{"id":2023159,"date":"2026-07-02T09:04:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T06:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2023159"},"modified":"2026-07-02T09:04:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T06:04:21","slug":"what-i-hope-to-witness-at-this-years-tour-de-france-the-birth-of-paul-seixas-the-wrath-of-remco-and-great-racing-every-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2023159","title":{"rendered":"What I hope to witness at this year&#8217;s Tour de France \u2013 The birth of Paul Seixas, the wrath of Remco and great racing every day"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-2500-80.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\/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\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;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=\"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\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What I hope to witness at this year&#8217;s Tour de France \u2013 The birth of Paul Seixas, the wrath of Remco and great racing every day<\/h1>\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-start\" 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\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T09:04:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our long-time contributor and experienced Tour journalist Stephen Farrand sends his dispatches from Barcelona, and what he&#8217;s wishing for this July<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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\">2<\/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-97a4c2d4-1763-4ca2-8bb2-5d67082e98f9\">Here we go! July is here and therefore it&#8217;s time for the Tour de France, the biggest race of our sport, a huge moment for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> and a chance to witness the most intense, most prestigious and most emotional racing of the season.<\/p>\n<p>I always consider it a privilege to be at the Tour de France as a journalist for <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>and I&#8217;m happy to already be in Barcelona for the Grand D\u00e9part countdown before the race begins on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-97a4c2d4-1763-4ca2-8bb2-5d67082e98f9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ll be with James Moultrie for the first half of the Tour, before handing over to Deputy Editor Patrick Fletcher and Alasdair Fotheringham. Tech writers Josh Croxton and Tom Wieckowski are also here in Barcelona for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, reporting on all the latest bikes and equipment that will be used.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6-X2fpwhP8zwLEVq6RQ3Rl4C4DyFjrvyNl\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6-X2fpwhP8zwLEVq6RQ3Rl4C4DyFjrvyNl slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/span><\/p>\n<nav class=\"button-social-group person__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Editor-at-large<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>I&#8217;ve covered some historic editions of the Tour over the years and cherish some special memories. We know the race route and the team rosters but the 2026 Tour is still a book to be written, empty pages and chapters to be filled day after day with the narrative of the racing, the drama, polemics and emotions of each stage.    <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-5f57a283-721a-48f9-b38e-6c2a7d360d02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We know that Tadej Poga\u010dar is the huge favourite to win a record-equalling fifth Tour. Fortunately for us, the Tour never turns out as predicted, someone always rips up the script, excels or fails dramatically. That is the beauty of elite sport.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I can&#8217;t wait to get up so close to the riders and racing to try to question, capture and analyse every moment, every detail and every emotion for the <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>readers and subscribers.<\/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\/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\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Jonas Vingegaard 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><\/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\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-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\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is what I hope to witness at the 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-anyone-challenge-or-even-stop-pogacar-s-greatness-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can anyone challenge or even stop Poga\u010dar&#8217;s greatness? <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-10e63ac7-db69-4641-a819-737c9ac573fd\" 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\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard have gone toe to toe for five Tours in a row <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-07986aba-1ff5-45f6-9d3c-a44e5b89da1e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard have dominated the GC battle in the five editions of the Tour but my cycling sixth sense, which I have learnt to listen to carefully, is telling me that things could be different this year.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Poga\u010dar dominates yet again, we will have to recognise his greatness. He seems in great form, even after racing relatively little since the Classics, but I sense that he will have to fight like never before to pull on the final yellow jersey in Paris.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-1f80b020-e712-4533-add1-a67f2f9870b6\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on Poga\u010dar<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-92520386-56a2-4968-bdf4-b5bee97340c7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I think Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike will find some chinks in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s armour and perhaps be able to take advantage of them. Isaac del Toro will have to play a vital role helping Poga\u010dar, as he also learns how to become a Tour leader in his own right.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard focus too much on each other, then any of Paul Seixas, Juan Ayuso, Remco Evenpeoel and Florian Lipowitz could have a chance to fight for more than third place on the podium. I hope they are ambitious enough to grasp every opportunity.<\/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\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-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\">Altitude top-ups, recons, and down time \u2013 What are the yellow jersey hopefuls up to ahead of the Tour de France?<\/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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/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\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-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 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"allez-paul-seixas-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Allez Paul Seixas!<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aa60dc55-ba73-4cba-b5a9-b6696ed79106\" 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\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Seixas has the chance to do something very special <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0150bab2-0ea1-456b-9aac-61297447af00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The presence of 19-year-old Paul Seixas changes everything at this year&#8217;s Tour and allows the French, and so anyone who loves the race, a chance to dream.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas appears to have the talent to win the Tour. It might not be this year but it seems destined to happen sooner or later, perhaps in the post-Poga\u010dar era or perhaps even sooner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas&#8217; debut Tour will be a journey of discovery for the French teenager and a journey of expectation for all of us. He said he hopes to be a factor in the race, to continue improving and to enjoy himself. That last goal is surely the most important. If Seixas enjoys himself, embraces the pressure and suffering of the Tour, his race will be a success.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"fearing-the-wrath-of-remco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fearing the wrath of Remco <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d5020642-7b62-447a-89f6-41d2b84cbe83\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ve felt the wrath of Remco Evenepoel several times, when he vents his frustration towards the Tour media beyond the finish line, but I love his intelligence, intensity and self belief. He gives his absolute all and so rightly demands the same from his team and anyone that comes close to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can he ever win the Tour de France? Perhaps not but that is not going to stop him trying and so it&#8217;s going to be fascinating to watch him try this year.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-battle-for-stage-victories-and-the-early-yellow-jersey-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The battle for stage victories and the early yellow jersey <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-dd4d0550-26e7-4b76-814b-d0a291fe56ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Poga\u010dar-Vingegaard dominance of the Tour GC has forced a lot of other teams to pivot away from riding for the yellow jersey and instead chase stage victories, other classifications and perhaps an early spell in yellow. EF Education-EasyPost executed that strategy well in 2025, with Ben Healy wearing yellow for two days and winning a stage. It was enough to justify their sponsorship for the whole season.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d7471b5b-50e3-4c58-8d41-bd1be2cddca7\" 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\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">An unexpected rider in yellow is always nice to see <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3557ca27-6acc-4eb7-b4df-00bac426ef8f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A stage victory has become a stated goal, with rider selections and race strategies built around it. Tour stage wins can be as prestigious and as difficult as winning a major Classic. Win one and a team&#8217;s tour is deemed a success, fail and the team manager will not be happy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year Ben Healy, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Matej Mohori\u010d (Bahrain Victorious), new French national champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ United), Filippo Ganna (Netcompany Ineos), Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla), Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor) and Fred Wright (Pinarello-Q36.5) will all battle for stage on hilly stages, with a similar quality of riders for more mountainous stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Every stage will start with an intense battle to get in the break, raise the average speed and intensity, with a chance of taking the yellow day for an early spell as an extra incentive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Personally, I&#8217;d love to see a French rider wear yellow when the Tour crosses the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es from Spain into France or on Bastille Day on July 14.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"spare-a-thought-for-the-forgotten-sprinters-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spare a thought for the forgotten sprinters <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f21996fe-f585-4eea-bab0-678c354901f3\" 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\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6739e2a5-e8d4-4b68-b301-91a9f76596f9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With so many riders and teams chasing sprint victories and the likes of Poga\u010dar hogging the spotlight, the sprinters have become the forgotten riders of the Tour de France. I hope that will change at this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The sprinters will have to suffer in silence in the opening team time trial and even on Sunday&#8217;s hilly finish on Montju\u00efc. They will probably have to wait until stage 5 to Pau for a chance to sprint for victory but in theory there are five sprint chances plus the last stage to Paris if the sprinters can digest the climbs of Montmartre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sprint stages can be long days in the saddle and so make for boring television but I believe the thrills of the final kilometres are always worth the wait.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"my-stand-out-stages-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My stand-out stages <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-9b957b08-b688-40da-8d2d-05502369003e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each of the 21 stages will offer some drama and great racing but these are the stages that I&#8217;m especially excited about.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 1: Barcelona TTT<\/strong>\u2013 The new TT format makes this a GC day and so we can expect time gaps, surprises and disappointment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ll be watching to see if Evenepoel drops Lipowitz, how much time Poga\u010dar gains on Vingegaard and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin&#8217;s hot take reaction about his teammates beyond the finish line.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-a71f9688-684d-472e-8aa7-8a8db367a504\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Key stages<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-98d1129e-79be-454d-bbda-14e201f6f35e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 6: Pau-Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre<\/strong> \u2013 The Pyrenees come early this year and avoid some of the legendary climbs but stage 6 includes the Col du Tourmalet and a climb to the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 9: Aurillac-Le Lioran<\/strong> \u2013 Stages through the Massif Central are never easy. With the canicule heat expected to return to France next week, this stage could see some GC action as well as a big breakaway.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stages 19 and 20 <\/strong>\u2013The final mountain stages in the Alps climb to L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez twice, first via the iconic hairpins and then via the steeper, lesser known Col de Sarenne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;d love to be a fan staying in L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez for several days, riding the high mountains and then watching the riders close up from the roadside as they race for overall victory or just survival inside the time limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After all, the Tour de France is the ultimate free sporting show. Vive le Tour!<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4663c9f3-cc0b-4263-b143-2d5fb271f29b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6 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\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-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\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-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\">Altitude top-ups, recons, and down time \u2013 What are the yellow jersey hopefuls up to ahead of the Tour de France?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-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\">Tyler Hamilton renewed as Tour de France analyst for Danish news network; Utah wildfires cause cancellation of Crusher in the Tushar &#8211; North American Roundup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-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\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We have big dreams&#8217; &#8211; Biniam Girmay blames Intermarch\u00e9 for lack of 2025 success but aims high in 2026 Tour de France sprints<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-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;He&#8217;s got the legs to go for a Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; Five-time champion Miguel Indurain backs Paul Seixas as future race winner<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in 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\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#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?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg.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\">Tadej who? Paul Seixas mania is gripping the home nation ahead of the Tour de France, and the 19-year-old is fully embracing it<\/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\">There&#8217;s finally a new Giro d&#8217;Italia boss as former Lidl-Trek manager bags top race organisation role<\/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;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/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;Cycling is tougher than football&#8217; \u2013 Spanish soccer legend Andr\u00e9s Iniesta is not at the World Cup but at the Tour de France as he aims to make NSN a team &#8216;fans can love&#8217;<\/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\">Up close and personal with Matej Mohori\u010d&#8217;s custom Bianchi Specialissima RC for the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What I hope to witness at this year&#8217;s Tour de France \u2013 The birth of Paul Seixas, the wrath of Remco and great racing every day<\/h1>\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-start\" 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\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T09:04:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our long-time contributor and experienced Tour journalist Stephen Farrand sends his dispatches from Barcelona, and what he&#8217;s wishing for this July<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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\">2<\/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-97a4c2d4-1763-4ca2-8bb2-5d67082e98f9\">Here we go! July is here and therefore it&#8217;s time for the Tour de France, the biggest race of our sport, a huge moment for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> and a chance to witness the most intense, most prestigious and most emotional racing of the season.<\/p>\n<p>I always consider it a privilege to be at the Tour de France as a journalist for <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>and I&#8217;m happy to already be in Barcelona for the Grand D\u00e9part countdown before the race begins on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-97a4c2d4-1763-4ca2-8bb2-5d67082e98f9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ll be with James Moultrie for the first half of the Tour, before handing over to Deputy Editor Patrick Fletcher and Alasdair Fotheringham. Tech writers Josh Croxton and Tom Wieckowski are also here in Barcelona for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, reporting on all the latest bikes and equipment that will be used.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6-X2fpwhP8zwLEVq6RQ3Rl4C4DyFjrvyNl\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6-X2fpwhP8zwLEVq6RQ3Rl4C4DyFjrvyNl slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/span><\/p>\n<nav class=\"button-social-group person__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Editor-at-large<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>I&#8217;ve covered some historic editions of the Tour over the years and cherish some special memories. We know the race route and the team rosters but the 2026 Tour is still a book to be written, empty pages and chapters to be filled day after day with the narrative of the racing, the drama, polemics and emotions of each stage.    <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-5f57a283-721a-48f9-b38e-6c2a7d360d02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We know that Tadej Poga\u010dar is the huge favourite to win a record-equalling fifth Tour. Fortunately for us, the Tour never turns out as predicted, someone always rips up the script, excels or fails dramatically. That is the beauty of elite sport.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I can&#8217;t wait to get up so close to the riders and racing to try to question, capture and analyse every moment, every detail and every emotion for the <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>readers and subscribers.<\/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\/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\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Jonas Vingegaard 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><\/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\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-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\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is what I hope to witness at the 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-anyone-challenge-or-even-stop-pogacar-s-greatness-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can anyone challenge or even stop Poga\u010dar&#8217;s greatness? <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-10e63ac7-db69-4641-a819-737c9ac573fd\" 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\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard have gone toe to toe for five Tours in a row <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-07986aba-1ff5-45f6-9d3c-a44e5b89da1e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard have dominated the GC battle in the five editions of the Tour but my cycling sixth sense, which I have learnt to listen to carefully, is telling me that things could be different this year.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Poga\u010dar dominates yet again, we will have to recognise his greatness. He seems in great form, even after racing relatively little since the Classics, but I sense that he will have to fight like never before to pull on the final yellow jersey in Paris.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-1f80b020-e712-4533-add1-a67f2f9870b6\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on Poga\u010dar<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-92520386-56a2-4968-bdf4-b5bee97340c7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I think Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike will find some chinks in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s armour and perhaps be able to take advantage of them. Isaac del Toro will have to play a vital role helping Poga\u010dar, as he also learns how to become a Tour leader in his own right.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard focus too much on each other, then any of Paul Seixas, Juan Ayuso, Remco Evenpeoel and Florian Lipowitz could have a chance to fight for more than third place on the podium. I hope they are ambitious enough to grasp every opportunity.<\/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\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-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\">Altitude top-ups, recons, and down time \u2013 What are the yellow jersey hopefuls up to ahead of the Tour de France?<\/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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/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\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-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 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"allez-paul-seixas-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Allez Paul Seixas!<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aa60dc55-ba73-4cba-b5a9-b6696ed79106\" 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\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Seixas has the chance to do something very special <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0150bab2-0ea1-456b-9aac-61297447af00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The presence of 19-year-old Paul Seixas changes everything at this year&#8217;s Tour and allows the French, and so anyone who loves the race, a chance to dream.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas appears to have the talent to win the Tour. It might not be this year but it seems destined to happen sooner or later, perhaps in the post-Poga\u010dar era or perhaps even sooner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas&#8217; debut Tour will be a journey of discovery for the French teenager and a journey of expectation for all of us. He said he hopes to be a factor in the race, to continue improving and to enjoy himself. That last goal is surely the most important. If Seixas enjoys himself, embraces the pressure and suffering of the Tour, his race will be a success.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"fearing-the-wrath-of-remco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fearing the wrath of Remco <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d5020642-7b62-447a-89f6-41d2b84cbe83\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ve felt the wrath of Remco Evenepoel several times, when he vents his frustration towards the Tour media beyond the finish line, but I love his intelligence, intensity and self belief. He gives his absolute all and so rightly demands the same from his team and anyone that comes close to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can he ever win the Tour de France? Perhaps not but that is not going to stop him trying and so it&#8217;s going to be fascinating to watch him try this year.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-battle-for-stage-victories-and-the-early-yellow-jersey-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The battle for stage victories and the early yellow jersey <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-dd4d0550-26e7-4b76-814b-d0a291fe56ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Poga\u010dar-Vingegaard dominance of the Tour GC has forced a lot of other teams to pivot away from riding for the yellow jersey and instead chase stage victories, other classifications and perhaps an early spell in yellow. EF Education-EasyPost executed that strategy well in 2025, with Ben Healy wearing yellow for two days and winning a stage. It was enough to justify their sponsorship for the whole season.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d7471b5b-50e3-4c58-8d41-bd1be2cddca7\" 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\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">An unexpected rider in yellow is always nice to see <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3557ca27-6acc-4eb7-b4df-00bac426ef8f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A stage victory has become a stated goal, with rider selections and race strategies built around it. Tour stage wins can be as prestigious and as difficult as winning a major Classic. Win one and a team&#8217;s tour is deemed a success, fail and the team manager will not be happy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year Ben Healy, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Matej Mohori\u010d (Bahrain Victorious), new French national champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ United), Filippo Ganna (Netcompany Ineos), Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla), Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor) and Fred Wright (Pinarello-Q36.5) will all battle for stage on hilly stages, with a similar quality of riders for more mountainous stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Every stage will start with an intense battle to get in the break, raise the average speed and intensity, with a chance of taking the yellow day for an early spell as an extra incentive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Personally, I&#8217;d love to see a French rider wear yellow when the Tour crosses the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es from Spain into France or on Bastille Day on July 14.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"spare-a-thought-for-the-forgotten-sprinters-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spare a thought for the forgotten sprinters <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f21996fe-f585-4eea-bab0-678c354901f3\" 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\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6739e2a5-e8d4-4b68-b301-91a9f76596f9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With so many riders and teams chasing sprint victories and the likes of Poga\u010dar hogging the spotlight, the sprinters have become the forgotten riders of the Tour de France. I hope that will change at this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The sprinters will have to suffer in silence in the opening team time trial and even on Sunday&#8217;s hilly finish on Montju\u00efc. They will probably have to wait until stage 5 to Pau for a chance to sprint for victory but in theory there are five sprint chances plus the last stage to Paris if the sprinters can digest the climbs of Montmartre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sprint stages can be long days in the saddle and so make for boring television but I believe the thrills of the final kilometres are always worth the wait.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"my-stand-out-stages-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My stand-out stages <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-9b957b08-b688-40da-8d2d-05502369003e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each of the 21 stages will offer some drama and great racing but these are the stages that I&#8217;m especially excited about.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 1: Barcelona TTT<\/strong>\u2013 The new TT format makes this a GC day and so we can expect time gaps, surprises and disappointment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ll be watching to see if Evenepoel drops Lipowitz, how much time Poga\u010dar gains on Vingegaard and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin&#8217;s hot take reaction about his teammates beyond the finish line.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-a71f9688-684d-472e-8aa7-8a8db367a504\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Key stages<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-98d1129e-79be-454d-bbda-14e201f6f35e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 6: Pau-Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre<\/strong> \u2013 The Pyrenees come early this year and avoid some of the legendary climbs but stage 6 includes the Col du Tourmalet and a climb to the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 9: Aurillac-Le Lioran<\/strong> \u2013 Stages through the Massif Central are never easy. With the canicule heat expected to return to France next week, this stage could see some GC action as well as a big breakaway.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stages 19 and 20 <\/strong>\u2013The final mountain stages in the Alps climb to L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez twice, first via the iconic hairpins and then via the steeper, lesser known Col de Sarenne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;d love to be a fan staying in L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez for several days, riding the high mountains and then watching the riders close up from the roadside as they race for overall victory or just survival inside the time limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After all, the Tour de France is the ultimate free sporting show. Vive le Tour!<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4663c9f3-cc0b-4263-b143-2d5fb271f29b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6 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\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-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\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-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\">Altitude top-ups, recons, and down time \u2013 What are the yellow jersey hopefuls up to ahead of the Tour de France?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-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\">Tyler Hamilton renewed as Tour de France analyst for Danish news network; Utah wildfires cause cancellation of Crusher in the Tushar &#8211; North American Roundup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-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\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We have big dreams&#8217; &#8211; Biniam Girmay blames Intermarch\u00e9 for lack of 2025 success but aims high in 2026 Tour de France sprints<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-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;He&#8217;s got the legs to go for a Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; Five-time champion Miguel Indurain backs Paul Seixas as future race winner<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in 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\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#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?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg.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\">Tadej who? Paul Seixas mania is gripping the home nation ahead of the Tour de France, and the 19-year-old is fully embracing it<\/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\">There&#8217;s finally a new Giro d&#8217;Italia boss as former Lidl-Trek manager bags top race organisation role<\/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;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/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;Cycling is tougher than football&#8217; \u2013 Spanish soccer legend Andr\u00e9s Iniesta is not at the World Cup but at the Tour de France as he aims to make NSN a team &#8216;fans can love&#8217;<\/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\">Up close and personal with Matej Mohori\u010d&#8217;s custom Bianchi Specialissima RC for the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What I hope to witness at this year&#8217;s Tour de France \u2013 The birth of Paul Seixas, the wrath of Remco and great racing every day<\/h1>\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-start\" 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\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T09:04:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our long-time contributor and experienced Tour journalist Stephen Farrand sends his dispatches from Barcelona, and what he&#8217;s wishing for this July<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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\">2<\/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-97a4c2d4-1763-4ca2-8bb2-5d67082e98f9\">Here we go! July is here and therefore it&#8217;s time for the Tour de France, the biggest race of our sport, a huge moment for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> and a chance to witness the most intense, most prestigious and most emotional racing of the season.<\/p>\n<p>I always consider it a privilege to be at the Tour de France as a journalist for <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>and I&#8217;m happy to already be in Barcelona for the Grand D\u00e9part countdown before the race begins on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-97a4c2d4-1763-4ca2-8bb2-5d67082e98f9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ll be with James Moultrie for the first half of the Tour, before handing over to Deputy Editor Patrick Fletcher and Alasdair Fotheringham. Tech writers Josh Croxton and Tom Wieckowski are also here in Barcelona for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, reporting on all the latest bikes and equipment that will be used.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6-X2fpwhP8zwLEVq6RQ3Rl4C4DyFjrvyNl\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6-X2fpwhP8zwLEVq6RQ3Rl4C4DyFjrvyNl slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/span><\/p>\n<nav class=\"button-social-group person__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Editor-at-large<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>I&#8217;ve covered some historic editions of the Tour over the years and cherish some special memories. We know the race route and the team rosters but the 2026 Tour is still a book to be written, empty pages and chapters to be filled day after day with the narrative of the racing, the drama, polemics and emotions of each stage.    <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-5f57a283-721a-48f9-b38e-6c2a7d360d02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We know that Tadej Poga\u010dar is the huge favourite to win a record-equalling fifth Tour. Fortunately for us, the Tour never turns out as predicted, someone always rips up the script, excels or fails dramatically. That is the beauty of elite sport.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I can&#8217;t wait to get up so close to the riders and racing to try to question, capture and analyse every moment, every detail and every emotion for the <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>readers and subscribers.<\/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\/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\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Jonas Vingegaard 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><\/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\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-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\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is what I hope to witness at the 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-anyone-challenge-or-even-stop-pogacar-s-greatness-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can anyone challenge or even stop Poga\u010dar&#8217;s greatness? <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-10e63ac7-db69-4641-a819-737c9ac573fd\" 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\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiLKYVP2eFR2UAYKy685SQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard have gone toe to toe for five Tours in a row <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-07986aba-1ff5-45f6-9d3c-a44e5b89da1e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard have dominated the GC battle in the five editions of the Tour but my cycling sixth sense, which I have learnt to listen to carefully, is telling me that things could be different this year.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8BbY5pMBZb6VXF3DevF6q6 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Poga\u010dar dominates yet again, we will have to recognise his greatness. He seems in great form, even after racing relatively little since the Classics, but I sense that he will have to fight like never before to pull on the final yellow jersey in Paris.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-1f80b020-e712-4533-add1-a67f2f9870b6\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on Poga\u010dar<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-92520386-56a2-4968-bdf4-b5bee97340c7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I think Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike will find some chinks in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s armour and perhaps be able to take advantage of them. Isaac del Toro will have to play a vital role helping Poga\u010dar, as he also learns how to become a Tour leader in his own right.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard focus too much on each other, then any of Paul Seixas, Juan Ayuso, Remco Evenpeoel and Florian Lipowitz could have a chance to fight for more than third place on the podium. I hope they are ambitious enough to grasp every opportunity.<\/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\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F9aNQKLW9rmhuXWVgxXCsH-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\">Altitude top-ups, recons, and down time \u2013 What are the yellow jersey hopefuls up to ahead of the Tour de France?<\/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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/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\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-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 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"allez-paul-seixas-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Allez Paul Seixas!<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aa60dc55-ba73-4cba-b5a9-b6696ed79106\" 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\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHjfYFrjjhDgQqz7xk9sTQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Seixas has the chance to do something very special <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0150bab2-0ea1-456b-9aac-61297447af00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The presence of 19-year-old Paul Seixas changes everything at this year&#8217;s Tour and allows the French, and so anyone who loves the race, a chance to dream.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas appears to have the talent to win the Tour. It might not be this year but it seems destined to happen sooner or later, perhaps in the post-Poga\u010dar era or perhaps even sooner.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas&#8217; debut Tour will be a journey of discovery for the French teenager and a journey of expectation for all of us. He said he hopes to be a factor in the race, to continue improving and to enjoy himself. That last goal is surely the most important. If Seixas enjoys himself, embraces the pressure and suffering of the Tour, his race will be a success.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"fearing-the-wrath-of-remco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fearing the wrath of Remco <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d5020642-7b62-447a-89f6-41d2b84cbe83\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ve felt the wrath of Remco Evenepoel several times, when he vents his frustration towards the Tour media beyond the finish line, but I love his intelligence, intensity and self belief. He gives his absolute all and so rightly demands the same from his team and anyone that comes close to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can he ever win the Tour de France? Perhaps not but that is not going to stop him trying and so it&#8217;s going to be fascinating to watch him try this year.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-battle-for-stage-victories-and-the-early-yellow-jersey-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The battle for stage victories and the early yellow jersey <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-dd4d0550-26e7-4b76-814b-d0a291fe56ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Poga\u010dar-Vingegaard dominance of the Tour GC has forced a lot of other teams to pivot away from riding for the yellow jersey and instead chase stage victories, other classifications and perhaps an early spell in yellow. EF Education-EasyPost executed that strategy well in 2025, with Ben Healy wearing yellow for two days and winning a stage. It was enough to justify their sponsorship for the whole season.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d7471b5b-50e3-4c58-8d41-bd1be2cddca7\" 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\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FHRdv4zcDhMnGLVzW9FqSQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">An unexpected rider in yellow is always nice to see <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3557ca27-6acc-4eb7-b4df-00bac426ef8f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A stage victory has become a stated goal, with rider selections and race strategies built around it. Tour stage wins can be as prestigious and as difficult as winning a major Classic. Win one and a team&#8217;s tour is deemed a success, fail and the team manager will not be happy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year Ben Healy, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Matej Mohori\u010d (Bahrain Victorious), new French national champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ United), Filippo Ganna (Netcompany Ineos), Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla), Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor) and Fred Wright (Pinarello-Q36.5) will all battle for stage on hilly stages, with a similar quality of riders for more mountainous stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Every stage will start with an intense battle to get in the break, raise the average speed and intensity, with a chance of taking the yellow day for an early spell as an extra incentive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Personally, I&#8217;d love to see a French rider wear yellow when the Tour crosses the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es from Spain into France or on Bastille Day on July 14.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"spare-a-thought-for-the-forgotten-sprinters-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spare a thought for the forgotten sprinters <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f21996fe-f585-4eea-bab0-678c354901f3\" 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\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLFpgZb3meXrbg22scJqo6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6739e2a5-e8d4-4b68-b301-91a9f76596f9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With so many riders and teams chasing sprint victories and the likes of Poga\u010dar hogging the spotlight, the sprinters have become the forgotten riders of the Tour de France. I hope that will change at this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The sprinters will have to suffer in silence in the opening team time trial and even on Sunday&#8217;s hilly finish on Montju\u00efc. They will probably have to wait until stage 5 to Pau for a chance to sprint for victory but in theory there are five sprint chances plus the last stage to Paris if the sprinters can digest the climbs of Montmartre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sprint stages can be long days in the saddle and so make for boring television but I believe the thrills of the final kilometres are always worth the wait.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"my-stand-out-stages-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My stand-out stages <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-9b957b08-b688-40da-8d2d-05502369003e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each of the 21 stages will offer some drama and great racing but these are the stages that I&#8217;m especially excited about.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 1: Barcelona TTT<\/strong>\u2013 The new TT format makes this a GC day and so we can expect time gaps, surprises and disappointment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;ll be watching to see if Evenepoel drops Lipowitz, how much time Poga\u010dar gains on Vingegaard and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin&#8217;s hot take reaction about his teammates beyond the finish line.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-a71f9688-684d-472e-8aa7-8a8db367a504\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Key stages<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-98d1129e-79be-454d-bbda-14e201f6f35e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 6: Pau-Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre<\/strong> \u2013 The Pyrenees come early this year and avoid some of the legendary climbs but stage 6 includes the Col du Tourmalet and a climb to the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stage 9: Aurillac-Le Lioran<\/strong> \u2013 Stages through the Massif Central are never easy. With the canicule heat expected to return to France next week, this stage could see some GC action as well as a big breakaway.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Stages 19 and 20 <\/strong>\u2013The final mountain stages in the Alps climb to L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez twice, first via the iconic hairpins and then via the steeper, lesser known Col de Sarenne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I&#8217;d love to be a fan staying in L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez for several days, riding the high mountains and then watching the riders close up from the roadside as they race for overall victory or just survival inside the time limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After all, the Tour de France is the ultimate free sporting show. Vive le Tour!<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4663c9f3-cc0b-4263-b143-2d5fb271f29b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/what-i-hope-to-witness-at-this-years-tour-de-france-the-birth-of-paul-seixas-the-wrath-of-remco-and-great-racing-every-day\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-2500-80.png&#8221;] 1 Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list 2 &#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 3 From a crucial TTT to double Alpe [&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-2023159","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\/2023159","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=2023159"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2023159\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2023159"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2023159"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2023159"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}