{"id":2027901,"date":"2026-07-05T10:28:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T07:28:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2027901"},"modified":"2026-07-05T10:28:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T07:28:22","slug":"the-battle-for-the-tour-de-france-points-competition-starts-on-unfamiliar-shoulders-as-egan-bernal-claims-the-races-first-green-jersey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2027901","title":{"rendered":"The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-2001-80.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\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-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                                    How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part\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\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e-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                                    Who will secure the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France? Stage 1 team time trial start times\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\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-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                                    Tour de France: Visma-Lease a Bike sweep to stage 1 team time trial victory in Barcelona\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEgan Arley Bernal Gomez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-07-05T10:28:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Colombian led the way as quickest to the first checkpoint in TTT, while at the other end of the standings, Picnic-PostNL can look back on a day to forget<\/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\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-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\">Egan Bernal celebrates in the green jersey after stage 1 of the Tour de France<\/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-fa8472fc-4568-43d4-98d7-b561fd39ca90\">Tour de France sprinters including Jasper Philipsen, Mads Pedersen, and Tim Merlier will have to put their green jersey aspirations on hold for now after a new face popped up in the maillot vert following Saturday&#8217;s opening stage.<\/p>\n<p>The rider wearing green for stage 2&#8217;s hilly run to Montju\u00efc Park in Barcelona isn&#8217;t a typical sprinter. Far from it, as 2019 Tour winner Egan Bernal dons green.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fa8472fc-4568-43d4-98d7-b561fd39ca90-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Colombian climber led his Netcompany Ineos team over the first checkpoint of the day during the opening stage team time trial in Barcelona, and with the British squad the quickest of all across that line (and at the finish, for that matter), Bernal raced into green.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a jersey I never thought I&#8217;d wear!&#8221; Bernal said after the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a special race with this new team time trial format, but the team was incredibly strong and finished in an amazing way. Team time trials are super hard, and these guys are crazy \u2013 they have so much power! It was a good performance.<\/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\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard delivers first blow to Tadej Poga\u010dar, taking yellow jersey on stage 1<\/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\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-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\">How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Visma-Lease a Bike sweep to stage 1 team time trial victory in Barcelona<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With time triallist extraordinaire Filippo Ganna part of the Ineos squad this July, it was no surprise that they went for glory on the opening day. In the end, they&#8217;d be denied stage victory by Visma-Lease a Bike as Jonas Vingegaard grabbed yellow, but they&#8217;ll &#8220;try on every stage,&#8221; Bernal said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, we came here to win, and we missed out on the victory, but at the same time we&#8217;re in good shape, and the team is in a great vibe.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;re definitely going to fight for everything. Every stage is an opportunity. We&#8217;re here to enjoy the race, and we have nothing to lose, so we&#8217;ll try on every stage.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen for how long Bernal will manage to defend his newly earned green jersey, though with 25 points up for grabs at the intermediate sprint on Sunday, it seems unlikely he&#8217;ll hold on this evening.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The sight of a Colombian climber in the sprinter&#8217;s jersey has lived on as a meme in the past, with Nairo Quintana&#8217;s stint in green at the 2019 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a even spawning its own &#8216;NairoInGreen&#8217; subreddit. Maybe Bernal&#8217;s run as points leader will prove similarly influential\u2026<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-150-80.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\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-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\">Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel battle it out for first yellow jersey in team time trial, but can Ineos spoil the GC party?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It\u2019s a new chapter for us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos show off their new green-grey and orange colours in Bulgaria before Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"bjarne-riis-labels-picnic-postnl-s-ttt-effort-embarrassing-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis labels Picnic-PostNL&#8217;s TTT effort &#8217;embarrassing&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d690745d-bf69-4fc0-ab68-dc67c4c07d0e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The embattled Picnic-PostNL team endured a day to forget on the streets of Barcelona <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-421856fc-8eef-415b-b2a3-4c196d548a58\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another team who were in the running for green at the first checkpoint of the 19.6km time trial were struggling squad Picnic-PostNL. The Dutch team have just a single win to their names so far this season and lie 28th in the world team ranking, well below their WorldTour competitors and also below 10 second-division ProTeams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They started out the Tour strong with a fifth-place ride to the first checkpoint after 5.1km of racing, crossing the line just six seconds down on Netcompany Ineos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, that was as good as it got for them on Saturday afternoon. By the next checkpoint at the Sagrada Familia church, 10.5km in, they were dead last and 10 seconds adrift, while they&#8217;d finish second-last, only above an XDS-Astana team who saw three of their riders crash mid-stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">1996 Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis had harsh words for the team on his &#8216;Riis in the Field&#8217; podcast for Danish website <em>Feltet<\/em>, labelling their performance &#8220;embarrassing&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s embarrassing. Also what they&#8217;ve delivered all year. There&#8217;s something completely wrong,&#8221; he said, as reported by <em>EkstraBladet<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That a rider like Warren Barguil loses wheels so early, a class rider like him, it&#8217;s just not good enough. It&#8217;s clear.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman dropped away partway through their effort, leading to several teammates slowing to keep him aboard. In the end, Robbe Dhondt was their top finisher, racing home with the 41st best time, 1:55 down on Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At WorldTour level, you have to be better,&#8221; Riis said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They are not a new team. I think it&#8217;s unambitious. It really disappoints me. They haven&#8217;t stepped on a soft hat all year [An old Danish idiom meaning &#8216;They haven&#8217;t accomplished anything&#8217; \u2013 Ed.].<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid it will be a bit the same here. It&#8217;s time to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a9005926-7af5-4885-b5fc-d806c38ed367\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Picnic PostNL<\/p>\n<p>Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard delivers first blow to Tadej Poga\u010dar, taking yellow jersey on stage 1<\/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\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-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\">How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Visma-Lease a Bike sweep to stage 1 team time trial victory in Barcelona<\/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\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-320-80.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\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/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\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-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\">Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel battle it out for first yellow jersey in team time trial, but can Ineos spoil the GC party?<\/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\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-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;It\u2019s a new chapter for us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos show off their new green-grey and orange colours in Bulgaria before 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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-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;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/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\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-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;A real blow&#8217; \u2013 Groupama-FDJ United already a climber down after Tour de France team time trial crash<\/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\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-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\">French GC hopeful K\u00e9vin Vauquelin loses precious time in Tour de France opening team time trial<\/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\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-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\">Edoardo Affini recovers from pre-Tour de France misfortunes to start in Barcelona as Arnaud De Lie&#8217;s struggles continue<\/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\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-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;We are unique team and I think people are attracted to that&#8217; \u2013 EF Education hope a successful Tour de France will secure new title sponsor<\/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>\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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-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;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/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\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Elise Chabbey confirms her 2026 season is over as she reveals the reason for her absence from racing since April<\/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\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-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;A real blow&#8217; \u2013 Groupama-FDJ United already a climber down after Tour de France team time trial crash<\/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\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-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\">Cold arms, fast legs? Netcompany Ineos roll out unusual pre-cooling strategy at the Tour de France team time trial<\/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\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-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\">Jonas Vingegaard closes chapter on trauma of Itzulia crash with first Tour de France maillot jaune since 2023<\/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\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.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\">&#8216;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/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\">Tour de France stage 2 LIVE: Three riders get a good gap with crashes, punctures and mechanicals hitting the peloton<\/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\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/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\">Cooling hacks, prototype bikes and new TT groupset parts: Tour de France TTT tech gallery<\/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\">160mm cranks, time-trial tyres and an aero saddle &#8211; race leader Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s Tour de France race bike sweats the details<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEgan Arley Bernal Gomez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-07-05T10:28:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Colombian led the way as quickest to the first checkpoint in TTT, while at the other end of the standings, Picnic-PostNL can look back on a day to forget<\/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\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-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\">Egan Bernal celebrates in the green jersey after stage 1 of the Tour de France<\/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-fa8472fc-4568-43d4-98d7-b561fd39ca90\">Tour de France sprinters including Jasper Philipsen, Mads Pedersen, and Tim Merlier will have to put their green jersey aspirations on hold for now after a new face popped up in the maillot vert following Saturday&#8217;s opening stage.<\/p>\n<p>The rider wearing green for stage 2&#8217;s hilly run to Montju\u00efc Park in Barcelona isn&#8217;t a typical sprinter. Far from it, as 2019 Tour winner Egan Bernal dons green.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fa8472fc-4568-43d4-98d7-b561fd39ca90-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Colombian climber led his Netcompany Ineos team over the first checkpoint of the day during the opening stage team time trial in Barcelona, and with the British squad the quickest of all across that line (and at the finish, for that matter), Bernal raced into green.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a jersey I never thought I&#8217;d wear!&#8221; Bernal said after the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a special race with this new team time trial format, but the team was incredibly strong and finished in an amazing way. Team time trials are super hard, and these guys are crazy \u2013 they have so much power! It was a good performance.<\/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\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard delivers first blow to Tadej Poga\u010dar, taking yellow jersey on stage 1<\/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\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-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\">How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Visma-Lease a Bike sweep to stage 1 team time trial victory in Barcelona<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With time triallist extraordinaire Filippo Ganna part of the Ineos squad this July, it was no surprise that they went for glory on the opening day. In the end, they&#8217;d be denied stage victory by Visma-Lease a Bike as Jonas Vingegaard grabbed yellow, but they&#8217;ll &#8220;try on every stage,&#8221; Bernal said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, we came here to win, and we missed out on the victory, but at the same time we&#8217;re in good shape, and the team is in a great vibe.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;re definitely going to fight for everything. Every stage is an opportunity. We&#8217;re here to enjoy the race, and we have nothing to lose, so we&#8217;ll try on every stage.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen for how long Bernal will manage to defend his newly earned green jersey, though with 25 points up for grabs at the intermediate sprint on Sunday, it seems unlikely he&#8217;ll hold on this evening.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The sight of a Colombian climber in the sprinter&#8217;s jersey has lived on as a meme in the past, with Nairo Quintana&#8217;s stint in green at the 2019 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a even spawning its own &#8216;NairoInGreen&#8217; subreddit. Maybe Bernal&#8217;s run as points leader will prove similarly influential\u2026<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-150-80.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\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-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\">Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel battle it out for first yellow jersey in team time trial, but can Ineos spoil the GC party?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It\u2019s a new chapter for us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos show off their new green-grey and orange colours in Bulgaria before Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"bjarne-riis-labels-picnic-postnl-s-ttt-effort-embarrassing-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis labels Picnic-PostNL&#8217;s TTT effort &#8217;embarrassing&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d690745d-bf69-4fc0-ab68-dc67c4c07d0e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The embattled Picnic-PostNL team endured a day to forget on the streets of Barcelona <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-421856fc-8eef-415b-b2a3-4c196d548a58\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another team who were in the running for green at the first checkpoint of the 19.6km time trial were struggling squad Picnic-PostNL. The Dutch team have just a single win to their names so far this season and lie 28th in the world team ranking, well below their WorldTour competitors and also below 10 second-division ProTeams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They started out the Tour strong with a fifth-place ride to the first checkpoint after 5.1km of racing, crossing the line just six seconds down on Netcompany Ineos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, that was as good as it got for them on Saturday afternoon. By the next checkpoint at the Sagrada Familia church, 10.5km in, they were dead last and 10 seconds adrift, while they&#8217;d finish second-last, only above an XDS-Astana team who saw three of their riders crash mid-stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">1996 Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis had harsh words for the team on his &#8216;Riis in the Field&#8217; podcast for Danish website <em>Feltet<\/em>, labelling their performance &#8220;embarrassing&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s embarrassing. Also what they&#8217;ve delivered all year. There&#8217;s something completely wrong,&#8221; he said, as reported by <em>EkstraBladet<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That a rider like Warren Barguil loses wheels so early, a class rider like him, it&#8217;s just not good enough. It&#8217;s clear.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman dropped away partway through their effort, leading to several teammates slowing to keep him aboard. In the end, Robbe Dhondt was their top finisher, racing home with the 41st best time, 1:55 down on Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At WorldTour level, you have to be better,&#8221; Riis said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They are not a new team. I think it&#8217;s unambitious. It really disappoints me. They haven&#8217;t stepped on a soft hat all year [An old Danish idiom meaning &#8216;They haven&#8217;t accomplished anything&#8217; \u2013 Ed.].<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid it will be a bit the same here. It&#8217;s time to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a9005926-7af5-4885-b5fc-d806c38ed367\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Picnic PostNL<\/p>\n<p>Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard delivers first blow to Tadej Poga\u010dar, taking yellow jersey on stage 1<\/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\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-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\">How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Visma-Lease a Bike sweep to stage 1 team time trial victory in Barcelona<\/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\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-320-80.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\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/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\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-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\">Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel battle it out for first yellow jersey in team time trial, but can Ineos spoil the GC party?<\/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\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-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;It\u2019s a new chapter for us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos show off their new green-grey and orange colours in Bulgaria before 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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-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;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/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\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-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;A real blow&#8217; \u2013 Groupama-FDJ United already a climber down after Tour de France team time trial crash<\/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\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D-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\">French GC hopeful K\u00e9vin Vauquelin loses precious time in Tour de France opening team time trial<\/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\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbH3M2inPfsBKRGb586RFX-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\">Edoardo Affini recovers from pre-Tour de France misfortunes to start in Barcelona as Arnaud De Lie&#8217;s struggles continue<\/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\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYUPkagrbnBLNGefpCMQpR-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;We are unique team and I think people are attracted to that&#8217; \u2013 EF Education hope a successful Tour de France will secure new title sponsor<\/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>\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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-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;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/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\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Elise Chabbey confirms her 2026 season is over as she reveals the reason for her absence from racing since April<\/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\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF-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;A real blow&#8217; \u2013 Groupama-FDJ United already a climber down after Tour de France team time trial crash<\/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\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL-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\">Cold arms, fast legs? Netcompany Ineos roll out unusual pre-cooling strategy at the Tour de France team time trial<\/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\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV-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\">Jonas Vingegaard closes chapter on trauma of Itzulia crash with first Tour de France maillot jaune since 2023<\/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\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.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\">&#8216;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/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\">Tour de France stage 2 LIVE: Three riders get a good gap with crashes, punctures and mechanicals hitting the peloton<\/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\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/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\">Cooling hacks, prototype bikes and new TT groupset parts: Tour de France TTT tech gallery<\/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\">160mm cranks, time-trial tyres and an aero saddle &#8211; race leader Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s Tour de France race bike sweats the details<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEgan Arley Bernal Gomez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-07-05T10:28:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Colombian led the way as quickest to the first checkpoint in TTT, while at the other end of the standings, Picnic-PostNL can look back on a day to forget<\/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 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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-fa8472fc-4568-43d4-98d7-b561fd39ca90\">Tour de France sprinters including Jasper Philipsen, Mads Pedersen, and Tim Merlier will have to put their green jersey aspirations on hold for now after a new face popped up in the maillot vert following Saturday&#8217;s opening stage.<\/p>\n<p>The rider wearing green for stage 2&#8217;s hilly run to Montju\u00efc Park in Barcelona isn&#8217;t a typical sprinter. Far from it, as 2019 Tour winner Egan Bernal dons green.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fa8472fc-4568-43d4-98d7-b561fd39ca90-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Colombian climber led his Netcompany Ineos team over the first checkpoint of the day during the opening stage team time trial in Barcelona, and with the British squad the quickest of all across that line (and at the finish, for that matter), Bernal raced into green.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a jersey I never thought I&#8217;d wear!&#8221; Bernal said after the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a special race with this new team time trial format, but the team was incredibly strong and finished in an amazing way. Team time trials are super hard, and these guys are crazy \u2013 they have so much power! It was a good performance.<\/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\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard delivers first blow to Tadej Poga\u010dar, taking yellow jersey on stage 1<\/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\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-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\">How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Visma-Lease a Bike sweep to stage 1 team time trial victory in Barcelona<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With time triallist extraordinaire Filippo Ganna part of the Ineos squad this July, it was no surprise that they went for glory on the opening day. In the end, they&#8217;d be denied stage victory by Visma-Lease a Bike as Jonas Vingegaard grabbed yellow, but they&#8217;ll &#8220;try on every stage,&#8221; Bernal said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, we came here to win, and we missed out on the victory, but at the same time we&#8217;re in good shape, and the team is in a great vibe.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-F66MudhY9hxXdWc66JNfTJ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;re definitely going to fight for everything. Every stage is an opportunity. We&#8217;re here to enjoy the race, and we have nothing to lose, so we&#8217;ll try on every stage.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen for how long Bernal will manage to defend his newly earned green jersey, though with 25 points up for grabs at the intermediate sprint on Sunday, it seems unlikely he&#8217;ll hold on this evening.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The sight of a Colombian climber in the sprinter&#8217;s jersey has lived on as a meme in the past, with Nairo Quintana&#8217;s stint in green at the 2019 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a even spawning its own &#8216;NairoInGreen&#8217; subreddit. Maybe Bernal&#8217;s run as points leader will prove similarly influential\u2026<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-150-80.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\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-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\">Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel battle it out for first yellow jersey in team time trial, but can Ineos spoil the GC party?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXWDvjhjhbhNTAouMu87ej-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It\u2019s a new chapter for us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos show off their new green-grey and orange colours in Bulgaria before Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"bjarne-riis-labels-picnic-postnl-s-ttt-effort-embarrassing-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bjarne Riis labels Picnic-PostNL&#8217;s TTT effort &#8217;embarrassing&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d690745d-bf69-4fc0-ab68-dc67c4c07d0e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAqeDSY3uWquK9S8hqFFUJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The embattled Picnic-PostNL team endured a day to forget on the streets of Barcelona <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-421856fc-8eef-415b-b2a3-4c196d548a58\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another team who were in the running for green at the first checkpoint of the 19.6km time trial were struggling squad Picnic-PostNL. The Dutch team have just a single win to their names so far this season and lie 28th in the world team ranking, well below their WorldTour competitors and also below 10 second-division ProTeams.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They started out the Tour strong with a fifth-place ride to the first checkpoint after 5.1km of racing, crossing the line just six seconds down on Netcompany Ineos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, that was as good as it got for them on Saturday afternoon. By the next checkpoint at the Sagrada Familia church, 10.5km in, they were dead last and 10 seconds adrift, while they&#8217;d finish second-last, only above an XDS-Astana team who saw three of their riders crash mid-stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">1996 Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis had harsh words for the team on his &#8216;Riis in the Field&#8217; podcast for Danish website <em>Feltet<\/em>, labelling their performance &#8220;embarrassing&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s embarrassing. Also what they&#8217;ve delivered all year. There&#8217;s something completely wrong,&#8221; he said, as reported by <em>EkstraBladet<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That a rider like Warren Barguil loses wheels so early, a class rider like him, it&#8217;s just not good enough. It&#8217;s clear.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman dropped away partway through their effort, leading to several teammates slowing to keep him aboard. In the end, Robbe Dhondt was their top finisher, racing home with the 41st best time, 1:55 down on Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At WorldTour level, you have to be better,&#8221; Riis said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They are not a new team. I think it&#8217;s unambitious. It really disappoints me. They haven&#8217;t stepped on a soft hat all year [An old Danish idiom meaning &#8216;They haven&#8217;t accomplished anything&#8217; \u2013 Ed.].<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid it will be a bit the same here. It&#8217;s time to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a9005926-7af5-4885-b5fc-d806c38ed367\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/the-battle-for-the-tour-de-france-points-competition-starts-on-unfamiliar-shoulders-as-egan-bernal-claims-the-races-first-green-jersey\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-2001-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part 2 Who will secure the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France? Stage 1 team time trial start times 3 Tour de France: Visma-Lease a Bike sweep to stage 1 team [&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-2027901","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\/2027901","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=2027901"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2027901\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2027901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2027901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2027901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}