{"id":2046177,"date":"2026-07-16T08:11:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T05:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2046177"},"modified":"2026-07-16T08:11:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T05:11:20","slug":"i-havent-felt-quite-like-myself-american-climber-matthew-riccitello-optimistic-in-race-to-recover-for-key-tour-de-france-mountain-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2046177","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-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                                    Don&#8217;t be surprised by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early dominance, history shows it&#8217;s how every serial Tour de France winner succeeds &#8211; Philippa York analysis\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"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\/KHWhQ96htQ939A8wVtV4y9-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KHWhQ96htQ939A8wVtV4y9-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Initially I called it love-hate but I can walk back on that now&#8217; \u2013 Ben O&#8217;Connor at peace with Tour de France after years of mixed fortunes\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\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDecathlon CMA CGM\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMatthew Riccitello\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T08:11:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">US rider supporting Paul Seixas in Tour prior to own repeat GC challenge in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/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\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-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\">Matthew Riccitello (Decathlon CMA CGM) crosses the finish line during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 10 (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-1606935a-80eb-11f1-9e21-9d9fa4906572\">Matthew Riccitello couldn&#8217;t be happier than to be at his first ever Tour de France \u2013 as the American climber puts it, &#8220;it&#8217;s lived up to the hype&#8221; \u2013 but he also knows he is in his own race against time to be in absolute top condition for the mountain stages to come.<\/p>\n<p>Early on stage 3, Riccitello was one of the victims of a mass crash involving a lot of different riders including Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) and double 2025 Tour stage winner Thymen Arensman (Netcompany Ineos).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1606935a-80eb-11f1-9e21-9d9fa4906572-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Arensman last year, the Decathlon CMA CGM racer will be looking to shine on the mountain stages, but with the sole goal of helping team leader and GC contender Paul Seixas. And as Riccitello told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 11, following his fall even before the race had left Catalunya, the top priority right now is to get back to top condition before the major mountain stages of this coming weekend.<\/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 haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself since the fall on the third stage, but I&#8217;m feeling better and better, and yesterday I started to have some positive feelings, so hopefully it just continues this way,&#8221; Riccitello said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew I was feeling good coming into the race and that form doesn&#8217;t just disappear, so, I think for sure that I had a little bit of percentage taken off.<\/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\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-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\">Still-bandaged Paul Seixas finally back training on the road in Alps ahead of Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But it&#8217;s not like it&#8217;s gone and will never come back, so I just have to be patient and wait and but yeah, already I was feeling better yesterday&#8221; \u2013 on stage 10 through the Massif Central \u2013 &#8220;so it should be all good and I&#8217;ll be able to be there for Paul in the high mountains.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ec59f770-80ec-11f1-80c8-e38ac61e25b4\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Matthew Riccitello and Paul Seixas riding together during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9a39bd28-80eb-11f1-b240-7534484ce4cd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The good news for Riccitello is that on stages 11 and 12, the sprinters are coming to the fore, with Olav Kooij already securing a victory at Pau for the team, easing the collective pressure of expectations, and taking second in Nevers. On Thursday in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne, there may be more to come on that front.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5 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\">Riccitello&#8217;s responsibilities in such stages is minimal. &#8220;There&#8217;s not much I can do in the leadout for Olav,&#8221; he says with a slight grin given his out-and-out climber&#8217;s physique, &#8220;it&#8217;s not in my characteristics, so for sure I can just look forward to the coming days.&#8221; And in the meantime, try to recover some more for the challenges to come.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Be it mountains or flat, Riccitello is purely in a team role this July, with his second Grand Tour in September in Spain offering a much more individual set of targets. He&#8217;ll be returning to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where last year the 24-year-old won the best young rider classification and took fifth place overall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Tour was always for Paul, to be there in the high mountains for Paul,&#8221; he explains.<\/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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/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\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Five against seven is complicated&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas  determined to fight on after setback in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes team time trial<\/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\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So right now, it&#8217;s full focus on the Tour, but the plan is to go to the Vuelta and ride for GC there. But yeah, let&#8217;s get this out of the way first.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Riccitello does come back to Spain, it&#8217;ll be with over 12 months of breakthrough results in his palmar\u00e8s. Last summer he won his first professional stage race in Europe, the Sibiu Tour, and then followed that up with his BYR jersey and Grand Tour top five in the Vuelta last September, a first overall win on the team&#8217;s home soil in France at the Tour de la Provence this February and then a debut one-day victory in the Tour du Jura in April.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Crowning all of that, of course, is taking part in the Tour de France, where he says the atmosphere is very special, particularly racing for a homegrown star like Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s lived up to the hype. I mean, everyone before the race talked about how big it is compared to other races and it&#8217;s lived up to that, but it&#8217;s been a super cool experience,&#8221; he says, of a race where he is making his debut along Seixas and others in the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the first Tour for Olav and for Daan [Hoole], too, so it&#8217;s something new for all of us, we&#8217;re all kind of going through the same experience together. It&#8217;s super special, something to try to enjoy as much as we can.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9a39bda0-80eb-11f1-8d0e-d353eef07d6e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>North American<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-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\">Still-bandaged Paul Seixas finally back training on the road in Alps ahead of Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-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 was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/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\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Five against seven is complicated&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas  determined to fight on after setback in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes team time trial<\/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\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From 175th to first \u2013 How to maximise a day at the Tour de France to the fullest with Uno-X Mobility<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If you&#8217;ve got the resources, why not?&#8217; &#8211; Australian all-rounder Michael Matthews defends UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s stage-hunting mentality at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar explains why stage 11 of 2026 Tour de France smashed 27-year-record for fastest average speed<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jasper Philipsen reinstated after initial relegation in Tour de France stage 11 sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mads Pedersen reveals plans to retire after home World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-320-80.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\">With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">What is Urolithin A? New recovery-boosting supplement spotted at the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">As heat takes a toll in France, another weather extreme brings a freeze to the action at the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France tour of revenge is almost complete \u2013 Which demons are still left to slay?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself&#8217; \u2013 American climber Matthew Riccitello optimistic in race to recover for key Tour de France mountain challenges<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDecathlon CMA CGM\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMatthew Riccitello\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T08:11:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">US rider supporting Paul Seixas in Tour prior to own repeat GC challenge in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/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\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-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\">Matthew Riccitello (Decathlon CMA CGM) crosses the finish line during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 10 (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-1606935a-80eb-11f1-9e21-9d9fa4906572\">Matthew Riccitello couldn&#8217;t be happier than to be at his first ever Tour de France \u2013 as the American climber puts it, &#8220;it&#8217;s lived up to the hype&#8221; \u2013 but he also knows he is in his own race against time to be in absolute top condition for the mountain stages to come.<\/p>\n<p>Early on stage 3, Riccitello was one of the victims of a mass crash involving a lot of different riders including Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) and double 2025 Tour stage winner Thymen Arensman (Netcompany Ineos).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1606935a-80eb-11f1-9e21-9d9fa4906572-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Arensman last year, the Decathlon CMA CGM racer will be looking to shine on the mountain stages, but with the sole goal of helping team leader and GC contender Paul Seixas. And as Riccitello told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 11, following his fall even before the race had left Catalunya, the top priority right now is to get back to top condition before the major mountain stages of this coming weekend.<\/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 haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself since the fall on the third stage, but I&#8217;m feeling better and better, and yesterday I started to have some positive feelings, so hopefully it just continues this way,&#8221; Riccitello said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew I was feeling good coming into the race and that form doesn&#8217;t just disappear, so, I think for sure that I had a little bit of percentage taken off.<\/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\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-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\">Still-bandaged Paul Seixas finally back training on the road in Alps ahead of Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But it&#8217;s not like it&#8217;s gone and will never come back, so I just have to be patient and wait and but yeah, already I was feeling better yesterday&#8221; \u2013 on stage 10 through the Massif Central \u2013 &#8220;so it should be all good and I&#8217;ll be able to be there for Paul in the high mountains.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ec59f770-80ec-11f1-80c8-e38ac61e25b4\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Matthew Riccitello and Paul Seixas riding together during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9a39bd28-80eb-11f1-b240-7534484ce4cd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The good news for Riccitello is that on stages 11 and 12, the sprinters are coming to the fore, with Olav Kooij already securing a victory at Pau for the team, easing the collective pressure of expectations, and taking second in Nevers. On Thursday in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne, there may be more to come on that front.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5 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\">Riccitello&#8217;s responsibilities in such stages is minimal. &#8220;There&#8217;s not much I can do in the leadout for Olav,&#8221; he says with a slight grin given his out-and-out climber&#8217;s physique, &#8220;it&#8217;s not in my characteristics, so for sure I can just look forward to the coming days.&#8221; And in the meantime, try to recover some more for the challenges to come.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Be it mountains or flat, Riccitello is purely in a team role this July, with his second Grand Tour in September in Spain offering a much more individual set of targets. He&#8217;ll be returning to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where last year the 24-year-old won the best young rider classification and took fifth place overall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Tour was always for Paul, to be there in the high mountains for Paul,&#8221; he explains.<\/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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/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\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Five against seven is complicated&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas  determined to fight on after setback in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes team time trial<\/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\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So right now, it&#8217;s full focus on the Tour, but the plan is to go to the Vuelta and ride for GC there. But yeah, let&#8217;s get this out of the way first.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Riccitello does come back to Spain, it&#8217;ll be with over 12 months of breakthrough results in his palmar\u00e8s. Last summer he won his first professional stage race in Europe, the Sibiu Tour, and then followed that up with his BYR jersey and Grand Tour top five in the Vuelta last September, a first overall win on the team&#8217;s home soil in France at the Tour de la Provence this February and then a debut one-day victory in the Tour du Jura in April.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Crowning all of that, of course, is taking part in the Tour de France, where he says the atmosphere is very special, particularly racing for a homegrown star like Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s lived up to the hype. I mean, everyone before the race talked about how big it is compared to other races and it&#8217;s lived up to that, but it&#8217;s been a super cool experience,&#8221; he says, of a race where he is making his debut along Seixas and others in the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the first Tour for Olav and for Daan [Hoole], too, so it&#8217;s something new for all of us, we&#8217;re all kind of going through the same experience together. It&#8217;s super special, something to try to enjoy as much as we can.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9a39bda0-80eb-11f1-8d0e-d353eef07d6e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>North American<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-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\">Still-bandaged Paul Seixas finally back training on the road in Alps ahead of Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-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 was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/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\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Five against seven is complicated&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas  determined to fight on after setback in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes team time trial<\/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\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YyarSTD3o25eykM7qLuDf4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From 175th to first \u2013 How to maximise a day at the Tour de France to the fullest with Uno-X Mobility<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KNkVEtW6FCoXuPc4YVj3Wc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If you&#8217;ve got the resources, why not?&#8217; &#8211; Australian all-rounder Michael Matthews defends UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s stage-hunting mentality at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJByzUzy96oYKEYG8M5Ptb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar explains why stage 11 of 2026 Tour de France smashed 27-year-record for fastest average speed<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/md4P5ZZkiGWLkFRSrW9zv5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jasper Philipsen reinstated after initial relegation in Tour de France stage 11 sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mads Pedersen reveals plans to retire after home World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-320-80.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\">With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wuMauBZzbgfDRPe5kmVrcL.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;They don&#8217;t know the difference between a cow and a horse&#8217; \u2013 Former top sprinter criticises Tour de France jury after Philipsen relegation debacle<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">What is Urolithin A? New recovery-boosting supplement spotted at the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">As heat takes a toll in France, another weather extreme brings a freeze to the action at the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France tour of revenge is almost complete \u2013 Which demons are still left to slay?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself&#8217; \u2013 American climber Matthew Riccitello optimistic in race to recover for key Tour de France mountain challenges<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDecathlon CMA CGM\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMatthew Riccitello\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T08:11:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">US rider supporting Paul Seixas in Tour prior to own repeat GC challenge in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-1606935a-80eb-11f1-9e21-9d9fa4906572\">Matthew Riccitello couldn&#8217;t be happier than to be at his first ever Tour de France \u2013 as the American climber puts it, &#8220;it&#8217;s lived up to the hype&#8221; \u2013 but he also knows he is in his own race against time to be in absolute top condition for the mountain stages to come.<\/p>\n<p>Early on stage 3, Riccitello was one of the victims of a mass crash involving a lot of different riders including Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) and double 2025 Tour stage winner Thymen Arensman (Netcompany Ineos).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1606935a-80eb-11f1-9e21-9d9fa4906572-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Arensman last year, the Decathlon CMA CGM racer will be looking to shine on the mountain stages, but with the sole goal of helping team leader and GC contender Paul Seixas. And as Riccitello told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 11, following his fall even before the race had left Catalunya, the top priority right now is to get back to top condition before the major mountain stages of this coming weekend.<\/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 haven&#8217;t felt quite like myself since the fall on the third stage, but I&#8217;m feeling better and better, and yesterday I started to have some positive feelings, so hopefully it just continues this way,&#8221; Riccitello said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew I was feeling good coming into the race and that form doesn&#8217;t just disappear, so, I think for sure that I had a little bit of percentage taken off.<\/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\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yZ3rGvKEr3tTkns74zgyZn-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Paul Seixas loses vital climbing domestique Matthew Riccitello on stage 1 of the Dauphin\u00e9<\/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\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S5AZgiB3sRatY8NHFwiPBX-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\">Still-bandaged Paul Seixas finally back training on the road in Alps ahead of Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But it&#8217;s not like it&#8217;s gone and will never come back, so I just have to be patient and wait and but yeah, already I was feeling better yesterday&#8221; \u2013 on stage 10 through the Massif Central \u2013 &#8220;so it should be all good and I&#8217;ll be able to be there for Paul in the high mountains.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ec59f770-80ec-11f1-80c8-e38ac61e25b4\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4pQgXioy8Dq9Dbe6fvVrJi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Matthew Riccitello and Paul Seixas riding together during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9a39bd28-80eb-11f1-b240-7534484ce4cd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The good news for Riccitello is that on stages 11 and 12, the sprinters are coming to the fore, with Olav Kooij already securing a victory at Pau for the team, easing the collective pressure of expectations, and taking second in Nevers. On Thursday in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne, there may be more to come on that front.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Ft6uvH2UgPV83HEyfriRv5 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\">Riccitello&#8217;s responsibilities in such stages is minimal. &#8220;There&#8217;s not much I can do in the leadout for Olav,&#8221; he says with a slight grin given his out-and-out climber&#8217;s physique, &#8220;it&#8217;s not in my characteristics, so for sure I can just look forward to the coming days.&#8221; And in the meantime, try to recover some more for the challenges to come.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Be it mountains or flat, Riccitello is purely in a team role this July, with his second Grand Tour in September in Spain offering a much more individual set of targets. He&#8217;ll be returning to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where last year the 24-year-old won the best young rider classification and took fifth place overall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Tour was always for Paul, to be there in the high mountains for Paul,&#8221; he explains.<\/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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/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\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHTvUzkqEWdKRxcjFixjhf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Five against seven is complicated&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas  determined to fight on after setback in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes team time trial<\/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\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So right now, it&#8217;s full focus on the Tour, but the plan is to go to the Vuelta and ride for GC there. But yeah, let&#8217;s get this out of the way first.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Riccitello does come back to Spain, it&#8217;ll be with over 12 months of breakthrough results in his palmar\u00e8s. Last summer he won his first professional stage race in Europe, the Sibiu Tour, and then followed that up with his BYR jersey and Grand Tour top five in the Vuelta last September, a first overall win on the team&#8217;s home soil in France at the Tour de la Provence this February and then a debut one-day victory in the Tour du Jura in April.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Crowning all of that, of course, is taking part in the Tour de France, where he says the atmosphere is very special, particularly racing for a homegrown star like Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s lived up to the hype. I mean, everyone before the race talked about how big it is compared to other races and it&#8217;s lived up to that, but it&#8217;s been a super cool experience,&#8221; he says, of a race where he is making his debut along Seixas and others in the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the first Tour for Olav and for Daan [Hoole], too, so it&#8217;s something new for all of us, we&#8217;re all kind of going through the same experience together. It&#8217;s super special, something to try to enjoy as much as we can.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9a39bda0-80eb-11f1-8d0e-d353eef07d6e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-havent-felt-quite-like-myself-american-climber-matthew-riccitello-optimistic-in-race-to-recover-for-key-tour-de-france-mountain-challenges\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RpprjgqTtVREMoHHrGFtzD-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Don&#8217;t be surprised by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early dominance, history shows it&#8217;s how every serial Tour de France winner succeeds &#8211; Philippa York analysis 2 &#8216;Initially I called it love-hate but I can walk back on that now&#8217; \u2013 Ben O&#8217;Connor at peace with Tour de France after years of mixed fortunes 3 [&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-2046177","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\/2046177","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=2046177"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046177\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2046177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2046177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2046177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}