{"id":2024416,"date":"2026-07-02T16:46:49","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T13:46:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2024416"},"modified":"2026-07-02T16:46:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T13:46:49","slug":"weve-never-really-had-a-fight-mathieu-van-der-poel-and-jasper-philipsen-unite-again-to-hunt-tour-de-france-stages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2024416","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-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\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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 \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T16:46:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Van der Poel aiming at opening weekend success, Philipsen targets sprints and green jersey<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-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\">2026 Tour de France: Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen at the pre-race press conference<\/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 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recent years at Alpecin-Premier Tech, becoming sprinting and Classics race brothers in arms.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bea05212-e0c1-4c3a-b389-e72c87905e32-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight so far, so it&#8217;s all good,&#8221; Philipsen joked during the top rider press conference in Barcelona on Thursday.<\/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\">&#8220;I think we match very well with our capabilities. We also have clear stages that we can target at the Tour. I have to wait a little longer until stage 5 to Pau for the first big sprint chance, while Mathieu&#8217;s chances come earlier.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just try to aim as well as possible to have a successful Tour, both for ourselves and for our team.&#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\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-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\">Alpecin-Premier Tech Tour de France line-up provides powerful back-up for leading stage hunters Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel<\/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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-150-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/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\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen won stage 1 in Lille last year and Van der Poel won stage 2 but then Philipsen crashed out on stage 3 and van der Poel came down with pneumonia after two weeks and was forced to abandon the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Last year the Tour started really well for us but unfortunately, Jasper crashed and I became sick. Hopefully we can do it again this year, but then keep it going until Paris,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had some good and bad Tours, hopefully this is a good one. We have a nice team here, we hope to go for it again. You need the legs to win in the first place but I like the stages that are like Classics.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-team-time-trial-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team time trial<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5488303e-e9ce-4aab-9d85-8b17e156f8e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech recently trained for the Tour de France TTT on the motor racing circuit in Zolder in Belgium. Van der Poel went close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar in the Tour de Suisse time trial and will try to produce a similar performance on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been spending more hours on the bike than I usually do, so it was nice to work on this,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Paris-Roubaix brings Tadej Poga\u010dar vs Mathieu van der Poel round three in 2026, but who has the better supporting cast for the hellish pav\u00e9? \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think there&#8217;s something special in the strategy, it&#8217;s about getting to the finish as fast as possible to the last two climbs and the technical section. Then it will be up to me to launch there and go to the finish. We don&#8217;t have a GC [contender] and that makes it a bit nicer for us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel also seems ready to fight with the GC riders on the hilly stage 2 circuits of Montju\u00efc but fears Poga\u010dar and Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen believes there are five or six possible sprint stages, including the final stage to Paris, despite the new Montemartre circuit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think the sprinters will always be motivated to ride to Paris,&#8221; he said, considering the many mountain stages in the final week of the Tour. &#8220;I think the Montmartre finish is still a chance of a sprint finish because the climb is a bit far from the finish this year.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For the strong sprinters, I think there&#8217;s another chance on stage 12 too. Of course the hardest part of the Tour is the last week and you just have to survive it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This year there are maybe four or six chances but you never know how the peloton rides the stages. We try to win as many as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen accepts he will have to wait until stage 5 in Pau for the first sprinter&#8217;s showdown.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s just how it is. The TT is important for the team and so will be all out. Then there are stages to get the legs going, to be ready for stage 5. That&#8217;s the first real test for my Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28a89c43-e31d-4c24-8f3b-562ecc60b436\" 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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Alpecin-Premier Tech Tour de France line-up provides powerful back-up for leading stage hunters Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-320-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/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\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-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;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/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\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-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\">Paris-Roubaix brings Tadej Poga\u010dar vs Mathieu van der Poel round three in 2026, but who has the better supporting cast for the hellish pav\u00e9? \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/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 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\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What I hope to witness at this year&#8217;s Tour de France \u2013 The birth of Paul Seixas, the wrath of Remco and great racing every day<\/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\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tyler Hamilton renewed as Tour de France analyst for Danish news network; Utah wildfires cause cancellation of Crusher in the Tushar &#8211; North American Roundup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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 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>\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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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 \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T16:46:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Van der Poel aiming at opening weekend success, Philipsen targets sprints and green jersey<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-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\">2026 Tour de France: Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen at the pre-race press conference<\/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 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recent years at Alpecin-Premier Tech, becoming sprinting and Classics race brothers in arms.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bea05212-e0c1-4c3a-b389-e72c87905e32-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight so far, so it&#8217;s all good,&#8221; Philipsen joked during the top rider press conference in Barcelona on Thursday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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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\">&#8220;I think we match very well with our capabilities. We also have clear stages that we can target at the Tour. I have to wait a little longer until stage 5 to Pau for the first big sprint chance, while Mathieu&#8217;s chances come earlier.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just try to aim as well as possible to have a successful Tour, both for ourselves and for our team.&#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\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-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\">Alpecin-Premier Tech Tour de France line-up provides powerful back-up for leading stage hunters Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel<\/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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-150-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/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\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen won stage 1 in Lille last year and Van der Poel won stage 2 but then Philipsen crashed out on stage 3 and van der Poel came down with pneumonia after two weeks and was forced to abandon the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Last year the Tour started really well for us but unfortunately, Jasper crashed and I became sick. Hopefully we can do it again this year, but then keep it going until Paris,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had some good and bad Tours, hopefully this is a good one. We have a nice team here, we hope to go for it again. You need the legs to win in the first place but I like the stages that are like Classics.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-team-time-trial-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team time trial<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5488303e-e9ce-4aab-9d85-8b17e156f8e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech recently trained for the Tour de France TTT on the motor racing circuit in Zolder in Belgium. Van der Poel went close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar in the Tour de Suisse time trial and will try to produce a similar performance on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been spending more hours on the bike than I usually do, so it was nice to work on this,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Paris-Roubaix brings Tadej Poga\u010dar vs Mathieu van der Poel round three in 2026, but who has the better supporting cast for the hellish pav\u00e9? \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think there&#8217;s something special in the strategy, it&#8217;s about getting to the finish as fast as possible to the last two climbs and the technical section. Then it will be up to me to launch there and go to the finish. We don&#8217;t have a GC [contender] and that makes it a bit nicer for us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel also seems ready to fight with the GC riders on the hilly stage 2 circuits of Montju\u00efc but fears Poga\u010dar and Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen believes there are five or six possible sprint stages, including the final stage to Paris, despite the new Montemartre circuit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think the sprinters will always be motivated to ride to Paris,&#8221; he said, considering the many mountain stages in the final week of the Tour. &#8220;I think the Montmartre finish is still a chance of a sprint finish because the climb is a bit far from the finish this year.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For the strong sprinters, I think there&#8217;s another chance on stage 12 too. Of course the hardest part of the Tour is the last week and you just have to survive it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This year there are maybe four or six chances but you never know how the peloton rides the stages. We try to win as many as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen accepts he will have to wait until stage 5 in Pau for the first sprinter&#8217;s showdown.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s just how it is. The TT is important for the team and so will be all out. Then there are stages to get the legs going, to be ready for stage 5. That&#8217;s the first real test for my Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28a89c43-e31d-4c24-8f3b-562ecc60b436\" 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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Alpecin-Premier Tech Tour de France line-up provides powerful back-up for leading stage hunters Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-320-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/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\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-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;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/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\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-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\">Paris-Roubaix brings Tadej Poga\u010dar vs Mathieu van der Poel round three in 2026, but who has the better supporting cast for the hellish pav\u00e9? \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/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 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\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZSK2J6G442b7A6mM6KUWe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What I hope to witness at this year&#8217;s Tour de France \u2013 The birth of Paul Seixas, the wrath of Remco and great racing every day<\/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\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3amffJz9A2aN6D4f66GPgC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tyler Hamilton renewed as Tour de France analyst for Danish news network; Utah wildfires cause cancellation of Crusher in the Tushar &#8211; North American Roundup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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 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>\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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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 \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T16:46:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Van der Poel aiming at opening weekend success, Philipsen targets sprints and green jersey<\/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-bea05212-e0c1-4c3a-b389-e72c87905e32\">Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen will again team-up and unite at the Tour de France, with the Dutchman targeting the opening weekend in Barcelona and then hillier stages, while Philipsen takes aim at the sprint stages and the green points jersey.<\/p>\n<p>Their talents and goals overlap somewhat but they have created a fearsome combination in recent years at Alpecin-Premier Tech, becoming sprinting and Classics race brothers in arms.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bea05212-e0c1-4c3a-b389-e72c87905e32-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight so far, so it&#8217;s all good,&#8221; Philipsen joked during the top rider press conference in Barcelona on Thursday.<\/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\">&#8220;I think we match very well with our capabilities. We also have clear stages that we can target at the Tour. I have to wait a little longer until stage 5 to Pau for the first big sprint chance, while Mathieu&#8217;s chances come earlier.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just try to aim as well as possible to have a successful Tour, both for ourselves and for our team.&#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\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5SAWPap96AJyYYLL5smv5f-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\">Alpecin-Premier Tech Tour de France line-up provides powerful back-up for leading stage hunters Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel<\/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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-150-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/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\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen won stage 1 in Lille last year and Van der Poel won stage 2 but then Philipsen crashed out on stage 3 and van der Poel came down with pneumonia after two weeks and was forced to abandon the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Last year the Tour started really well for us but unfortunately, Jasper crashed and I became sick. Hopefully we can do it again this year, but then keep it going until Paris,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Gr2NjqrpSLSSC6RHtQmWo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had some good and bad Tours, hopefully this is a good one. We have a nice team here, we hope to go for it again. You need the legs to win in the first place but I like the stages that are like Classics.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-team-time-trial-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team time trial<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5488303e-e9ce-4aab-9d85-8b17e156f8e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech recently trained for the Tour de France TTT on the motor racing circuit in Zolder in Belgium. Van der Poel went close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar in the Tour de Suisse time trial and will try to produce a similar performance on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been spending more hours on the bike than I usually do, so it was nice to work on this,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Paris-Roubaix brings Tadej Poga\u010dar vs Mathieu van der Poel round three in 2026, but who has the better supporting cast for the hellish pav\u00e9? \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think there&#8217;s something special in the strategy, it&#8217;s about getting to the finish as fast as possible to the last two climbs and the technical section. Then it will be up to me to launch there and go to the finish. We don&#8217;t have a GC [contender] and that makes it a bit nicer for us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel also seems ready to fight with the GC riders on the hilly stage 2 circuits of Montju\u00efc but fears Poga\u010dar and Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen believes there are five or six possible sprint stages, including the final stage to Paris, despite the new Montemartre circuit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think the sprinters will always be motivated to ride to Paris,&#8221; he said, considering the many mountain stages in the final week of the Tour. &#8220;I think the Montmartre finish is still a chance of a sprint finish because the climb is a bit far from the finish this year.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For the strong sprinters, I think there&#8217;s another chance on stage 12 too. Of course the hardest part of the Tour is the last week and you just have to survive it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This year there are maybe four or six chances but you never know how the peloton rides the stages. We try to win as many as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen accepts he will have to wait until stage 5 in Pau for the first sprinter&#8217;s showdown.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s just how it is. The TT is important for the team and so will be all out. Then there are stages to get the legs going, to be ready for stage 5. That&#8217;s the first real test for my Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28a89c43-e31d-4c24-8f3b-562ecc60b436\" 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\/racing\/weve-never-really-had-a-fight-mathieu-van-der-poel-and-jasper-philipsen-unite-again-to-hunt-tour-de-france-stages\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-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 &#8216;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France 3 From a crucial TTT to double Alpe [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2024416","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\/2024416","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=2024416"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2024416\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2024416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2024416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2024416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}