{"id":2020834,"date":"2026-06-30T20:19:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T17:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2020834"},"modified":"2026-06-30T20:19:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T17:19:21","slug":"a-free-mind-equals-fast-legs-how-my-mental-state-helped-me-wear-the-yellow-jersey-for-two-days-at-an-unforgettable-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2020834","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A free mind equals fast legs&#8217; \u2013 How my mental state helped me wear the yellow jersey for two days at an unforgettable Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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                                    Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list\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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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                                    Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey\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\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRed Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLuke Tuckwell\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A free mind equals fast legs&#8217; \u2013 How my mental state helped me wear the yellow jersey for two days at an unforgettable Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\" data-component-name=\"Article:Hero:KiosqPaywallLabels\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><br \/>\nMEMBER EXCLUSIVE<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLuke Tuckwell <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-30T20:19:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">In Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s latest column for Cyclingnews, he recalls his memorable week in France, and how he went from tears in training to his first yellow jersey<\/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\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><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\" 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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-a5ca69d5-0804-46e5-a7f4-bad03b68bcd5\">Hello again everyone!<\/p>\n<p>When my coach informed me, after my performance at the Tour of Romandie, that instead of racing the Tour de Suisse I would go to the Dauphin\u00e9\u2026 my bad, the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes (or TARA, as I will call it for the rest of this piece), I was initially quite apprehensive.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5ca69d5-0804-46e5-a7f4-bad03b68bcd5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although I had just earned my first WorldTour top 10 GC result, finishing sixth in Romandie, I felt like it was a potential step too far, due to the fact that the race is widely known amongst the pros for how hard it is, actually harder than a week of a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My coach brushed it off and said back to me, &#8220;Well, you shouldn&#8217;t have done so well at Romandie!&#8221; I couldn&#8217;t really disagree with that, so I now had three weeks until the Tour de France preparation race, and not in my wildest dreams could I have expected what occurred.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q-Q57pCLpQ0yqFtNEQfUFyLvrSRsx8yMxx\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q-Q57pCLpQ0yqFtNEQfUFyLvrSRsx8yMxx slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__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=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Luke Tuckwell<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Professional cyclist<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>Luke Tuckwell <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>is a professional cyclist from Australia riding for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. This year is his first year as a pro, and it has already been a highly successful one. In his first column for Cyclingnews, he told us about how he turned pro, and in this instalment, he recalls an unforgettable result at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c49bad05-764a-49f1-919d-5833dd3af4be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But before I talk about my memorable week in France, I want to bring you back to the weeks prior to the race. My girlfriend is from Denmark, and due to the extremely busy few months prior for both of us, we hadn&#8217;t seen each other for over two months. I pre-planned going to Denmark to see her many weeks before I knew I was doing TARA, so two weeks out I went and visited her for 10 days.<\/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\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It will take some time to sink in&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Luke Tuckwell hands over the yellow jersey but stands firm on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium to cap &#8216;incredible&#8217; week<\/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\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-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\">How moving to Europe as a 17-year-old changed my life \u2013 Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s rapid rise to the pro ranks, in his own words<\/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\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-150-80.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\">As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as yellow jersey changes hands on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What struck me was that practically 80% of the peloton that was racing TARA was at altitude during this period, the majority of them in Sierra Nevada. Even my own teammates that were racing as well were up on a mountain breathing thin air, and there I was at sea level, at my girlfriend&#8217;s house, riding around the rolling Danish hills around Vejle. I should mention the longest hill is about three minutes, so not ideal for mountain training. Yet, the most important factor for me during this period was the mental benefit of being around my loved ones. I still did my training; I still did a few active heat sessions, but the main point was that I wasn&#8217;t feeling lonely and exhausted on top of a mountain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My time in Denmark wasn&#8217;t all sunshine and rainbows, though. While I felt extremely good on the bike doing my long endurance rides, I was really struggling to complete any form of harder VO2 efforts. I felt as if I couldn&#8217;t push my body to its limit. I felt as if my head would just give up from the pain of the efforts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-01c09167-97ef-4f4b-9523-635d7ebdde20\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More from Luke<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>How moving to Europe as a 17-year-old changed my life \u2013 Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s rapid rise to the pro ranks, in his own words<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4c8b31ee-3fd4-4962-a8a1-276fd89caf4e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ve experienced this a few times this year, especially after the passing of my younger sister in September last year. Some days I can wake up feeling completely &#8216;normal&#8217;, eat my breakfast, roll out for my ride feeling fine, but as soon as I start my efforts, I have no motivation. I felt emotional and weak. This happened one day while doing a hard VO2 session. I got roughly five minutes into my first set, and my body just gave up. I had a bit of an emotional moment on the side of the road as I felt sorry for myself, questioning why this was happening, and stressed over the fact I was racing TARA in a week&#8217;s time. I spent the rest of the day feeling miserable on the couch, being comforted by my girlfriend.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Over the next few days, I slowly felt more like myself again, and together with my coach, modified my training depending on how I felt each morning and the mental state I was in.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"i-went-to-the-race-excited-for-the-week-ahead-with-a-smile-on-my-face-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I went to the race excited for the week ahead with a smile on my face&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-7c97da8d-c566-4840-b9eb-310abf124afc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I won&#8217;t lie to you, I was now feeling even more nervous about TARA after being mentally unable to finish any efforts for the last week, but I said to my coach I still wanted to race because it was something else for my brain to focus on, and my body still felt in good condition post-Romandie.<\/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\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-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\">Why I will always love opportunistic breakaway wins, our special guest in Pisa, and more from my second week at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We couldn&#8217;t quite believe it either&#8217; \u2013 Young Australian pro Luke Tuckwell hits jackpot to become new Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes leader<\/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\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-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\">As it happened: Yellow jersey changes hands on final day of racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after stunning solo climb<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What is great about the systems that are in place at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is that information about the athlete is shared with all individuals working with the rider. So even though I only explicitly told my coach about how my head was feeling and the struggles I was going through during this week, that information was shared with my personal directeur sportif, my nutritionist, my doctor, and the wider coaching group.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I spent two days in Girona, my old European home, between travelling back from Denmark and going to TARA. My DS, Shane Archbold, a retired former professional who was in the Bora team for many years prior to the arrival of Red Bull, also happened to be in Girona over the same period. He asked if I&#8217;d like to join him for a ride before I left again, and the conversation that we had on this ride completely changed my outlook for the week ahead.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-75087e9b-c468-4fd8-b69f-5049aa1950db\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7a1488-2b57-4ebc-81c0-e8c6478dd81b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I hadn&#8217;t seen Shane for a while. The only race we had done together this year was Tour Down Under, and he had just returned from the Giro. On this ride, Shane put it simply to me. I had already exceeded expectations this year, both from a personal standpoint and from a team standpoint. My performances at Catalunya and Basque Country delighted the team, and a sixth place in Romandie was the cherry on top of that that no one was expecting. Already to finish in the top 10 on GC as a neo-pro in a WorldTour stage race was a massive achievement. I could have ended my season there and been more than satisfied with my year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So, Shane told me to go to TARA with a free mind. There was no pressure from the team; the only pressure I had was the pressure I was putting on myself. He said to go and have fun, race with a smile on my face, find my physical limits. He said to try something crazy, and if something crazy happens, that&#8217;s amazing, but if you blow up and finish twenty minutes behind the winner, that&#8217;s also great. He also told me to race with my sister on my shoulder, and use the thoughts of her as motivation to get the most out of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This one-hour conversation I had with Shane completely changed my feelings. I suddenly wasn&#8217;t nervous anymore; I didn&#8217;t feel stressed, and the emotional feelings I had floating around for the last few days evaporated. I went to the race excited for the week ahead with a smile on my face, in a clear mental space, and with no pressure. I felt free.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As I mentioned, Shane said to try something crazy, and if something crazy happens, that&#8217;s amazing. And well, we tried something crazy and something crazy did happen.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-day-that-changed-everything-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The day that changed everything<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-ea2012a8-3266-4c05-af23-28120276add0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I think by the middle of the race, the majority of people thought they knew how the race was going to pan out. A great victory on the first day by EF&#8217;s Alex Baudin put a Frenchman into the maillot jaune on day one. The TTT confirmed that the superstar riders were ready to battle it out in the mountains. Everyone was talking about the inevitable Paul Seixas vs Isaac del Toro showdown that was going to happen sooner rather than later, but stage 6 of TARA flipped the script.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a team, we had highlighted this stage as a seriously good chance for Maxim Van Gils to win the stage from the breakaway, so he deliberately lost time on GC two days earlier in order to go up the road without any other teams panicking. What we didn&#8217;t expect was a sixty-man breakaway, half of the peloton, to be riding away from the main peloton. What we also as a team didn&#8217;t expect was for me to be in that group only 1:03 down on GC. But I saw from the front of the peloton a few extra Uno-X riders bridging to the breakaway and remembered what they did on the final day of Basque Country this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those who don&#8217;t know, here is a brief explanation: Uno-X put their entire team into the breakaway with Tobias Halland Johannessen and rode him into third on GC. I instantly thought this was my chance to make a move for my own GC result.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so the chaos began. I could probably write an extra two thousand words about how the stage went, but I won&#8217;t let you suffer through that, so here is the short version. The breakaway instantly started working together, and the time gap kept increasing and increasing. Maxim and I were staying together in the group, and we were both feeling good. We came to the first of two final climbs, and the group immediately shrank in size, and we had a ridiculous 4:55 on the chasing peloton. I knew by this point that, all going well, I would be in yellow at the end of the stage, but in my head the priority was to win the stage. So that&#8217;s what we set about doing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8f89e61d-2da5-4b18-ada5-76dd1e1d5f0b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a6361b39-b50f-4bd8-aaac-ec50762a439f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the final ascent to Crest-Voland, Maxim reduced the group to three; I bridged across myself a few minutes later to make it four and immediately started setting a hard tempo to set Maxim up for a sprint. We rounded the final bend with three hundred metres to go, and Maxim and Tobias duked it out for the stage win, and I emptied myself to the line to have as much time as possible on the group of GC riders behind, flying up the mountain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Firstly, the joy that came over me seeing Maxim with his hands in the air taking the stage win actually made me forget for a moment about what I had achieved, but as I rolled across the line and towards my soigneurs it quickly sunk in that I was in yellow. To be honest, I only thought Seixas and Del Toro were probably only a minute behind us, but one minute became two, and two became three, and 3:15 after I finished they came across the line.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In short, I could not believe it. I was in yellow at the biggest one-week stage race in the world, as a neo-pro, with two days left and a three-minute advantage. This already felt like a win for me. Compared to how I was feeling on the side of the road in Denmark crying because I couldn&#8217;t understand why I was unable to complete my efforts, to a week later standing on the podium in yellow with my first iconic lion, it was amazing. I genuinely couldn&#8217;t stop smiling, and together with Maxim, we watched each other up on the podium and enjoyed the success together.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-feca03ed-b283-4841-bfe3-f2dad35b2872\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-2522-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e7d54956-88a2-4ea3-81aa-d4b0fe1b2ada\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is where I&#8217;ve been told I announced myself to the cycling world. I went from a relatively unknown rider to suddenly having a real possibility of winning TARA. But I wasn&#8217;t too concerned about what would happen. The position I was in I could have never imagined. I felt like I had won already. I felt no pressure for the last two stages of the race. All I knew was that I would give my absolute all to try and end with the best result possible, and as long as I did that, I could be proud of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I feel I don&#8217;t have to give a play-by-play recount of the final two days because I am going to assume most people reading this article also roughly know what happened on those final days. I fought my heart out to keep the jersey on Grand Colombier and only had an advantage of 42 seconds over Matteo Jorgenson, and the following day I suffered like a pig up the Plateau du Solaison and somehow managed to hold onto second on GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This was a career-defining result. The result does change my trajectory within professional cycling. It shapes the rider I hope to eventually turn into, and my name is now more widely known. I have the memories of spending two days in the maillot jaune, and they will stay with me for the rest of my life. As I am writing this article two weeks after the race, I&#8217;ve had enough time to reflect on the week and the result I achieved. I am incredibly proud of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But my biggest takeaway upon reflecting was the realisation of how a positive, free, and relaxed mental headspace coming into a race is equally as important as the physical shape you arrive with. A part of me wonders if this side of the sport is often overlooked in pursuit of the smallest possible gains in order to be in better form than our rivals. I wonder if there is some sort of magic in this, enjoying time at home with loved ones, recovering well from racing, not destroying yourself everyday in training, and appreciating the ups and downs of life. It also feels weird for me to comment on this after only being in the WorldTour for six months, and it&#8217;s something I will continue to think about, but what I can say for sure is that a free mind equals fast legs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">See you soon,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luke<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Premium Columns<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q 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\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj.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\">Luke Tuckwell<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Columnist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Luke Tuckwell is an Australian professional cyclist who rides for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.<\/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\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It will take some time to sink in&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Luke Tuckwell hands over the yellow jersey but stands firm on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium to cap &#8216;incredible&#8217; week<\/span><\/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\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How moving to Europe as a 17-year-old changed my life \u2013 Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s rapid rise to the pro ranks, in his own words<\/span><\/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\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-320-80.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\">As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as yellow jersey changes hands on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6<\/span><\/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\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-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\">Why I will always love opportunistic breakaway wins, our special guest in Pisa, and more from my second week at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/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\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We couldn&#8217;t quite believe it either&#8217; \u2013 Young Australian pro Luke Tuckwell hits jackpot to become new Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes leader<\/span><\/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\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-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\">As it happened: Yellow jersey changes hands on final day of racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after stunning solo climb<\/span><\/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\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6: Maxim Van Gils claims victory at Crest-Voland from huge breakaway<\/span><\/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\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-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\">An &#8216;idiotic&#8217; crash and a &#8216;crazy&#8217; chase \u2013 Paul Seixas recounts extraordinary blood-stained fightback at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/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\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-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;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/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\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-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;The stress just drains you&#8217; \u2013 What Jonas Vingegaard can expect from his first Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/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\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro catches and drops attacker Juan Ayuso in clash on Grand Colombier to claim stage 7 victory<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.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;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/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\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-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\">Alpecin-Premier Tech Tour de France line-up provides powerful back-up for leading stage hunters Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel<\/span><\/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\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-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\">Crisis averted \u2013 Edoardo Affini will start Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard avoids losing another teammate<\/span><\/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\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-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;Rinse and repeat&#8217; formula for motivated EF Education-EasyPost leaders Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy for Tour de France stage wins and aggressive climbing<\/span><\/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\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-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;Heading into the unknown&#8217; \u2013 Dynamic debutant duo of Paul Seixas and Olav Kooij confirmed for Decathlon CMA CGM squad at Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-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;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-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\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tour de France team confirmed as Tadej Poga\u010dar assembles &#8216;a fantastic group of teammates and staff&#8217; to chase fifth title<\/span><\/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\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-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\">Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-320-80.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\">Devastated Gregor M\u00fchlberger out of Tour de France, could Olav Kooij take his spot on Decathlon CMA CGM?<\/span><\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-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;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-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\">With Oscar Onley out, what can Netcompany Ineos hope to achieve in this Tour de France \u2013 and in future ones?<\/span><\/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\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-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;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-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\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Win Fin, Flow Fork, Speed Sniffer: Specialized launches &#8216;fastest road bike ever made&#8217; in the S-Works Tarmac SL9<\/span><\/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\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-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\">Club des Cinq: How Anquetil, Merckx, Hinault and Indurain won their fifth Tour de France, and the history that Tadej Poga\u010dar seeks to emulate<\/span><\/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\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eurobike Tech Gallery: Unreleased gravel machines, crazy aero builds and futuristic concept bikes<\/span><\/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\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-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\">Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-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\">With Oscar Onley out, what can Netcompany Ineos hope to achieve in this Tour de France \u2013 and in future ones?<\/span><\/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\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-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;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The High Temperature Protocol, switching dates, racing in the morning \u2013 What could the future of the Tour de France look like as summer temperatures continue to rise?<\/span><\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/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\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-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;It&#8217;s crazy how much can change in a year&#8217; \u2013 Lauren Dickson&#8217;s remarkable rise from cycling newbie to smashing Grand Tours with Demi Vollering<\/span><\/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\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard will try, but in reality, no one is likely to upset the Tadej Poga\u010dar show at the Tour de France \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/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\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/span><\/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\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-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\">Training<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Is heat training playing with fire? There are hidden risks, but here&#8217;s how to do it safely<\/span><\/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\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ.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\">&#8216;A free mind equals fast legs&#8217; \u2013 How my mental state helped me wear the yellow jersey for two days at an unforgettable Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">American Criterium Cup: New Zealand riders sweep elite races at Downer Classic in Wisconsin and hold off series leaders in tight sprints<\/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\">Giant overhauls gravel range with two new bikes and a suite of gravel components<\/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\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\">Save up to $372.60 on a NordVPN subscription \u2013 Lock down your Tour de France viewing from anywhere this summer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRed Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLuke Tuckwell\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A free mind equals fast legs&#8217; \u2013 How my mental state helped me wear the yellow jersey for two days at an unforgettable Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\" data-component-name=\"Article:Hero:KiosqPaywallLabels\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><br \/>\nMEMBER EXCLUSIVE<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLuke Tuckwell <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-30T20:19:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">In Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s latest column for Cyclingnews, he recalls his memorable week in France, and how he went from tears in training to his first yellow jersey<\/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\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, 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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-a5ca69d5-0804-46e5-a7f4-bad03b68bcd5\">Hello again everyone!<\/p>\n<p>When my coach informed me, after my performance at the Tour of Romandie, that instead of racing the Tour de Suisse I would go to the Dauphin\u00e9\u2026 my bad, the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes (or TARA, as I will call it for the rest of this piece), I was initially quite apprehensive.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5ca69d5-0804-46e5-a7f4-bad03b68bcd5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although I had just earned my first WorldTour top 10 GC result, finishing sixth in Romandie, I felt like it was a potential step too far, due to the fact that the race is widely known amongst the pros for how hard it is, actually harder than a week of a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My coach brushed it off and said back to me, &#8220;Well, you shouldn&#8217;t have done so well at Romandie!&#8221; I couldn&#8217;t really disagree with that, so I now had three weeks until the Tour de France preparation race, and not in my wildest dreams could I have expected what occurred.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q-Q57pCLpQ0yqFtNEQfUFyLvrSRsx8yMxx\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q-Q57pCLpQ0yqFtNEQfUFyLvrSRsx8yMxx slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__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=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Luke Tuckwell<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Professional cyclist<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>Luke Tuckwell <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>is a professional cyclist from Australia riding for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. This year is his first year as a pro, and it has already been a highly successful one. In his first column for Cyclingnews, he told us about how he turned pro, and in this instalment, he recalls an unforgettable result at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c49bad05-764a-49f1-919d-5833dd3af4be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But before I talk about my memorable week in France, I want to bring you back to the weeks prior to the race. My girlfriend is from Denmark, and due to the extremely busy few months prior for both of us, we hadn&#8217;t seen each other for over two months. I pre-planned going to Denmark to see her many weeks before I knew I was doing TARA, so two weeks out I went and visited her for 10 days.<\/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\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It will take some time to sink in&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Luke Tuckwell hands over the yellow jersey but stands firm on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium to cap &#8216;incredible&#8217; week<\/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\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-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\">How moving to Europe as a 17-year-old changed my life \u2013 Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s rapid rise to the pro ranks, in his own words<\/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\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-150-80.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\">As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as yellow jersey changes hands on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What struck me was that practically 80% of the peloton that was racing TARA was at altitude during this period, the majority of them in Sierra Nevada. Even my own teammates that were racing as well were up on a mountain breathing thin air, and there I was at sea level, at my girlfriend&#8217;s house, riding around the rolling Danish hills around Vejle. I should mention the longest hill is about three minutes, so not ideal for mountain training. Yet, the most important factor for me during this period was the mental benefit of being around my loved ones. I still did my training; I still did a few active heat sessions, but the main point was that I wasn&#8217;t feeling lonely and exhausted on top of a mountain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My time in Denmark wasn&#8217;t all sunshine and rainbows, though. While I felt extremely good on the bike doing my long endurance rides, I was really struggling to complete any form of harder VO2 efforts. I felt as if I couldn&#8217;t push my body to its limit. I felt as if my head would just give up from the pain of the efforts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-01c09167-97ef-4f4b-9523-635d7ebdde20\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More from Luke<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>How moving to Europe as a 17-year-old changed my life \u2013 Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s rapid rise to the pro ranks, in his own words<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4c8b31ee-3fd4-4962-a8a1-276fd89caf4e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ve experienced this a few times this year, especially after the passing of my younger sister in September last year. Some days I can wake up feeling completely &#8216;normal&#8217;, eat my breakfast, roll out for my ride feeling fine, but as soon as I start my efforts, I have no motivation. I felt emotional and weak. This happened one day while doing a hard VO2 session. I got roughly five minutes into my first set, and my body just gave up. I had a bit of an emotional moment on the side of the road as I felt sorry for myself, questioning why this was happening, and stressed over the fact I was racing TARA in a week&#8217;s time. I spent the rest of the day feeling miserable on the couch, being comforted by my girlfriend.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Over the next few days, I slowly felt more like myself again, and together with my coach, modified my training depending on how I felt each morning and the mental state I was in.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"i-went-to-the-race-excited-for-the-week-ahead-with-a-smile-on-my-face-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I went to the race excited for the week ahead with a smile on my face&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-7c97da8d-c566-4840-b9eb-310abf124afc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I won&#8217;t lie to you, I was now feeling even more nervous about TARA after being mentally unable to finish any efforts for the last week, but I said to my coach I still wanted to race because it was something else for my brain to focus on, and my body still felt in good condition post-Romandie.<\/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\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-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\">Why I will always love opportunistic breakaway wins, our special guest in Pisa, and more from my second week at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We couldn&#8217;t quite believe it either&#8217; \u2013 Young Australian pro Luke Tuckwell hits jackpot to become new Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes leader<\/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\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-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\">As it happened: Yellow jersey changes hands on final day of racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after stunning solo climb<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What is great about the systems that are in place at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is that information about the athlete is shared with all individuals working with the rider. So even though I only explicitly told my coach about how my head was feeling and the struggles I was going through during this week, that information was shared with my personal directeur sportif, my nutritionist, my doctor, and the wider coaching group.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I spent two days in Girona, my old European home, between travelling back from Denmark and going to TARA. My DS, Shane Archbold, a retired former professional who was in the Bora team for many years prior to the arrival of Red Bull, also happened to be in Girona over the same period. He asked if I&#8217;d like to join him for a ride before I left again, and the conversation that we had on this ride completely changed my outlook for the week ahead.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-75087e9b-c468-4fd8-b69f-5049aa1950db\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7a1488-2b57-4ebc-81c0-e8c6478dd81b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I hadn&#8217;t seen Shane for a while. The only race we had done together this year was Tour Down Under, and he had just returned from the Giro. On this ride, Shane put it simply to me. I had already exceeded expectations this year, both from a personal standpoint and from a team standpoint. My performances at Catalunya and Basque Country delighted the team, and a sixth place in Romandie was the cherry on top of that that no one was expecting. Already to finish in the top 10 on GC as a neo-pro in a WorldTour stage race was a massive achievement. I could have ended my season there and been more than satisfied with my year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So, Shane told me to go to TARA with a free mind. There was no pressure from the team; the only pressure I had was the pressure I was putting on myself. He said to go and have fun, race with a smile on my face, find my physical limits. He said to try something crazy, and if something crazy happens, that&#8217;s amazing, but if you blow up and finish twenty minutes behind the winner, that&#8217;s also great. He also told me to race with my sister on my shoulder, and use the thoughts of her as motivation to get the most out of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This one-hour conversation I had with Shane completely changed my feelings. I suddenly wasn&#8217;t nervous anymore; I didn&#8217;t feel stressed, and the emotional feelings I had floating around for the last few days evaporated. I went to the race excited for the week ahead with a smile on my face, in a clear mental space, and with no pressure. I felt free.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As I mentioned, Shane said to try something crazy, and if something crazy happens, that&#8217;s amazing. And well, we tried something crazy and something crazy did happen.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-day-that-changed-everything-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The day that changed everything<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-ea2012a8-3266-4c05-af23-28120276add0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I think by the middle of the race, the majority of people thought they knew how the race was going to pan out. A great victory on the first day by EF&#8217;s Alex Baudin put a Frenchman into the maillot jaune on day one. The TTT confirmed that the superstar riders were ready to battle it out in the mountains. Everyone was talking about the inevitable Paul Seixas vs Isaac del Toro showdown that was going to happen sooner rather than later, but stage 6 of TARA flipped the script.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a team, we had highlighted this stage as a seriously good chance for Maxim Van Gils to win the stage from the breakaway, so he deliberately lost time on GC two days earlier in order to go up the road without any other teams panicking. What we didn&#8217;t expect was a sixty-man breakaway, half of the peloton, to be riding away from the main peloton. What we also as a team didn&#8217;t expect was for me to be in that group only 1:03 down on GC. But I saw from the front of the peloton a few extra Uno-X riders bridging to the breakaway and remembered what they did on the final day of Basque Country this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those who don&#8217;t know, here is a brief explanation: Uno-X put their entire team into the breakaway with Tobias Halland Johannessen and rode him into third on GC. I instantly thought this was my chance to make a move for my own GC result.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so the chaos began. I could probably write an extra two thousand words about how the stage went, but I won&#8217;t let you suffer through that, so here is the short version. The breakaway instantly started working together, and the time gap kept increasing and increasing. Maxim and I were staying together in the group, and we were both feeling good. We came to the first of two final climbs, and the group immediately shrank in size, and we had a ridiculous 4:55 on the chasing peloton. I knew by this point that, all going well, I would be in yellow at the end of the stage, but in my head the priority was to win the stage. So that&#8217;s what we set about doing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8f89e61d-2da5-4b18-ada5-76dd1e1d5f0b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a6361b39-b50f-4bd8-aaac-ec50762a439f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the final ascent to Crest-Voland, Maxim reduced the group to three; I bridged across myself a few minutes later to make it four and immediately started setting a hard tempo to set Maxim up for a sprint. We rounded the final bend with three hundred metres to go, and Maxim and Tobias duked it out for the stage win, and I emptied myself to the line to have as much time as possible on the group of GC riders behind, flying up the mountain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Firstly, the joy that came over me seeing Maxim with his hands in the air taking the stage win actually made me forget for a moment about what I had achieved, but as I rolled across the line and towards my soigneurs it quickly sunk in that I was in yellow. To be honest, I only thought Seixas and Del Toro were probably only a minute behind us, but one minute became two, and two became three, and 3:15 after I finished they came across the line.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In short, I could not believe it. I was in yellow at the biggest one-week stage race in the world, as a neo-pro, with two days left and a three-minute advantage. This already felt like a win for me. Compared to how I was feeling on the side of the road in Denmark crying because I couldn&#8217;t understand why I was unable to complete my efforts, to a week later standing on the podium in yellow with my first iconic lion, it was amazing. I genuinely couldn&#8217;t stop smiling, and together with Maxim, we watched each other up on the podium and enjoyed the success together.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-feca03ed-b283-4841-bfe3-f2dad35b2872\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-2522-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e7d54956-88a2-4ea3-81aa-d4b0fe1b2ada\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is where I&#8217;ve been told I announced myself to the cycling world. I went from a relatively unknown rider to suddenly having a real possibility of winning TARA. But I wasn&#8217;t too concerned about what would happen. The position I was in I could have never imagined. I felt like I had won already. I felt no pressure for the last two stages of the race. All I knew was that I would give my absolute all to try and end with the best result possible, and as long as I did that, I could be proud of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I feel I don&#8217;t have to give a play-by-play recount of the final two days because I am going to assume most people reading this article also roughly know what happened on those final days. I fought my heart out to keep the jersey on Grand Colombier and only had an advantage of 42 seconds over Matteo Jorgenson, and the following day I suffered like a pig up the Plateau du Solaison and somehow managed to hold onto second on GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This was a career-defining result. The result does change my trajectory within professional cycling. It shapes the rider I hope to eventually turn into, and my name is now more widely known. I have the memories of spending two days in the maillot jaune, and they will stay with me for the rest of my life. As I am writing this article two weeks after the race, I&#8217;ve had enough time to reflect on the week and the result I achieved. I am incredibly proud of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But my biggest takeaway upon reflecting was the realisation of how a positive, free, and relaxed mental headspace coming into a race is equally as important as the physical shape you arrive with. A part of me wonders if this side of the sport is often overlooked in pursuit of the smallest possible gains in order to be in better form than our rivals. I wonder if there is some sort of magic in this, enjoying time at home with loved ones, recovering well from racing, not destroying yourself everyday in training, and appreciating the ups and downs of life. It also feels weird for me to comment on this after only being in the WorldTour for six months, and it&#8217;s something I will continue to think about, but what I can say for sure is that a free mind equals fast legs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">See you soon,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luke<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Premium Columns<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q 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\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj.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\">Luke Tuckwell<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Columnist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Luke Tuckwell is an Australian professional cyclist who rides for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.<\/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\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It will take some time to sink in&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Luke Tuckwell hands over the yellow jersey but stands firm on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium to cap &#8216;incredible&#8217; week<\/span><\/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\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How moving to Europe as a 17-year-old changed my life \u2013 Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s rapid rise to the pro ranks, in his own words<\/span><\/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\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-320-80.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\">As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as yellow jersey changes hands on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6<\/span><\/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\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-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\">Why I will always love opportunistic breakaway wins, our special guest in Pisa, and more from my second week at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/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\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We couldn&#8217;t quite believe it either&#8217; \u2013 Young Australian pro Luke Tuckwell hits jackpot to become new Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes leader<\/span><\/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\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-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\">As it happened: Yellow jersey changes hands on final day of racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after stunning solo climb<\/span><\/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\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvXTDXL2kbqQKViVtNpCtX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6: Maxim Van Gils claims victory at Crest-Voland from huge breakaway<\/span><\/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\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8s3BHaSAEoWUc6wMiFdeE-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\">An &#8216;idiotic&#8217; crash and a &#8216;crazy&#8217; chase \u2013 Paul Seixas recounts extraordinary blood-stained fightback at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/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\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-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;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/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\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-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;The stress just drains you&#8217; \u2013 What Jonas Vingegaard can expect from his first Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/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\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BC62UyAjDfj3CK5GbwZ48h-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes: Isaac del Toro catches and drops attacker Juan Ayuso in clash on Grand Colombier to claim stage 7 victory<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.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;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/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\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-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\">Alpecin-Premier Tech Tour de France line-up provides powerful back-up for leading stage hunters Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel<\/span><\/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\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuxYa9UatqgHSPCkAFja3S-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\">Crisis averted \u2013 Edoardo Affini will start Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard avoids losing another teammate<\/span><\/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\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-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;Rinse and repeat&#8217; formula for motivated EF Education-EasyPost leaders Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy for Tour de France stage wins and aggressive climbing<\/span><\/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\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNpZa2xAfk2Eq9DDqoBgiK-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;Heading into the unknown&#8217; \u2013 Dynamic debutant duo of Paul Seixas and Olav Kooij confirmed for Decathlon CMA CGM squad at Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-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;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-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\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tour de France team confirmed as Tadej Poga\u010dar assembles &#8216;a fantastic group of teammates and staff&#8217; to chase fifth title<\/span><\/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\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-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\">Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-320-80.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\">Devastated Gregor M\u00fchlberger out of Tour de France, could Olav Kooij take his spot on Decathlon CMA CGM?<\/span><\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-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;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-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\">With Oscar Onley out, what can Netcompany Ineos hope to achieve in this Tour de France \u2013 and in future ones?<\/span><\/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\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-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;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzVReE7BYHQc5qqJbJxp5Y-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\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Win Fin, Flow Fork, Speed Sniffer: Specialized launches &#8216;fastest road bike ever made&#8217; in the S-Works Tarmac SL9<\/span><\/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\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-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\">Club des Cinq: How Anquetil, Merckx, Hinault and Indurain won their fifth Tour de France, and the history that Tadej Poga\u010dar seeks to emulate<\/span><\/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\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrTDCTCzjt7SqaA6aiM33B-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eurobike Tech Gallery: Unreleased gravel machines, crazy aero builds and futuristic concept bikes<\/span><\/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\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-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\">Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-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\">With Oscar Onley out, what can Netcompany Ineos hope to achieve in this Tour de France \u2013 and in future ones?<\/span><\/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\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-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;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France<\/span><\/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\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The High Temperature Protocol, switching dates, racing in the morning \u2013 What could the future of the Tour de France look like as summer temperatures continue to rise?<\/span><\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/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\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJrCHdKTBj9hHGTR8wCCMa-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;It&#8217;s crazy how much can change in a year&#8217; \u2013 Lauren Dickson&#8217;s remarkable rise from cycling newbie to smashing Grand Tours with Demi Vollering<\/span><\/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\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard will try, but in reality, no one is likely to upset the Tadej Poga\u010dar show at the Tour de France \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/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\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/span><\/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\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCjESWYkcb72EwT3kcjjiH-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\">Training<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Is heat training playing with fire? There are hidden risks, but here&#8217;s how to do it safely<\/span><\/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\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ.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\">&#8216;A free mind equals fast legs&#8217; \u2013 How my mental state helped me wear the yellow jersey for two days at an unforgettable Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">American Criterium Cup: New Zealand riders sweep elite races at Downer Classic in Wisconsin and hold off series leaders in tight sprints<\/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\">Giant overhauls gravel range with two new bikes and a suite of gravel components<\/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\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\">Save up to $372.60 on a NordVPN subscription \u2013 Lock down your Tour de France viewing from anywhere this summer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRed Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLuke Tuckwell\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A free mind equals fast legs&#8217; \u2013 How my mental state helped me wear the yellow jersey for two days at an unforgettable Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\" data-component-name=\"Article:Hero:KiosqPaywallLabels\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><br \/>\nMEMBER EXCLUSIVE<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLuke Tuckwell <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-30T20:19:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">In Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s latest column for Cyclingnews, he recalls his memorable week in France, and how he went from tears in training to his first yellow jersey<\/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-a5ca69d5-0804-46e5-a7f4-bad03b68bcd5\">Hello again everyone!<\/p>\n<p>When my coach informed me, after my performance at the Tour of Romandie, that instead of racing the Tour de Suisse I would go to the Dauphin\u00e9\u2026 my bad, the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes (or TARA, as I will call it for the rest of this piece), I was initially quite apprehensive.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5ca69d5-0804-46e5-a7f4-bad03b68bcd5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although I had just earned my first WorldTour top 10 GC result, finishing sixth in Romandie, I felt like it was a potential step too far, due to the fact that the race is widely known amongst the pros for how hard it is, actually harder than a week of a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My coach brushed it off and said back to me, &#8220;Well, you shouldn&#8217;t have done so well at Romandie!&#8221; I couldn&#8217;t really disagree with that, so I now had three weeks until the Tour de France preparation race, and not in my wildest dreams could I have expected what occurred.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q-Q57pCLpQ0yqFtNEQfUFyLvrSRsx8yMxx\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-nRryBgSBegM59zqHWAuu3Q-Q57pCLpQ0yqFtNEQfUFyLvrSRsx8yMxx slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__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=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XggPPEZ4uqowDCwfgZNDJ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Luke Tuckwell<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Professional cyclist<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>Luke Tuckwell <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>is a professional cyclist from Australia riding for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. This year is his first year as a pro, and it has already been a highly successful one. In his first column for Cyclingnews, he told us about how he turned pro, and in this instalment, he recalls an unforgettable result at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c49bad05-764a-49f1-919d-5833dd3af4be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But before I talk about my memorable week in France, I want to bring you back to the weeks prior to the race. My girlfriend is from Denmark, and due to the extremely busy few months prior for both of us, we hadn&#8217;t seen each other for over two months. I pre-planned going to Denmark to see her many weeks before I knew I was doing TARA, so two weeks out I went and visited her for 10 days.<\/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\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aYw3dRmTQrEypynPLv2x6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It will take some time to sink in&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Luke Tuckwell hands over the yellow jersey but stands firm on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium to cap &#8216;incredible&#8217; week<\/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\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DCs8vAeEcyYK4biYWhQxET-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\">How moving to Europe as a 17-year-old changed my life \u2013 Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s rapid rise to the pro ranks, in his own words<\/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\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zHsCMVAwx77nbzeQto7CZ5-150-80.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\">As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as yellow jersey changes hands on Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes stage 6<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What struck me was that practically 80% of the peloton that was racing TARA was at altitude during this period, the majority of them in Sierra Nevada. Even my own teammates that were racing as well were up on a mountain breathing thin air, and there I was at sea level, at my girlfriend&#8217;s house, riding around the rolling Danish hills around Vejle. I should mention the longest hill is about three minutes, so not ideal for mountain training. Yet, the most important factor for me during this period was the mental benefit of being around my loved ones. I still did my training; I still did a few active heat sessions, but the main point was that I wasn&#8217;t feeling lonely and exhausted on top of a mountain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My time in Denmark wasn&#8217;t all sunshine and rainbows, though. While I felt extremely good on the bike doing my long endurance rides, I was really struggling to complete any form of harder VO2 efforts. I felt as if I couldn&#8217;t push my body to its limit. I felt as if my head would just give up from the pain of the efforts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-01c09167-97ef-4f4b-9523-635d7ebdde20\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More from Luke<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>How moving to Europe as a 17-year-old changed my life \u2013 Luke Tuckwell&#8217;s rapid rise to the pro ranks, in his own words<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4c8b31ee-3fd4-4962-a8a1-276fd89caf4e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ve experienced this a few times this year, especially after the passing of my younger sister in September last year. Some days I can wake up feeling completely &#8216;normal&#8217;, eat my breakfast, roll out for my ride feeling fine, but as soon as I start my efforts, I have no motivation. I felt emotional and weak. This happened one day while doing a hard VO2 session. I got roughly five minutes into my first set, and my body just gave up. I had a bit of an emotional moment on the side of the road as I felt sorry for myself, questioning why this was happening, and stressed over the fact I was racing TARA in a week&#8217;s time. I spent the rest of the day feeling miserable on the couch, being comforted by my girlfriend.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Over the next few days, I slowly felt more like myself again, and together with my coach, modified my training depending on how I felt each morning and the mental state I was in.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"i-went-to-the-race-excited-for-the-week-ahead-with-a-smile-on-my-face-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I went to the race excited for the week ahead with a smile on my face&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-7c97da8d-c566-4840-b9eb-310abf124afc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I won&#8217;t lie to you, I was now feeling even more nervous about TARA after being mentally unable to finish any efforts for the last week, but I said to my coach I still wanted to race because it was something else for my brain to focus on, and my body still felt in good condition post-Romandie.<\/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\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7pPd8GqwGwGxdt9wLao6n-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\">Why I will always love opportunistic breakaway wins, our special guest in Pisa, and more from my second week at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A9xzDcV4rUs3uKgUbNLyDj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We couldn&#8217;t quite believe it either&#8217; \u2013 Young Australian pro Luke Tuckwell hits jackpot to become new Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes leader<\/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\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bmsHE9qrZA2srQ88AgnvuT-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\">As it happened: Yellow jersey changes hands on final day of racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after stunning solo climb<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What is great about the systems that are in place at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is that information about the athlete is shared with all individuals working with the rider. So even though I only explicitly told my coach about how my head was feeling and the struggles I was going through during this week, that information was shared with my personal directeur sportif, my nutritionist, my doctor, and the wider coaching group.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I spent two days in Girona, my old European home, between travelling back from Denmark and going to TARA. My DS, Shane Archbold, a retired former professional who was in the Bora team for many years prior to the arrival of Red Bull, also happened to be in Girona over the same period. He asked if I&#8217;d like to join him for a ride before I left again, and the conversation that we had on this ride completely changed my outlook for the week ahead.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-75087e9b-c468-4fd8-b69f-5049aa1950db\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eNiiLNyjNXhkHKFDZgcyva-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7a1488-2b57-4ebc-81c0-e8c6478dd81b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I hadn&#8217;t seen Shane for a while. The only race we had done together this year was Tour Down Under, and he had just returned from the Giro. On this ride, Shane put it simply to me. I had already exceeded expectations this year, both from a personal standpoint and from a team standpoint. My performances at Catalunya and Basque Country delighted the team, and a sixth place in Romandie was the cherry on top of that that no one was expecting. Already to finish in the top 10 on GC as a neo-pro in a WorldTour stage race was a massive achievement. I could have ended my season there and been more than satisfied with my year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So, Shane told me to go to TARA with a free mind. There was no pressure from the team; the only pressure I had was the pressure I was putting on myself. He said to go and have fun, race with a smile on my face, find my physical limits. He said to try something crazy, and if something crazy happens, that&#8217;s amazing, but if you blow up and finish twenty minutes behind the winner, that&#8217;s also great. He also told me to race with my sister on my shoulder, and use the thoughts of her as motivation to get the most out of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This one-hour conversation I had with Shane completely changed my feelings. I suddenly wasn&#8217;t nervous anymore; I didn&#8217;t feel stressed, and the emotional feelings I had floating around for the last few days evaporated. I went to the race excited for the week ahead with a smile on my face, in a clear mental space, and with no pressure. I felt free.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As I mentioned, Shane said to try something crazy, and if something crazy happens, that&#8217;s amazing. And well, we tried something crazy and something crazy did happen.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-day-that-changed-everything-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The day that changed everything<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-ea2012a8-3266-4c05-af23-28120276add0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I think by the middle of the race, the majority of people thought they knew how the race was going to pan out. A great victory on the first day by EF&#8217;s Alex Baudin put a Frenchman into the maillot jaune on day one. The TTT confirmed that the superstar riders were ready to battle it out in the mountains. Everyone was talking about the inevitable Paul Seixas vs Isaac del Toro showdown that was going to happen sooner rather than later, but stage 6 of TARA flipped the script.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a team, we had highlighted this stage as a seriously good chance for Maxim Van Gils to win the stage from the breakaway, so he deliberately lost time on GC two days earlier in order to go up the road without any other teams panicking. What we didn&#8217;t expect was a sixty-man breakaway, half of the peloton, to be riding away from the main peloton. What we also as a team didn&#8217;t expect was for me to be in that group only 1:03 down on GC. But I saw from the front of the peloton a few extra Uno-X riders bridging to the breakaway and remembered what they did on the final day of Basque Country this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those who don&#8217;t know, here is a brief explanation: Uno-X put their entire team into the breakaway with Tobias Halland Johannessen and rode him into third on GC. I instantly thought this was my chance to make a move for my own GC result.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so the chaos began. I could probably write an extra two thousand words about how the stage went, but I won&#8217;t let you suffer through that, so here is the short version. The breakaway instantly started working together, and the time gap kept increasing and increasing. Maxim and I were staying together in the group, and we were both feeling good. We came to the first of two final climbs, and the group immediately shrank in size, and we had a ridiculous 4:55 on the chasing peloton. I knew by this point that, all going well, I would be in yellow at the end of the stage, but in my head the priority was to win the stage. So that&#8217;s what we set about doing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8f89e61d-2da5-4b18-ada5-76dd1e1d5f0b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CGPEpsJkZxDgt2kVeTU63B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a6361b39-b50f-4bd8-aaac-ec50762a439f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the final ascent to Crest-Voland, Maxim reduced the group to three; I bridged across myself a few minutes later to make it four and immediately started setting a hard tempo to set Maxim up for a sprint. We rounded the final bend with three hundred metres to go, and Maxim and Tobias duked it out for the stage win, and I emptied myself to the line to have as much time as possible on the group of GC riders behind, flying up the mountain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Firstly, the joy that came over me seeing Maxim with his hands in the air taking the stage win actually made me forget for a moment about what I had achieved, but as I rolled across the line and towards my soigneurs it quickly sunk in that I was in yellow. To be honest, I only thought Seixas and Del Toro were probably only a minute behind us, but one minute became two, and two became three, and 3:15 after I finished they came across the line.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In short, I could not believe it. I was in yellow at the biggest one-week stage race in the world, as a neo-pro, with two days left and a three-minute advantage. This already felt like a win for me. Compared to how I was feeling on the side of the road in Denmark crying because I couldn&#8217;t understand why I was unable to complete my efforts, to a week later standing on the podium in yellow with my first iconic lion, it was amazing. I genuinely couldn&#8217;t stop smiling, and together with Maxim, we watched each other up on the podium and enjoyed the success together.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-feca03ed-b283-4841-bfe3-f2dad35b2872\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-2522-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dUGr8Y7WddQm4mn5gdt4Za-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e7d54956-88a2-4ea3-81aa-d4b0fe1b2ada\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is where I&#8217;ve been told I announced myself to the cycling world. I went from a relatively unknown rider to suddenly having a real possibility of winning TARA. But I wasn&#8217;t too concerned about what would happen. The position I was in I could have never imagined. I felt like I had won already. I felt no pressure for the last two stages of the race. All I knew was that I would give my absolute all to try and end with the best result possible, and as long as I did that, I could be proud of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I feel I don&#8217;t have to give a play-by-play recount of the final two days because I am going to assume most people reading this article also roughly know what happened on those final days. I fought my heart out to keep the jersey on Grand Colombier and only had an advantage of 42 seconds over Matteo Jorgenson, and the following day I suffered like a pig up the Plateau du Solaison and somehow managed to hold onto second on GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This was a career-defining result. The result does change my trajectory within professional cycling. It shapes the rider I hope to eventually turn into, and my name is now more widely known. I have the memories of spending two days in the maillot jaune, and they will stay with me for the rest of my life. As I am writing this article two weeks after the race, I&#8217;ve had enough time to reflect on the week and the result I achieved. I am incredibly proud of myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But my biggest takeaway upon reflecting was the realisation of how a positive, free, and relaxed mental headspace coming into a race is equally as important as the physical shape you arrive with. A part of me wonders if this side of the sport is often overlooked in pursuit of the smallest possible gains in order to be in better form than our rivals. I wonder if there is some sort of magic in this, enjoying time at home with loved ones, recovering well from racing, not destroying yourself everyday in training, and appreciating the ups and downs of life. It also feels weird for me to comment on this after only being in the WorldTour for six months, and it&#8217;s something I will continue to think about, but what I can say for sure is that a free mind equals fast legs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">See you soon,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luke<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-free-mind-equals-fast-legs-how-my-mental-state-helped-me-wear-the-yellow-jersey-for-two-days-at-an-unforgettable-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YQjyQHQHTFLJmgRoARpDSZ-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list 2 Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey 3 &#8216;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG [&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-2020834","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\/2020834","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=2020834"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2020834\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2020834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2020834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2020834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}