{"id":2024404,"date":"2026-07-02T13:55:46","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T10:55:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2024404"},"modified":"2026-07-02T13:55:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T10:55:46","slug":"if-we-have-to-take-a-step-back-we-will-despite-imminent-tour-de-france-grand-depart-on-home-soil-long-established-spanish-proteam-risks-folding-at-end-of-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2024404","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">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                                    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\" 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\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez\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>\nEquipo Kern Pharma\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUrko Berrade Fernandez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-07-02T13:55:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">After seven years in peloton, Kern Pharma face major struggle to find new main sponsor for next season<\/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\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-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\">Urko Berrade celebrates the stage 18 win at 2024 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Kern Pharma&#8217;s third in that year&#8217;s race<\/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\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2fbcd4aa-ff68-4d5b-8414-af82959ac395\">The 2026 Tour de France start in Barcelona this Saturday is drawing ever closer, a special moment for bike racing fans everywhere, but particularly those from that city. Even as the lights prepare to go up on the first-ever Grand D\u00e9part from the capital of Catalunya, this week there were stark reminders, too, that a sponsorship red alert is flashing ever more ominously for one of Spain&#8217;s top ProTeams.<\/p>\n<p>Kern Pharma, for seven years the main backer of the team, announced earlier this year that they would be ending their sponsorship. The team&#8217;s three stage victories in the 2024 Vuelta Espa\u00f1a are the major sporting achievement of that period, but the team have already racked up six wins this year, most recently a bronze medal in the Spanish National Championships road race thanks to 2024 Vuelta stage winner Urko Berrade.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2fbcd4aa-ff68-4d5b-8414-af82959ac395-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, with no new sponsor yet to emerge definitively, the team are eying the end of the season with increasing trepidation, and<em>AS<\/em> reported recenty that August 22 and the start of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is the current deadline set by the team to establish a clear fix on their mid-to-long-term future.<\/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\">Also according to<em> AS<\/em>, the hope is currently at least to preserve the team&#8217;s structure into 2027, even if it can no longer operate at the ProTeam level. However, the newspaper also reports that the 22 riders currently in the squad have been given the team&#8217;s blessing to look elsewhere for a job in 2027.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite various negotiations currently in place, manager Juanjo Oroz told <em>El Pa\u00eds<\/em> recently, &#8220;All of that has be seen as a &#8216;No&#8217; [to potential backing] until the signature is there in lack and white. Before that, it&#8217;s all lies&#8221;.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/span><\/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\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-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 final countdown &#8211; UAE, Decathlon and Red Bull test TTT bikes and strategies during Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part<\/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\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t want to be ingenuous. We&#8217;re trying to work hard every day, to maintain our legacy and keep the essence of the team alive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If we have to take a step back, we will. This isn&#8217;t about egos, it&#8217;s about passion. This is where we build bike riders from the ground upwards.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd 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<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ac368f18-16b2-4771-ad44-59e3e3b35559\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Volta a Catalunya 2026: the Kern Pharma lineup before a stage start <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-078bd37e-7e66-4743-9459-bda480ea0572\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A little over two weeks ago, <em>El Pa\u00eds<\/em> reported that Oroz sent out a general email warning the team about the uphill struggle for next season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t do otherwise,&#8221; Oroz said. &#8220;I tried to talk to everybody to let them know that, much to our regret, we can&#8217;t guarantee them a contract for next season, so everybody needs to make plans for their future. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re not going to judge or penalise any rider for signing with another team. That would be over the top, and it&#8217;s not my style. I want to be transparent and realistic with them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kern Pharma&#8217;s plight contrasts sharply with that of another long-established Spanish ProTeam, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, which unexpectedly received a wildcard invitation this year to the Tour de France. But the sponsor crisis is far from exclusive to Spain, or even to teams like Kern that are not doing the Tour de France, but rather heading to the start of the Sibiu Cycling Tour stage race in Romania this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>French ProTeam TotalEnergies are also struggling to find backing for 2027 &#8211; and they are taking part in cycling&#8217;s premier event this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Kerns Phama&#8217;s predicament is a bleak reminder that while the Tour&#8217;s presence in any country is traditionally viewed as a massively potential trickle-down boost to cycling at grassroots level, the financial reality far from the bright lights of the world&#8217;s biggest bike race often remains harsh.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And regarding his own team, Oroz said, &#8220;I decided to be clear with everybody in June, and the next step will be taken before the Vuelta starts.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf768032-c39a-4e69-8d76-cb0f115d2231\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Urko Berrade on the attack during a 2026 race in France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-de069bfd-9ca9-4366-8495-5639b90394c3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div 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<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd 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\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France final countdown &#8211; UAE, Decathlon and Red Bull test TTT bikes and strategies during Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part<\/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\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">With Oscar Onley out, what can Netcompany Ineos hope to achieve in this Tour de France \u2013 and in future ones?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-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\">Movistar Team&#8217;s future up in the air? Title sponsor wants out of its contract, according to Bloomberg<\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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 class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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>\nEquipo Kern Pharma\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUrko Berrade Fernandez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-07-02T13:55:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">After seven years in peloton, Kern Pharma face major struggle to find new main sponsor for next season<\/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\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-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\">Urko Berrade celebrates the stage 18 win at 2024 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Kern Pharma&#8217;s third in that year&#8217;s race<\/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\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2fbcd4aa-ff68-4d5b-8414-af82959ac395\">The 2026 Tour de France start in Barcelona this Saturday is drawing ever closer, a special moment for bike racing fans everywhere, but particularly those from that city. Even as the lights prepare to go up on the first-ever Grand D\u00e9part from the capital of Catalunya, this week there were stark reminders, too, that a sponsorship red alert is flashing ever more ominously for one of Spain&#8217;s top ProTeams.<\/p>\n<p>Kern Pharma, for seven years the main backer of the team, announced earlier this year that they would be ending their sponsorship. The team&#8217;s three stage victories in the 2024 Vuelta Espa\u00f1a are the major sporting achievement of that period, but the team have already racked up six wins this year, most recently a bronze medal in the Spanish National Championships road race thanks to 2024 Vuelta stage winner Urko Berrade.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2fbcd4aa-ff68-4d5b-8414-af82959ac395-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, with no new sponsor yet to emerge definitively, the team are eying the end of the season with increasing trepidation, and<em>AS<\/em> reported recenty that August 22 and the start of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is the current deadline set by the team to establish a clear fix on their mid-to-long-term future.<\/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\">Also according to<em> AS<\/em>, the hope is currently at least to preserve the team&#8217;s structure into 2027, even if it can no longer operate at the ProTeam level. However, the newspaper also reports that the 22 riders currently in the squad have been given the team&#8217;s blessing to look elsewhere for a job in 2027.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite various negotiations currently in place, manager Juanjo Oroz told <em>El Pa\u00eds<\/em> recently, &#8220;All of that has be seen as a &#8216;No&#8217; [to potential backing] until the signature is there in lack and white. Before that, it&#8217;s all lies&#8221;.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/span><\/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\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-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 final countdown &#8211; UAE, Decathlon and Red Bull test TTT bikes and strategies during Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part<\/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\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t want to be ingenuous. We&#8217;re trying to work hard every day, to maintain our legacy and keep the essence of the team alive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If we have to take a step back, we will. This isn&#8217;t about egos, it&#8217;s about passion. This is where we build bike riders from the ground upwards.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd 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<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ac368f18-16b2-4771-ad44-59e3e3b35559\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Volta a Catalunya 2026: the Kern Pharma lineup before a stage start <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-078bd37e-7e66-4743-9459-bda480ea0572\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A little over two weeks ago, <em>El Pa\u00eds<\/em> reported that Oroz sent out a general email warning the team about the uphill struggle for next season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t do otherwise,&#8221; Oroz said. &#8220;I tried to talk to everybody to let them know that, much to our regret, we can&#8217;t guarantee them a contract for next season, so everybody needs to make plans for their future. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re not going to judge or penalise any rider for signing with another team. That would be over the top, and it&#8217;s not my style. I want to be transparent and realistic with them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kern Pharma&#8217;s plight contrasts sharply with that of another long-established Spanish ProTeam, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, which unexpectedly received a wildcard invitation this year to the Tour de France. But the sponsor crisis is far from exclusive to Spain, or even to teams like Kern that are not doing the Tour de France, but rather heading to the start of the Sibiu Cycling Tour stage race in Romania this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>French ProTeam TotalEnergies are also struggling to find backing for 2027 &#8211; and they are taking part in cycling&#8217;s premier event this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Kerns Phama&#8217;s predicament is a bleak reminder that while the Tour&#8217;s presence in any country is traditionally viewed as a massively potential trickle-down boost to cycling at grassroots level, the financial reality far from the bright lights of the world&#8217;s biggest bike race often remains harsh.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And regarding his own team, Oroz said, &#8220;I decided to be clear with everybody in June, and the next step will be taken before the Vuelta starts.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf768032-c39a-4e69-8d76-cb0f115d2231\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Urko Berrade on the attack during a 2026 race in France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-de069bfd-9ca9-4366-8495-5639b90394c3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div 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<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd 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\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France final countdown &#8211; UAE, Decathlon and Red Bull test TTT bikes and strategies during Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part<\/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\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47gPEqWS7qGhFA58fFsJW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">With Oscar Onley out, what can Netcompany Ineos hope to achieve in this Tour de France \u2013 and in future ones?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKcvufWwQjPJuei54zuUhg-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\">Movistar Team&#8217;s future up in the air? Title sponsor wants out of its contract, according to Bloomberg<\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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 class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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>\nEquipo Kern Pharma\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUrko Berrade Fernandez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-07-02T13:55:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">After seven years in peloton, Kern Pharma face major struggle to find new main sponsor for next season<\/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\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2fbcd4aa-ff68-4d5b-8414-af82959ac395\">The 2026 Tour de France start in Barcelona this Saturday is drawing ever closer, a special moment for bike racing fans everywhere, but particularly those from that city. Even as the lights prepare to go up on the first-ever Grand D\u00e9part from the capital of Catalunya, this week there were stark reminders, too, that a sponsorship red alert is flashing ever more ominously for one of Spain&#8217;s top ProTeams.<\/p>\n<p>Kern Pharma, for seven years the main backer of the team, announced earlier this year that they would be ending their sponsorship. The team&#8217;s three stage victories in the 2024 Vuelta Espa\u00f1a are the major sporting achievement of that period, but the team have already racked up six wins this year, most recently a bronze medal in the Spanish National Championships road race thanks to 2024 Vuelta stage winner Urko Berrade.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2fbcd4aa-ff68-4d5b-8414-af82959ac395-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, with no new sponsor yet to emerge definitively, the team are eying the end of the season with increasing trepidation, and<em>AS<\/em> reported recenty that August 22 and the start of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is the current deadline set by the team to establish a clear fix on their mid-to-long-term future.<\/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\">Also according to<em> AS<\/em>, the hope is currently at least to preserve the team&#8217;s structure into 2027, even if it can no longer operate at the ProTeam level. However, the newspaper also reports that the 22 riders currently in the squad have been given the team&#8217;s blessing to look elsewhere for a job in 2027.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite various negotiations currently in place, manager Juanjo Oroz told <em>El Pa\u00eds<\/em> recently, &#8220;All of that has be seen as a &#8216;No&#8217; [to potential backing] until the signature is there in lack and white. Before that, it&#8217;s all lies&#8221;.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/span><\/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\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tuchQ8zierWf99TX5kwHhh-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 final countdown &#8211; UAE, Decathlon and Red Bull test TTT bikes and strategies during Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part<\/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\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VYet7yHEpUKFs76MRt82oZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t want to be ingenuous. We&#8217;re trying to work hard every day, to maintain our legacy and keep the essence of the team alive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If we have to take a step back, we will. This isn&#8217;t about egos, it&#8217;s about passion. This is where we build bike riders from the ground upwards.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sQuZo4oNQjdgjJrKwaCkmd 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<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ac368f18-16b2-4771-ad44-59e3e3b35559\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YmQ3rPiVzhMU4e22nvQ8em-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Volta a Catalunya 2026: the Kern Pharma lineup before a stage start <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-078bd37e-7e66-4743-9459-bda480ea0572\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A little over two weeks ago, <em>El Pa\u00eds<\/em> reported that Oroz sent out a general email warning the team about the uphill struggle for next season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t do otherwise,&#8221; Oroz said. &#8220;I tried to talk to everybody to let them know that, much to our regret, we can&#8217;t guarantee them a contract for next season, so everybody needs to make plans for their future. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re not going to judge or penalise any rider for signing with another team. That would be over the top, and it&#8217;s not my style. I want to be transparent and realistic with them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kern Pharma&#8217;s plight contrasts sharply with that of another long-established Spanish ProTeam, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, which unexpectedly received a wildcard invitation this year to the Tour de France. But the sponsor crisis is far from exclusive to Spain, or even to teams like Kern that are not doing the Tour de France, but rather heading to the start of the Sibiu Cycling Tour stage race in Romania this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>French ProTeam TotalEnergies are also struggling to find backing for 2027 &#8211; and they are taking part in cycling&#8217;s premier event this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Kerns Phama&#8217;s predicament is a bleak reminder that while the Tour&#8217;s presence in any country is traditionally viewed as a massively potential trickle-down boost to cycling at grassroots level, the financial reality far from the bright lights of the world&#8217;s biggest bike race often remains harsh.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And regarding his own team, Oroz said, &#8220;I decided to be clear with everybody in June, and the next step will be taken before the Vuelta starts.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf768032-c39a-4e69-8d76-cb0f115d2231\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EM8kwwQN8xyy2RVmzyYJW8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Urko Berrade on the attack during a 2026 race in France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-de069bfd-9ca9-4366-8495-5639b90394c3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/if-we-have-to-take-a-step-back-we-will-despite-imminent-tour-de-france-grand-depart-on-home-soil-long-established-spanish-proteam-risks-folding-at-end-of-2026\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list 2 From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France 3 Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de [&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-2024404","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\/2024404","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=2024404"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2024404\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2024404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2024404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2024404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}