{"id":2046375,"date":"2026-07-16T11:05:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T08:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2046375"},"modified":"2026-07-16T11:05:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T08:05:02","slug":"tour-de-france-stage-12-live-four-man-break-forms-after-mads-pedersen-increases-his-points-classification-lead-at-the-intermediate-sprint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2046375","title":{"rendered":"Tour de France stage 12 LIVE: Four man-break forms after Mads Pedersen increases his points classification lead at the intermediate sprint"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n 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w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aUZGFkr3rDhTqjXbqj5iCP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aUZGFkr3rDhTqjXbqj5iCP-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: GC race explodes into life on the climbs of the Massif Central during stage 10 of the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-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                                    Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar shreds the field in the Massif Central to extend GC lead and claim stage 10\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nlive-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 hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">Tour de France stage 12 LIVE: Four man-break forms after Mads Pedersen increases his points classification lead at the intermediate sprint<\/h1>\n<h2>Another chance for the sprinters to shine, though the final climb, C\u00f4te de Montagny-l\u00e8s-Buxy, will probably tempt a few riders to try a late stage attack, but the sprinters\u2019 team will have 20 kilometres to reel any attackers back in before reaching Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne<br \/>\n<\/h2>\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>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/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 \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:53:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-12-live\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Race Situation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Have your say<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>OFFICIAL START<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>160KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>150KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>140KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>120KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; COTE DE LANTY<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; COTE DE CUZY<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4aaa-80ed-11f1-bdb7-a3c912e22e7c\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4aaa-80ed-11f1-bdb7-a3c912e22e7c-2\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France stage 12 &#8211; Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch Tour de France stage 12<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4b40-80ed-11f1-9431-972f9d75b3ee\"><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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-situation\"><span>Race Situation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:53:56+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:53:56.611Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3663b2-811d-11f1-bc00-ed660a1fe6e0\">Give or take one or two other stages that they have an outside chance in, this might already be the very last bunch sprint at this year\u2019s Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>The kilometres that precede can be a little dull sometimes, but there\u2019s no spectacle quite like a bunch finish, and part of that is the variety of different styles of the sprinters who try to win. Before we witness that again later today, be sure to have a read of our piece on the science of sprinting.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3663b2-811d-11f1-bc00-ed660a1fe6e0-2\">What kind of sprinter are you? Understanding the key strengths of Tour de France fastmen \u2013 and how to beat them<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:48:21+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:48:21.289Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-cote-de-cuzy\"><span>KOM &#8211; COTE DE CUZY<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-042cf174-811d-11f1-9b5a-e5dc67ef29af\">The break go over the second categorised climb of the day, another category four effort, and once again Veistroffer is allowed to take the point uncontested. The peloton continues to ride hard to control the break, and has them at just 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>As the the weather, that was only a brief shower, and the weather is dry once again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-042cf1ce-811d-11f1-a9a2-51290d48b007\">\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\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:37:40+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:37:40.003Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8602dbd4-811b-11f1-9324-4b495041c79e\">The heavens have opened! Many days of pressure in this hot weather has finally cracked, and rain has started falling heavily on the race.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-8602dc56-811b-11f1-bb10-0f51f19ea667\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cYou can see if you look at the sky, there are some thunderstorms around in the area, so you might get a little wet. The wind might also pick up, and so it\u2019s not a bad idea not to stay completely in the back of the bunch.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Lotto DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:30:28+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:30:28.421Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84b0a50a-811a-11f1-a2b5-fbc64bd0e03e\">This has been another quiet day for the yellow jersey, but you imagine that will change over the coming day, especially when we reach the mountains at the weekend.<\/p>\n<p>In firm control of the jersey, Tadej Poga\u010dar could ride defensively all the way from here until Paris, but he looks like a man on a mission, eager to right wrongs from the past and gain as much individual success as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France tour of revenge is almost complete \u2013 Which demons are still left to slay?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-84b0a56e-811a-11f1-b5d4-db5ecdf907b7\">\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\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:23:11+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:23:11.054Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80005a9c-8119-11f1-bde1-6762aae2b5e8\">There was some confusion amid the intermediate sprint. At first, it seemed as though Pedersen had been relegated from the sprint, and he was seen talking animatedly with the commissaire in the car, and his Lidl-Trek team saying they had been told that over the radio. However, the results have been confirmed, and Pedersen confirmed to have taken 20 points. Here are the official updated rankings:<\/p>\n<p>1 Mads Pedersen 337<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80005a9c-8119-11f1-bde1-6762aae2b5e8-2\">2 Biniam Girmay 282<\/p>\n<p>3 Jasper Philipsen 271<\/p>\n<p>4 Tim Merlier 237<\/p>\n<p>5 Max Kanter 215<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-80005b28-8119-11f1-80eb-a1889688f2f1\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThey say to us that you will be relegated now, on the radio.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Lidl-Trek DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:18:57+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:18:57.777Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-cote-de-lanty\"><span>KOM &#8211; COTE DE LANTY <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e9127a02-8118-11f1-951b-1727355eaa9b\">The break has just gone over the first climb of the day, the C\u00f4te de Lanty, with Veistroffer taking the sole point on offer. It wasn&#8217;t much of a test, and they were able to take it on quite easy as the pace is calm for now. That might change later, especially towards the end of the stage if any of the sprinter teams want to pile the pressure on to make life hard for their rivals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:11:01+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:11:01.446Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd2cd270-8117-11f1-a33c-7755de0c3b8c\">Here are the four riders who eventually ended up in the day&#8217;s break. Once again Lotto and TotalEnergies have representation, while Bahrain and Groupama are clearly becoming more restless having made it into the second of the Tour without a stage win.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cd2cd2e8-8117-11f1-92e1-81fd30a62697\">\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\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:03:49+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:03:49.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd7974e-8116-11f1-8888-353aaaa4cd31\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:00:58+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:00:58.740Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65f91b3c-8116-11f1-a6ce-2d04964f8ea4\">Dark clouds are gathering over the peloton, and the weather could have to impact on the stage &#8211; be it rain, or possibly even crosswinds. EF DS Charly Wegelius is telling his team to be alert.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-65f91be6-8116-11f1-8cc0-2db7964a47f2\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThe weather is changing. You can see clouds in front of you, and the wind is picking up. So you\u2019re going to find it coming from the right side post-sprint, then a straight line, and there\u2019s much more wind there now. So heads up.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Charly Wegelius, EF Education-Easypost DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:56:16+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:56:16.075Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bd58359e-8115-11f1-8cf4-756efe725e84\">Caruso, Costiou and Vercher have joined what must be a relieved Veistroffer, who no longer has another prospect of riding all day at the front of him self by his own. They lead the peloton by just over a minute.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd583616-8115-11f1-8ec4-4ff797799fb9\">\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\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:45:14+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:45:14.727Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-335243ea-8114-11f1-b374-57dfd9822db0\">Three riders have managed to go clear from the peloton &#8211; Caruso, Costiou and Vercher. The rest of the peloton has slowed &#8211; it looks like that might be the end of the fight for the breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:39:10+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:39:10.051Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-59ede226-8113-11f1-b05a-1f12b0f40d6b\">Pedersen wins the sprint in the peloton for the points behind Veistroffer, profiting off a strong lead-out from his Lidl-Trek teammates. Philipsen was second, Merlier third, Kanter fourth, while Girmay drifted away in the finale and managed only fifth.<\/p>\n<p>With the sprint done, hostilities have reignited and the attacks are coming out of the peloton again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:34:04+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:34:04.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3bc9b50-8112-11f1-89ed-69322b1f36b9\">The sprinters teams have retaken control, and it&#8217;s Alpecin who lead the peloton with a long line of riders. They&#8217;re looking to lead out Philipsen for the intermediate sprint, who, after his reinstation yesterday, remains in contention for the green jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:28:44+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:28:44.901Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e55696d4-8111-11f1-872f-438d63f156c2\">There&#8217;s just 7km left until the intermediate sprint. Veistroffer will likely take the 25 points as he remains up the road by just under two minutes, but there&#8217;s a lot of points to be fought for among the green jersey candidates.<\/p>\n<p>Mads Pedersen remains in pole position in that competition and, having crunched the numbers, we believe he will be hard to depose. Have a read of our more detailed analysis regarding that competition.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e55696d4-8111-11f1-872f-438d63f156c2-2\">With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:21:00+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:21:00.183Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0346dcc-8110-11f1-b1ea-0fc1bf789576\">The pace remains slow, as many, including the yellow jersey, take comfort breaks. That\u2019s likely to change as they near the intermediate sprint, coming up in just over 10km, and the green jersey candidates start winding their lead-out trains up.<\/p>\n<p>For now, though, Baptiste Veistroffer remains up the lead, with a lead of over two minutes.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d0346e3a-8110-11f1-8ecc-01c07fe8df53\">\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\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:15:31+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:15:31.825Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c7a8c2c-8110-11f1-8cdd-49afcdf2c26d\">The peloton has knocked off the pace, with just the one rider up the road &#8211; and it&#8217;s that man again, the indefatigable Baptiste Veistroffer. Given all the efforts of riders to get into the break earlier, we can only imagine this is a temporary truce until hostilities open up again soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:09:13+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:09:13.633Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b1145aa-810f-11f1-894a-998765ca49f3\">A new four-man group formed, and had serious firepower with Asgreen and Schmid. But also present were Paret-Peintre and Prodhomme, who are marking for their respective sprinters Merlier and Kooij, and the lack of cohesion has seen the group brought back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:03:18+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:03:18.266Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5739761c-810e-11f1-8aad-3d5c1bbd46ad\">For the first time, a small group managed to build a lead of a few seconds &#8211; Guernalec, Hessmann, Azparren and, despite the words of his team DS about not thinking this will be one for the breakaway, Astana&#8217;s Teunissen. But they&#8217;ve been quickly brought back by teams still desperate to have representation in the breakaway. 20km in into the stage, the fight goes on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:56:40+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:56:40.171Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-69ec2d28-810d-11f1-a258-3d207bd3dec7\">Despite XDS Astana&#8217;s hopes that the breakaway riders would hold fire until tomorrow, allowing their sprinter Max Kanter to have a clear run to sprint for the stage win, lots of riders are sensing that today is a big opportunity. Attacks keep coming, and keeping getting brought back as others aren&#8217;t happy at having missed it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-69ec2d8c-810d-11f1-b5b6-5fcece2fb503\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cTo be honest, with the stage we have tomorrow, I don\u2019t think it makes much sense for riders to go in the breakaway today. There\u2019s a big, big opportunity for the breakaways guys tomorrow. But let\u2019s just be ready anyway.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>XDS Astana &#8211; DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:50:25+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:50:25.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8aa54276-810c-11f1-af0f-777df30ae958\">There&#8217;s plenty of action at the front, but still no group has formed. There must be a lot of riders who fancy their chances of denying the sprinters today, as this is being raced in stark contrast to the start of the sprint stages during the first week of the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:44:27+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:44:27.139Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b511885e-810b-11f1-a6bd-1dcb6e2f4571\">And they&#8217;re off! The pace is high, with the ever-aggressive Baptiste Veistroffer at the front of the peloton, but no attacks have opened up a gap in the opening kilometre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:39:35+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:39:35.092Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-06ee3b14-810b-11f1-956d-5f393f41d3e5\">The riders at the unofficial start. They&#8217;re on the move now, and are just 2km away from the KM0. IF yesterday is an indication, there will be a lot of riders wanting to get up the road and get into the break &#8211; possibly even Mathieu van der Poel, after his surprise efforts yesterday.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-06ee3b78-810b-11f1-9b76-cdb0fb86913f\">\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\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:29:51+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:29:51.045Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aade2754-8109-11f1-8dae-9192e27ec46f\">The stage start today is being held at a Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours motor circuit &#8211; an appropriate setting given how this is expected to be another fast and furious sprint finish. They will be departing from there in a few minutes for the unofficial start.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aade283a-8109-11f1-acbe-77b5e5cd3530\">\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\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:20:42+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:20:42.058Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6391ad7c-8108-11f1-84e4-075d25ba9b1a\">Many records for the fastest this and the record ascent of that have tumbled over the years, and yesterday, the riders completed a Tour de France road stage with the fastest speed in the race\u2019s history. Here\u2019s race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s assessment of how that 27-year record was broken.<\/p>\n<p>Yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar explains why stage 11 of 2026 Tour de France smashed 27-year-record for fastest average speed<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:12:27+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:12:27.076Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c932ed6-8107-11f1-a5b9-f9959f891998\">For the second successive stage, this one looks like it should be nailed on for the sprinters. It is a little more complicated than yesterday, with three category four climbs in total, including one within the final 25km, so the sprinters teams will have to be careful about who they let into the day\u2019s break at the start.<\/p>\n<p>Tour de France 2026 stage 12 preview &#8211; Another shot at a sprint victory in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:05:23+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:05:23.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4ef6-80ed-11f1-984f-edd997642e51\">Hello and welcome to stage 12 of the Tour de France!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" 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<\/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=\"mostpopular\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-mostpopular widget-dynamic-mostpopular 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\/M8UC2keWPCKq9xpnMQu4TY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M8UC2keWPCKq9xpnMQu4TY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M8UC2keWPCKq9xpnMQu4TY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M8UC2keWPCKq9xpnMQu4TY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M8UC2keWPCKq9xpnMQu4TY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M8UC2keWPCKq9xpnMQu4TY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M8UC2keWPCKq9xpnMQu4TY.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\">Confusion as Mads Pedersen warned but avoids relegation for intermediate sprint deviation in Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">What kind of sprinter are you? Understanding the key strengths of Tour de France fastmen \u2013 and how to beat them<\/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\">Wout van Aert ramps up comeback preparation with six-hour Stelvio gravel ride after missing 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de France stage 12 LIVE: Four man-break forms after Mads Pedersen increases his points classification lead at the intermediate sprint<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Mads Pedersen reveals plans to retire after home World Championships<\/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 data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">Tour de France stage 12 LIVE: Four man-break forms after Mads Pedersen increases his points classification lead at the intermediate sprint<\/h1>\n<h2>Another chance for the sprinters to shine, though the final climb, C\u00f4te de Montagny-l\u00e8s-Buxy, will probably tempt a few riders to try a late stage attack, but the sprinters\u2019 team will have 20 kilometres to reel any attackers back in before reaching Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne<br \/>\n<\/h2>\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>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/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 \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:53:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-12-live\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\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<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">Tour de France stage 12 LIVE: Four man-break forms after Mads Pedersen increases his points classification lead at the intermediate sprint<\/h1>\n<h2>Another chance for the sprinters to shine, though the final climb, C\u00f4te de Montagny-l\u00e8s-Buxy, will probably tempt a few riders to try a late stage attack, but the sprinters\u2019 team will have 20 kilometres to reel any attackers back in before reaching Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne<br \/>\n<\/h2>\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>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/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 \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:53:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-12-live\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\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<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4aaa-80ed-11f1-bdb7-a3c912e22e7c\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4aaa-80ed-11f1-bdb7-a3c912e22e7c-2\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France stage 12 &#8211; Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch Tour de France stage 12<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4b40-80ed-11f1-9431-972f9d75b3ee\"><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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-situation\"><span>Race Situation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:53:56+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:53:56.611Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3663b2-811d-11f1-bc00-ed660a1fe6e0\">Give or take one or two other stages that they have an outside chance in, this might already be the very last bunch sprint at this year\u2019s Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>The kilometres that precede can be a little dull sometimes, but there\u2019s no spectacle quite like a bunch finish, and part of that is the variety of different styles of the sprinters who try to win. Before we witness that again later today, be sure to have a read of our piece on the science of sprinting.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3663b2-811d-11f1-bc00-ed660a1fe6e0-2\">What kind of sprinter are you? Understanding the key strengths of Tour de France fastmen \u2013 and how to beat them<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:48:21+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:48:21.289Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-cote-de-cuzy\"><span>KOM &#8211; COTE DE CUZY<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-042cf174-811d-11f1-9b5a-e5dc67ef29af\">The break go over the second categorised climb of the day, another category four effort, and once again Veistroffer is allowed to take the point uncontested. The peloton continues to ride hard to control the break, and has them at just 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>As the the weather, that was only a brief shower, and the weather is dry once again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-042cf1ce-811d-11f1-a9a2-51290d48b007\">\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\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:37:40+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:37:40.003Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8602dbd4-811b-11f1-9324-4b495041c79e\">The heavens have opened! Many days of pressure in this hot weather has finally cracked, and rain has started falling heavily on the race.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-8602dc56-811b-11f1-bb10-0f51f19ea667\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cYou can see if you look at the sky, there are some thunderstorms around in the area, so you might get a little wet. The wind might also pick up, and so it\u2019s not a bad idea not to stay completely in the back of the bunch.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Lotto DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:30:28+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:30:28.421Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84b0a50a-811a-11f1-a2b5-fbc64bd0e03e\">This has been another quiet day for the yellow jersey, but you imagine that will change over the coming day, especially when we reach the mountains at the weekend.<\/p>\n<p>In firm control of the jersey, Tadej Poga\u010dar could ride defensively all the way from here until Paris, but he looks like a man on a mission, eager to right wrongs from the past and gain as much individual success as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France tour of revenge is almost complete \u2013 Which demons are still left to slay?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-84b0a56e-811a-11f1-b5d4-db5ecdf907b7\">\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\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:23:11+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:23:11.054Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80005a9c-8119-11f1-bde1-6762aae2b5e8\">There was some confusion amid the intermediate sprint. At first, it seemed as though Pedersen had been relegated from the sprint, and he was seen talking animatedly with the commissaire in the car, and his Lidl-Trek team saying they had been told that over the radio. However, the results have been confirmed, and Pedersen confirmed to have taken 20 points. Here are the official updated rankings:<\/p>\n<p>1 Mads Pedersen 337<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80005a9c-8119-11f1-bde1-6762aae2b5e8-2\">2 Biniam Girmay 282<\/p>\n<p>3 Jasper Philipsen 271<\/p>\n<p>4 Tim Merlier 237<\/p>\n<p>5 Max Kanter 215<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-80005b28-8119-11f1-80eb-a1889688f2f1\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThey say to us that you will be relegated now, on the radio.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Lidl-Trek DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:18:57+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:18:57.777Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-cote-de-lanty\"><span>KOM &#8211; COTE DE LANTY <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e9127a02-8118-11f1-951b-1727355eaa9b\">The break has just gone over the first climb of the day, the C\u00f4te de Lanty, with Veistroffer taking the sole point on offer. It wasn&#8217;t much of a test, and they were able to take it on quite easy as the pace is calm for now. That might change later, especially towards the end of the stage if any of the sprinter teams want to pile the pressure on to make life hard for their rivals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:11:01+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:11:01.446Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd2cd270-8117-11f1-a33c-7755de0c3b8c\">Here are the four riders who eventually ended up in the day&#8217;s break. Once again Lotto and TotalEnergies have representation, while Bahrain and Groupama are clearly becoming more restless having made it into the second of the Tour without a stage win.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cd2cd2e8-8117-11f1-92e1-81fd30a62697\">\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\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:03:49+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:03:49.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd7974e-8116-11f1-8888-353aaaa4cd31\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:00:58+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:00:58.740Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65f91b3c-8116-11f1-a6ce-2d04964f8ea4\">Dark clouds are gathering over the peloton, and the weather could have to impact on the stage &#8211; be it rain, or possibly even crosswinds. EF DS Charly Wegelius is telling his team to be alert.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-65f91be6-8116-11f1-8cc0-2db7964a47f2\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThe weather is changing. You can see clouds in front of you, and the wind is picking up. So you\u2019re going to find it coming from the right side post-sprint, then a straight line, and there\u2019s much more wind there now. So heads up.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Charly Wegelius, EF Education-Easypost DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:56:16+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:56:16.075Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bd58359e-8115-11f1-8cf4-756efe725e84\">Caruso, Costiou and Vercher have joined what must be a relieved Veistroffer, who no longer has another prospect of riding all day at the front of him self by his own. They lead the peloton by just over a minute.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd583616-8115-11f1-8ec4-4ff797799fb9\">\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\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:45:14+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:45:14.727Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-335243ea-8114-11f1-b374-57dfd9822db0\">Three riders have managed to go clear from the peloton &#8211; Caruso, Costiou and Vercher. The rest of the peloton has slowed &#8211; it looks like that might be the end of the fight for the breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:39:10+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:39:10.051Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-59ede226-8113-11f1-b05a-1f12b0f40d6b\">Pedersen wins the sprint in the peloton for the points behind Veistroffer, profiting off a strong lead-out from his Lidl-Trek teammates. Philipsen was second, Merlier third, Kanter fourth, while Girmay drifted away in the finale and managed only fifth.<\/p>\n<p>With the sprint done, hostilities have reignited and the attacks are coming out of the peloton again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:34:04+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:34:04.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3bc9b50-8112-11f1-89ed-69322b1f36b9\">The sprinters teams have retaken control, and it&#8217;s Alpecin who lead the peloton with a long line of riders. They&#8217;re looking to lead out Philipsen for the intermediate sprint, who, after his reinstation yesterday, remains in contention for the green jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:28:44+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:28:44.901Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e55696d4-8111-11f1-872f-438d63f156c2\">There&#8217;s just 7km left until the intermediate sprint. Veistroffer will likely take the 25 points as he remains up the road by just under two minutes, but there&#8217;s a lot of points to be fought for among the green jersey candidates.<\/p>\n<p>Mads Pedersen remains in pole position in that competition and, having crunched the numbers, we believe he will be hard to depose. Have a read of our more detailed analysis regarding that competition.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e55696d4-8111-11f1-872f-438d63f156c2-2\">With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:21:00+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:21:00.183Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0346dcc-8110-11f1-b1ea-0fc1bf789576\">The pace remains slow, as many, including the yellow jersey, take comfort breaks. That\u2019s likely to change as they near the intermediate sprint, coming up in just over 10km, and the green jersey candidates start winding their lead-out trains up.<\/p>\n<p>For now, though, Baptiste Veistroffer remains up the lead, with a lead of over two minutes.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d0346e3a-8110-11f1-8ecc-01c07fe8df53\">\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\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:15:31+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:15:31.825Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c7a8c2c-8110-11f1-8cdd-49afcdf2c26d\">The peloton has knocked off the pace, with just the one rider up the road &#8211; and it&#8217;s that man again, the indefatigable Baptiste Veistroffer. Given all the efforts of riders to get into the break earlier, we can only imagine this is a temporary truce until hostilities open up again soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:09:13+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:09:13.633Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b1145aa-810f-11f1-894a-998765ca49f3\">A new four-man group formed, and had serious firepower with Asgreen and Schmid. But also present were Paret-Peintre and Prodhomme, who are marking for their respective sprinters Merlier and Kooij, and the lack of cohesion has seen the group brought back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:03:18+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:03:18.266Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5739761c-810e-11f1-8aad-3d5c1bbd46ad\">For the first time, a small group managed to build a lead of a few seconds &#8211; Guernalec, Hessmann, Azparren and, despite the words of his team DS about not thinking this will be one for the breakaway, Astana&#8217;s Teunissen. But they&#8217;ve been quickly brought back by teams still desperate to have representation in the breakaway. 20km in into the stage, the fight goes on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:56:40+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:56:40.171Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-69ec2d28-810d-11f1-a258-3d207bd3dec7\">Despite XDS Astana&#8217;s hopes that the breakaway riders would hold fire until tomorrow, allowing their sprinter Max Kanter to have a clear run to sprint for the stage win, lots of riders are sensing that today is a big opportunity. Attacks keep coming, and keeping getting brought back as others aren&#8217;t happy at having missed it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-69ec2d8c-810d-11f1-b5b6-5fcece2fb503\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cTo be honest, with the stage we have tomorrow, I don\u2019t think it makes much sense for riders to go in the breakaway today. There\u2019s a big, big opportunity for the breakaways guys tomorrow. But let\u2019s just be ready anyway.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>XDS Astana &#8211; DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:50:25+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:50:25.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8aa54276-810c-11f1-af0f-777df30ae958\">There&#8217;s plenty of action at the front, but still no group has formed. There must be a lot of riders who fancy their chances of denying the sprinters today, as this is being raced in stark contrast to the start of the sprint stages during the first week of the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:44:27+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:44:27.139Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b511885e-810b-11f1-a6bd-1dcb6e2f4571\">And they&#8217;re off! The pace is high, with the ever-aggressive Baptiste Veistroffer at the front of the peloton, but no attacks have opened up a gap in the opening kilometre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:39:35+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:39:35.092Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-06ee3b14-810b-11f1-956d-5f393f41d3e5\">The riders at the unofficial start. They&#8217;re on the move now, and are just 2km away from the KM0. IF yesterday is an indication, there will be a lot of riders wanting to get up the road and get into the break &#8211; possibly even Mathieu van der Poel, after his surprise efforts yesterday.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-06ee3b78-810b-11f1-9b76-cdb0fb86913f\">\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\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:29:51+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:29:51.045Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aade2754-8109-11f1-8dae-9192e27ec46f\">The stage start today is being held at a Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours motor circuit &#8211; an appropriate setting given how this is expected to be another fast and furious sprint finish. They will be departing from there in a few minutes for the unofficial start.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aade283a-8109-11f1-acbe-77b5e5cd3530\">\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\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:20:42+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:20:42.058Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6391ad7c-8108-11f1-84e4-075d25ba9b1a\">Many records for the fastest this and the record ascent of that have tumbled over the years, and yesterday, the riders completed a Tour de France road stage with the fastest speed in the race\u2019s history. Here\u2019s race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s assessment of how that 27-year record was broken.<\/p>\n<p>Yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar explains why stage 11 of 2026 Tour de France smashed 27-year-record for fastest average speed<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:12:27+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:12:27.076Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c932ed6-8107-11f1-a5b9-f9959f891998\">For the second successive stage, this one looks like it should be nailed on for the sprinters. It is a little more complicated than yesterday, with three category four climbs in total, including one within the final 25km, so the sprinters teams will have to be careful about who they let into the day\u2019s break at the start.<\/p>\n<p>Tour de France 2026 stage 12 preview &#8211; Another shot at a sprint victory in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:05:23+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:05:23.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4ef6-80ed-11f1-984f-edd997642e51\">Hello and welcome to stage 12 of the Tour de France!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" 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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:53:56+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:53:56.611Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3663b2-811d-11f1-bc00-ed660a1fe6e0\">Give or take one or two other stages that they have an outside chance in, this might already be the very last bunch sprint at this year\u2019s Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>The kilometres that precede can be a little dull sometimes, but there\u2019s no spectacle quite like a bunch finish, and part of that is the variety of different styles of the sprinters who try to win. Before we witness that again later today, be sure to have a read of our piece on the science of sprinting.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3663b2-811d-11f1-bc00-ed660a1fe6e0-2\">What kind of sprinter are you? Understanding the key strengths of Tour de France fastmen \u2013 and how to beat them<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:48:21+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:48:21.289Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-cote-de-cuzy\"><span>KOM &#8211; COTE DE CUZY<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-042cf174-811d-11f1-9b5a-e5dc67ef29af\">The break go over the second categorised climb of the day, another category four effort, and once again Veistroffer is allowed to take the point uncontested. The peloton continues to ride hard to control the break, and has them at just 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>As the the weather, that was only a brief shower, and the weather is dry once again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-042cf1ce-811d-11f1-a9a2-51290d48b007\">\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\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYGKifirKYeQMgHdeYzNdn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:37:40+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:37:40.003Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8602dbd4-811b-11f1-9324-4b495041c79e\">The heavens have opened! Many days of pressure in this hot weather has finally cracked, and rain has started falling heavily on the race.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-8602dc56-811b-11f1-bb10-0f51f19ea667\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cYou can see if you look at the sky, there are some thunderstorms around in the area, so you might get a little wet. The wind might also pick up, and so it\u2019s not a bad idea not to stay completely in the back of the bunch.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Lotto DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:30:28+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:30:28.421Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84b0a50a-811a-11f1-a2b5-fbc64bd0e03e\">This has been another quiet day for the yellow jersey, but you imagine that will change over the coming day, especially when we reach the mountains at the weekend.<\/p>\n<p>In firm control of the jersey, Tadej Poga\u010dar could ride defensively all the way from here until Paris, but he looks like a man on a mission, eager to right wrongs from the past and gain as much individual success as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France tour of revenge is almost complete \u2013 Which demons are still left to slay?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-84b0a56e-811a-11f1-b5d4-db5ecdf907b7\">\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\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:23:11+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:23:11.054Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80005a9c-8119-11f1-bde1-6762aae2b5e8\">There was some confusion amid the intermediate sprint. At first, it seemed as though Pedersen had been relegated from the sprint, and he was seen talking animatedly with the commissaire in the car, and his Lidl-Trek team saying they had been told that over the radio. However, the results have been confirmed, and Pedersen confirmed to have taken 20 points. Here are the official updated rankings:<\/p>\n<p>1 Mads Pedersen 337<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80005a9c-8119-11f1-bde1-6762aae2b5e8-2\">2 Biniam Girmay 282<\/p>\n<p>3 Jasper Philipsen 271<\/p>\n<p>4 Tim Merlier 237<\/p>\n<p>5 Max Kanter 215<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-80005b28-8119-11f1-80eb-a1889688f2f1\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThey say to us that you will be relegated now, on the radio.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Lidl-Trek DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:18:57+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:18:57.777Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-cote-de-lanty\"><span>KOM &#8211; COTE DE LANTY <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e9127a02-8118-11f1-951b-1727355eaa9b\">The break has just gone over the first climb of the day, the C\u00f4te de Lanty, with Veistroffer taking the sole point on offer. It wasn&#8217;t much of a test, and they were able to take it on quite easy as the pace is calm for now. That might change later, especially towards the end of the stage if any of the sprinter teams want to pile the pressure on to make life hard for their rivals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:11:01+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:11:01.446Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd2cd270-8117-11f1-a33c-7755de0c3b8c\">Here are the four riders who eventually ended up in the day&#8217;s break. Once again Lotto and TotalEnergies have representation, while Bahrain and Groupama are clearly becoming more restless having made it into the second of the Tour without a stage win.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cd2cd2e8-8117-11f1-92e1-81fd30a62697\">\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\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:03:49+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:03:49.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd7974e-8116-11f1-8888-353aaaa4cd31\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T13:00:58+00:00\">2026-07-16T13:00:58.740Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65f91b3c-8116-11f1-a6ce-2d04964f8ea4\">Dark clouds are gathering over the peloton, and the weather could have to impact on the stage &#8211; be it rain, or possibly even crosswinds. EF DS Charly Wegelius is telling his team to be alert.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-65f91be6-8116-11f1-8cc0-2db7964a47f2\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThe weather is changing. You can see clouds in front of you, and the wind is picking up. So you\u2019re going to find it coming from the right side post-sprint, then a straight line, and there\u2019s much more wind there now. So heads up.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Charly Wegelius, EF Education-Easypost DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:56:16+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:56:16.075Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bd58359e-8115-11f1-8cf4-756efe725e84\">Caruso, Costiou and Vercher have joined what must be a relieved Veistroffer, who no longer has another prospect of riding all day at the front of him self by his own. They lead the peloton by just over a minute.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd583616-8115-11f1-8ec4-4ff797799fb9\">\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\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X9gp4En6wQ9qvPNKZSatha-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:45:14+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:45:14.727Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-335243ea-8114-11f1-b374-57dfd9822db0\">Three riders have managed to go clear from the peloton &#8211; Caruso, Costiou and Vercher. The rest of the peloton has slowed &#8211; it looks like that might be the end of the fight for the breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:39:10+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:39:10.051Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-59ede226-8113-11f1-b05a-1f12b0f40d6b\">Pedersen wins the sprint in the peloton for the points behind Veistroffer, profiting off a strong lead-out from his Lidl-Trek teammates. Philipsen was second, Merlier third, Kanter fourth, while Girmay drifted away in the finale and managed only fifth.<\/p>\n<p>With the sprint done, hostilities have reignited and the attacks are coming out of the peloton again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:34:04+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:34:04.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3bc9b50-8112-11f1-89ed-69322b1f36b9\">The sprinters teams have retaken control, and it&#8217;s Alpecin who lead the peloton with a long line of riders. They&#8217;re looking to lead out Philipsen for the intermediate sprint, who, after his reinstation yesterday, remains in contention for the green jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:28:44+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:28:44.901Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e55696d4-8111-11f1-872f-438d63f156c2\">There&#8217;s just 7km left until the intermediate sprint. Veistroffer will likely take the 25 points as he remains up the road by just under two minutes, but there&#8217;s a lot of points to be fought for among the green jersey candidates.<\/p>\n<p>Mads Pedersen remains in pole position in that competition and, having crunched the numbers, we believe he will be hard to depose. Have a read of our more detailed analysis regarding that competition.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e55696d4-8111-11f1-872f-438d63f156c2-2\">With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:21:00+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:21:00.183Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0346dcc-8110-11f1-b1ea-0fc1bf789576\">The pace remains slow, as many, including the yellow jersey, take comfort breaks. That\u2019s likely to change as they near the intermediate sprint, coming up in just over 10km, and the green jersey candidates start winding their lead-out trains up.<\/p>\n<p>For now, though, Baptiste Veistroffer remains up the lead, with a lead of over two minutes.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d0346e3a-8110-11f1-8ecc-01c07fe8df53\">\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\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:15:31+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:15:31.825Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c7a8c2c-8110-11f1-8cdd-49afcdf2c26d\">The peloton has knocked off the pace, with just the one rider up the road &#8211; and it&#8217;s that man again, the indefatigable Baptiste Veistroffer. Given all the efforts of riders to get into the break earlier, we can only imagine this is a temporary truce until hostilities open up again soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:09:13+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:09:13.633Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b1145aa-810f-11f1-894a-998765ca49f3\">A new four-man group formed, and had serious firepower with Asgreen and Schmid. But also present were Paret-Peintre and Prodhomme, who are marking for their respective sprinters Merlier and Kooij, and the lack of cohesion has seen the group brought back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T12:03:18+00:00\">2026-07-16T12:03:18.266Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5739761c-810e-11f1-8aad-3d5c1bbd46ad\">For the first time, a small group managed to build a lead of a few seconds &#8211; Guernalec, Hessmann, Azparren and, despite the words of his team DS about not thinking this will be one for the breakaway, Astana&#8217;s Teunissen. But they&#8217;ve been quickly brought back by teams still desperate to have representation in the breakaway. 20km in into the stage, the fight goes on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:56:40+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:56:40.171Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-69ec2d28-810d-11f1-a258-3d207bd3dec7\">Despite XDS Astana&#8217;s hopes that the breakaway riders would hold fire until tomorrow, allowing their sprinter Max Kanter to have a clear run to sprint for the stage win, lots of riders are sensing that today is a big opportunity. Attacks keep coming, and keeping getting brought back as others aren&#8217;t happy at having missed it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-69ec2d8c-810d-11f1-b5b6-5fcece2fb503\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cTo be honest, with the stage we have tomorrow, I don\u2019t think it makes much sense for riders to go in the breakaway today. There\u2019s a big, big opportunity for the breakaways guys tomorrow. But let\u2019s just be ready anyway.\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>XDS Astana &#8211; DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:50:25+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:50:25.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8aa54276-810c-11f1-af0f-777df30ae958\">There&#8217;s plenty of action at the front, but still no group has formed. There must be a lot of riders who fancy their chances of denying the sprinters today, as this is being raced in stark contrast to the start of the sprint stages during the first week of the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:44:27+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:44:27.139Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b511885e-810b-11f1-a6bd-1dcb6e2f4571\">And they&#8217;re off! The pace is high, with the ever-aggressive Baptiste Veistroffer at the front of the peloton, but no attacks have opened up a gap in the opening kilometre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:39:35+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:39:35.092Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-06ee3b14-810b-11f1-956d-5f393f41d3e5\">The riders at the unofficial start. They&#8217;re on the move now, and are just 2km away from the KM0. IF yesterday is an indication, there will be a lot of riders wanting to get up the road and get into the break &#8211; possibly even Mathieu van der Poel, after his surprise efforts yesterday.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-06ee3b78-810b-11f1-9b76-cdb0fb86913f\">\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\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQDjDsJBpQbBk5BfAFqGhf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:29:51+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:29:51.045Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aade2754-8109-11f1-8dae-9192e27ec46f\">The stage start today is being held at a Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours motor circuit &#8211; an appropriate setting given how this is expected to be another fast and furious sprint finish. They will be departing from there in a few minutes for the unofficial start.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aade283a-8109-11f1-acbe-77b5e5cd3530\">\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\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pNecmgUAm8N2uPAGe9YBQX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:20:42+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:20:42.058Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6391ad7c-8108-11f1-84e4-075d25ba9b1a\">Many records for the fastest this and the record ascent of that have tumbled over the years, and yesterday, the riders completed a Tour de France road stage with the fastest speed in the race\u2019s history. Here\u2019s race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s assessment of how that 27-year record was broken.<\/p>\n<p>Yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar explains why stage 11 of 2026 Tour de France smashed 27-year-record for fastest average speed<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:12:27+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:12:27.076Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c932ed6-8107-11f1-a5b9-f9959f891998\">For the second successive stage, this one looks like it should be nailed on for the sprinters. It is a little more complicated than yesterday, with three category four climbs in total, including one within the final 25km, so the sprinters teams will have to be careful about who they let into the day\u2019s break at the start.<\/p>\n<p>Tour de France 2026 stage 12 preview &#8211; Another shot at a sprint victory in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T11:05:23+00:00\">2026-07-16T11:05:23.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6fa4ef6-80ed-11f1-984f-edd997642e51\">Hello and welcome to stage 12 of the Tour de France!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" 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<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-12-live\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/45QvCmGGuvZXsBFDh5SFYd-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Breakaway holds off charging bunch on Tour de France stage 9 as former world champion wins in Ussel 2 As it happened: GC race explodes into life on the climbs of the Massif Central during stage 10 of the Tour de France 3 Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar [&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-2046375","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\/2046375","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=2046375"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046375\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2046375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2046375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2046375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}