{"id":2024391,"date":"2026-07-02T20:56:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T17:56:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2024391"},"modified":"2026-07-02T20:56:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T17:56:17","slug":"four-time-tour-de-france-winner-chris-froome-announces-retirement-from-pro-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2024391","title":{"rendered":"Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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-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                                    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=\"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\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNZdgKXADFtdt2gJKXskJT-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;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?\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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">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                                    Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nChristopher Froome\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-07-02T20:56:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Briton confirms long-expected exit from sport after 19-year career<\/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\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2013 Tour de France: Chris Froome rides towards overall victory<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 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aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unfortunately, there was that fall last summer,&#8221; Froome said of his serious crash last August that left him with a host of injuries including one to his heart that required surgery. &#8220;That wasn&#8217;t the way I wanted it to end. But even then, I knew it was over.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome, 41, had a successful career with Team Sky, now Netcompany Ineos, including winning seven Grand Tours and numerous top week-long stage races, and netting podium finishes in both the World Championships and the Olympics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While his last victory dates from 2018, Froome remains one of a select circle of just six riders to take four or more victories in the Tour de France.<\/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\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-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\">Chris Froome returns to the Tour de France as an ambassador for car brand Skoda<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-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\">\u2018At one point you have to say stop\u2019 \u2013 Damiano Caruso hopes for a final Tour de France ride as he confirms plans to retire this year<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome&#8217;s departure from the sport, long-expected after months of silence about his status, comes after he left Israel-Premier Tech last last year, then added a part-time gig as Chief Innovation Officer for the French AI company Vekta. In June, he announced his attendance at the Tour de France as a Skoda ambassador.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The British stage racing specialist turned pro in 2007 with the small Konica-Minolta team in South Africa. However, his career only really took off a year after he signed with Sky in 2010, when both he and the British squad began a meteoric rise towards dominating Grand Tour stage racing for the best part of a decade.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9 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\">While Froome&#8217;s first of two victories in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, in 2011, was only confirmed in August 2019 after Juan Jos\u00e9 Cobo was stripped of the title for doping violations, his pathway to repeated triumphs in the Tour de France proved to be a very different story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A runner-up spot in the 2012 Tour de France behind then teammate Bradley Wiggins was subsequently followed by outright wins for Froome in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, in an era when, barring a crash-out in 2014, Froome and Team Sky seemingly brooked no rivals in cycling&#8217;s biggest bike race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome&#8217;s trademark attack was a blazing series of high-speed accelerations in the mountains, something which netted him notable wins on Tour climbs as prestigious as the Mont Ventoux, the La Pierre Saint-Martin and La Planche des Belles Filles.<\/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\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-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 and Giro d&#8217;Italia stage winner Pello Bilbao announces retirement at end of 2026 <\/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\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-150-80.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\">Chris Froome returns to action in pedal boat charity race across the Mediterranean Sea<\/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\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s the last one for me, that&#8217;s for sure&#8217; &#8211; Final Paris-Roubaix for Luke Durbridge as Australian announces impending retirement<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, he will also be remembered for his impromptu run up the Mont Ventoux in the 2016 Tour, after he was entangled in a collision with other riders and a race motorbike near the finish. Forced to run on foot up the climb before getting a replacement bike, it did not stop him from taking a third Tour de France in four years.<\/p>\n<p>Froome&#8217;s relentless run of Tour victories made him just one of six riders to date, including the world&#8217;s current number one racer Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), to rack up four wins or more in the Grande Boucle. That non-stop success also considerably helped Team Sky maintain its position as the decade&#8217;s leading force in three-week racing. But while it was notable that Froome never won a single one-day race in his career, he nonetheless extended his stage racing predominance to three victories in the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9, two in the Tour de Romandie and two in the Tour of Oman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After his fourth &#8211; and what proved to be his final &#8211; Tour de France win in 2017, Froome then added a victory in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a to his palmares the same year. In the process, he became the first rider to win two Grand Tours in a single season since arch-rival Alberto Contador took the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta in 2008.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More was to come as in what was arguably his hardest-fought Grand Tour triumph of all in the 2018 Giro d&#8217;Italia, where Froome overcame early injuries to stage a late spectacular long-distance attack across the Colle delle Finestre and definitively oust fellow-Briton Simon Yates from the overall lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At that point, the first defending champion in all three Grand Tours concurrently since Bernard Hinault 30 years previously, Froome&#8217;s ability each July to rise above rivals of the calibre of Vincenzo Nibali through to Nairo Quintana and above all Contador seemed unmatchable.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the shadows of suspicion were not far away, either. A long case regarding an adverse analytical finding for salbutamol in the 2017 Vuelta led to calls from figures as well-established as Hinault for Froome not to take part in the 2018 Tour de France. The case was only resolved in Froome&#8217;s favour just days before that year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome, and Team Sky too, have always strongly insisted there has never been any wrongdoing on their part, but further questions have emerged over the team&#8217;s performances in that era.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Investigations into the use of Therapeutic Use Exemption forms, and the conviction of former team doctor Richard Freeman for ordering a banned substance, as well as other medics employed by the team, like Geert Leinders, have all contributed to the suspicions. In addition, there has been a recent investigation into Froome&#8217;s longstanding personal carer, David Rozman, by the International Testing Agency (ITA) for his alleged links to the doctor at the centre of the Aderlass doping enquiry.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-final-years-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final years<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-78475953-a4d4-4e6c-a982-b5bd7d503e19\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back on the racing front, Froome himself was unable to repeat his Giro success in the Tour de France, where former teammate Geraint Thomas&#8217; rise to yellow proved unstoppable. Froome himself had to settle for third in Paris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Hopes of a comeback in 2019 were then dashed by a major accident ahead of the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 with massive injuries, including a fractured right femur, a fractured elbow and fractured ribs, making for a lengthy comeback period.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, teammate Egan Bernal claimed his first Tour de France victory in a landslide-curtailed queen stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The following year, Froome was then not selected by Ineos &#8211; the successor of Sky as sponsors &#8211; for the Tour de France for the first time since 2011, and at the end of the season he moved onto Israel Start-Up Nation, which would prove to be his last team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final five years of Froome&#8217;s career saw the Briton fight a brave, but ultimately very challenging battle against both lingering effects from his injuries, and a sport which had moved on since his domination. There were flashes of brilliance such as at Alpe d&#8217;Huez in the 2022 Tour, where he placed third behind Tom Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But perhaps fittingly, his participation in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a &#8211; the race where it all began for Froome back in 2011 &#8211; was to prove to be his last Grand Tour, and a series of major injuries in another training crash last autumn made it even more unlikely he would continue into his fifth decade as a racer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He suffered a collapsed lung and fractured vertebrae,and later revealed that he was facing another long recovery after suffering a torn pericardium in his heart that was repaired surgically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On November 15th, hours prior to the Israel-Premier Tech shutting off its social media channels ahead of a name and flag change to NSN Cycling, the team used its final post to thank the Briton and announce his departure from the team.<\/p>\n<p 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Team Sky<\/p>\n<p>Israel-Premier Tech<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.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\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-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\">Chris Froome returns to the Tour de France as an ambassador for car brand Skoda<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-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\">\u2018At one point you have to say stop\u2019 \u2013 Damiano Caruso hopes for a final Tour de France ride as he confirms plans to retire this year<\/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\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-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 and Giro d&#8217;Italia stage winner Pello Bilbao announces retirement at end of 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 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\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-320-80.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\">Chris Froome returns to action in pedal boat charity race across the Mediterranean Sea<\/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\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-320-80.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&#8217;s the last one for me, that&#8217;s for sure&#8217; &#8211; Final Paris-Roubaix for Luke Durbridge as Australian announces impending retirement<\/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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-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 wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at 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\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-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\">New national champion jerseys, switch-out kits on display in Barcelona&#8217;s splashy Tour de France team presentation<\/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\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the 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 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\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-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;If we have to take a step back, we will&#8217; &#8211; Despite imminent Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part on home soil, long-established Spanish ProTeam risks folding at end of 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 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\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej who? Paul Seixas mania is gripping the home nation ahead of the Tour de France, and the 19-year-old is fully embracing it<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-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 wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at 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\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-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 think we&#8217;re ready&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France 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\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-320-80.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 know where you want to go&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel tersely shoots down suggestions of a Tour de France rivalry with Florian Lipowitz<\/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\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-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&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/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\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-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\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" 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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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\">New national champion jerseys, switch-out kits on display in Barcelona&#8217;s splashy Tour de France team presentation<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I think we&#8217;re ready&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nChristopher Froome\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-07-02T20:56:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Briton confirms long-expected exit from sport after 19-year career<\/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\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2013 Tour de France: Chris Froome rides towards overall victory<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] 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aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unfortunately, there was that fall last summer,&#8221; Froome said of his serious crash last August that left him with a host of injuries including one to his heart that required surgery. &#8220;That wasn&#8217;t the way I wanted it to end. But even then, I knew it was over.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome, 41, had a successful career with Team Sky, now Netcompany Ineos, including winning seven Grand Tours and numerous top week-long stage races, and netting podium finishes in both the World Championships and the Olympics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While his last victory dates from 2018, Froome remains one of a select circle of just six riders to take four or more victories in the Tour de France.<\/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\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-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\">Chris Froome returns to the Tour de France as an ambassador for car brand Skoda<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-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\">\u2018At one point you have to say stop\u2019 \u2013 Damiano Caruso hopes for a final Tour de France ride as he confirms plans to retire this year<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome&#8217;s departure from the sport, long-expected after months of silence about his status, comes after he left Israel-Premier Tech last last year, then added a part-time gig as Chief Innovation Officer for the French AI company Vekta. In June, he announced his attendance at the Tour de France as a Skoda ambassador.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The British stage racing specialist turned pro in 2007 with the small Konica-Minolta team in South Africa. However, his career only really took off a year after he signed with Sky in 2010, when both he and the British squad began a meteoric rise towards dominating Grand Tour stage racing for the best part of a decade.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9 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\">While Froome&#8217;s first of two victories in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, in 2011, was only confirmed in August 2019 after Juan Jos\u00e9 Cobo was stripped of the title for doping violations, his pathway to repeated triumphs in the Tour de France proved to be a very different story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A runner-up spot in the 2012 Tour de France behind then teammate Bradley Wiggins was subsequently followed by outright wins for Froome in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, in an era when, barring a crash-out in 2014, Froome and Team Sky seemingly brooked no rivals in cycling&#8217;s biggest bike race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome&#8217;s trademark attack was a blazing series of high-speed accelerations in the mountains, something which netted him notable wins on Tour climbs as prestigious as the Mont Ventoux, the La Pierre Saint-Martin and La Planche des Belles Filles.<\/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\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-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 and Giro d&#8217;Italia stage winner Pello Bilbao announces retirement at end of 2026 <\/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\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-150-80.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\">Chris Froome returns to action in pedal boat charity race across the Mediterranean Sea<\/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\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s the last one for me, that&#8217;s for sure&#8217; &#8211; Final Paris-Roubaix for Luke Durbridge as Australian announces impending retirement<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, he will also be remembered for his impromptu run up the Mont Ventoux in the 2016 Tour, after he was entangled in a collision with other riders and a race motorbike near the finish. Forced to run on foot up the climb before getting a replacement bike, it did not stop him from taking a third Tour de France in four years.<\/p>\n<p>Froome&#8217;s relentless run of Tour victories made him just one of six riders to date, including the world&#8217;s current number one racer Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), to rack up four wins or more in the Grande Boucle. That non-stop success also considerably helped Team Sky maintain its position as the decade&#8217;s leading force in three-week racing. But while it was notable that Froome never won a single one-day race in his career, he nonetheless extended his stage racing predominance to three victories in the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9, two in the Tour de Romandie and two in the Tour of Oman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After his fourth &#8211; and what proved to be his final &#8211; Tour de France win in 2017, Froome then added a victory in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a to his palmares the same year. In the process, he became the first rider to win two Grand Tours in a single season since arch-rival Alberto Contador took the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta in 2008.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More was to come as in what was arguably his hardest-fought Grand Tour triumph of all in the 2018 Giro d&#8217;Italia, where Froome overcame early injuries to stage a late spectacular long-distance attack across the Colle delle Finestre and definitively oust fellow-Briton Simon Yates from the overall lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At that point, the first defending champion in all three Grand Tours concurrently since Bernard Hinault 30 years previously, Froome&#8217;s ability each July to rise above rivals of the calibre of Vincenzo Nibali through to Nairo Quintana and above all Contador seemed unmatchable.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the shadows of suspicion were not far away, either. A long case regarding an adverse analytical finding for salbutamol in the 2017 Vuelta led to calls from figures as well-established as Hinault for Froome not to take part in the 2018 Tour de France. The case was only resolved in Froome&#8217;s favour just days before that year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome, and Team Sky too, have always strongly insisted there has never been any wrongdoing on their part, but further questions have emerged over the team&#8217;s performances in that era.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Investigations into the use of Therapeutic Use Exemption forms, and the conviction of former team doctor Richard Freeman for ordering a banned substance, as well as other medics employed by the team, like Geert Leinders, have all contributed to the suspicions. In addition, there has been a recent investigation into Froome&#8217;s longstanding personal carer, David Rozman, by the International Testing Agency (ITA) for his alleged links to the doctor at the centre of the Aderlass doping enquiry.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-final-years-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final years<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-78475953-a4d4-4e6c-a982-b5bd7d503e19\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back on the racing front, Froome himself was unable to repeat his Giro success in the Tour de France, where former teammate Geraint Thomas&#8217; rise to yellow proved unstoppable. Froome himself had to settle for third in Paris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Hopes of a comeback in 2019 were then dashed by a major accident ahead of the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 with massive injuries, including a fractured right femur, a fractured elbow and fractured ribs, making for a lengthy comeback period.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, teammate Egan Bernal claimed his first Tour de France victory in a landslide-curtailed queen stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The following year, Froome was then not selected by Ineos &#8211; the successor of Sky as sponsors &#8211; for the Tour de France for the first time since 2011, and at the end of the season he moved onto Israel Start-Up Nation, which would prove to be his last team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final five years of Froome&#8217;s career saw the Briton fight a brave, but ultimately very challenging battle against both lingering effects from his injuries, and a sport which had moved on since his domination. There were flashes of brilliance such as at Alpe d&#8217;Huez in the 2022 Tour, where he placed third behind Tom Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But perhaps fittingly, his participation in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a &#8211; the race where it all began for Froome back in 2011 &#8211; was to prove to be his last Grand Tour, and a series of major injuries in another training crash last autumn made it even more unlikely he would continue into his fifth decade as a racer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He suffered a collapsed lung and fractured vertebrae,and later revealed that he was facing another long recovery after suffering a torn pericardium in his heart that was repaired surgically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On November 15th, hours prior to the Israel-Premier Tech shutting off its social media channels ahead of a name and flag change to NSN Cycling, the team used its final post to thank the Briton and announce his departure from the team.<\/p>\n<p 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Team Sky<\/p>\n<p>Israel-Premier Tech<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.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\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-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\">Chris Froome returns to the Tour de France as an ambassador for car brand Skoda<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-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\">\u2018At one point you have to say stop\u2019 \u2013 Damiano Caruso hopes for a final Tour de France ride as he confirms plans to retire this year<\/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\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-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 and Giro d&#8217;Italia stage winner Pello Bilbao announces retirement at end of 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 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\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-320-80.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\">Chris Froome returns to action in pedal boat charity race across the Mediterranean Sea<\/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\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-320-80.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&#8217;s the last one for me, that&#8217;s for sure&#8217; &#8211; Final Paris-Roubaix for Luke Durbridge as Australian announces impending retirement<\/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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-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 wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at 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\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-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\">New national champion jerseys, switch-out kits on display in Barcelona&#8217;s splashy Tour de France team presentation<\/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\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the 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 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\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-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;If we have to take a step back, we will&#8217; &#8211; Despite imminent Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part on home soil, long-established Spanish ProTeam risks folding at end of 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 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\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej who? Paul Seixas mania is gripping the home nation ahead of the Tour de France, and the 19-year-old is fully embracing it<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-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 wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at 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\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-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 think we&#8217;re ready&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France 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\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-320-80.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 know where you want to go&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel tersely shoots down suggestions of a Tour de France rivalry with Florian Lipowitz<\/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\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-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&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/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\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-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\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" 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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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\">New national champion jerseys, switch-out kits on display in Barcelona&#8217;s splashy Tour de France team presentation<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I think we&#8217;re ready&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nChristopher Froome\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-07-02T20:56:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Briton confirms long-expected exit from sport after 19-year career<\/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\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-26e1dfcb-ffea-4b10-aa3a-23fea4ba9ea2\">Four-time Tour de France winner, Chris Froome has finally officially announced that he has retired from professional cycling after not racing for the whole of 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking at a Skoda brand ambassador event, according to the <em>New York Times<\/em>, Froome confirmed his career is over.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-26e1dfcb-ffea-4b10-aa3a-23fea4ba9ea2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unfortunately, there was that fall last summer,&#8221; Froome said of his serious crash last August that left him with a host of injuries including one to his heart that required surgery. &#8220;That wasn&#8217;t the way I wanted it to end. But even then, I knew it was over.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome, 41, had a successful career with Team Sky, now Netcompany Ineos, including winning seven Grand Tours and numerous top week-long stage races, and netting podium finishes in both the World Championships and the Olympics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While his last victory dates from 2018, Froome remains one of a select circle of just six riders to take four or more victories in the Tour de France.<\/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\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MirStLTtNiYHBZXcEw8zAH-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\">Chris Froome returns to the Tour de France as an ambassador for car brand Skoda<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUrbJubD6PjiiJxNkSg4eS-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\">\u2018At one point you have to say stop\u2019 \u2013 Damiano Caruso hopes for a final Tour de France ride as he confirms plans to retire this year<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome&#8217;s departure from the sport, long-expected after months of silence about his status, comes after he left Israel-Premier Tech last last year, then added a part-time gig as Chief Innovation Officer for the French AI company Vekta. In June, he announced his attendance at the Tour de France as a Skoda ambassador.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The British stage racing specialist turned pro in 2007 with the small Konica-Minolta team in South Africa. However, his career only really took off a year after he signed with Sky in 2010, when both he and the British squad began a meteoric rise towards dominating Grand Tour stage racing for the best part of a decade.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Mu8iohWHUcWSznGnUaqiB9 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\">While Froome&#8217;s first of two victories in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, in 2011, was only confirmed in August 2019 after Juan Jos\u00e9 Cobo was stripped of the title for doping violations, his pathway to repeated triumphs in the Tour de France proved to be a very different story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A runner-up spot in the 2012 Tour de France behind then teammate Bradley Wiggins was subsequently followed by outright wins for Froome in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, in an era when, barring a crash-out in 2014, Froome and Team Sky seemingly brooked no rivals in cycling&#8217;s biggest bike race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome&#8217;s trademark attack was a blazing series of high-speed accelerations in the mountains, something which netted him notable wins on Tour climbs as prestigious as the Mont Ventoux, the La Pierre Saint-Martin and La Planche des Belles Filles.<\/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\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ufymUo6hexsnJiiUzVTS8c-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 and Giro d&#8217;Italia stage winner Pello Bilbao announces retirement at end of 2026 <\/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\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wBVkghci5Kxr5rSHsLFV9-150-80.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\">Chris Froome returns to action in pedal boat charity race across the Mediterranean Sea<\/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\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ab46oEWWN3u4faSiYAmpy6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s the last one for me, that&#8217;s for sure&#8217; &#8211; Final Paris-Roubaix for Luke Durbridge as Australian announces impending retirement<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, he will also be remembered for his impromptu run up the Mont Ventoux in the 2016 Tour, after he was entangled in a collision with other riders and a race motorbike near the finish. Forced to run on foot up the climb before getting a replacement bike, it did not stop him from taking a third Tour de France in four years.<\/p>\n<p>Froome&#8217;s relentless run of Tour victories made him just one of six riders to date, including the world&#8217;s current number one racer Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), to rack up four wins or more in the Grande Boucle. That non-stop success also considerably helped Team Sky maintain its position as the decade&#8217;s leading force in three-week racing. But while it was notable that Froome never won a single one-day race in his career, he nonetheless extended his stage racing predominance to three victories in the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9, two in the Tour de Romandie and two in the Tour of Oman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After his fourth &#8211; and what proved to be his final &#8211; Tour de France win in 2017, Froome then added a victory in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a to his palmares the same year. In the process, he became the first rider to win two Grand Tours in a single season since arch-rival Alberto Contador took the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta in 2008.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More was to come as in what was arguably his hardest-fought Grand Tour triumph of all in the 2018 Giro d&#8217;Italia, where Froome overcame early injuries to stage a late spectacular long-distance attack across the Colle delle Finestre and definitively oust fellow-Briton Simon Yates from the overall lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At that point, the first defending champion in all three Grand Tours concurrently since Bernard Hinault 30 years previously, Froome&#8217;s ability each July to rise above rivals of the calibre of Vincenzo Nibali through to Nairo Quintana and above all Contador seemed unmatchable.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the shadows of suspicion were not far away, either. A long case regarding an adverse analytical finding for salbutamol in the 2017 Vuelta led to calls from figures as well-established as Hinault for Froome not to take part in the 2018 Tour de France. The case was only resolved in Froome&#8217;s favour just days before that year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Froome, and Team Sky too, have always strongly insisted there has never been any wrongdoing on their part, but further questions have emerged over the team&#8217;s performances in that era.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Investigations into the use of Therapeutic Use Exemption forms, and the conviction of former team doctor Richard Freeman for ordering a banned substance, as well as other medics employed by the team, like Geert Leinders, have all contributed to the suspicions. In addition, there has been a recent investigation into Froome&#8217;s longstanding personal carer, David Rozman, by the International Testing Agency (ITA) for his alleged links to the doctor at the centre of the Aderlass doping enquiry.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-final-years-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final years<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-78475953-a4d4-4e6c-a982-b5bd7d503e19\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back on the racing front, Froome himself was unable to repeat his Giro success in the Tour de France, where former teammate Geraint Thomas&#8217; rise to yellow proved unstoppable. Froome himself had to settle for third in Paris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Hopes of a comeback in 2019 were then dashed by a major accident ahead of the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 with massive injuries, including a fractured right femur, a fractured elbow and fractured ribs, making for a lengthy comeback period.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, teammate Egan Bernal claimed his first Tour de France victory in a landslide-curtailed queen stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The following year, Froome was then not selected by Ineos &#8211; the successor of Sky as sponsors &#8211; for the Tour de France for the first time since 2011, and at the end of the season he moved onto Israel Start-Up Nation, which would prove to be his last team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final five years of Froome&#8217;s career saw the Briton fight a brave, but ultimately very challenging battle against both lingering effects from his injuries, and a sport which had moved on since his domination. There were flashes of brilliance such as at Alpe d&#8217;Huez in the 2022 Tour, where he placed third behind Tom Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But perhaps fittingly, his participation in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a &#8211; the race where it all began for Froome back in 2011 &#8211; was to prove to be his last Grand Tour, and a series of major injuries in another training crash last autumn made it even more unlikely he would continue into his fifth decade as a racer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He suffered a collapsed lung and fractured vertebrae,and later revealed that he was facing another long recovery after suffering a torn pericardium in his heart that was repaired surgically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On November 15th, hours prior to the Israel-Premier Tech shutting off its social media channels ahead of a name and flag change to NSN Cycling, the team used its final post to thank the Briton and announce his departure from the team.<\/p>\n<p 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\/teams-riders\/chris-froome-retires\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France 2 &#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 [&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-2024391","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\/2024391","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=2024391"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2024391\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2024391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2024391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2024391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}