{"id":2039917,"date":"2026-07-12T10:08:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T07:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2039917"},"modified":"2026-07-12T10:08:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T07:08:06","slug":"the-three-or-four-richest-teams-hoover-up-all-the-best-young-riders-tour-de-france-director-backs-salary-cap-for-professional-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2039917","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;The three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France director backs salary cap for professional cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-2560-80.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\/2V967amJnedskdrpB7C2bh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2V967amJnedskdrpB7C2bh-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                                    &#8216;Thanks to the GC contenders for this respect&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says agreement has been reached by favourites to sit at the back and stay safe on Tour de France sprint finishes\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\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-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                                    &#8216;We have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate\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\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-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                                    &#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?\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;The three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France director backs salary cap for professional cycling<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-12T10:08:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Christian Prudhomme weighs in on question of salary regulation in interview with The Athletic, saying &#8216;it is necessary to rebalance&#8217; the spread of talent in the peloton<\/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\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-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=\"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\">4<\/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-272b6de6-7dd9-11f1-836d-35f08368bff6\">Christian Prudhomme, the race director of the Tour de France, has said that he is in favour of a salary cap for professional cycling teams in order to foster &#8220;real competition&#8221; in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>In a wide-ranging interview with Andy McGrath for <em>The Athletic<\/em><em>, <\/em>Prudhomme lifts the lid on his 20-year tenure as the Tour race director and planning for the event, but was also asked about wider issues in the sport, including a salary cap.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-272b6de6-7dd9-11f1-836d-35f08368bff6-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Proposed by many as a way to regulate spending in the peloton and narrow the gap between the richest teams and everyone else, a salary cap could place a limit on the salaries individual riders can be paid, or the total sum that a team can spend on salaries.<\/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\">Salary caps are implemented in the NFL and in various forms in several North American sports leagues, alongside the common draft system. In Europe they are less common, but are seen in sports like rugby. Capping salaries has been proposed but not widely implemented in European football, though financial fair play rules do attempt to govern spending by clubs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So whilst it would not be a new thing in sport to regulate team spending and salaries, it remains fairly uncommon in Europe, still the heartlands of cycling. But one of the sport&#8217;s most influential figures has said that he and Tour organisers ASO would back such a cap to try to foster more equal competition in races like the Tour.<\/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\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-150-80.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\">A billion-dollar business soon to be a relic? What pro cycling can learn from the blueprints of F1 and soccer<\/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\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">An illogical calendar, &#8216;crazy&#8217; attitudes towards safety, and an outdated relationship with its fans \u2013 What needs to change for cycling to catch up with other sports?<\/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\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-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 are one of the best sponsorship opportunities in sports&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike hopes Tour de France TTT success can boost search for superteam sponsorship<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Us, we\u2019re clearly favourable,&#8221; Prudhomme said to <em>The Athletic.<\/em> &#8220;It exists in French rugby. There are discussions in effect with the UCI, the riders, teams and us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The French rugby league, the Top 14, imposes a total salary cap of \u20ac10.7 million to be spent across more than 30 players, with some room for adjustments around bonuses and international status of certain players.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8 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\">In cycling, the average men&#8217;s WorldTour team budget was around \u20ac33 million in 2025, though it is hard to say how much of that is allocated to rider salaries. Tadej Poga\u010dar, the highest-paid rider in the peloton, is estimated to earn around \u20ac8 million per year from his team salary, whilst other top male riders earn between \u20ac2 million and \u20ac6 million per year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The reason to cap salaries or regulate team spending would be to try to prevent ultra rich teams from effectively hoarding all of the best riders due to their unmatched paying power. This can have a negative impact on the spread of talent and lead to a small number of dominant teams \u2013 which is a familiar image in cycling right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the moment, the three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders,&#8221; Prudhomme said. &#8220;So that there is real competition, the most promising cyclists need to go to numerous, different teams.&#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            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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.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;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/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\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-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 have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question around budgets and caps is already rearing its head at this year&#8217;s Tour de France, where the peloton&#8217;s richest team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, have already scooped up three stage wins and put Poga\u010dar in the lead, something they&#8217;re able to do by having a team that features multiple Grand Tour podium finishers \u2013 not something many other teams can afford.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They have the means to buy the best riders every year,&#8221; Prudhomme said when asked about UAE specifically. &#8220;So it is necessary to rebalance that. But I cannot say whether a solution will be found in the coming years.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The solution is complicated, as there are pros and cons to salary caps, and a balance has to be found to ensure enough money is still coming into the sport, as Prudhomme pointed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Private entrepreneurs in businesses need to be able to still invest,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Without that, it\u2019s too expensive\u2026 it\u2019s very important for the future of cycling.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other arguments against salary caps include the fact that riders and teams may still find a way around them with personal sponsorships, and that they effectively limit the free market economics of the peloton where success and investment often drive each other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, as debate continues around Poga\u010dar, his early grip on this year&#8217;s Tour de France and the dwindling level of suspense in the calendar&#8217;s biggest races, the questions around how to redress the balance and bring back some of that competition will only grow, and salary caps to appear to be one effective option.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the backing of one of the sport&#8217;s most influential people in Prudhomme, the idea could well go from a hypothetical to a seriously considered regulation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A billion-dollar business soon to be a relic? What pro cycling can learn from the blueprints of F1 and soccer<\/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\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">An illogical calendar, &#8216;crazy&#8217; attitudes towards safety, and an outdated relationship with its fans \u2013 What needs to change for cycling to catch up with other sports?<\/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\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are one of the best sponsorship opportunities in sports&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike hopes Tour de France TTT success can boost search for superteam sponsorship<\/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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-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 would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.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;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/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\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/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\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-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: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/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\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-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\">Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme heat<\/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\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-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\">S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold slams Biniam Girmay for Tour de France sprint intimidation<\/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\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-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;If I see how I sprinted, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; &#8211; Biniam Girmay accepts that Tim Merlier is fastest in the Tour de France sprints<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We wanted to calm things down&#8217; &#8211; UAE team management justify the decision to keep Tour de France stage 9 break on ultra-tight leash<\/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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-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 would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-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 couldn&#8217;t change gear&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock explains electronic shifter issues that hampered sprint from Tour de France breakaway<\/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\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-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\">Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme heat<\/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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We wanted to calm things down&#8217; &#8211; UAE team management justify the decision to keep Tour de France stage 9 break on ultra-tight leash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t change gear&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock explains electronic shifter issues that hampered sprint from Tour de France breakaway<\/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\">Tour de France: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/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\">Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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;The three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France director backs salary cap for professional cycling<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-12T10:08:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Christian Prudhomme weighs in on question of salary regulation in interview with The Athletic, saying &#8216;it is necessary to rebalance&#8217; the spread of talent in the peloton<\/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\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-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=\"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\">4<\/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-272b6de6-7dd9-11f1-836d-35f08368bff6\">Christian Prudhomme, the race director of the Tour de France, has said that he is in favour of a salary cap for professional cycling teams in order to foster &#8220;real competition&#8221; in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>In a wide-ranging interview with Andy McGrath for <em>The Athletic<\/em><em>, <\/em>Prudhomme lifts the lid on his 20-year tenure as the Tour race director and planning for the event, but was also asked about wider issues in the sport, including a salary cap.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-272b6de6-7dd9-11f1-836d-35f08368bff6-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Proposed by many as a way to regulate spending in the peloton and narrow the gap between the richest teams and everyone else, a salary cap could place a limit on the salaries individual riders can be paid, or the total sum that a team can spend on salaries.<\/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\">Salary caps are implemented in the NFL and in various forms in several North American sports leagues, alongside the common draft system. In Europe they are less common, but are seen in sports like rugby. Capping salaries has been proposed but not widely implemented in European football, though financial fair play rules do attempt to govern spending by clubs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So whilst it would not be a new thing in sport to regulate team spending and salaries, it remains fairly uncommon in Europe, still the heartlands of cycling. But one of the sport&#8217;s most influential figures has said that he and Tour organisers ASO would back such a cap to try to foster more equal competition in races like the Tour.<\/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\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-150-80.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\">A billion-dollar business soon to be a relic? What pro cycling can learn from the blueprints of F1 and soccer<\/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\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">An illogical calendar, &#8216;crazy&#8217; attitudes towards safety, and an outdated relationship with its fans \u2013 What needs to change for cycling to catch up with other sports?<\/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\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-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 are one of the best sponsorship opportunities in sports&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike hopes Tour de France TTT success can boost search for superteam sponsorship<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Us, we\u2019re clearly favourable,&#8221; Prudhomme said to <em>The Athletic.<\/em> &#8220;It exists in French rugby. There are discussions in effect with the UCI, the riders, teams and us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The French rugby league, the Top 14, imposes a total salary cap of \u20ac10.7 million to be spent across more than 30 players, with some room for adjustments around bonuses and international status of certain players.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8 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\">In cycling, the average men&#8217;s WorldTour team budget was around \u20ac33 million in 2025, though it is hard to say how much of that is allocated to rider salaries. Tadej Poga\u010dar, the highest-paid rider in the peloton, is estimated to earn around \u20ac8 million per year from his team salary, whilst other top male riders earn between \u20ac2 million and \u20ac6 million per year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The reason to cap salaries or regulate team spending would be to try to prevent ultra rich teams from effectively hoarding all of the best riders due to their unmatched paying power. This can have a negative impact on the spread of talent and lead to a small number of dominant teams \u2013 which is a familiar image in cycling right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the moment, the three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders,&#8221; Prudhomme said. &#8220;So that there is real competition, the most promising cyclists need to go to numerous, different teams.&#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            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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.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;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/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\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-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 have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question around budgets and caps is already rearing its head at this year&#8217;s Tour de France, where the peloton&#8217;s richest team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, have already scooped up three stage wins and put Poga\u010dar in the lead, something they&#8217;re able to do by having a team that features multiple Grand Tour podium finishers \u2013 not something many other teams can afford.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They have the means to buy the best riders every year,&#8221; Prudhomme said when asked about UAE specifically. &#8220;So it is necessary to rebalance that. But I cannot say whether a solution will be found in the coming years.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The solution is complicated, as there are pros and cons to salary caps, and a balance has to be found to ensure enough money is still coming into the sport, as Prudhomme pointed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Private entrepreneurs in businesses need to be able to still invest,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Without that, it\u2019s too expensive\u2026 it\u2019s very important for the future of cycling.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other arguments against salary caps include the fact that riders and teams may still find a way around them with personal sponsorships, and that they effectively limit the free market economics of the peloton where success and investment often drive each other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, as debate continues around Poga\u010dar, his early grip on this year&#8217;s Tour de France and the dwindling level of suspense in the calendar&#8217;s biggest races, the questions around how to redress the balance and bring back some of that competition will only grow, and salary caps to appear to be one effective option.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the backing of one of the sport&#8217;s most influential people in Prudhomme, the idea could well go from a hypothetical to a seriously considered regulation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A billion-dollar business soon to be a relic? What pro cycling can learn from the blueprints of F1 and soccer<\/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\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">An illogical calendar, &#8216;crazy&#8217; attitudes towards safety, and an outdated relationship with its fans \u2013 What needs to change for cycling to catch up with other sports?<\/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\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are one of the best sponsorship opportunities in sports&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike hopes Tour de France TTT success can boost search for superteam sponsorship<\/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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-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 would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.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;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/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\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/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\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-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: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/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\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-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\">Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme heat<\/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\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-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\">S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold slams Biniam Girmay for Tour de France sprint intimidation<\/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\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-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;If I see how I sprinted, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; &#8211; Biniam Girmay accepts that Tim Merlier is fastest in the Tour de France sprints<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We wanted to calm things down&#8217; &#8211; UAE team management justify the decision to keep Tour de France stage 9 break on ultra-tight leash<\/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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-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 would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-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 couldn&#8217;t change gear&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock explains electronic shifter issues that hampered sprint from Tour de France breakaway<\/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\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-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\">Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme heat<\/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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We wanted to calm things down&#8217; &#8211; UAE team management justify the decision to keep Tour de France stage 9 break on ultra-tight leash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t change gear&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock explains electronic shifter issues that hampered sprint from Tour de France breakaway<\/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\">Tour de France: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/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\">Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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;The three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France director backs salary cap for professional cycling<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-12T10:08:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Christian Prudhomme weighs in on question of salary regulation in interview with The Athletic, saying &#8216;it is necessary to rebalance&#8217; the spread of talent in the peloton<\/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\">4<\/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-272b6de6-7dd9-11f1-836d-35f08368bff6\">Christian Prudhomme, the race director of the Tour de France, has said that he is in favour of a salary cap for professional cycling teams in order to foster &#8220;real competition&#8221; in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>In a wide-ranging interview with Andy McGrath for <em>The Athletic<\/em><em>, <\/em>Prudhomme lifts the lid on his 20-year tenure as the Tour race director and planning for the event, but was also asked about wider issues in the sport, including a salary cap.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-272b6de6-7dd9-11f1-836d-35f08368bff6-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Proposed by many as a way to regulate spending in the peloton and narrow the gap between the richest teams and everyone else, a salary cap could place a limit on the salaries individual riders can be paid, or the total sum that a team can spend on salaries.<\/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\">Salary caps are implemented in the NFL and in various forms in several North American sports leagues, alongside the common draft system. In Europe they are less common, but are seen in sports like rugby. Capping salaries has been proposed but not widely implemented in European football, though financial fair play rules do attempt to govern spending by clubs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So whilst it would not be a new thing in sport to regulate team spending and salaries, it remains fairly uncommon in Europe, still the heartlands of cycling. But one of the sport&#8217;s most influential figures has said that he and Tour organisers ASO would back such a cap to try to foster more equal competition in races like the Tour.<\/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\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8MsDaNHbjaSvZpTZSBHPg8-150-80.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\">A billion-dollar business soon to be a relic? What pro cycling can learn from the blueprints of F1 and soccer<\/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\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMN2PW8UR8zRDm4M4FwR8T-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">An illogical calendar, &#8216;crazy&#8217; attitudes towards safety, and an outdated relationship with its fans \u2013 What needs to change for cycling to catch up with other sports?<\/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\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAN2PBcXiaEXnBNRiHVAcm-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 are one of the best sponsorship opportunities in sports&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike hopes Tour de France TTT success can boost search for superteam sponsorship<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Us, we\u2019re clearly favourable,&#8221; Prudhomme said to <em>The Athletic.<\/em> &#8220;It exists in French rugby. There are discussions in effect with the UCI, the riders, teams and us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The French rugby league, the Top 14, imposes a total salary cap of \u20ac10.7 million to be spent across more than 30 players, with some room for adjustments around bonuses and international status of certain players.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ruL6SMANLNf6uRyvuHXJy8 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\">In cycling, the average men&#8217;s WorldTour team budget was around \u20ac33 million in 2025, though it is hard to say how much of that is allocated to rider salaries. Tadej Poga\u010dar, the highest-paid rider in the peloton, is estimated to earn around \u20ac8 million per year from his team salary, whilst other top male riders earn between \u20ac2 million and \u20ac6 million per year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The reason to cap salaries or regulate team spending would be to try to prevent ultra rich teams from effectively hoarding all of the best riders due to their unmatched paying power. This can have a negative impact on the spread of talent and lead to a small number of dominant teams \u2013 which is a familiar image in cycling right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;At the moment, the three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders,&#8221; Prudhomme said. &#8220;So that there is real competition, the most promising cyclists need to go to numerous, different teams.&#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            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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.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;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/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\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVSDLQ998L3NFPL5yeFtmE-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 have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question around budgets and caps is already rearing its head at this year&#8217;s Tour de France, where the peloton&#8217;s richest team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, have already scooped up three stage wins and put Poga\u010dar in the lead, something they&#8217;re able to do by having a team that features multiple Grand Tour podium finishers \u2013 not something many other teams can afford.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They have the means to buy the best riders every year,&#8221; Prudhomme said when asked about UAE specifically. &#8220;So it is necessary to rebalance that. But I cannot say whether a solution will be found in the coming years.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The solution is complicated, as there are pros and cons to salary caps, and a balance has to be found to ensure enough money is still coming into the sport, as Prudhomme pointed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Private entrepreneurs in businesses need to be able to still invest,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Without that, it\u2019s too expensive\u2026 it\u2019s very important for the future of cycling.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other arguments against salary caps include the fact that riders and teams may still find a way around them with personal sponsorships, and that they effectively limit the free market economics of the peloton where success and investment often drive each other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, as debate continues around Poga\u010dar, his early grip on this year&#8217;s Tour de France and the dwindling level of suspense in the calendar&#8217;s biggest races, the questions around how to redress the balance and bring back some of that competition will only grow, and salary caps to appear to be one effective option.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the backing of one of the sport&#8217;s most influential people in Prudhomme, the idea could well go from a hypothetical to a seriously considered regulation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/the-three-of-four-richest-teams-hoover-up-all-the-best-young-riders-tour-de-france-director-backs-salary-cap-for-professional-cycling\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;Thanks to the GC contenders for this respect&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says agreement has been reached by favourites to sit at the back and stay safe on Tour de France sprint finishes 2 &#8216;We have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in [&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-2039917","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\/2039917","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=2039917"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2039917\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2039917"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2039917"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2039917"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}