{"id":2027920,"date":"2026-07-04T20:46:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T17:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2027920"},"modified":"2026-07-04T20:46:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T17:46:21","slug":"not-the-way-we-wanted-to-start-the-tour-de-france-xds-astana-suffer-spectacular-crash-in-team-time-trial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2027920","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Not the way we wanted to start the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; XDS Astana suffer spectacular crash in team time trial"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qs4y9iuXgCdRZCgcSMcoyn-2200-80.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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/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\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/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<\/p><\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yiLng7foYBcQMgyUhYhk7e.jpg\" alt=\"COLONIA DE SANT JORDI, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the 35th Challenge Ciclista Mallorca 2026 - Trofeo Ses Salines a 23.8km team time trial race from Ses Salines to Colonia de Sant Jordi on January 29, 2026 in Colonia de Sant Jordi, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/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\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/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<\/p><\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G.jpg\" alt=\"Visma Lease a Bike on the podium\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/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\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/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<\/p><\/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=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<div id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\"><\/div>\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Not the way we wanted to start the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; XDS Astana suffer spectacular crash in team time trial<\/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\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T20:46:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Video suggests a touch of wheels, perhaps caused by a drain cover on Barcelona circuit<\/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<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qs4y9iuXgCdRZCgcSMcoyn.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: (L-R) Mike Teunissen of Netherlands and Nicolas Vinokurov of Kazakhstan and Team XDS Astana compete during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full object-center\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/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\" 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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-333f1bc4-d9c4-4f1e-ac05-9e7c787c396a\">While the television cameras were focussed on the fight for the first maillot jaune of the 2026 Tour de France, there was plenty of drama out of the spotlight as two teams suffered crashes during the stage 1 team time trial in Barcelona.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>Fortunately all of the riders finished, but XDS Astana saw three riders hit the deck after running over a storm drain cover midway through the 19.6km stage.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-333f1bc4-d9c4-4f1e-ac05-9e7c787c396a-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;No fractures or serious injuries for our riders, but Nicolas Vinokourov, Harold Tejada , and Simone Velasco did sustain abrasions and various bruises,\u201d the team reported.<\/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-mobile\"><\/span><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\" data-jwp-carousel-player-host><\/div>\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\">Velasco was the last-placed rider on the stage, nearly six minutes slower than Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike), who claimed the race lead. Nicolya Vinokourov, blood seeping out of wounds on his knee, finished 4:54 down, and Tejada was able to get up quickly to finish 2:46 down.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">XDS Astana finished last of the 23 teams, 2:18 behind Visma-Lease a Bike, with Sergio Higuita setting their time for the stage as their quickest rider.<\/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\">\n        <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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Romain Gregoire of France, Clement Berthet of France, Clement Braz Afonso of France, Ewen Costiou of France, Lorenzo Germani of Italy, Guillaume Martin of France, Quentin Pacher of France, Clement Russo of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United compete with a view of the La Sagrada Familia in the background during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <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;A real blow&#8217; \u2013 Groupama-FDJ United already a climber down after Tour de France team time trial crash<\/span><\/p>\n<\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <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><\/p>\n<\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos race past the Sagrada Familia church during stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">French GC hopeful K\u00e9vin Vauquelin loses precious time in Tour de France opening team time trial<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Kazakh team weren&#8217;t the only ones to suffer a fall: Cofidis had their GC leader Guillaume Martin fall along with Cl\u00e9ment Berthet, but both riders finished the stage 3:34 down with scrapes and bruises.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-2073496799667495224\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 VIDEO: @LeTour The story of our day\u2026 Great preparation, big hopes, and then a crash that changed everything.Not the way we wanted to start the Tour de France, but we\u2019ll keep fighting! \ud83d\udcaa#XDSAstanaTeam #TDF2026\ud83c\udfa5 A.S.O. \/ XDS Astana Team pic.twitter.com\/npxx3k3L8aJuly 4, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD 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<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD 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><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" alt=\"Laura Weislo\" class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Laura Weislo<\/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<p><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon button-social__icon-email\"><\/span><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\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=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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<div class=\"infinite-container\" data-analytics-id=\"infinite-container\" data-component-name=\"SponsoredScroll\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"infinite-container\">\n<div class=\"infinite-trigger\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Romain Gregoire of France, Clement Berthet of France, Clement Braz Afonso of France, Ewen Costiou of France, Lorenzo Germani of Italy, Guillaume Martin of France, Quentin Pacher of France, Clement Russo of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United compete with a view of the La Sagrada Familia in the background during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos race past the Sagrada Familia church during stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G.jpg\" alt=\"Visma Lease a Bike on the podium\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2YXPTNTzGdStLHSHp7agY.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: (EDITORS NOTE: Image depicts graphic content.) Adam Yates of Great Britain and UAE Team Emirates - XRG injured after the 109th Giro d&amp;#039;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The most important thing is that the guys manage to recover&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates-XRG rue tough day at Giro d&#8217;Italia as five riders crash<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU.png\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 02: Isaac Del Toro of Mexico during the 113th Tour de France 2026 - UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Training on July 02, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images )\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd.jpg\" alt=\"BREST, FRANCE - JULY 27: (L-R) Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ - Green Sprint Jersey and Elise Chabbey of Switzerland and Team FDJ - SUEZ - Polka Dot Mountain Jersey prior to the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 2 a 110.4km stage from Brest to Quimper \/ #UCIWWT \/ on July 27, 2025 in Brest, France. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV.jpg\" alt=\"Jonas Vingegaard celebrates on the podium wearing the yellow jersey with his teammates\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU.jpg\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar walks onto the podium wearing the polka dot jersey of best climber after stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We will fight for yellow, maybe already tomorrow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar without disappointment despite defeat by Vingegaard in Tour de France opening stage<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW.jpg\" alt=\"Paul Seixas finishes stage 1 of the Tour de France \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We expected to see gaps&#8217; \u2013 French prodigy Paul Seixas loses time to main rivals in team time trial as he makes highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GKgKkRYCgK8QNHHUZnNTwH.jpg\" alt=\"Remco Evenepoel finishes stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France in Barcelona\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t know what happened to Florian&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel takes charge in Tour de France team time trial as Lipowitz loses contact on final climb<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G.jpg\" alt=\"Visma Lease a Bike on the podium\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow jersey wearer Vingegaard wearing white N95 a face mask is photographed at the start of Tour de France stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos rider Egan Bernal celebrates on the podium in the green jersey after stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France in Barcelona\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd.jpg\" alt=\"BREST, FRANCE - JULY 27: (L-R) Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ - Green Sprint Jersey and Elise Chabbey of Switzerland and Team FDJ - SUEZ - Polka Dot Mountain Jersey prior to the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 2 a 110.4km stage from Brest to Quimper \/ #UCIWWT \/ on July 27, 2025 in Brest, France. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Romain Gregoire of France, Clement Berthet of France, Clement Braz Afonso of France, Ewen Costiou of France, Lorenzo Germani of Italy, Guillaume Martin of France, Quentin Pacher of France, Clement Russo of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United compete with a view of the La Sagrada Familia in the background during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos riders sit with their arms in tubs of water\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV.jpg\" alt=\"Jonas Vingegaard celebrates on the podium wearing the yellow jersey with his teammates\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div 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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><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.jpg\" alt=\"TARRAGONA, SPAIN - JULY 05: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - Yellow Leader Jersey prior to the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 2 a 168.5km stage from Tarragona to Barcelona 109m \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 05, 2026 in Tarragona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/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 data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\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=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<div id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\"><\/div>\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Not the way we wanted to start the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; XDS Astana suffer spectacular crash in team time trial<\/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\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T20:46:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Video suggests a touch of wheels, perhaps caused by a drain cover on Barcelona circuit<\/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. 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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-333f1bc4-d9c4-4f1e-ac05-9e7c787c396a\">While the television cameras were focussed on the fight for the first maillot jaune of the 2026 Tour de France, there was plenty of drama out of the spotlight as two teams suffered crashes during the stage 1 team time trial in Barcelona.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>Fortunately all of the riders finished, but XDS Astana saw three riders hit the deck after running over a storm drain cover midway through the 19.6km stage.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-333f1bc4-d9c4-4f1e-ac05-9e7c787c396a-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;No fractures or serious injuries for our riders, but Nicolas Vinokourov, Harold Tejada , and Simone Velasco did sustain abrasions and various bruises,\u201d the team reported.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-mobile\"><\/span><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\" data-jwp-carousel-player-host><\/div>\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\">Velasco was the last-placed rider on the stage, nearly six minutes slower than Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike), who claimed the race lead. Nicolya Vinokourov, blood seeping out of wounds on his knee, finished 4:54 down, and Tejada was able to get up quickly to finish 2:46 down.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">XDS Astana finished last of the 23 teams, 2:18 behind Visma-Lease a Bike, with Sergio Higuita setting their time for the stage as their quickest rider.<\/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\">\n        <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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Romain Gregoire of France, Clement Berthet of France, Clement Braz Afonso of France, Ewen Costiou of France, Lorenzo Germani of Italy, Guillaume Martin of France, Quentin Pacher of France, Clement Russo of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United compete with a view of the La Sagrada Familia in the background during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <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;A real blow&#8217; \u2013 Groupama-FDJ United already a climber down after Tour de France team time trial crash<\/span><\/p>\n<\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <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><\/p>\n<\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos race past the Sagrada Familia church during stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">French GC hopeful K\u00e9vin Vauquelin loses precious time in Tour de France opening team time trial<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Kazakh team weren&#8217;t the only ones to suffer a fall: Cofidis had their GC leader Guillaume Martin fall along with Cl\u00e9ment Berthet, but both riders finished the stage 3:34 down with scrapes and bruises.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-2073496799667495224\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 VIDEO: @LeTour The story of our day\u2026 Great preparation, big hopes, and then a crash that changed everything.Not the way we wanted to start the Tour de France, but we\u2019ll keep fighting! \ud83d\udcaa#XDSAstanaTeam #TDF2026\ud83c\udfa5 A.S.O. \/ XDS Astana Team pic.twitter.com\/npxx3k3L8aJuly 4, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD 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<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD 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><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" alt=\"Laura Weislo\" class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Laura Weislo<\/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<p><span class=\"button-social__icon\"><\/span><span class=\"button-social__icon button-social__icon-email\"><\/span><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\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=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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<div class=\"infinite-container\" data-analytics-id=\"infinite-container\" data-component-name=\"SponsoredScroll\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"infinite-container\">\n<div class=\"infinite-trigger\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Romain Gregoire of France, Clement Berthet of France, Clement Braz Afonso of France, Ewen Costiou of France, Lorenzo Germani of Italy, Guillaume Martin of France, Quentin Pacher of France, Clement Russo of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United compete with a view of the La Sagrada Familia in the background during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos race past the Sagrada Familia church during stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G.jpg\" alt=\"Visma Lease a Bike on the podium\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2YXPTNTzGdStLHSHp7agY.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: (EDITORS NOTE: Image depicts graphic content.) Adam Yates of Great Britain and UAE Team Emirates - XRG injured after the 109th Giro d&amp;#039;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The most important thing is that the guys manage to recover&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates-XRG rue tough day at Giro d&#8217;Italia as five riders crash<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU.png\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 02: Isaac Del Toro of Mexico during the 113th Tour de France 2026 - UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Training on July 02, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images )\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd.jpg\" alt=\"BREST, FRANCE - JULY 27: (L-R) Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ - Green Sprint Jersey and Elise Chabbey of Switzerland and Team FDJ - SUEZ - Polka Dot Mountain Jersey prior to the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 2 a 110.4km stage from Brest to Quimper \/ #UCIWWT \/ on July 27, 2025 in Brest, France. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV.jpg\" alt=\"Jonas Vingegaard celebrates on the podium wearing the yellow jersey with his teammates\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU.jpg\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar walks onto the podium wearing the polka dot jersey of best climber after stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We will fight for yellow, maybe already tomorrow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar without disappointment despite defeat by Vingegaard in Tour de France opening stage<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW.jpg\" alt=\"Paul Seixas finishes stage 1 of the Tour de France \" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We expected to see gaps&#8217; \u2013 French prodigy Paul Seixas loses time to main rivals in team time trial as he makes highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GKgKkRYCgK8QNHHUZnNTwH.jpg\" alt=\"Remco Evenepoel finishes stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France in Barcelona\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t know what happened to Florian&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel takes charge in Tour de France team time trial as Lipowitz loses contact on final climb<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/65muo3knTwnTgcyhqk7o3G.jpg\" alt=\"Visma Lease a Bike on the podium\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow jersey wearer Vingegaard wearing white N95 a face mask is photographed at the start of Tour de France stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos rider Egan Bernal celebrates on the podium in the green jersey after stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France in Barcelona\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/span><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WAaMMNNaPS2hqxMGgXqgvd.jpg\" alt=\"BREST, FRANCE - JULY 27: (L-R) Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ - Green Sprint Jersey and Elise Chabbey of Switzerland and Team FDJ - SUEZ - Polka Dot Mountain Jersey prior to the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 2 a 110.4km stage from Brest to Quimper \/ #UCIWWT \/ on July 27, 2025 in Brest, France. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Romain Gregoire of France, Clement Berthet of France, Clement Braz Afonso of France, Ewen Costiou of France, Lorenzo Germani of Italy, Guillaume Martin of France, Quentin Pacher of France, Clement Russo of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United compete with a view of the La Sagrada Familia in the background during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PptZiERPUVsLY8pxEZPEgL.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos riders sit with their arms in tubs of water\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HmFkDCqYh9fjSr4ze6oyJV.jpg\" alt=\"Jonas Vingegaard celebrates on the podium wearing the yellow jersey with his teammates\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <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><\/p><\/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=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div 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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><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN.jpg\" alt=\"TARRAGONA, SPAIN - JULY 05: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - Yellow Leader Jersey prior to the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 2 a 168.5km stage from Tarragona to Barcelona 109m \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 05, 2026 in Tarragona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/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 data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<div id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\"><\/div>\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Not the way we wanted to start the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; XDS Astana suffer spectacular crash in team time trial<\/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\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T20:46:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Video suggests a touch of wheels, perhaps caused by a drain cover on Barcelona circuit<\/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. 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aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-333f1bc4-d9c4-4f1e-ac05-9e7c787c396a\">While the television cameras were focussed on the fight for the first maillot jaune of the 2026 Tour de France, there was plenty of drama out of the spotlight as two teams suffered crashes during the stage 1 team time trial in Barcelona.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>Fortunately all of the riders finished, but XDS Astana saw three riders hit the deck after running over a storm drain cover midway through the 19.6km stage.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-333f1bc4-d9c4-4f1e-ac05-9e7c787c396a-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;No fractures or serious injuries for our riders, but Nicolas Vinokourov, Harold Tejada , and Simone Velasco did sustain abrasions and various bruises,\u201d the team reported.<\/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-mobile\"><\/span><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\" data-jwp-carousel-player-host><\/div>\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\">Velasco was the last-placed rider on the stage, nearly six minutes slower than Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike), who claimed the race lead. Nicolya Vinokourov, blood seeping out of wounds on his knee, finished 4:54 down, and Tejada was able to get up quickly to finish 2:46 down.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">XDS Astana finished last of the 23 teams, 2:18 behind Visma-Lease a Bike, with Sergio Higuita setting their time for the stage as their quickest rider.<\/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\">\n        <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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eEpQk4fgbpPPDYRLVe4doF.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Romain Gregoire of France, Clement Berthet of France, Clement Braz Afonso of France, Ewen Costiou of France, Lorenzo Germani of Italy, Guillaume Martin of France, Quentin Pacher of France, Clement Russo of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United compete with a view of the La Sagrada Familia in the background during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <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;A real blow&#8217; \u2013 Groupama-FDJ United already a climber down after Tour de France team time trial crash<\/span><\/p>\n<\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <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><\/p>\n<\/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<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GWeYZ4LeZshYKwWvGRZS6D.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany Ineos race past the Sagrada Familia church during stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">French GC hopeful K\u00e9vin Vauquelin loses precious time in Tour de France opening team time trial<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Kazakh team weren&#8217;t the only ones to suffer a fall: Cofidis had their GC leader Guillaume Martin fall along with Cl\u00e9ment Berthet, but both riders finished the stage 3:34 down with scrapes and bruises.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-2073496799667495224\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 VIDEO: @LeTour The story of our day\u2026 Great preparation, big hopes, and then a crash that changed everything.Not the way we wanted to start the Tour de France, but we\u2019ll keep fighting! \ud83d\udcaa#XDSAstanaTeam #TDF2026\ud83c\udfa5 A.S.O. \/ XDS Astana Team pic.twitter.com\/npxx3k3L8aJuly 4, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9vck3KMTVCwJhtDUqPWPeD 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<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/not-the-way-we-wanted-to-start-the-tour-de-france-xds-astana-suffer-spectacular-crash-in-team-time-trial\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qs4y9iuXgCdRZCgcSMcoyn-2200-80.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-2027920","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\/2027920","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=2027920"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2027920\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2027920"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2027920"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2027920"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}