{"id":2046155,"date":"2026-07-15T15:26:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T12:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2046155"},"modified":"2026-07-15T15:26:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T12:26:38","slug":"its-as-if-he-only-has-one-or-two-rounds-left-tudor-left-without-answers-for-julian-alaphilippes-tour-de-france-struggles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2046155","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-2001-80.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\/386TMaXdZFb92USQytLW6o-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/386TMaXdZFb92USQytLW6o-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: Long-range attack and crash sees the yellow jersey change hands on mountainous stage 6 of the Tour de France.\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\/aUZGFkr3rDhTqjXbqj5iCP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aUZGFkr3rDhTqjXbqj5iCP-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                                    As it happened: GC race explodes into life on the climbs of the Massif Central during stage 10 of the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTudor Pro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJulian Alaphilippe\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-07-15T15:26:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Six-time Tour stage winner has now gone 82 days at the race without tasting success<\/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\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-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\">Julian Alaphilippe 2026 Tour de France form is a long way from his heroic ride to fifth in 2019<\/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\">2<\/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-c7e2f5a8-805c-11f1-925f-4b228832f13f\">Only two riders racing this year&#8217;s Tour de France have more stage wins to their name than Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s six. Tadej Poga\u010dar has the fifth-most on the all-time list with 24, while sprinter Jasper Philipsen will be hoping to add to his 10 sprint wins in the coming days.<\/p>\n<p>The Tudor leader is racing the eighth Tour of his career, but he&#8217;s less likely to add to his tally this July. Wednesday&#8217;s sprint stage 11 to Nevers was his 82nd without a win, a drought that stretches back to the opening day of the 2021 race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c7e2f5a8-805c-11f1-925f-4b228832f13f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tudor, racing for the second time, has endured a disappointing race thus far, with Rick Pluimers&#8217; sixth place on stage 8 their only top-10 result. Alaphilippe, who hadn&#8217;t won a race all season before heading to Barcelona, hasn&#8217;t finished higher than 78th. It&#8217;s a long way from the summer of 2019, when he led much of the race before finishing fifth in Paris.<\/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\">&#8220;We have to be honest, this isn&#8217;t the easiest Tour for him,&#8221; Tudor directeur sportif Addy Engels told <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> after stage 10, where Alaphilippe finished 38 minutes behind Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He attacked in the early kilometres of the stage, but wasn&#8217;t a threat to make the break, never mind compete for a top result. Stage 11 brought better luck as he attacked 5km into the stage and made the break of the day. He was the first one of the quartet to let go, 36km from the finish line. He&#8217;d cross it in dead last place, 7:36 behind stage winner S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold.<\/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\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-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\">Julian Alaphilippe to skip French Road Nationals to focus on preparation for Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-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 clear that he hesitated after not winning yesterday&#8217; \u2013 Alpecin say no need for panic yet at Tour de France despite another sprint loss for Jasper Philipsen<\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pluimers said that his rider keeps trying &#8220;because it&#8217;s his character. He maintains his fighting spirit&#8221; even if he&#8217;s a long way from his brilliant best of his peak years between 2018 and 2021.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left to fire. Then his legs give out, and he&#8217;s forced to slow down,&#8221; Engels said, though he had answers for the star rider&#8217;s struggles.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead 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;If we knew why, we could make certain decisions. He&#8217;s not sick. He feels OK. He has the right mentality; that&#8217;s never been a problem with him,&#8221; Engels said,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But he doesn&#8217;t have the legs he should have. On Sunday, before the rest day, he was very active. We thought he was on the right track. But clearly, today, it&#8217;s gone in the other direction.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There doesn&#8217;t seem to be much hope for Alaphilippe to add stage win seven to his collection before the race hits Paris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things don&#8217;t look promising for his teammates, including Australian climber Michael Storer, who finished seventh at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, and Swiss puncheur Marc Hirschi, whose form has nosedived since switching from UAE Team Emirates-XRG 18 months ago, either.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Engels, though, holds out hope for Alaphilippe. &#8220;As long as we don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s happening to him, magic can still happen,&#8221; the Dutchman concluded optimistically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div 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-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-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\">Julian Alaphilippe to skip French Road Nationals to focus on preparation for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-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 clear that he hesitated after not winning yesterday&#8217; \u2013 Alpecin say no need for panic yet at Tour de France despite another sprint loss for Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard will try, but in reality, no one is likely to upset the Tadej Poga\u010dar show at the Tour de France \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/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\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-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&#8217;s just not how it should be&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen well short of sprinting speed as Alpecin-Premier Tech roll out old-fashioned lead-out train at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">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<\/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\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/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\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-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 haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself&#8217; \u2013 American climber Matthew Riccitello optimistic in race to recover for key Tour de France mountain challenges<\/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\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-320-80.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\">From 175th to first \u2013 How to maximise a day at the Tour de France to the fullest with Uno-X Mobility<\/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\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-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;If you&#8217;ve got the resources, why not?&#8217; &#8211; Australian all-rounder Michael Matthews defends UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s stage-hunting mentality at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-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\">Yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar explains why stage 11 of 2026 Tour de France smashed 27-year-record for fastest average speed<\/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\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-320-80.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\">Jasper Philipsen reinstated after initial relegation in Tour de France stage 11 sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-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\">Mads Pedersen reveals plans to retire after home World Championships<\/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\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/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\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-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 haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself&#8217; \u2013 American climber Matthew Riccitello optimistic in race to recover for key Tour de France mountain challenges<\/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\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As heat takes a toll in France, another weather extreme brings a freeze to the action at the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai<\/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\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-320-80.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\">From 175th to first \u2013 How to maximise a day at the Tour de France to the fullest with Uno-X Mobility<\/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\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-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;If you&#8217;ve got the resources, why not?&#8217; &#8211; Australian all-rounder Michael Matthews defends UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s stage-hunting mentality at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/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\">What is Urolithin A? New recovery-boosting supplement spotted at the Tour de France<\/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\">As heat takes a toll in France, another weather extreme brings a freeze to the action at the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai<\/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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France tour of revenge is almost complete \u2013 Which demons are still left to slay?<\/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\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself&#8217; \u2013 American climber Matthew Riccitello optimistic in race to recover for key Tour de France mountain challenges<\/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>\nTudor Pro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJulian Alaphilippe\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-07-15T15:26:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Six-time Tour stage winner has now gone 82 days at the race without tasting success<\/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\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-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\">Julian Alaphilippe 2026 Tour de France form is a long way from his heroic ride to fifth in 2019<\/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\">2<\/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-c7e2f5a8-805c-11f1-925f-4b228832f13f\">Only two riders racing this year&#8217;s Tour de France have more stage wins to their name than Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s six. Tadej Poga\u010dar has the fifth-most on the all-time list with 24, while sprinter Jasper Philipsen will be hoping to add to his 10 sprint wins in the coming days.<\/p>\n<p>The Tudor leader is racing the eighth Tour of his career, but he&#8217;s less likely to add to his tally this July. Wednesday&#8217;s sprint stage 11 to Nevers was his 82nd without a win, a drought that stretches back to the opening day of the 2021 race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c7e2f5a8-805c-11f1-925f-4b228832f13f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tudor, racing for the second time, has endured a disappointing race thus far, with Rick Pluimers&#8217; sixth place on stage 8 their only top-10 result. Alaphilippe, who hadn&#8217;t won a race all season before heading to Barcelona, hasn&#8217;t finished higher than 78th. It&#8217;s a long way from the summer of 2019, when he led much of the race before finishing fifth in Paris.<\/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\">&#8220;We have to be honest, this isn&#8217;t the easiest Tour for him,&#8221; Tudor directeur sportif Addy Engels told <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> after stage 10, where Alaphilippe finished 38 minutes behind Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He attacked in the early kilometres of the stage, but wasn&#8217;t a threat to make the break, never mind compete for a top result. Stage 11 brought better luck as he attacked 5km into the stage and made the break of the day. He was the first one of the quartet to let go, 36km from the finish line. He&#8217;d cross it in dead last place, 7:36 behind stage winner S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold.<\/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\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-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\">Julian Alaphilippe to skip French Road Nationals to focus on preparation for Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-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 clear that he hesitated after not winning yesterday&#8217; \u2013 Alpecin say no need for panic yet at Tour de France despite another sprint loss for Jasper Philipsen<\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pluimers said that his rider keeps trying &#8220;because it&#8217;s his character. He maintains his fighting spirit&#8221; even if he&#8217;s a long way from his brilliant best of his peak years between 2018 and 2021.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left to fire. Then his legs give out, and he&#8217;s forced to slow down,&#8221; Engels said, though he had answers for the star rider&#8217;s struggles.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead 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;If we knew why, we could make certain decisions. He&#8217;s not sick. He feels OK. He has the right mentality; that&#8217;s never been a problem with him,&#8221; Engels said,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But he doesn&#8217;t have the legs he should have. On Sunday, before the rest day, he was very active. We thought he was on the right track. But clearly, today, it&#8217;s gone in the other direction.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There doesn&#8217;t seem to be much hope for Alaphilippe to add stage win seven to his collection before the race hits Paris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things don&#8217;t look promising for his teammates, including Australian climber Michael Storer, who finished seventh at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, and Swiss puncheur Marc Hirschi, whose form has nosedived since switching from UAE Team Emirates-XRG 18 months ago, either.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Engels, though, holds out hope for Alaphilippe. &#8220;As long as we don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s happening to him, magic can still happen,&#8221; the Dutchman concluded optimistically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div 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-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-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\">Julian Alaphilippe to skip French Road Nationals to focus on preparation for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-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 clear that he hesitated after not winning yesterday&#8217; \u2013 Alpecin say no need for panic yet at Tour de France despite another sprint loss for Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vqqtZmiJMoZQD2csCZrp5V-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard will try, but in reality, no one is likely to upset the Tadej Poga\u010dar show at the Tour de France \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/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\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EAoPjZGvfkRB2aL3VVjyZS-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&#8217;s just not how it should be&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen well short of sprinting speed as Alpecin-Premier Tech roll out old-fashioned lead-out train at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">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<\/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\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/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\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-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 haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself&#8217; \u2013 American climber Matthew Riccitello optimistic in race to recover for key Tour de France mountain challenges<\/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\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-320-80.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\">From 175th to first \u2013 How to maximise a day at the Tour de France to the fullest with Uno-X Mobility<\/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\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-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;If you&#8217;ve got the resources, why not?&#8217; &#8211; Australian all-rounder Michael Matthews defends UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s stage-hunting mentality at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-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\">Yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar explains why stage 11 of 2026 Tour de France smashed 27-year-record for fastest average speed<\/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\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-320-80.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\">Jasper Philipsen reinstated after initial relegation in Tour de France stage 11 sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-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\">Mads Pedersen reveals plans to retire after home World Championships<\/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\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/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\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-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 haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself&#8217; \u2013 American climber Matthew Riccitello optimistic in race to recover for key Tour de France mountain challenges<\/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\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As heat takes a toll in France, another weather extreme brings a freeze to the action at the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai<\/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\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-320-80.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\">From 175th to first \u2013 How to maximise a day at the Tour de France to the fullest with Uno-X Mobility<\/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\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-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;If you&#8217;ve got the resources, why not?&#8217; &#8211; Australian all-rounder Michael Matthews defends UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s stage-hunting mentality at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/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\">What is Urolithin A? New recovery-boosting supplement spotted at the Tour de France<\/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\">As heat takes a toll in France, another weather extreme brings a freeze to the action at the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai<\/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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France tour of revenge is almost complete \u2013 Which demons are still left to slay?<\/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\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself&#8217; \u2013 American climber Matthew Riccitello optimistic in race to recover for key Tour de France mountain challenges<\/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>\nTudor Pro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJulian Alaphilippe\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-07-15T15:26:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Six-time Tour stage winner has now gone 82 days at the race without tasting success<\/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\">2<\/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-c7e2f5a8-805c-11f1-925f-4b228832f13f\">Only two riders racing this year&#8217;s Tour de France have more stage wins to their name than Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s six. Tadej Poga\u010dar has the fifth-most on the all-time list with 24, while sprinter Jasper Philipsen will be hoping to add to his 10 sprint wins in the coming days.<\/p>\n<p>The Tudor leader is racing the eighth Tour of his career, but he&#8217;s less likely to add to his tally this July. Wednesday&#8217;s sprint stage 11 to Nevers was his 82nd without a win, a drought that stretches back to the opening day of the 2021 race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c7e2f5a8-805c-11f1-925f-4b228832f13f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tudor, racing for the second time, has endured a disappointing race thus far, with Rick Pluimers&#8217; sixth place on stage 8 their only top-10 result. Alaphilippe, who hadn&#8217;t won a race all season before heading to Barcelona, hasn&#8217;t finished higher than 78th. It&#8217;s a long way from the summer of 2019, when he led much of the race before finishing fifth in Paris.<\/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\">&#8220;We have to be honest, this isn&#8217;t the easiest Tour for him,&#8221; Tudor directeur sportif Addy Engels told <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> after stage 10, where Alaphilippe finished 38 minutes behind Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He attacked in the early kilometres of the stage, but wasn&#8217;t a threat to make the break, never mind compete for a top result. Stage 11 brought better luck as he attacked 5km into the stage and made the break of the day. He was the first one of the quartet to let go, 36km from the finish line. He&#8217;d cross it in dead last place, 7:36 behind stage winner S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold.<\/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\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CKJstRFpntixtHJ7QmqzpV-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\">Julian Alaphilippe to skip French Road Nationals to focus on preparation for Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsKMoYA4wPVEK2fVBMXdqc-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 clear that he hesitated after not winning yesterday&#8217; \u2013 Alpecin say no need for panic yet at Tour de France despite another sprint loss for Jasper Philipsen<\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pluimers said that his rider keeps trying &#8220;because it&#8217;s his character. He maintains his fighting spirit&#8221; even if he&#8217;s a long way from his brilliant best of his peak years between 2018 and 2021.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left to fire. Then his legs give out, and he&#8217;s forced to slow down,&#8221; Engels said, though he had answers for the star rider&#8217;s struggles.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LBiwJYVsw8au693Fv39Ead 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;If we knew why, we could make certain decisions. He&#8217;s not sick. He feels OK. He has the right mentality; that&#8217;s never been a problem with him,&#8221; Engels said,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But he doesn&#8217;t have the legs he should have. On Sunday, before the rest day, he was very active. We thought he was on the right track. But clearly, today, it&#8217;s gone in the other direction.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There doesn&#8217;t seem to be much hope for Alaphilippe to add stage win seven to his collection before the race hits Paris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things don&#8217;t look promising for his teammates, including Australian climber Michael Storer, who finished seventh at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, and Swiss puncheur Marc Hirschi, whose form has nosedived since switching from UAE Team Emirates-XRG 18 months ago, either.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Engels, though, holds out hope for Alaphilippe. &#8220;As long as we don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s happening to him, magic can still happen,&#8221; the Dutchman concluded optimistically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/its-as-if-he-only-has-one-or-two-rounds-left-tudor-left-without-answers-for-julian-alaphilippes-tour-de-france-struggles\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-2001-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Long-range attack and crash sees the yellow jersey change hands on mountainous stage 6 of the Tour de France. 2 As it happened: GC race explodes into life on the climbs of the Massif Central during stage 10 of the Tour de France 3 As it happened: Flat [&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-2046155","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\/2046155","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=2046155"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046155\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2046155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2046155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2046155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}