{"id":2046166,"date":"2026-07-15T17:47:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T14:47:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2046166"},"modified":"2026-07-15T17:47:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T14:47:43","slug":"with-one-sprint-stage-remaining-the-tour-de-france-green-points-jersey-is-mads-pedersens-to-lose-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2046166","title":{"rendered":"With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/NDu8hG7eDXhgwAua775Twc-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NDu8hG7eDXhgwAua775Twc-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                                    Tour de France GC standings \u2013 No changes to rankings on the race&#8217;s quickest-ever day as the sprinters do battle in Nevers\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\/g93dfxbmpUCM2Z5ZjfRJXQ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g93dfxbmpUCM2Z5ZjfRJXQ-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: Breakaway holds off charging bunch on Tour de France stage 9 as former world champion wins in Ussel\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/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 \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/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=\"2026-07-15T17:47:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">After Thursday, &#8216;All the big points are gone and I&#8217;m still in the contest for green&#8217; says Lidl-Trek rider<\/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\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-320-80.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\">Mads Pedersen leads the points classification after stage 11 of the Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">3<\/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-d4dce118-8072-11f1-a36a-a9c3ce030a27\">Mads Pedersen was only 11th in the high-speed, aggressive Tour de France stage 11 sprint into Nevers but the results of the stage played out in the Lidl-Trek rider&#8217;s favour. It was enough to cement his control on the green points jersey with only one flat stage left to race. The green jersey is now his to lose.<\/p>\n<p>Pedersen leads the points classification with 317 points over Biniam Girmay (NSN), who has 272 points. With third place in Nevers, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) moved up to third with 255 points, while double stage winner Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quickstep) dropped to fifth with 223. Max Kanter (XDS-Astana), who has been fighting with Pedersen in the intermediate sprints, is fifth with 203, while Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM) is a distant sixth with 160 points.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4dce118-8072-11f1-a36a-a9c3ce030a27-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pedersen&#8217;s lead in the points classification over Girmay fell from 54 to 45 points but his rival&#8217;s failure turned the sprint stage into a success for Pedersen.<\/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;I can be lucky that Philipsen, Girmay or Kanter didn&#8217;t win the stage. It&#8217;s sad to say, but that&#8217;s the game when we are fighting for this point jersey,&#8221; Pedersen admitted to Eurosport, after pulling on another green jersey. It is his seventh since he won stage 4 to Foix and pulled on the distinctive colours.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen, Girmay and Merlier were frustrated for different reasons as S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility) kicked early to win the fastest road stage in Tour de France history. The Norwegian stopped them all from scoring a maximum of 70 points, offering a Leonardo Messi-style assist to Pedersen.<\/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\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-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\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/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\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-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\">As it happened: Surprise winner in the bunch sprint at stage 11 of the Tour de France<\/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\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier was only 15th in the sprint as positioning, elbows, and a fearless mentality proved vital at high speed. Girmay was sixth, while Philipsen was third after being relegated but then reinstated after a protest from his team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The sprint was not good enough but for the rest, it was fine. I still have it today and hopefully I will still wear it after tomorrow,&#8221; Pedersen said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf 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\">Like a poker player trying to count the cards and understand his rivals&#8217; hands, Pedersen is counting every point he scores, every point his rivals score and considering every sprint opportunity between Nevers and Paris. There are still 10 stages to race and the Alps to climb, but the points competition seems like a downhill run for Pedersen from now on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 12 to Chalon-sur-Saone should again be a sprint stage, with a maximum of 70 points up for grabs. While Pedersen hasn&#8217;t been able to match the speed of his rivals, he can again try to score points and limit his losses.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the stage to Chalon-sur-Saone, the green jersey battle should turn in Pedersen&#8217;s favour, with breakaways and the GC battle expected to dominate the remaining stages.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-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\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-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\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While the pure sprinters will be focused on surviving the stages, Pedersen can concentrate on scoring points in any early intermediate sprints, or even go in the breakaway on stage 17 to Voiron. Pedersen and Lidl-Trek can also send riders on the attack to hurt their sprint rivals&#8217; chances to score points in other stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pedersen even has a final chance to score points on stage 21 to Paris, with the intermediate sprint coming on the Champs \u00c9lys\u00e9es, before the three climbs of the C\u00f4te de la Butte Montmartre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After stage 12, we are done with all the proper sprint days, all the big points are gone, and I&#8217;m still in the contest for green,&#8221; Pedersen pointed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our approach won&#8217;t change but after stage 12 we start to be here and there and everywhere with the team. That&#8217;s the plan from now to Paris.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4dce2d0-8072-11f1-9a8a-7902befef00d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf 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\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.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\">Stephen Farrand<\/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\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/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\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-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\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/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\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Surprise winner in the bunch sprint at stage 11 of 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\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/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\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-320-80.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\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/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\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-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\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/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\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt powers to win on flat prologue<\/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\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France speed record smashed on stage 11 to Nevers as peloton averages 50.9kph<\/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\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold goes from distance to hold off Olav Kooij for victory in furiously-fast stage 11<\/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\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-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\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/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\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Pologne 2026 route<\/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\/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 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>\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\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux.png\" 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\">What is Urolithin A? New recovery-boosting supplement spotted at 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\">2<\/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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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<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;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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/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 \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/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=\"2026-07-15T17:47:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">After Thursday, &#8216;All the big points are gone and I&#8217;m still in the contest for green&#8217; says Lidl-Trek rider<\/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\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-320-80.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\">Mads Pedersen leads the points classification after stage 11 of the Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">3<\/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-d4dce118-8072-11f1-a36a-a9c3ce030a27\">Mads Pedersen was only 11th in the high-speed, aggressive Tour de France stage 11 sprint into Nevers but the results of the stage played out in the Lidl-Trek rider&#8217;s favour. It was enough to cement his control on the green points jersey with only one flat stage left to race. The green jersey is now his to lose.<\/p>\n<p>Pedersen leads the points classification with 317 points over Biniam Girmay (NSN), who has 272 points. With third place in Nevers, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) moved up to third with 255 points, while double stage winner Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quickstep) dropped to fifth with 223. Max Kanter (XDS-Astana), who has been fighting with Pedersen in the intermediate sprints, is fifth with 203, while Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM) is a distant sixth with 160 points.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4dce118-8072-11f1-a36a-a9c3ce030a27-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pedersen&#8217;s lead in the points classification over Girmay fell from 54 to 45 points but his rival&#8217;s failure turned the sprint stage into a success for Pedersen.<\/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;I can be lucky that Philipsen, Girmay or Kanter didn&#8217;t win the stage. It&#8217;s sad to say, but that&#8217;s the game when we are fighting for this point jersey,&#8221; Pedersen admitted to Eurosport, after pulling on another green jersey. It is his seventh since he won stage 4 to Foix and pulled on the distinctive colours.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen, Girmay and Merlier were frustrated for different reasons as S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility) kicked early to win the fastest road stage in Tour de France history. The Norwegian stopped them all from scoring a maximum of 70 points, offering a Leonardo Messi-style assist to Pedersen.<\/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\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-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\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/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\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-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\">As it happened: Surprise winner in the bunch sprint at stage 11 of the Tour de France<\/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\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier was only 15th in the sprint as positioning, elbows, and a fearless mentality proved vital at high speed. Girmay was sixth, while Philipsen was third after being relegated but then reinstated after a protest from his team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The sprint was not good enough but for the rest, it was fine. I still have it today and hopefully I will still wear it after tomorrow,&#8221; Pedersen said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf 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\">Like a poker player trying to count the cards and understand his rivals&#8217; hands, Pedersen is counting every point he scores, every point his rivals score and considering every sprint opportunity between Nevers and Paris. There are still 10 stages to race and the Alps to climb, but the points competition seems like a downhill run for Pedersen from now on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 12 to Chalon-sur-Saone should again be a sprint stage, with a maximum of 70 points up for grabs. While Pedersen hasn&#8217;t been able to match the speed of his rivals, he can again try to score points and limit his losses.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the stage to Chalon-sur-Saone, the green jersey battle should turn in Pedersen&#8217;s favour, with breakaways and the GC battle expected to dominate the remaining stages.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-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\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-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\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While the pure sprinters will be focused on surviving the stages, Pedersen can concentrate on scoring points in any early intermediate sprints, or even go in the breakaway on stage 17 to Voiron. Pedersen and Lidl-Trek can also send riders on the attack to hurt their sprint rivals&#8217; chances to score points in other stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pedersen even has a final chance to score points on stage 21 to Paris, with the intermediate sprint coming on the Champs \u00c9lys\u00e9es, before the three climbs of the C\u00f4te de la Butte Montmartre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After stage 12, we are done with all the proper sprint days, all the big points are gone, and I&#8217;m still in the contest for green,&#8221; Pedersen pointed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our approach won&#8217;t change but after stage 12 we start to be here and there and everywhere with the team. That&#8217;s the plan from now to Paris.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4dce2d0-8072-11f1-9a8a-7902befef00d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf 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\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.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\">Stephen Farrand<\/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\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/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\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-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\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/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\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Surprise winner in the bunch sprint at stage 11 of 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\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/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\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-320-80.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\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/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\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-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\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/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\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt powers to win on flat prologue<\/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\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcwTYttpoB8NGFmx9PAsBN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France speed record smashed on stage 11 to Nevers as peloton averages 50.9kph<\/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\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold goes from distance to hold off Olav Kooij for victory in furiously-fast stage 11<\/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\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-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\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/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\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u63xs9qq3E5c9iry9SVvuA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Pologne 2026 route<\/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\/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 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>\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\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hPRr3vcit2UrP2bpsHjux.png\" 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\">What is Urolithin A? New recovery-boosting supplement spotted at 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\">2<\/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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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<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;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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/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 \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/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=\"2026-07-15T17:47:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">After Thursday, &#8216;All the big points are gone and I&#8217;m still in the contest for green&#8217; says Lidl-Trek rider<\/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\">3<\/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-d4dce118-8072-11f1-a36a-a9c3ce030a27\">Mads Pedersen was only 11th in the high-speed, aggressive Tour de France stage 11 sprint into Nevers but the results of the stage played out in the Lidl-Trek rider&#8217;s favour. It was enough to cement his control on the green points jersey with only one flat stage left to race. The green jersey is now his to lose.<\/p>\n<p>Pedersen leads the points classification with 317 points over Biniam Girmay (NSN), who has 272 points. With third place in Nevers, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) moved up to third with 255 points, while double stage winner Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quickstep) dropped to fifth with 223. Max Kanter (XDS-Astana), who has been fighting with Pedersen in the intermediate sprints, is fifth with 203, while Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM) is a distant sixth with 160 points.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4dce118-8072-11f1-a36a-a9c3ce030a27-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pedersen&#8217;s lead in the points classification over Girmay fell from 54 to 45 points but his rival&#8217;s failure turned the sprint stage into a success for Pedersen.<\/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;I can be lucky that Philipsen, Girmay or Kanter didn&#8217;t win the stage. It&#8217;s sad to say, but that&#8217;s the game when we are fighting for this point jersey,&#8221; Pedersen admitted to Eurosport, after pulling on another green jersey. It is his seventh since he won stage 4 to Foix and pulled on the distinctive colours.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Philipsen, Girmay and Merlier were frustrated for different reasons as S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility) kicked early to win the fastest road stage in Tour de France history. The Norwegian stopped them all from scoring a maximum of 70 points, offering a Leonardo Messi-style assist to Pedersen.<\/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\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-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\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/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\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-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\">As it happened: Surprise winner in the bunch sprint at stage 11 of the Tour de France<\/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\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4U9dX9qF4XoGxgb2eky87h-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Merlier was only 15th in the sprint as positioning, elbows, and a fearless mentality proved vital at high speed. Girmay was sixth, while Philipsen was third after being relegated but then reinstated after a protest from his team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The sprint was not good enough but for the rest, it was fine. I still have it today and hopefully I will still wear it after tomorrow,&#8221; Pedersen said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-2VXbLZdLTVoVZjeAoUrpsf 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\">Like a poker player trying to count the cards and understand his rivals&#8217; hands, Pedersen is counting every point he scores, every point his rivals score and considering every sprint opportunity between Nevers and Paris. There are still 10 stages to race and the Alps to climb, but the points competition seems like a downhill run for Pedersen from now on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 12 to Chalon-sur-Saone should again be a sprint stage, with a maximum of 70 points up for grabs. While Pedersen hasn&#8217;t been able to match the speed of his rivals, he can again try to score points and limit his losses.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the stage to Chalon-sur-Saone, the green jersey battle should turn in Pedersen&#8217;s favour, with breakaways and the GC battle expected to dominate the remaining stages.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vz9tMWqHKfifd3exxFBXM5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">An attempt to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar? Tour de France further adjusts green jersey points system to keep it sprinter-friendly<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eqyB3GSP5NWkxGtrABferZ-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\">The battle for the Tour de France points competition starts on unfamiliar shoulders as Egan Bernal claims the race&#8217;s first green jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-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\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While the pure sprinters will be focused on surviving the stages, Pedersen can concentrate on scoring points in any early intermediate sprints, or even go in the breakaway on stage 17 to Voiron. Pedersen and Lidl-Trek can also send riders on the attack to hurt their sprint rivals&#8217; chances to score points in other stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pedersen even has a final chance to score points on stage 21 to Paris, with the intermediate sprint coming on the Champs \u00c9lys\u00e9es, before the three climbs of the C\u00f4te de la Butte Montmartre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After stage 12, we are done with all the proper sprint days, all the big points are gone, and I&#8217;m still in the contest for green,&#8221; Pedersen pointed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our approach won&#8217;t change but after stage 12 we start to be here and there and everywhere with the team. That&#8217;s the plan from now to Paris.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4dce2d0-8072-11f1-9a8a-7902befef00d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/with-one-sprint-stage-remaining-the-tour-de-france-green-points-jersey-is-mads-pedersens-to-lose-analysis\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-1024-80.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 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 No changes to rankings on the race&#8217;s quickest-ever day as the sprinters do battle in Nevers 3 As it happened: Breakaway holds [&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-2046166","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\/2046166","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=2046166"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046166\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2046166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2046166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2046166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}