{"id":2026485,"date":"2026-07-03T10:58:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T07:58:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026485"},"modified":"2026-07-03T10:58:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T07:58:48","slug":"i-dont-think-hes-going-to-wait-and-see-juan-ayuso-expects-fireworks-from-teenage-debutant-paul-seixas-at-tour-de-france-as-he-takes-aim-at-podium-finish-with-lidl-trek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026485","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-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\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-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                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/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 \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-07-03T10:58:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish rider hit with flu in the build-up at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but still says he and team hoping for top-3 finish in Paris<\/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\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-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 presentation: Juan Ayuso greets the crowds<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-3fc5ca71-a85c-4706-8814-73c4397c8ca8\">Former teenage Grand Tour star Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) is expecting 19-year-old new kid on the block Paul Seixas (Decathlon CGM CMN) to attack the race on debut at the fast-upcoming 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>Both of the younger-generation Tour riders are looking to challenge the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the race for the podium.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman and Spaniard have raced against each other several times in 2026, with Ayuso coming out on top of a close battle at the Volta ao Algarve, Seixas winning Itzulia Basque Country where the Spaniard abandoned ill, and both then failing to beat Poga\u010dar&#8217;s teammate Isaac del Toro at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3fc5ca71-a85c-4706-8814-73c4397c8ca8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard seem out of sight, Seixas is expected to have the potential to challenge, be that this year or in coming seasons, and Ayuso recognises that if he is the first to make a move, he will have to respond.<\/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 he&#8217;s a true racer. He&#8217;s not scared to go on to attack,&#8221; Ayuso told reporters, including<em> Cyclingnews,<\/em> at Lidl-Trek&#8217;s pre-Tour press event on Friday. &#8220;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has very clear ideas, and I think that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re going to see next month. Also, I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see; if he has legs, he&#8217;s going to try it, and we have to be there, but then also, again, I&#8217;m going to try and do my race, and I don&#8217;t really think about the others.&#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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.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;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 suffered because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/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\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-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&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso also knows that he is somewhat of an underdog in the GC fight, not presented as part of race organiser ASO&#8217;s &#8216;top rider press conferences&#8217; on Thursday. But that lack of spotlight could prove a big benefi as he won&#8217;t have the same pressure the likes of Seixas and Poga\u010dar face.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean, I do like that they have more exposure, more pressure than me, and then I can do a bit more of my own thing, or whatever,&#8221; he said, &#8220;but I don&#8217;t really think about it. I just try to focus on myself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT 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\">Ayuso finished third at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 2022 when he was the same age as the Frenchman. But he&#8217;s now heading into what is only his second Tour appearance, abandoning his debut in 2022 after contracting COVID-19, and the first with his new team for 2026, Lidl-Trek.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso has had a mixed bag of results during his years at UAE Team Emirates-XRG, and injury, crashes and illness have conspired to disrupt this first season he&#8217;s had on the German team. But when he&#8217;s been at his best, Ayuso has been one of the top one-week racers in the world, so it&#8217;s no surprise to see the top three being a realistic aim.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think both the team and I dream of being on the podium in Paris,&#8221; he 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\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-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 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><\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-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 would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/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\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-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;He&#8217;s got the legs to go for a Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; Five-time champion Miguel Indurain backs Paul Seixas as future race winner<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We head out for that, but we know we have really big rivals ahead, and I just want to take it day by day to really enjoy the experience, and just give our best.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"flu-in-the-build-up-to-the-grand-depart-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Flu in the build-up to the Grand D\u00e9part<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4d4410d1-6008-4149-b912-8c328ea098f4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The one spanner in the works to Ayuso&#8217;s hopes, though, is that he was hit with another bout of flu at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, leading to more days off the bike during his recovery period.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I started feeling really bad Saturday night, and then Sunday morning I already had a lot of headaches, so I&#8217;m really glad I could still more or less do a decent stage the last day,&#8221; Ayuso explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then I had to stop for another three or four days, but to be honest, I would have also stopped if nothing had happened, because it was also a resting period, so if I had to choose a moment to get sick, it was that one.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;More or less, I have to again stay with the positives, and I think I didn&#8217;t lose so much compared to if I got the flu right now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the timing and how well he performed even under the duress of headaches \u2013 finishing second on the final two mountain stages behind only Del Toro \u2013 Ayuso can be confident of reaching his peak in the crucial third week. It&#8217;s there, in the Alps, where he thinks the GC will be decided and his hopes of being on the podium in Paris will either come to fruition, or not.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a bit trickier than what I would have hoped for at the beginning of the year, but I think with all things considered, I&#8217;m coming here in good shape,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had some problems with health issues after Pais Vasco when I had to abandon, and then I was quite a long time without riding. Then I got the flu in Dauphin\u00e9&#8221; &#8211; the former name of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes &#8211; &#8220;and recovering from it was quite difficult.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But these last two weeks I&#8217;ve been feeling quite good, so I&#8217;m happy to be here in the shape I am, and then with all things considered.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Tour kicks off on home Spanish roads for Ayuso on Saturday, where his strong Lidl-Trek team will be one of the favourites for the team time trial victory in Barcelona, and he could make a flying start to his GC bid.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-59b0331b-358a-4579-bd74-26e08ea482b8\" 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><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.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\">James Moultrie<\/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\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 suffered because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/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\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-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&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-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 would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s got the legs to go for a Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; Five-time champion Miguel Indurain backs Paul Seixas as future race winner<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-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\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/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\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-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\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/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\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-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\">Who will secure the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France? Stage 1 team time trial start times<\/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\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-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\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/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\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-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;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned&#8217; &#8211; Andy Schleck takes charge as Lidl-Trek targets the Tour de France podium<\/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\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-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\">Who gets which race bib number in the Tour de France, and why?<\/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\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-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\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/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\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-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\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/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\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-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;The best recovery can be to stay on the sofa and do nothing&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s deceptively simple recovery strategy for 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\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-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\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/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\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-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\">Enjoy an all-access pass to the Tour de France with Cyclingnews<\/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\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-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\">&#8216;A bit of a surprise&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal sidetracked from Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a build-up with late Tour de France selection<\/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\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/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\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/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\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/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\">Another cancellation for Maryland Cycling Classic leaves hole on UCI calendar in North America ahead of Road World Championships in Montreal<\/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;The best recovery can be to stay on the sofa and do nothing&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s deceptively simple recovery strategy for the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/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 \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-07-03T10:58:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish rider hit with flu in the build-up at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but still says he and team hoping for top-3 finish in Paris<\/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\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-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 presentation: Juan Ayuso greets the crowds<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-3fc5ca71-a85c-4706-8814-73c4397c8ca8\">Former teenage Grand Tour star Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) is expecting 19-year-old new kid on the block Paul Seixas (Decathlon CGM CMN) to attack the race on debut at the fast-upcoming 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>Both of the younger-generation Tour riders are looking to challenge the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the race for the podium.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman and Spaniard have raced against each other several times in 2026, with Ayuso coming out on top of a close battle at the Volta ao Algarve, Seixas winning Itzulia Basque Country where the Spaniard abandoned ill, and both then failing to beat Poga\u010dar&#8217;s teammate Isaac del Toro at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3fc5ca71-a85c-4706-8814-73c4397c8ca8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard seem out of sight, Seixas is expected to have the potential to challenge, be that this year or in coming seasons, and Ayuso recognises that if he is the first to make a move, he will have to respond.<\/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 he&#8217;s a true racer. He&#8217;s not scared to go on to attack,&#8221; Ayuso told reporters, including<em> Cyclingnews,<\/em> at Lidl-Trek&#8217;s pre-Tour press event on Friday. &#8220;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has very clear ideas, and I think that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re going to see next month. Also, I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see; if he has legs, he&#8217;s going to try it, and we have to be there, but then also, again, I&#8217;m going to try and do my race, and I don&#8217;t really think about the others.&#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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.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;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 suffered because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/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\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-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&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso also knows that he is somewhat of an underdog in the GC fight, not presented as part of race organiser ASO&#8217;s &#8216;top rider press conferences&#8217; on Thursday. But that lack of spotlight could prove a big benefi as he won&#8217;t have the same pressure the likes of Seixas and Poga\u010dar face.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean, I do like that they have more exposure, more pressure than me, and then I can do a bit more of my own thing, or whatever,&#8221; he said, &#8220;but I don&#8217;t really think about it. I just try to focus on myself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT 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\">Ayuso finished third at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 2022 when he was the same age as the Frenchman. But he&#8217;s now heading into what is only his second Tour appearance, abandoning his debut in 2022 after contracting COVID-19, and the first with his new team for 2026, Lidl-Trek.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso has had a mixed bag of results during his years at UAE Team Emirates-XRG, and injury, crashes and illness have conspired to disrupt this first season he&#8217;s had on the German team. But when he&#8217;s been at his best, Ayuso has been one of the top one-week racers in the world, so it&#8217;s no surprise to see the top three being a realistic aim.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think both the team and I dream of being on the podium in Paris,&#8221; he 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\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-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 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><\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-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 would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/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\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-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;He&#8217;s got the legs to go for a Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; Five-time champion Miguel Indurain backs Paul Seixas as future race winner<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We head out for that, but we know we have really big rivals ahead, and I just want to take it day by day to really enjoy the experience, and just give our best.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"flu-in-the-build-up-to-the-grand-depart-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Flu in the build-up to the Grand D\u00e9part<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4d4410d1-6008-4149-b912-8c328ea098f4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The one spanner in the works to Ayuso&#8217;s hopes, though, is that he was hit with another bout of flu at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, leading to more days off the bike during his recovery period.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I started feeling really bad Saturday night, and then Sunday morning I already had a lot of headaches, so I&#8217;m really glad I could still more or less do a decent stage the last day,&#8221; Ayuso explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then I had to stop for another three or four days, but to be honest, I would have also stopped if nothing had happened, because it was also a resting period, so if I had to choose a moment to get sick, it was that one.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;More or less, I have to again stay with the positives, and I think I didn&#8217;t lose so much compared to if I got the flu right now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the timing and how well he performed even under the duress of headaches \u2013 finishing second on the final two mountain stages behind only Del Toro \u2013 Ayuso can be confident of reaching his peak in the crucial third week. It&#8217;s there, in the Alps, where he thinks the GC will be decided and his hopes of being on the podium in Paris will either come to fruition, or not.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a bit trickier than what I would have hoped for at the beginning of the year, but I think with all things considered, I&#8217;m coming here in good shape,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had some problems with health issues after Pais Vasco when I had to abandon, and then I was quite a long time without riding. Then I got the flu in Dauphin\u00e9&#8221; &#8211; the former name of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes &#8211; &#8220;and recovering from it was quite difficult.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But these last two weeks I&#8217;ve been feeling quite good, so I&#8217;m happy to be here in the shape I am, and then with all things considered.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Tour kicks off on home Spanish roads for Ayuso on Saturday, where his strong Lidl-Trek team will be one of the favourites for the team time trial victory in Barcelona, and he could make a flying start to his GC bid.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-59b0331b-358a-4579-bd74-26e08ea482b8\" 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><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.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\">James Moultrie<\/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\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 suffered because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/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\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-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&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-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 would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s got the legs to go for a Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; Five-time champion Miguel Indurain backs Paul Seixas as future race winner<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-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\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/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\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-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\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/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\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-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\">Who will secure the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France? Stage 1 team time trial start times<\/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\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-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\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/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\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FDiDcpAF5uxRX7aTXgm7i-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;Trust is not handed out, trust is earned&#8217; &#8211; Andy Schleck takes charge as Lidl-Trek targets the Tour de France podium<\/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\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYkRsxvTmGUYLwGh4VX3nT-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\">Who gets which race bib number in the Tour de France, and why?<\/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\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-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\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/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\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7frz9cXo2RZGx9knDdv3B-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\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/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\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZFs9PeFHj8LLG5mPZ8NaoK-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;The best recovery can be to stay on the sofa and do nothing&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s deceptively simple recovery strategy for 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\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mczKBD7kqTB4z7PHhkG6oE-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\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/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\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4QkEfu5GjqkNPyoKsvWgLK-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\">Enjoy an all-access pass to the Tour de France with Cyclingnews<\/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\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-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\">&#8216;A bit of a surprise&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal sidetracked from Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a build-up with late Tour de France selection<\/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\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PTREhkRqSPdjydCFWtcBnn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">French riders go one-two in short track men&#8217;s race at UCI MTB World Cup La Tuile as touch of wheels with teammate takes Charlie Aldridge out of contention<\/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\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/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\">Ben Healy is &#8216;the best breakaway rider in the world&#8217; says EF boss Vaughters, but can he repeat Tour de France success after season of setbacks?<\/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\">Another cancellation for Maryland Cycling Classic leaves hole on UCI calendar in North America ahead of Road World Championships in Montreal<\/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;The best recovery can be to stay on the sofa and do nothing&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s deceptively simple recovery strategy for the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/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 \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-07-03T10:58:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish rider hit with flu in the build-up at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, but still says he and team hoping for top-3 finish in Paris<\/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 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-3fc5ca71-a85c-4706-8814-73c4397c8ca8\">Former teenage Grand Tour star Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) is expecting 19-year-old new kid on the block Paul Seixas (Decathlon CGM CMN) to attack the race on debut at the fast-upcoming 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>Both of the younger-generation Tour riders are looking to challenge the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the race for the podium.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman and Spaniard have raced against each other several times in 2026, with Ayuso coming out on top of a close battle at the Volta ao Algarve, Seixas winning Itzulia Basque Country where the Spaniard abandoned ill, and both then failing to beat Poga\u010dar&#8217;s teammate Isaac del Toro at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3fc5ca71-a85c-4706-8814-73c4397c8ca8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard seem out of sight, Seixas is expected to have the potential to challenge, be that this year or in coming seasons, and Ayuso recognises that if he is the first to make a move, he will have to respond.<\/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 he&#8217;s a true racer. He&#8217;s not scared to go on to attack,&#8221; Ayuso told reporters, including<em> Cyclingnews,<\/em> at Lidl-Trek&#8217;s pre-Tour press event on Friday. &#8220;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has very clear ideas, and I think that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re going to see next month. Also, I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see; if he has legs, he&#8217;s going to try it, and we have to be there, but then also, again, I&#8217;m going to try and do my race, and I don&#8217;t really think about the others.&#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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.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;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 suffered because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/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\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvoLcPhKEswi2Lvjytpjtm-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&#8217;m going for the win&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas sets out his stall for Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes as Tour de France build-up intensifies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso also knows that he is somewhat of an underdog in the GC fight, not presented as part of race organiser ASO&#8217;s &#8216;top rider press conferences&#8217; on Thursday. But that lack of spotlight could prove a big benefi as he won&#8217;t have the same pressure the likes of Seixas and Poga\u010dar face.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean, I do like that they have more exposure, more pressure than me, and then I can do a bit more of my own thing, or whatever,&#8221; he said, &#8220;but I don&#8217;t really think about it. I just try to focus on myself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-L478Pmfb4KMa4sbcDkWxGT 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\">Ayuso finished third at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 2022 when he was the same age as the Frenchman. But he&#8217;s now heading into what is only his second Tour appearance, abandoning his debut in 2022 after contracting COVID-19, and the first with his new team for 2026, Lidl-Trek.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso has had a mixed bag of results during his years at UAE Team Emirates-XRG, and injury, crashes and illness have conspired to disrupt this first season he&#8217;s had on the German team. But when he&#8217;s been at his best, Ayuso has been one of the top one-week racers in the world, so it&#8217;s no surprise to see the top three being a realistic aim.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think both the team and I dream of being on the podium in Paris,&#8221; he 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\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-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 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><\/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\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-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 would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/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\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qtzsphhQ7VqSpWCqs6j4ob-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;He&#8217;s got the legs to go for a Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; Five-time champion Miguel Indurain backs Paul Seixas as future race winner<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We head out for that, but we know we have really big rivals ahead, and I just want to take it day by day to really enjoy the experience, and just give our best.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"flu-in-the-build-up-to-the-grand-depart-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Flu in the build-up to the Grand D\u00e9part<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4d4410d1-6008-4149-b912-8c328ea098f4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The one spanner in the works to Ayuso&#8217;s hopes, though, is that he was hit with another bout of flu at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, leading to more days off the bike during his recovery period.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I started feeling really bad Saturday night, and then Sunday morning I already had a lot of headaches, so I&#8217;m really glad I could still more or less do a decent stage the last day,&#8221; Ayuso explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then I had to stop for another three or four days, but to be honest, I would have also stopped if nothing had happened, because it was also a resting period, so if I had to choose a moment to get sick, it was that one.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;More or less, I have to again stay with the positives, and I think I didn&#8217;t lose so much compared to if I got the flu right now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the timing and how well he performed even under the duress of headaches \u2013 finishing second on the final two mountain stages behind only Del Toro \u2013 Ayuso can be confident of reaching his peak in the crucial third week. It&#8217;s there, in the Alps, where he thinks the GC will be decided and his hopes of being on the podium in Paris will either come to fruition, or not.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a bit trickier than what I would have hoped for at the beginning of the year, but I think with all things considered, I&#8217;m coming here in good shape,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had some problems with health issues after Pais Vasco when I had to abandon, and then I was quite a long time without riding. Then I got the flu in Dauphin\u00e9&#8221; &#8211; the former name of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes &#8211; &#8220;and recovering from it was quite difficult.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But these last two weeks I&#8217;ve been feeling quite good, so I&#8217;m happy to be here in the shape I am, and then with all things considered.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Tour kicks off on home Spanish roads for Ayuso on Saturday, where his strong Lidl-Trek team will be one of the favourites for the team time trial victory in Barcelona, and he could make a flying start to his GC bid.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-59b0331b-358a-4579-bd74-26e08ea482b8\" 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><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/i-dont-think-hes-going-to-wait-and-see-juan-ayuso-expects-fireworks-from-teenage-debutant-paul-seixas-at-tour-de-france-as-he-takes-aim-at-podium-finish-with-lidl-trek\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-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 Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner 3 Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey [&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-2026485","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\/2026485","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=2026485"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2026485\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2026485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2026485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2026485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}