival Poga\u010dar, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease Bike), Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and perhaps Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) for the places on the final Tour de France podium.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/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\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9qy7xzBXhRQ4uhTrbj4Xd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Mind-boggling for someone of that age&#8217; \u2013 Hype builds for Paul Seixas challenging Poga\u010dar and Evenepoel at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he&#8217;s one of Tadej&#8217;s biggest rivals for his poker of five wins,&#8221; Matxin said. &#8220;His crash showed he&#8217;s strong physically and mentally. He doesn&#8217;t give up, otherwise he would have chased back and closed a four-minute gap.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Seixas has to be considered a contender, even if he&#8217;s never ridden a Grand Tour. When you show certain things, there&#8217;s no need to be afraid of a three-week race. I put him up there alongside Jonas Vingegaard and what he showed at the Giro. We can&#8217;t underestimate anyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sWa6mWwyaeoPxvHyRruivH 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\">Visma Lease a Bike sports director Ga\u00ebtan Pons was reciprocal in his praise of Poga\u010dar at the Tour de Suisse and predicted another GC battle on the roads of France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cHe showed he\u2019s in great shape, and it\u2019s a good sign for us ahead of the Tour de France,&#8221; Pons said of Poga\u010dar to <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Jonas showed he was very strong too at the Giro; there\u2019s going to be a real battle this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUKCK2GPgy72esEg9mWR94-150-80.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 warning to Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard? Paul Seixas claims several Strava KOMs on Col du Tourmalet during recon of Tour de France mountain stage<\/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\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mE5HcBSKYqYMQUTC22kLZ5-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just being able to follow him is already something&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Li\u00e8ge, and Poga\u010dar is expecting him to start the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Visma Lease a Bike and Decathlon CMA CGM have a single leader strategy at the Tour, but Matxin is confident that UAE have Isac del Toro as a possible Plan B, especially after his victory at the Tour Auvergne-Rhone Alpes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also sent out a clear message; we showed how good Del Toro is for the Tour,&#8221; Matxin said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I like the fact that he never lost hope, he never lost sight of the final goal, despite the break gaining time in the early stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;His qualities mean he can aim for anything. I&#8217;ve never liked the word captain even if it&#8217;s clear that there has to be a hierarchy in a big team like ours.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m more interested in that Isaac gets his chance to break through. That means that we can ride the Tour with a Plan B. He knows that he can win a Grand Tour and that&#8217;s important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/i-put-him-up-there-alongside-jonas-vingegaard-uae-team-emirates-manager-praises-paul-seixas-before-tour-de-france-showdown\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eThUTVN6sKvxM6Wv3dqFmg-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;Training has gone very well&#8217; \u2013 New challenge for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he completes final Tour de France tune-up on Tour de Suisse debut 2 &#8216;We shouldn&#8217;t get too hung up on a kilo or two in a cyclist&#8217; \u2013 No weight concerns for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Tour de France, [&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-2006529","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\/2006529","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=2006529"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2006529\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2006529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2006529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2006529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}