{"id":2026492,"date":"2026-07-03T15:21:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T12:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026492"},"modified":"2026-07-03T15:21:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T12:21:11","slug":"a-bit-of-a-surprise-egan-bernal-sidetracked-from-vuelta-a-espana-build-up-with-late-tour-de-france-selection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026492","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A bit of a surprise&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal sidetracked from Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a build-up with late Tour de France selection"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-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\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-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                                    UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tour de France team confirmed as Tadej Poga\u010dar assembles &#8216;a fantastic group of teammates and staff&#8217; to chase fifth title\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\/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\">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                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner\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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A bit of a surprise&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal sidetracked from Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a build-up with late Tour de France selection<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T15:21:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Netcompany Ineos racer will not be aiming for GC in sixth participation<\/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\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-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: Egan Bernal (l) rides on stage at the team presentation in Barcelona<\/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-5ea6c701-4ed2-4d44-b892-8863d8e53ea0\">Egan Bernal has admitted that he did not expect to be racing the Tour de France this summer and has already shelved any idea of a GC bid, but the former winner says he is going to give it his best shot all the same.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I felt good, and they&#8217;ve brought me here,&#8221; was how the 29-year-old described the process via which he has ending up racing his sixth Tour de France, all of which have been with Netcompany Ineos or previous iterations of the same squad.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ea6c701-4ed2-4d44-b892-8863d8e53ea0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Prior to Bernal&#8217;s arrival, Netcompany&#8217;s 2026 Tour line up had suffered two important setbacks, firstly with the unavoidable absence from their Tour line-up of Oscar Onley, badly injured in the recent Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. On top of that Spain&#8217;s Carlos Rodriguez, fifth overall in 2023, was not selected due to what race director Geraint Thomas said on Thursday was &#8220;the general balance of the team and wanting to be competitive over all terrains.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bernal&#8217;s presence does mean there will now be three former Tour de France winners on the Barcelona start line tomorrow (Bernal, Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard) as well as four former Giro d&#8217;Italia winners \u2013 2022 Giro champion Jai Hindley is also taking part.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But regardless of previous GC success, Bernal told reporters on Thursday evening at the team presentation he would not, in any case, be aiming for the overall \u2013 something that looks likely, if not definitive, for the entire squad.<\/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\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-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;They&#8217;ll have the freedom to go for it&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos name experienced, versatile squad for Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Glory days: Netcompany-Ineos start the long battle to revive past Grand Tour success at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think we have to look for stages, I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;m in the right circumstances for the overall. We&#8217;ve got a very experienced team and it defends itself well in tough stages.,&#8221; Bernal said, in statements reported by <em>El Tiempo<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bernal last raced the Tour in 2024, finishing 29th, and he described his presence in this year&#8217;s event as &#8220;a bit of a surprise. After the Giro, the idea was to take a break, and then prepare for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. I think I finished the Giro well&#8221; \u2013 he was tenth overall \u2013 &#8220;and to tell the truth, the Tour is the Tour, they [Netcompany Ineos] give it high priority. I felt good, and they brought me here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e 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\">Looking at the race route itself Bernal argued that the opening team time trial, which was a near-miss for Netcompany in the Tour d&#8217;Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes but a win in the same speciality at Paris-Nice, would be a clear target.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The whole team is thinking about Saturday, and I want to focus on that stage, it&#8217;s very good for us and we want it,&#8221; Bernal, whose last victory was the Colombian Nationals Road Race early this year, insisted.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last week will always be hard, not just because of the route, but also because of the mental and physical fatigue. We&#8217;ll have to try and get there feeling as fresh as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bdebc650-e293-4ee1-83df-0cc109e3f64a\" 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-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;They&#8217;ll have the freedom to go for it&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos name experienced, versatile squad for 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\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Glory days: Netcompany-Ineos start the long battle to revive past Grand Tour success at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-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;He&#8217;s a proper warrior&#8217; \u2013 Thymen Arensman looking to &#8216;steal experience&#8217; from Egan Bernal as he emerges as Netcompany Ineos&#8217; GC favourite at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-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 29, but I almost feel old&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal reflects on the changing landscape of cycling as he returns to Giro d&#8217;Italia with GC hopes once again<\/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\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-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\">Netcompany Ineos say &#8216;nothing has changed&#8217; in Egan Bernal&#8217;s GC hunt at Giro d&#8217;Italia despite several setbacks in opening week<\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/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>\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\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Alpecin-Premier Tech relying on old school bike tech for Tour de France team time trial success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/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\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.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\">The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 maybe getting all the early Tour de France headlines, but it&#8217;s outgoing Tarmac SL8 sibling is carrying up to 16% off<\/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\">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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A bit of a surprise&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal sidetracked from Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a build-up with late Tour de France selection<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T15:21:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Netcompany Ineos racer will not be aiming for GC in sixth participation<\/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\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-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: Egan Bernal (l) rides on stage at the team presentation in Barcelona<\/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-5ea6c701-4ed2-4d44-b892-8863d8e53ea0\">Egan Bernal has admitted that he did not expect to be racing the Tour de France this summer and has already shelved any idea of a GC bid, but the former winner says he is going to give it his best shot all the same.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I felt good, and they&#8217;ve brought me here,&#8221; was how the 29-year-old described the process via which he has ending up racing his sixth Tour de France, all of which have been with Netcompany Ineos or previous iterations of the same squad.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ea6c701-4ed2-4d44-b892-8863d8e53ea0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Prior to Bernal&#8217;s arrival, Netcompany&#8217;s 2026 Tour line up had suffered two important setbacks, firstly with the unavoidable absence from their Tour line-up of Oscar Onley, badly injured in the recent Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. On top of that Spain&#8217;s Carlos Rodriguez, fifth overall in 2023, was not selected due to what race director Geraint Thomas said on Thursday was &#8220;the general balance of the team and wanting to be competitive over all terrains.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bernal&#8217;s presence does mean there will now be three former Tour de France winners on the Barcelona start line tomorrow (Bernal, Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard) as well as four former Giro d&#8217;Italia winners \u2013 2022 Giro champion Jai Hindley is also taking part.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But regardless of previous GC success, Bernal told reporters on Thursday evening at the team presentation he would not, in any case, be aiming for the overall \u2013 something that looks likely, if not definitive, for the entire squad.<\/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\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-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;They&#8217;ll have the freedom to go for it&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos name experienced, versatile squad for Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Glory days: Netcompany-Ineos start the long battle to revive past Grand Tour success at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think we have to look for stages, I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;m in the right circumstances for the overall. We&#8217;ve got a very experienced team and it defends itself well in tough stages.,&#8221; Bernal said, in statements reported by <em>El Tiempo<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bernal last raced the Tour in 2024, finishing 29th, and he described his presence in this year&#8217;s event as &#8220;a bit of a surprise. After the Giro, the idea was to take a break, and then prepare for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. I think I finished the Giro well&#8221; \u2013 he was tenth overall \u2013 &#8220;and to tell the truth, the Tour is the Tour, they [Netcompany Ineos] give it high priority. I felt good, and they brought me here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e 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\">Looking at the race route itself Bernal argued that the opening team time trial, which was a near-miss for Netcompany in the Tour d&#8217;Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes but a win in the same speciality at Paris-Nice, would be a clear target.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The whole team is thinking about Saturday, and I want to focus on that stage, it&#8217;s very good for us and we want it,&#8221; Bernal, whose last victory was the Colombian Nationals Road Race early this year, insisted.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last week will always be hard, not just because of the route, but also because of the mental and physical fatigue. We&#8217;ll have to try and get there feeling as fresh as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bdebc650-e293-4ee1-83df-0cc109e3f64a\" 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-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;They&#8217;ll have the freedom to go for it&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos name experienced, versatile squad for 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\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Glory days: Netcompany-Ineos start the long battle to revive past Grand Tour success at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BaFVjur3CFdx2UmDUrqKA-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;He&#8217;s a proper warrior&#8217; \u2013 Thymen Arensman looking to &#8216;steal experience&#8217; from Egan Bernal as he emerges as Netcompany Ineos&#8217; GC favourite at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y2N5DtH44RUvRjK3p27suc-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 29, but I almost feel old&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal reflects on the changing landscape of cycling as he returns to Giro d&#8217;Italia with GC hopes once again<\/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\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-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\">Netcompany Ineos say &#8216;nothing has changed&#8217; in Egan Bernal&#8217;s GC hunt at Giro d&#8217;Italia despite several setbacks in opening week<\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/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>\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\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZbRhLwtN2mNmeHcjqYCFeK-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Alpecin-Premier Tech relying on old school bike tech for Tour de France team time trial success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/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\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUfG6fUTrKdffHtzWFXhVk.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\">The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 maybe getting all the early Tour de France headlines, but it&#8217;s outgoing Tarmac SL8 sibling is carrying up to 16% off<\/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\">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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A bit of a surprise&#8217; \u2013 Egan Bernal sidetracked from Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a build-up with late Tour de France selection<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T15:21:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Netcompany Ineos racer will not be aiming for GC in sixth participation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-5ea6c701-4ed2-4d44-b892-8863d8e53ea0\">Egan Bernal has admitted that he did not expect to be racing the Tour de France this summer and has already shelved any idea of a GC bid, but the former winner says he is going to give it his best shot all the same.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I felt good, and they&#8217;ve brought me here,&#8221; was how the 29-year-old described the process via which he has ending up racing his sixth Tour de France, all of which have been with Netcompany Ineos or previous iterations of the same squad.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ea6c701-4ed2-4d44-b892-8863d8e53ea0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Prior to Bernal&#8217;s arrival, Netcompany&#8217;s 2026 Tour line up had suffered two important setbacks, firstly with the unavoidable absence from their Tour line-up of Oscar Onley, badly injured in the recent Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. On top of that Spain&#8217;s Carlos Rodriguez, fifth overall in 2023, was not selected due to what race director Geraint Thomas said on Thursday was &#8220;the general balance of the team and wanting to be competitive over all terrains.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bernal&#8217;s presence does mean there will now be three former Tour de France winners on the Barcelona start line tomorrow (Bernal, Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard) as well as four former Giro d&#8217;Italia winners \u2013 2022 Giro champion Jai Hindley is also taking part.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But regardless of previous GC success, Bernal told reporters on Thursday evening at the team presentation he would not, in any case, be aiming for the overall \u2013 something that looks likely, if not definitive, for the entire squad.<\/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\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8ybgLfee2TVxkKZuX9aZT-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;They&#8217;ll have the freedom to go for it&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos name experienced, versatile squad for Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BfnSDr28ofWitgy8ackYE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Glory days: Netcompany-Ineos start the long battle to revive past Grand Tour success at the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think we have to look for stages, I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;m in the right circumstances for the overall. We&#8217;ve got a very experienced team and it defends itself well in tough stages.,&#8221; Bernal said, in statements reported by <em>El Tiempo<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bernal last raced the Tour in 2024, finishing 29th, and he described his presence in this year&#8217;s event as &#8220;a bit of a surprise. After the Giro, the idea was to take a break, and then prepare for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. I think I finished the Giro well&#8221; \u2013 he was tenth overall \u2013 &#8220;and to tell the truth, the Tour is the Tour, they [Netcompany Ineos] give it high priority. I felt good, and they brought me here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EoggnE8aJNP9VkDSYiJx9e 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\">Looking at the race route itself Bernal argued that the opening team time trial, which was a near-miss for Netcompany in the Tour d&#8217;Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes but a win in the same speciality at Paris-Nice, would be a clear target.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The whole team is thinking about Saturday, and I want to focus on that stage, it&#8217;s very good for us and we want it,&#8221; Bernal, whose last victory was the Colombian Nationals Road Race early this year, insisted.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last week will always be hard, not just because of the route, but also because of the mental and physical fatigue. We&#8217;ll have to try and get there feeling as fresh as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bdebc650-e293-4ee1-83df-0cc109e3f64a\" 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\/a-bit-of-a-surprise-egan-bernal-sidetracked-from-vuelta-a-espana-build-up-with-late-tour-de-france-selection\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qLjJggdWtbVNX4qHkQR7Ka-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 UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tour de France team confirmed as Tadej Poga\u010dar assembles &#8216;a fantastic group of teammates and staff&#8217; to chase fifth title 3 Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a [&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-2026492","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\/2026492","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=2026492"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2026492\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2026492"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2026492"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2026492"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}