{"id":2038530,"date":"2026-07-10T15:44:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T12:44:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2038530"},"modified":"2026-07-10T15:44:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T12:44:01","slug":"we-will-sit-a-lot-more-at-the-back-visma-lease-a-bike-double-down-on-tour-de-france-strategy-of-keeping-off-front-on-sprint-stages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2038530","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;We will sit a lot more at the back&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike double down on Tour de France strategy of keeping off front on sprint stages"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: First bunch sprint of Tour de France ends with a dominant win after chaotic run-in\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\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos\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\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-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                                    As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint\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;We will sit a lot more at the back&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike double down on Tour de France strategy of keeping off front on sprint stages<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-10T15:44:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Jonas Vingegaard confirms repeat of Giro d&#8217;Italia tactic of staying towards back of bunch to stay safe<\/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\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-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\">Jonas Vingegaard<\/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-8de58b10-7ae2-11f1-8e87-c7b74066f51c\">Through two flat sprint stages of the 2026 Tour de France, Visma-Lease a Bike have maintained their Giro d&#8217;Italia strategy of staying away from the front of the bunch to keep out of trouble.<\/p>\n<p>The tactic was first employed during the Italian Grand Tour this year, where for nearly all of the flat stages, starting with the two bunch sprint days in Bulgaria, Visma-Lease a Bike kept away from the more crash-prone positions in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8de58b10-7ae2-11f1-8e87-c7b74066f51c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s Tour had, unusually, featured no bunch sprints before Wednesday&#8217;s stage 5, while Friday in Bordeaux brought the second sprint finish. Jonas Vingegaard told <em>Eurosport<\/em> before stage 5 to Pau that the Dutch WorldTour squad would continue with the same tactic.<\/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\">The aim of GC riders staying in the front in stages where they have little to gain and potentially everything to lose is to avoid splits. But as the double Tour de France winner pointed out, rather the team had looked back through all the flat stages of the last five years and only found one when splits occurred.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a flat stage, obviously, and we have had a new approach to the sprints this year,&#8221; Vingegaard told <em>Eurosport.<\/em> &#8220;And I think we will do the same today, so we will try to sit a bit more in the back, and stay safe there.&#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\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-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;We expected something like this&#8217; \u2013 Visma&#8217;s tactics in Giro d&#8217;Italia opener vindicated as Jonas Vingegaard avoids crash chaos<\/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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-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;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/span><\/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\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He is riding like a 1980s GC contender&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm believes Jonas Vingegaard is turning back the clock in bid for his first Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ll stay with the whole team, I hope other GC teams will do the same. I think it will make racing a lot easier and a lot safer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One of the most safety-conscious riders in the peloton \u2013 Vingegaard is amongst those in the peloton wearing a face mask in this year&#8217;s race \u2013 the Dane pointed out that they had history on their side for their strategy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT 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\">The tactic almost played against them on stage 5 after Vingegaard was held up in a crash with 5.5km to go, but he and his team got back to the peloton before the finish, avoiding any time losses. On stage 7, he rolled home in 59th place alongside teammate Edoardo Affini and close to yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar among the peloton of 100 riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This tactic has gone against the recent trend for Grand Tour riders to go as close to the front as possible, but on this occasion, Vingegaard said that in the last five years there had only been one occasion when late-kilometre splits occurred because of crashes that actually produced time losses.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course there&#8217;s a lot of stress, but we also looked a bit into how cycling has been in the last five years. I think only one time there were actually gaps in a sprint in the Tour \u2013 stage 3 in 2021. It also depends if the roads are OK to do it, and we believe that today is ok to do it,&#8221; VIngegaard said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-150-80.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;There&#8217;s also a race in July I want to do well in&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reveals his road from the Giro d&#8217;Italia to the Tour de France<\/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\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;They crashed just in front of me&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard narrowly avoids disaster of mass pile-up at Giro d&#8217;Italia before launching first attack<\/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\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-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;The stress just drains you&#8217; \u2013 What Jonas Vingegaard can expect from his first Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the stage that Vingegaard referred to, as <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> put in its report for the day, &#8220;The closing kilometres of the stage were ruined by a succession of crashes, which saw Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d go down 9km out and lose over 1:21 at the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Another crash hit the middle of the peloton four kilometres out, with Tadej Poga\u010dar held up as numerous riders hit the ground, while the sprint for the line saw Caleb Ewan touch wheels with Merlier, causing him and Peter Sagan to crash hard inside the final 150 metres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As a result of the crashes, only Richard Carapaz and Julian Alaphilippe managed to avoid losing time among the GC men, with groups of riders coming home at 14 seconds and 26 seconds \u2013 the latter group including Poga\u010dar and Geraint Thomas.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vingegaard himself lost 1:21 that day, but so far in this year&#8217;s Tour, despite that scare on the road to Pau, things have gone to plan on both sprint stages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-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;We expected something like this&#8217; \u2013 Visma&#8217;s tactics in Giro d&#8217;Italia opener vindicated as Jonas Vingegaard avoids 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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He is riding like a 1980s GC contender&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm believes Jonas Vingegaard is turning back the clock in bid for his first Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/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\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-320-80.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;There&#8217;s also a race in July I want to do well in&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reveals his road from the Giro d&#8217;Italia to the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-320-80.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;They crashed just in front of me&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard narrowly avoids disaster of mass pile-up at Giro d&#8217;Italia before launching first attack<\/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\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-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;The stress just drains you&#8217; \u2013 What Jonas Vingegaard can expect from his first Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in 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\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-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\">European champion Erica Magnaldi scores latest gravel win with Italian National Championships title<\/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\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-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&#8217;m not used to having to sprint for the win, so that was scary&#8217; \u2013 Risky move pays off for Bjorn Riley with his first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup win<\/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\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-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\">Hello Traka 300, goodbye Traka 560 &#8211; Only one endurance race for pro categories to build &#8216;a more selective, competitive and safe field&#8217; in 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How Soudal-QuickStep dominated the high-speed Tour de France sprint into Bordeaux<\/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\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-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\">The Tour de France organisers wanted &#8216;suspense to the end&#8217; but the Tourmalet stage design backfired dramatically \u2013 and they should have seen it coming<\/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\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-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: Tim Merlier banishes bunch in Bordeaux for stage 7 sprint victory<\/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\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-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\">European champion Erica Magnaldi scores latest gravel win with Italian National Championships title<\/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\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-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\">Baptiste Veistroffer has become the breakaway hero this Tour de France needs<\/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\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-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&#8217;m not used to having to sprint for the win, so that was scary&#8217; \u2013 Risky move pays off for Bjorn Riley with his first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup win<\/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\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I always love watching the sprints&#8217; &#8211; Caleb Ewan analyses the Tour de France sprint in Bordeaux<\/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\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-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;My body temperature is probably cooler than any Tour before&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar stresses importance of UAE&#8217;s hydration and nutrition changes in reaching new level at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-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\">Hello Traka 300, goodbye Traka 560 &#8211; Only one endurance race for pro categories to build &#8216;a more selective, competitive and safe field&#8217; in 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH.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\">Baptiste Veistroffer has become the breakaway hero this Tour de France needs<\/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\">Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz are putting on a happy face at the Tour de France, but I&#8217;m not really buying it \u2013 is anyone?<\/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\">Tour de France 2026 stage 8 LIVE \u2013 Three riders up the road as the sprinters\u2019 teams control the race for expected bunch finish<\/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\">The Tour de France organisers wanted &#8216;suspense to the end&#8217; but the Tourmalet stage design backfired dramatically \u2013 and they should have seen it coming<\/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\">Tech randoms from the Tour de France \u2013 Techy, silly and curious finds from the biggest race in the world<\/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;We will sit a lot more at the back&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike double down on Tour de France strategy of keeping off front on sprint stages<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-10T15:44:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Jonas Vingegaard confirms repeat of Giro d&#8217;Italia tactic of staying towards back of bunch to stay safe<\/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\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-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\">Jonas Vingegaard<\/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\" 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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-8de58b10-7ae2-11f1-8e87-c7b74066f51c\">Through two flat sprint stages of the 2026 Tour de France, Visma-Lease a Bike have maintained their Giro d&#8217;Italia strategy of staying away from the front of the bunch to keep out of trouble.<\/p>\n<p>The tactic was first employed during the Italian Grand Tour this year, where for nearly all of the flat stages, starting with the two bunch sprint days in Bulgaria, Visma-Lease a Bike kept away from the more crash-prone positions in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8de58b10-7ae2-11f1-8e87-c7b74066f51c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s Tour had, unusually, featured no bunch sprints before Wednesday&#8217;s stage 5, while Friday in Bordeaux brought the second sprint finish. Jonas Vingegaard told <em>Eurosport<\/em> before stage 5 to Pau that the Dutch WorldTour squad would continue with the same tactic.<\/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\">The aim of GC riders staying in the front in stages where they have little to gain and potentially everything to lose is to avoid splits. But as the double Tour de France winner pointed out, rather the team had looked back through all the flat stages of the last five years and only found one when splits occurred.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a flat stage, obviously, and we have had a new approach to the sprints this year,&#8221; Vingegaard told <em>Eurosport.<\/em> &#8220;And I think we will do the same today, so we will try to sit a bit more in the back, and stay safe there.&#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\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-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;We expected something like this&#8217; \u2013 Visma&#8217;s tactics in Giro d&#8217;Italia opener vindicated as Jonas Vingegaard avoids crash chaos<\/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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-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;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/span><\/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\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He is riding like a 1980s GC contender&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm believes Jonas Vingegaard is turning back the clock in bid for his first Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ll stay with the whole team, I hope other GC teams will do the same. I think it will make racing a lot easier and a lot safer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One of the most safety-conscious riders in the peloton \u2013 Vingegaard is amongst those in the peloton wearing a face mask in this year&#8217;s race \u2013 the Dane pointed out that they had history on their side for their strategy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT 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\">The tactic almost played against them on stage 5 after Vingegaard was held up in a crash with 5.5km to go, but he and his team got back to the peloton before the finish, avoiding any time losses. On stage 7, he rolled home in 59th place alongside teammate Edoardo Affini and close to yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar among the peloton of 100 riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This tactic has gone against the recent trend for Grand Tour riders to go as close to the front as possible, but on this occasion, Vingegaard said that in the last five years there had only been one occasion when late-kilometre splits occurred because of crashes that actually produced time losses.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course there&#8217;s a lot of stress, but we also looked a bit into how cycling has been in the last five years. I think only one time there were actually gaps in a sprint in the Tour \u2013 stage 3 in 2021. It also depends if the roads are OK to do it, and we believe that today is ok to do it,&#8221; VIngegaard said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-150-80.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;There&#8217;s also a race in July I want to do well in&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reveals his road from the Giro d&#8217;Italia to the Tour de France<\/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\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;They crashed just in front of me&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard narrowly avoids disaster of mass pile-up at Giro d&#8217;Italia before launching first attack<\/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\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-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;The stress just drains you&#8217; \u2013 What Jonas Vingegaard can expect from his first Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the stage that Vingegaard referred to, as <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> put in its report for the day, &#8220;The closing kilometres of the stage were ruined by a succession of crashes, which saw Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d go down 9km out and lose over 1:21 at the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Another crash hit the middle of the peloton four kilometres out, with Tadej Poga\u010dar held up as numerous riders hit the ground, while the sprint for the line saw Caleb Ewan touch wheels with Merlier, causing him and Peter Sagan to crash hard inside the final 150 metres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As a result of the crashes, only Richard Carapaz and Julian Alaphilippe managed to avoid losing time among the GC men, with groups of riders coming home at 14 seconds and 26 seconds \u2013 the latter group including Poga\u010dar and Geraint Thomas.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vingegaard himself lost 1:21 that day, but so far in this year&#8217;s Tour, despite that scare on the road to Pau, things have gone to plan on both sprint stages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-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;We expected something like this&#8217; \u2013 Visma&#8217;s tactics in Giro d&#8217;Italia opener vindicated as Jonas Vingegaard avoids 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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He is riding like a 1980s GC contender&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm believes Jonas Vingegaard is turning back the clock in bid for his first Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/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\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-320-80.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;There&#8217;s also a race in July I want to do well in&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reveals his road from the Giro d&#8217;Italia to the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-320-80.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;They crashed just in front of me&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard narrowly avoids disaster of mass pile-up at Giro d&#8217;Italia before launching first attack<\/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\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-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;The stress just drains you&#8217; \u2013 What Jonas Vingegaard can expect from his first Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in 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\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-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\">European champion Erica Magnaldi scores latest gravel win with Italian National Championships title<\/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\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-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&#8217;m not used to having to sprint for the win, so that was scary&#8217; \u2013 Risky move pays off for Bjorn Riley with his first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup win<\/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\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-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\">Hello Traka 300, goodbye Traka 560 &#8211; Only one endurance race for pro categories to build &#8216;a more selective, competitive and safe field&#8217; in 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRXsWHiNBcy76HWo39RAk8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How Soudal-QuickStep dominated the high-speed Tour de France sprint into Bordeaux<\/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\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-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\">The Tour de France organisers wanted &#8216;suspense to the end&#8217; but the Tourmalet stage design backfired dramatically \u2013 and they should have seen it coming<\/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\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-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: Tim Merlier banishes bunch in Bordeaux for stage 7 sprint victory<\/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\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V3v4sFXid22hH2BLxyKTHW-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\">European champion Erica Magnaldi scores latest gravel win with Italian National Championships title<\/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\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-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\">Baptiste Veistroffer has become the breakaway hero this Tour de France needs<\/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\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BDymtCYrYBQqaxnTEvQHBJ-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&#8217;m not used to having to sprint for the win, so that was scary&#8217; \u2013 Risky move pays off for Bjorn Riley with his first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup win<\/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\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/959MkazUCwnWPad37jYS87-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I always love watching the sprints&#8217; &#8211; Caleb Ewan analyses the Tour de France sprint in Bordeaux<\/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\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5zoEPprDoj4hnt8AEnmTE-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;My body temperature is probably cooler than any Tour before&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar stresses importance of UAE&#8217;s hydration and nutrition changes in reaching new level at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2byiEwgZAC7MEpQwXfAGYW-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\">Hello Traka 300, goodbye Traka 560 &#8211; Only one endurance race for pro categories to build &#8216;a more selective, competitive and safe field&#8217; in 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GxeeApsxUPRuoDrj5mN4EH.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\">Baptiste Veistroffer has become the breakaway hero this Tour de France needs<\/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\">Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz are putting on a happy face at the Tour de France, but I&#8217;m not really buying it \u2013 is anyone?<\/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\">Tour de France 2026 stage 8 LIVE \u2013 Three riders up the road as the sprinters\u2019 teams control the race for expected bunch finish<\/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\">The Tour de France organisers wanted &#8216;suspense to the end&#8217; but the Tourmalet stage design backfired dramatically \u2013 and they should have seen it coming<\/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\">Tech randoms from the Tour de France \u2013 Techy, silly and curious finds from the biggest race in the world<\/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;We will sit a lot more at the back&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike double down on Tour de France strategy of keeping off front on sprint stages<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-10T15:44:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Jonas Vingegaard confirms repeat of Giro d&#8217;Italia tactic of staying towards back of bunch to stay safe<\/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-8de58b10-7ae2-11f1-8e87-c7b74066f51c\">Through two flat sprint stages of the 2026 Tour de France, Visma-Lease a Bike have maintained their Giro d&#8217;Italia strategy of staying away from the front of the bunch to keep out of trouble.<\/p>\n<p>The tactic was first employed during the Italian Grand Tour this year, where for nearly all of the flat stages, starting with the two bunch sprint days in Bulgaria, Visma-Lease a Bike kept away from the more crash-prone positions in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8de58b10-7ae2-11f1-8e87-c7b74066f51c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s Tour had, unusually, featured no bunch sprints before Wednesday&#8217;s stage 5, while Friday in Bordeaux brought the second sprint finish. Jonas Vingegaard told <em>Eurosport<\/em> before stage 5 to Pau that the Dutch WorldTour squad would continue with the same tactic.<\/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\">The aim of GC riders staying in the front in stages where they have little to gain and potentially everything to lose is to avoid splits. But as the double Tour de France winner pointed out, rather the team had looked back through all the flat stages of the last five years and only found one when splits occurred.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a flat stage, obviously, and we have had a new approach to the sprints this year,&#8221; Vingegaard told <em>Eurosport.<\/em> &#8220;And I think we will do the same today, so we will try to sit a bit more in the back, and stay safe there.&#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\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5sXdtAsDvNyX8ou2dc2hun-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;We expected something like this&#8217; \u2013 Visma&#8217;s tactics in Giro d&#8217;Italia opener vindicated as Jonas Vingegaard avoids crash chaos<\/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\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYLVM8gehppzVsKQQusLeN-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;Better safe than sorry&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard masks up at Tour de France in bid to avoid a repeat of Vuelta and Giro illnesses<\/span><\/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\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMsjtrEtyzUziuYfLQMCod-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He is riding like a 1980s GC contender&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm believes Jonas Vingegaard is turning back the clock in bid for his first Giro d&#8217;Italia victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ll stay with the whole team, I hope other GC teams will do the same. I think it will make racing a lot easier and a lot safer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One of the most safety-conscious riders in the peloton \u2013 Vingegaard is amongst those in the peloton wearing a face mask in this year&#8217;s race \u2013 the Dane pointed out that they had history on their side for their strategy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R4GGFUaKCApSP6KPRfc7GT 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\">The tactic almost played against them on stage 5 after Vingegaard was held up in a crash with 5.5km to go, but he and his team got back to the peloton before the finish, avoiding any time losses. On stage 7, he rolled home in 59th place alongside teammate Edoardo Affini and close to yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar among the peloton of 100 riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This tactic has gone against the recent trend for Grand Tour riders to go as close to the front as possible, but on this occasion, Vingegaard said that in the last five years there had only been one occasion when late-kilometre splits occurred because of crashes that actually produced time losses.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course there&#8217;s a lot of stress, but we also looked a bit into how cycling has been in the last five years. I think only one time there were actually gaps in a sprint in the Tour \u2013 stage 3 in 2021. It also depends if the roads are OK to do it, and we believe that today is ok to do it,&#8221; VIngegaard said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8drgNcF4EisjkfAZqQ2DG6-150-80.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;There&#8217;s also a race in July I want to do well in&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reveals his road from the Giro d&#8217;Italia to the Tour de France<\/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\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wfWbkZZjFfUkgEndwUfVB9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;They crashed just in front of me&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard narrowly avoids disaster of mass pile-up at Giro d&#8217;Italia before launching first attack<\/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\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cpDE7ECG2KsezRjYQPse2L-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;The stress just drains you&#8217; \u2013 What Jonas Vingegaard can expect from his first Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the stage that Vingegaard referred to, as <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> put in its report for the day, &#8220;The closing kilometres of the stage were ruined by a succession of crashes, which saw Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d go down 9km out and lose over 1:21 at the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Another crash hit the middle of the peloton four kilometres out, with Tadej Poga\u010dar held up as numerous riders hit the ground, while the sprint for the line saw Caleb Ewan touch wheels with Merlier, causing him and Peter Sagan to crash hard inside the final 150 metres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As a result of the crashes, only Richard Carapaz and Julian Alaphilippe managed to avoid losing time among the GC men, with groups of riders coming home at 14 seconds and 26 seconds \u2013 the latter group including Poga\u010dar and Geraint Thomas.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vingegaard himself lost 1:21 that day, but so far in this year&#8217;s Tour, despite that scare on the road to Pau, things have gone to plan on both sprint stages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/we-will-sit-a-lot-more-at-the-back-visma-lease-a-bike-double-down-on-tour-de-france-strategy-of-keeping-off-front-on-sprint-stages\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zkccux8t3TV7SvzpmCdRYJ-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: First bunch sprint of Tour de France ends with a dominant win after chaotic run-in 2 Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos 3 As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2038530","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\/2038530","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=2038530"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2038530\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2038530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2038530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2038530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}