{"id":2034132,"date":"2026-07-08T18:23:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T15:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2034132"},"modified":"2026-07-08T18:23:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T15:23:04","slug":"probably-the-lightest-ive-ever-seen-him-red-bull-full-of-confidence-in-extremely-lean-remco-evenepoel-ahead-of-first-tour-de-france-mountain-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2034132","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RX5JFThbpnDMm4BSa75iUT-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RX5JFThbpnDMm4BSa75iUT-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;When we started, I had a full headache&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar lets Tour de France yellow jersey go to the breakaway after uncomfortably hot stage 4\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    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?\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-08T18:23:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian returns to the climb where he abandoned last year&#8217;s race after safely getting through opening five stages &#8216;a bit more relaxed than in other years&#8217; according to DS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Remco Evenepoel is leaner and lighter than ever for the Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-d6426e04-7af7-11f1-938a-edce226113cf\">Ahead of the first big mountain stage of this year&#8217;s Tour de France, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe are full of confidence in their star rider, Remco Evenepoel, with long-term sports director Klaas Lodewyck saying this is the lightest he&#8217;s seen him for a long time.<\/p>\n<p>Evenepoel confirmed before the Grand D\u00e9part that he had shed almost four kilograms in preparation for the long climbing, but also insisted that &#8220;the power has remained,&#8221; highlighting just why Red Bull are seeing only positive signs.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6426e04-7af7-11f1-938a-edce226113cf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although without a major summit finish, stage 6 to Garavnie-G\u00e8dre contains the two hardest climbs of the race so far: the Col d&#8217;Aspin (12km at 6.5%) and the legendary Col du Tourmalet (17.1km at 7.3%), where the GC favourites could properly come to the fore.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Evenepoel has made it through the opening team time trial, two punchy finishes, and survived the road back to the Pyrenees without much incident, sitting just 23 seconds behind key rivals Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard overall. According to his team, everything is on track, but that could all become unstuck, or get even better, on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So far, so good. All signals are positive for the moment,&#8221; said Lodewyck to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the team bus before stage 5. &#8220;I mean, I&#8217;m pretty excited [for the first mountain day]. It&#8217;s a long time ago since we saw Remco with this race weight. I think so far we only have positive signals, so yeah, we&#8217;ve got to be excited racing tomorrow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were question marks surrounding Evenepoel&#8217;s form heading into the Tour, after he cancelled all his racing plans after the spring and instead opted for 68 days of intense training to arrive at the start in Barcelona at the correct weight and with his best level yet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lodewyck also spoke of how this break from the stresses of racing has also made Evenepoel calmer and has actually made him more confident that competing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes or Tour de Suisse might have achieved.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he feels good, and maybe is a bit less stressed, because the last two months he really took time to prepare well. In the past, it was always a bit of a rush to get ready for Dauphine, and then after, you either feel really good or feel really bad,&#8221; said Lodewyck.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think this time we really took the time to respect his training, but also his rest. If you start a Grand Tour with less question marks, you go much more confident into the race, and I think so far we have positive signals in this race. That&#8217;s why maybe he&#8217;s a bit more relaxed than in other years.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While relaxed after five tough days of Tour racing, it&#8217;s safe to say the team won&#8217;t be letting in any outside noise surrounding Evenepoel&#8217;s previously plagued history with the Tourmalet, which will be crested with 40km to go on stage 6.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We shouldn&#8217;t get too hung up on a kilo or two in a cyclist&#8217; \u2013 No weight concerns for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Tour de France, says UAE&#8217;s Matxin<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2023 at the Vuelta, Evenepoel was forced to ride up the Tourmalet to the finish after his title defence went up in smoke on the Col d&#8217;Aubisque some 90km before the summit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Two years later, his return to the climb at the Tour was no better, and he was forced to abandon the race on the Tourmalet and climb into the team car. As he returns to its slopes tomorrow, there could be a sense of conquering previous demons, but Lodewyck was only looking to the positives and the future, not previous bad days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think we should focus too much on [this] or try to create a black piste,&#8221; he said firmly. &#8220;I think he has already done amazing climbs in the past that were much harder than Tourmalet. So, let&#8217;s just focus on how he is and move forward.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-they-have-to-be-pretty-light-to-be-competitive\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>&#8216;They have to be pretty light to be competitive&#8217;<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ede2b2ba-7af9-11f1-b270-6f1be5621330\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ede2b31e-7af9-11f1-9ef3-e1075cf1b986\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian DS, who worked with Evenepoel at Soudal-QuickStep and went with him to Red Bull for the start of this season, also spoke about the weight management and how diligent Evenepoel was in his efforts. By all accounts, he left no stone unturned to arrive in July in top shape.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When was the last time he was this skinny? &#8220;It&#8217;s a long time ago, let&#8217;s say,&#8221; said Lodewyck.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But in general, if you see Poga\u010dar now, and compared to other years, he also stepped up his game again, so he&#8217;s also very lean. It&#8217;s not only Remco; they know it&#8217;s going to be very, very hard, especially from the second weekend on, and then the last week is brutal, so they all know they have to be pretty light to be competitive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As you said, I think Remco is probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him so far, so I think we should be very pleased with that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We took our time, we didn&#8217;t rush, and I think we came at a certain point, also with the feedback from nutritionist trainers, that we find the real balance now, and he can also hold the weight. I think that&#8217;s the most important thing, because you can start super skinny, but if you squeeze, you just gain super fast. So far, we&#8217;re on track. We hope to keep it that way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the weight loss, Evenepoel is hoping to be able to match the moves of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard on the vicious slopes of the Tourmalet, where his DS is expecting the world champion to ignite the race as he and lieutenant Isaac del Toro did to win stages 2 and 3.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s pretty clear UAE will probably go again for the stage and try to gain some time back,&#8221; Lodewyck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think with the way they&#8217;re racing already so far, I don&#8217;t see a big question mark. They&#8217;re just going to do what they want to do, and I think all the rest is just a matter of staying as long as possible in their wheel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Training Camps<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We shouldn&#8217;t get too hung up on a kilo or two in a cyclist&#8217; \u2013 No weight concerns for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Tour de France, says UAE&#8217;s Matxin<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Olav Kooij shines in debut with victory on stage 5 in Pau<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: First bunch sprint of Tour de France ends with a dominant win after chaotic run-in<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Iconic roadside fan Didi the Devil robbed at Tour de France start in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re confident&#8217;- Decathlon CMA CGM shrug off rival bids to sign Tour de France super talent Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Iconic roadside fan Didi the Devil robbed at Tour de France start in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been able to set some goals&#8217; \u2013 Neilson Powless makes racing return after five months of rehabilitation following knee surgery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/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\">&#8216;We&#8217;re confident&#8217;- Decathlon CMA CGM shrug off rival bids to sign Tour de France super talent Paul Seixas<\/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\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/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\">Tour de France: Olav Kooij shines in debut with victory on stage 5 in Pau<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-08T18:23:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian returns to the climb where he abandoned last year&#8217;s race after safely getting through opening five stages &#8216;a bit more relaxed than in other years&#8217; according to DS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Remco Evenepoel is leaner and lighter than ever for the Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] 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rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 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preparation for the long climbing, but also insisted that &#8220;the power has remained,&#8221; highlighting just why Red Bull are seeing only positive signs.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6426e04-7af7-11f1-938a-edce226113cf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although without a major summit finish, stage 6 to Garavnie-G\u00e8dre contains the two hardest climbs of the race so far: the Col d&#8217;Aspin (12km at 6.5%) and the legendary Col du Tourmalet (17.1km at 7.3%), where the GC favourites could properly come to the fore.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Evenepoel has made it through the opening team time trial, two punchy finishes, and survived the road back to the Pyrenees without much incident, sitting just 23 seconds behind key rivals Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard overall. According to his team, everything is on track, but that could all become unstuck, or get even better, on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So far, so good. All signals are positive for the moment,&#8221; said Lodewyck to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the team bus before stage 5. &#8220;I mean, I&#8217;m pretty excited [for the first mountain day]. It&#8217;s a long time ago since we saw Remco with this race weight. I think so far we only have positive signals, so yeah, we&#8217;ve got to be excited racing tomorrow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were question marks surrounding Evenepoel&#8217;s form heading into the Tour, after he cancelled all his racing plans after the spring and instead opted for 68 days of intense training to arrive at the start in Barcelona at the correct weight and with his best level yet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lodewyck also spoke of how this break from the stresses of racing has also made Evenepoel calmer and has actually made him more confident that competing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes or Tour de Suisse might have achieved.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he feels good, and maybe is a bit less stressed, because the last two months he really took time to prepare well. In the past, it was always a bit of a rush to get ready for Dauphine, and then after, you either feel really good or feel really bad,&#8221; said Lodewyck.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think this time we really took the time to respect his training, but also his rest. If you start a Grand Tour with less question marks, you go much more confident into the race, and I think so far we have positive signals in this race. That&#8217;s why maybe he&#8217;s a bit more relaxed than in other years.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While relaxed after five tough days of Tour racing, it&#8217;s safe to say the team won&#8217;t be letting in any outside noise surrounding Evenepoel&#8217;s previously plagued history with the Tourmalet, which will be crested with 40km to go on stage 6.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We shouldn&#8217;t get too hung up on a kilo or two in a cyclist&#8217; \u2013 No weight concerns for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Tour de France, says UAE&#8217;s Matxin<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2023 at the Vuelta, Evenepoel was forced to ride up the Tourmalet to the finish after his title defence went up in smoke on the Col d&#8217;Aubisque some 90km before the summit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Two years later, his return to the climb at the Tour was no better, and he was forced to abandon the race on the Tourmalet and climb into the team car. As he returns to its slopes tomorrow, there could be a sense of conquering previous demons, but Lodewyck was only looking to the positives and the future, not previous bad days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think we should focus too much on [this] or try to create a black piste,&#8221; he said firmly. &#8220;I think he has already done amazing climbs in the past that were much harder than Tourmalet. So, let&#8217;s just focus on how he is and move forward.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-they-have-to-be-pretty-light-to-be-competitive\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>&#8216;They have to be pretty light to be competitive&#8217;<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ede2b2ba-7af9-11f1-b270-6f1be5621330\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ede2b31e-7af9-11f1-9ef3-e1075cf1b986\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian DS, who worked with Evenepoel at Soudal-QuickStep and went with him to Red Bull for the start of this season, also spoke about the weight management and how diligent Evenepoel was in his efforts. By all accounts, he left no stone unturned to arrive in July in top shape.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When was the last time he was this skinny? &#8220;It&#8217;s a long time ago, let&#8217;s say,&#8221; said Lodewyck.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But in general, if you see Poga\u010dar now, and compared to other years, he also stepped up his game again, so he&#8217;s also very lean. It&#8217;s not only Remco; they know it&#8217;s going to be very, very hard, especially from the second weekend on, and then the last week is brutal, so they all know they have to be pretty light to be competitive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As you said, I think Remco is probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him so far, so I think we should be very pleased with that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We took our time, we didn&#8217;t rush, and I think we came at a certain point, also with the feedback from nutritionist trainers, that we find the real balance now, and he can also hold the weight. I think that&#8217;s the most important thing, because you can start super skinny, but if you squeeze, you just gain super fast. So far, we&#8217;re on track. We hope to keep it that way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the weight loss, Evenepoel is hoping to be able to match the moves of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard on the vicious slopes of the Tourmalet, where his DS is expecting the world champion to ignite the race as he and lieutenant Isaac del Toro did to win stages 2 and 3.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s pretty clear UAE will probably go again for the stage and try to gain some time back,&#8221; Lodewyck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think with the way they&#8217;re racing already so far, I don&#8217;t see a big question mark. They&#8217;re just going to do what they want to do, and I think all the rest is just a matter of staying as long as possible in their wheel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Training Camps<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We shouldn&#8217;t get too hung up on a kilo or two in a cyclist&#8217; \u2013 No weight concerns for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Tour de France, says UAE&#8217;s Matxin<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Olav Kooij shines in debut with victory on stage 5 in Pau<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: First bunch sprint of Tour de France ends with a dominant win after chaotic run-in<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Iconic roadside fan Didi the Devil robbed at Tour de France start in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re confident&#8217;- Decathlon CMA CGM shrug off rival bids to sign Tour de France super talent Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Iconic roadside fan Didi the Devil robbed at Tour de France start in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been able to set some goals&#8217; \u2013 Neilson Powless makes racing return after five months of rehabilitation following knee surgery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/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\">&#8216;We&#8217;re confident&#8217;- Decathlon CMA CGM shrug off rival bids to sign Tour de France super talent Paul Seixas<\/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\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/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\">Tour de France: Olav Kooij shines in debut with victory on stage 5 in Pau<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-08T18:23:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian returns to the climb where he abandoned last year&#8217;s race after safely getting through opening five stages &#8216;a bit more relaxed than in other years&#8217; according to DS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-d6426e04-7af7-11f1-938a-edce226113cf\">Ahead of the first big mountain stage of this year&#8217;s Tour de France, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe are full of confidence in their star rider, Remco Evenepoel, with long-term sports director Klaas Lodewyck saying this is the lightest he&#8217;s seen him for a long time.<\/p>\n<p>Evenepoel confirmed before the Grand D\u00e9part that he had shed almost four kilograms in preparation for the long climbing, but also insisted that &#8220;the power has remained,&#8221; highlighting just why Red Bull are seeing only positive signs.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6426e04-7af7-11f1-938a-edce226113cf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although without a major summit finish, stage 6 to Garavnie-G\u00e8dre contains the two hardest climbs of the race so far: the Col d&#8217;Aspin (12km at 6.5%) and the legendary Col du Tourmalet (17.1km at 7.3%), where the GC favourites could properly come to the fore.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Evenepoel has made it through the opening team time trial, two punchy finishes, and survived the road back to the Pyrenees without much incident, sitting just 23 seconds behind key rivals Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard overall. According to his team, everything is on track, but that could all become unstuck, or get even better, on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So far, so good. All signals are positive for the moment,&#8221; said Lodewyck to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the team bus before stage 5. &#8220;I mean, I&#8217;m pretty excited [for the first mountain day]. It&#8217;s a long time ago since we saw Remco with this race weight. I think so far we only have positive signals, so yeah, we&#8217;ve got to be excited racing tomorrow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2WYD9qgSkYW2tCTH8LL5F-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Remco Evenepoel confirms major weight loss for the Tour de France under his new coach&#8217;s guidance<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were question marks surrounding Evenepoel&#8217;s form heading into the Tour, after he cancelled all his racing plans after the spring and instead opted for 68 days of intense training to arrive at the start in Barcelona at the correct weight and with his best level yet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lodewyck also spoke of how this break from the stresses of racing has also made Evenepoel calmer and has actually made him more confident that competing at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes or Tour de Suisse might have achieved.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8ikGaSCkgN9LzeL5nZ7x8g slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he feels good, and maybe is a bit less stressed, because the last two months he really took time to prepare well. In the past, it was always a bit of a rush to get ready for Dauphine, and then after, you either feel really good or feel really bad,&#8221; said Lodewyck.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think this time we really took the time to respect his training, but also his rest. If you start a Grand Tour with less question marks, you go much more confident into the race, and I think so far we have positive signals in this race. That&#8217;s why maybe he&#8217;s a bit more relaxed than in other years.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While relaxed after five tough days of Tour racing, it&#8217;s safe to say the team won&#8217;t be letting in any outside noise surrounding Evenepoel&#8217;s previously plagued history with the Tourmalet, which will be crested with 40km to go on stage 6.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7gnF2TkcErBLX48kHnJeQ-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We shouldn&#8217;t get too hung up on a kilo or two in a cyclist&#8217; \u2013 No weight concerns for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Tour de France, says UAE&#8217;s Matxin<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2023 at the Vuelta, Evenepoel was forced to ride up the Tourmalet to the finish after his title defence went up in smoke on the Col d&#8217;Aubisque some 90km before the summit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Two years later, his return to the climb at the Tour was no better, and he was forced to abandon the race on the Tourmalet and climb into the team car. As he returns to its slopes tomorrow, there could be a sense of conquering previous demons, but Lodewyck was only looking to the positives and the future, not previous bad days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think we should focus too much on [this] or try to create a black piste,&#8221; he said firmly. &#8220;I think he has already done amazing climbs in the past that were much harder than Tourmalet. So, let&#8217;s just focus on how he is and move forward.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-they-have-to-be-pretty-light-to-be-competitive\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>&#8216;They have to be pretty light to be competitive&#8217;<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ede2b2ba-7af9-11f1-b270-6f1be5621330\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ede2b31e-7af9-11f1-9ef3-e1075cf1b986\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian DS, who worked with Evenepoel at Soudal-QuickStep and went with him to Red Bull for the start of this season, also spoke about the weight management and how diligent Evenepoel was in his efforts. By all accounts, he left no stone unturned to arrive in July in top shape.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When was the last time he was this skinny? &#8220;It&#8217;s a long time ago, let&#8217;s say,&#8221; said Lodewyck.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But in general, if you see Poga\u010dar now, and compared to other years, he also stepped up his game again, so he&#8217;s also very lean. It&#8217;s not only Remco; they know it&#8217;s going to be very, very hard, especially from the second weekend on, and then the last week is brutal, so they all know they have to be pretty light to be competitive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As you said, I think Remco is probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him so far, so I think we should be very pleased with that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We took our time, we didn&#8217;t rush, and I think we came at a certain point, also with the feedback from nutritionist trainers, that we find the real balance now, and he can also hold the weight. I think that&#8217;s the most important thing, because you can start super skinny, but if you squeeze, you just gain super fast. So far, we&#8217;re on track. We hope to keep it that way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the weight loss, Evenepoel is hoping to be able to match the moves of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard on the vicious slopes of the Tourmalet, where his DS is expecting the world champion to ignite the race as he and lieutenant Isaac del Toro did to win stages 2 and 3.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s pretty clear UAE will probably go again for the stage and try to gain some time back,&#8221; Lodewyck said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think with the way they&#8217;re racing already so far, I don&#8217;t see a big question mark. They&#8217;re just going to do what they want to do, and I think all the rest is just a matter of staying as long as possible in their wheel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/probably-the-lightest-ive-ever-seen-him-red-bull-full-of-confidence-in-extremely-lean-remco-evenepoel-ahead-of-first-tour-de-france-mountain-stage\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;When we started, I had a full headache&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar lets Tour de France yellow jersey go to the breakaway after uncomfortably hot stage 4 2 Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel battle it out for first yellow jersey in team time trial, but [&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-2034132","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\/2034132","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=2034132"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034132\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2034132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2034132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2034132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}