{"id":2041530,"date":"2026-07-12T19:02:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T16:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2041530"},"modified":"2026-07-12T19:02:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T16:02:55","slug":"the-tour-is-daunting-but-were-in-the-fight-tour-de-france-newbies-caja-rural-seguros-rga-push-hard-to-justify-wildcard-status","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2041530","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar\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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-80-80.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 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\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\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">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                                    Don&#8217;t be surprised by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early dominance, history shows it&#8217;s how every serial Tour de France winner succeeds &#8211; Philippa York analysis\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCaja Rural-Seguros RGA\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-12T19:02:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish team is finding their feet in their Tour debut with multiple breaks and a day in the mountains jersey in the first week<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Caja Rural &#8211; Seguros RGA at the Tour de France 2026<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/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-23ed4cb8-7e1e-11f1-82e0-438374ddc0f9\">When the Tour de France announced that Caja Rural-Seguros RGA had been awarded the final wildcard spot in this year&#8217;s race, there were plenty of questions asked in the international media regarding why the squad had been selected over higher-profile Pro Teams.<\/p>\n<p>Fast forward to nine days into the Tour and even if the Spanish squad has yet to pull off a stage win, their presence has been amply justified. Barring the key GC day over the Tourmalet, the riders in green and white have regularly been in the breakaways and with a day in the King of the Mountains competition as a high point.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23ed4cb8-7e1e-11f1-82e0-438374ddc0f9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And if former yellow jersey and stage winner Fernando Gaviria has been more thereabouts than there in the bunch sprints, his 14th and 15th places don&#8217;t mean he can completely be ruled out, whilst Caja&#8217;s 16th place in the TTT, ahead of four WorldTour teams, represented a notable debut.<\/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\">As sports director Jos\u00e9 Miguel Fern\u00e1ndez pointed out to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 9, the arena Caja Rural are fighting in is much bigger than anything the Pro Team have faced in their roughly 15 years of existence as a pro squad, and that makes for a steep learning curve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve had lots of experience doing the Vuelta, but here everything is three times as big &#8211; the race itself, the media, the demands on the team and it&#8217;s hot too,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;You&#8217;ve always got to be on top of everything, making sure we&#8217;re being seen in the race and fighting for what we can in the breaks, with Gaviria for the sprints too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/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\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s about having nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Liberated by their bad luck, just how many stages can ruthless five-man UAE Team Emirates-XRG win at Giro d&#8217;Italia?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Fern\u00e1ndez explains, Caja Rural worked very hard to put in a strong team time trial on the stage 1 opener, as much as a way of proving to themselves that they weren&#8217;t out of their depth as to get a result. And the same went when it came to getting in a break as soon as possible on stage 2, with Alex Molenaar taking over in the mountains jersey from no less a figure than Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Tour is a daunting experience, but we&#8217;re in the fight,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;Getting that TTT result was a crucial part of it; we wanted to show we were competitive right from the start and to keep fighting in the mountains from there on.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Those results showed us where we were at, it showed us how we had to keep our feet on the ground but at the same time, how we could keep pushing for results and recognise what was possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that process, the figure of Gaviria, the Tour leader and multiple stage winner back in 2018, has been critical, Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;He&#8217;s a rider with a huge amount of experience, and when we make mistakes because this is new to us, he&#8217;s been able to point them out and put us on the right track. He knows what he&#8217;s doing, and that keeps us all calm.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The situation hasn&#8217;t been without its setbacks, either. Caja are already a man down after Molenaar crashed heavily on the run-in to Pau, fracturing a finger and suffering heavy bruising and road rash as a result of his fall on one of the more technical corners.<\/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\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-150-80.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\">Reviewing every team in the Giro d&#8217;Italia 2026 \u2013 Who flew and who flopped?<\/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\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-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;Winning stages can help you win the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates justify early race dominance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a real pity, he was obviously in great shape, and he&#8217;s always been a great guy for the hilly stages, like the ones we&#8217;ve got today [Sunday] and again next week; we&#8217;re going to miss him a lot,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is our first Tour, and it was his first as well, and even more of a pity as he was there trying to help a teammate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other setback was not so well-publicised, but Aussie Sebastian Berwick&#8217;s hopes of a strong GC finish have also all but fallen by the wayside. Still, Fern\u00e1ndez remained optimistic that he could improve in the third week and &#8220;we&#8217;ll see what he can do there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And throughout the first week, Caja Rural have not been afraid, despite the novelty of it all of going on the attack as and when they can. After Molenaar on stage 2, former Spanish TT National Champion Abel Balderstone, riding on home soil in Catalunya, was in a breakaway on stage 3 through the Pyrenees, followed by Molenaar and Joel Nicolau on stage 4 and Jakub Otruba on stages 6 and 7 as the Tour headed northwards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Holy Grail, though, would be a stage win and Fern\u00e1ndez eyes visibly light up when he&#8217;s asked if he would sign on the dotted line for that result here and now. &#8220;That would be something we&#8217;d grab with both hands,&#8221; he says with a grin, &#8220;no doubt about that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-c887e490-7e1e-11f1-bbf3-49624588e581\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-c887e508-7e1e-11f1-9505-b901a90af8fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France 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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/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\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-320-80.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;It&#8217;s about having nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Liberated by their bad luck, just how many stages can ruthless five-man UAE Team Emirates-XRG win at Giro d&#8217;Italia?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-320-80.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\">Reviewing every team in the Giro d&#8217;Italia 2026 \u2013 Who flew and who flopped?<\/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\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-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;Winning stages can help you win the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates justify early race dominance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/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\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He lost it on one day, he can turn it around on one day&#8217; \u2013 What now for Jonas Vingegaard and Visma after ending Tour de France first week with 2:42 deficit to Poga\u010dar?<\/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\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-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;Nice to have friends in the peloton&#8217; \u2013 Michael Matthews benefits from a small act of sportsmanship on the Tour de France&#8217;s hottest day<\/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\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-320-80.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 wasn&#8217;t happy, we had to change something&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reveals he considered stepping away from pro cycling last year<\/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\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-320-80.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\">QuickStep to end 24-year title sponsorship of Soudal-QuickStep team \u2013 but a replacement is lined up for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-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;That played in my favour in the end&#8217; \u2013 The harder it got, the more Mathieu van der Poel thrived in brutal 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>\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\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/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\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He lost it on one day, he can turn it around on one day&#8217; \u2013 What now for Jonas Vingegaard and Visma after ending Tour de France first week with 2:42 deficit to Poga\u010dar?<\/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\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-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;Nice to have friends in the peloton&#8217; \u2013 Michael Matthews benefits from a small act of sportsmanship on the Tour de France&#8217;s hottest day<\/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\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eight injured after press car crashed through barriers 500 metres before Tour de France stage finish in Corr\u00e8ze<\/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\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-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\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Not every road bike has to be an aero spaceship&#8217; &#8211; Cerv\u00e9lo launches a brand-new Soloist<\/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\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E.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\">American Criterium Cup: Tyler Williams and Skylar Schneider seal L39ION of Los Angeles sweep at Boise Twilight elite races<\/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\">Gravel Earth Series: Geerike Schreurs dominates five days at Oregon Trail Gravel while Cameron Jones retakes lead from Ian Boswell on final stage for men&#8217;s overall<\/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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\">&#8216;He lost it on one day, he can turn it around on one day&#8217; \u2013 What now for Jonas Vingegaard and Visma after ending Tour de France first week with 2:42 deficit to Poga\u010dar?<\/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\">In this extreme heat there&#8217;s less room to hide, it&#8217;s like you&#8217;re at altitude and some riders adapt better than others &#8211; Matej Mohori\u010d&#8217;s Tour de France diary<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCaja Rural-Seguros RGA\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-12T19:02:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish team is finding their feet in their Tour debut with multiple breaks and a day in the mountains jersey in the first week<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Caja Rural &#8211; Seguros RGA at the Tour de France 2026<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/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-23ed4cb8-7e1e-11f1-82e0-438374ddc0f9\">When the Tour de France announced that Caja Rural-Seguros RGA had been awarded the final wildcard spot in this year&#8217;s race, there were plenty of questions asked in the international media regarding why the squad had been selected over higher-profile Pro Teams.<\/p>\n<p>Fast forward to nine days into the Tour and even if the Spanish squad has yet to pull off a stage win, their presence has been amply justified. Barring the key GC day over the Tourmalet, the riders in green and white have regularly been in the breakaways and with a day in the King of the Mountains competition as a high point.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23ed4cb8-7e1e-11f1-82e0-438374ddc0f9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And if former yellow jersey and stage winner Fernando Gaviria has been more thereabouts than there in the bunch sprints, his 14th and 15th places don&#8217;t mean he can completely be ruled out, whilst Caja&#8217;s 16th place in the TTT, ahead of four WorldTour teams, represented a notable debut.<\/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\">As sports director Jos\u00e9 Miguel Fern\u00e1ndez pointed out to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 9, the arena Caja Rural are fighting in is much bigger than anything the Pro Team have faced in their roughly 15 years of existence as a pro squad, and that makes for a steep learning curve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve had lots of experience doing the Vuelta, but here everything is three times as big &#8211; the race itself, the media, the demands on the team and it&#8217;s hot too,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;You&#8217;ve always got to be on top of everything, making sure we&#8217;re being seen in the race and fighting for what we can in the breaks, with Gaviria for the sprints too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/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\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s about having nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Liberated by their bad luck, just how many stages can ruthless five-man UAE Team Emirates-XRG win at Giro d&#8217;Italia?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Fern\u00e1ndez explains, Caja Rural worked very hard to put in a strong team time trial on the stage 1 opener, as much as a way of proving to themselves that they weren&#8217;t out of their depth as to get a result. And the same went when it came to getting in a break as soon as possible on stage 2, with Alex Molenaar taking over in the mountains jersey from no less a figure than Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Tour is a daunting experience, but we&#8217;re in the fight,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;Getting that TTT result was a crucial part of it; we wanted to show we were competitive right from the start and to keep fighting in the mountains from there on.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Those results showed us where we were at, it showed us how we had to keep our feet on the ground but at the same time, how we could keep pushing for results and recognise what was possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that process, the figure of Gaviria, the Tour leader and multiple stage winner back in 2018, has been critical, Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;He&#8217;s a rider with a huge amount of experience, and when we make mistakes because this is new to us, he&#8217;s been able to point them out and put us on the right track. He knows what he&#8217;s doing, and that keeps us all calm.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The situation hasn&#8217;t been without its setbacks, either. Caja are already a man down after Molenaar crashed heavily on the run-in to Pau, fracturing a finger and suffering heavy bruising and road rash as a result of his fall on one of the more technical corners.<\/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\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-150-80.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\">Reviewing every team in the Giro d&#8217;Italia 2026 \u2013 Who flew and who flopped?<\/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\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-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;Winning stages can help you win the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates justify early race dominance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a real pity, he was obviously in great shape, and he&#8217;s always been a great guy for the hilly stages, like the ones we&#8217;ve got today [Sunday] and again next week; we&#8217;re going to miss him a lot,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is our first Tour, and it was his first as well, and even more of a pity as he was there trying to help a teammate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other setback was not so well-publicised, but Aussie Sebastian Berwick&#8217;s hopes of a strong GC finish have also all but fallen by the wayside. Still, Fern\u00e1ndez remained optimistic that he could improve in the third week and &#8220;we&#8217;ll see what he can do there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And throughout the first week, Caja Rural have not been afraid, despite the novelty of it all of going on the attack as and when they can. After Molenaar on stage 2, former Spanish TT National Champion Abel Balderstone, riding on home soil in Catalunya, was in a breakaway on stage 3 through the Pyrenees, followed by Molenaar and Joel Nicolau on stage 4 and Jakub Otruba on stages 6 and 7 as the Tour headed northwards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Holy Grail, though, would be a stage win and Fern\u00e1ndez eyes visibly light up when he&#8217;s asked if he would sign on the dotted line for that result here and now. &#8220;That would be something we&#8217;d grab with both hands,&#8221; he says with a grin, &#8220;no doubt about that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-c887e490-7e1e-11f1-bbf3-49624588e581\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-c887e508-7e1e-11f1-9505-b901a90af8fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France 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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/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\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-320-80.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;It&#8217;s about having nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Liberated by their bad luck, just how many stages can ruthless five-man UAE Team Emirates-XRG win at Giro d&#8217;Italia?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-320-80.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\">Reviewing every team in the Giro d&#8217;Italia 2026 \u2013 Who flew and who flopped?<\/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\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-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;Winning stages can help you win the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates justify early race dominance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/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\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He lost it on one day, he can turn it around on one day&#8217; \u2013 What now for Jonas Vingegaard and Visma after ending Tour de France first week with 2:42 deficit to Poga\u010dar?<\/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\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-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;Nice to have friends in the peloton&#8217; \u2013 Michael Matthews benefits from a small act of sportsmanship on the Tour de France&#8217;s hottest day<\/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\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZ37AieyGfKPBBLvD7rCf3-320-80.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 wasn&#8217;t happy, we had to change something&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reveals he considered stepping away from pro cycling last year<\/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\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBFeUExR7HKoGoHFSJPUk8-320-80.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\">QuickStep to end 24-year title sponsorship of Soudal-QuickStep team \u2013 but a replacement is lined up for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-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;That played in my favour in the end&#8217; \u2013 The harder it got, the more Mathieu van der Poel thrived in brutal 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>\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\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/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\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQQJAizYSEtJN542d3R4sA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He lost it on one day, he can turn it around on one day&#8217; \u2013 What now for Jonas Vingegaard and Visma after ending Tour de France first week with 2:42 deficit to Poga\u010dar?<\/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\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eYQSVmJmcWuVeVpQKtqY7J-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;Nice to have friends in the peloton&#8217; \u2013 Michael Matthews benefits from a small act of sportsmanship on the Tour de France&#8217;s hottest day<\/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\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UnjLrN93iyMELCZsS3qFrJ-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eight injured after press car crashed through barriers 500 metres before Tour de France stage finish in Corr\u00e8ze<\/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\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RcttdNgbPApeDmBAhZLFZ-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\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Not every road bike has to be an aero spaceship&#8217; &#8211; Cerv\u00e9lo launches a brand-new Soloist<\/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\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erseBBeV373yYiYNHfZ65E.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\">American Criterium Cup: Tyler Williams and Skylar Schneider seal L39ION of Los Angeles sweep at Boise Twilight elite races<\/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\">Gravel Earth Series: Geerike Schreurs dominates five days at Oregon Trail Gravel while Cameron Jones retakes lead from Ian Boswell on final stage for men&#8217;s overall<\/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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\">&#8216;He lost it on one day, he can turn it around on one day&#8217; \u2013 What now for Jonas Vingegaard and Visma after ending Tour de France first week with 2:42 deficit to Poga\u010dar?<\/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\">In this extreme heat there&#8217;s less room to hide, it&#8217;s like you&#8217;re at altitude and some riders adapt better than others &#8211; Matej Mohori\u010d&#8217;s Tour de France diary<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCaja Rural-Seguros RGA\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-12T19:02:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish team is finding their feet in their Tour debut with multiple breaks and a day in the mountains jersey in the first week<\/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\">1<\/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-23ed4cb8-7e1e-11f1-82e0-438374ddc0f9\">When the Tour de France announced that Caja Rural-Seguros RGA had been awarded the final wildcard spot in this year&#8217;s race, there were plenty of questions asked in the international media regarding why the squad had been selected over higher-profile Pro Teams.<\/p>\n<p>Fast forward to nine days into the Tour and even if the Spanish squad has yet to pull off a stage win, their presence has been amply justified. Barring the key GC day over the Tourmalet, the riders in green and white have regularly been in the breakaways and with a day in the King of the Mountains competition as a high point.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23ed4cb8-7e1e-11f1-82e0-438374ddc0f9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And if former yellow jersey and stage winner Fernando Gaviria has been more thereabouts than there in the bunch sprints, his 14th and 15th places don&#8217;t mean he can completely be ruled out, whilst Caja&#8217;s 16th place in the TTT, ahead of four WorldTour teams, represented a notable debut.<\/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\">As sports director Jos\u00e9 Miguel Fern\u00e1ndez pointed out to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 9, the arena Caja Rural are fighting in is much bigger than anything the Pro Team have faced in their roughly 15 years of existence as a pro squad, and that makes for a steep learning curve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve had lots of experience doing the Vuelta, but here everything is three times as big &#8211; the race itself, the media, the demands on the team and it&#8217;s hot too,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;You&#8217;ve always got to be on top of everything, making sure we&#8217;re being seen in the race and fighting for what we can in the breaks, with Gaviria for the sprints too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMWuEWMvqLoGYZvDLFkhiG-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\">Riding for a critically ill teammate, Caja Rural want to honour the past and win a stage on their long-awaited Tour de France debut<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/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\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgCgwwh7zvCbdWtqChCva3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s about having nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Liberated by their bad luck, just how many stages can ruthless five-man UAE Team Emirates-XRG win at Giro d&#8217;Italia?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Fern\u00e1ndez explains, Caja Rural worked very hard to put in a strong team time trial on the stage 1 opener, as much as a way of proving to themselves that they weren&#8217;t out of their depth as to get a result. And the same went when it came to getting in a break as soon as possible on stage 2, with Alex Molenaar taking over in the mountains jersey from no less a figure than Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Tour is a daunting experience, but we&#8217;re in the fight,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;Getting that TTT result was a crucial part of it; we wanted to show we were competitive right from the start and to keep fighting in the mountains from there on.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-z5P5vK8sqhDoAjqjmb9QQ8 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Those results showed us where we were at, it showed us how we had to keep our feet on the ground but at the same time, how we could keep pushing for results and recognise what was possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that process, the figure of Gaviria, the Tour leader and multiple stage winner back in 2018, has been critical, Fern\u00e1ndez said. &#8220;He&#8217;s a rider with a huge amount of experience, and when we make mistakes because this is new to us, he&#8217;s been able to point them out and put us on the right track. He knows what he&#8217;s doing, and that keeps us all calm.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The situation hasn&#8217;t been without its setbacks, either. Caja are already a man down after Molenaar crashed heavily on the run-in to Pau, fracturing a finger and suffering heavy bruising and road rash as a result of his fall on one of the more technical corners.<\/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\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTjJnjxsPDwSAZJaK2n3b7-150-80.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\">Reviewing every team in the Giro d&#8217;Italia 2026 \u2013 Who flew and who flopped?<\/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\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bdwo3DosWAAzYZwGHkXtzk-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;Ambush territory&#8217; &#8211; Why there could be major surprises in the coming Tour de France stages through the Massif Central<\/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\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ALqfnXcDJcTA6qDby2j4bR-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;Winning stages can help you win the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates justify early race dominance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a real pity, he was obviously in great shape, and he&#8217;s always been a great guy for the hilly stages, like the ones we&#8217;ve got today [Sunday] and again next week; we&#8217;re going to miss him a lot,&#8221; Fern\u00e1ndez said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is our first Tour, and it was his first as well, and even more of a pity as he was there trying to help a teammate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other setback was not so well-publicised, but Aussie Sebastian Berwick&#8217;s hopes of a strong GC finish have also all but fallen by the wayside. Still, Fern\u00e1ndez remained optimistic that he could improve in the third week and &#8220;we&#8217;ll see what he can do there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And throughout the first week, Caja Rural have not been afraid, despite the novelty of it all of going on the attack as and when they can. After Molenaar on stage 2, former Spanish TT National Champion Abel Balderstone, riding on home soil in Catalunya, was in a breakaway on stage 3 through the Pyrenees, followed by Molenaar and Joel Nicolau on stage 4 and Jakub Otruba on stages 6 and 7 as the Tour headed northwards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Holy Grail, though, would be a stage win and Fern\u00e1ndez eyes visibly light up when he&#8217;s asked if he would sign on the dotted line for that result here and now. &#8220;That would be something we&#8217;d grab with both hands,&#8221; he says with a grin, &#8220;no doubt about that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-c887e490-7e1e-11f1-bbf3-49624588e581\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-c887e508-7e1e-11f1-9505-b901a90af8fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/the-tour-is-daunting-but-were-in-the-fight-tour-de-france-newbies-caja-rural-seguros-rga-push-hard-to-justify-wildcard-status\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar 2 &#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 3 Don&#8217;t be surprised by [&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-2041530","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\/2041530","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=2041530"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2041530\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2041530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2041530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2041530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}