{"id":2023153,"date":"2026-07-01T10:42:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T07:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2023153"},"modified":"2026-07-01T10:42:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T07:42:53","slug":"few-people-thought-riis-and-telekom-would-be-the-ones-to-win-the-1996-tour-de-france-was-a-seismic-moment-for-cycling-but-where-is-the-triumphant-squad-30-years-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2023153","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win&#8217; \u2013 The 1996 Tour de France was a seismic moment for cycling, but where is the triumphant squad 30 years on?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-2000-80.png&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win&#8217; \u2013 The 1996 Tour de France was a seismic moment for cycling, but where is the triumphant squad 30 years on?<\/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=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-01T10:42:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The iconic German squad sent shockwaves around the peloton three decades ago when they put an end to Miguel Indurain&#8217;s Tour dominance, but where are the likes of Bjarne Riis, Jan Ullrich and company today?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" 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-[color: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\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-2000-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich took the Tour de France by storm in 1996, kickstarting a new era for the German squad<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Graham Watson\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-ed5f4471-d21c-4819-bc1a-3ad1ea9f92e8\">Some editions of the Tour de France mark the start of a new era in the sport, when a new generational talent emerges or years of dominance suddenly end. Tadej Poga\u010dar first made his mark on the Tour de France when he snatched victory from Primoz Roglic in the La Planche des Belle Filles time trial in 2020. In 1986, Greg LeMond ended Bernard Hinault&#8217;s reign and stopped him from winning a sixth Tour.<\/p>\n<p>Bradley Wiggins was the first British rider to win the Tour de France in 2012, but then Chris Froome did even better in 2013, going on to win the Tour four times. Poga\u010dar is the favourite to win this year&#8217;s Tour, but there is a sense we are about to see the start of the Paul Seixas era as the 19-year-old French super talent makes his Tour debut, with his potential set to be tested this July.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed5f4471-d21c-4819-bc1a-3ad1ea9f92e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 1996, there was a similar moment in cycling history. Miguel Indurain had won five consecutive editions of the Tour but was brutally dethroned by Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich as Team Telekom suddenly became a super team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 1997, Ullrich won the Tour, inspiring a boom in German cycling, but then the Festina Affaire exploded in 1998. Marco Pantani won the yellow jersey but then was disqualified from the 1999 Giro d&#8217;Italia after failing a UCI haematocrit test. It was the peak of the EPO era. Lance Armstrong transformed into a Tour de France winner and often defeated Ullrich at the Tour before the house of cards collapsed into scandal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Renowned cycling journalist, television interviewer, and podcaster Daniel Friebe wrote the definitive biography about Ullrich&#8217;s life and career: <em>Jan Ullrich &#8211; The best there never was<\/em>.<\/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\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-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\">Where are they now? Mapei&#8217;s 1996 Paris-Roubaix team<\/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\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-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\">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><\/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\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-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;Jonas&#8217; achievements are 10 times bigger than those of Bjarne Riis&#8217; &#8211; Why Brian Holm believes Vingegaard will win the 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe tells the story of Ullrich&#8217;s rise from his East German roots, his breakthrough ride at the 1996 Tour alongside Riis, his 1997 Tour victory, and his battles with Pantani and then Armstrong. It also delves deep into Ullrich&#8217;s links to Dr Fuentes and Operaci\u00f3n Puerto, and into his troubled post-racing life that almost ended in self-destruction, before Armstrong helped his rival get his life back together.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The 1996 Tour was a seismic moment in the sport. We all thought Indurain was invulnerable, and to watch him crack was incredible,&#8221; Friebe says as he helps <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> understand the 1996 Tour and the story behind the Team Telekom squad that won the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win the Tour, but by the time they reached Paris, with Riis first, Ullrich second and Zabel winning the green jersey, Telekom were a big emerging power.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The success, lack of morality and ultimately the downfall of Team Telekom was overseen by Walter Godefroot and Ullrich&#8217;s mentor and sports director Rudy Pevenage. Both came from the old school of pro racing in Belgium, and both facilitated the work of the doctors and riders to keep the millions flowing from the huge German mobile communications giant.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Riis pulled on the yellow jersey in Paris in July 1996, only to confess to doping a decade later. Many of his Telekom teammates soon did the same, a confession that helped them stay in the sport, but Ullrich held onto his lie for fear of losing his Tour victory. He eventually turned his life around and, in 2023, confessed as part of his rehabilitation.<\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/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\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">30 years on from the 1996 Tour de France, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> investigates where the Team Telekom riders are today and how their dominance in 1996 subsequently impacted their careers and lives.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bjarne-riis-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-967ea321-fed2-45d2-8320-28ca1d5c8613\" 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\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Riis celebrating in the yellow jersey after winning stage 9 of the 1996 race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Ruediger Fessel\/Bongarts\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-64be0f0d-20b4-42e6-b90d-f2bf74883261\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis had already raced for 10 years and was 31 when he joined Telekom for the 1996 season. He had finished third in the 1995 Tour while with Gewiss-Ballan and was determined to complete his transformation from domestique to Grand Tour winner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe captured Riis&#8217; sense of ambition in his book, but also the doubts of his new teammates. &#8220;During the pre-season team presentation, Riis told the media: &#8216;I&#8217;m going to win the Tour.&#8217; The other riders heard from an adjacent room and all burst out laughing,&#8221; Friebe tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Riis&#8217; self-belief became a running joke on the team in 1996, but he proved to be right.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Indurain&#8217;s demise in 1996 was a surprise, but it began on stage 7 to Arc 1800. Then Riis famously dropped everyone on stage 16 to Hautacam after slowing to look his rivals in the eye before powering away in a huge gear. Ullrich pulled back two minutes on Riis in the final Bordeaux time trial and finished 1:41 behind in Paris. He was a loyal teammate, and his Tour victory would come in 1997.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">11 years later, Riis confessed to doping after revelations by soigneur Jef D&#8217;Hont and an investigation into the work of the team doctors who were part of the Sports Medicine Department of the Freiburg University Clinic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were calls for Riis to hand back his yellow jersey, but due to the 10-year statute of limitations, he could not be formally suspended, nor could his victory be cancelled from the record books. Riis showed some remorse but was allowed to stay in the sport.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He became the manager and driving force of Team CSC and then Saxo Bank-Tinkov for a decade, trying to take on Armstrong with Ivan Basso and Tyler Hamilton. He was accused of knowing that his riders doped and of doing little to stop them, but he worked with teams until 2020.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In recent years, Riis has become a television and media pundit in Denmark. As a team manager, he was known for his long silences and scowls during interviews but is now frequently in the headlines for his bold comments about Jonas Vingegaard and pro cycling.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rolf-aldag-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rolf Aldag<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf54bdd6-9a62-4300-bdb6-1b1ee1945d74\" 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\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Aldag confessed to foul play at a press conference in Bonn on May 24, 2007 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9741e429-8116-4162-aac4-84622f0361a8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Aldag was a long-time domestique and core member of Team Telekom, racing for the team between 1993 and 2005. He was part of the 1996 and 1997 Tour-winning teams and doped like many of his teammates, but confessed and apologised in 2007.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Bob Stapleton took over as team manager and tried to clean up the team, he wanted Aldag as a sports director and rider mentor. Aldag&#8217;s character and experience meant he played a key role in Mark Cavendish&#8217;s early years with the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We drew a line and said, this is the past, and we draw the line here and make sure this never happens on this team,&#8221; Aldag told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> in 2008.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Aldag left the sport in 2011 when the team folded, but returned in 2015 and linked up with Cavendish once again as the Performance Manager at MTN-Qhubeka. He rose to become Chief of Sports at Bora-Hansgrohe but was replaced in 2025 after Red Bull came on board. He is now the Director of Sport for the women&#8217;s Canyon-SRAM team and is based in South Africa when not at races or team camps. Aldag will commentate on the 2026 Tour de France for Eurosport Germany.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"udo-bo-lts-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Udo Bo\u0308lts<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5b5e1c62-a837-4c6b-a929-4e7700dda536\" 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\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Bolts on the attack during the 1997 Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7ef7f5ef-0a5f-4f4b-8010-7acda7c55991\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Udo Bo\u0308lts was one of the hard men of 1990s German cycling and rode for Telekom between 1991 and 2002. He famously finished 12 consecutive editions of the Tour between 1992 and 2003.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">During the 1997 Tour, Bo\u0308lts famously shouted &#8220;Torture yourself, you pig!&#8221; at Ullrich as he suffered under the pressure of Richard Virenque&#8217;s Festina team&#8217;s pace-setting. Bo\u0308lts helped save Ullrich&#8217;s Tour victory, and the phrase became a sporting aphorism. Bo\u0308lts even copyrighted the phrase and still uses it today to sell merchandise.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">True to character, Bo\u0308lts still rides a lot, mixing mountain biking with gravel and working as a guide at the Pf\u00e4lzerwald Mountain Bike Park in western Germany. He has won Masters titles at the Cape Epic mountain bike stage race and UCI Gravel World Series events, and was third at the 2025 Masters Gravel World Championships.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"christian-henn-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Christian Henn<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-694d59d3-2019-412f-8a9b-6cb4122fa3f4\" 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\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Henn in action at the 1998 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9195fed7-f489-4ae5-9c3c-0dad5cbea747\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henn turned professional with the legendary Italian Carrera Jeans team in 1989 after winning a bronze medal in the road race at the Seoul Olympic Games. He raced for Telekom between 1992 and 1999.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He retired after testing positive for testosterone but still found a place in the sport, working as a sports director for the equally troubled Gerolsteiner team that exploded in 2008 after several team leaders tested positive for the second-generation EPO variant CERA.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henn was a sports director with the German Lotto-Kern Haus Continental team until 2021 but is now semi-retired.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"jens-heppner-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jens Heppner<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd935f91-bf8b-4b5f-893e-2591560b0f92\" 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\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Heppner in Telekom&#8217;s eye-catching pink jersey at the 1998 Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3233cc1e-fbc5-4c5c-abb5-31152afd594a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Ullrich, Heppner came through the East German school of cycling and turned professional with Panasonic-Sportlife in 1991, two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. He raced for Telekom for a decade, often sharing a room with Ullrich at major races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He worked as a sports director for Team Wiesenhof after retiring in 2005. While many of his former Telekom teammates confessed to doping in 2007, Heppner continues to deny he doped, perhaps because of Heppner&#8217;s close links to Ullrich.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, in 2013, he was one of 18 riders named in a French Senate report that linked their 1998 samples to EPO in retrospective tests. The UCI said those results could not be used for disciplinary action. Heppner, who has never admitted doping, left his role at Team NetApp shortly afterwards and never returned to professional cycling. He now occasionally works as a cycling guide in Mallorca and South Africa.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"brian-holm-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brian Holm<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8043195b-d7e1-404c-9059-438fa11c5214\" 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\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Holm at the 2018 Tour of Oman while working for Quick-Step <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bb4920e2-7f4a-4c6a-b3f8-31c9da5c2f8f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was the chatty Dane amongst the more reserved German riders at Telekom. He was a friend of Riis but impressed Belgian team manager Walter Godefroot, securing his place at Telekom thanks to his results with the Roland and Histor teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was a kind of bridge between Riis and the German core at Telekom, his sense of fun helping to lift the mood during the fatigue of the 1996 Tour. He retired in 1998 and so avoided the first doping scandals. He confessed to taking EPO at Telekom in 2007 when the Freiburg investigation exposed the true depth of Telekom&#8217;s doping.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ironically, he returned to Telekom as a sports director in 2003, shocked at Ullrich&#8217;s lack of love for racing in the final years of his career. Holm soon bonded with Mark Cavendish and stayed with the Manxman for long spells of his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004 and was elected as a right-wing councillor for the wealthy Frederiksberg municipal council in Copenhagen, but worked as a sports director for QuickStep until 2022.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He is now a race analyst for Eurosport in Denmark and was in Italy to witness Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s victory at the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mario-kummer-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mario Kummer<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7ac01495-87d4-4316-8ae4-98c72c4f4202\" 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\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kummer in his role for Astana during the 2007 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-21b3d712-f8cd-49bb-95ae-4fbe65e4359c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer was the veteran of the 1996 Telekom team, turning professional with Chateau d&#8217;Ax in Italy after winning the gold medal in the team time trial at the 1988 Seoul Olympics with East Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer only survived two stages of the 1996 Tour after crashing on stage 1 and fracturing his collarbone. His early loss highlighted how Telekom dominated the Tour even with just eight riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer retired in 1997 but would work with Telekom as sports director until 2005. He joined Astana in 2007, but unlike several former teammates, he did not confess during the 2007 revelations. Kummer then worked for SRM and Uvex after he left pro cycling and now runs a holiday and coaching business, often staying at the same Robinson-Club Cala Serena holiday resort in Mallorca, where Telekom gathered for their winter training camps.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"erik-zabel-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Erik Zabel<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ae8861ee-e4a7-44c4-878b-4ca572d18f4a\" 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\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Erik Zabel celebrates his 1996 Tour de France green jersey with his son Rick in his arms <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0f26523d-f208-45b1-abe1-c8e0c9dff211\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel&#8217;s sprint success in the 1995 Tour convinced Telekom to invest massively in pro cycling, leading to the success of 1996, Jan Ullrich&#8217;s career and the eventual doping scandals and investigations that still cast a shadow over the sport in Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel famously won Milan-San Remo four times, 12 stages at the Tour and six green points jerseys between 1996 and 2001. He was forced to confess to doping in 2007 but claimed that he only took EPO once in 1996. Zabel raced until 2008, ending his long career with Team Milram. His son Rick would also become a pro rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel was a sprint coach with several teams but was dismissed by Katusha and the Canyon brand after eventually making a much fuller doping confession in 2013, admitting to foul play between 1996 and 2003.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German has been Canyon&#8217;s Pro Sport Manager since 2017, acting as a conduit between the bike brand and its partner teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He arguably benefited from what could be called the Armstrong paradox. The Texan doped and was banned for life, but is still disliked and considered &#8216;persona non grata&#8217; in the sport because of the way he bullied his rivals, the media and sponsors. Zabel is the opposite. He confessed a little, kept quiet, stayed friendly and kept a role in the sport.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"jan-ullrich-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Ullrich<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07fefd50-b800-40d4-a304-5bcb540fc974\" 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\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A fresh faced Ullrich two years after his Tour de France victory; he would win both the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and World Time Trial title later in 1999 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9d75d702-84da-45d6-92c0-04c0afb3e90a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Ullrich, like most of his Telekom teammates, eventually confessed to doping after going through a rollercoaster career that included taking EPO for the first time in 1996, helping Riis win the Tour and then winning himself in 1997.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich suffered and doped in silence as he battled with Lance Armstrong, the Texan&#8217;s dominance and personal issues stopping Ullrich from ever winning another Tour de France. His struggles against Armstrong, with weight and his personal life, somehow made Ullrich relatable to millions of Germans and cycling fans around the world.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He comes across as a kind of likeable guy. He&#8217;s no Einstein, and he doesn&#8217;t profess to be. He&#8217;s a kind of simple guy, and that helps to endear him to people,&#8221; Friebe tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was forgiveness, and there could have been sympathy because he was seen as a pawn in a bigger game. He was this kid who was thrust into the East German system and then into a German cycling craze. I personally felt sympathetic towards him too while writing my book.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich is now 52 and has gone through some incredible highs and lows in his life.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe spent almost a decade researching and writing his book on the man from Rostock. Ullrich was a talented East German teenager who won the amateur world title in Oslo in 1993, the same year that Armstrong surprisingly won the elite world title. He confirmed his talents by loyally helping Riis win the 1996 Tour and then dominated himself in 1997, beating Richard Virenque by over nine minutes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He lost to Pantani in 1998 after suffering in the cold and rain on the stage over the Galibier to Les Deux Alpes. Then Armstrong came along, and not even a blood doping programme created by Eufemiano Fuentes could help Ullrich defeat the Texan. A gold medal in the road race at the 2000 Sydney Olympics ahead of Telekom teammates Andreas Kl\u00f6den and Alexander Vinokourov was of little consolation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Armstrong retired in 2005, but Ullrich raced on until the Operaci\u00f3n Puerto scandal exploded in the summer of 2006. He was named and shamed before being stopped from riding the Tour de France on the eve of the race in Strasbourg and then sacked by T-Mobile. His DNA was later used to confirm that blood bags stored in Fuentes&#8217; fridge were for &#8216;Hijo Rudicio &#8211; Son of Rudi&#8217;. Ullrich&#8217;s code name was linked to his sports director and mentor, Rudi Pevenage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite all the evidence, Ullrich went into denial, even when the Court of Arbitration for Sport found him guilty and retroactively banned him for two years and cancelled his results from May 2005 until his retirement in February 2007.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I sat in the car driving home from Strasbourg thinking: That was it. It is all over. And it was. I was right. For the next four years, I sat in my house and looked out of the window,&#8221; Ullrich told Rouleur years later.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A move to Mallorca with his wife Sara proved disastrous, and she soon left with their children. Ullrich lost control of his life due to alcohol and drugs, and in 2018, he was treated in a psychiatric hospital unit. Fortunately, Armstrong felt compelled to make an intervention to help his former rival and flew to Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had big problems, and then you came to see me. I was so glad you came, and yes, I was just like Marco Pantani\u2026 nearly dead,\u201d Ullrich admitted a few years later in one of Armstrong&#8217;s podcasts, after a slow process to get his life back on track.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That journey to redemption included a full confession, and Ullrich eventually came clean in 2023.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-75e9d121-468c-4c69-9bce-86bb59eba583\" 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\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ullrich at the launch of a 2023 documentary recounting the highs and lows of his career <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1098d00-d12f-4aab-8d4b-469c78436f3b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I had told my story, I would have had many wonderful years. But I didn&#8217;t have the courage. Now it feels good to admit my guilt,&#8221; he told the German media.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich still believes he deserves to be considered the 1997 Tour de France winner, despite confessing to doping. Armstrong lost his seven Tour victories because of the so-called &#8216;fraudulent concealment&#8217; and because his 2009\u20132010 comeback reset the clock.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know what I have achieved. Personally, I think I deserve the title. Others have to decide that. But in my heart I am a Tour de France winner,\u201d Ullrich said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A return to riding his bike helped Ullrich get his life back on track, and he is now a popular figure in Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has 460,000 followers on Instagram, a new podcast with Rick Zabel and is the star of an annual Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival. His agent and PR people offer him as a corporate speaker, claiming he &#8220;stands for attitude, honesty, and the strength to get back up after setbacks.&#8221; His doping is rarely mentioned, while he is still considered the only German Tour de France winner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been surprised since he has come clean how quickly public opinion has flipped,&#8221; Friebe, who is based in Berlin, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think time is the biggest healer. Until 2022, there was a sort of tension between Ullrich and the German public and German media. Everyone was desperate for him to confess, and until he confessed, he wasn&#8217;t going to be allowed back into public life. Now he is.&#8221;<\/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 In-Depth Racing<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-kZguiUrp4xGgdfiLvpD5Gd\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-kZguiUrp4xGgdfiLvpD5Gd slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-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\">Where are they now? Mapei&#8217;s 1996 Paris-Roubaix team<\/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\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-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;Jonas&#8217; achievements are 10 times bigger than those of Bjarne Riis&#8217; &#8211; Why Brian Holm believes Vingegaard will win the 2026 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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.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;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/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\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/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\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-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\">New Italian heroes, Visma-Lease a Bike merch, and Vingegaard&#8217;s emotions \u2013 Maybe not a vintage GC edition, but here&#8217;s what made this Giro d&#8217;Italia special<\/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\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-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\">Record-breakers, comebacks, and underdogs at Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The most memorable editions of the past 25 years<\/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\/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\/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\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The only motorbikes in the race were the guys in the breakaway&#8217; &#8211; Milan stage winner Fredrik Dversnes hits back at suspicions of motor pacing<\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-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\">All the special kits for the Tour de France \u2013\u00a0Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe unveil switch-out 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\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-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;Maybe the first to win a sixth&#8217; \u2013 All-time great Eddy Merckx backs Tadej Poga\u010dar for 2026 Tour de France victory, and possibly more<\/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\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-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;They&#8217;ll have the freedom to go for it&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos name experienced, versatile squad for 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\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-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\">Willunga Hill with a twist and a Stirling finale for double race days of 2027 Tour Down Under<\/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\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-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\">American Criterium Cup: New Zealand riders sweep elite races at Downer Classic in Wisconsin and hold off series leaders in tight sprints<\/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\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-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;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<\/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\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-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\">The year of the team time trial \u2013 How teams have prepared for the Tour de France opening TTT from January to July<\/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\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-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\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\/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>\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\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-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;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<\/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\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-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\">The year of the team time trial \u2013 How teams have prepared for the Tour de France opening TTT from January to July<\/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\/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>\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\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL.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\">Remco Evenepoel has a prototype time trial bike for the Tour de France &#8211; Is Specialized finally updating the Shiv TT?<\/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\">All the special kits for the Tour de France \u2013\u00a0Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe unveil switch-out jersey<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Maybe the first to win a sixth&#8217; \u2013 All-time great Eddy Merckx backs Tadej Poga\u010dar for 2026 Tour de France victory, and possibly more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win&#8217; \u2013 The 1996 Tour de France was a seismic moment for cycling, but where is the triumphant squad 30 years on?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win&#8217; \u2013 The 1996 Tour de France was a seismic moment for cycling, but where is the triumphant squad 30 years on?<\/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=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-01T10:42:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The iconic German squad sent shockwaves around the peloton three decades ago when they put an end to Miguel Indurain&#8217;s Tour dominance, but where are the likes of Bjarne Riis, Jan Ullrich and company today?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" 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-[color: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\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-2000-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich took the Tour de France by storm in 1996, kickstarting a new era for the German squad<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Graham Watson\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-ed5f4471-d21c-4819-bc1a-3ad1ea9f92e8\">Some editions of the Tour de France mark the start of a new era in the sport, when a new generational talent emerges or years of dominance suddenly end. Tadej Poga\u010dar first made his mark on the Tour de France when he snatched victory from Primoz Roglic in the La Planche des Belle Filles time trial in 2020. In 1986, Greg LeMond ended Bernard Hinault&#8217;s reign and stopped him from winning a sixth Tour.<\/p>\n<p>Bradley Wiggins was the first British rider to win the Tour de France in 2012, but then Chris Froome did even better in 2013, going on to win the Tour four times. Poga\u010dar is the favourite to win this year&#8217;s Tour, but there is a sense we are about to see the start of the Paul Seixas era as the 19-year-old French super talent makes his Tour debut, with his potential set to be tested this July.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed5f4471-d21c-4819-bc1a-3ad1ea9f92e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 1996, there was a similar moment in cycling history. Miguel Indurain had won five consecutive editions of the Tour but was brutally dethroned by Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich as Team Telekom suddenly became a super team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 1997, Ullrich won the Tour, inspiring a boom in German cycling, but then the Festina Affaire exploded in 1998. Marco Pantani won the yellow jersey but then was disqualified from the 1999 Giro d&#8217;Italia after failing a UCI haematocrit test. It was the peak of the EPO era. Lance Armstrong transformed into a Tour de France winner and often defeated Ullrich at the Tour before the house of cards collapsed into scandal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Renowned cycling journalist, television interviewer, and podcaster Daniel Friebe wrote the definitive biography about Ullrich&#8217;s life and career: <em>Jan Ullrich &#8211; The best there never was<\/em>.<\/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\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-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\">Where are they now? Mapei&#8217;s 1996 Paris-Roubaix team<\/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\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-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\">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><\/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\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-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;Jonas&#8217; achievements are 10 times bigger than those of Bjarne Riis&#8217; &#8211; Why Brian Holm believes Vingegaard will win the 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe tells the story of Ullrich&#8217;s rise from his East German roots, his breakthrough ride at the 1996 Tour alongside Riis, his 1997 Tour victory, and his battles with Pantani and then Armstrong. It also delves deep into Ullrich&#8217;s links to Dr Fuentes and Operaci\u00f3n Puerto, and into his troubled post-racing life that almost ended in self-destruction, before Armstrong helped his rival get his life back together.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The 1996 Tour was a seismic moment in the sport. We all thought Indurain was invulnerable, and to watch him crack was incredible,&#8221; Friebe says as he helps <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> understand the 1996 Tour and the story behind the Team Telekom squad that won the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win the Tour, but by the time they reached Paris, with Riis first, Ullrich second and Zabel winning the green jersey, Telekom were a big emerging power.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The success, lack of morality and ultimately the downfall of Team Telekom was overseen by Walter Godefroot and Ullrich&#8217;s mentor and sports director Rudy Pevenage. Both came from the old school of pro racing in Belgium, and both facilitated the work of the doctors and riders to keep the millions flowing from the huge German mobile communications giant.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Riis pulled on the yellow jersey in Paris in July 1996, only to confess to doping a decade later. Many of his Telekom teammates soon did the same, a confession that helped them stay in the sport, but Ullrich held onto his lie for fear of losing his Tour victory. He eventually turned his life around and, in 2023, confessed as part of his rehabilitation.<\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/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\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">30 years on from the 1996 Tour de France, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> investigates where the Team Telekom riders are today and how their dominance in 1996 subsequently impacted their careers and lives.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bjarne-riis-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-967ea321-fed2-45d2-8320-28ca1d5c8613\" 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\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Riis celebrating in the yellow jersey after winning stage 9 of the 1996 race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Ruediger Fessel\/Bongarts\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-64be0f0d-20b4-42e6-b90d-f2bf74883261\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis had already raced for 10 years and was 31 when he joined Telekom for the 1996 season. He had finished third in the 1995 Tour while with Gewiss-Ballan and was determined to complete his transformation from domestique to Grand Tour winner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe captured Riis&#8217; sense of ambition in his book, but also the doubts of his new teammates. &#8220;During the pre-season team presentation, Riis told the media: &#8216;I&#8217;m going to win the Tour.&#8217; The other riders heard from an adjacent room and all burst out laughing,&#8221; Friebe tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Riis&#8217; self-belief became a running joke on the team in 1996, but he proved to be right.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Indurain&#8217;s demise in 1996 was a surprise, but it began on stage 7 to Arc 1800. Then Riis famously dropped everyone on stage 16 to Hautacam after slowing to look his rivals in the eye before powering away in a huge gear. Ullrich pulled back two minutes on Riis in the final Bordeaux time trial and finished 1:41 behind in Paris. He was a loyal teammate, and his Tour victory would come in 1997.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">11 years later, Riis confessed to doping after revelations by soigneur Jef D&#8217;Hont and an investigation into the work of the team doctors who were part of the Sports Medicine Department of the Freiburg University Clinic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were calls for Riis to hand back his yellow jersey, but due to the 10-year statute of limitations, he could not be formally suspended, nor could his victory be cancelled from the record books. Riis showed some remorse but was allowed to stay in the sport.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He became the manager and driving force of Team CSC and then Saxo Bank-Tinkov for a decade, trying to take on Armstrong with Ivan Basso and Tyler Hamilton. He was accused of knowing that his riders doped and of doing little to stop them, but he worked with teams until 2020.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In recent years, Riis has become a television and media pundit in Denmark. As a team manager, he was known for his long silences and scowls during interviews but is now frequently in the headlines for his bold comments about Jonas Vingegaard and pro cycling.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rolf-aldag-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rolf Aldag<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf54bdd6-9a62-4300-bdb6-1b1ee1945d74\" 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\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Aldag confessed to foul play at a press conference in Bonn on May 24, 2007 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9741e429-8116-4162-aac4-84622f0361a8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Aldag was a long-time domestique and core member of Team Telekom, racing for the team between 1993 and 2005. He was part of the 1996 and 1997 Tour-winning teams and doped like many of his teammates, but confessed and apologised in 2007.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Bob Stapleton took over as team manager and tried to clean up the team, he wanted Aldag as a sports director and rider mentor. Aldag&#8217;s character and experience meant he played a key role in Mark Cavendish&#8217;s early years with the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We drew a line and said, this is the past, and we draw the line here and make sure this never happens on this team,&#8221; Aldag told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> in 2008.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Aldag left the sport in 2011 when the team folded, but returned in 2015 and linked up with Cavendish once again as the Performance Manager at MTN-Qhubeka. He rose to become Chief of Sports at Bora-Hansgrohe but was replaced in 2025 after Red Bull came on board. He is now the Director of Sport for the women&#8217;s Canyon-SRAM team and is based in South Africa when not at races or team camps. Aldag will commentate on the 2026 Tour de France for Eurosport Germany.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"udo-bo-lts-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Udo Bo\u0308lts<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5b5e1c62-a837-4c6b-a929-4e7700dda536\" 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\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Bolts on the attack during the 1997 Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7ef7f5ef-0a5f-4f4b-8010-7acda7c55991\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Udo Bo\u0308lts was one of the hard men of 1990s German cycling and rode for Telekom between 1991 and 2002. He famously finished 12 consecutive editions of the Tour between 1992 and 2003.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">During the 1997 Tour, Bo\u0308lts famously shouted &#8220;Torture yourself, you pig!&#8221; at Ullrich as he suffered under the pressure of Richard Virenque&#8217;s Festina team&#8217;s pace-setting. Bo\u0308lts helped save Ullrich&#8217;s Tour victory, and the phrase became a sporting aphorism. Bo\u0308lts even copyrighted the phrase and still uses it today to sell merchandise.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">True to character, Bo\u0308lts still rides a lot, mixing mountain biking with gravel and working as a guide at the Pf\u00e4lzerwald Mountain Bike Park in western Germany. He has won Masters titles at the Cape Epic mountain bike stage race and UCI Gravel World Series events, and was third at the 2025 Masters Gravel World Championships.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"christian-henn-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Christian Henn<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-694d59d3-2019-412f-8a9b-6cb4122fa3f4\" 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\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Henn in action at the 1998 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9195fed7-f489-4ae5-9c3c-0dad5cbea747\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henn turned professional with the legendary Italian Carrera Jeans team in 1989 after winning a bronze medal in the road race at the Seoul Olympic Games. He raced for Telekom between 1992 and 1999.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He retired after testing positive for testosterone but still found a place in the sport, working as a sports director for the equally troubled Gerolsteiner team that exploded in 2008 after several team leaders tested positive for the second-generation EPO variant CERA.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henn was a sports director with the German Lotto-Kern Haus Continental team until 2021 but is now semi-retired.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"jens-heppner-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jens Heppner<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd935f91-bf8b-4b5f-893e-2591560b0f92\" 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\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Heppner in Telekom&#8217;s eye-catching pink jersey at the 1998 Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3233cc1e-fbc5-4c5c-abb5-31152afd594a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Ullrich, Heppner came through the East German school of cycling and turned professional with Panasonic-Sportlife in 1991, two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. He raced for Telekom for a decade, often sharing a room with Ullrich at major races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He worked as a sports director for Team Wiesenhof after retiring in 2005. While many of his former Telekom teammates confessed to doping in 2007, Heppner continues to deny he doped, perhaps because of Heppner&#8217;s close links to Ullrich.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, in 2013, he was one of 18 riders named in a French Senate report that linked their 1998 samples to EPO in retrospective tests. The UCI said those results could not be used for disciplinary action. Heppner, who has never admitted doping, left his role at Team NetApp shortly afterwards and never returned to professional cycling. He now occasionally works as a cycling guide in Mallorca and South Africa.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"brian-holm-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brian Holm<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8043195b-d7e1-404c-9059-438fa11c5214\" 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\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Holm at the 2018 Tour of Oman while working for Quick-Step <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bb4920e2-7f4a-4c6a-b3f8-31c9da5c2f8f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was the chatty Dane amongst the more reserved German riders at Telekom. He was a friend of Riis but impressed Belgian team manager Walter Godefroot, securing his place at Telekom thanks to his results with the Roland and Histor teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was a kind of bridge between Riis and the German core at Telekom, his sense of fun helping to lift the mood during the fatigue of the 1996 Tour. He retired in 1998 and so avoided the first doping scandals. He confessed to taking EPO at Telekom in 2007 when the Freiburg investigation exposed the true depth of Telekom&#8217;s doping.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ironically, he returned to Telekom as a sports director in 2003, shocked at Ullrich&#8217;s lack of love for racing in the final years of his career. Holm soon bonded with Mark Cavendish and stayed with the Manxman for long spells of his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004 and was elected as a right-wing councillor for the wealthy Frederiksberg municipal council in Copenhagen, but worked as a sports director for QuickStep until 2022.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He is now a race analyst for Eurosport in Denmark and was in Italy to witness Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s victory at the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mario-kummer-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mario Kummer<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7ac01495-87d4-4316-8ae4-98c72c4f4202\" 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\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kummer in his role for Astana during the 2007 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-21b3d712-f8cd-49bb-95ae-4fbe65e4359c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer was the veteran of the 1996 Telekom team, turning professional with Chateau d&#8217;Ax in Italy after winning the gold medal in the team time trial at the 1988 Seoul Olympics with East Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer only survived two stages of the 1996 Tour after crashing on stage 1 and fracturing his collarbone. His early loss highlighted how Telekom dominated the Tour even with just eight riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer retired in 1997 but would work with Telekom as sports director until 2005. He joined Astana in 2007, but unlike several former teammates, he did not confess during the 2007 revelations. Kummer then worked for SRM and Uvex after he left pro cycling and now runs a holiday and coaching business, often staying at the same Robinson-Club Cala Serena holiday resort in Mallorca, where Telekom gathered for their winter training camps.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"erik-zabel-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Erik Zabel<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ae8861ee-e4a7-44c4-878b-4ca572d18f4a\" 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\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Erik Zabel celebrates his 1996 Tour de France green jersey with his son Rick in his arms <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0f26523d-f208-45b1-abe1-c8e0c9dff211\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel&#8217;s sprint success in the 1995 Tour convinced Telekom to invest massively in pro cycling, leading to the success of 1996, Jan Ullrich&#8217;s career and the eventual doping scandals and investigations that still cast a shadow over the sport in Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel famously won Milan-San Remo four times, 12 stages at the Tour and six green points jerseys between 1996 and 2001. He was forced to confess to doping in 2007 but claimed that he only took EPO once in 1996. Zabel raced until 2008, ending his long career with Team Milram. His son Rick would also become a pro rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel was a sprint coach with several teams but was dismissed by Katusha and the Canyon brand after eventually making a much fuller doping confession in 2013, admitting to foul play between 1996 and 2003.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German has been Canyon&#8217;s Pro Sport Manager since 2017, acting as a conduit between the bike brand and its partner teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He arguably benefited from what could be called the Armstrong paradox. The Texan doped and was banned for life, but is still disliked and considered &#8216;persona non grata&#8217; in the sport because of the way he bullied his rivals, the media and sponsors. Zabel is the opposite. He confessed a little, kept quiet, stayed friendly and kept a role in the sport.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"jan-ullrich-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Ullrich<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07fefd50-b800-40d4-a304-5bcb540fc974\" 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\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A fresh faced Ullrich two years after his Tour de France victory; he would win both the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and World Time Trial title later in 1999 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9d75d702-84da-45d6-92c0-04c0afb3e90a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Ullrich, like most of his Telekom teammates, eventually confessed to doping after going through a rollercoaster career that included taking EPO for the first time in 1996, helping Riis win the Tour and then winning himself in 1997.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich suffered and doped in silence as he battled with Lance Armstrong, the Texan&#8217;s dominance and personal issues stopping Ullrich from ever winning another Tour de France. His struggles against Armstrong, with weight and his personal life, somehow made Ullrich relatable to millions of Germans and cycling fans around the world.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He comes across as a kind of likeable guy. He&#8217;s no Einstein, and he doesn&#8217;t profess to be. He&#8217;s a kind of simple guy, and that helps to endear him to people,&#8221; Friebe tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was forgiveness, and there could have been sympathy because he was seen as a pawn in a bigger game. He was this kid who was thrust into the East German system and then into a German cycling craze. I personally felt sympathetic towards him too while writing my book.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich is now 52 and has gone through some incredible highs and lows in his life.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe spent almost a decade researching and writing his book on the man from Rostock. Ullrich was a talented East German teenager who won the amateur world title in Oslo in 1993, the same year that Armstrong surprisingly won the elite world title. He confirmed his talents by loyally helping Riis win the 1996 Tour and then dominated himself in 1997, beating Richard Virenque by over nine minutes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He lost to Pantani in 1998 after suffering in the cold and rain on the stage over the Galibier to Les Deux Alpes. Then Armstrong came along, and not even a blood doping programme created by Eufemiano Fuentes could help Ullrich defeat the Texan. A gold medal in the road race at the 2000 Sydney Olympics ahead of Telekom teammates Andreas Kl\u00f6den and Alexander Vinokourov was of little consolation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Armstrong retired in 2005, but Ullrich raced on until the Operaci\u00f3n Puerto scandal exploded in the summer of 2006. He was named and shamed before being stopped from riding the Tour de France on the eve of the race in Strasbourg and then sacked by T-Mobile. His DNA was later used to confirm that blood bags stored in Fuentes&#8217; fridge were for &#8216;Hijo Rudicio &#8211; Son of Rudi&#8217;. Ullrich&#8217;s code name was linked to his sports director and mentor, Rudi Pevenage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite all the evidence, Ullrich went into denial, even when the Court of Arbitration for Sport found him guilty and retroactively banned him for two years and cancelled his results from May 2005 until his retirement in February 2007.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I sat in the car driving home from Strasbourg thinking: That was it. It is all over. And it was. I was right. For the next four years, I sat in my house and looked out of the window,&#8221; Ullrich told Rouleur years later.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A move to Mallorca with his wife Sara proved disastrous, and she soon left with their children. Ullrich lost control of his life due to alcohol and drugs, and in 2018, he was treated in a psychiatric hospital unit. Fortunately, Armstrong felt compelled to make an intervention to help his former rival and flew to Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had big problems, and then you came to see me. I was so glad you came, and yes, I was just like Marco Pantani\u2026 nearly dead,\u201d Ullrich admitted a few years later in one of Armstrong&#8217;s podcasts, after a slow process to get his life back on track.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That journey to redemption included a full confession, and Ullrich eventually came clean in 2023.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-75e9d121-468c-4c69-9bce-86bb59eba583\" 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\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ullrich at the launch of a 2023 documentary recounting the highs and lows of his career <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1098d00-d12f-4aab-8d4b-469c78436f3b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I had told my story, I would have had many wonderful years. But I didn&#8217;t have the courage. Now it feels good to admit my guilt,&#8221; he told the German media.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich still believes he deserves to be considered the 1997 Tour de France winner, despite confessing to doping. Armstrong lost his seven Tour victories because of the so-called &#8216;fraudulent concealment&#8217; and because his 2009\u20132010 comeback reset the clock.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know what I have achieved. Personally, I think I deserve the title. Others have to decide that. But in my heart I am a Tour de France winner,\u201d Ullrich said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A return to riding his bike helped Ullrich get his life back on track, and he is now a popular figure in Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has 460,000 followers on Instagram, a new podcast with Rick Zabel and is the star of an annual Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival. His agent and PR people offer him as a corporate speaker, claiming he &#8220;stands for attitude, honesty, and the strength to get back up after setbacks.&#8221; His doping is rarely mentioned, while he is still considered the only German Tour de France winner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been surprised since he has come clean how quickly public opinion has flipped,&#8221; Friebe, who is based in Berlin, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think time is the biggest healer. Until 2022, there was a sort of tension between Ullrich and the German public and German media. Everyone was desperate for him to confess, and until he confessed, he wasn&#8217;t going to be allowed back into public life. Now he is.&#8221;<\/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 In-Depth Racing<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-kZguiUrp4xGgdfiLvpD5Gd\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-kZguiUrp4xGgdfiLvpD5Gd slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-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\">Where are they now? Mapei&#8217;s 1996 Paris-Roubaix team<\/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\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-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;Jonas&#8217; achievements are 10 times bigger than those of Bjarne Riis&#8217; &#8211; Why Brian Holm believes Vingegaard will win the 2026 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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.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;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/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\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/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\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5VgG3FtvysCf55qeWiAHgQ-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\">New Italian heroes, Visma-Lease a Bike merch, and Vingegaard&#8217;s emotions \u2013 Maybe not a vintage GC edition, but here&#8217;s what made this Giro d&#8217;Italia special<\/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\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RWB8Yhvx5PcTwru9BtaPxY-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\">Record-breakers, comebacks, and underdogs at Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The most memorable editions of the past 25 years<\/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\/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\/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\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhH8HM5QFehjunqggGszUT-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The only motorbikes in the race were the guys in the breakaway&#8217; &#8211; Milan stage winner Fredrik Dversnes hits back at suspicions of motor pacing<\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z3SRX697ucsugFnM9GEhQV-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\">All the special kits for the Tour de France \u2013\u00a0Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe unveil switch-out 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\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RibR6Wh7KNWskcXoL3rZ7N-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;Maybe the first to win a sixth&#8217; \u2013 All-time great Eddy Merckx backs Tadej Poga\u010dar for 2026 Tour de France victory, and possibly more<\/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\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-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;They&#8217;ll have the freedom to go for it&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos name experienced, versatile squad for 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\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8toqLKcpSSXYECZ83xwHY-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\">Willunga Hill with a twist and a Stirling finale for double race days of 2027 Tour Down Under<\/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\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sCJMNDvRKKpfRDLfG8eLdU-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\">American Criterium Cup: New Zealand riders sweep elite races at Downer Classic in Wisconsin and hold off series leaders in tight sprints<\/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\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-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;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<\/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\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-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\">The year of the team time trial \u2013 How teams have prepared for the Tour de France opening TTT from January to July<\/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\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-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\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\/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>\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\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JATQQHZsha48dDDKM5bVXa-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;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<\/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\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-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\">The year of the team time trial \u2013 How teams have prepared for the Tour de France opening TTT from January to July<\/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\/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>\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\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iiCgdQ5prVHAQ64A2iPRcL.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\">Remco Evenepoel has a prototype time trial bike for the Tour de France &#8211; Is Specialized finally updating the Shiv TT?<\/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\">All the special kits for the Tour de France \u2013\u00a0Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe unveil switch-out jersey<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Maybe the first to win a sixth&#8217; \u2013 All-time great Eddy Merckx backs Tadej Poga\u010dar for 2026 Tour de France victory, and possibly more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win&#8217; \u2013 The 1996 Tour de France was a seismic moment for cycling, but where is the triumphant squad 30 years on?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win&#8217; \u2013 The 1996 Tour de France was a seismic moment for cycling, but where is the triumphant squad 30 years on?<\/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=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-01T10:42:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The iconic German squad sent shockwaves around the peloton three decades ago when they put an end to Miguel Indurain&#8217;s Tour dominance, but where are the likes of Bjarne Riis, Jan Ullrich and company today?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" 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-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-ed5f4471-d21c-4819-bc1a-3ad1ea9f92e8\">Some editions of the Tour de France mark the start of a new era in the sport, when a new generational talent emerges or years of dominance suddenly end. Tadej Poga\u010dar first made his mark on the Tour de France when he snatched victory from Primoz Roglic in the La Planche des Belle Filles time trial in 2020. In 1986, Greg LeMond ended Bernard Hinault&#8217;s reign and stopped him from winning a sixth Tour.<\/p>\n<p>Bradley Wiggins was the first British rider to win the Tour de France in 2012, but then Chris Froome did even better in 2013, going on to win the Tour four times. Poga\u010dar is the favourite to win this year&#8217;s Tour, but there is a sense we are about to see the start of the Paul Seixas era as the 19-year-old French super talent makes his Tour debut, with his potential set to be tested this July.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed5f4471-d21c-4819-bc1a-3ad1ea9f92e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 1996, there was a similar moment in cycling history. Miguel Indurain had won five consecutive editions of the Tour but was brutally dethroned by Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich as Team Telekom suddenly became a super team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 1997, Ullrich won the Tour, inspiring a boom in German cycling, but then the Festina Affaire exploded in 1998. Marco Pantani won the yellow jersey but then was disqualified from the 1999 Giro d&#8217;Italia after failing a UCI haematocrit test. It was the peak of the EPO era. Lance Armstrong transformed into a Tour de France winner and often defeated Ullrich at the Tour before the house of cards collapsed into scandal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Renowned cycling journalist, television interviewer, and podcaster Daniel Friebe wrote the definitive biography about Ullrich&#8217;s life and career: <em>Jan Ullrich &#8211; The best there never was<\/em>.<\/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\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LEFjfpbgkkkD7gbjA4PPaa-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\">Where are they now? Mapei&#8217;s 1996 Paris-Roubaix team<\/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\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zantGmAoguwfRAJctuWQFa-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\">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><\/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\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6BqQ4DVdCci7tpPzi23Ek-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;Jonas&#8217; achievements are 10 times bigger than those of Bjarne Riis&#8217; &#8211; Why Brian Holm believes Vingegaard will win the 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe tells the story of Ullrich&#8217;s rise from his East German roots, his breakthrough ride at the 1996 Tour alongside Riis, his 1997 Tour victory, and his battles with Pantani and then Armstrong. It also delves deep into Ullrich&#8217;s links to Dr Fuentes and Operaci\u00f3n Puerto, and into his troubled post-racing life that almost ended in self-destruction, before Armstrong helped his rival get his life back together.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The 1996 Tour was a seismic moment in the sport. We all thought Indurain was invulnerable, and to watch him crack was incredible,&#8221; Friebe says as he helps <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> understand the 1996 Tour and the story behind the Team Telekom squad that won the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Few people thought Riis and Telekom would be the ones to win the Tour, but by the time they reached Paris, with Riis first, Ullrich second and Zabel winning the green jersey, Telekom were a big emerging power.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The success, lack of morality and ultimately the downfall of Team Telekom was overseen by Walter Godefroot and Ullrich&#8217;s mentor and sports director Rudy Pevenage. Both came from the old school of pro racing in Belgium, and both facilitated the work of the doctors and riders to keep the millions flowing from the huge German mobile communications giant.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Riis pulled on the yellow jersey in Paris in July 1996, only to confess to doping a decade later. Many of his Telekom teammates soon did the same, a confession that helped them stay in the sport, but Ullrich held onto his lie for fear of losing his Tour victory. He eventually turned his life around and, in 2023, confessed as part of his rehabilitation.<\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/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\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">30 years on from the 1996 Tour de France, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> investigates where the Team Telekom riders are today and how their dominance in 1996 subsequently impacted their careers and lives.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bjarne-riis-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-967ea321-fed2-45d2-8320-28ca1d5c8613\" 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\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VKFBgNYpAsGRNUBncvftU8-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Riis celebrating in the yellow jersey after winning stage 9 of the 1996 race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Ruediger Fessel\/Bongarts\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-64be0f0d-20b4-42e6-b90d-f2bf74883261\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis had already raced for 10 years and was 31 when he joined Telekom for the 1996 season. He had finished third in the 1995 Tour while with Gewiss-Ballan and was determined to complete his transformation from domestique to Grand Tour winner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe captured Riis&#8217; sense of ambition in his book, but also the doubts of his new teammates. &#8220;During the pre-season team presentation, Riis told the media: &#8216;I&#8217;m going to win the Tour.&#8217; The other riders heard from an adjacent room and all burst out laughing,&#8221; Friebe tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Riis&#8217; self-belief became a running joke on the team in 1996, but he proved to be right.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Indurain&#8217;s demise in 1996 was a surprise, but it began on stage 7 to Arc 1800. Then Riis famously dropped everyone on stage 16 to Hautacam after slowing to look his rivals in the eye before powering away in a huge gear. Ullrich pulled back two minutes on Riis in the final Bordeaux time trial and finished 1:41 behind in Paris. He was a loyal teammate, and his Tour victory would come in 1997.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">11 years later, Riis confessed to doping after revelations by soigneur Jef D&#8217;Hont and an investigation into the work of the team doctors who were part of the Sports Medicine Department of the Freiburg University Clinic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were calls for Riis to hand back his yellow jersey, but due to the 10-year statute of limitations, he could not be formally suspended, nor could his victory be cancelled from the record books. Riis showed some remorse but was allowed to stay in the sport.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He became the manager and driving force of Team CSC and then Saxo Bank-Tinkov for a decade, trying to take on Armstrong with Ivan Basso and Tyler Hamilton. He was accused of knowing that his riders doped and of doing little to stop them, but he worked with teams until 2020.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In recent years, Riis has become a television and media pundit in Denmark. As a team manager, he was known for his long silences and scowls during interviews but is now frequently in the headlines for his bold comments about Jonas Vingegaard and pro cycling.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rolf-aldag-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rolf Aldag<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf54bdd6-9a62-4300-bdb6-1b1ee1945d74\" 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\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xFX5AyLs4siA3TmbMbFsS7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Aldag confessed to foul play at a press conference in Bonn on May 24, 2007 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9741e429-8116-4162-aac4-84622f0361a8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Aldag was a long-time domestique and core member of Team Telekom, racing for the team between 1993 and 2005. He was part of the 1996 and 1997 Tour-winning teams and doped like many of his teammates, but confessed and apologised in 2007.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Bob Stapleton took over as team manager and tried to clean up the team, he wanted Aldag as a sports director and rider mentor. Aldag&#8217;s character and experience meant he played a key role in Mark Cavendish&#8217;s early years with the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We drew a line and said, this is the past, and we draw the line here and make sure this never happens on this team,&#8221; Aldag told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> in 2008.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Aldag left the sport in 2011 when the team folded, but returned in 2015 and linked up with Cavendish once again as the Performance Manager at MTN-Qhubeka. He rose to become Chief of Sports at Bora-Hansgrohe but was replaced in 2025 after Red Bull came on board. He is now the Director of Sport for the women&#8217;s Canyon-SRAM team and is based in South Africa when not at races or team camps. Aldag will commentate on the 2026 Tour de France for Eurosport Germany.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"udo-bo-lts-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Udo Bo\u0308lts<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5b5e1c62-a837-4c6b-a929-4e7700dda536\" 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\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8T6gnzUpB6JrCUvW3bW6A7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Bolts on the attack during the 1997 Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7ef7f5ef-0a5f-4f4b-8010-7acda7c55991\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Udo Bo\u0308lts was one of the hard men of 1990s German cycling and rode for Telekom between 1991 and 2002. He famously finished 12 consecutive editions of the Tour between 1992 and 2003.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">During the 1997 Tour, Bo\u0308lts famously shouted &#8220;Torture yourself, you pig!&#8221; at Ullrich as he suffered under the pressure of Richard Virenque&#8217;s Festina team&#8217;s pace-setting. Bo\u0308lts helped save Ullrich&#8217;s Tour victory, and the phrase became a sporting aphorism. Bo\u0308lts even copyrighted the phrase and still uses it today to sell merchandise.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">True to character, Bo\u0308lts still rides a lot, mixing mountain biking with gravel and working as a guide at the Pf\u00e4lzerwald Mountain Bike Park in western Germany. He has won Masters titles at the Cape Epic mountain bike stage race and UCI Gravel World Series events, and was third at the 2025 Masters Gravel World Championships.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"christian-henn-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Christian Henn<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-694d59d3-2019-412f-8a9b-6cb4122fa3f4\" 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\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXEeyPZZRhoSy8T7gJUFD7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Henn in action at the 1998 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9195fed7-f489-4ae5-9c3c-0dad5cbea747\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henn turned professional with the legendary Italian Carrera Jeans team in 1989 after winning a bronze medal in the road race at the Seoul Olympic Games. He raced for Telekom between 1992 and 1999.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He retired after testing positive for testosterone but still found a place in the sport, working as a sports director for the equally troubled Gerolsteiner team that exploded in 2008 after several team leaders tested positive for the second-generation EPO variant CERA.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henn was a sports director with the German Lotto-Kern Haus Continental team until 2021 but is now semi-retired.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"jens-heppner-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jens Heppner<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd935f91-bf8b-4b5f-893e-2591560b0f92\" 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\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SVKPHX8mxZLg6EEhfoR3F7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Heppner in Telekom&#8217;s eye-catching pink jersey at the 1998 Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3233cc1e-fbc5-4c5c-abb5-31152afd594a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Ullrich, Heppner came through the East German school of cycling and turned professional with Panasonic-Sportlife in 1991, two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. He raced for Telekom for a decade, often sharing a room with Ullrich at major races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He worked as a sports director for Team Wiesenhof after retiring in 2005. While many of his former Telekom teammates confessed to doping in 2007, Heppner continues to deny he doped, perhaps because of Heppner&#8217;s close links to Ullrich.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, in 2013, he was one of 18 riders named in a French Senate report that linked their 1998 samples to EPO in retrospective tests. The UCI said those results could not be used for disciplinary action. Heppner, who has never admitted doping, left his role at Team NetApp shortly afterwards and never returned to professional cycling. He now occasionally works as a cycling guide in Mallorca and South Africa.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"brian-holm-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brian Holm<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8043195b-d7e1-404c-9059-438fa11c5214\" 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\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h6opWRc4ugrYDWfR3jrHK7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Holm at the 2018 Tour of Oman while working for Quick-Step <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bb4920e2-7f4a-4c6a-b3f8-31c9da5c2f8f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was the chatty Dane amongst the more reserved German riders at Telekom. He was a friend of Riis but impressed Belgian team manager Walter Godefroot, securing his place at Telekom thanks to his results with the Roland and Histor teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was a kind of bridge between Riis and the German core at Telekom, his sense of fun helping to lift the mood during the fatigue of the 1996 Tour. He retired in 1998 and so avoided the first doping scandals. He confessed to taking EPO at Telekom in 2007 when the Freiburg investigation exposed the true depth of Telekom&#8217;s doping.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ironically, he returned to Telekom as a sports director in 2003, shocked at Ullrich&#8217;s lack of love for racing in the final years of his career. Holm soon bonded with Mark Cavendish and stayed with the Manxman for long spells of his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Holm was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004 and was elected as a right-wing councillor for the wealthy Frederiksberg municipal council in Copenhagen, but worked as a sports director for QuickStep until 2022.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He is now a race analyst for Eurosport in Denmark and was in Italy to witness Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s victory at the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mario-kummer-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mario Kummer<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7ac01495-87d4-4316-8ae4-98c72c4f4202\" 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\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5K58FtvBo5aFci2UiPngP7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kummer in his role for Astana during the 2007 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-21b3d712-f8cd-49bb-95ae-4fbe65e4359c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer was the veteran of the 1996 Telekom team, turning professional with Chateau d&#8217;Ax in Italy after winning the gold medal in the team time trial at the 1988 Seoul Olympics with East Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer only survived two stages of the 1996 Tour after crashing on stage 1 and fracturing his collarbone. His early loss highlighted how Telekom dominated the Tour even with just eight riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kummer retired in 1997 but would work with Telekom as sports director until 2005. He joined Astana in 2007, but unlike several former teammates, he did not confess during the 2007 revelations. Kummer then worked for SRM and Uvex after he left pro cycling and now runs a holiday and coaching business, often staying at the same Robinson-Club Cala Serena holiday resort in Mallorca, where Telekom gathered for their winter training camps.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"erik-zabel-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Erik Zabel<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ae8861ee-e4a7-44c4-878b-4ca572d18f4a\" 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\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Graxt8DRgminDX2MKSDQo7-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Erik Zabel celebrates his 1996 Tour de France green jersey with his son Rick in his arms <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0f26523d-f208-45b1-abe1-c8e0c9dff211\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel&#8217;s sprint success in the 1995 Tour convinced Telekom to invest massively in pro cycling, leading to the success of 1996, Jan Ullrich&#8217;s career and the eventual doping scandals and investigations that still cast a shadow over the sport in Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel famously won Milan-San Remo four times, 12 stages at the Tour and six green points jerseys between 1996 and 2001. He was forced to confess to doping in 2007 but claimed that he only took EPO once in 1996. Zabel raced until 2008, ending his long career with Team Milram. His son Rick would also become a pro rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zabel was a sprint coach with several teams but was dismissed by Katusha and the Canyon brand after eventually making a much fuller doping confession in 2013, admitting to foul play between 1996 and 2003.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German has been Canyon&#8217;s Pro Sport Manager since 2017, acting as a conduit between the bike brand and its partner teams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He arguably benefited from what could be called the Armstrong paradox. The Texan doped and was banned for life, but is still disliked and considered &#8216;persona non grata&#8217; in the sport because of the way he bullied his rivals, the media and sponsors. Zabel is the opposite. He confessed a little, kept quiet, stayed friendly and kept a role in the sport.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"jan-ullrich-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Ullrich<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07fefd50-b800-40d4-a304-5bcb540fc974\" 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\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yKGFPfnSFcW6HLQXLDR3dX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A fresh faced Ullrich two years after his Tour de France victory; he would win both the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and World Time Trial title later in 1999 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9d75d702-84da-45d6-92c0-04c0afb3e90a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Jan Ullrich, like most of his Telekom teammates, eventually confessed to doping after going through a rollercoaster career that included taking EPO for the first time in 1996, helping Riis win the Tour and then winning himself in 1997.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich suffered and doped in silence as he battled with Lance Armstrong, the Texan&#8217;s dominance and personal issues stopping Ullrich from ever winning another Tour de France. His struggles against Armstrong, with weight and his personal life, somehow made Ullrich relatable to millions of Germans and cycling fans around the world.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He comes across as a kind of likeable guy. He&#8217;s no Einstein, and he doesn&#8217;t profess to be. He&#8217;s a kind of simple guy, and that helps to endear him to people,&#8221; Friebe tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was forgiveness, and there could have been sympathy because he was seen as a pawn in a bigger game. He was this kid who was thrust into the East German system and then into a German cycling craze. I personally felt sympathetic towards him too while writing my book.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich is now 52 and has gone through some incredible highs and lows in his life.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friebe spent almost a decade researching and writing his book on the man from Rostock. Ullrich was a talented East German teenager who won the amateur world title in Oslo in 1993, the same year that Armstrong surprisingly won the elite world title. He confirmed his talents by loyally helping Riis win the 1996 Tour and then dominated himself in 1997, beating Richard Virenque by over nine minutes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He lost to Pantani in 1998 after suffering in the cold and rain on the stage over the Galibier to Les Deux Alpes. Then Armstrong came along, and not even a blood doping programme created by Eufemiano Fuentes could help Ullrich defeat the Texan. A gold medal in the road race at the 2000 Sydney Olympics ahead of Telekom teammates Andreas Kl\u00f6den and Alexander Vinokourov was of little consolation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Armstrong retired in 2005, but Ullrich raced on until the Operaci\u00f3n Puerto scandal exploded in the summer of 2006. He was named and shamed before being stopped from riding the Tour de France on the eve of the race in Strasbourg and then sacked by T-Mobile. His DNA was later used to confirm that blood bags stored in Fuentes&#8217; fridge were for &#8216;Hijo Rudicio &#8211; Son of Rudi&#8217;. Ullrich&#8217;s code name was linked to his sports director and mentor, Rudi Pevenage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite all the evidence, Ullrich went into denial, even when the Court of Arbitration for Sport found him guilty and retroactively banned him for two years and cancelled his results from May 2005 until his retirement in February 2007.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I sat in the car driving home from Strasbourg thinking: That was it. It is all over. And it was. I was right. For the next four years, I sat in my house and looked out of the window,&#8221; Ullrich told Rouleur years later.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A move to Mallorca with his wife Sara proved disastrous, and she soon left with their children. Ullrich lost control of his life due to alcohol and drugs, and in 2018, he was treated in a psychiatric hospital unit. Fortunately, Armstrong felt compelled to make an intervention to help his former rival and flew to Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had big problems, and then you came to see me. I was so glad you came, and yes, I was just like Marco Pantani\u2026 nearly dead,\u201d Ullrich admitted a few years later in one of Armstrong&#8217;s podcasts, after a slow process to get his life back on track.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That journey to redemption included a full confession, and Ullrich eventually came clean in 2023.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-75e9d121-468c-4c69-9bce-86bb59eba583\" 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\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Uubmiqubnb644VoEmiVe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ullrich at the launch of a 2023 documentary recounting the highs and lows of his career <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1098d00-d12f-4aab-8d4b-469c78436f3b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I had told my story, I would have had many wonderful years. But I didn&#8217;t have the courage. Now it feels good to admit my guilt,&#8221; he told the German media.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ullrich still believes he deserves to be considered the 1997 Tour de France winner, despite confessing to doping. Armstrong lost his seven Tour victories because of the so-called &#8216;fraudulent concealment&#8217; and because his 2009\u20132010 comeback reset the clock.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know what I have achieved. Personally, I think I deserve the title. Others have to decide that. But in my heart I am a Tour de France winner,\u201d Ullrich said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A return to riding his bike helped Ullrich get his life back on track, and he is now a popular figure in Germany.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has 460,000 followers on Instagram, a new podcast with Rick Zabel and is the star of an annual Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival. His agent and PR people offer him as a corporate speaker, claiming he &#8220;stands for attitude, honesty, and the strength to get back up after setbacks.&#8221; His doping is rarely mentioned, while he is still considered the only German Tour de France winner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been surprised since he has come clean how quickly public opinion has flipped,&#8221; Friebe, who is based in Berlin, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think time is the biggest healer. Until 2022, there was a sort of tension between Ullrich and the German public and German media. Everyone was desperate for him to confess, and until he confessed, he wasn&#8217;t going to be allowed back into public life. Now he is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/few-people-thought-riis-and-telekom-would-be-the-ones-to-win-the-1996-tour-de-france-was-a-seismic-moment-for-cycling-but-where-is-the-triumphant-squad-30-years-on\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-2000-80.png&#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-2023153","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\/2023153","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=2023153"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2023153\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2023153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2023153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2023153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}